FIELD

The present invention relates to a light emitting element module. BACKGROUND

A variety of structures have been proposed as light emitting element modules requiring waterproofing properties. For example, in the light emitting element module disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-233356 ("Patent Document 1"), a housing for containing a substrate on which a light source has been mounted is provided with a flat plate, and a side plate, which has an opening between portions of the peripheral edge of the substrate and is installed upright on the flat plate so as to surround the substrate. Then, resin is filled into the inner side of the side plate of the housing so as to cover the surface of the substrate.

SUMMARY

In a conventional light emitting element module, resin is filled inside the area on the inner side of the side plate of the housing down to the bottom side of the substrate. In a structure like this, it takes time for the resin to dry, requiring further improvements for ease of

manufacturing. That is, there is a need to make manufacturing easier while also ensuring adequate waterproofing performance. Based on the above, a light emitting element module that can be easily manufactured and can also ensure adequate waterproofing performance is needed.

A light emitting element module according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a light emitting element that generates light; a substrate on which the light emitting element is mounted; a light controller disposed on a mounting surface side of the substrate to control emission of light generated by the light emitting element; a sealing section disposed on the mounting surface side of the substrate so as to surround at least the light emitting element when viewed from the vertical direction relative to the mounting surface; and a pressing structure that imparts a pressing force to the sealing section, the sealing section sealing a space between, at least, the substrate and the light controller, on an inner circumferential side of the sealing section via the pressing force.

According to this aspect, the sealing section is disposed on the mounting surface side of the substrate so as to surround at least the light emitting element when viewed from the vertical direction relative to the mounting surface. In addition, the sealing section seals a space between at least the substrate and the light controller on the inner circumferential side of the sealing section by the pressing force imparted via the pressing structure. That is, the sealing section is able to prevent water from penetrating into this space by sealing the space surrounding the light emitting element between the substrate and the light controller. Also, manufacturing can be carried out easily due to the simple structure, which merely disposes the sealing section so as to surround the light emitting element when viewed from the vertical direction relative to the mounting surface, and imparts pressing force via the pressing structure. This enables ease of manufacturing, and also makes it possible to ensure adequate waterproofing performance.

In a light emitting element module according to another aspect, the sealing section may be configured using a sealing member that is separate from the member provided with the light controller.

In a light emitting element module according to another aspect, the sealing member may be provided with an adhesive layer on the light controller side.

In a light emitting element module according to another aspect, the sealing member may be made of foamed silicone.

In a light emitting element module according to another aspect, the sealing section may be disposed so as to overlap with the light controller when viewed from the vertical direction relative to the mounting surface.

A light emitting element module according to another aspect may further comprise a cover member that covers the mounting surface side of the substrate, and an opening, on the inner circumferential side of which is disposed the light controller, may be formed in the cover member, and at least a portion of the mounting surface side of the substrate may be exposed by separating an inner edge portion of the opening and the light controller in a direction parallel to the mounting surface.

A light emitting element module according to another aspect may further comprise a cover member that covers the mounting surface side of the substrate, and the substrate and the cover member may be coupled by a fastening member.

In a light emitting element module according to another aspect, the fastening member may be a screw, and the substrate and the cover member may be coupled by tightening the screw toward the cover member from the surface on the opposite side of the mounting surface of the substrate.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a light emitting element module can be easily manufactured, and adequate waterproofing performance can also be ensured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a light emitting element module according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the light emitting element module according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the planar side of the light emitting element module according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom side of the light emitting element module according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line V-V depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6A is a schematic view illustrating the structure in the vicinity of a sealing member, and FIG. 6B is a schematic view illustrating an adhesive layer.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic views of the light emitting element module according to a variation.

FIG. 8 is a table showing the specifications and evaluation results for a light emitting element according to an example.

FIG. 9 is a table showing the evaluation results for a light emitting element module according to an example.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the light emitting element module according to the example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below while referencing the accompanying drawings. Note that in the descriptions of the drawings, similar or identical components are assigned identical reference numbers and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

First, the configuration of a light emitting element module 1 according to the embodiment will be described while referring to FIGS. 1 to 4. The light emitting element module 1, for example, is for use in signboards and/or channel letters installed on the outside of stores. The problem is that when installed outdoors, water can penetrate inside the light emitting element module 1 as a result of rain and the condensation of dew in the winter months, and therefore, the light emitting element module 1 has adequate waterproofing performance to prevent water from penetrating in this way.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the light emitting element module 1 includes: a light emitting element 1 1 for generating light; a substrate 12 on which the light emitting element 1 1 is mounted; a light controller 13 disposed on the mounting surface 12a side of the substrate 12 for controlling the emission of light generated by the light emitting element 1 1 ; a sealing section 14 disposed on the mounting surface 12a side of the substrate 12 for surrounding at least the light emitting element 11 when viewed from the vertical direction relative to the mounting surface 12a; a cover member 16 for covering the mounting surface 12a side of the substrate 12; and a pressing structure 17 for imparting a pressing force to the sealing section 14. Furthermore, in the embodiment, "optical axis" refers to the optical axis of the emitted light emitted by the light emitting element module 1. Also, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are set for each drawing, but these axes are set for convenience of explanation. In the embodiment, the Z-axis is set in the direction of the optical axis, which is the direction in which the optical axis RL extends. Light from the light emitting element module 1 is emitted in the positive direction of the Z-axis, the light emitting side (that is, the positive side of the Z-axis) is regarded as the "front", the opposite side (that is, the negative side of the Z-axis) is regarded as the "back", and these terms will be used.

The light emitting element 1 1 is a light emitting body that generates light in accordance with being supplied with driving power. For example, a light emitting diode (LED) or the like, which generates light by allowing an electric current to flow through a compound such as gallium arsenide or gallium nitride, is used as the light emitting element 1 1. Furthermore, a light emitting body provided with a fluorescent substance for producing light of a color other than the emission color of the LED itself may be used as the light emitting element 1 1. For example, a light emitting body obtained by covering an LED with a resin material or sheet intermixed with a fluorescent substance may be employed as the light emitting element 1 1 , or a light emitting body obtained by coating a fluorescent substance onto the light emitting surface of an LED may be employed. In this arrangement, a single light emitting element 1 1 may be mounted on the substrate 12, or a plurality of light emitting elements 1 1 may be mounted on the substrate 12. When there is one light emitting element 1 1, the light emitting element 11 is disposed on the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12 such that the optical axis thereof coincides with the optical axis RL of the light emitting element module 1.

