Lighting apparatus

It is a lighting apparatus 10 that has a light emitting element 16, a light emitting element housing 15 having a concave portion 28 that accommodates the light emitting element 16, and an optically transparent member 18 that airproofs a space B formed by the concave portion 28 and transmits light emitted from the light emitting element 16. The concave portion 28 is shaped to become wider toward the optically transparent member 18 from the bottom surface 28A of the concave portion 28. The lighting apparatus 10 is provided with a light shielding member 12 for shielding a part of light emitted from the light emitting element 16 is provided on the optically transparent member 18.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lighting apparatus and, more particularly, to a lighting apparatus for irradiating light, which is emitted from a light emitting device, in a predetermined direction.

Some lighting apparatus is configured to irradiate light, which is emitted from a light emitting device, in a predetermined direction (see, e.g.,FIG. 1). Such a lighting apparatus is employed in, e.g., a spotlight (to be used for lighting in a theater and a television studio) and a headlight of a vehicle.

FIG. 1is a cross-sectional view illustrating a conventional lighting apparatus. InFIG. 1, reference character K designates light irradiated in a predetermined direction, among light rays irradiated from a lighting apparatus200.

Referring toFIG. 1, the conventional light emitting apparatus201has a light emitting device201and a light shielding plate202. The light emitting device201has a light emitting element housing205, a light emitting element206, a reflection film207, and an optically transparent member208. The light emitting element housing205has a housing body211, through vias212, first connection pads213, and second connection pads214.

The housing body211has a concave portion216, in which the light emitting element206is accommodated, and through holes218. The concave portion216is configured to become wider toward the optically transparent member208from the bottom surface216A thereof. Consequently, the side surface216B of the concave portion216is formed as an inclined surface. Each of the through hole218is formed to penetrate through the housing body211corresponding to the bottom surface216A of the concave portion216.

Each of the through vias212is provided in an associated one of the through holes218. The top portion of each of the though vias212is connected to an associated one of the first connection pads213. The bottom portion of each of the though vias212is connected to an associated one of the second connection pads214.

Each of the first connection pads213is provided on the bottom surface216A of the concave portion216corresponding to a position at which an associated one of the through via212is formed. Each of the first connection pads213is connected to an associated one of the through vias212and an associated one of the bumps221. Each of the first connection pads213is connected to the light emitting element206through an associated one of the bumps221.

Each of the second connection pads214is provided on the bottom surface211B of the housing body211corresponding to a position at which an associated one of the through vias212is formed. Each of the second connection pads214is a pad serving as an external connection terminal to be connected to a mount board, such as a motherboard (not shown).

The light emitting element206is accommodated in the concave portion216provided in the housing body211. The light emitting element206has an electrode pad23. The light emitting element206is electrically connected to the light emitting element206through the bump221. The light emitting element206is a device operative to emit light from the entire surface thereof.

The reflection film207is provided to cover the side surface216B of the concave portion216. The reflection film207reflects light emitted from the side surface and the bottom surface of the light emitting element206. The reflection film207serves to assure the luminance of the lighting apparatus200.

The optically transparent member208is provided on the top surface211A of the housing body211so as to air-proof a space J formed by the concave portion216(see, e.g., Patent Document 1).

The light shielding plate202is provided at a position spaced from the light emitting device201. The light shielding plate202shields a part of light emitted from the light emitting device201to thereby serve as a mask used for emitting light K in a predetermined direction (e.g., Patent Document 2).

However, in the conventional lighting apparatus200, the light shielding plate202is provided at a position spaced from a light emitting device201.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a lighting apparatus that can be miniaturized.

To achieve the foregoing object of the invention, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided with a lighting apparatus including:

a light emitting device including:one or a plurality of light emitting elements,a light emitting element housing having a concave portion accommodating the one or the plurality of light emitting elements, andan optically transparent member that airproofs a space formed by the concave portion and transmits light emitted from the one or the plurality of light emitting elements,

the concave portion being shaped to become wider with distance from a bottom surface of the concave portion, and

a light shielding member, provided on the optically transparent member, for shielding a part of light emitted from the one or the plurality of light emitting element, wherein

light emitted from the one or the plurality of light emitting elements is irradiated in a predetermined direction.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided with the lighting apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein

the light shielding member is provided on a surface of the optically transparent member, the surface being exposed to the space.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided with the lighting apparatus according to the first aspect, further including:

a reflection member, provided on a side surface of the concave portion and/or a bottom surface of the concave portion, for reflecting light emitted from the one or the plurality of light emitting elements.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided with the lighting apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein

the light shielding member is a metal film whose surface for receiving light emitted from the one or the plurality of light emitting elements is formed as a substantial mirror surface.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided with the lighting apparatus according to any one of the first to forth aspects, further including:

a resin containing a fluorescent material, which covers the one or the plurality of light emitting elements; and

a seal resin, with which the space is filled, for sealing the one or the plurality of light emitting elements.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided with the lighting apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein

a through-portion for introducing the seal resin into the space is provided in the optically transparent member.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided with the lighting apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein

the light emitting element is an LED.

