JP2005317226A - Lighting fixture for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the time to be required for optical axis adjustment while securing a sufficient amount of irradiated light, in a lighting fixture for vehicles which forms a light distribution pattern having a cut off line on a top edge, by irradiation of light from a lighting fixture unit using light emitting elements as light sources. <P>SOLUTION: In the lighting fixture unit 20, rays of light from two light source units 30A, 30B are radiated forwards through a projection lens 22. On this occasion, each light source unit reflects light from the light emitting elements 24A, 24B arranged upwards on reference axes Ax1a, Ax1b extending in directions inclining toward the front of the lighting fixture closer to an optical axis Ax1, by reflectors 26A, 26B toward the front, and the efficiency of incidence to the projection lens is increased. Moreover, upwards emitting light from the projection lens is removed by preventing straight advance of part of light from each light source unit with a single light control member 28, and a predetermined cut off line can be formed even if each light source unit is not positioned precisely. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular illumination lamp configured to form a light distribution pattern having a cut-off line at an upper end edge by light irradiation from a lamp unit having a light emitting element as a light source.

  In recent years, many vehicle lighting lamps using light emitting diodes as light sources have been adopted.

  In that case, “Patent Document 1” describes a vehicular illumination lamp including a plurality of lamp units each using a light emitting diode as a light source.

JP 2003-317513 A

  The light-emitting diode has a light source light flux that is considerably smaller than that of a discharge bulb, a halogen bulb, or the like. However, as described in the above-mentioned “Patent Document 1”, a configuration including a plurality of lamp units is sufficient. It is possible to ensure a sufficient amount of irradiation light.

  However, in the vehicular illumination lamp having a plurality of lamp units as described above, in order to accurately perform light irradiation control for forming a light distribution pattern having a cut-off line, the optical axis of each lamp unit is accurately set. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes a long time to adjust the optical axis.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is configured to form a light distribution pattern having a cut-off line at the upper end edge by light irradiation from a lamp unit having a light emitting element as a light source. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicular illumination lamp that can reduce the time required for optical axis adjustment while ensuring a sufficient amount of irradiation light.

  In the present invention, the lamp unit is configured to irradiate light from a plurality of light source units forward through a single projection lens. It aims to achieve the purpose.

That is, the vehicular illumination lamp according to the present invention is:
In the vehicular illumination lamp configured to form a light distribution pattern having a cut-off line at the upper edge by light irradiation from a lamp unit having a light emitting element as a light source,
A projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp, and a plurality of light source units disposed at predetermined intervals in a substantially lateral direction on the rear side of the rear focal point of the projection lens. A light control member arranged so that an upper end edge thereof passes through the vicinity of the rear focal point, and prevents upward light from the projection lens by preventing a part of light from the light source units from going straight. Become
Each light source unit has a light emitting element arranged substantially upward on a reference axis extending in a direction inclined near the optical axis toward the front of the lamp, and at least in a vertical plane with light from the light emitting element directed forward And a reflector that reflects toward the reference axis.

  The type of the “vehicle lighting lamp” is not particularly limited, and for example, a headlamp, a fog lamp, a cornering lamp, a daytime running lamp, and the like can be employed. In addition, the “vehicle illumination lamp” may be configured to include only a single lamp unit, or may be configured to include a plurality of lamp units.

  The “lamp front-rear direction” may or may not match the vehicle front-rear direction.

  The “light-emitting element” means an element-like light source having a light-emitting portion that emits light substantially in a dot shape, and the type thereof is not particularly limited. For example, a light-emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like It can be adopted.

  The “light control member” is a member arranged such that the upper edge passes through the vicinity of the rear focal point of the projection lens, and prevents a part of the light from the light source unit from going straight forward. The specific configuration is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to remove incident light. For example, a configuration configured as a shielding member that blocks a part of reflected light, or one of reflected light is used. What was comprised as a reflective member which reflects a part, etc. are employable.

  As long as the “reference axis” is an axis extending in a direction inclined toward the optical axis toward the front of the lamp, the inclination angle is not particularly limited. At this time, with respect to the light source unit arranged near the optical axis, if the reference axis extends in a direction substantially coincident with the optical axis, the reference axis also extends along the axis extending “inclined toward the optical axis”. Included in the concept.

  As long as the “reflector” of each light source unit is configured to reflect the light from the light emitting element forward at least in the vertical plane toward the reference axis of the reflector, It is not always necessary to be configured to reflect near the reference axis, and for example, it may be configured to reflect in a direction substantially parallel to the reference axis.

  As shown in the above configuration, the vehicular illumination lamp according to the present invention is configured to form a light distribution pattern having a cut-off line at the upper end edge by light irradiation from a lamp unit having a light emitting element as a light source. However, the lamp unit includes a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp, and a plurality of light sources disposed at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction on the rear side of the rear focus of the projection lens. A unit and a light control member that is disposed so that the upper edge passes through the vicinity of the rear focal point, and that removes the upward emitted light from the projection lens by preventing a part of light from each light source unit from going straight. Each light source unit has a light emitting element disposed substantially upward on a reference axis extending in a direction inclined toward the optical axis toward the front of the lamp, and a small amount of light from the light emitting element directed forward. Since a reflector for reflecting the reference axis closer in a vertical plane and can be obtained the following effects.

