JP2022144102A - Vehicular lighting fixture - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture which radiates light from a light source capable of forming a high-beam light distribution pattern as a continuous pattern toward the front of the lighting fixture via a projection lens.SOLUTION: In a lighting fixture unit 20, a plurality of second light emitting elements 40 for additionally lighting at high-beam irradiation time is arranged in a state of being in parallel with each other in the left-to-right direction, and they are arranged in a state where light emitting surfaces 40a are facing a projection lens. Then, the second light emitting elements 40 positioned on both end parts in the left-to-right direction with respect to the second light emitting element 40 positioned in the central part in the left-to-light direction are arranged in a state of being displaced upward. Thereby, an additional light distribution pattern formed additionally at the time of high-beam irradiation is formed as a light distribution pattern in which an isophotal contour at a lower end part extends substantially along an isophotal contour in the vicinity of a cutoff line of the low-beam light distribution pattern, and the low-beam light distribution pattern and the additional light distribution pattern are smoothly connected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp having a projection lens.

Conventionally, as a structure of a vehicle lamp, a low beam light distribution pattern and a high beam light distribution pattern are selectively formed by irradiating light from a plurality of light emitting elements toward the front of the lamp through a projection lens. Some are known to be configured to be able to

In FIG. 8 of "Patent Document 1", a configuration of such a vehicle lamp is provided with a plurality of first light emitting elements that are lit during low beam irradiation and a plurality of second light emitting elements that are additionally lit during high beam irradiation. things are described. At that time, the plurality of first light emitting elements are arranged in a horizontal direction, and the plurality of second light emitting elements are arranged in a horizontal direction at a position spaced downward from the plurality of first light emitting elements. It is

In addition, in the vehicle lamp described in "Patent Document 1", part of the light emitted from the plurality of first light emitting elements is blocked between the plurality of first light emitting elements and the plurality of second light emitting elements. Then, a shade for forming a cut-off line of the low-beam light distribution pattern is arranged.

In the vehicular lamp described in "Patent Document 1," a low-beam light distribution pattern is formed by lighting a plurality of first light-emitting elements, and a low-beam distribution pattern is formed by additionally lighting a plurality of second light-emitting elements. An additional light distribution pattern is additionally formed above the cutoff line of the light pattern, thereby forming a high beam light distribution pattern.

JP 2019-207774 A

The cut-off line of the low-beam light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the vehicle lamp described in the above-mentioned "Patent Document 1" has sharpness at both ends in the left-right direction compared to the central part in the left-right direction. The additional light distribution pattern is also formed in a state in which the brightness at both ends in the left-right direction is lower than that in the central portion in the left-right direction.

For this reason, the high-beam light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the vehicle lamp described in "Patent Document 1" has a low-beam light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution pattern at the center in the horizontal direction. are formed continuously, but at both ends in the horizontal direction, a gap is likely to be formed between the low beam light distribution pattern and the additional light distribution pattern. Continuity is lost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. is provided as a continuous light distribution pattern.

The present invention is intended to achieve the above object by devising the arrangement of the plurality of second light emitting elements that are additionally lit when the high beam is irradiated.

That is, the vehicle lamp according to the present invention is
A light source and a projection lens are provided, and the light from the light source is irradiated toward the front of the lamp through the projection lens, thereby selectively forming a light distribution pattern for low beam and a light distribution pattern for high beam. In the vehicle lamp configured to
The light source includes a plurality of first light emitting elements that are lit during low beam irradiation and a plurality of second light emitting elements that are additionally lit during high beam irradiation,
The plurality of first light emitting elements are arranged in a row in the left-right direction,
The plurality of second light emitting elements are arranged in a horizontal direction at a position spaced downward from the plurality of first light emitting elements,
For forming a cut-off line of a low-beam light distribution pattern between the plurality of first light emitting elements and the plurality of second light emitting elements by shielding part of the light emitted from the plurality of first light emitting elements. The shade of is placed,
The plurality of second light-emitting elements are arranged with their light-emitting surfaces facing the projection lens, and are positioned at both ends in the left-right direction with respect to the second light-emitting element positioned at the center in the left-right direction. It is characterized in that the second light emitting element is arranged in an upwardly displaced state.

The number of the "plurality of first light emitting elements" is not particularly limited as long as they are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

The number of the "plurality of second light emitting elements" is not particularly limited as long as they are arranged in a horizontal direction at a position spaced downward from the plurality of first light emitting elements. and the second light emitting elements positioned at both ends in the left-right direction are displaced upward with respect to the second light-emitting element positioned at the center in the left-right direction. The specific arrangement is not particularly limited as long as it is arranged in a state.

