JP2000003603A - Lamp - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve availability for an automobile, etc., which requires many lamps by being free from a limit of the number of distributions such as four distributions at maximum even in a structure in which one light source distributes light. SOLUTION: A lamp is provided with a reflection surface of a petal shape 3 which is formed by radially combining a plurality of reflection units 3a of an oval shape, an incidence end 4a of an optical fiber 4 which is arranged so as to correspond to a second focus F2 of the reflection unit 3a, and means for forming light distribution characteristics 5 which is formed at a projection end 4b of the optical fiber 4. The number of combination can be selected from four to ten by slightly changing a composition of the reflection units 3a and the lamp can respond to the required number of distributions.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lamp used for a vehicle or the like.
The present invention relates to a lamp provided with an optical distributor and an optical fiber for the purpose of using one light source as a light source for a plurality of lamps.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an example of the structure of a conventional lamp of this type, two elliptical reflecting surfaces having a light source disposed at a first focal point and an incident end of an optical fiber disposed at a second focal point are centered on the light source. One adopting a distributor (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-301806) facing each other as described above, and one using a distributor (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-186822) in which four light sources face each other. Alternatively, there is a device that employs a distributor in which two devices are connected back to back (JP-A-6-44803).

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional device, in which the distributor has two elliptical reflecting surfaces opposed to each other, the convergence angle of the elliptical reflecting surface with respect to the opening angle of the incident end of the optical fiber. Is too large, and as a result, all of the light reaching the incident end cannot be introduced into the optical fiber, causing a problem that the efficiency of the lamp as a whole decreases.

[0004] In any of the distributors, the number of light outlets by optical fibers is four or less. For example, lamps such as headlamps, tail lamps, and stop lamps used in automobiles, dashboard lighting, There is also a problem that the number of distributions is not sufficient to be used for distributing light to a large number of lighting devices such as room lighting.

[0005]

According to the present invention, as a specific means for solving the above-mentioned conventional problems, a first focal point is disposed on a central axis of a bulb and near a light source, and the first focal point is provided. A second focal point is arranged on a line appropriately inclined from the bulb central axis passing through to form a spheroid, and the side on which the reflection surface appears when the lamp is viewed from the front is centered on the bulb central axis. Radially cut out in the range of 15 ° to 60 ° to form one reflective surface unit, and combine 4 to 10 reflective surface units radially with respect to the valve center axis to form a petal-like reflective surface, One end of an optical fiber is disposed at the position of the second focal point of each reflection surface unit of the reflection surface as an incident end, and an emission end which is the other end of the optical fiber is radiated from the emission end. Appropriate for the light It is an object of the present invention to solve the problem by providing a lamp characterized in that light distribution characteristic forming means for providing light distribution characteristics are provided in each of the lamps.

[0006]

Next, the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. 1 and FIG.
Is a lamp according to the present invention.
One light source 2, a petal-shaped reflecting surface 3 formed by combining a plurality of reflecting surface units 3a, and the reflecting surface units 3a provided in proportion to the number of the reflecting surface units 3a.
An optical fiber 4 for introducing light from the optical fiber 4 and a light distribution characteristic forming means 5 for giving appropriate light distribution characteristics to light emitted from the optical fiber 4.

In this embodiment, a light source 2 having one light source 2b in a bulb 2a, such as a metal halide lamp, is employed. As described above, the petal-shaped reflecting surface 3 is a combination of a plurality of reflecting surface units 3a, and the reflecting surface unit 3a is based on a central axis X of the bulb 2a (hereinafter, a valve central axis X). Is set.

At this time, since the light source 2b exists on the central axis X of the bulb, the position of the light source 2b is set as the first focal point F1. Then, assuming a long axis Y passing through the first focus F1 and appropriately tilting from the valve center axis X, a second focus F2 is set on this long axis Y,
An appropriate ellipse having the first focal point F1 and the second focal point F2 as focal points is assumed, and the ellipse is rotated about the major axis Y to set a spheroid RO1. Therefore, the obtained spheroid RO1 has a major axis coincident with the major axis Y.

When the spheroid RO1 is viewed from the front of the lamp 1, the intersection point with the bulb center axis X is set as a vertex and the left and right sides are symmetrical with respect to the long axis Y.
If it cuts out in the range of 5 ° to 60 °, one reflection surface unit 3
a is obtained. When the above-mentioned cutting is performed, there is also a portion that is turned forward of the light source 2 from the spheroid RO1, but the inner surface of the spheroid RO1 is used as the reflection surface. In the case of the embodiment, a position where the reflection surface appears when viewed from the front of the lamp 1 is adopted.

A plurality of surfaces (4 to 10 in this embodiment) of the reflection surface unit 3a formed in this way are radially combined to form the petal-like reflection surface 3, and in addition, each of the reflection surface units 3a is formed. One end of the optical fiber 4 is provided at the second focal point F2 of the reflection surface unit 3a and is set as an incident end 4a. Therefore, the other end of the optical fiber 4 becomes the emission end 4b.