The substrate 12 is a rectangular plate-shaped member on which the light emitting element 1 1 is mounted, and, for example, an aluminum substrate, a copper substrate, a glass epoxy substrate, a glass composite substrate, and the like can be used. In the embodiment, the substrate 12 is disposed so as to extend in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction so that the mounting surface 12a is orthogonal to the optical axis RL, and has a rectangular shape such that the Y-axis direction is the longitudinal direction, but the shape is not particularly limited, and all sorts of shapes may be employed, such as a square shape or a circular shape. The surface of the substrate 12 is configured as a mounting surface 12a for mounting the light emitting element 1 1 and the light controller 13. A wiring pattern (not illustrated) comprising copper foil is provided on the mounting surface 12a. The wiring pattern is wiring for supplying the driving power to the light emitting element 1 1, and is electrically connected to a power source (not illustrated) external to the substrate 12 via wires 21. The wires 21 electrically connect a plurality of light emitting element modules 1 either in series or in parallel. Only the electrodes 22 connected to the wire 21 of the wiring pattern are illustrated in the drawings.

Two each of the electrodes 22 are disposed at locations on both end sides of the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) (in particular, see FIG. 3). The electrode 22 is connected to the wire 21 by soldering, and a solder part 23 is formed in accordance with the soldering. The wires 21 connected to the respective electrodes 22 are drawn outward from the edge portions of both sides of the substrate 12 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). However, the locations for providing the electrodes 22 and the draw- out direction of the wires 21 are not particularly limited, and the electrodes 22 may be provided at end sides of the substrate 12 in the shorter-side direction (X-axis direction), and the wires 21 may be drawn out in the shorter-side direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, an electrode (not illustrated) connected to the light emitting element 1 1 is provided in the center portion of the mounting surface 12a. The driving power is supplied to the light emitting element 1 1 in accordance with the light emitting element 1 1 being connected to this electrode.

In addition, a semicircular notch portion 12c is formed at the four corners of the substrate 12 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). Through-holes 15A, 15B for inserting screws 53 A, 53B constituting the pressing structure 17 are also formed in the substrate 12. The disposition of the through- holes 15A, 15B will be described below in conjunction with the pressing structure 17. A closed-end hole 12d for aligning the light controller 13 is also formed in the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12. However, in the present invention, the shape is not compulsory, and the present invention is not limited to this aspect.

The light controller 13 is for controlling the emission of light generated by the light emitting element 1 1 so that the light emitting element module 1 can emit emitted light that corresponds to a desired characteristic. That is, the light controller 13 allows the light generated by the light emitting element 1 1 to permeate inside the light controller 13, and emits the light by controlling the manner in which the light spreads, and, in addition, controlling the intensity of the light for each orientation angle. Furthermore, in this specification, preliminary stage light, which is generated by the light emitting element 1 1 and permeates the light controller 13, will be referred to as "light generated by the light emitting element". The light emitted under the control of the light controller 13 corresponds to the "emitted light" emitted by the light emitting element module 1. The light controller 13 comprises a semi-spherical dome-shaped lens disposed on the mounting surface 12a side of the substrate 12. To control the emitted light emitted from the light emitting element module 1 , the light controller 13 may be a convex lens, or may be a lens in which a portion of a convex lens is formed into the shape of a concave lens. The light controller 13 is disposed so as to cover the light emitting element 1 1 , in a location where the central axis of the light emitting surface side of the light emitting element 1 1 coincides with the optical axis RL. The light controller 13 is provided with an incidence surface 13a that is formed on the back side (the negative side of the Z-axis) and allows the entry of light generated by the light emitting element 1 1, and an emitting surface 13b that is formed on the front side (the positive side of the Z-axis) and emits light that has permeating inside the light controller 13 as emitted light.

The emitting surface 13b is formed in a substantially semi-spherical dome shape, and is the surface that emits the light that permeated the light controller 13 as emitted light facing toward the illumination member (for example, a store sign). The emitting surface 13b is formed so as to curve at an arbitrary radius of curvature, but is formed in the vicinity of the optical axis RL substantially parallel to the incidence surface 13 a. The shape of the emitting surface 13b is not particularly limited, and may be changed as needed in accordance with the purpose and prescribed characteristics of the light emitting element module 1. For example, the radius of curvature may be changed, and a portion that is parallel to the incidence surface 13a need not be provided.

The incidence surface 13a is provided with a planar part 13c that is formed planarly, and a guide part 13d that is formed concavely in the center of the planar part 13c (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The planar part 13c parallelly opposes the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12, and is disposed in a location separated from the mounting surface 12a. By making the planar part 13c a rough surface (an uneven surface), the light can be scattered. For example, when the planar part 13c of the incidence surface 13a is not a rough surface, there is the possibility that the intensity of the emitted light emitted from the light controller 13 will intensify in a portion in the vicinity of the optical axis RL (for example, refer to the portions illustrated by the two-dot chain lines in FIG. 10) and that ring-shaped irregularities will be generated by light, which was reflected by the emitting surface 13b without permeating the light controller 13, being reflected by the planar part 13c. However, by making the planar part 13c of the incidence surface 13a a rough surface, the light that was reflected by the emitting surface 13b can be scattered by the planar part 13c, thus making it possible to suppress the occurrence of the aforementioned ring-shaped irregularities. The guide part 13 d, which is a cavity for guiding the light generated by the light emitting element 1 1 to the emitting surface 13b side, is formed in the center of the planar part 13c. The guide part 13d is configured as a cavity having the optical axis RL as the central axis. In a state in which the light emitting element 11 and the light controller 13 are mounted on the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12, the guide part 13d is located directly above the light emitting element 1 1.

A torus 26, which is formed spanning the entire circumference of the outer edge portion of the light controller 13, and flange parts 27A, 27B, which jut outwards from the torus 26 in the radial direction, are formed in the light controller 13.