A vehicle lamp according to the present invention is configured to emit light from a light source through a projection lens toward the front of the lamp. and a plurality of second light emitting elements that are additionally lit at times, the plurality of first light emitting elements are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and the plurality of second light emitting elements are arranged in a plurality of first light emitting elements. They are arranged side by side in the left-right direction at a position spaced downward from the elements, and furthermore, a shade is arranged between the two to block part of the light emitted from the plurality of first light-emitting elements. A low beam light distribution pattern can be formed by lighting the plurality of first light emitting elements, and a high beam light distribution pattern can be formed by additionally lighting the plurality of second light emitting elements.

At this time, the plurality of second light-emitting elements are arranged with their light-emitting surfaces facing the projection lens, but are positioned at both ends in the left-right direction with respect to the second light-emitting element positioned at the center in the left-right direction. Since the second light emitting element is arranged in a state of being displaced upward, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, the cutoff line of the low-beam light distribution pattern formed by the lighting of the plurality of first light-emitting elements has lower sharpness at both ends in the left-right direction than at the central portion in the left-right direction. The isoluminous curve of (1) extends from the central portion in the left-right direction to both ends while curving downward.

On the other hand, the additional light distribution pattern formed above the cutoff line of the low-beam light distribution pattern by the additional lighting of the plurality of second light emitting elements has brightness at both ends in the horizontal direction compared to the central portion in the horizontal direction. The plurality of second light emitting elements are formed such that the second light emitting elements positioned at both ends in the left and right direction are displaced upward with respect to the second light emitting element positioned at the center in the left and right direction. Therefore, the isoluminous curve at the lower end of the additional light distribution pattern can extend with both ends in the horizontal direction displaced downward relative to the central portion in the horizontal direction. can.

Therefore, the additional light distribution pattern can be formed as a light distribution pattern in which the isoluminous curve at the lower end of the additional light distribution pattern extends substantially along the isoluminous curve near the cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern. It is possible to prevent a gap from being formed between the light pattern and the additional light distribution pattern. Therefore, the high-beam light distribution pattern can be formed as a continuous light distribution pattern.

As described above, according to the present invention, in a vehicle lamp configured to irradiate light from a light source toward the front of the lamp via a projection lens, the high beam light distribution pattern is formed as a continuous light distribution pattern. can do.

In the above configuration, if the plurality of second light emitting elements are arranged so as to be gradually displaced upward from the central portion in the left-right direction toward both end portions, the lower end portion of the additional light distribution pattern, etc. The light curve extends from the central portion in the left-right direction to both ends while curving downward. Therefore, the degree of matching between the isoluminous intensity curve of the low-beam light distribution pattern and the isoluminous intensity curve of the additional light distribution pattern can be increased, so that the low-beam light distribution pattern and the additional light distribution pattern are smoothly connected. can do. Therefore, the high-beam light distribution pattern can be formed as a light distribution pattern with little light distribution unevenness.

In the above configuration, the plurality of first and second light emitting elements are further mounted on a common substrate, and the substrate is arranged in a rearwardly inclined state with respect to a vertical plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the lamp. With such a configuration, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, since a plurality of first and second light emitting elements are mounted on a common substrate, it is possible to easily ensure the accuracy of the positional relationship between the two, thereby increasing the accuracy of light distribution control. Moreover, the number of parts of the vehicle lamp can be reduced.

In addition, since the substrate is arranged in a state tilted backward with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the lamp, the plurality of second light-emitting elements are located on the rear side of the lamp (that is, the projection lens) relative to the plurality of first light-emitting elements. Since the low beam light distribution pattern can be easily formed as a relatively large light distribution pattern, the additional light distribution pattern can be easily formed. It is possible to easily form a relatively small and bright light distribution pattern. Accordingly, the high-beam light distribution pattern can have excellent long-distance visibility.

The above configuration further includes a reflector that reflects the light from the light source toward the projection lens, and the reflector reflects the light emitted from the plurality of first light emitting elements toward the projection lens. If the configuration includes the first reflector and the second reflector that reflects the light emitted from the plurality of second light emitting elements toward the projection lens, the light emitted from the plurality of first and second light emitting elements is projected. The light can be efficiently incident on the lens, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in arranging the plurality of first and second light emitting elements.

In this case, if the first and second reflectors are integrally formed, the accuracy of light distribution control can be improved, and the number of parts of the vehicle lamp can be reduced.

In this case, if the shade is integrally formed with the reflector, the accuracy of light distribution control can be further improved, and the number of parts of the vehicle lamp can be further reduced.