  In other words, the lamp unit is configured to irradiate light from a plurality of light source units forward through the projection lens, so that the light from a single light source unit is transmitted through the projection lens as in the conventional case. A sufficient amount of irradiation light can be ensured as compared to the case where the irradiation is performed forward.

  Moreover, each of these light source units emits light from a light emitting element arranged substantially upward on a reference axis extending in a direction inclined near the optical axis toward the front of the lamp, at least in a vertical plane by the reflector. Since it is configured to reflect near the reference axis, the light from the light emitting element can be efficiently incident on the projection lens. Therefore, also in this respect, it is possible to ensure a sufficient amount of irradiation light.

  Furthermore, since the lamp unit is configured to prevent a part of the light from each light source unit from going straight by a single light control member and remove the upward emitted light from the projection lens, each light source unit Even if it is not accurately positioned, a light distribution pattern having a cut-off line at a predetermined position can be formed.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, in a vehicular illumination lamp configured to form a light distribution pattern having a cut-off line at the upper end edge by light irradiation from a lamp unit having a light emitting element as a light source, a sufficient amount of irradiation light is provided. It is possible to reduce the time required for optical axis adjustment while ensuring it.

  Further, by adopting the configuration of the present invention, since the required number of the lamp units can be reduced as the vehicular illumination lamp, the vehicular illumination lamp can be configured compactly.

  In the above configuration, if the light control member has a top surface extending rearward from the upper end edge and the top surface is mirror-finished, the top surface is configured as a reflective surface. Reflected light from each reflector incident on the light can also be used to form a light distribution pattern. Thereby, the luminous flux utilization rate for the light from each light emitting element can be further increased, and the amount of irradiation light can be further increased.

  At this time, the upper surface of the light control member is assumed to be configured such that one region is configured by a horizontal plane including the optical axis and the other region is configured by a downward inclined surface including the optical axis. For example, it is possible to form a light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line and an oblique cut-off line while increasing the amount of irradiation light.

  In the above configuration, if each light source unit is attached to the light control member, the number of parts of the lamp unit can be reduced, and the accuracy of light irradiation control can be increased.

  Further, if the reflectors of the respective light source units are integrated with each other, the number of parts of the lamp unit can be further reduced.

  In the above configuration, two or more light source units are arranged on both sides of the optical axis as a plurality of light source units constituting the lamp unit, and the reflected light from the reflectors of each light source unit is close to the reference axis in the horizontal plane. If the light condensing degree is set so as to be smaller as the light source unit is located farther from the optical axis, the light intensity in the central region in the left-right direction of the light distribution pattern can be increased, and thereby the distribution having a sufficiently bright hot zone is achieved. An optical pattern can be formed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing a vehicular illumination lamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. FIG.

  As shown in these drawings, the vehicular illumination lamp 10 is a headlamp, and is provided in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 12 and a transparent light-transmitting cover 14 attached to a front end opening thereof. Two lamp units 20 and 40 having optical axes Ax1 and Ax2 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction are accommodated so as to be adjacent to each other on the left and right.

  The lamp unit 20 is a lamp unit for forming a light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end edge, and the lamp unit 40 is a lamp unit for forming a light distribution pattern having an oblique cut-off line at the upper end edge. is there.

  Each of these lamp units 20 and 40 is supported by the lamp body 12 via an aiming mechanism (not shown) so as to be tiltable. When the aiming adjustment by each of these aiming mechanisms is completed, the optical axes Ax1 and Ax2 are The vehicle extends in the downward direction by about 0.5 to 0.6 ° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

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

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the lamp unit 20 includes a projection lens 22 disposed on the optical axis Ax1 and an optical axis Ax1 on the rear side of the rear focal point F1 of the projection lens 22. Two light source units 30A, 30B arranged in a symmetrical positional relationship and a light control member 28 having an upper surface 28a configured as a horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax1 are provided.

  The projection lens 22 is a plano-convex lens having a convex front surface and a flat rear surface, and is fixedly supported by the front end portion of the light control member 28.

  The light source unit 30A located on the right side has a light emitting element 24A arranged vertically upward on a reference axis Ax1a extending in a direction inclined toward the optical axis Ax1 toward the front of the lamp, and light from the light emitting element 24A forward. And a reflector 26A that reflects toward the reference axis Ax1a. On the other hand, the light source unit 30B located on the left side has a light emitting element 24B arranged vertically upward on a reference axis Ax1b extending in a direction inclined toward the optical axis Ax1 toward the front of the lamp, and light from the light emitting element 24B. A reflector 26B that reflects toward the reference axis Ax1b toward the front is provided.

  Each of the light emitting elements 24A and 24B is a white light emitting diode having a square light emitting chip 24a having a size of about 0.3 to 3 mm square, and the light emitting chip 24a is vertically upward on a horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax1a. In this state, the light control member 28 is fixed to the upper surface of each light source support recess 28b formed at the rear end.

  The reflectors 26A and 26B are disposed so as to cover the light emitting elements 24A and 24B from the upper side at positions corresponding to the light emitting elements 24A and 24B. At this time, the reflectors 26A and 26B are formed integrally with each other, and are fixed to the upper surface 28a of the light control member 28 at the lower end of the periphery.

