JP2010123447A - Lighting lamp tool for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To form a light-distribution pattern for a low-beam having horizontal and slanted cutoff lines at a top end section while enhancing utilization efficiency of its light source light flux in a direct-projection type lighting lamp tool for a vehicle using an approximately rectangular light-emitting surface as a light source. <P>SOLUTION: A lower end edge of the approximately rectangular light-emitting surface 12A is located at a horizontal line orthogonal to an optical axis Ax, and a point O on the lower end edge is arranged to locate on the optical axis Ax. Reflecting type Fresnel lenses are respectively formed on the back-side surface of a lens 14 while first and third lens ranges Z1, Z3 are formed with a primary datum line L1 as a reference and second and fourth lens ranges Z2, Z4 are formed with a secondary datum line L2 as a reference, and thereby the horizontal cutoff line can be formed. Furthermore, end zones on respective lens ranges Z1-Z4 are formed as extension zones Z1a-Z4a coming into their adjacent lens ranges at a designated angle, and thereby the slanted cutoff line can be formed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular illumination lamp having a light source such as a light-emitting chip of a light-emitting element, and in particular, light irradiation for forming a low-beam light distribution pattern having horizontal and oblique cut-off lines at the upper end. The present invention relates to a vehicular illumination lamp configured to perform the above.

  In recent years, a light-emitting chip of a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode has been frequently used as a light source of a vehicular illumination lamp.

  For example, “Patent Document 1” includes a convex lens disposed on the optical axis extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp, and a light emitting element disposed in the vicinity of the rear focal point of the convex lens. There is described a so-called direct-light type vehicle illumination lamp configured to control light deflection by a convex lens.

  In the vehicular illumination lamp described in “Patent Document 1”, a portion of the direct light from the light emitting chip is shielded by a shade disposed near the front of the light emitting chip, and the upper end portion is shielded. A light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line or an oblique cut-off line is formed.

JP-A-2005-44683

  By adopting the configuration of the vehicular illumination lamp described in the “Patent Document 1”, it is possible to reduce the size of the lamp. Further, in this vehicular illumination lamp, it is possible to form a low beam light distribution pattern having horizontal and oblique cutoff lines at the upper end portion by appropriately setting the upper end edge shape of the shade.

  However, in the vehicular illumination lamp described in “Patent Document 1”, part of the direct light from the light emitting chip is shielded by the shade, so that the light source luminous flux cannot be used effectively. There's a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in a direct-type vehicle illumination lamp using a substantially rectangular light-emitting surface as a light source, the use efficiency of the light source luminous flux is increased. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular illumination lamp capable of forming a low beam light distribution pattern having a horizontal and oblique cut-off line at the upper end.

  In the present invention, the above-described object is achieved by devising the arrangement of the light source and the lens configuration.

