JP2006190579A - Vehicular lighting fixture - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular lighting fixture switching a plurality of different light distribution patterns without lowering light volume utilization rate. <P>SOLUTION: The vehicular lighting fixture comprises a light source 1, a main reflector 2 for reflecting the light from the light source 1, a shade 3 for shading a part of the light from the light source 1 or the main reflector 2, a projection lens 4 for converging the light from the light source 1 or the main reflector 2, a first auxiliary reflector 5 arranged between an outer edge part 2' of the main reflector 2 and the projection lens 4 for reflecting the light from the light source, a second auxiliary reflector 6 for forming a light distribution pattern P2 by reflecting the light from the first auxiliary reflector 5, and a third auxiliary reflector 7 forward and backward movement freely arranged on a light path of the light from the first auxiliary reflector 5 for forming a light distribution pattern P3 by reflecting the light from the first auxiliary reflector 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp configured to be able to switch a plurality of different light distribution patterns, and more particularly to a vehicular lamp capable of switching a plurality of different light distribution patterns without reducing the light amount utilization rate.

  Conventionally, a light source, a reflector (reflecting mirror) for reflecting light from the light source, a shade (shading plate) for shielding a part of light from the light source or reflector (reflecting mirror), and a light source or reflector There is known a vehicular lamp that includes a projection lens (condenser lens) for converging light from a (reflecting mirror) and is configured to be able to switch a plurality of different light distribution patterns. Examples of this type of vehicular lamp include those described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-39125 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-241409.

  For example, in conventional vehicular lamps described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-39125 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-241409, when a light distribution pattern of a low beam such as when a vehicle passes, for example, a light source or A part of the light from the reflector (reflector) is shielded by a shade (light-shielding plate) and light from the light source or reflector (reflector) is to be formed when a high-beam light distribution pattern is to be formed, for example, when the vehicle is running Is not shielded by the shade (light-shielding plate), or the light-shielding amount by the shade (light-shielding plate) is reduced compared to when passing each other.

  13 and 14 are schematic side sectional views of such a conventional vehicular lamp. Specifically, FIG. 13 shows a vehicular lamp when a low beam light distribution pattern is formed, such as when the vehicle passes, and FIG. 14 shows a high beam light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle is traveling. The vehicle lamp is shown when

  In FIGS. 13 and 14, 101 is a light source, and 102 is a reflector for reflecting light from the light source 101. The reflecting surface of the reflector 102 is constituted by a part of a surface (hereinafter, referred to as “substantially rotating ellipsoid”) formed by rotating an ellipse about its major axis. F1 is the first focal point of the approximate spheroid, and F2 is the second focal point of the approximate spheroid. Reference numeral 103 denotes a shade for shielding a part of light from the light source 101 or the reflector 102, and reference numeral 104 denotes a projection lens for focusing the light from the light source 101 or the reflector 102. Reference numeral 103 ′ denotes a cut edge for forming a light / dark boundary line in the light emitted from the projection lens 104.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when a low beam light distribution pattern is to be formed, for example, when the vehicle passes, the cut edge 103 ′ of the shade 103 is disposed on the main optical axis (the central axis of the projection lens 104). . Therefore, of the light from the reflector 102, the light traveling toward the upper half of the projection lens 104 is blocked by the shade 103. As a result, a low beam is irradiated by the lower half of the projection lens 104, and a clear light / dark boundary line is formed on the upper edge of the low beam by the cut edge 103 '.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14, when a high beam light distribution pattern is to be formed, for example, when the vehicle is running, the shade 103 is retracted from the optical path of the light from the reflector 102. Therefore, all of the light from the reflector 102 proceeds to the projection lens 104 without being shielded by the shade 103. As a result, the entire projection lens 104 is irradiated with a high beam.

  That is, in the conventional vehicular lamp as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, two different light distribution patterns can be switched by switching the position of the shade 103.

  However, in the conventional vehicular lamp as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, as described above, when a low-beam light distribution pattern is formed, for example, when the vehicle passes, out of the light from the reflector 102. The light traveling toward the upper half of the projection lens 104 is blocked by the shade 103, and as a result, the light quantity utilization rate is higher than when a high beam light distribution pattern is formed, for example, when the vehicle is running. It will drop to about half.

  FIG. 15 is a view showing light emitted from the light source 101 between the outer edge portion 102 ′ of the reflector 102 and the projection lens 104. As shown in FIG. 15, in the conventional vehicle lamp as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the light emitted from the light source 101 between the outer edge portion 102 ′ of the reflector 102 and the projection lens 104 is effectively used. It was not used. In view of this point, it has been conventionally performed to improve the light amount utilization rate by effectively using the light emitted from the light source 101 between the outer edge portion 102 ′ of the reflector 102 and the projection lens 104. An example of this type of vehicular lamp is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-338209.

  In the vehicular lamp described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-338209, a first additional reflector for reflecting light from the light source is provided between the outer edge portion of the reflector and the projection lens, and further, the first additional reflector is provided. A second additional reflector is provided for reflecting light from the reflector and irradiating the object ahead.

  That is, in the vehicular lamp described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-338209, light emitted from the light source between the outer edge portion of the reflector and the projection lens is forward through the first additional reflector and the second additional reflector. Than the conventional vehicle lamp as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 in which the light emitted from the light source is not utilized between the outer edge of the reflector and the projection lens. The light usage rate has been improved.