In the embodiment, the light controller 13, the torus 26, and the flange parts 27A, 27B are configured as a single, integrally formed member. In the following explanations, such a "member provided with the light controller" will be referred to as a "lens member 28". The lens member 28 may be manufactured by a method such as molding using a die, or by cutting and polishing. For example, glass, acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, silicone resin, or the like may be utilized as the material of the lens member 28 (that is, the material of the light controller 13). In the embodiment, for example, when a boundary line LI that extends the planar part 13c to the outer circumferential side has been set as illustrated in FIG. 6, the planar part 13c and the area of the emitting surface 13b side (the positive side of the Z-axis) from the boundary line LI may be regarded as the light controller 13. In addition, a portion that protrudes toward the outer circumferential side from the outer edge of the light controller 13 as seen from the direction of the optical axis, that is, the portions on the outer circumferential side of the boundary line L2 illustrated in FIG. 6 may be regarded as the flange parts 27A, 27B. A portion between the boundary line LI and the boundary line L2 may be regarded as the torus 26. In the embodiment, this portion is explained by being referred to as a "torus", but this portion need not be circular, and may be rectangular or some other such polygonal shape.

Also, the "flange parts" do not have to be circular, and may be rectangular or some other polygonal shape.

The torus 26 is formed so as to surround the outer circumference of the planar part 13c. In the embodiment, the torus 26 protrudes toward the substrate 12 side (the negative side of the Z- axis) more than the planar part 13c. The flange parts 27A, 27B are portions that jut outwards in the radial direction in a circular arc shape from the outer edge portion of the light controller 13. In the embodiment, a pair of flange parts 27A, 27B is provided. The flange part 27A and the flange part 27B are provided in areas that are opposite one another with the optical axis RL therebetween. The flange parts 27A, 27B configure a portion of the pressing structure 17, and the entire lens member 28 is pushed toward the substrate 12 side via the flange parts 27 as a result of a pressing force being imparted from another member. A detailed explanation of the flange parts 27A, 27B will be given below in conjunction with the pressing structure 17. In the embodiment, in a state in which the lens member 28 (that is, the light controller 13) is mounted on the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12, a space SP is formed between the incidence surface 13a of the light controller 13, the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12, and the torus 26.

The sealing section 14 is for sealing the space SP between at least the substrate 12 and the light controller 13 on the inner circumferential side of the sealing section 14 by a pressing force imparted by the pressing structure 17. By sealing the area on the inner circumferential side of the sealing section 14, which is the area in which the light emitting element 1 1 is disposed, of the space SP between the substrate 12 and the light controller 13, the sealing section 14 prevents the penetration of water from the area on the outer circumferential side of the sealing section 14. The sealing section 14 is disposed in a location on the mounting surface 12a side of the substrate 12 between the lens member 28 provided with the light controller 13 and the substrate 12, that is, on the incidence surface 13a side of the light controller 13. The sealing section 14 is configured in a ring shape, and is disposed such that the central axis thereof coincides with the optical axis RL. Since the light emitting element 1 1 is disposed over the optical axis RL, the sealing section 14 is disposed so as to surround the light emitting element 1 1 when viewed from the vertical direction relative to the mounting surface 12a. Furthermore, by providing a step in the mounting surface 12a, the location of the light emitting element 1 1 and the location of the sealing section 14 may deviate vertically in the direction of the optical axis, but even in this case, the sealing section 14 is disposed so as to surround the light emitting element 1 1 when viewed from the vertical direction relative to the mounting surface 12a.

In the embodiment, the sealing section 14 is configured from a sealing member 29 that is a separate body from the lens member 28 (member provided with the light controller 13). The sealing member 29 functions as the "sealing section" as described above, and is configured as a single component that is independent from the "member provided with the light controller (that is, the lens member)". In the Claims, the "sealing section" corresponds to the sealing member 29 in the embodiment, but the scope of this term is not limited thereto, and, for example, may indicate a portion of the lens member when the sealing section is formed integrally with the lens member (a corresponding variation will be described below). In the explanation of the embodiment that follows, "sealing section" and "sealing member" will be explained as terms describing the same thing.

The structure of the sealing member 29 will be described in detail here by referring to FIG. 6A. FIG. 6A illustrates in an enlarged manner the surrounding structure of the sealing member 29, and, in addition, is a schematically illustrated schematic diagram. For ease of understanding, in the cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 5, the structure is illustrated by deforming the roughness of the planar part 13c, and altering or omitting portions thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the sealing member 29 is formed in an annular shape, and both end faces 29a, 29b are configured in a planar shape in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis direction). The end face 29a on the front side (positive side of the Z axis) of the sealing member 29 comes in contact with the lens member 28, and the end face 29b on the back side (negative side of the Z axis) comes in contact with the substrate 12. In accordance with a pressing force being imparted to the sealing member 29 by the pressing structure 17, the end face 29a adheres firmly to the lens member 28, and, in addition, the end face 29b adheres firmly to the substrate 12. In accordance with this, the sealing member 29 prevents the penetration of water from the boundary with the lens member 28, and prevents the penetration of water from the boundary with the substrate 12. The sealing member 29 is disposed so as to overlap with the light controller 13 as seen from the direction of the optical axis. Therefore, the end face 29a on the front side (positive side of the Z axis) of the sealing member 29 makes surface contact with the planar part 13c, which is configured as a rough surface. The end face 29b on the back side (negative side of the Z axis) of the sealing member 29 makes surface contact with the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12. The outside diameter of the sealing member 29 substantially coincides with the outside diameter of the planar part 13c (that is, the inside diameter of the torus 26). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the outer circumferential surface 29c of the sealing member 29 may be separated from the inner circumferential surface 26a of the torus 26, or may make contact therewith as illustrated in FIG. 5. The inside diameter of the sealing member 29 is set to dimensions such that the inner

circumferential surface 29d is separated outwardly in the radial direction relative to at least the light emitting element 1 1, and in the embodiment, is larger than the diameter of the guide part 13 d. In a state in which the light controller 13, the sealing member 29, and the light emitting element 1 1 are mounted on the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12, the light emitting element 11 is disposed in the area on the inner circumferential side of the inner circumferential surface 29d of the sealing member 29. That is, the sealing member 29 is disposed on the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12 so as to surround the light emitting element 1 1 when viewed from the vertical direction relative to the mounting surface 12a.