In the above configuration, if the configuration of the plurality of second light emitting elements further includes a configuration in which at least some of the second light emitting elements can be selectively turned on, the light distribution pattern intermediate between the high beam light distribution pattern and the low beam light distribution pattern As a typical light distribution pattern, it is possible to form a light distribution pattern that can ensure the forward visibility of the driver of the vehicle without giving glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention; View from the direction of arrow II in Fig. 1 III-III line sectional view of FIG. A diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the vehicle lamp. A view similar to FIG. 4 for explaining the action of the above embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing a first modification of the above embodiment; FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing a second variant of the above embodiment; A view similar to FIG. 3 showing the second modification A view similar to FIG. 4 showing the action of the second modification

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a vehicle lamp 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a view taken in the direction of arrow II in FIG. 1. FIG.

In these figures, the direction indicated by X is the "front of the lamp", the direction indicated by Y is the "left direction" ("right direction" when viewed from the front of the lamp) orthogonal to the "front of the lamp", and the direction indicated by Z. is the "upward direction". The same applies to figures other than these.

The vehicle lamp 10 is a headlamp provided at the front end of a vehicle, and has a configuration in which a lamp unit 20 is accommodated in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 12 and a translucent cover 14 .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III--III in FIG.

As also shown in FIG. 3, the lamp unit 20 is a so-called projector-type lamp unit, and includes a plurality of first and second light emitting elements 30 and 40 as light sources, and first and second reflectors 32 and 42. , and a projection lens 50, and are configured to selectively form a low-beam light distribution pattern and a high-beam light distribution pattern with the irradiated light.

Specifically, the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 are configured to be lit during low beam irradiation, and the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are configured to be additionally lit during high beam irradiation.

The lamp unit 20 directs the direct light from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 and the light emitted from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 and reflected by the first reflector 32 through the projection lens 50 toward the front of the lamp. Direct light from the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 and light emitted from the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 and reflected by the second reflector 42 An additional light distribution pattern is formed by projecting the light toward the front of the lamp through the projection lens 50 . The high-beam light distribution pattern is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of the additional light distribution pattern and the low-beam light distribution pattern.

In FIG. 3, the optical path of light emitted from the first light emitting element 30 is indicated by a solid line, and the optical path of light emitted from the second light emitting element 40 is indicated by a broken line.

Next, a specific configuration of the lamp unit 20 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, the projection lens 50 is a plano-convex aspherical lens having a convex curved front surface, and has an optical axis Ax extending in the longitudinal direction of the lamp. The projection lens 50 projects the light source image formed on the rear focal plane, which is the focal plane including the rear focal point F, as an inverted image onto a virtual vertical screen in front of the lamp (that is, in front of the vehicle). ing.

The projection lens 50 is supported at its outer peripheral portion by a lens holder 52 , and this lens holder 52 is supported by a heat sink 54 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction at positions spaced downward from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 .

The plurality of first light emitting elements 30 are composed of 11 white light emitting diodes having rectangular (specifically, square) light emitting surfaces 30a, and are arranged at small intervals from each other. On the other hand, the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are composed of nine white light emitting diodes each having a rectangular light emitting surface 40a (specifically, a square having the same size as the light emitting surface 30a), and are separated from each other by a small distance. are placed at

A plurality of first and second light-emitting elements 30 and 40 are mounted on a common substrate 56 , and this substrate 56 is supported by a heat sink 54 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the substrate 56 is arranged in a state tilted backward with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the optical axis Ax. At that time, the backward inclination angle of the substrate 56 with respect to the vertical plane is set to a value of 10 to 20 degrees (for example, about 15 degrees). As a result, the plurality of first and second light-emitting elements 30 and 40 have their light-emitting surfaces 30a and 40a directed upward by 10 to 20° (for example, about 15°) with respect to the front direction of the lamp (that is, the projection lens). 50).

As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 are arranged on the same horizontal line. On the other hand, the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are arranged such that the second light emitting elements 40 positioned at both ends in the left and right direction are displaced upward with respect to the second light emitting element 40 positioned at the central part in the left and right direction. there is Specifically, the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are arranged so as to be positioned on the same arc while being gradually displaced upward from the central portion in the left-right direction toward both ends.

The first and second reflectors 32 and 42 are arranged on the board 56 on the front side of the lamp. These first and second reflectors 32 and 42 are integrally formed and supported by heat sinks 54 at both left and right ends thereof.

The first reflector 32 has a reflecting surface 32a formed to surround the plurality of first light emitting elements 30. The light emitted from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 is directed to the projection lens 50 on this reflecting surface 32a. It is configured to be directed and reflected.

The second reflector 42 has a reflecting surface 42a formed so as to surround the plurality of second light emitting elements 40. The light emitted from the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 is directed to the projection lens 50 on this reflecting surface 42a. It is configured to be directed and reflected.