  The reflecting surface 26a of each of the reflectors 26A and 26B has a cross-sectional shape including reference axes Ax1a and Ax1b set to a substantially elliptical shape so that the eccentricity gradually increases from the vertical cross section toward the horizontal cross section. Is set. The reflectors 26A and 26B reflect the light from the light emitting elements 24A and 24B forward and toward the reference axes Ax1a and Ax1b so that the rear focal point F1 of the projection lens 22 is within the vertical plane. While substantially converging to the front vicinity position, it is made to substantially converge to a position considerably ahead of the rear focal point F1 in the horizontal plane.

  The light control member 28 has a mirror surface treatment such as aluminum deposition on the upper surface 28a, whereby the upper surface 28a is configured as a reflection surface. The front edge 28a1 of the upper surface 28a is formed such that a portion located on the rear side of the projection lens 22 extends in a substantially arc shape along the rear focal plane including the rear focal point F1 of the projection lens 22. Yes.

  The light control member 28 is configured to remove the upward emission light from the projection lens 22 by preventing a part of the reflected light from the reflection surfaces 26a of the reflectors 26A and 26B from traveling on the upper surface 28a. Yes. At that time, since the upper surface 28a of the light control member 28 is configured as a reflecting surface, the reflected light from the reflectors 26A and 26B incident on the upper surface 28a is reflected upward as shown in FIG. Then, the light enters the projection lens 22 and is emitted as downward light from the projection lens 22.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the lamp unit 40 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the lamp unit 40 includes a projection lens 42 disposed on the optical axis Ax2 and a substantially left and right side with respect to the optical axis Ax2 on the rear side of the rear focal point F2 of the projection lens 42. Two light source units 50A and 50B arranged in a symmetrical positional relationship, and a light control member 48 configured as a downward inclined surface whose upper surface 48a includes the optical axis Ax2 and is inclined to the right by 15 ° with respect to the horizontal plane. It has become.

  The projection lens 42 has the same configuration as the projection lens 22 and is fixedly supported on the front end portion of the light control member 48.

  The light source unit 50A located on the right side is a light emitting element 44A arranged obliquely upward in a direction inclined 15 ° from the vertical upward direction to the right side on the reference axis Ax2a extending in the direction inclined toward the optical axis Ax2 toward the front of the lamp. And a reflector 46A that reflects light from the light emitting element 44A forward and toward the reference axis Ax2a. On the other hand, the light source unit 50B located on the left side has a light emitting element 44B disposed obliquely upward on a reference axis Ax2b extending in a direction inclined toward the optical axis Ax2 toward the front of the lamp, and light from the light emitting element 44B. And a reflector 46B that reflects toward the reference axis Ax2b toward the front.

  At this time, the inclination angle of these two reference axes Ax2a and Ax2b near the optical axis Ax2 is set to a value larger on the reference axis Ax2b than on the reference axis Ax2a. The reference axis Ax2a intersects the rear focal plane (that is, the front edge 48a1 of the upper surface 48a of the light control member 48) at a position slightly away from the rear focal point F2 of the projection lens 42, and the reference axis Ax2b Is in the vicinity of the rear focal plane F2 of the projection lens 42 and intersects the rear focal plane.

  Each light emitting element 44A, 44B is a white light emitting diode having a square light emitting chip 44a having a size of about 0.3 to 3 mm square, similar to each light emitting element 24A, 24B, and the light emitting chip 44a is an optical axis. The light source support recesses 48b are fixed to the upper surface of the light source support recesses 48b formed in the rear end portion of the light control member 48 in a state of being disposed obliquely upward on the downward inclined surface including Ax2.

  The reflectors 46A and 46B are arranged so as to cover the light emitting elements 44A and 44B from above at positions corresponding to the light emitting elements 44A and 44B. At this time, the reflectors 46A and 46B are formed integrally with each other, and are fixed to the upper surface 48a of the light control member 48 at the lower end of the periphery.

  The reflecting surface 46a of each of the reflectors 46A and 46B has a cross-sectional shape including the reference axes Ax2a and Ax2b set to a substantially elliptical shape, and a cross section of the reflecting surface 46a along the upper surface 48a from a cross section perpendicular to the upper surface 48a. It is set to gradually increase toward Each of the reflectors 46A and 46B reflects the light from the light emitting elements 44A and 44B forward and toward the reference axes Ax2a and Ax2b, and after the projection lens 42 in a plane perpendicular to the upper surface 48a. The lens is substantially converged to a position near the front of the side focal point F2, and is substantially converged to a position somewhat ahead of the rear focal point F2 in a plane along the upper surface 48a.

  At that time, the eccentricity of the ellipse constituting each cross section of the reflecting surface 46a of each reflector 46A, 46B is set to a generally smaller value than the case of the reflecting surface 26a of each reflector 26A, 26B, Thereby, the condensing property of the reflected light from each reflector 46A, 46B is improved.

  The light control member 48 has a mirror surface treatment such as aluminum deposition on the upper surface 48a thereof, whereby the upper surface 48a is configured as a reflection surface. The front edge 48a1 of the upper surface 48a is formed such that a portion located on the rear side of the projection lens 42 extends in a substantially arc shape along the rear focal plane including the rear focal point F2 of the projection lens 42. Yes.