The thickness of the sealing member 29 when pressing force is not being imparted is set to dimensions equal to or larger than the size of the space SP in the direction of the optical axis

(the dimensions between the planar part 13c and the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12, that is, the dimensions indicated by T in FIG. 6). Therefore, in a state in which the sealing member 29 is sandwiched between the substrate 12 and the lens member 28, the sealing member 29 is compressed by the lens member 28 being pushed toward the substrate 12 by the pressing structure 17. In accordance with this, the end face 29a adheres firmly to the lens member 28, and, in addition, the end face 29b adheres firmly to the substrate 12.

In the embodiment, the sealing member 29 is provided with a base layer 33 on the substrate 12 side, and an adhesive layer 34 on the light controller 13 side. The base layer 33 corresponds to the base body part of the sealing member 29, is configured using an elastic member, and also has a function for supporting the adhesive layer 34. The material of the base layer 33 can be selected from the standpoint of heat resistance, color variations, and the like, and, for example, either transparent or semi-transparent silicone, an elastomer, or the like may be utilized. Also, the hardness of the base layer 33 of the sealing member 29 may be equal to or less than Shore A hardness 70 so as to be able to deform in accordance with the uneven shape resulting from the wiring pattern formed on the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12 in order to adhere firmly to the mounting surface 12a. The thickness of the base layer 33 is set larger than that of the adhesive layer 34. Viewed from the direction of the optical axis, the base layer 33 and the adhesive layer 34 are set to the same shape and the same size, but may be different shapes and sizes.

The adhesive layer 34 is such that the material of at least the surface portion has a coefficient of viscosity of equal to or greater than a prescribed value, and is able to adhere firmly and stick to the contact surface. That is, the adhesive layer 34 configures the end face 29a of the sealing member 29, and is able to deform in accordance with the uneven shape of the planar part 13c configured as the rough surface of the light controller 13 to adhere firmly to the planar part 13c. In the embodiment, double-sided tape 36 provided on the base layer 33 is utilized as the adhesive layer 34. The double-sided tape 36, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, is provided with an adhesive layer 36a that sticks to the end face 33a of the base layer 33, an adhesive layer 36b that sticks to the planar part 13c, which is a rough surface, and a backing 36c that partitions the adhesive layer 36a and the adhesive layer 36b. An adhesive that is capable of sticking to the base layer 33 may be utilized as the adhesive for the adhesive layer 36a, and, for example, a silicone - based adhesive can be used, and an adhesive that is capable of sticking to the light controller 13 may be utilized as the adhesive for the adhesive layer 36b, and, for example, an acrylic-based adhesive can be used. Also, as the backing 36c, either a polyester or a non- woven fabric can be used. The adhesive layer 36b is able to adhere firmly to the planar part 13c so as to dig into the uneven shape of the planar part 13, which is the rough surface (for example, refer to adhesive layer 34 in FIG. 6A). Thus, the surface that makes contact with the rough surface, which is the contact surface, can be enlarged. Double-sided tape 36 was given as an example of the adhesive layer 34, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the adhesive layer 34 may be formed using a single adhesive.

Returning to FIGS. 1 to 5, the configuration of the cover member 16 will be described. The cover member 16 is for protecting the constituents mounted on the mounting surface 12a by covering the mounting surface 12a side of the substrate 12 while exposing the emitting surface 13b of the light controller 13. The cover member 16 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member that covers the mounting surface 12a side of the substrate 12, and, for example, a synthetic resin such as a polycarbonate resin, an acrylic resin, or an ABS resin can be used as the material. The cover member 16 is provided with a base part 41 that covers the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12, and a sidewall part 42 that surrounds the outer circumference of the substrate 12. The base part 41 is disposed such that the back surface 41a of the back side (negative side of the Z axis) parallelly opposes the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12. The base part 41 has a shape that corresponds to the substrate 12, and has a rectangular shape such that the Y- axis direction is the longitudinal direction, but this shape may be changed as needed to conform to the shape of the substrate 12. The sidewall part 42 is formed so as to cover the side surfaces of the substrate 12 in all directions by extending from the outer circumferential edge portions of the base part 41 in all directions to the back side (negative side of the Z axis). That is, the length between the opposing inner walls of the sidewall part 42 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the cover member 16 substantially coincides with the length of the substrate 12 in the longitudinal direction, and the length between the opposing inner walls of the sidewall part 42 in the shorter- side direction (X-axis direction) of the cover member 16 substantially coincides with the length of the substrate 12 in the shorter-side direction. Also, a protruding part 42a that protrudes toward the inner side is formed in accordance with the semicircular shape of a notched part 12c, which constitutes one of a pair in the diagonal direction, in one of the four corners of the sidewall part 42 of the cover member 16 (see FIG. 4). Deviation of the cover member 16 attached to the substrate 12 is restricted in the directions of the X and Y axes by this protruding part 42a. Furthermore, to improve workability, a latch structure capable of mating with the substrate 12 may be provided in the protruding part 42a so that the position of the substrate 12 relative to the cover member 16 does not deviate even when the entire light emitting element module 1 is turned upside down in the positive Z-axis direction.

An opening 43, on the inner circumferential side of which is disposed the light controller

13, a potting part 44 for potting around the solder part 23 with a filling material PT, and a draw-out part 46 for drawing out the wires 21 are formed in the base part 41 of the cover member 16. Bosses 47A, 47B for tightening screws 53 A, 53B are also provided in the base part 41. The configuration of the bosses 47A, 47B will be described below in conjunction with the pressing structure 17.

