Light emitting device

• US 7,422,356 B2
• Filed: 06/09/2006
• Issued: 09/09/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nichia Corporation
• Original Assignee: Nichia Corporation
• Inventors: Hayashi, Yukihiro, Hama, Atsutomo
• Primary Examiner(s): TSO, LAURA K
• Application Number:
  US11/449,719
• Publication Number:
  US 20060279950A1
• Time in Patent Office: 823 Days
• Field of Search: 362/574, 362/575, 362/572, 362/580, 362/558, 362/553, 362/84, 600/129
• US Class Current: 362/574
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0653 with wavelength conversion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/128 provided with means for regulating temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/2288 the optical fibre cable having a curved distal end
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/306 using optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/36 Image-producing devices or illumination devices not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/16 Laser light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/176 Light sources where the light is generated by photoluminescent material spaced from a primary light generating element
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/19 Attachment of light sources or lamp holders achieving variable light distribution by movable light sources F21S41/657
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4202 for coupling an active element with fibres without intermediate optical elements, e.g. fibres with plane ends, fibres with shaped ends, bundles
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 5/0087 for illuminating phosphorescent or fluorescent materials, e.g. using optical arrangements specifically adapted for guiding or shaping laser beams illuminating these materials
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 5/02251 using optical fibres

Abstract

A light emitting device, comprises at least: a light emitting element; a wavelength conversion member for converting the wavelength of light from the light emitting element; a bendable light guide member for guiding light from the light emitting element to the wavelength conversion member; and a heat conduction member that is thermally connected to the wavelength conversion member.

Claims

1. A light emitting device, comprising at least:

a light emitting element;

a wavelength conversion member for converting the wavelength of light from the light emitting element;

a bendable light guide member for guiding light from the light emitting element to the wavelength conversion member; and

a heat conduction member that is thermally connected to the wavelength conversion member.

2. The light emitting device according to claim 1, further comprising a covering member that covers at least part of the side face of the light guide member,

wherein the covering member and the wavelength conversion member are thermally connected via the heat conduction member.

3. The light emitting element according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength conversion member is made up of at least a translucent member and a fluorescent material.

4. The light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting element is a laser diode, and

the light guide member is an optical fiber.

5. The light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the heat conduction member is composed of a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 0.1 w/m·

k.

6. The light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the covering member is composed of an electroconductive material, and the heat conduction member is composed of a plating film formed on all or part of the outer surface of the covering member.