That is, the vehicular illumination lamp according to the present invention is:
In a vehicular illumination lamp comprising: a light source disposed in the vicinity of an optical axis extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp; and a lens disposed on the front side of the light source to deflect and emit light from the light source toward the front ,
The light source is composed of a light emitting surface that emits light in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front of the lamp. The lower end edge of the light emitting surface is positioned on a horizontal line perpendicular to the optical axis, and a point on the lower end edge is located on the optical axis. It is arranged to be located,
The lens has a first lens region substantially located at the upper part on the own lane side, a second lens region substantially located at the upper part on the opposite lane side, and a third lens located substantially at the lower part on the opposite lane side with respect to the optical axis. A lens region, and a fourth lens region substantially located at the lower part on the own lane side,
A plane including a first reference line passing through a first corner point located at the upper corner of the light emitting surface on the own lane side and extending in parallel with the optical axis on the rear surface of the first and third lens regions. A plurality of ring-shaped prisms whose cross-sectional shape is set in a sawtooth shape are formed concentrically around the first reference line,
After each ring-shaped prism makes the light from the first corner point incident on the ring-shaped prism in a manner to refract the light from the first reference line on the inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped prism, The incident light is configured as a reflection type Fresnel lens that totally reflects forward on the outer peripheral surface of the annular prism,
A plane including a second reference line passing through a second corner point located at the lower corner of the light emitting surface on the opposite lane side and extending in parallel with the optical axis on the rear surface of the second and fourth lens regions. A plurality of ring-shaped prisms whose cross-sectional shape is set in a sawtooth shape are formed concentrically around the second reference line,
After each of the ring-shaped prisms is incident on the ring-shaped prism in a manner that refracts light from the second corner point in a direction away from the second reference line on the inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped prism, The incident light is configured as a reflection type Fresnel lens that totally reflects forward on the outer peripheral surface of the annular prism,
An end region adjacent to the second lens region in the first lens region, an end region adjacent to the third lens region in the second lens region, and adjacent to the fourth lens region in the third lens region. Of the end region and the end region adjacent to the first lens region in the fourth lens region, at least one end region has a substantially fan shape that enters a predetermined angle into the lens region adjacent to the end region. Formed as an extension region,
A plurality of horizontal diffusing elements for diffusing emitted light from the general region in the horizontal direction are formed on the front surface of the general region other than the extended region in the first to fourth lens regions. To do.

  As long as the above “light source” is configured as a light emitting surface that emits light in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front of the lamp, the specific shape and size thereof are not particularly limited. Is not particularly limited, for example, a light emitting chip in a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode, a light exit surface of a light guide to which light from a primary light source is guided, and a predetermined window on a bulb of a discharge bulb. The window portion or the like when the light-shielding paint is applied can be used.

  If the above-mentioned "light emitting surface emitting light in a substantially rectangular shape" is a light emitting surface formed so that the upper edge and the lower edge thereof extend in parallel to each other, the left and right side edges thereof are not necessarily relative to the upper edge and the lower edge. For example, it may have a light emitting surface shape such as a parallelogram or a trapezoid.

  The specific shape and size of the “extension region” are not particularly limited as long as the extension region is formed as a substantially sector-shaped region that enters a lens region adjacent to the end region. At that time, the specific value of the “predetermined angle” should be appropriately set according to the shape of the light emitting surface, the inclination angle of the oblique cutoff line, and the like.

  The horizontal diffusion of the emitted light from the general region by the “multiple horizontal diffusing elements” may be diffused evenly to the left and right sides, or to the left and right sides at different diffusion angles. May be.

  As shown in the above configuration, the vehicular illumination lamp according to the present invention directs light from a light source disposed in the vicinity of the optical axis extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp to the front by a lens disposed on the front side thereof. Although it is configured to deflect and emit, since the rear side surface of this lens is configured as a reflection type Fresnel lens, the lamp can be configured compactly.

  In that case, in the vehicular illumination lamp according to the present invention, the light source is a light emitting surface that emits light in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front of the lamp, and its lower end edge is positioned on a horizontal line orthogonal to the optical axis and the lower end. The point on the edge is positioned on the optical axis, and the lens is located on the first lens region approximately on the upper side of the own lane side and on the upper side of the opposite lane side with respect to the optical axis. A first lens that includes a second lens region that is substantially positioned; a third lens region that is generally positioned at a lower portion on the opposite lane side; and a fourth lens region that is approximately positioned at a lower portion on the own lane side. Since the rear surface of the area and the rear surfaces of the second and fourth lens areas are composed of reflective Fresnel lenses formed with reference to different predetermined reference lines, the following Can get the effect .