  However, in the vehicular lamp described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-338209, a plurality of different light distribution patterns cannot be switched. By improving the vehicular lamp described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-338209, a plurality of different light distribution patterns can be switched. The light distribution pattern must be switched by moving the. However, if the light distribution pattern is switched by moving the shade 103, as described above, for example, when a low beam light distribution pattern is formed, such as when the vehicle passes, The light quantity utilization rate is significantly lower than when a high beam light distribution pattern is formed.

  That is, by combining the above-described conventional vehicular lamps, a plurality of different light distribution patterns cannot be formed without reducing the light amount utilization rate.

No. 7-39125 JP-A-10-241409 JP 2003-338209 A

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular lamp that can switch a plurality of different light distribution patterns without reducing the light quantity utilization rate.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a light source, a main reflector for reflecting light from the light source, a shade for shielding a part of the light from the light source or the main reflector, and the light source Alternatively, in a vehicular lamp including a projection lens for focusing light from the main reflector, the vehicular lamp is disposed between an outer edge portion of the main reflector and the projection lens in order to reflect light from the light source. A first sub-reflector, a second sub-reflector for reflecting light from the first sub-reflector to form a first light distribution pattern, and a second light distribution by reflecting light from the first sub-reflector In order to form a pattern, there is provided a vehicular lamp characterized by including a third sub-reflector configured to be able to advance and retreat on an optical path of light from the first sub-reflector.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the vehicular lamp according to the first aspect, wherein the light source is disposed at a position deviated from the central axis of the projection lens.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the first sub-reflector to the third sub-reflector is smaller than the distance from the first sub-reflector to the second sub-reflector. 3. A vehicular lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein three sub-reflectors are arranged.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the reflection surface of the first sub-reflector is formed by a substantially spheroidal surface, the light source is disposed at a first focal point of the reflection surface of the first sub-reflector, and the first The subshade for shielding a part of light from the first sub-reflector is disposed in the vicinity of the second focal point of the reflecting surface of the sub-reflector. A vehicular lamp is provided.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the focal length of the third sub-reflector is set so that the focal length of the third sub-reflector is smaller than the focal length of the second sub-reflector. A vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is provided.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the focal length of the third sub-reflector is set so that the focal length of the third sub-reflector is greater than half the focal length of the second sub-reflector. The vehicular lamp according to claim 5 is provided.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the vehicular lamp according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the third sub-reflector is configured to be able to advance and retreat in a rotational manner. The

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the fourth sub-reflector disposed between the outer edge portion of the main reflector and the projection lens for reflecting light from the light source, and the fourth sub-reflector A fifth sub-reflector for reflecting a third light distribution pattern to form a third light distribution pattern and a fourth sub-reflector for reflecting a light from the fourth sub-reflector to form a fourth light distribution pattern. A vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a sixth sub-reflector configured to be capable of advancing and retreating on the optical path of the light.

  In the vehicular lamp according to claim 1, the light from the first sub-reflector is reflected separately from the second sub-reflector for reflecting the light from the first sub-reflector to form the first light distribution pattern. In order to form the second light distribution pattern, a third sub reflector configured to be able to advance and retreat on the optical path of the light from the first sub reflector is provided. Specifically, when the first light distribution pattern is to be formed, the third sub reflector is retracted from the optical path of the light from the first sub reflector, and the light from the first sub reflector is reflected by the second sub reflector. A first light distribution pattern is formed. On the other hand, when the second light distribution pattern is to be formed, the third sub-reflector is advanced on the optical path of the light from the first sub-reflector, the light from the first sub-reflector is reflected by the third sub-reflector, Two light distribution patterns are formed.

  In other words, in the vehicular lamp according to the first aspect, the light shielding amount by the shade cannot be changed between when the first light distribution pattern is formed and when the second light distribution pattern is formed. In other words, the light distribution pattern is not switched by increasing the light shielding amount by the shade and decreasing the light amount utilization rate. Therefore, when a low beam is formed as the second light distribution pattern, for example, the amount of light shielded by the shade is increased and the light amount utilization rate is decreased compared to when the high beam is formed as the first light distribution pattern. Unlike the vehicular lamp described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-39125, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-241409, and the like, a plurality of different light distribution patterns can be formed without reducing the light amount utilization rate.

  That is, according to the vehicular lamp of the first aspect, the light distribution pattern can be switched without increasing the amount of light shielded by the shade. That is, the light distribution pattern can be switched in a state where the light shielding amount by the shade is fixed so that the light quantity utilization rate becomes a high value.

  The second sub-reflector and the third sub-reflector may be arranged below the main optical axis (center axis of the projection lens), above them, or on the right side thereof. It may be arranged on the left side.

  The central axis of the light source may be arranged perpendicular to the major axis of the general spheroid of the main reflector, or may be arranged parallel to the major axis of the spheroid of the main reflector. Good. That is, the light source may be arranged in a so-called landscape orientation, or may be arranged in a so-called portrait orientation.

  When the light source is arranged on the central axis (main optical axis) of the projection lens, the component on the line of the light from the main reflector is shielded by the light source, and as a result, a light / dark boundary formed by the cut edge of the shade The lines may be blurred. In view of this point, in the vehicular lamp according to the second aspect, the light source is disposed at a position deviated from the central axis (main optical axis) of the projection lens. Therefore, it is possible to avoid blurring of the light / dark boundary line formed by the cut edge of the shade as the light source is arranged on the central axis (main optical axis) of the projection lens.

  In the vehicle lamp according to claim 3, the third sub reflector is disposed so that the distance from the first sub reflector to the third sub reflector is smaller than the distance from the first sub reflector to the second sub reflector. Has been. Therefore, the amount of movement for retracting the third sub-reflector from the optical path of light from the first sub-reflector and the amount of movement for moving the third sub-reflector onto the optical path of light from the first sub-reflector are reduced. Accordingly, switching between the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern can be performed at high speed.