According to the invention, a light shielding member for shielding a part of light emitted from one or a plurality of light emitting elements is provided on the optically transparent member serving as a composing element of the light emitting device Thus, as compared with the case of providing a light shielding member in the optically transparent member, the lighting apparatus can be miniaturized.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided with a lighting apparatus including:

a light emitting device including:one or a plurality of light emitting elements covered by a resin containing a fluorescent material,a light emitting element housing having a concave portion accommodating the one or the plurality of light emitting elements, anda seal resin that is provided in a space formed by the concave portion and seals the one or the plurality of light emitting elements,

the concave portion being shaped to become wider with distance from a bottom surface of the concave portion, and

a plate body provided on the top surface of the light emitting element housing and the seal resin, wherein

light emitted from the one or the plurality of light emitting elements is irradiated in a predetermined direction, and

a through-portion is provided in the plate body and configured to allow light emitted from the one or the plurality of light emitting elements to pass therethrough in the predetermined direction.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided with the lighting apparatus according to the seventh aspect, further including:

a first reflection member, provided on a side surface of the concave portion and/or a bottom surface of the concave portion, for reflecting light emitted from the one or the plurality of light emitting elements.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided with the lighting apparatus according to the eighth aspect, further including:

a second reflection member, provided on the plate body, for reflecting light emitted by the one or the plurality of light emitting elements toward the first reflection member.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided with the lighting apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein

the light emitting element is an LED.

According to the invention, a plate body for shielding a part of light emitted from one or a plurality of light emitting elements is provided on the light emitting element housing and the seal resin serving as composing elements of the light emitting device. Also, a through-portion, through which light emitted from one or a plurality of light emitting elements is passed in a predetermined direction, is provided in the plate body. Thus, as compared with the case of providing a light shielding member in the optically transparent member, the lighting apparatus can be miniaturized.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided with a lighting apparatus including:

a light emitting device including:one or a plurality of light emitting elements covered by a resin containing a fluorescent material,a light emitting element housing having a concave portion accommodating the one or the plurality of light emitting elements, anda seal resin that is provided in a space formed by the concave portion and seals the one or the plurality of light emitting elements,

the concave portion being shaped to become wider with distance from a bottom surface of the concave portion, and

a light shielding member, provided on the seal resin, for shielding a part of light emitted by the one or the plurality of light emitting elements, wherein

light emitted from the one or the plurality of light emitting elements is irradiated in a predetermined direction.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, there is provided with the lighting apparatus according to the tenth aspect, further including:

a reflection member, provided on a side surface of the concave portion and/or a bottom surface of the concave portion, for reflecting light emitted from the one or the plurality of light emitting elements.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided with the lighting apparatus according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, wherein

the light shielding member is a metal film whose surface for receiving light emitted from the one or the plurality of light emitting elements is formed as a substantial mirror surface.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided with the lighting apparatus according to the tenth aspect, wherein

the light emitting element is an LED.

According to the invention, a light shielding member for shielding a part of light emitted from one or a plurality of light emitting elements is provided on the seal resin serving as a composing element of the light emitting device. Thus, as compared with the case of providing a light shielding member in the optically transparent member, the lighting apparatus can be further miniaturized.

According to the invention, the miniaturization of the lighting apparatus can be achieved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Next, embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 2is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lighting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention.FIG. 3is a plan view illustrating a light emitting element housing in which a light emitting element shown inFIG. 2is accommodated. InFIG. 2, reference character A denotes light irradiated from the lighting apparatus10in a predetermined direction.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the lighting apparatus10according to the first embodiment has a light emitting device11and a light shielding member12. The light emitting device11has a light emitting element housing15, a light emitting element16, reflection members17, and a light shielding member18.

The light emitting element housing15has a housing body21, through vias22, first connection pads23, wiring patterns24, and second d connection pads25.

The housing body21has a concave portion28, in which the light emitting element16is accommodated, and through holes29. The concave portion28is shaped to become wider toward the optically transparent member18from the bottom surface28A of the concave portion28(i.e., as spaced from the bottom surface28A of the concave portion28). Consequently, the side surface28B of the concave portion28is formed as an inclined surface. An angle θ between the side surface28B of the concave portion28and the bottom surface28A of the concave portion28can be set to be within a range from 120 degrees to 160 degrees. The depth D1of the concave portion28can be set at, e.g., 250 μm.

The through hole29is formed to penetrate through the housing body21of a part corresponding to the bottom surface28A of the concave portion28. For example, a resin, ceramics, alumina, silicon, and so forth can be used as the material of the housing body21. Incidentally, in the case of using silicon as the material of the housing body21, an insulating film (not shown) for insulating the housing body21from the through vias22, the first connection pads23and the wiring patterns24is required to be provided on a part of the housing body21, which corresponds to a region in which the through vias22, the first connection pads23, and the wiring patterns24are formed. For example, a 1 μm-thick oxidized film can be used as the insulating film. The thickness M1of the housing body21can be set at, for example, 350 μm.

Each of the through vias22is provided in an associated one of the through holes29. The top portion of each of the through vias22is connected to an associated one of the first connection pads23. The bottom portion of each of the through vias22is connected to an associated one of the second connection pads24. For example, Cu can be used as the material of each of the through vias22. The through vias22can be formed by, for example, a plating method.

Each of the first connection pads23is provided on the bottom surface28A of the concave portion28corresponding to a position at which an associated one of the through vias22is formed. Each of the first connection pads23is connected to the associated through via22and to the associated bump31. Also, each of the first connection pads23is electrically connected to the light emitting element16through the associated bump31. For example, Cu can be used as the material of each of the first connection pads23. Each of the first connection pads23can be formed by a plating method.