The opening 43 is a through- hole that passes between the front surface 41b and the back surface 41 a of the base part 41 , and is formed in the center of the base part 41. The opening 43 forms a circular shape with the optical axis RL in the center when viewed from the direction of the optical axis. The lens member 28 is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the opening 43. The light controller 13 of the lens member 28 passes through the opening 43 and protrudes toward the positive side of the Z axis from the front surface 41b of the base part 41. The inside diameter of the opening 43 is larger than the outside diameter of the light controller 13 (the outside diameter of the portion that extends outermost in the radial direction). Therefore, the inner edge portion 43a of the opening 43 and the light controller 13 are separated in a direction parallel to the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12 (that is, the directions of the X and Y axes; a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the optical axis). In accordance with this, at least a portion of the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12 is exposed in the area between the inner edge portion 43 a of the opening 43 and the outer edge portion of the light controller 13 when viewed from the direction of the optical axis (see FIG. 2). Pawl parts 51 A, 5 IB that protrude from the inner edge portion 43 a toward the inner circumferential side are provided in the opening 43. The

configuration of the pawl parts 51 A, 5 IB will be described below in conjunction with the pressing structure 17.

Potting parts 44 are respectively provided in locations corresponding to the solder parts 23 provided on the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12, that is, in locations at both end sides of the cover member 16 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). An opening 48 that passes between the front surface 41b and the back surface 41a is formed in the potting part 44 so that the solder parts 23 can be coated with a filling material PT (the gray colored areas in FIGS. 1 and 5). The opening 48 forms a rectangle when viewed from the direction of the optical axis. Sidewalls 49 that protrude from the front surface 41b are formed on the four edge portions of the opening 48 so as to surround the opening 48 so that it is easier to accumulate the filling material PT inside the opening 48. The filling material PT is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of ensuring waterproofing performance, and, for example, a silicone resin, a modified silicone resin, a polyurethane resin, an acrylic resin, or the like can be used.

The draw-out part 46 is formed between the end portion of the cover member 16 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) and the potting part 44. The draw-out part 46 is provided with a plurality of guide grooves 51 for drawing out the wires 21 from the solder parts 23 toward the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the substrate 12. The area corresponding to the draw-out part 46 protrudes from the front surface 41b of the base part 41 toward the front side (positive side of the Z axis), and the guide grooves 51 are formed on the back surface 41a side of the protruding area. In the embodiment, three guide grooves 51 are formed for a single draw-out part 46, but since two wires 21 are drawn out, there may be two guide grooves 51. The guide grooves 51 are U-shaped cross-section grooves that extend in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the cover member 16. The size and shape of the guide grooves 51 are set in accordance with the wires 21. The guide grooves 51 extend from the outer circumferential surface of the sidewall part 42 of the cover member 16 to the opening 48 of the potting part 44.

Next, the pressing structure 17 will be described. Sealing the space SP between the mounting surface 12a (substrate 12) and the incidence surface 13a (light controller 13) by the sealing section 14 is realized by the pressing structure 17 imparting pressing force to the sealing section 14. The "pressing structure" in the Claims corresponds to the pressing structure 17 in the embodiment, but the scope of this term is not limited thereto, and all sorts of structures can be employed as long as they are capable of imparting pressing force to the sealing section 14 (a variation will be described below). Specifically, the pressing structure 17 of the embodiment is provided with the flange parts 27A, 27B of the lens member 28, the pawl parts 51 A, 5 IB of the cover member 16 that push the flange parts 27A, 27B toward the substrate 12 side, and a pressing force generating part 52 that generates the pressing force imparted to the sealing section 14.

The flange parts 27A, 27B of the lens member 28 are configured so as to jut outwards in the radial direction from the light controller 13, as described above. The flange parts 27A, 27B extend parallel to the planar part 13c. The size of the flange part 27A and the flange part 27B in the circumferential direction is set in the embodiment to a size that accounts for around one-fourth of the total circumference of the light controller 13, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto, and any size may be set as long as it is possible to ensure a size that adequately makes contact with the pawl parts described below. In addition, the radial direction jut-out size of the flange part 27A and the flange part 27B may be set to any size as long as it is possible to ensure the contact margin with the pawl parts described below. A rib 31 is provided on the front side (positive side of the Z axis) of the flange part 27A in the center position in the circumferential direction. Also, a cylindrical protruding part 32 that protrudes toward the substrate 12 side is provided on the back side (negative side of the Z axis) of the flange part 27A and the flange part 27B. Two protruding parts 32 are provided on the flange part 27A, and one protruding part 32 is provided on the flange part 27B. The two protruding parts 32 of the flange part 27A are provided in proximity to both end portions of the flange part 27A in the circumferential direction, and the one protruding part 32 of the flange part 27B is provided in the center of the flange part 27B in the circumferential direction. However, the quantity and locations of the protruding parts 32 are not particularly limited, and may be changed as needed. The protruding parts 32 provided on the flange part 27A and the flange part 27B are respectively inserted into the closed-end holes 12d formed in the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12. The alignment of the lens member 28 in the direction of the optical axis is performed in accordance with the tips of the protruding parts 32 approaching the bottom face of the closed-end holes 12d. Thus, by providing a structure for alignment in the direction of the optical axis, it is possible to suppress excess pressing force from being imparted to the sealing section 14, and, in addition, to suppress the tilting of the lens member 28 relative to the optical axis RL and non-uniform pressing force being imparted to the sealing member 29. Also, the alignment of the lens member 28 relative to the substrate 12 can be performed easily at assembly time using protruding parts 32 and closed-end holes 12d such as these. The lens member 28 can also be easily attached to the substrate 12 by using the rib 31 that has been provided on the front side (positive side of the Z axis) of the flange part 27A as a guide.

When a reference line L3 that extends in one diagonal direction of the substrate 12 and the cover member 16 has been set (see FIG. 2), the lens member 28 is mounted on the substrate 12 such that the flange parts 27A, 27B are disposed on the reference line L3. In the embodiment, the flange parts 27A, 27B are disposed such that the centers of the flange parts 27A, 27B in the circumferential direction coincide with the reference line L3.