When the incident end 4a of the optical fiber 4 is set at the second focal point F2, since the reflecting surface unit 3a does not have a shape surrounding the long axis Y, the long axis Y is not necessarily focused. The direction in which the light intensity is high does not match.
Therefore, in the present invention, the incident end 4a of the optical fiber 4
Is not along the long axis Y, but coincides with the direction in which the luminous intensity of the reflected light once focused on the second focal point F2 is high.

In the present invention, a light distribution characteristic forming means 5 is provided at the emission end 4b. As the light distribution characteristic formation means 5, the emission end 4b has a predetermined radiation angle (for example, 60 °). Can be regarded as a point light source having
These are used in this type of lamp, such as an aspherical lens 51 having b as a substantially focal point position, a parabolic reflector 52a having a light emitting end 4b as a substantially focal point position, and a lens 52b having a lens cut. Various means are selectable.

That is, when the aspherical lens 51 is employed, a shade 51a for forming a light distribution characteristic shape in combination with the aspherical lens 51 can be provided. It is also possible to provide a Fresnel lens 52c having a focal point at the emission end 4b instead of the reflection mirror 52a, and to make the light from the emission end 4b incident on the lens 52b as a parallel ray similarly to the parabolic reflection mirror 52a. Although not shown, it is also possible to directly enter the lens 52b to further diffuse the light from the emission end 4b for purposes such as vehicle interior lighting.

In the present invention, when the light use efficiency is further improved with respect to the light source 2, as shown by a chain line in FIGS. A reflection surface 6 is provided. The center reflection surface 6 sets the position of the light emitting source 2b as the first focal point F1 and the second focal point F3 is also located on the valve center axis X, similarly to each of the reflection surface units 3a. It will be located in.

The first focus F1 and the second focus F3
The center reflection surface 6 is formed by removing an unnecessary portion such as a portion where light from the light source 2b traveling toward the reflection surface unit 3a from the spheroid RO2 is focused. Will be done.

At the second focal point F3 of the central reflecting surface 6, a central optical fiber 7 is arranged at the incident end 7a by the same means as in the case of the reflecting surface unit 3a.
The light distribution characteristic forming means 5 is provided at the emission end 7b of the central optical fiber 7 as in the case of the reflection surface unit 3a.

Here, considering the optical fiber 4 and the central optical fiber 7, a glass material and a plastic material are known as the optical fiber. Further, since a glass material is generally expensive, there is a high possibility that a plastic material will be used for this kind of lamp or the like.

However, when the optical fiber 4 (or the central optical fiber 7) is made of a plastic material, in the lamp 1 of the present invention, the incident end 4a of the optical fiber 4 is disposed at the second focal point F2 where the light from the light source 2b is focused. Therefore, it is expected that the temperature will become high, and there is a fear that heat damage may occur.

Therefore, in the present invention, when heat damage is expected such as when the plastic optical fiber 4 (or the central optical fiber 7) is employed, the incident end 4
a (radiation glass rod) or an infrared cut filter 8 (illustrated as an example of the infrared cut filter 8) is provided at a (incident end 7a), thereby preventing the optical fiber 4 and the central optical fiber 7 from being damaged by heat. It is to prevent.

As another means for achieving the same object, as shown in an enlarged view of a main part in FIG. 3, a resin as a material for forming each of the reflection surface units 3a and the central reflection surface 6 is used. , A transparent member such as glass, a reflective film unit 3a, and a reflective film 3b for providing a reflective function to the central reflective surface 6, and a reflective film 6a that transmits infrared light and reflects visible light. The use of a cold mirror is also effective, and the infrared cut filter 8 and the cold mirror can be used together.

Next, the lamp 1 of the present invention having the above-described structure.
The function and effect of the method will be described. By configuring the petal-shaped reflecting surface 3 by combining a plurality of reflecting surface units 3a according to the present invention, the number of combinations can be freely selected from 4 to 10 by changing the configuration of the reflecting surface unit 3a. Become. Therefore, in the present invention, the number of light distributions is free, and versatility is improved.

Further, in the conventional light distribution configuration, since the optical fiber is attached to the reflection surface, both the reflection surface and the optical fiber receive both the direct light from the light source and the converged light collected at the second focal point, and the temperature is high. Had become
In the present invention, the reflection surface unit 3a having the second focal point F2 is combined in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the petal-like reflection surface 3, so that heat is also distributed to each second focal point F2. The heat damage to the optical fiber 4 is reduced, and the two 3a and 4 can be made into resin.

The petal reflection surface 3 is a reflection surface unit 3
As a combination of a, the segmentation can be performed more than in the conventional example, so that the consistency between the emission angle when the light is once focused at the second focal point F2 and radiated again and the opening angle of the optical fiber 4 are improved, and as a result, the light source 2 can be improved in light use efficiency.

[0024]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of reflecting surface units each having an elliptic system are radially combined to form a petal-shaped reflecting surface, and the petal-shaped reflecting surface corresponds to the second focal point of each reflecting surface unit. First, the input end of the optical fiber is disposed, and a light distribution characteristic forming means surface is provided at the output end of the optical fiber. Thus, first, the number of combinations is four due to a change in the configuration of the reflection surface unit. The lamp can be freely selected from 10 to 10 and can be adapted to the required number of distributions, which is extremely effective in improving the versatility of this type of lamp.