Each of the wiring patterns24is provided on the bottom surface21B of a part of the housing body21corresponding to the position at which the associated through via22is formed. Each of the wiring patterns24is connected to the associated through via22. Each of the wiring patterns24is electrically connected to the associated first connection pad23through the associated through-via22. Each of the wiring patterns24adjusts the providing position of the associated second connection pad25so that the associated second connection pad25corresponds to the providing position of the pad of a mount board (not shown), such as a motherboard. Also, each of the wiring patterns24has a function of radiating heat, which is generated at emission of light from the light emitting element16, to the outside of the lighting apparatus10.

For example, Cu can be used as the material of each of the wiring patterns24. Each of the first connection pads23can be formed by a plating method.

Each of the second pads25is provided on the bottom surface24A of the associated wiring pattern24. Each of the second connection pads25is electrically connected through the associated wiring pattern24to the light emitting element16. Each of the second connection pads25is connected to the mount board (not shown) such as a mother board. Ni/Au laminated films, in each of which is an Ni-layer and an Au-layer are stacked in this order from the side of the associated wiring pattern24, are used as the second connection pads25. The thickness of the Ni-layer can be set at, for example, 5 μm. The thickness of the Au-layer can be set at, for example, 0.5 μm.

The light emitting element16is accommodated in the concave portion28of the housing body21. The light emitting element16has at least electrode pads33. Each of the electrode pads33is electrically connected to the associated first connection pad23through the associated bump31. The light emitting element16emits light from the entire surface thereof. For example, a light emitting diode and laser diode can be used as the light emitting element16.

The reflection member17is provided on each of the side surface28B of the concave portion28and on the bottom surface28A adjoining the side surface28B thereof. The reflection members17are members for reflecting light emitted from the side surfaces and the bottom surface of the light emitting element16.

Thus, the reflection members28are provided on the side surfaces28B of the concave portion28and the bottom surface28A adjoining the side surfaces28B of the concave portion28. Consequently, light emitted from the side surfaces and the bottom surface of the light emitting element16is reflected. Thus, the reflected light can be radiated to the outside of the lighting apparatus10. Accordingly, the luminance of the lighting apparatus10can be enhanced.

For example, a metal plate and a metal film, whose surfaces adapted to receive light from the light emitting element16are formed as a substantial mirror surface, can be used as the reflection members17. For instance, Ag and Al can be used as the material of the metal plate. For example, Ag-film and al-film can be used as the metal film. Ag-film can be formed by, for example, an inkjet method, a vacuum deposition method, and a plating method. The thickness of Ag-film can be set at, for example, 10 μm. Al-film can be formed by, for example, a sputter method. The thickness of Al-film can be set to be, for example, 2 μm to 3 μm.

The optically transparent member18is provided on the top surface21A of the housing body21so as to airproof the space B formed by the concave portion28. The optically transparent member18is constituted by a material that can transmit light emitted from light emitting element16. For example, glass can be used as the material of the optically transparent member18. The thickness M2of the optically transparent member18can be set at, for example, 200 μm.

FIG. 4is a plan view illustrating the optically transparent member provided with the light shielding member shown inFIG. 2.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 4, the light shielding member12is provided on the surface18B of the optically transparent member18. The surface18B of the optically transparent member18is a surface thereof exposed to the airproofed space B. The light shielding member12is a member for irradiating light, which is emitted by the light emitting element16, only in a predetermined direction by shielding a part of light emitted by the light emitting element16.

Thus, the light shielding member12adapted to shield a part of light emitted by the light emitting element16is provided on the surface18B of the optically transparent member18that is one of composing elements of the light emitting device11. Consequently, as compared with the conventional lighting apparatus200(seeFIG. 1) provided with the light shielding plate202at the position spaced from the light emitting device201, the lighting apparatus10can be miniaturized.

Further, the deterioration of the light shielding member12can be suppressed by providing the light shielding member12on the surface18B of the optically transparent member18, which is exposed to the airproofed space B.

For example, a metal film, whose surface receiving light emitted from the light emitting element16is formed as a substantial mirror surface, can be used as the light shielding member12. For instance, Ag-film and Al-film can be used as the metal film. The Ag-film can be formed by, for example, an inkjet method, a vacuum deposition method, and a plating method. The thickness of Ag-film can be set at, for example, 10 am. Al-film can be formed by, for example, a sputter method. The thickness of Al-film can be set to be, for example, 2 μm to 3 μm.

According to the lighting apparatus of the present embodiment, the light shielding member12for shielding a part of light emitted by the light emitting element16is provided on the surface18B of the optically transparent member18that is one of the composing elements of the light emitting device11. Consequently, as compared with the conventional lighting apparatus200(seeFIG. 1) provided with the light shielding plate202at the position spaced from the light emitting device201, the lighting apparatus10can be miniaturized.

Also, the deterioration of the light shielding member12can be suppressed by providing the light shielding member12on the surface18B of the optically transparent member18, which is exposed to the airproofed space B.

Incidentally, in the foregoing description of the present embodiment, it has been described the case in which the reflection member17is provided on each of the side surfaces28B of the concave portion28and the bottom surface28A of the concave portion28adjoining the side surfaces28B of the concave portion28, by way of example. The reflection member17can be provided only on the side surfaces28B of the concave portion28or on the bottom surface28A of the concave portion28.

FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lighting apparatus according to a modification of the first embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 5, reference character C represents light irradiated from a lighting apparatus40in a predetermined direction. InFIG. 5, like reference numeral designates a composing element similar to that of the lighting apparatus10of the first embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 5, the lighting apparatus40of the modification of the first embodiment is similar to the lighting apparatus10except that a light shielding member41is added to the constitution of the lighting apparatus10of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6is a plan view illustrating an optically transparent member provided with a plurality of light shielding members shown inFIG. 5. InFIG. 6, like reference numeral designates a composing element similar to that of the lighting apparatus40shown inFIG. 5.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, the light shielding member41is provided on the surface18B of the optically transparent member18. The light shielding member41is a member for shielding a part of light emitted from the light emitting element16and irradiating light emitted from the light emitting element in a predetermined direction, together with the light shielding member12.