The pawl parts 51 A, 5 IB protrude from locations on the upper end side of the inner edge portion 43 of the opening 43 in the cover member 16 toward the inner circumferential side. The surfaces of the front sides (positive side of Z axis) of the pawl parts 51 A, 5 IB coincide with the front surface 41b of the base part 41, but these surfaces need not coincide. The surfaces of the back sides (negative side of the Z axis) of the pawl parts 51 A, 5 IB function as contact surfaces for making contact with the surfaces of the front sides (positive side of the Z axis) of the flange parts 27A, 27B (for example, see FIG. 6A), and are disposed on the front side (positive side of the Z axis) of the back surface 41a of the base part 41. When viewed from the direction of the optical axis, the pawl part 51 A and the pawl part 5 IB are disposed in locations facing one another with the optical axis RL therebetween. The pawl part 51A and the pawl part 5 IB are respectively formed in locations corresponding to the reference line L3, pawl part 51A being provided in a location from which it is possible to press against the flange part 27A, and pawl part 5 IB being provided in a location from which it is possible to press against the flange part 27B. Two pawl parts 51 A are provided relative to one flange 27A, and two pawl parts 5 IB are provided relative to one flange 27B. The pair of pawl parts 51 A is provided in locations proximate to the reference line L3, and in shapes and locations that are mutually line symmetric with the reference line L3 (see FIG. 2). The pair of pawl parts 51B is provided in locations proximate to the reference line L3, and in shapes and locations that are mutually line symmetric with the reference line L3 (see FIG. 2). Pressing force can be transmitted in a balanced manner by using two pawl parts 51 A, 5 IB to press against one flange part 27A, 27B like this. In addition, the tips of the pawl parts 51 A, 5 IB may come in contact with the light controller 13 in the vicinity of the outer circumferential edge portion, enabling the alignment of the light controller 13.

The pressing force generating part 52 is for generating a pressing force by coupling the substrate 12 and the cover member 16 using a fastening member. In the embodiment, screws 53 A, 53B are used as fastening members. The "fastening member" in the Claims corresponds to the screws 53A, 53B in the embodiment, but the scope of this term is not limited thereto, and all sorts of structures can be employed as long as they are capable of coupling the substrate 12 and the cover member 16 in a fastened state, and, as the fastening member, a nut and bolt may be employed, a rivet may be employed, and a member related to a mating structure (for example, coupling the substrate 12 and the cover member 16 by fitting a member that protrudes from the cover member 16 into a through-hole of the substrate 12. In this case, both the substrate 12 and the cover member 16 are coupled in the fastened state.) may be employed. In the embodiment, the pressing force generating part 52 is for generating pressing force by fastening the substrate 12 and the cover member 16 with screws, specifically, the present invention comprises screws 53 A, 53B, bosses 47A, 47B formed in the cover member 16, and through-holes 15A, 15B formed in the substrate 12. In the embodiment, the substrate 12 and the cover member 16 are coupled by tightening the screws 53 A, 53B from the back surface 12b of the substrate 12 (the surface on the opposite side of the mounting surface 12a) toward the cover member 16. Therefore, a screw hole 47a is formed in the bosses 47A, 47B of the cover member 16, and the through-holes 15 A, 15B of the substrate 12 constitute insertion holes for allowing the screws 53 A, 53B to pass through. The bosses 47A, 47B protrude from the front surface 14a of the base part 41 toward the front side (positive side of the Z axis). This makes it possible to adequately ensure the length of the screw holes 47a. The configuration may be such that screw holes 47a are simply formed in the base part 41 without providing the bosses 47A, 47B. The screw holes 47a (that is, the bosses 47A, 47B) of the cover member 16 and the through- holes 15 A, 15B of the substrate 12 are disposed in the same locations when viewed from the direction of the optical axis. The boss 47A and the through-hole 15A are disposed with the centers thereof on the reference line L3, and are provided in locations on the outer circumferential side of the pawl part 51 A (see FIG. 2). The boss 47B and the through- hole 15B are disposed with the centers thereof on the reference line L3, and are provided in locations on the outer circumferential side of the pawl part 5 IB (see FIG. 2).

According to the pressing structure 17 as described above, the lens member 28 is mounted on the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12, and the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12 is covered with the cover member 16 in a state in which the sealing member 29 has filled in the area inside the torus 26 of the lens member 28. In this state, pressing force is not being imparted to the sealing member 29. Next, the screws 53A, 53B are tightened into the screw holes 47a of the bosses 47A, 47B from the back surface 12b side of the substrate 12 via the through-holes 15A, 15B. In accordance with the tightening, the substrate 12 and the cover member 16 move so as to approach one another in the direction of the optical axis. In line with this, the pawl parts 51 A, 5 IB move toward the mounting surface 12a side of the substrate 12, and the flange parts 27A, 27B are pushed toward the substrate 12 side by the pawl parts 51 A, 5 IB, thereby moving the entire lens member 28 toward the substrate 12 side. In accordance with the above, pressing force is imparted to the sealing member 29 by sandwiching the sealing member 29 between the substrate 12 and the lens member 28. Furthermore, the flange parts 27A, 27B, the pawl parts 51 A, 5 IB, the bosses 47A, 47B, and the like are provided in locations proximate to the reference line L3. Therefore, the pressing force generated by tightening the screws 53 A, 53B is efficiently transmitted to the pawl parts 51 A, 5 IB and the flange parts 27A, 27B. Screw- tightening may be performed on the side of a reference line L4 set in a diagonal direction that intersects with the reference line L3, but performing screw-tightening only on the reference line L3 side makes it possible to enhance workability and reduce the number of components.

Next, the operation and effect of the light emitting element module 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

A structure in which a substrate and a lens (light controller) have been insert-molded will be described as a light emitting element module according to a comparative example. Because this light emitting element module is manufactured using insert molding, molding costs will increase. In addition, insert molding, due to the relationship with the die, requires that one specific shape and size be determined for the lens, and as such, it is difficult to flexibly change the lens in accordance with an application.

In addition, a structure that ensures waterproofing performance by potting between the inner edge portion of the opening formed in the cover member and the outer circumferential edge portion of the lens (light controller) from the outer side will be described as a light emitting element module according to another comparative example. In this light emitting element module, the potting around the lens must be done precisely so as not to alter the optical properties, and as such, the potting cannot be performed by hand, and requires the use of a dedicated robot, thereby increasing costs. Also, when using a robot, the robot settings (program) have to be changed when changing the shape and/or size of the lens, which is costly and time consuming. In addition, the above-described potting around the lens cannot use a colored filling material for potting due to optical reasons, and must make use of a filling material (for example, silicone) that has favorable optical properties and resists deterioration caused by ultraviolet rays and the like, but such filling materials are hard to dry (takes around 24 hours) and have poor workability. Also, from the standpoint of workability, the same filling material as that used for potting around the lens is used in potting locations other than the potting location described above (potting locations in portions where the substrate electrodes are connected to the wires) despite the fact that optical properties are not deemed necessary, and workability is poor. That is, in the light emitting element modules according to both of the comparative examples described above, it is difficult to achieve both ease of manufacturing and adequate waterproofing performance.