  That is, the back surface of the first and third lens regions includes a first reference line that passes through the first corner point located at the upper-end corner of the light emitting surface on the own lane side and extends parallel to the optical axis. Are formed concentrically around the first reference line, and each of the annular prisms is formed from the first corner point. Is incident on the ring-shaped prism in such a manner that the light is refracted in a direction away from the first reference line on the inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped prism, and then the incident light is directed forward on the outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped prism. Because it is configured as a reflection type Fresnel lens that totally reflects the light, the emitted light from the first and third lens regions is diffused in the horizontal direction by a plurality of horizontal diffusion elements formed on the front surface of the general region. Let Accordingly, it is possible to form the horizontal diffusion light distribution pattern having a horizontal cutoff line on an upper end portion.

  On the other hand, the rear surface of the second and fourth lens regions includes a plane that includes a second reference line that passes through the second corner point located at the lower corner of the light emitting surface on the opposite lane side and extends parallel to the optical axis. Are formed concentrically around the second reference line, and each of these annular prisms is formed from the second corner point. Is incident on the annular zone prism in such a manner that it is refracted in a direction away from the second reference line on the inner circumferential surface of the annular zone prism, and then the incident light is directed forward on the outer circumferential surface of the annular zone prism. Therefore, the light emitted from the second and fourth lens regions is diffused in the horizontal direction by a plurality of horizontal diffusing elements formed on the front surface of the general region. Letting More, it is possible to form the horizontal diffusion light distribution pattern having a horizontal cutoff line on an upper end portion.

  At that time, the reflective Fresnel lens constituting the rear surface of the first and third lens regions is formed with reference to the first reference line, while the rear surface of the second and fourth lens regions is formed. Since the reflection type Fresnel lens to be formed is formed with reference to the second reference line, the vertical cutoff line in the horizontal cutoff line of the horizontal diffusion light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the first and third lens regions The position and the position in the vertical direction of the horizontal cutoff line of the horizontal diffusion light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the second and fourth lens regions can be substantially matched.

  In addition, in the vehicular illumination lamp according to the present invention, an end region adjacent to the second lens region in the first lens region, an end region adjacent to the third lens region in the second lens region, and a third lens At least one of the end region adjacent to the fourth lens region in the region and the end region adjacent to the first lens region in the fourth lens region is within the lens region adjacent to the end region. Since it is formed as an extended region that enters a predetermined angle, the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, when the end region in any one of the first to fourth lens regions is formed as an extension region that enters a lens region adjacent to the end region, a rear side surface of the extension region The reflection type Fresnel lens that constitutes the reference line is different from the original reference line (that is, the reference line for forming the reflection type Fresnel lens constituting the rear surface of the lens area in which the extension area is inserted). It will be formed as a reference line. For this reason, the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the extension region becomes a light distribution pattern protruding upward from the horizontal cut-off line, and at this time, the light distribution pattern is directed toward the own lane side at the upper end portion. The light distribution pattern has an oblique cut-off line that rises obliquely.

  Therefore, by synthesizing the light distribution pattern formed by the emitted light from the at least one extension region thus formed and the light distribution pattern formed by the emitted light from the other general regions, A low beam light distribution pattern having horizontal and oblique cutoff lines can be formed. Moreover, this can be realized without shielding a part of the direct light from the light emitting surface with the shade as in the conventional case.

  At this time, if the first to fourth lens regions are arranged counterclockwise with respect to the optical axis when viewed from the front of the lamp, a left light distribution pattern for low beam distribution can be formed, while If arranged around, a right light distribution pattern for a low beam can be formed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in a direct-type vehicle illumination lamp using a substantially rectangular light-emitting surface as a light source, the utilization efficiency of the light source luminous flux is enhanced, and a horizontal and oblique cut-off line is provided at the upper end portion. It is possible to form a low-beam light distribution pattern having

  In the above configuration, if the region in the vicinity of the optical axis in the lens is configured as a convex lens unit that emits light from a point on the optical axis at the lower edge of the light emitting surface as light parallel to the optical axis at least in the vertical direction, A light distribution pattern having a horizontal cutoff line at the upper end can be formed as a reverse projection image of the light emitting surface by the convex lens portion. At this time, the vertical position of the horizontal cut-off line of this light distribution pattern can be made substantially coincident with the vertical position of the horizontal cut-off line of each horizontal diffusion light distribution pattern. Therefore, by combining this light distribution pattern with the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the first to fourth lens regions, the horizontal cut-off line of the low beam light distribution pattern can be formed more clearly.