A metal film, whose surface receiving light emitted from the light emitting element16is formed as a substantial mirror surface, can be used as the light shielding member41. For instance, Ag-film and Al-film can be used as the metal film. The Ag-film can be formed by, for example, an inkjet method, a vacuum deposition method, and a plating method. The thickness of Ag-film can be set at, for example, 10 μm. Al-film can be formed by, for example, a sputter method. The thickness of Al-film can be set to be, for example, 2 μm to 3 μm.

The plurality of light shielding members12and41can be provided at the optically transparent member18, if necessary, similarly to the aforementioned lighting apparatus40. Additionally, the light shielding member for shielding a part of light emitted from the light emitting element16can be provided on both sides18A and18B of the optically transparent member18.

The lighting apparatus40of the aforementioned configuration can obtain advantages similar to those of the lighting apparatus of the first embodiment.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lighting apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 7, like reference numeral designates a composing element similar to that of the lighting apparatus10of the first embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 7, a lighting apparatus50of the second embodiment is similar to the lighting apparatus10of the first embodiment, except that a light shielding member51is provided in the apparatus, instead of the light shielding member12provided in the lighting apparatus10of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8is a plan view illustrating an optically transparent member provided with a light shielding member shown inFIG. 7.

Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8, the light shielding member51is provided on the surface18A (i.e., a surface of the optically transparent member18, which is at a side that is not exposed to the airproofed space B) of the optically transparent member18. That is, the light shielding member51is provided on the surface18A of the optically transparent member18, which is opposite to the surface18B of the optically transparent member18, on which the light shielding member12described in the foregoing description of the first embodiment. A metal film, whose surface receiving light emitted from the light emitting element16is formed as a substantial mirror surface, can be used as the light shielding member41. For example, Ag-film and Al-film can be used as the metal film. The Ag-film can be formed by, for example, an inkjet method, a vacuum deposition method, and a plating method. The thickness of Ag-film can be set at, for example, 10 μm. Al-film can be formed by, for example, a sputter method. The thickness of Al-film can be set to be, for example, 2 μm to 3 μm.

According to the lighting apparatus of the second embodiment, the light shielding member51for shielding a part of light emitted by the light emitting element16is provided on the surface18A of the optically transparent member18that is one of the composing elements of the light emitting device11. Consequently, as compared with the conventional lighting apparatus200(seeFIG. 1) provided with the light shielding plate202at the position spaced from the light emitting device201, the lighting apparatus50can be miniaturized.

Incidentally, in the foregoing description of the second embodiment, it has been described the case in which the single light shielding member51is provided on the surface18A of the optically transparent member18, by way of example. However, if necessary, a plurality of light shielding members can be provided on the surface18A and/or the surface18B of the optically transparent member18.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 9is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lighting apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 9, reference character G designates a space formed by a concave portion73(hereunder referred to as a “space G”). Also, inFIG. 9, like reference numeral designates a composing element similar to that of the lighting apparatus10of the first embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 9, the lighting apparatus60of the third embodiment has a light emitting device61and a light shielding member62. The light emitting device61is similar to the lighting apparatus11except that a light emitting element housing65, a reflection member66, and an optically transparent member67are provided therein instead of the light emitting element housing15, the reflection member17, and the optically transparent member18provided in the light emitting device11having been described in the foregoing description of the first embodiment.

The light emitting element housing65is constructed similarly to the housing body21, except that the housing body71is provided therein instead of the light emitting element housing15described in the foregoing description of the first embodiment.

The housing body71has through-holes29and a concave portion73in which the light emitting element16is accommodated. The concave portion73is shaped to become wider toward the optically transparent member67placed above the bottom surface73A of the concave portion73from the bottom surface73A of the concave portion73(i.e., as spaced from the bottom surface73A of the concave portion73). The depth D2of the concave portion73can be set at, for example, 250 μm. The concave portion73has side surfaces73B and73C that differ from each other in shape. The side surface73B of the concave portion73is formed as an inclined surface having a substantially constant angle of inclination. The angle θ2between the side surface73B and the bottom surface73A of the concave portion73can be set at, for example, 125 degrees.

The side surface73C of the concave portion73includes a first inclined surface75D and a second inclined surface75E differing from the first inclined surface75D in the angle of inclination. The first inclined surface75D is placed to adjoin the bottom surface73A of the concave portion73. The angle θ3between the first inclined surface75D and the bottom surface73A of the concave portion73can be set at, for example, 145 degrees. In a case where the thickness M3of the housing body71is 350 μm, the thickness M4of the housing body71at the part on which the first inclined surface75D is formed can be set at, for example, 100 μm.

The second inclined surface75E is placed to adjoin the first inclined surface75D. The angle θ4between the second inclined surface75E and the bottom surface73A of the concave portion73can be set at, for example, 125 degrees. In a case where the thickness M3of the housing body71is 350 μm, the thickness M5of the housing body71at the part on which the second inclined surface75E is formed can be set at, for example, 150 μm.