Furthermore, as a light emitting element module according to another comparative example, a structure (for example, the structure of Patent Document 1) that ensures waterproofing performance by disposing the substrate in an area inside a housing and filling a resin into the area inside the housing to cover the entire substrate with resin will be described. In this structure, a heat radiation effect may be lowered due to a plate and a placing part being disposed on the back surface of the substrate, and a filling material (resin) also being filled into the back surface side of the substrate. When a defect is discovered during product inspection, workability for replacement and repair may be lowered, and it may not be possible to ensure rework performance. Also, since there is a large amount of filling material that is filled in and the periphery of the light emitting element is also covered, it is necessary to use a hard-to-dry filling material having favorable optical properties. Therefore, it takes time for the filling material to dry, and improvements to ease of manufacturing are required.

By contrast, in the light emitting element module 1 according to the embodiment, the sealing section 14 is disposed on the mounting surface 12a side of the substrate 12 so as to surround at least the light emitting element 1 1 when viewed from the vertical direction relative to the mounting surface 12a. Also, the sealing section 14, in accordance with a pressing force imparted by the pressing structure 17, seals the space SP between the substrate 12 and the light controller 13 on the inner circumferential side of the sealing section 14. That is, the sealing section 14 can prevent water from penetrating into the space around the light emitting element 1 1 between the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12 and the incidence surface 13a of the light controller 13. Therefore, water can be prevented from penetrating into the light emitting element 1 1 , and, in addition, it is possible to prevent the optical properties from being affected by water penetrating into the incidence surface 13a side of the light controller 13. Also, due to the simple structure, which simply disposes the sealing section 14 so as to surround the light emitting element 1 1 when viewed from the vertical direction relative to the mounting surface 12a and imparts pressing force using the pressing structure 17, manufacturing can be performed easily.

Furthermore, by employing a simple structure like this, there is no need to use insert molding or to perform high-precision potting for the light controller 13 using a robot as in the structures according to the comparative examples described above, and as such, it is possible to flexibly select the shape and size of the light controller 13 in accordance with the application. Also, since waterproofing performance for the area around the light emitting element 1 1 related to optical properties can be ensured without performing potting, there is no need to use a hard-to-dry filling material as in the structures according to the comparative examples described above. In addition, since potting is not performed for the area around the light emitting element 1 1 , it becomes possible to employ an inexpensive, easy-drying filling material, such as, for example, a modified silicone resin, a polyurethane resin, or an acrylic resin for the potting locations (potting parts 44) of the solder parts 23 that solder the wires 21. Therefore, the drying time for the filling material can be shortened. Heat radiation performance can also be heightened since the structure can be such that the back surface 12b of the substrate 12 is not covered by another member or a filling material. Even when a defect is discovered during product inspection, replacement work and repair work can be performed easily, thereby making it possible to improve rework performance. According to the above, manufacturing can be performed easily, and adequate waterproofing performance can be ensured.

In the light emitting element module 1 according to the embodiment, the sealing section 14 is configured using a sealing member 29 that is a separate body from the lens member 28 that comprises the light controller 13. Thus, by configuring the sealing section 14 and the lens member 28, which comprises the light controller 13, as separate members, it is possible to flexibly select the shape and size of the light controller 13 (that is, the shape and size of the lens member 28) in accordance with the application while using the sealing member 29 as an application-independent common part.

In the light emitting element module 1 according to the embodiment, the sealing member 29 comprises an adhesive layer 34 on the light controller 13 side. When the contact surface of the lens member 28 relative to the sealing member 29 is a rough surface (planar part 13c), the adhesive layer 34 of the sealing member 29 makes contact with the rough surface. Since the adhesion between the sealing member 29 and the lens member 28 (light controller 13) becomes better as a result of this, the waterproofing performance of the light emitting element module 1 can be further improved.

The inventors involved in the present invention, as a result of diligent research, discovered that adequate optical properties can be ensured even though the sealing section 14 is disposed in a portion of the outer circumferential side of the incidence surface 13a of the light controller 13. Therefore, in the light emitting element module 1 according to the embodiment, the sealing section 14 is disposed so as to overlap with the light controller 13 when viewed from the vertical direction relative to the mounting surface 12a. This makes it possible to hold the size of the light emitting element module 1 in check when viewed from the direction of the optical axis since there is no need to ensure a space that is required solely for disposing the sealing section 14 (for example, it is not necessary to provide a large flange part for disposing the sealing section 14 on the outer circumferential side of the light controller 13).

The light emitting element module 1 according to the embodiment further comprises a cover member 16 for covering the mounting surface 12a side of the substrate 12, an opening 43, on the inner circumferential side of which the light controller 13 is disposed, is formed in the cover member 16, and at least a portion of the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12 is exposed in accordance with the inner edge portion 43 a of the opening 43 and the light controller 13 being separated in a direction parallel to the mounting surface 12a. The substrate 12 is a member that generates heat when light is emitted by the light emitting element 11. Therefore, should water penetrate between the cover member 16 and the substrate 12, the heat from the substrate 12 can be utilized to allow the moisture to escape through the portion where the mounting surface 12a of the substrate 12 is exposed. The light emitting element module 1 according to the embodiment further comprises a cover member 16 for covering the mounting surface 12a side of the substrate 12, and the substrate 12 and the cover member 16 are coupled by a fastening member. Screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, a member related to a mating structure, and the like can be employed as the fastening member. This makes it possible to easily configure the pressing structure 17.