  In the above configuration, if the front surface of the region located near the end opposite to each end region in the general region of each lens region is formed so as to deflect the emitted light from the region downward, The following effects can be obtained.

  That is, in the general area of each lens area, the area located near the end opposite to each end area is the upper end position of the light distribution pattern formed by the emitted light with respect to the other areas. Is slightly displaced upward. Therefore, by deflecting the emitted light from this region downward, the horizontal cut-off line of the low beam light distribution pattern can be formed more clearly.

  As described above, the angle range (that is, the value of the “predetermined angle”) in which each extension region is formed is not particularly limited. However, the reference line of the lens region to which the extension region belongs (that is, the “first reference”). If the configuration is formed within an angle range of 5 to 12 ° from a vertical line or a horizontal line passing through the “line” or “second reference line”), the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the extended region is slanted. The cut-off line can be clearly formed as an oblique cut-off line that rises at an angle of about 15 ° toward the own lane.

  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 the present embodiment. 2 is a detailed sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG.

  As shown in these drawings, the vehicular illumination lamp 10 according to this embodiment includes a light emitting element 12 disposed forward in the vicinity of an optical axis Ax extending in the lamp front-rear direction, and a front side of the light emitting element 12. The lens 14 includes a lens 14 that deflects and emits light from the light emitting element 12 forward, and a metal holder 16 that supports the light emitting element 12 and the lens 14.

  The vehicular illumination lamp 10 is used in a state in which the optical axis can be adjusted with respect to a lamp body or the like (not shown). When the optical axis adjustment is completed, the optical axis Ax is the vehicle. It extends downward about 0.5 to 0.6 ° with respect to the front direction. Then, a light distribution pattern PL for left beam distribution as shown in FIG. 5 is formed by light irradiation from the vehicular illumination lamp 10.

  The light emitting element 12 is a white light emitting diode, and includes four light emitting chips 12a arranged in series in the horizontal direction and a substrate 12b that supports them.

  The four light emitting chips 12a are arranged so as to be in close contact with each other, and their front surfaces are sealed with a thin film, thereby forming a light emitting surface 12A that emits light in a horizontally long rectangular shape when viewed from the front of the lamp. Yes. At this time, each light emitting chip 12a has a square outer shape of about 1 × 1 mm, and thus the light emitting surface 12A has an outer shape of about 1 × 4 mm.

  In the light emitting element 12, the lower end edge of the light emitting surface 12A is positioned on a horizontal line orthogonal to the optical axis Ax, and a point (specifically, a midpoint in the left-right direction) O on the lower end edge is placed on the optical axis Ax. It is arranged to be positioned.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the lens 14 as a single product.

  As shown in the figure, the lens 14 is a colorless and transparent acrylic resin disk-shaped member having an outer diameter of about φ80 mm, and has a configuration in which unevenness processing is performed on both the front and back surfaces. ing.

  In the lens 14, a region near the optical axis Ax is configured as a convex lens portion Z0, and the periphery thereof is configured as first to fourth lens regions Z1 to Z4 having a reflective Fresnel lens structure. At this time, the first lens region Z1 is substantially located at the upper portion on the own lane side, the second lens region Z2 is substantially located at the upper portion on the opposite lane side, and the third lens region Z3 is located on the opposite lane. The fourth lens region Z4 is substantially located at the lower part on the own lane side.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the convex lens portion Z0 is configured as a plano-convex lens whose rear surface is configured by a plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax, and its rear focal point is the optical axis at the lower edge of the light emitting surface 12A. It is located at point O on Ax. As a result, the convex lens portion Z0 forwards the light from the point O on the optical axis Ax at the lower edge of the light emitting surface 12A as light parallel to the optical axis Ax as indicated by the thick solid line in FIG. It is made to emit to.