A reflecting surface 32a of the first reflector 32 is formed with an opening 32b that surrounds the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 in the vicinity of the outer periphery thereof. The opening 32b is formed to extend in a horizontally long rectangular shape along the arrangement of the plurality of first light emitting elements 30. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, the reflective surface 42a of the second reflector 42 is formed with a laterally long opening 42b surrounding the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 in the vicinity of the outer periphery thereof. The opening 42b is formed so as to extend in a substantially oblong rectangular shape while curving slightly downward along the arrangement of the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 .

Between the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 and the plurality of second light emitting elements 40, the light emitted from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 reflected by the first reflector 32 and the direct light from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 A shade 60 is arranged to block part of the light and form a cut-off line for the low-beam light distribution pattern.

The shade 60 is integrally formed with the first and second reflectors 32,42. In other words, the shade 60 is formed such that the connecting portion of the first and second reflectors 32 and 42 is formed to have a wedge-shaped vertical cross-section extending forward of the lamp.

A front edge 60a of the shade 60 is formed so as to extend in the left-right direction along a vertical plane perpendicular to the optical axis Ax at the position of the rear focal point F of the projection lens 50 in a staggered manner. Specifically, the front edge 60a extends in the horizontal direction at a position slightly above the optical axis Ax at the left side of the optical axis Ax (the right side when viewed from the front of the lamp). A portion on the right side of Ax extends horizontally at a position slightly below the optical axis Ax, and its right end portion extends obliquely in an upper left direction and is connected to a portion on the left side of the optical axis Ax. .

FIG. 4 is a view perspectively showing a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen arranged at a position 25 m in front of the vehicle by light emitted forward from the lamp unit 20 of the vehicle lamp 10. FIG. is. At that time, FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a low beam light distribution pattern PL, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern PH.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the low-beam light distribution pattern PL is a left-handed low-beam light distribution pattern, and has cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 that are uneven on the left and right sides at the upper edge thereof. The cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 extend in the horizontal direction on the left and right sides of the line VV, which passes vertically through the vanishing point HV in the front direction of the lamp. The opposite lane side portion is formed as a lower cutoff line CL1, and the own lane side portion on the left side of the VV line is formed as an upper cutoff line CL2 rising from the lower cutoff line CL1 via an inclined portion. formed.

In the low-beam light distribution pattern PL, the elbow point E, which is the intersection of the lower cutoff line CL1 and the line VV, is positioned below HV by about 0.5 to 0.6°. The high luminous intensity region HZL of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL is formed as a horizontally long region surrounding the elbow point E. As shown in FIG.

As described above, the low beam light distribution pattern PL is formed by the direct light from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 and the reflected light from the first reflector 32. At this time, the left and right cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 are shades. A reversed projection image of the front edge 60a of 60 is formed, and the sharpness of this reversed projection image decreases with increasing distance from the central position in the left-right direction to both left and right sides.

For this reason, the isoluminous curves near the cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 do not extend horizontally in the left-right direction as indicated by the cut-off lines CL1о and CL2о indicated by broken lines in the figure, but rather It curves and extends so as to hang down toward the lower side.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is formed as a light distribution pattern in which an additional light distribution pattern PA is added to the low-beam light distribution pattern PL.

As described above, the additional light distribution pattern PA is formed by the direct light from the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 and the light emitted from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 and reflected by the first reflector 32. The lower edge of the additional light distribution pattern PA is formed so as to bend and extend downward along the cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 from the central portion in the left-right direction toward both end portions.

Thus, the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is formed as a continuous light distribution pattern in which the low-beam light distribution pattern PL and the additional light distribution pattern PA are integrated. The high-luminance region HZH of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is formed as a horizontally long region surrounding HV.

FIG. 5 shows a light distribution pattern formed when the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are arranged on the same horizontal line as the plurality of first light emitting elements 30, similar to FIG. is a diagram.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), the additional light distribution pattern PAо formed when the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are arranged on the same horizontal line has lower edges A1о and A2о whose shapes are left and right. It curves and extends so as to be gradually displaced upward from the central portion of the direction toward both ends.

For this reason, the high-beam light distribution pattern PHо has the low-beam light distribution pattern PL and the additional light distribution pattern PAо continuously formed at the center in the left-right direction. A substantially wedge-shaped gap G is formed between the high-beam light distribution pattern PL and the additional light distribution pattern PAо, thereby impairing the continuity of the high-beam light distribution pattern PHо.

The reason why the lower edges A1' and A2' of the additional light distribution pattern PA' are curved and extend is that if the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are arranged on the same horizontal line, the additional light distribution pattern PA' The brightness of PA® gradually decreases from the center in the horizontal direction to both ends, and the isoluminous curve at the lower end gradually shifts upward from the center in the horizontal direction to both ends. is.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are arranged so as to be gradually displaced upward from the central portion in the left-right direction toward both end portions, two light emitting elements 40 are shown in FIG. As indicated by the dotted chain line, the additional light distribution pattern PA is formed in a state in which it is gradually displaced downward from the center portion in the left-right direction to both end portions with respect to the additional light distribution pattern PA®. Along with this, the isoluminous curve at the lower end of the additional light distribution pattern PA also gradually displaces downward from the center in the left-right direction toward both ends, and thereby eliminates the gap G and is used for the high beam. Continuity as the light distribution pattern PH? is ensured.