  In the vehicular lamp according to claim 4, the reflection surface of the first sub-reflector is formed by a substantially spheroidal surface, a light source is disposed at the first focal point of the reflection surface of the first sub-reflector, and the reflection of the first sub-reflector is performed. A subshade for shielding a part of the light from the first subreflector is disposed in the vicinity of the second focal point of the surface. That is, a subshade is provided for shielding a part of the light from the first subreflector. Therefore, a clear light / dark boundary line can be formed in the light reflected by the second sub-reflector and the light reflected by the third sub-reflector. As a result, the first light distribution pattern formed by the second sub reflector and the second light distribution pattern formed by the third sub reflector can be arranged at a high position.

  In the vehicular lamp according to claims 5 and 6, the focal length of the third sub reflector is set so that the focal length of the third sub reflector is smaller than the focal length of the second sub reflector. Specifically, the focal length of the third sub-reflector is set so that the focal length of the third sub-reflector is greater than half the focal length of the second sub-reflector. Therefore, it is possible to avoid that the light from the first sub reflector is shielded by the third sub reflector when the first light distribution pattern is to be formed. That is, it is possible to switch between the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern without reducing the light amount utilization rate.

  When the third sub-reflector is advanced on the optical path of the light from the first sub-reflector, the position of the third sub-reflector is deviated from the desired position, or the attitude of the third sub-reflector is deviated from the desired attitude. The second light distribution pattern cannot be formed at a desired position. In view of this point, in the vehicular lamp according to claim 7, when the third sub-reflector is advanced on the optical path of the light from the first sub-reflector, the posture of the third sub-reflector deviates from the desired posture. Instead, the third sub reflector is configured to be able to advance and retreat in a rotational manner so that the third sub reflector can be accurately positioned at a desired position. Therefore, the third sub-reflector can be accurately positioned at the desired position without the third sub-reflector being deviated from the desired position by a simpler configuration than when the third sub-reflector is configured to be capable of moving forward and backward in a sliding manner, for example. The third sub-reflector can be advanced onto the optical path of the light from the first sub-reflector so that it can be positioned.

  Preferably, a surface including the edge of the third sub-reflector on the side close to the first sub-reflector, the first virtual surface being perpendicular to the central axis (main optical axis) of the projection lens, and the side far from the first sub-reflector And a second imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the central axis (main optical axis) of the projection lens and includes the edge of the third sub-reflector, and is located at an intermediate position between the first and second imaginary planes. A third virtual plane parallel to the first virtual plane and the second virtual plane is defined, and the rotation center of the third sub-reflector is disposed at a position within ± 10 mm from the third virtual plane. Therefore, it is possible to retract the third sub-reflector from the optical path of the light from the first sub-reflector when the first light distribution pattern is to be formed while avoiding an increase in the size of the entire vehicle lamp. That is, it is possible to avoid the light from the first sub-reflector being blocked by the third sub-reflector when the first light distribution pattern is to be formed while avoiding an increase in the size of the entire vehicle lamp. . Thereby, it is possible to switch between the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern without lowering the light amount utilization rate while avoiding an increase in the size of the entire vehicular lamp.

  Preferably, a sub-projection lens for focusing light from the second sub-reflector or light from the third sub-reflector is provided. That is, the light from the second sub-reflector or the light from the third sub-reflector is focused by the sub projection lens and irradiated. Therefore, the irradiation area of the first light distribution pattern or the second light distribution pattern can be limited to a narrow area. In other words, the light distribution pattern irradiated through the projection lens (main projection lens) having a relatively wide irradiation area is effective depending on the purpose by the first light distribution pattern or the second light distribution pattern having a relatively small irradiation area. Can be supplemented.

  Further, preferably, a refracting means such as a so-called lens cut is provided in order to refract light from the second sub-reflector or light from the third sub-reflector. That is, the light from the second sub-reflector or the light from the third sub-reflector is refracted by the refracting means and irradiated. Therefore, the light distribution pattern irradiated through the projection lens can be effectively supplemented according to the purpose by the refracted first light distribution pattern or the refracted second light distribution pattern.

  In the vehicle lamp according to claim 8, the fifth sub-reflector for reflecting the light from the fourth sub-reflector to form the third light distribution pattern, and the light from the fourth sub-reflector is reflected to A sixth sub-reflector configured to be able to advance and retreat on an optical path of light from the fourth sub-reflector to form a four-light distribution pattern, a second sub-reflector for forming the first light distribution pattern, and a second sub-reflector It is provided separately from the third sub reflector for forming the light distribution pattern. Therefore, when one of the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern is formed, one of the third light distribution pattern and the fourth light distribution pattern can be formed, and the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern can be formed. When the other of the light distribution patterns is formed, the other of the third light distribution pattern and the fourth light distribution pattern can be formed.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicular lamp of the present invention will be described. 1 and 2 are schematic side sectional views of the vehicular lamp according to the first embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment in the first mode, and FIG. 2 shows the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment in the second mode. FIG. 3 is a view showing a light distribution pattern of the vehicular lamp according to the first embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 3A shows a light distribution pattern of the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment in the first mode, and FIG. 3B shows the first embodiment of the first embodiment in the second mode. The light distribution pattern of the vehicle lamp is shown.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, 1 is a light source, and 2 is a main reflector for reflecting light from the light source 1. The reflecting surface of the main reflector 2 is generally constituted by a part of a substantially spheroidal surface formed by rotating an ellipse about its major axis. F1 is the first focal point of the general spheroidal surface of the main reflector 2, F2 is the second focal point of the general spheroidal surface of the main reflector 2, and 2 'is the outer edge of the main reflector 2. Reference numeral 3 denotes a main shade for shielding a part of the light from the light source 1 or the main reflector 2, and reference numeral 4 denotes a projection lens for focusing the light from the light source 1 or the main reflector 2. Reference numeral 3 ′ denotes a cut edge for forming a light / dark boundary line in the light irradiated from the projection lens 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the vehicular lamp according to the first embodiment, for example, a low-beam light distribution pattern P1 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) for passing the vehicle is formed. In order to do so, the cut edge 3 ′ of the main shade 3 is disposed in the vicinity of the second focal point F 2 of the approximate spheroid of the main reflector 2. Therefore, a part of the light from the light source 1 or the reflector 2 is shielded by the main shade 3, and as a result, as shown in FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (B), the upper edge of the light distribution pattern P1 A clear light / dark boundary line is formed by the cut edge 3 '.