  The light control member 48 removes the upward emission light from the projection lens 42 by preventing a part of the reflected light from the reflection surfaces 46a of the reflectors 46A and 46B from going straight on the upper surface 48a. Yes. At this time, since the upper surface 48a of the light control member 48 is configured as a reflection surface, the reflected light from the reflectors 46A and 46B incident on the upper surface 48a is reflected upward and incident on the projection lens 42. The light is emitted as downward light from the projection lens 42.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a low beam light distribution pattern PL1 formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed at a position 25 m ahead of the vehicle by light emitted forward from the vehicular illumination lamp 10.

  The low beam light distribution pattern PL1 is a left light distribution light beam distribution pattern, and has cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 at the upper edge thereof. The cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 are formed as a horizontal cut-off line CL1 in which the opposite lane side portion on the right side of the VV line passing through the HV that is a vanishing point in the front direction of the lamp in the vertical direction extends horizontally, The own lane side portion on the left side of the VV line is formed as an oblique cut-off line CL2 that rises obliquely from the horizontal cut-off line CL1. In this low beam distribution pattern PL1, the position of the elbow point E, which is the intersection of the horizontal cutoff line CL1 and the oblique cutoff line CL2, is set to a position about 0.5 to 0.6 ° below HV. A hot zone HZ that is a high luminous intensity region is formed so as to surround the elbow point E.

  The low beam distribution pattern PL1 is configured as a combined light distribution pattern of four light distribution patterns P1A, P1B, P2A, and P2B, and the horizontal cutoff line CL1 includes two light distribution patterns shown in FIG. The diagonal cut-off line CL2 is formed by the remaining two light distribution patterns P2A and P2B shown in FIG. 6B, as well as the patterns P1A and P1B.

  The two light distribution patterns P1A and P1B shown in FIG. 6A are light distribution patterns formed when the lamp unit 20 is turned on, and the reflectors 26A and 26B in the two light source units 30A and 30B. The light source image formed on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 28 by the light from the reflected light emitting elements 24A and 24B is projected by the projection lens 22 onto the virtual vertical screen as a reverse projection image. It has become. The horizontal cut-off line CL1 is formed as a reverse projection image of the front end edge 28a1 of the upper surface 28a of the light control member 28.

  These two light distribution patterns P1A and P1B are formed in a symmetrical relationship with respect to the VV line because the two light source units 30A and 30B are arranged in a symmetrical relationship with respect to the optical axis Ax1. . At this time, in each of the light distribution patterns P1A and P1B, the reflecting surfaces 26a of the reflectors 26A and 26B have a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape, and the eccentricity gradually increases from the vertical cross section toward the horizontal cross section. Since it is large, it is formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern. In addition, since the single light control member 28 is arranged for the two light source units 30A and 30B, the horizontal cut-off line CL1 even if the light source units 30A and 30B are not accurately positioned. Are always formed in a straight line at the same position.

  On the other hand, the two light distribution patterns P2A and P2B shown in FIG. 6B are light distribution patterns formed when the lamp unit 40 is turned on, and the reflectors 56A in the two light source units 50A and 50B, It is formed by projecting the light source image formed on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 48 by the light from the light emitting elements 44A and 44B reflected by 56B onto the virtual vertical screen as a reverse projection image by the projection lens 42. It has become so. The oblique cutoff line CL2 is formed as a reverse projection image of the front end edge 48a1 of the upper surface 48a of the light control member 48.

  Also in this lamp unit 40, since the single light control member 48 is arranged for the two light source units 50A and 50B, even if the light source units 50A and 50B are not accurately positioned. The oblique cut-off line CL2 is always formed in a straight line at the same position.

  Since these two light distribution patterns P2A and P2B are such that the upper surface 48a of the light control member 48 and the two light source units 50A and 50B are inclined 15 ° to the right with respect to the horizontal plane, the two light distribution patterns P2A, The light distribution pattern is such that P2B is inclined 15 ° to the right with respect to the elbow point E.

  At this time, these two light distribution patterns P2A and P2B are considerably smaller in size than the two light distribution patterns P2A and P2B, but this is the reflector of each light source unit 50A and 50B. This is because the light collecting property of the reflected light from 46A and 46B is improved. In this way, the brightness of the hot zone HZ shown in FIG. 5 is increased by making the two light distribution patterns P2A and P2B considerably smaller than the other two light distribution patterns P1A and P1B. It has become.

  The two light distribution patterns P2A and P2B are located on the left side with respect to the elbow point E. This is because the reference axis Ax2a of the light source unit 50A is slightly on the right side from the rear focal point F2 of the projection lens 42. This is because the rear focal plane intersects the rear focal plane at a distant position and the reference axis Ax2a of the light source unit 50B intersects the rear focal plane in the vicinity of the rear focal point F2 of the projection lens 42. Then, by forming the two light distribution patterns P2A and P2B on the left side with respect to the elbow point E in this way, as shown in FIG. Is prevented and the visibility of the left shoulder portion is enhanced.

  As described above in detail, the vehicular illumination lamp 10 according to the present embodiment includes the two lamp units 20 and 40, and the lamp unit 20 includes the two light source units 30 </ b> A and 30 </ b> B via the projection lens 22. Since the lamp unit 40 is configured to irradiate light from the two light source units 50A and 50B via the projection lens 42, the lamp unit 40 is configured to irradiate the light from the front. As compared with the conventional case where the light from the single light source unit is irradiated forward through the projection lens, it is possible to secure a sufficient amount of irradiation light.