  Next, the configuration of the first to fourth lens regions Z1 to Z4 will be described.

  First, the shape of the rear surface of the first to fourth lens regions Z1 to Z4 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a front view for explaining the positional relationship between the rear surface of the first to fourth lens regions Z1 to Z4 and the light emitting surface 12A.

  As shown in the figure, the rear surfaces of the first and third lens regions Z1 and Z3 are located at the upper corner of the light emitting surface 12A on the own lane side (the upper right corner in the lamp front view). A plurality of annular prisms 14p1 whose cross-sectional shape along a plane passing through one corner point A and extending in parallel with the optical axis Ax and including the first reference line L1 is set in a sawtooth shape are centered on the first reference line L1. Are formed concentrically.

  Each of the ring-shaped prisms 14p1 causes the light from the first corner point A to be incident on the ring-shaped prism 14p1 in a manner that refracts the light from the first reference line L1 on the inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped prism 14p1. After that, this incident light is configured as a reflection type Fresnel lens that totally reflects forward on the outer peripheral surface of the annular prism 14p1 (see FIG. 2).

  On the other hand, on the rear surface of the second and fourth lens regions Z2 and Z4, a second corner point B located at the lower end corner on the opposite lane side of the light emitting surface 12A (lower left corner when viewed from the front of the lamp) is provided. A plurality of annular zone prisms 14p2 having a sawtooth shape in cross section along a plane including the second reference line L2 that passes through and extends in parallel with the optical axis Ax are formed concentrically around the second reference line L2. Has been.

  Each of the annular prisms 14p2 causes the light from the second corner point B to be incident on the annular prism 14p2 in a manner that refracts the inner circumferential surface of the annular zone prism 14p2 away from the second reference line. After that, the incident light is configured as a reflection type Fresnel lens that totally reflects forward on the outer peripheral surface of the annular prism 14p2.

  From the viewpoint of forming a horizontal diffusion light distribution pattern (which will be described later) having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end portion, the first to fourth lens regions Z1 to Z4 are originally on the own lane side in the light emitting surface 12A. The region should be divided by a horizontal line and a vertical line (a line indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure) passing through the third corner point C located at the lower end corner (the lower right corner in the lamp front view). However, in the present embodiment, the end region adjacent to the second lens region Z2 in the first lens region Z1, the end region adjacent to the third lens region Z3 in the second lens region Z2, and the third lens region Z3. Each of the end region adjacent to the fourth lens region Z4 and the end region adjacent to the first lens region Z1 in the fourth lens region Z4 is adjacent to the lens region Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4. It is formed as a substantially sector-shaped extension region Z1a, Z2a, Z3a, Z4a that enters a predetermined angle inside.

  At that time, the extension region Z1a of the first lens region Z1 and the extension region Z3a of the third lens region Z3 are respectively angled from a vertical line passing through the first corner point A (that is, a vertical line passing through the first reference line L1). It is formed within the angle range of α1 and α3. At this time, the values of these angles α1 and α3 are both set to about 10 to 12 ° (for example, 11 °). On the other hand, the extension region Z2a of the second lens region Z2 and the extension region Z4a of the fourth lens region Z4 are angled α2, α4 from the horizontal line passing through the second corner point B (that is, the horizontal line passing through the second reference line L2), respectively. Are formed within the angular range. At this time, the values of these angles α2 and α4 are both set to about 7 to 8 ° (for example, 7.5 °).