  In the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment, the light source 1, the main reflector 2, the main shade 3, and the projection lens 4 are arranged so that the light quantity utilization rate becomes a high value, and thereby, a light distribution pattern P1 is formed. The Furthermore, in the vehicular lamp according to the first embodiment, the light emitted from the light source 1 is effectively used between the outer edge 2 ′ of the reflector 2 and the projection lens 4 as described later. Furthermore, the light quantity utilization rate is further improved.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 5 denotes a first sub reflector disposed between the outer edge 2 ′ of the main reflector 2 and the projection lens 4 in order to reflect light from the light source 1. The reflecting surface of the first sub-reflector 5 is constituted by a part of a substantially spheroidal surface formed by rotating an ellipse about its major axis. The first focal point of the general spheroidal surface of the first sub-reflector 5 is located at the same position as the first focal point F1 of the general spheroidal surface of the main reflector 2. F <b> 2 ′ is the second focal point of the substantially spheroidal surface of the first sub reflector 5.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 6 denotes a second sub-reflector for reflecting the light from the first sub-reflector 5 to form a light distribution pattern P <b> 2 (see FIG. 3A). Reference numeral 7 denotes a third sub-reflector for reflecting the light from the first sub-reflector 5 to form a light distribution pattern P3 (see FIG. 3B). The third sub reflector 7 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation center C by a link mechanism (not shown), and is rotated and positioned by, for example, a pulse motor. Reference numeral 8 denotes a sub-shade for shielding a part of the light from the first sub-reflector 5. The cut edge of the subshade 8 is disposed in the vicinity of the second focal point F <b> 2 ′ on the substantially spheroidal surface of the first subreflector 5.

  In the first mode of the vehicular lamp according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the third sub reflector 7 is retracted from the optical path of the light from the first sub reflector 5. Therefore, the light from the first sub-reflector 5 is reflected by the second sub-reflector 6, and as a result, a light distribution pattern P2 is formed as shown in FIG. Specifically, a part of the light distribution pattern P2 is arranged outside the region of the light distribution pattern P1, and the spread of the irradiated light is improved. For example, the right light distribution pattern P2 is emitted from the right headlight of the vehicle, and the left light distribution pattern P2 is emitted from the left headlight. For example, when the vehicle turns right or left at an intersection, the mode is switched from the second mode described later to the first mode.

  On the other hand, in the second mode of the vehicular lamp according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the third sub-reflector 7 is advanced on the optical path of the light from the first sub-reflector 5. Therefore, the light from the first sub-reflector 5 is reflected by the third sub-reflector 7, and as a result, a light distribution pattern P3 is formed as shown in FIG. Specifically, a part of the light distribution pattern P1 and the light distribution pattern P3 are overlapped, and the brightness of the irradiated light is improved.

  That is, in the vehicular lamp according to the first embodiment, the light emitted from the light source 1 between the outer edge 2 ′ of the main reflector 2 and the projection lens 4 is converted into the first sub-reflector 5 and the second sub-reflector 6 or The object in front is irradiated through the third sub reflector 7. That is, the light emitted from the light source 1 is effectively used between the outer edge 2 ′ of the main reflector 2 and the projection lens 4, and the light quantity utilization rate is improved.

  Furthermore, in the vehicular lamp according to the first embodiment, two different light distribution patterns P2 and P2 can be obtained by switching the position of the third sub-reflector 7 without switching the position of the main shade 3 and reducing the light amount utilization rate. P3 is switched.

  In other words, in the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the second sub-reflector for reflecting the light from the first sub-reflector 5 to form the light distribution pattern P <b> 2. Separately from the third sub-reflector 6, a third sub-reflector 7 configured to be able to advance and retreat on the optical path of the light from the first sub-reflector 5 in order to reflect the light from the first sub-reflector 5 and form the light distribution pattern P 3. Is provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the light distribution pattern P2 is to be formed, as shown in FIG. 1, the third sub reflector 7 is retracted from the optical path of the light from the first sub reflector 5. The light from the first sub-reflector 5 is reflected by the second sub-reflector 6 to form a light distribution pattern P2. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the light distribution pattern P3 is to be formed, the third sub-reflector 7 is advanced on the optical path of the light from the first sub-reflector 5, and the first sub-reflector 5 Is reflected by the third sub-reflector 7 to form a light distribution pattern P3.