  Moreover, each light source unit 30A, 30B of the lamp unit 20 receives light from the light emitting elements 24A, 24B arranged substantially upward on the reference axes Ax1a, Ax1b extending in the direction inclined toward the optical axis toward the front of the lamp. Since the reflectors 26A and 26B are configured to reflect forward toward the reference axes Ax1a and Ax1b, the light from the light emitting elements 24A and 24B can be efficiently incident on the projection lens 22. The light source units 50A and 50B of the lamp unit 40 emit light from the light emitting elements 44A and 44B disposed substantially upward on the reference axes Ax2a and Ax2b extending in the direction inclined toward the optical axis toward the front of the lamp. The reflectors 46A and 46B are configured to reflect forward toward the reference axes Ax2a and Ax2b, so that the light from the light emitting elements 44A and 44B can be efficiently incident on the projection lens 42. Therefore, also in this respect, it is possible to ensure a sufficient amount of irradiation light.

  Furthermore, the lamp unit 20 is configured to prevent the light emitted upward from the projection lens 22 by preventing the light from each of the light source units 30A and 30B from going straight by a single light control member 28. Even if the light source units 30A and 30B are not accurately positioned, the light distribution patterns P1A and P1B having the horizontal cut-off line CL1 at predetermined positions can be formed. In addition, the lamp unit 40 is configured to prevent the light emitted upward from the projection lens 42 by preventing the light from each of the light source units 50A and 50B from going straight by a single light control member 48. Even if the light source units 50A and 50B are not accurately positioned, it is possible to form the light distribution patterns P2A and P2B having the oblique cutoff line CL2 at a predetermined position.

  Therefore, the low beam light distribution pattern PL1 can be formed at a predetermined position only by adjusting the positional relationship between the horizontal cutoff line CL1 and the oblique cutoff line CL2 by adjusting the optical axes of the lamp units 20 and 40. Thereby, the optical axis adjustment of the vehicular illumination lamp 10 can be performed in a short time.

  Moreover, since the vehicle illumination lamp 10 which concerns on this embodiment can reduce the required number of the lamp units, the vehicle illumination lamp 10 can be comprised compactly.

  In addition, since the upper surface 28a of the light control member 28 of the lamp unit 20 is configured as a reflecting surface, the light from each of the light source units 30A and 30B incident on the upper surface 28a also forms the light distribution pattern P2A. As a result, it is possible to further increase the luminous flux utilization rate with respect to the light from each of the light emitting elements 24A and 24B, and to further increase the irradiation light quantity. Further, in the lamp unit 20, since the two light source units 30A and 30B are attached to the common light control member 28, the number of parts of the lamp unit 20 can be reduced and the accuracy of the light irradiation control can be improved. Can be increased.

  Similarly, since the upper surface 48a of the light control member 48 of the lamp unit 40 is configured as a reflecting surface, the light from each of the light source units 50A and 50B incident on the upper surface 48a also forms the light distribution pattern P2B. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the luminous flux utilization rate for the light from each of the light emitting elements 44A and 44B, and to further increase the irradiation light quantity. Further, in the lamp unit 40, since the two light source units 50A and 50B are attached to the common light control member 48, the number of parts of the lamp unit 20 can be reduced and the accuracy of the light irradiation control can be improved. Can be increased.

  In the above embodiment, the lamp unit 20 and the lamp unit 40 have been described as separate units. However, it is also possible to configure them integrally. In such a case, since the optical axis adjustment of both lamp units 20 and 40 can be performed collectively, the time required for the optical axis adjustment can be further shortened. Even in this case, the formation of the horizontal cut-off line CL1 and the formation of the oblique cut-off line CL2 are performed by sharing between the two lamp units 20, 40. The position of the point E is uniquely determined, so that the optical axis can be adjusted without any trouble. As a specific method for configuring the lamp units 20 and 40 integrally, for example, the light control member 28 of the lamp unit 20 and the light control member 48 of the lamp unit 40 are connected and fixed, or both A method of integrally configuring the light control members 28 and 48 can be employed.

  In the above embodiment, the vehicular illumination lamp 10 has been described as including only one set of both lamp units 20 and 40. However, in order to increase the brightness of the light distribution pattern for low beam PL1, both lamps are used. A plurality of units 20 and 40 may be used. In such a case, the amount of light emitted from the vehicular illumination lamp 10 can be increased, but the labor for adjusting the optical axis increases. However, a lamp having a single light source unit as in the prior art. Compared with the case where a plurality of units are used, the time required for optical axis adjustment can be greatly shortened.

  In the above embodiment, the light emitting chips 24a, 44a of the light emitting elements 24A, 24B, 44A, 44B have been described as being formed in a square having a size of about 0.3 to 3 mm square. It is also possible to use an external shape other than (for example, a horizontally long rectangular shape).

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, while the light control member 28 of the lamp unit 20 has the upper surface 28a comprised as a horizontal surface containing the optical axis Ax1, the front-end edge 28a1 is along the rear side focal plane of the projection lens 22. The light control member 48 of the lamp unit 40 has an upper surface 48a configured as a downwardly inclined surface including the optical axis Ax2, and the front edge 48a1 thereof is on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 42. In the above description, the upper end edge is formed so as to extend in a substantially arc shape along the rear focal plane of each of the light control members 28 and 48. It is also possible to use a standing wall-like shade as each light control member.