  As a result, the first lens region Z1 is expanded from the original formation position by the angle α1 of the extension region Z1a, while the other general region Z1o is reduced by the angle α4 of the extension region Z4a. The second lens region Z2 is expanded by the angle α2 of the extension region Z2a from the original formation position, while the other general region Z2o is reduced by the angle α1 of the extension region Z1a from the original formation position. The third lens region Z3 extends from the original formation position by the angle α3 of the extension region Z3a, while the other general region Z3o has an angle α2 of the extension region Z2a. The fourth lens region Z4 is formed by the angle α4 of the extension region Z4a from the original formation position, while being formed in the range of the angle θ3 that is reduced only by It is other general area Z4o is to be formed in a range of an angle α3 minutes only reduced angle θ4 of the extension region Z3a.

  Next, the shape of the front surface of the first to fourth lens regions Z1 to Z4 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the front side surfaces of the extension regions Z1a to Z4a in the first to fourth lens regions Z1 to Z4 are configured by a plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax, and the other general region Z1o. The front side surface of .about.Z4o has a structure in which a plurality of horizontal diffusion elements 14s1, 14s2 for diffusing emitted light from the general regions Z1o-Z4o in the horizontal direction are formed.

  The general regions Z1o to Z4o of the first to fourth lens regions Z1 to Z4 are all divided into three sector regions in the circumferential direction.

  At that time, each of the fan-shaped regions Z1o1 to Z4o1 located at the center of each of the general regions Z1o to Z4o has a configuration in which a plurality of horizontal diffusion elements 14s1 are formed on a plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax. At that time, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of each of the horizontal diffusion elements 14s1 is set to a convex arc shape. As a result, each of the fan-shaped areas Z1o1 to Z4o1 is configured to make light emitted from the fan-shaped areas Z1o1 to Z4o1 diffuse substantially evenly on the left and right sides.

  Further, the fan-shaped regions Z1o2 to Z4o2 near the extended regions Z1a to Z4a in the general regions Z1o to Z4o have a configuration in which a plurality of horizontal diffusion elements 14s2 are formed on a plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax. Each horizontal diffusion element 14s2 has a horizontal sectional shape set to a convex arc shape, and its curvature is set to a value smaller than each horizontal diffusion element 14s1. As a result, each of the fan-shaped areas Z1o2 to Z4o2 is configured so that light emitted from the fan-shaped areas Z1o2 to Z4o2 is diffused substantially evenly with a relatively small diffusion angle on the left and right sides.

  Furthermore, the sector regions Z1o3 to Z4o3 located near the ends of the general regions Z1o to Z4o opposite to the extended regions Z1a to Z4a are slightly inclined backward (that is, the upper end). A plurality of horizontal diffusing elements 14s1 are respectively formed on a plane that is inclined so that the edge is displaced rearward. As a result, each of the fan-shaped areas Z1o3 to Z4o3 is configured to make the light emitted from the fan-shaped areas Z1o3 to Z4o3 slightly diffuse downward and substantially equally diffused to the left and right sides.

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

  The low beam light distribution pattern PL is a left light distribution low beam light distribution pattern having horizontal and oblique cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 at the upper end thereof. At that time, a horizontal cut-off line CL1 is formed on the opposite lane side with respect to the VV line which is a vertical line passing through HV which is a vanishing point in the front direction of the lamp, and a 15 ° inclination on the own lane side. An oblique cut-off line CL2 having an angle is formed, and an elbow point E that is an intersection of both the cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 is located about 0.5 to 0.6 ° below HV.

  The low beam light distribution pattern PL is formed as a combined light distribution pattern in which three light distribution patterns PA, PB, and PC are superimposed.

  The light distribution pattern PA is a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the convex lens portion Z0, and the light distribution pattern PB is generated by light emitted from the general regions Z1o to Z4o of the first to fourth lens regions Z1 to Z4. The light distribution pattern is formed, and the light distribution pattern PC is a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the extension regions Z1a to Z4a of the first to fourth lens regions Z1 to Z4.