  That is, in the vehicle lamp of the first embodiment, when the light distribution patterns P1 and P2 shown in FIG. 3A are formed, and the light distribution patterns P1 and P3 shown in FIG. 3B are formed. The amount of light shielded by the main shade 3 cannot be changed depending on the time. In other words, the light distribution pattern is not switched by increasing the amount of light shielded by the main shade and decreasing the light amount utilization rate. Therefore, unlike the vehicular lamps described in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication Nos. 7-39125 and 10-241409, a plurality of different light distribution patterns P2 and P3 are formed without reducing the light amount utilization rate. be able to.

  That is, according to the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment, the light distribution patterns P2 and P3 can be switched without increasing the amount of light shielded by the main shade 3. That is, the light distribution patterns P2 and P3 can be switched in a state where the light shielding amount by the main shade 3 is fixed so that the light quantity utilization rate becomes a high value.

  Furthermore, in the vehicular lamp according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source 1 is disposed at a position deviating from the central axis (main optical axis) L of the projection lens 4. Therefore, as the light source is arranged on the central axis (main optical axis) of the projection lens, the component on the central axis (main optical axis) of the projection lens among the light from the main reflector is shielded by the light source. Can be avoided.

  Further, in the vehicular lamp according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first sub-reflector 5 to the third sub-reflector are larger than the distance from the first sub-reflector 5 to the second sub-reflector 6. The third sub-reflector 7 is arranged so that the distance to 7 becomes small. Therefore, the movement amount for retracting the third sub-reflector 7 from the optical path of the light from the first sub-reflector 5 and the movement for causing the third sub-reflector 7 to advance on the optical path of the light from the first sub-reflector 5. The amount can be reduced, whereby the light distribution pattern P2 shown in FIG. 3A and the light distribution pattern P3 shown in FIG. 3B can be switched at high speed.

  Furthermore, in the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment, the focal length of the third sub reflector 7 is set so that the focal length of the third sub reflector 7 is smaller than the focal length of the second sub reflector 6. Specifically, the focal length of the third sub-reflector 7 is set so that the focal length of the third sub-reflector 7 is greater than half the focal length of the second sub-reflector 6. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the light from the first sub reflector 5 being blocked by the third sub reflector 7 when the light distribution pattern P2 is to be formed. That is, the light distribution pattern P2 and the light distribution pattern P3 can be switched without reducing the light amount utilization rate.

  Further, in the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment, when the third sub reflector 7 is advanced on the optical path of the light from the first sub reflector 5, the posture of the third sub reflector 7 deviates from the desired posture. As described above, the third sub-reflector 7 is configured to be able to advance and retreat in a rotational manner so that the third sub-reflector 7 can be accurately positioned at a desired position. Therefore, the third sub-reflector 7 can be moved to the desired position without shifting the posture of the third sub-reflector 7 from the desired posture by a simpler configuration than the case where the third sub-reflector 7 is configured to be able to advance and retract in a sliding manner, for example. Therefore, the third sub reflector 7 can be advanced on the optical path of the light from the first sub reflector 5 so that it can be accurately positioned.

  FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the rotation center C of the third sub reflector 7 of the vehicular lamp according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, S <b> 1 is a surface including the edge 7 ′ of the third sub-reflector 7 on the side close to the first sub-reflector 5 and is perpendicular to the central axis (main optical axis) L of the projection lens 4. It is. S2 is a surface including the edge portion 7 ″ of the third sub-reflector 7 on the side far from the first sub-reflector 5, and is a second virtual surface perpendicular to the central axis (main optical axis) L of the projection lens 4. Is a third virtual surface located at an intermediate position between the first virtual surface S1 and the second virtual surface S2, and parallel to the first virtual surface S1 and the second virtual surface S2.

  In the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the rotation center C of the third sub reflector 7 is disposed between the first virtual surface S1 and the second virtual surface S2. Preferably, the distance D from the third virtual plane S3 to the rotation center C of the third sub reflector 7 is within ± 10 mm, and is above the light source 1 and below the upper end of the main shade 3, and both The rotation center C of the third sub-reflector 7 is arranged so as to be located between the two. For this reason, the third sub reflector 7 from the optical path of the light from the first sub reflector 5 is formed when the light distribution pattern P2 shown in FIG. Can be evacuated. That is, the light from the first sub-reflector 5 is shielded by the third sub-reflector 7 when the light distribution pattern P2 shown in FIG. Can be avoided. Thereby, the light distribution pattern P2 shown in FIG. 3 (A) and the light distribution pattern P3 shown in FIG. 3 (B) are avoided without lowering the light quantity utilization rate while avoiding an increase in the overall size of the vehicular lamp. And can be switched.

  In the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second sub-reflector 6 and the third sub-reflector 7 are disposed below the main optical axis (the central axis of the projection lens 4) L. However, in the modification of the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment, the second sub-reflector and the third sub-reflector are arranged above the main optical axis (center axis of the projection lens) (upper side in FIGS. 1 and 2). Can be arranged on the right side (front side in FIGS. 1 and 2), or on the left side (back side in FIGS. 1 and 2). Is also possible.

  Further, in the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the central axis of the light source 1 is the long axis (the first focal point F <b> 1 and the second focal point) of the approximate rotational ellipsoid of the main reflector 2. F2 is arranged perpendicular to the line), that is, extending in the front-back direction of FIGS. 1 and 2, but in the modification of the vehicle lamp of the first embodiment, It is also possible to arrange the central axis of the light source parallel to the major axis of the main spheroid of the main reflector (the line connecting the first focus and the second focus). That is, in the vehicular lamp according to the first embodiment, the light source is arranged in a so-called horizontal position, but in the modified example of the vehicular lamp in the first embodiment, the light source can also be arranged in a so-called vertical position. It is.

  Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the vehicular lamp of the present invention will be described. 5 and 6 are schematic sectional side views of the vehicular lamp according to the second embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows the vehicular lamp of the second embodiment in the first mode, and FIG. 6 shows the vehicular lamp of the second embodiment in the second mode. FIG. 7 is a view showing a light distribution pattern of the vehicular lamp according to the second embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 7A shows a light distribution pattern of the vehicular lamp of the second embodiment in the first mode, and FIG. 7B shows the second embodiment of the second embodiment in the second mode. The light distribution pattern of the vehicle lamp is shown.

  The vehicular lamp of the second embodiment is configured in the same manner as the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment described above or a modification thereof, except for the points described below. Therefore, except for the points described later, the same effects as those of the above-described vehicle lamp of the first embodiment or a modification thereof can be obtained.

  5 to 7, the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 denote the same parts or portions as the parts or parts shown in FIGS. It is the 3rd sub reflector for reflecting the light from the sub reflector 5, and forming light distribution pattern P13 (refer FIG.7 (B)). In the vehicular lamp of the second embodiment, the reflection surface of the third sub-reflector 17 is changed from the reflection surface of the third sub-reflector 7 of the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment. As a result, in the vehicular lamp of the second embodiment, the light distribution pattern P13 (see FIG. 7B) formed by the third sub-reflector 17 is the third sub-light of the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment. The light distribution pattern P3 formed by the reflector 7 is changed (see FIG. 3B).

  Specifically, when the vehicular lamp of the second embodiment is in the second mode, as shown in FIG. 6, the light from the first sub-reflector 5 is reflected by the third sub-reflector 17, and as a result, FIG. As shown in (B), a light distribution pattern P13 is formed. A clear light / dark boundary line is formed by the cut edge of the subshade 8 at the upper edge of the light distribution pattern P13. That is, the second mode of the vehicular lamp according to the second embodiment is selected, for example, when the driver wants to check the upper highway sign while the vehicle is traveling on the highway.

  In other words, in the vehicular lamp of the second embodiment, the reflection surface of the first sub-reflector 5 is formed by a substantially spheroidal surface, and the light source 1 is disposed at the first focal point F1 of the reflection surface of the first sub-reflector 5. In addition, a sub-shade 8 for shielding a part of the light from the first sub-reflector 5 is disposed in the vicinity of the second focal point F2 ′ of the reflecting surface of the first sub-reflector 5. That is, the sub shade 8 for shielding a part of the light from the first sub reflector 5 is provided. Therefore, a clear light / dark boundary line can be formed in the light reflected by the second sub-reflector 6 and the light reflected by the third sub-reflector 17. As a result, the light distribution pattern P2 formed by the second sub reflector 6 and the light distribution pattern P13 formed by the third sub reflector 17 can be arranged at a high position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, a clear light / dark boundary line is formed on the upper edge of the light distribution pattern P13 formed by the third sub reflector 17, and the distribution formed by the third sub reflector 17 is formed. The light pattern P13 is arranged at a high position.

  Further, the vehicular lamp of the second embodiment is provided with a sub projection lens (not shown) for focusing the light from the second sub reflector 6 or the light from the third sub reflector 17. That is, the light from the second sub-reflector 6 or the light from the third sub-reflector 17 is focused by the sub-projection lens and irradiated. Therefore, the irradiation area of the light distribution pattern P2 or the light distribution pattern P13 can be limited to a narrow area. That is, the light distribution pattern P1 irradiated through the projection lens (main projection lens) 4 having a relatively wide irradiation area is irradiated with the light distribution pattern P1 through the sub projection lens (not shown) having a relatively small irradiation area. The pattern P2 or the light distribution pattern P13 can be effectively supplemented depending on the purpose. Specifically, a sub-projection lens (not shown) is used to focus the light from the third sub-reflector 17 and illuminates the upper and far highway signs as shown in FIG. 7B. A narrow light distribution pattern P13 is irradiated.

  As described above, the vehicular lamp of the second embodiment is provided with a sub-projection lens (not shown) for focusing the light from the second sub-reflector 6 or the light from the third sub-reflector 17. However, in the modification of the vehicular lamp according to the second embodiment, in order to refract the light from the second sub-reflector 6 or the light from the third sub-reflector 17, for example, a refracting means such as a so-called lens cut ( It is also possible to provide (not shown). That is, in the modification of the vehicular lamp according to the second embodiment, the light from the second sub-reflector 6 or the light from the third sub-reflector 17 is refracted by the refracting means and irradiated. Therefore, the light distribution pattern P1 irradiated through the projection lens 4 is a light distribution pattern in which the light from the second sub-reflector 6 is refracted or the light distribution pattern in which the light from the third sub-reflector 17 is refracted. Thus, it can be effectively compensated according to the purpose.

  Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the vehicular lamp of the present invention will be described. 8 and 9 are schematic sectional side views of the vehicular lamp of the third embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 8 shows the vehicular lamp of the third embodiment in the first mode, and FIG. 9 shows the vehicular lamp of the third embodiment in the second mode. FIG. 10 is a view showing a light distribution pattern of the vehicular lamp according to the third embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 10A shows a light distribution pattern of the vehicular lamp of the third embodiment in the first mode, and FIG. 10B shows the third embodiment of the third embodiment in the second mode. The light distribution pattern of the vehicle lamp is shown.