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

  FIG. 7 is a front view showing a lamp unit 60 according to the present modification, and FIG. 8 is a development view taken along the direction of the arrow VIII-VIII in FIG.

  As shown in these drawings, the lamp unit 60 is configured such that the two lamp units 20 and 40 in the above embodiment are partially combined.

  That is, the lamp unit 60 includes a projection lens 62 disposed on the optical axis Ax3 and two light source units disposed on both sides of the optical axis Ax3 on the rear side of the rear focal point F3 of the projection lens 62. 70A, 70B, and a light control member 68. The upper surface 68a of the upper surface 68a is formed of a horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax3 with the optical axis Ax3 as a boundary, and the right region of the upper surface 68a. 68aR is composed of a downward inclined surface inclined 15 ° to the right with respect to a horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax3.

  The projection lens 62 has the same configuration as the projection lens 22 of the above embodiment, and is fixedly supported on the front end portion of the light control member 68.

  The light source unit 70A located on the right side has substantially the same configuration as the light source unit 50A in the above embodiment, and the light source unit 70B located on the left side has substantially the same configuration as the light source unit 30B in the above embodiment. have.

  The light emitting elements 64A and 64B of the light source units 70A and 70B are square light emitting chips having a size of about 0.3 to 3 mm square, similar to the light emitting element 44A of the light source unit 50A and the light emitting element 24B of the light source unit 30B. The light emitting chip 64a is formed at the rear end portion of the light control member 68 in a state where the light emitting chip 64a is disposed obliquely upward and vertically upward on the downward inclined surface including the optical axis Ax3 and the horizontal plane. Further, it is fixed to the upper surface of each light source support recess 68b.

  The reference axis Ax3a of the light source unit 70A intersects the rear focal plane (that is, the front end edge 68a1 of the upper surface 68a of the light control member 68) at a position slightly away from the rear focal point F3 of the projection lens 62. The reference axis Ax3b of the unit 70B intersects the rear focal plane at the rear focal point F3 of the projection lens 42.

  Further, the eccentricity of the ellipse constituting each cross section of the reflecting surface 66a of the reflector 66A in the light source unit 70A is set to a smaller value as a whole than the case of the reflecting surface 66a of the reflector 66B in the light source unit 70B. Thereby, the condensing property of the reflected light from the reflector 66A is further improved.

  In the present modification as well, the reflector 66A and the reflector 66B are integrally formed.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a low beam light distribution pattern PL2 formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed at a position 25 m ahead of the vehicle by light irradiated forward from the lamp unit 60 according to the present modification. It is.

  Similarly to the low beam light distribution pattern PL1 of the above embodiment, the low beam light distribution pattern PL2 has cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 at the upper edge, and a hot zone HZ is formed so as to surround the elbow point E. Yes.

  This low beam light distribution pattern PL2 is configured as a combined light distribution pattern of two light distribution patterns P3A and P3B, and the cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 are also formed by both light distribution patterns P3A and P3B. Yes. At that time, the horizontal cutoff line CL1 is mainly formed by the light distribution pattern P3B, while the oblique cutoff line CL2 is mainly formed by the light distribution pattern P3A.

  The light distribution pattern P3B extends from the VV line to the left and right sides, and forms the entire shape of the low beam light distribution pattern PL2. This is because the reference axis Ax3b of the light source unit 70B intersects the rear focal plane at the rear focal point F3 of the projection lens 62, and the eccentricity of the ellipse constituting each cross section of the reflecting surface 66a of the reflector 66B. This is because the overall value is set to a large value.

  On the other hand, the light distribution pattern P3A is formed as a light distribution pattern considerably smaller than the light distribution pattern P3B so as to surround the elbow point E to the left. This is because the reference axis Ax3a of the light source unit 70A intersects the rear focal plane at a position slightly away from the rear focal point F3 of the projection lens 62, and each cross section of the reflecting surface 66a of the reflector 66R is crossed. This is because the eccentricity of the formed ellipse is set to a small value as a whole.

  By adopting the configuration of the present modification, the single lamp unit 60 can form the low beam light distribution pattern PL2 having the cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 at the upper edge.

  In order to increase the brightness of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL2, a plurality of lamp units 60 according to this modification may be used, or the lamp unit 60 according to this modification may be used as the lamp unit 20 according to the above embodiment. Alternatively, it may be used in combination with the lamp unit 40. In such a case, the amount of light emitted from the vehicular illumination lamp can be increased, but the labor for adjusting the optical axis increases, but the lamp unit having a single light source unit as in the past. The time required for optical axis adjustment can be greatly shortened as compared with the case where a plurality of light sources are used.

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

  FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a lamp unit 80 according to this modification.

  The lamp unit 80 is a lamp unit for forming a light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end edge in the same manner as the lamp unit 40 of the above embodiment. However, the number of light source units is the same as that of the lamp unit 40. Is different.

  That is, as shown in the figure, the lamp unit 80 includes a projection lens 82 disposed on the optical axis Ax4, and on the optical axis Ax4 and on the rear side of the rear focal point F4 of the projection lens 82. Seven light source units 90 </ b> A, 90 </ b> B, 90 </ b> C, 90 </ b> D, 90 </ b> E, 90 </ b> F, and 90 </ b> G are provided on both sides, and a light control member 88.