For example, a resin, ceramics, alumina, silicon, and so forth can be used as the material of the housing body71. Incidentally, in the case of using silicon as the material of the housing body71, an insulating film (not shown) for insulating the housing body71from the through vias22, the first connection pads23and the wiring patterns24is required to be provided on a part of the housing body71, which corresponds to a region in which the through vias22, the first connection pads23, and the wiring patterns24are formed. For example, a 1 μm-thick oxidized film can be used as the insulating film. The thickness M3of the housing body71can be set at, for example, 350 μm.

The reflection member66is provided on each of the side surfaces73B and73C of the concave portion73and on the bottom surface73A adjoining the side surface73B and73C thereof. The reflection members66are members for reflecting light emitted from the side surfaces and the bottom surface of the light emitting element16. Incidentally, in a case where the light shielding member62reflects light emitted from the light emitting element16, the reflection66reflects light reflected by the shielding member62.

Thus, the reflection members66are provided on the side surfaces73B and73C of the concave portion73and the bottom surface73A adjoining the side surfaces73B and73C of the concave portion73. Consequently, light emitted from the side surfaces and the bottom surface of the light emitting element16is reflected. Thus, the reflected light can be radiated to the outside of the lighting apparatus60. Accordingly, the luminance of the lighting apparatus60can be enhanced.

For example, a metal plate and a metal film, whose surfaces adapted to receive light from the light emitting element16are formed as a substantial mirror surface, can be used as the reflection members66. For instance, Ag and Al can be used as the material of the metal plate. For example, Ag-film and Al-film can be used as the metal film. Ag-film can be formed by, for example, an inkjet method, a vacuum deposition method, and a plating method. The thickness of Ag-film can be set at, for example, 10 μm. Al-film can be formed by, for example, a sputter method. The thickness of Al-film can be set to be, for example, 2 μm to 3 μm.

The optically transparent member67is provided on the top surface21A of the housing body21so as to airproof the space G formed by the concave portion73. The optically transparent member67is constituted by a material that can transmit light emitted from light emitting element16. For example, glass can be used as the material of the optically transparent member67. The thickness M6of the optically transparent member67can be set at, for example, 200 μm.

FIG. 10is a plan view illustrating an optically transparent member provided with a light shielding member shown inFIG. 9.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, the light shielding member62is provided on the surface67B of the optically transparent member67. The surface67B of the optically transparent member67is a surface thereof exposed to the airproofed space G. The light shielding member62is a member for irradiating light, which is emitted by the light emitting element16, only in a predetermined direction by shielding a part of light emitted by the light emitting element16.

Thus, the light shielding member62adapted to shield a part of light emitted by the light emitting element16is provided on the surface67B of the optically transparent member67that is one of composing elements of the light emitting device61. Consequently, as compared with the conventional lighting apparatus200(seeFIG. 1) provided with the light shielding plate202at the position spaced from the light emitting device201, the lighting apparatus60can be miniaturized.

Also, the deterioration of the light shielding member62can be suppressed by providing the light shielding member62on the surface67B of the optically transparent member67, which is exposed to the airproofed space G.

For example, a metal film, whose surface receiving light emitted from the light emitting element16is formed as a substantial mirror surface, can be used as the light shielding member62. For instance, Ag-film and Al-film can be used as the metal film. The Ag-film can be formed by, for example, an inkjet method, a vacuum deposition method, and a plating method. The thickness of Ag-film can be set at, for example, 10 μm. Al-film can be formed by, for example, a sputter method. The thickness of Al-film can be set to be, for example, 2 μm to 3 μm.

According to the lighting apparatus of the present embodiment, the light shielding member62for shielding a part of light emitted by the light emitting element16is provided on the surface67B of the optically transparent member67that is one of the composing elements of the light emitting device61. Consequently, as compared with the conventional lighting apparatus200(seeFIG. 1) provided with the light shielding plate202at the position spaced from the light emitting device201, the lighting apparatus60can be miniaturized.

Additionally, the deterioration of the light shielding member62can be suppressed by providing the light shielding member62on the surface67B of the optically transparent member67, which is exposed to the airproofed space G.

Incidentally, in the foregoing description of the present embodiment, it has been described the case in which the light shielding member62is provided on each of the side surfaces67B of the concave portion67, which is at the side of the airproofed space G, by way of example. The light shielding member51provided on the lighting apparatus50of the second embodiment can be provided on the surface67A of the optically transparent member67, instead of the light shielding member62.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 11is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lighting apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.FIG. 12is a plan view illustrating the light emitting element housing shown inFIG. 11, in which a light emitting element is accommodated. InFIG. 11, reference character E designates light irradiated from a lighting apparatus90in a predetermined direction. Further, inFIG. 11, like reference numeral designates a composing element similar to that of the lighting apparatus10of the first embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, the lighting apparatus90according to a fourth embodiment has a light emitting device91and a light shielding member92. The light emitting device91is constructed similarly to the lighting apparatus11, except that the light emitting device91is provided with alight emitting element housing95, a reflection member96, and an optically transparent member97, and with two light emitting elements16(i.e., the lighting apparatus91has three light emitting elements16), instead of the light emitting element housing15, the reflection member17, and the optically transparent member18that are provided in the lighting apparatus11described in the foregoing description of the first embodiment.

The light emitting element housing95is constructed similarly to the housing body21, except that the housing body94is provided therein instead of the light emitting element housing15described in the foregoing description of the first embodiment, and that the through vias22, the first connection pads23, the wiring patterns24and the second connection pads25are provided corresponding to each of the three light emitting elements16in the housing body94.