  The vehicular lamp of the third embodiment is configured in the same manner as the vehicular lamp of the second embodiment described above, except for the points described below. Therefore, except for the points described later, the same effects as those of the vehicle lamp of the second embodiment described above can be achieved.

  8 to 10, the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 denote the same parts or portions as the parts or parts shown in FIGS. This is a sub-shade configured to be able to advance and retreat on the optical path of the light from the first sub-reflector 5 in order to block part of the light from the sub-reflector 5. In the vehicular lamp according to the second embodiment described above, the subshade 8 is fixedly arranged, whereas in the vehicular lamp according to the third embodiment, the subshade 28 extends from the first subreflector 5. It is configured to be able to advance and retreat on the optical path of light. As a result, the light distribution pattern P23 of the vehicle lamp of the third embodiment in the second mode (see FIG. 10B) is the light distribution pattern of the vehicle lamp of the second embodiment in the second mode. It is changed from P13 (see FIG. 7B).

  Specifically, in the first mode of the vehicular lamp of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the first sub-reflector 5 is used as in the first mode of the vehicular lamp of the second embodiment. Is reflected by the second sub-reflector 6, and as a result, a light distribution pattern P2 is formed as shown in FIG. A clear light / dark boundary line is formed by the cut edge of the subshade 8 on the upper edge of the light distribution pattern P2. On the other hand, in the second mode of the vehicular lamp of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the third sub-reflector 17 is advanced on the optical path of the light from the first sub-reflector 5 and the sub-shade 28. (Not shown) is retracted from the optical path of the light from the first sub reflector 5. Accordingly, the light from the first sub reflector 5 is reflected by the third sub reflector 17 without being shielded by the sub shade 28. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, a light distribution pattern P23 in which no bright / dark boundary line is formed on the upper edge is formed. That is, the second mode of the vehicular lamp according to the third embodiment is selected, for example, when the driver of the vehicle wants to emit a high beam.

  Specifically, in the vehicular lamp of the third embodiment, the subshade 28 and the third subreflector 17 are integrally rotated about the rotation center C, as shown by an arrow in FIG. When the third sub-reflector 17 is moved toward the right side, the sub-shade 28 is also moved toward the right side from the position shown in FIG. 8 and retracted from the optical path of the light from the first sub-reflector 5. It is done.

  In the modification of the vehicular lamp according to the third embodiment, the sub-shade 28 and the third sub-reflector 17 can be moved separately. For example, in a modification of the vehicular lamp according to the third embodiment, the auxiliary shade 28 and the third auxiliary reflector 17 are joined by a link mechanism (not shown). Specifically, when the third secondary reflector 17 is moved toward the right side as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 9, the secondary shade 28 is moved toward the left side from the position shown in FIG. It is retracted from the optical path of the light from the reflector 5.

  Further, in the vehicular lamp of the third embodiment, as in the vehicular lamp of the second embodiment, the sub-projection for converging the light from the second sub-reflector 6 or the light from the third sub-reflector 17 is performed. A lens (not shown) is provided. That is, the light from the second sub-reflector 6 or the light from the third sub-reflector 17 is focused by the sub-projection lens and irradiated. Therefore, the irradiation area of the light distribution pattern P2 or the light distribution pattern P23 can be limited to a narrow area. That is, the light distribution pattern P1 irradiated through the projection lens (main projection lens) 4 having a relatively wide irradiation area is irradiated with the light distribution pattern P1 through the sub-projection lens (not shown) having a relatively small irradiation area. The pattern P2 or the light distribution pattern P23 can be effectively supplemented depending on the purpose. Specifically, a subprojection lens (not shown) is used to focus the light from the third subreflector 17, and as shown in FIG. 10B, a light distribution pattern with a narrow irradiation area upward and far away. P23 is irradiated.

  As described above, the vehicular lamp of the third embodiment is provided with a sub-projection lens (not shown) for focusing the light from the second sub-reflector 6 or the light from the third sub-reflector 17. However, in another modification of the vehicular lamp of the third embodiment, similarly to the vehicular lamp of the second embodiment, the light from the second sub-reflector 6 or the third sub-reflector 17 is used. In order to refract the light, it is possible to provide a refracting means (not shown) such as a so-called lens cut. Specifically, in the modified example of the vehicular lamp of the third embodiment, the light from the third sub reflector 17 is refracted upward by the refracting means, and a light distribution pattern P23 as a high beam is formed.

  Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the vehicular lamp of the present invention will be described. 11 and 12 are schematic sectional side views of the vehicular lamp according to the fourth embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 11 shows the vehicle lamp of the fourth embodiment in the first mode, and FIG. 12 shows the vehicle lamp of the fourth embodiment in the second mode.

  The vehicular lamp of the fourth embodiment is configured in the same manner as the vehicular lamp of the first embodiment described above or a modification thereof, except for the points described below. Therefore, except for the points described later, the same effects as those of the above-described vehicle lamp of the first embodiment or a modification thereof can be obtained.

  11 and 12, the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 denote the same parts or portions as the parts or parts shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, and 35 denotes the light source 1. 4 is a fourth sub-reflector disposed between the outer edge portion 2 ″ of the main reflector 2 and the projection lens 4 in order to reflect light from the main reflector 2. The reflecting surface of the fourth sub-reflector 35 is generally centered on its major axis. The first focal point of the approximate rotational ellipsoid of the fourth sub-reflector 35 is the first focal point of the approximate rotational ellipsoid of the main reflector 2. It is located at the same position as the focal point F <b> 1. F <b> 2 ″ is the second focal point of the substantially spheroidal surface of the fourth sub-reflector 35.