  The light distribution pattern PA is formed as a horizontally long and bright light distribution pattern that extends to the left and right sides centered on the VV line. And the main part of horizontal cut-off line CL1 is formed by the upper end edge of this light distribution pattern PA. This light distribution pattern PA is formed by reversing and projecting the image of the light emitting surface 12A by the convex lens portion Z0. At that time, since the lower end edge of the light emitting surface 12A is located on the horizontal line passing through the rear focal point of the convex lens portion Z0, the light-to-dark ratio of the upper end edge of the light distribution pattern PA becomes extremely high. The main part of the offline CL1 is also clear. The upper end edge of the light distribution pattern PA is positioned about 0.5 to 0.6 ° below HV because the optical axis Ax of the vehicular illumination lamp 10 is in the vehicle front direction. This is due to extending downward by about 0.5 to 0.6 °.

  The light distribution pattern PB is formed as a horizontally long horizontal diffused light distribution pattern that spreads greatly to the left and right sides around the VV line. The horizontal cut-off line CL1 is also formed by the upper edge of the light distribution pattern PB. The formation process of the light distribution pattern PB will be described later.

  The light distribution pattern PC is formed as a diagonally long and bright light distribution pattern that expands obliquely upward from the vicinity of the VV line toward the own lane. The oblique cut-off line CL2 is formed by the upper edge of the light distribution pattern PC. The formation process of this light distribution pattern PC will also be described later.

  In the low beam light distribution pattern PL, a hot zone HZ that is a high light intensity region is formed in the vicinity of the lower left of an elbow point E where the light distribution pattern PB and the light distribution pattern PC overlap.

  FIG. 6A shows the low beam distribution pattern PL as a result of simulation. FIGS. 7B, 7C, and 7D are diagrams showing the light distribution pattern PC, the light distribution pattern PA, and the light distribution pattern PB, respectively, as the simulation results.

  In each of these figures, the closed curve shown in multiple is an isoluminous curve, and shows that each light distribution pattern PL, PC, PA, PB becomes brighter from the outer peripheral edge toward the center.

  The light distribution pattern PA is brightest in the vicinity of the center position, but the light distribution patterns PB and PC are brightest at positions closer to the elbow point E than the center position.

  7 and 8 are diagrams showing the results of simulations for explaining the formation process of the light distribution patterns PB and PC.

  First, FIG. 7 will be described.

  In FIG. 7B, eight light distribution patterns P1o to P4o and P1a to P4a shown together with the light distribution pattern PA formed by the light emitted from the convex lens portion Z0 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, when the front surface of the first to fourth lens regions Z1 to Z4 of the lens 14 is configured by a plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax, the general regions Z1o to Z4o and the extension It is the light distribution pattern formed by the emitted light from each of area | region Z1a-Z4a.

  Each of the light distribution patterns P1o to P4o formed by the light emitted from each of the general regions Z1o to Z4o is formed so that substantially the whole thereof is positioned below the horizontal cutoff line CL1. This is because the general regions Z1o and Z3o are formed with reference to the first reference line L1, and the general regions Z2o and Z4o are formed with reference to the second reference line L2.

  On the other hand, each of the light distribution patterns P1a to P4a formed by the light emitted from each of the extended regions Z1a to Z4a is formed so that a part thereof protrudes upward from the horizontal cutoff line CL1. This is because the extension regions Z1a and Z3a are formed with reference to the second reference line L2 instead of the first reference line L1, and the extension regions Z2a and Z4a use the first reference line L1 instead of the second reference line L2. This is because it is formed as a standard.

  Each of these light distribution patterns P1a to P4a is formed such that the upper edge thereof extends along the oblique cut-off line CL2. This is because the extension regions Z1a and Z3a are formed within the angle ranges of angles α1 and α3, respectively, and the extension regions Z2a and Z4a are formed within the angle ranges of angles α2 and α4, respectively. It is because it has been.