  The projection lens 82 has the same configuration as the projection lens 22 of the above embodiment, and is fixedly supported on the front end portion of the light control member 88.

  Similar to the light control member 28 of the above embodiment, the light control member 88 has a top surface 88a configured as a reflection surface, and the front end edge 88a1 is located at the rear side of the projection lens 82. The lens 82 is formed to extend in a substantially arc shape along the rear focal plane including the rear focal point F4 of the lens 82.

  The seven light source units 90A, 90B, 90C, 90D, 90E, 90F, and 90G are on the reference axes Ax4a, Ax4b, Ax4c, Ax4d, Ax4e, Ax4f, and Ax4g extending in the direction inclined toward the optical axis Ax4 toward the front of the lamp , The light emitting elements 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D, 84E, 84F, and 84G arranged vertically upward, and the reflector 86A that reflects light from each of the light emitting elements 84A to 84G forward toward the reference axes Ax4a to Ax4g. , 86B, 86C, 86D, 86E, 86F, and 86G.

  The light emitting elements 84A to 84G of the light source units 90A to 90G are white light emitting diodes having a square light emitting chip 84a having a size of about 0.3 to 3 mm square, similar to the light emitting elements 24A and 24B of the above embodiment. The light emitting chip 84a is fixed to the upper surface of each light source support recess 88b formed at the rear end portion of the light control member 88 in a state where the light emitting chip 84a is arranged vertically upward on the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax4.

  Among the seven light source units 90A to 90G, the light source unit 90D located on the optical axis Ax4 has the reference axis Ax4d located on the same axis as the optical axis Ax4. The two light source units 90C and 90E located on both sides of the light source unit 90D have the reference axes Ax4c and Ax4e whose rear focal plane (that is, the light control member 88) is in the vicinity of the rear focal point F4 of the projection lens 82. It extends so as to intersect with the front end edge 88a1) of the upper surface 88a. In addition, the two light source units 84B and 84F located on both sides of the light source units 90C and 90E have their reference axes Ax4b and Ax4f intersecting the rear focal plane at positions slightly separated from the rear focal point F4 on the left and right sides. It extends to do. The two light source units 90A and 90G located on both sides of the light source units 84B and 84F intersect the rear focal plane at positions where their reference axes Ax4a and Ax4g are further away from the rear focal point F4 to the left and right sides. It extends to do.

  In addition, these seven light source units 90A to 90G have a degree of condensing near the reference axes Ax4a to Ax4g in the horizontal plane of the reflected light from the reflectors 86A to 86G, so that the light source unit 80D → light source unit 80C, 80E → light source unit 80B , 80F → light source units 80A and 80G in this order.

  In order to realize this, the eccentricity of the ellipse constituting the horizontal cross section of the reflecting surface 86a of each of the reflectors 86A to 86G is set to a larger value as the light source unit is located farther from the optical axis Ax4.

  Also in this modification, seven reflectors 86A to 86G are integrally configured.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a virtual image arranged at a position 25 m ahead of the vehicle by light emitted forward from the lamp unit 80 when each of the light source units 90A to 90G constituting the lamp unit 80 according to this modification is turned on. It is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern formed on a vertical screen.

  That is, FIG. 5A shows a light distribution pattern P4D formed when the light source unit 90D is turned on, and FIG. 5B shows a light distribution pattern formed when the light source units 90C and 90E are turned on. The light patterns P4C and P4E are shown, and FIG. 8C shows the light distribution patterns P4B and P4F formed when the light source units 90B and 90F are turned on. FIG. Light distribution patterns P4A and P4G formed when 90A and 90G are turned on are shown.

  These seven light distribution patterns P4A to P4G are formed in a symmetrical relationship with respect to the VV line because the seven light source units 90A to 90G are arranged in a symmetrical relationship with respect to the optical axis Ax4. . At this time, in each of the light distribution patterns P4A to P4G, the reflecting surfaces 86a of the reflectors 86A to 86G have a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape, and the eccentricity gradually increases from the vertical cross section toward the horizontal cross section. Since it is large, it is formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern. However, the light distribution pattern P4D located in the center is formed in a substantially semicircular shape, and is horizontally long in the order of light distribution pattern P4D → light distribution pattern P4C, P4E → light distribution pattern P4B, P4F → light distribution pattern P4A, P4G. The degree of is increasing.

  FIG. 12 shows the case where the lamp unit 80 according to the present modification is used instead of the lamp unit 20 in the vehicular illumination lamp 10 according to the above embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a low beam light distribution pattern PL3 formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed at a position 25 m ahead of the vehicle.

  Similarly to the low beam light distribution pattern PL1 of the above embodiment, the low beam light distribution pattern PL3 has cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 at the upper edge, and a hot zone HZ is formed so as to surround the elbow point E. Yes.

  This low beam light distribution pattern PL3 is formed by light irradiation from the lamp unit 40 and seven light distribution patterns P4A, P4B, P4C, P4D, P4E, P4F, and P4G formed by light irradiation from the lamp unit 80. The two light distribution patterns P2A and P2B are combined as a combined light distribution pattern. The horizontal cut-off line CL1 is formed by seven light distribution patterns P4A to P4G, and the oblique cut-off line CL2 is formed by two light distribution patterns P2A and P2B.

  Since the lamp unit 80 according to this modification forms seven light distribution patterns P4A to P4G by the light from the seven light source units 90A to 90G, the low beam light distribution pattern PL3 is considerably bright. can do.