  In FIGS. 11 and 12, reference numeral 36 denotes a fifth sub-reflector for reflecting light from the fourth sub-reflector 35 to form a light distribution pattern (not shown). Reference numeral 37 denotes a sixth sub reflector for reflecting the light from the fourth sub reflector 35 to form a light distribution pattern (not shown). The sixth sub-reflector 37 is configured to be rotatable around a rotation center C ′ by a link mechanism (not shown), and is rotated and positioned by, for example, a pulse motor. Reference numeral 38 denotes a second sub shade for shielding a part of the light from the fourth sub reflector 35. The cut edge of the second subshade 38 is disposed in the vicinity of the second focal point F2 ″ of the substantially spheroidal surface of the fourth subreflector 35.

  That is, in the vehicle lamp of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the fifth sub-reflector 36 for reflecting the light from the fourth sub-reflector 35 to form a light distribution pattern, A sixth sub-reflector 37 configured to be movable back and forth on the optical path of the light from the fourth sub-reflector 35 in order to reflect the light from the fourth sub-reflector 35 and form a light distribution pattern different from the light distribution pattern. Are the second sub-reflector 6 for forming the light distribution pattern P2 shown in FIG. 3 (A) and the third sub-reflector 7 for forming the light distribution pattern P3 shown in FIG. 3 (B). It is provided separately. Therefore, for example, in the first mode in which the light distribution pattern P2 shown in FIG. 3A is formed, the light distribution pattern by the fifth sub reflector 36 is formed, and the light distribution pattern P3 shown in FIG. In the second mode to be formed, a light distribution pattern by the sixth sub reflector 37 can be formed. Alternatively, in the modification of the vehicle lamp of the fourth embodiment, for example, when the light distribution pattern P2 shown in FIG. 3A is formed, the light distribution pattern by the sixth sub reflector 37 is formed, and FIG. When the light distribution pattern P3 shown in (B) is formed, it is also possible to form a light distribution pattern by the fifth sub-reflector 36.

  In the vehicular lamp of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the fourth sub-reflector 35 is disposed below the main optical axis (the central axis of the projection lens 4) L, and the fifth sub-reflector is provided. 36 and the sixth sub-reflector 37 are disposed above the main optical axis (the central axis of the projection lens 4) L. In another modification of the vehicular lamp of the fourth embodiment, FIGS. The fourth sub-reflector, the fifth sub-reflector, and the sixth sub-reflector can be arranged at arbitrary positions so as not to interfere with the components and the optical path shown in FIG.

It is a schematic sectional side view of the vehicle lamp of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional side view of the vehicle lamp of 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the light distribution pattern of the vehicle lamp of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the rotation center C of the 3rd sub reflector 7 of the vehicle lamp of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional side view of the vehicle lamp of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional side view of the vehicle lamp of 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the light distribution pattern of the vehicle lamp of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional side view of the vehicle lamp of 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional side view of the vehicle lamp of 3rd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the light distribution pattern of the vehicle lamp of 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional side view of the vehicle lamp of 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional side view of the vehicle lamp of 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional side view of the conventional vehicle lamp. It is a schematic sectional side view of the conventional vehicle lamp. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing light emitted from a light source 101 between an outer edge portion 102 ′ of a reflector 102 and a projection lens 104.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Light source 2 Main reflector 2 'Outer edge part of main reflector 3 Main shade 3' Cut edge of main shade 4 Projection lens 5 1st subreflector 6 2nd subreflector 7 3rd subreflector 8 Subshade

Claims (8)

  A light source, a main reflector for reflecting light from the light source, a shade for shielding part of the light from the light source or the main reflector, and for focusing light from the light source or the main reflector A first sub-reflector disposed between an outer edge portion of the main reflector and the projection lens for reflecting light from the light source, and the first sub-reflector. A second sub-reflector for reflecting light from the first sub-reflector to form a first light distribution pattern, and the first sub-reflector for reflecting the light from the first sub-reflector to form a second light distribution pattern A vehicular lamp comprising a third sub-reflector configured to be able to advance and retreat on an optical path of light from the vehicle.   The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light source is disposed at a position deviating from a central axis of the projection lens.   The third sub-reflector is arranged such that a distance from the first sub-reflector to the third sub-reflector is smaller than a distance from the first sub-reflector to the second sub-reflector. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1 or 2.   The reflection surface of the first sub-reflector is formed by a substantially spheroidal surface, the light source is disposed at the first focus of the reflection surface of the first sub-reflector, and in the vicinity of the second focus of the reflection surface of the first sub-reflector The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a sub-shade for shielding a part of light from the first sub-reflector is disposed on the vehicle.   5. The focal length of the third sub-reflector is set so that the focal length of the third sub-reflector is smaller than the focal length of the second sub-reflector. The vehicle lamp as described.   The focal length of the third sub-reflector is set so that the focal length of the third sub-reflector is larger than one half of the focal length of the second sub-reflector. Vehicle lamps.   The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the third sub-reflector is configured to be capable of advancing and retracting in a rotational manner.   A fourth sub-reflector disposed between an outer edge of the main reflector and the projection lens to reflect light from the light source; and a third light distribution pattern by reflecting light from the fourth sub-reflector. And a fifth sub-reflector for forming a light source, and a light distribution path for reflecting light from the fourth sub-reflector to form a fourth light distribution pattern. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, further comprising a sixth sub-reflector.

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