Secondly, in the conventional light distribution configuration of this type of lamp, an optical fiber is attached to the reflection surface, so that both the reflection surface and the optical fiber can be used.
Both the direct light from the light source and the condensed light converging at the second focus reach and reach a high temperature, and vitrification and metallization are inevitable. By combining the reflection surface unit having a second focal point, heat is also distributed to each second focal point,
As a result, heat damage to the reflection surface unit and the optical fiber is reduced, so that the entire resin can be formed, and an extremely excellent effect of cost reduction can be obtained.

Thirdly, since the petal-like reflecting surface is a radial combination of the reflecting surface units and can be subdivided more than the conventional example, the radiation angle at which the light is once focused at the second focal point and radiated again is obtained. In addition, there is an excellent effect that the consistency with the opening angle of the optical fiber is improved, and the occurrence of loss at the time of taking in the optical fiber and inside is eliminated, and as a result, the light use efficiency for the light source is improved and a bright lamp can be realized. In addition, by providing the central reflecting surface and the central optical fiber 7, almost all of the light from the light source can be used as irradiation light of the lamp, and an excellent effect of further improving the light use efficiency for the light source can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a lamp according to the present invention in a partially exploded state.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of another embodiment of the lamp according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Lamp 2 ... Light source 2a ... Bulb 2b ... Emission source 3 ... Petal-shaped reflection surface 3a ... Reflection surface unit 3b ... Reflection film 4 ... Optical fiber 4a ... Entrance end 4b ... Emission end 5 ... Light distribution characteristics forming means 51... Aspherical lens 51a... Shade 52a... Parabolic reflector 52b... Lens 6... Central reflecting surface 6a... Reflecting film 7... Central optical fiber 8. Filter X: Valve center axis Y: Long axis

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] September 3, 1999 (1999.9.3)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0005

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0005]

According to the present invention, as a specific means for solving the above-mentioned conventional problems, a first focal point is arranged on a central axis of a bulb and near a light source, and the first focal point is set. A spheroid is formed by arranging a second focal point on a line that is appropriately inclined from the bulb center axis, and the side on which the reflection surface appears when the lamp is viewed from the front with respect to the bulb center axis. Radially cut out in the range of 15 ° to 60 ° to form one reflecting surface unit, and form a petal-shaped reflecting surface by combining 4 to 10 reflecting surface units radially with respect to the valve axis. On the central axis of the bulb, a central reflective surface having a spheroidal surface with the first focal point as the light source is provided separately, with the central axis of the bulb coincident with the major axis. Surface unit and the center One end of the optical fiber is disposed at the position of the second focal point on the reflecting surface to be an incident end, and the other end of the optical fiber, the exit end, is provided with an appropriate arrangement for light emitted from the exit end. It is an object of the present invention to provide a lamp characterized in that light distribution characteristic forming means for giving light characteristics are provided in each of the lamps.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yoshifumi Kawaguchi 2-9-13 Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo F-term in Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. (reference) 3K042 AA08 AA12 AB03 AB04 BB05 BB09 BC02 BE08 3K080 AA00 AB01 BB08 BB19 BC03 BC05 BC09 BD01

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A first focal point is arranged on a central axis of a bulb and near a light source, and a second focal point is arranged on a line passing through the first focal point and appropriately tilting from the central axis of the bulb to form a spheroid. The spheroid is formed, and the side on which the reflecting surface appears when the lamp is viewed from the front is cut out in a range of 15 ° to 60 ° radially around the central axis of the bulb to form one reflecting surface unit. One to one end of an optical fiber is provided at the position of the second focal point of each of the reflection surface units by combining 4 to 10 units radially with respect to the valve center axis. Are arranged as an incident end, and a light distribution characteristic forming means for giving an appropriate light distribution characteristic to light emitted from the emission end is provided at an emission end which is the other end of the optical fiber. A lamp characterized by that . 2. A heat radiation glass rod or an infrared cut filter is provided at each of the incident ends of the optical fibers installed corresponding to the second focal position of each of the reflection surface units. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein 3. A central reflecting surface having a spheroidal shape whose center is aligned with the major axis of the bulb and whose first focal point is the light source is provided separately on the central axis of the bulb. The one end of the central optical fiber is arranged at the position of the second focal point as an incident end, and the other end of the central optical fiber is provided at the emission end at an aspheric surface having the emission end as a substantially focal position. The lamp according to claim 1, further comprising a lens, a parabolic reflector, or a prism lens that diffuses light from the emission end. 4. The lamp according to claim 3, wherein a glass rod for heat radiation or an infrared cut filter is provided at the incident end of the central optical fiber. 5. The reflective surface treatment according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the petal-like reflective surface and the central reflective surface is subjected to a reflective surface treatment for reflecting only visible light. Item 5. The lamp according to Item 4.