In the light emitting element module 1 according to the embodiment, the fastening members are screws 53A, 53B, and the substrate 12 and the cover member 16 are coupled by tightening the screws 53 A, 53B from the back surface 12b of the substrate 12 toward the cover member 16. For example, when a configuration for tightening the screws from the cover member 16 side toward the substrate 12 is employed (the present invention may also include an aspect such as this as a variation), threads must be cut in the through-holes 15A, 15B of the substrate 12. However, when thread-cutting work fails, an expensive substrate 12 must be discarded. It is difficult to provide a boss or the like because of substrate 12 design and material constraints. Meanwhile, when a configuration for tightening the screws 53A, 53B from the back surface 12b of the substrate 12 toward the cover member 16 is employed, the through-holes of the cover member 16 can be made into screw holes 47A. Since a cover member 16 costs less than a substrate 12, there is less of a cost impact when thread cutting work fails. Also, because the cover member 16 has less design and material constraints than a substrate 12, the screws 53 A, 53B can be adequately tightened by providing bosses 47A, 47B in the portions corresponding to the through-holes (screw holes 47a). This makes it possible to reliably generate pressing force.

The present invention was described in detail above based on embodiments thereof. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes are possible without departing from the gist thereof. For example, a configuration in which double- sided tape 36 is provided on the top surface 14a of the sealing section 14 was described as a configuration for improving the adhesion of the sealing section 14 to the planar part 13c of the light controller 13, but a configuration for improving the adhesion of a sealing section to the rough surface of a lens is not limited thereto.

That is, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the adhesion of the sealing member 29 to the rough surface of the light controller 13 may be improved by using a material with high surface followability relative to the incidence surface 13a (rough surface) of the light controller 13, as the material for the sealing member 129 constituting the sealing section 1 14. Specifically, the sealing member 129 may be made of foamed silicone. This enables the sealing section 1 14 to be made from a single material without providing a double-sided tape or other such adhesive layer. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the light controller 13 and the sealing section 214 may be formed as an integral member by making the lens member 28 itself from an elastic material.

The sealing section need not be disposed between the light controller and the substrate. For example, as seen from the direction of the optical axis, the sealing section may be disposed on the outer circumferential side of the light controller so as not to overlap with the light controller, and may be disposed so as to only overlap with the flange part. In this case, the flange part must be of an adequate size for disposing the sealing section, and is formed spanning the entire circumference of the light controller.

The shape of the lens member is not particularly limited, and all sorts of configurations may be employed. For example, in the embodiment described above, the back surfaces of the flange parts 27A, 27B are disposed more toward the substrate 12 side that the planar part 13c, which is the incidence surface of the light controller, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the bottom surface of the flange part and the incidence surface of the light controller may be on the same plane, and the bottom surface of the flange part may be disposed in a location that is separate from the substrate more than the incidence surface of the light controller. Also, the torus may be omitted, and the flange part may be provided directly on the light controller.

Also, a groove and/or guide part for positioning the sealing section may be provided in the substrate, the flange part, or the light controller. However, when the groove and/or guide part is provided in the light controller, the location and size must not affect the optical properties.

The pressing structure is not limited to a structure that uses screws as in the embodiment. Pressing may be done using a sliding structure that firmly clamps and affixes the cover member and the substrate with adhesion or welding under residual pressing force. The flange part of the lens member may be enlarged, and the substrate may be directly screw-tightened to the flange part.

Although not included in the present invention, a structure in which an adhesive material is applied in a ring shape around the light emitting element in place of the sealing section of the present invention, and seals the space around the light emitting element by affixing the lens member to the substrate using the tubular adhesive material can be included as a reference aspect. EXAMPLES

A light emitting element module according to one aspect of the present invention will be described in detail below on the basis of examples, but the configuration of the light emitting element module is not limited to the below-described examples.

Waterproofing Properties

A plurality (Examples 1 to 3) of light emitting element modules, for which the conditions regarding the Shore A hardness of the sealing member and the presence or absence of double-sided tape provided on the sealing member changed, were prepared, and respectively subjected to waterproof tests and evaluated. As shown in FIG. 7A, a light emitting element module according to an Example 4 in which the sealing member was made of foamed silicone was also prepared and evaluated. The waterproof tests were designed to determine whether or not water seeped in when the light emitting element module was immersed in water at a depth of one meter for either 60 minutes or 24 hours. The presence or absence of water seepage was confirmed by observing the inside of the lens under a microscope. The structures of Examples 1 to 3 are the same as the examples illustrated in FIG. 1 and the like with the exception of the sealing member construct.

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the light emitting element modules according to Example 1 featured a sealing member with a Shore A hardness of 70, and were not provided with double - sided tape. The light emitting element modules according to Example 2 featured a sealing member with a Shore A hardness of 50, and were not provided with double-sided tape. The light emitting element modules according to Example 3 featured a sealing member with a Shore A hardness of 50, and were provided with double-sided tape (DIC #8625). The light emitting element modules according to Example 4 featured a sealing member made from a light emitting silicone

(manufactured by Sunpolymer Corporation). Furthermore, in each example, the same filling material was used in the light emitting element, the lens member, the cover member, and the potting part.

The results of the waterproof tests for Examples 1 to 3 above, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, showed that all the samples for each of the examples passed with no water seepage under the 60- minute test condition. All the samples for Example 3 also passed with no water seepage under the 24-hour test condition. Based on the above, it was determined that providing the sealing member with double-sided tape further improved waterproofing performance. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 9, in Example 4, which used a sealing member made from foamed silicone, all the samples passed with no water seepage under both the 60-minute and 24-hour test conditions.

Optical Characteristics

A light emitting element module with the sealing member omitted was prepared as a comparative example relative to Example 3, and the relationship between the orientation angle and light intensity was measured for the light emitting element module according to the comparative example and the light emitting element module according to Example 3. Orientation angle indicates an angle relative to the optical axis RL, and is the angle indicated by a in FIG. 6. The results, as shown in FIG. 10, make clear that when the optical properties of Example 3 (graph indicated by solid line) are compared to the optical properties of the comparative example (graph indicated by broken line), substantially equivalent optical properties as those of the comparative example in which a sealing member is not disposed are achieved even when the incidence surface of the light controller comes in contact with the sealing member as in Example 3. Referring to the graph of Example 3, a point where the light intensity partially intensifies as indicated by the two- dot chain lines in FIG. 10 (in this case, where ring-shaped irregularities can appear in the emitted light) is not found, and the fact that good optical properties are achieved is confirmed.