Next, the effect of this embodiment is demonstrated.

The lamp unit 20 of the vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment includes, as its light source, a plurality of first light emitting elements 30 which are lit during low beam irradiation and a plurality of second light emitting elements 40 which are additionally lit during high beam irradiation. , the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 are arranged in a horizontal direction, and the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are arranged in a horizontal direction at a position spaced downward from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30. Further, a shade 50 is arranged between the two to block part of the light emitted from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30, so that when the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 are turned on, A low-beam light distribution pattern PL can be formed, and a high-beam light distribution pattern PH can be formed by additionally lighting the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 .

At that time, the plurality of second light-emitting elements 40 are arranged with their light-emitting surfaces 40a facing the projection lens 50. Since the second light emitting elements 40 located at both ends are arranged in a state of being displaced upward, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, the cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL formed by the lighting of the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 have lower sharpness at both ends in the left-right direction than at the central portion in the left-right direction. Therefore, the isoluminous curves near the cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 curve downward from the center in the left-right direction to both ends.

On the other hand, the additional light distribution pattern PA formed above the cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL by the additional lighting of the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 is laterally located relative to the central portion in the lateral direction. The plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are positioned at both ends in the left and right direction with respect to the second light emitting element 40 positioned at the center in the left and right direction. Since the second light emitting element 40 is arranged in a state of being displaced upward, the isoluminous curve at the lower end of the additional light distribution pattern PA is positioned downward at both ends in the horizontal direction as compared to the central portion in the horizontal direction. It may extend in a displaced state.

Therefore, the additional light distribution pattern PA can be formed as a light distribution pattern in which the isoluminous curve at the lower end portion extends substantially along the isoluminous curve near the cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL, Thereby, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed between the low-beam light distribution pattern PL and the additional light distribution pattern PA. Therefore, the high-beam light distribution pattern PH can be formed as a continuous light distribution pattern.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the light from the plurality of first and second light emitting elements 30 and 40 as light sources is emitted through the projection lens 50 toward the front of the lamp. In the lamp 10, the high-beam light distribution pattern PH can be formed as a continuous light distribution pattern.

In particular, in this embodiment, since the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are arranged in a state in which they are gradually displaced upward from the central portion in the left-right direction toward both end portions, the lower end portion of the additional light distribution pattern PA, etc. The light curve extends from the central portion in the left-right direction to both ends while curving downward. Therefore, the degree of coincidence between the isoluminous intensity curve of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL and the isoluminous intensity curve of the additional light distribution pattern PA can be increased, so that the low-beam light distribution pattern PL and the additional light distribution pattern PA are smooth. can be connected to Therefore, the high-beam light distribution pattern PH can be formed as a light distribution pattern with little light distribution unevenness.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the plurality of first and second light emitting elements 30 and 40 are mounted on a common substrate 56, and this substrate 56 is tilted backward with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lamp. Since it is arranged in the state, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, by mounting the plurality of first and second light emitting elements 30 and 40 on the common substrate 56, it is possible to easily ensure the accuracy of the positional relationship between the two, thereby improving the accuracy of light distribution control. In addition, the number of parts of the vehicle lamp 10 can be reduced.

In addition, since the substrate 56 is arranged in a state tilted backward with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the lamp, the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are located on the rear side of the lamp (ie, on the rear side of the lamp) relative to the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 Since the low-beam light distribution pattern PL can be easily formed as a relatively large light distribution pattern, it is possible to form the low-beam light distribution pattern PL as a relatively large light distribution pattern. , it becomes possible to easily form the additional light distribution pattern PA as a relatively small and bright light distribution pattern. Accordingly, the high-beam light distribution pattern PH can be made excellent in long-distance visibility.

Furthermore, since the lamp unit 20 of this embodiment includes the first and second reflectors 32 and 42 that reflect the light emitted from the plurality of first and second light emitting elements 30 and 40 toward the projection lens 50, , the light emitted from the plurality of first and second light emitting elements 30, 40 can be efficiently incident on the projection lens 50, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in arranging the plurality of first and second light emitting elements 30, 40. be able to.

Moreover, since the first and second reflectors 32 and 42 are integrally formed, the accuracy of light distribution control can be improved and the number of parts of the vehicle lamp 10 can be reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the shade 60 is integrally formed with the first and second reflectors 32, 42, so that the accuracy of light distribution control can be further improved, and the number of parts of the vehicle lamp 10 can be reduced. can be further reduced.