  Moreover, in each of the light source units 90A to 90G, the concentration of the reflected light from the reflectors 86A to 86G near the reference axes Ax4a to Ax4g in the horizontal plane is smaller as the light source unit located at a position away from the optical axis Ax4. Therefore, it is possible to increase the luminous intensity in the central region in the left-right direction in the seven light distribution patterns P4A to P4G, and thereby make the hot zone HZ of the low beam light distribution pattern PL3 sufficiently bright. be able to.

  Also, in the lamp unit 80 according to this modification, since the single light control member 88 is arranged for the seven light source units 90A to 90G, each light source unit 90A to 90G is accurately positioned. Even if not, the horizontal cut-off line CL1 can always be formed in a straight line at the same position. Thereby, the optical axis adjustment of the vehicular illumination lamp 10 can be performed in a short time with the same man-hours as in the above embodiment.

Front view showing a vehicular illumination lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention II-II line direction view of Figure 1 III-III direction arrow view of Fig. 1 Sectional view along line IV-IV in Fig. 2 The figure which shows transparently the light distribution pattern for low beams formed on the virtual vertical screen arrange | positioned in the position of 25 m ahead of the vehicle by the light irradiated ahead from the said vehicle lighting device. The four light distribution patterns constituting the low beam light distribution pattern are divided into a light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper edge (FIG. 1A) and a light distribution pattern having an oblique cut-off line at the upper edge (FIG. 1). (B)) The front view which shows the lamp unit which concerns on the 1st modification of the said embodiment. VIII-VIII line direction development view of FIG. The figure which shows transparently the light distribution pattern for low beams formed on the said virtual vertical screen by the light irradiated ahead from the lamp unit which concerns on the said 1st modification. The top view which shows the lamp unit which concerns on the 2nd modification of the said embodiment. The figure which decomposes | disassembles and shows the light distribution pattern formed on the said virtual vertical screen by the light irradiated ahead from the lamp unit which concerns on the said 2nd modification. When the lamp unit according to the second modification is used instead of one lamp unit constituting the vehicular illumination lamp according to the embodiment, the light emitted forward from the vehicular illumination lamp The figure which shows perspectively the light distribution pattern for low beams formed on a virtual vertical screen

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle illumination lamp 12 Lamp body 14 Translucent cover 20, 40, 60, 80 Lamp unit 22, 42, 62, 82 Projection lens 24A, 24B, 44A, 44B, 64A, 64B, 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D, 84E, 84F, 84G Light emitting element 24a, 44a, 64a, 84a Light emitting chip 26A, 26B, 46A, 46B, 66A, 66B, 86A, 86B, 86C, 86D, 86E, 86F, 86G Reflector 26a, 46a, 66a, 86a Reflection Surface 28, 48, 68, 88 Light control member 28a, 48a, 68a, 88a Upper surface 28a1, 48a1, 68a1, 88a1 Front edge 28b, 48b, 68b, 88b Light source support recess 30A, 30B, 50A, 50B, 70A, 70B, 90A, 90B, 90C, 90D, 90 , 90F, 90G Light source unit 68aL Left side area 68aR Right side area Ax1, Ax2, Ax3, Ax4 Optical axis Ax1a, Ax1b, Ax2a, Ax2b, Ax3a, Ax3b, Ax4a, Ax4b, Ax4c, Ax4d, Ax4A, Ax4d, A4 A4 Cut off line CL2 Oblique cut off line E Elbow point F1, F2, F3, F4 Rear focus HZ Hot zone PL1, PL2, PL3 Light distribution pattern for low beam P1A, P1B, P2A, P2B, P3A, P3B, P4A, P4B, P4C, P4D, P4E, P4F, P4G Light distribution pattern

Claims (6)

In the vehicular illumination lamp configured to form a light distribution pattern having a cut-off line at the upper edge by light irradiation from a lamp unit having a light emitting element as a light source,
A projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp, and a plurality of light source units disposed at predetermined intervals in a substantially lateral direction on the rear side of the rear focal point of the projection lens. A light control member that is disposed so that an upper edge passes through the vicinity of the rear focal point, and that prevents a part of the light from each light source unit from going straight and removes upwardly emitted light from the projection lens. Become
Each light source unit has a light emitting element arranged substantially upward on a reference axis extending in a direction inclined toward the optical axis toward the front of the lamp, and at least in a vertical plane with light from the light emitting element directed forward And a reflector for reflecting toward the reference axis.   2. The vehicular illumination lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light control member has an upper surface extending rearward from an upper end edge of the light control member, and the upper surface is subjected to a mirror surface treatment.   The upper surface of the light control member is configured such that one region is configured by a horizontal plane including the optical axis and the other region is configured by a downward inclined surface including the optical axis with respect to the optical axis. The vehicular illumination lamp according to claim 2, characterized in that:   4. The vehicular illumination lamp according to claim 1, wherein each of the light source units is attached to the light control member.   The vehicular illumination lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reflectors of the light source units are integrally formed with each other. As the plurality of light source units, two or more light source units are disposed on both sides of the optical axis,
The concentration of the reflected light from the reflector of each light source unit near the reference axis in a horizontal plane is set so as to be smaller as the light source unit is located far from the optical axis. The vehicular illumination lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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