The housing body94has through-holes29and a concave portion98in which the three light emitting elements16is accommodated. The concave portion98is shaped to become wider toward the optically transparent member97placed above the bottom surface98A of the concave portion98from the bottom surface98A of the concave portion98(i.e., as spaced from the bottom surface98of the concave portion98). Consequently, the side surface98B of the concave portion98is formed as an inclined surface. The angle θ5between the side surface98B and the bottom surface98A of the concave portion98can be set within, for example, a range from 120 degrees to 160 degrees. The depth D3of the concave portion98can be set at, for example, 250 μm.

For example, a resin, ceramics, alumina, silicon, and so forth can be used as the material of the housing body94. Incidentally, in the case of using silicon as the material of the housing body94, an insulating film (not shown) for insulating the housing body94from the through vias22, the first connection pads23and the wiring patterns24is required to be provided on a part of the housing body94, which corresponds to a region in which the through vias22, the first connection pads23, and the wiring patterns24are formed. For example, a 1 μm-thick oxidized film can be used as the insulating film. The thickness M7of the housing body94can be set at, for example, 350 μm.

The reflection member96is provided on each of the side surfaces98B and98C of the concave portion98and on the bottom surface98A adjoining the side surface98B and98C thereof. The reflection members96are members for reflecting light emitted from the three light emitting elements16. Incidentally, in a case where the light shielding member92has the function of reflecting light emitted from the light emitting elements16, the reflection member96reflects light reflected by the shielding member92.

Thus, the reflection members96are provided on the side surfaces98B of the concave portion98and the bottom surface98A adjoining the side surfaces98B and98C of the concave portion98. Consequently, light emitted from the side surfaces and the bottom surface of the three light emitting elements16is reflected. Thus, the reflected light can be radiated to the outside of the lighting apparatus90. Accordingly, the luminance of the lighting apparatus90can be enhanced.

For example, a metal plate and a metal film, whose surfaces adapted to receive light from the three light emitting element16are formed as a substantial mirror surface, can be used as the reflection members96. For instance, Ag and Al can be used as the material of the metal plate. For example, Ag-film and Al-film can be used as the metal film. Ag-film can be formed by, for example, an inkjet method, a vacuum deposition method, and a plating method. The thickness of Ag-film can be set at, for example, 10 am. Al-film can be formed by, for example, a sputter method. The thickness of Al-film can be set to be, for example, 2 μm to 3 μm.

The optically transparent member97is provided on the top surface94A of the housing body94so as to airproof a space F formed by the concave portion98. The optically transparent member97is constituted by a material that can transmit light emitted from light emitting element16. For example, glass can be used as the material of the optically transparent member97. The thickness M8of the optically transparent member97can be set at, for example, 200 μm.

FIG. 13is a plan view illustrating an optically transparent member provided with a light shielding member shown inFIG. 11.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 13, the light shielding member92is provided on the surface97B of the optically transparent member97. The surface97B of the optically transparent member97is a surface thereof exposed to the airproofed space F. The light shielding member92is a member for irradiating light, which is emitted by the three light emitting elements16, in a predetermined direction by shielding a part of light emitted by the three light emitting elements16.

Thus, the light shielding member92adapted to shield a part of light emitted by the three light emitting element16is provided on the surface97B of the optically transparent member97that is one of composing elements of the light emitting device91. Consequently, as compared with the conventional lighting apparatus200(seeFIG. 1) provided with the light shielding plate202at the position spaced from the light emitting device201, the lighting apparatus90can be miniaturized.

Additionally, the deterioration of the light shielding member92can be suppressed by providing the light shielding member92on the surface97B of the optically transparent member97, which is exposed to the airproofed space F.

For example, a metal film, whose surface receiving light emitted from the light emitting element16is formed as a substantial mirror surface, can be used as the light shielding member92. For instance, Ag-film and Al-film can be used as the metal film. The Ag-film can be formed by, for example, an inkjet method, a vacuum deposition method, and a plating method. The thickness of Ag-film can be set at, for example, 10 μm. Al-film can be formed by, for example, a sputter method. The thickness of Al-film can be set to be, for example, 2 μm to 3 μm.

According to the lighting apparatus of the present embodiment, the light shielding member92for shielding a part of light emitted by the three light emitting elements16is provided on the surface97B of the optically transparent member97that is one of the composing elements of the light emitting device91. Consequently, as compared with the conventional lighting apparatus200(seeFIG. 1) provided with the light shielding plate202at the position spaced from the light emitting device201, the lighting apparatus90can be miniaturized.

Additionally, the deterioration of the light shielding member92can be suppressed by providing the light shielding member92on the surface97B of the optically transparent member97, which is exposed to the airproofed space F.

Additionally, the three light emitting elements16are provided in the concave portion98. Thus, the luminance of the lighting apparatus90can be enhanced.

Incidentally, in the foregoing description of the present embodiment, it has been described the case in which the three light emitting elements16are accommodated in the concave portion98, by way of example. The number of the light emitting elements16accommodated in the concave portion98can be either two or three or more. Additionally, in a case where the lighting apparatus90according to the present embodiment is applied to a projector, the three light emitting elements16can be a red light emitting element, a blue light emitting element, and a green light emitting element. Consequently, a color image can be projected using the lighting apparatus90.

Incidentally, a plurality of light emitting elements16can be provided in each of the lighting apparatuses10,50, and60of the previously described first to third embodiments and the lighting apparatus40of the modification of the first embodiment.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 14is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lighting apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 14, like reference numeral designates a composing element similar to that of the lighting apparatus10of the first embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 14, a lighting apparatus100of the fifth embodiment is similar to the lighting apparatus10of the first embodiment, except that a light shielding device105is provided in the apparatus, instead of the light emitting element11provided in the lighting apparatus10of the first embodiment.