In the above embodiment, the lamp unit 20 has been described as having 11 first light emitting elements 30 and 9 second light emitting elements 40, but the number of first and second light emitting elements other than this number may be different. A configuration with 30 and 40 is also possible.

In the above embodiment, the light-emitting surfaces 30a and 40a of the light-emitting elements 30 and 40 have been described as having a square outer shape. shape, etc.).

Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

First, a first modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing a lamp unit 120 of a vehicle lamp according to this modification.

As shown in FIG. 6, the basic configuration of the lamp unit 120 is the same as that of the lamp unit 20 of the above embodiment, but the arrangement of the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 is different from that of the above embodiment.

That is, in this modification, as the plurality of second light emitting elements 40, nine white light emitting diodes arranged in the horizontal direction at a position spaced downward from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 are provided. With the light emitting surface 40a directed toward the projection lens 50, the second light emitting element 40 positioned at both ends in the left and right direction with respect to the second light emitting element 40 positioned at the center in the left and right direction. It has a configuration in which the element 40 is arranged in a state of being displaced upward.

However, in this modification, the three second light emitting elements 40 located in the center in the left-right direction of the nine second light emitting elements 40 are arranged on the same horizontal line, and the six second light emitting elements 40 located on both left and right sides are arranged on the same horizontal line. The second light emitting element 40 is arranged on the same horizontal line while being translated upward with respect to them.

Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, the isoluminous curve at the lower end of the additional light distribution pattern extends substantially along the isoluminous curve near the cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. It can be formed as a pattern, thereby obtaining substantially the same effects as in the case of the above embodiment.

Next, the 2nd modification of the said embodiment is demonstrated.

7 and 8 are views similar to FIGS. 2 and 3, showing a lamp unit 220 of a vehicle lamp according to this modified example.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the basic configuration of the lamp unit 220 is the same as that of the lamp unit 20 of the above embodiment, but the configuration for controlling the light emitted from the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 is the above. It is different from the embodiment.

That is, the lamp unit 220 of this modified example does not include the second reflector 42 for reflecting the light emitted from the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 as in the case of the above-described embodiment. It is configured such that direct light from the element 40 is incident on the projection lens 50 .

Also in this modified example, the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction with a slight interval from each other. are arranged side by side in the left-right direction at a position spaced downward from the . In this case, the number of arranged first and second light emitting elements 30 and 40 and the configuration of each of them are the same as in the above embodiment.

In this modification, the multiple first light emitting elements 30 are mounted on the substrate 256 and the multiple second light emitting elements 40 are mounted on the substrate 258 . Substrates 256 and 258 are supported by heat sink 254 .

As with the substrate 56 of the above-described embodiment, the substrate 256 is arranged in a state tilted backward with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the optical axis Ax. It is arranged in a state of being oriented obliquely upward with respect to the front direction of the lamp.

On the other hand, the substrate 258 is arranged along a vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax, so that the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are arranged with their light emitting surfaces 40a directed toward the front of the lamp. . Accordingly, the incidence efficiency of the direct light from the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 to the projection lens 50 is increased.

The plurality of first light emitting elements 30 are arranged on the same horizontal line as in the above embodiment. On the other hand, the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are arranged at a position closer to the rear focal point F of the projection lens 50 than in the case of the above-described embodiment, from the central portion in the left-right direction toward both ends, as in the case of the above-described embodiment. They are arranged so as to be positioned on the same circular arc in a state of being gradually displaced upward.

The first reflector 232 of this modified example has a reflecting surface 232a and an opening 232b similar to those of the first reflector 32 of the above-described embodiment, and is supported by heat sinks 254 at both left and right ends thereof.

Also in this modified example, a shade 260 similar to the shade 60 of the above embodiment is arranged between the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 and the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 .

The shade 260 has a front edge 260a having the same shape as the front edge 60a of the shade 60 of the above embodiment. This shade 260 is integrally formed with the first reflector 232 .

The lamp unit 220 of this modified example has a configuration in which the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 can be individually lit.

That is, each of the nine second light emitting elements 40 is turned on and off by an electronic control unit (not shown) according to the driving conditions of the own vehicle. At this time, the running condition of the own vehicle can be grasped based on detected values such as steering angle data of the own vehicle, navigation data, image data of the road ahead.

FIG. 9 is a view perspectively showing a light distribution pattern formed on the virtual vertical screen by the light emitted from the lamp unit 220. As shown in FIG. At that time, FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing the high beam light distribution pattern PH-2, and FIG. 9(b) is an intermediate light distribution pattern PM- in which a part of the high beam light distribution pattern PH-2 is missing. 2 is a diagram showing FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the high-beam light distribution pattern PH-2 is formed as a light distribution pattern in which an additional light distribution pattern PB is added to the low-beam light distribution pattern PL.