The light emitting device105is configured similarly to the lighting apparatus11, except that a resin containing a fluorescent material101and a seal resin102are added to the configuration of the lighting apparatus11.

The resin containing a fluorescent material101is provided to cover the light emitting element16. The resin containing a fluorescent material101is a resin obtained by causing a transparent resin to contain a fluorescent material. For example, a silicone resin can be used as the transparent resin.

Thus, the deterioration of the resin containing a fluorescent material due to ultraviolet, which is included in light emitted from the light emitting element16and passes through the resin containing a fluorescent material101, can be suppressed by using a silicone resin as the transparent resin.

In a case where white light is radiated from the lighting apparatus100, for example, a blue light emitting diode or laser diode can be used as the light emitting element16. In this case, for example, yellow-emission phosphor particles can be used as phosphor particles contained in the resin containing a fluorescent material101. For instance, YSG phosphor can be used as the yellow-emission phosphor.

The seal resin102is provided to fill in the space B. The seal resin102is used to seal the light emitting element16covered with the resin containing the fluorescent material. For example, a silicone resin can be used as the seal resin102.

The lighting apparatus100of the aforementioned configuration is manufactured as follows. The light emitting element15covered with the resin containing the fluorescent material101is flip-chip bonded to the first connection pad23. Subsequently, a seal resin102is formed so that the space B is filled with the seal resin. Thereafter, an optically transparent member18provided with a light shielding member18is fixed to the top surface21A of a housing body21.

The lighting apparatus100of such a configuration can obtain advantages similar to those of the lighting apparatus10according to the first embodiment.

Incidentally, in the foregoing description of the lighting apparatus100according to the fifth embodiment, it has been described the case that the signal light emitting element16is provided therein, by way of example. However, a plurality of light emitting elements16can be provided in the concave portion28.

Also, the resin containing the fluorescent material101, and the seal resin102described in the description of the fifth embodiment can be provided in the lighting apparatuses10,50,60, and90, which are respectively implemented according to the first to fourth embodiments, and in the lighting apparatus40according to the modification of the first embodiment.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 15is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lighting apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 15, like reference numeral designates a composing element similar to that of the lighting apparatus10according to the first embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 15, a lighting apparatus110according to the sixth embodiment is configured similarly to the lighting apparatus100, except that a light emitting device115is provided in the lighting apparatus110, instead of the light emitting device105provided in the lighting apparatus100according to the fifth embodiment.

The light emitting device115is configured similarly to the light emitting device105, except that an optically transparent member111and a seal resin112are provided in the light emitting device115, instead of the optically transparent member18and the seal resin102provided in the light emitting device105having been described in the foregoing description of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 16is a plan view illustrating the lighting apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the invention.

Referring toFIGS. 15 and 16, the optically transparent member111is provided on the top surface21A of a housing body21. The optically transparent member111has a through portion113for introducing the seal resin112into the space B.

Thus, the optically transparent member111is provided in the through portion113. When the lighting apparatus110is manufactured, the seal resin112can be introduced into the space B through the through portion113after the optically transparent member111is fixed to the top surface21A of a substrate body21.

The optically transparent member111is constituted by a material that can transmit light emitted from light emitting element16. For example, glass can be used as the material of the optically transparent member111. The thickness M9of the optically transparent member111can be set at, for example, 200 μm. Also, the optically transparent member111can be formed by machining the through portion113in the optically transparent member18provided in the lighting apparatus100according to the fifth embodiment.

The seal resin112is provided so that the space B and the through portion113are filled with the seal resin112. The top surface112A of the seal resin112provided in the through portion113is formed to be substantially flush with the surface111A of the optically transparent member111. For example, a silicone resin can be used as the seal resin112.

The lighting apparatus110of such a configuration according to the invention can have advantages similar to those of the lighting apparatus100according to the fifth embodiment.

Incidentally, the through portion for introducing the seal resin112into the optically transparent members18,67, and97can be formed in the optically transparent members18,67, and97that are provided in the lighting apparatuses10,50,60, and90, which are respectively implemented according to the aforementioned first to fourth embodiments, and the lighting apparatus40according to the modification of the first embodiment. Additionally, the light emitting element16covered with the resin containing the fluorescent material101can be sealed with the seal resin112.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 17is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lighting apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 17, like reference numeral designates a composing element similar to that of the lighting apparatus110according to the sixth embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 17, a lighting apparatus120according to the seventh embodiment is configured similarly to the lighting apparatus110, except that a light emitting device125and a reflection member124are provided in the lighting apparatus120, instead of the light emitting device115and the light shielding member12provided in the lighting apparatus110according to the sixth embodiment.

The light emitting device125is configured similarly to the light emitting device115, except that a plate body121is provided in the light emitting device115, instead of the optically transparent member111provided in the light emitting device115having been described in the foregoing description of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 18is a plan view illustrating the lighting apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the invention.

Referring toFIGS. 17 and 18, the plate body121is provided on the top surface21A of a housing body21. The plate body121is constituted by a material that does not transmit light. The plate body121has a through portion122for causing light emitted by the light emitting element16to pass therethrough in a predetermined direction. The plate body121is formed into a shape in which a part of the plate body121protrudes above the seal resin112provided in the concave portion28. For example, a metal plate and a silicon substrate can be used as the plate body121. The thickness M10of the plate body121can be set at, for example, 200 μm.