The additional light distribution pattern PB is formed as a synthetic light distribution pattern of nine small light distribution patterns PBa formed by direct light from the nine second light emitting elements 40 . At that time, each small light distribution pattern PBa is a light distribution pattern formed as an inverted projected image of the light emitting surface 40 a of each second light emitting element 40 .

The nine second light emitting elements 40 are arranged slightly behind the lamp from the rear focal point F of the projection lens 50, with their light emitting surfaces 40a directed toward the front of the lamp, and spaced apart from each other. Therefore, each small light distribution pattern PBa is formed as a light distribution pattern having a substantially square outer shape, and the additional light distribution pattern PB is a light distribution pattern in which adjacent small light distribution patterns PBa slightly overlap each other. is formed as

The additional light distribution pattern PB has a light distribution pattern shape in which nine small light distribution patterns PBa are arranged in a state in which they are gradually displaced downward from the center in the left-right direction toward both ends. This is because the nine second light emitting elements 40 are arranged in a state of being gradually displaced upward from the central portion in the left-right direction toward both ends.

Each small light distribution pattern PBa has a light distribution pattern shape in which the lower end portion of the inverted projection image of the light emitting surface 40a of each second light emitting element 40 is cut off due to the light shielding action of the shade 260 . As a result, the additional light distribution pattern PB is formed such that its lower edges B1 and B2 extend along the cutoff lines CL1 and CL2, and is connected to the low beam light distribution pattern PL without a gap.

The intermediate light distribution pattern PM-2 shown in FIG. 9B is a light distribution pattern formed when some of the nine second light emitting elements 40 are turned off.

In FIG. 9B, the fourth small light distribution pattern PBa from the right among the nine small light distribution patterns PBa forming the additional light distribution pattern PB is turned off by turning off the fourth light emitting element 40 from the left. shows an intermediate light distribution pattern PM-2 in which is missing.

By forming such an intermediate light distribution pattern PM-2, the irradiation light from the lamp unit 220 is prevented from striking the oncoming vehicle 2, thereby preventing glare from being given to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 2. It is designed to irradiate the front traveling road as widely as possible.

As the position of the oncoming vehicle 2 changes, the second light emitting elements 40 to be turned off are sequentially switched to change the shape of the intermediate light distribution pattern PM-2. The system is designed to illuminate the road ahead as wide as possible without glaring the driver.

The existence of the oncoming vehicle 2 is detected by an in-vehicle camera or the like (not shown). If there is a vehicle in front on the road ahead or a pedestrian on the shoulder of the road, this is detected and a part of the small light distribution pattern PBa is omitted to give glare. It is designed so that it does not get lost.

Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, it is possible to prevent the formation of a gap between the low-beam light distribution pattern PL and the additional light distribution pattern PB. -2 can be formed as a continuous light distribution pattern.

In addition, in this modified example, since at least a part of the second light emitting elements 40 can be selectively turned on as the configuration of the nine second light emitting elements 40, the high beam light distribution pattern PH-2 It is possible to form an intermediate light distribution pattern PM-2 in which a part is missing, thereby ensuring forward visibility for the driver of the vehicle without giving glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle. Moreover, the intermediate light distribution pattern PM-2 can be formed as a continuous light distribution pattern in which the low beam light distribution pattern PL and the additional light distribution pattern PB are connected.

Also in the lamp unit 10 of the above-described embodiment, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which at least some of the second light emitting elements 40 can be selectively turned on as the configuration of the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 as in this modified example. It is possible.

Further, in the above-described embodiment and its modification, the emitted light from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 reflected by the first reflectors 32 and 232 together with the direct light from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 enters the projection lens 50. Although the description has been given assuming that the configuration is such that only the direct light from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 is incident on the projection lens 50, or the configuration in which only the direct light from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 is incident on the projection lens 50, or the configuration in which only the direct light from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 It is also possible to employ a configuration in which only the light emitted from the lens is incident on the projection lens 50 .

It should be noted that the numerical values shown as specifications in the above-described embodiment and its modification are merely examples, and it goes without saying that these values may be set to different values as appropriate.

Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications thereof, and configurations with various other modifications can be adopted.