A reflection member124(i.e., a second reflection member) is provided to cover the bottom surface121A of the part of the plate body121, which is protruded above the seal resin112. The reflection member124is a member for reflecting light emitted by the light emitting element16so that the reflected light is directed to the reflection member17(i.e., the first reflection member according to the seventh embodiment).

Thus, the reflection member124for reflecting light emitted by the light emitting element16so as to direct the reflected light toward the reflection member124is provided in the lighting apparatus120. Consequently, light reflected by the reflection member124can be irradiated to the outside of the lighting apparatus120through the reflection member17. Accordingly, the luminance of the lighting apparatus120can be enhanced.

For example, a metal plate and a metal film, whose surfaces adapted to receive light from the light emitting element16are formed as a substantial mirror surface, can be used as the reflection members124. For instance, Ag and Al can be used as the material of the metal plate. For example, Ag-film and Al-film can be used as the metal film. Ag-film can be formed by, for example, an inkjet method, a vacuum deposition method, and a plating method. The thickness of Ag-film can be set at, for example, 10 μm. Al-film can be formed by, for example, a sputter method. The thickness of Al-film can be set to be, for example, 2 μm to 3 μm.

Also, the lighting apparatus120of the aforementioned configuration according to the invention can have advantages similar to those of the lighting apparatus110according to the sixth embodiment.

Incidentally, although it has been described in the foregoing description of the lighting apparatus120according to the seventh embodiment the case that a single light emitting element16is provided in the concave portion28, a plurality of light emitting elements16can be provided in the concave portion28.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 19is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lighting apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 19, like reference numeral designates a composing element similar to that of the lighting apparatus100according to the fifth embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 19, a lighting apparatus130according to the eighth embodiment has a light emitting device135and a light shielding member131. The light emitting device135is configured similarly to the lighting apparatus105, except that the optically transparent member18provided in the light emitting device105having been described in the description of the fifth embodiment is removed from the composing elements, that a light shielding element131is provided instead of the light shielding member12provided in the light emitting device105, and that the entire top surface102A of the seal resin102provided in the light emitting device105is set to be substantially flush with the top surface21A of the housing body21.

FIG. 20is a plan view illustrating the lighting apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the invention.

Referring toFIGS. 19 and 20, the light shielding member131is provided on the surface102A of the seal resin102. The bottom surface131A of the light shielding member131is in contact with the surface17A of the reflection member17, which is substantially flush with the top surface21A of the housing body21. The light shielding member131has the function of shielding light emitted from the light emitting element16. The light shielding member131is a member for irradiating light, which is emitted from the light emitting element16, in a predetermined direction by shielding a part of light emitted by the light emitting element16.

For example, a metal plate and a silicon substrate can be used as the light shielding member131. For instance, Ag and Al can be used as the material of the metal plate. Further, in a case where a metal plate is used as the light shielding member131, the bottom surface131A of the light shielding member131is formed as a substantial mirror surface. Consequently, the light shielding member131functions as a reflection plate which reflects light emitted from the light emitting element16. Accordingly, the luminance of the lighting apparatus130can be enhanced.

According to the lighting apparatus of the Eighth embodiment, the light shielding member131for shielding a part of light emitted by the light emitting element16is provided directly on the seal resin102that is a composing element of the light emitting device135. Consequently, as compared with the case of providing the light shielding member131on the optically transparent member18(seeFIG. 14), the lighting apparatus130can be further miniaturized.

Additionally, the metal plate, whose bottom surface131A is formed as a substantial mirror surface, is used as the light shielding member131. Consequently, the light shielding member131functions as a reflection plate that reflects light emitted from the light emitting element16. Consequently, the luminance of the lighting apparatus can be enhanced.

Incidentally, a plurality of light emitting elements16can be provided in the concave portion28of the lighting apparatus130according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 21is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lighting apparatus according to a modification of the eighth embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 21, like reference numeral designates a composing element similar to that of the lighting apparatus130according to the eighth embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 21, a lighting apparatus140according to the modification of the eighth embodiment is constituted similarly to the lighting apparatus130, except that a reflection member141is provided by being added to the composing elements of the lighting apparatus130according to the seventh embodiment.

The reflection member141is provided to cover the bottom surface131A of the light shielding member131. The reflection member141is a member for reflecting light, which is emitted from the light emitting element16, to direct the reflected light toward the reflection member17.

Thus, the reflection member141for reflecting light, which is emitted by the light emitting element16, toward the reflection member17is provided. Consequently, light reflected by the reflection member141can be irradiated to the outside of the lighting apparatus140through the reflection member17. Accordingly, the luminance of the lighting apparatus140can be enhanced.

For example, a metal plate and a metal film, whose surfaces adapted to receive light from the light emitting element16are formed as a substantial mirror surface, can be used as the reflection members141. For instance, Ag and Al can be used as the material of the metal plate. For example, Ag-film and Al-film can be used as the metal film. Ag-film can be formed by, for example, an inkjet method, a vacuum deposition method, and a plating method. The thickness of Ag-film can be set at, for example, 10 μm. Al-film can be formed by, for example, a sputter method. The thickness of Al-film can be set to be, for example, 2 μm to 3 μm.

Besides, in the Second to Eighth embodiments, although the shielding plate is provided only on the left side in the figures, it may be also provided on the right side.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail in the foregoing description, the invention is not limited to such specific embodiments. Various modifications and alterations may be made within a scope of the gist of the invention set forth in claims.

The invention can be applied to a lighting apparatus irradiating light, which is emitted from a light emitting device, in a predetermined direction.