2 oncoming vehicle 10 vehicle lamp 12 lamp body 14 translucent cover 20, 120, 220 lamp unit 30 first light emitting element (light source)
30a, 40a Light emitting surface 32, 232 First reflector 32a, 42a, 232a Reflecting surface 32b, 42b, 232b Opening 40 Second light emitting element (light source)
42 second reflector 50 projection lens 52 lens holder 54, 254 heat sink 56, 256, 258 substrate 60, 260 shade 60a, 260a front edge A1, A2, B1, B2 lower edge Ax optical axis CL1 lower cutoff line CL2 upper cutoff line E Elbow point F Back focus HZH, HZL High intensity area PA, PB Additional light distribution pattern PBa Small light distribution pattern PH, PH-2 Light distribution pattern for high beam PL Light distribution pattern for low beam PM-2 Intermediate light distribution pattern

A vehicle lamp according to the present invention is configured to emit light from a light source through a projection lens toward the front of the lamp. and a plurality of second light emitting elements that are additionally lit at times, the plurality of first light emitting elements are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and the plurality of second light emitting elements are arranged in a plurality of first light emitting elements. They are arranged side by side in the left-right direction at a position spaced downward from the elements, and furthermore, a shade is arranged between them for blocking part of the light emitted from the plurality of first light-emitting elements. A low beam light distribution pattern can be formed by lighting the plurality of first light emitting elements, and a high beam light distribution pattern can be formed by additionally lighting the plurality of second light emitting elements.

A front edge 60a of the shade 60 is formed so as to extend in the left-right direction along a vertical plane perpendicular to the optical axis Ax at the position of the rear focal point F of the projection lens 50 in a staggered manner. Specifically, the front edge 60a extends in the horizontal direction at a position slightly above the optical axis Ax at the left side of the optical axis Ax (the right side when viewed from the front of the lamp). A portion on the right side of Ax extends horizontally at a position slightly below the optical axis Ax, and its left end portion extends obliquely in an upper left direction, and is connected to a portion on the left side of the optical axis Ax. there is

As described above, the additional light distribution pattern PA is formed by direct light from the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 and light emitted from the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 and reflected by the second reflector 42 . The lower edge of the additional light distribution pattern PA is formed so as to bend and extend downward along the cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 from the central portion in the left-right direction toward both end portions.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are arranged so as to be gradually displaced upward from the central portion in the left-right direction toward both end portions, two light emitting elements 40 are shown in FIG. As indicated by the dotted chain line, the additional light distribution pattern PA is formed in a state in which it is gradually displaced downward from the center portion in the left-right direction to both end portions with respect to the additional light distribution pattern PA®. Along with this, the isoluminous curve at the lower end of the additional light distribution pattern PA also gradually displaces downward from the center in the left-right direction toward both ends, and thereby eliminates the gap G and is used for the high beam. Continuity as the light distribution pattern PH is ensured.

The lamp unit 20 of the vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment includes, as its light source, a plurality of first light emitting elements 30 which are lit during low beam irradiation and a plurality of second light emitting elements 40 which are additionally lit during high beam irradiation. , the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 are arranged in a horizontal direction, and the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 are arranged in a horizontal direction at a position spaced downward from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30. Further, a shade 50 is arranged between the two for blocking part of the light emitted from the plurality of first light emitting elements 30, so that when the plurality of first light emitting elements 30 are turned on, A low-beam light distribution pattern PL can be formed, and a high-beam light distribution pattern PH can be formed by additionally lighting the plurality of second light emitting elements 40 .

Claims (7)

A light source and a projection lens are provided, and the light from the light source is irradiated toward the front of the lamp through the projection lens, thereby selectively forming a light distribution pattern for low beam and a light distribution pattern for high beam. In the vehicle lamp configured to
As the light source, a plurality of first light emitting elements that light up when irradiating a low beam and a plurality of second light emitting elements that additionally light up when irradiating a high beam are provided,
The plurality of first light emitting elements are arranged in a row in the left-right direction,
The plurality of second light emitting elements are arranged in a horizontal direction at a position spaced downward from the plurality of first light emitting elements,
For forming a cut-off line of a low-beam light distribution pattern between the plurality of first light emitting elements and the plurality of second light emitting elements by shielding part of the light emitted from the plurality of first light emitting elements. The shade of is placed,
The plurality of second light-emitting elements are arranged with their light-emitting surfaces facing the projection lens, and are positioned at both ends in the left-right direction with respect to the second light-emitting element positioned at the center in the left-right direction. A vehicular lamp, wherein the second light emitting element is arranged in an upwardly displaced state. 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of second light emitting elements are arranged in a state in which they are gradually displaced upward from a center portion in the left-right direction toward both end portions. The plurality of first and second light emitting elements are mounted on a common substrate,
3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein said substrate is arranged in a rearwardly inclined state with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lamp. A reflector is provided for reflecting light from the light source toward the projection lens,
As the reflectors, a first reflector that reflects light emitted from the plurality of first light emitting elements toward the projection lens, and a second reflector that reflects light emitted from the plurality of second light emitting elements toward the projection lens. 4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, further comprising two reflectors. 5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein said first and second reflectors are integrally formed. 6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 5, wherein said shade is formed integrally with said reflector. 7. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of second light emitting elements are configured so that at least some of the second light emitting elements can be selectively turned on.

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