  At that time, the light distribution patterns P1a and P3a formed by the light emitted from the extended regions Z1a and Z3a have their upper end edges formed by the upper end edge of the light emitting surface 12A, and end points on the elbow point E side at the upper end edges. Is formed by the first corner point A of the light emitting surface 12A. On the other hand, the light distribution patterns P2a and P4a formed by the light emitted from the extended regions Z2a and Z4a are formed at the upper end edge by the lower end edge of the light emitting surface 12A, and the end point on the elbow point E side at the upper end edge is It is formed by the second corner point B of the light emitting surface 12A.

  Then, a light distribution pattern PC shown in FIG. 6B is formed as a combined light distribution pattern in which these four light distribution patterns P1a to P4a are superimposed.

  Next, FIG. 8 will be described.

  As already described with reference to FIG. 3, the general areas Z1o to Z4o of the first to fourth lens areas Z1 to Z4 are divided into three fan-shaped areas Z1o1 to Z4o1, Z1o2 to Z4o2, and Z1o3 to Z4o3. One of the sector regions Z1o3 to Z4o3 deflects light emitted from the sector regions Z1o3 to Z4o3 slightly downward. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8A, each of the general areas Z1o to Z4o is divided into two fan-shaped areas Z1o1 to Z4o1 and Z1o2 to Z4o2, and the remaining one fan-shaped areas Z1o3 to Z4o3.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the light distribution patterns P1oA to P4oA formed by the light emitted from the two fan-shaped regions Z1o1 to Z4o1 and Z1o2 to Z4o2 in the general regions Z1o to Z4o are shown in FIG. The light distribution patterns P1o to P4o shown are formed as they are. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, the light distribution patterns P1oB to P4oB formed by the emitted light from the remaining one of the sector regions Z1o3 to Z4o3 are the light distribution patterns P1o to P4o shown in FIG. The remaining portion is formed to be displaced slightly downward. In addition, the position of the upper end edge of the light distribution patterns P1oB to P4oB before being displaced downward in this way is indicated by a broken line in FIG.

  Thereby, in the light distribution patterns P1o to P4o shown in FIG. 7B, the portions of the light distribution patterns P1oB to P4oB that slightly protrude upward from the horizontal cut-off line CL1 are also portions of the light distribution patterns P1oA to P4oA. Similarly to the above, the upper end edge is substantially positioned on the horizontal cut-off line CL1. Then, each of the light distribution patterns P1oA to P4oA and the light distribution patterns P1oB to P4oB is diffused to the left and right sides by a plurality of horizontal diffusion elements 14s1 and 14s2, respectively, thereby forming eight horizontal diffusion light distribution patterns. A light distribution pattern PB shown in FIG. 6D is formed as a combined light distribution pattern in which these horizontal diffusion light distribution patterns are superimposed.

  At that time, each of the light distribution patterns P1oA to P4oA shown in FIG. 8 (b) is formed horizontally with a relatively large diffusion angle by the light emitted from each of the sector regions Z1o1 to Z4o1 in which the plurality of horizontal diffusion elements 14s1 are formed. A combined light distribution pattern obtained by superimposing a diffusion light distribution pattern and a horizontal diffusion light distribution pattern formed at a relatively small diffusion angle by light emitted from each of the fan-shaped regions Z1o2 to Z4o2 where the plurality of horizontal diffusion elements 14s2 are formed. Therefore, a horizontal diffusion light distribution pattern with small light distribution unevenness is obtained. Moreover, the horizontal diffused light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from each of the fan-shaped regions Z1o2 to Z4o2 located near the extended regions Z1a to Z4a in each of the general regions Z1o to Z4o is formed based on a horizontally long light source image. Therefore, by setting this to a relatively small diffusion angle, the upper edge becomes a relatively bright light distribution pattern along the horizontal cut-off line CL1.

  As described above in detail, the vehicular illumination lamp 10 according to the present embodiment arranges light from the light emitting surface 12A of the light emitting element 12 arranged in the vicinity of the optical axis Ax extending in the lamp front-rear direction on the front side thereof. The lens 14 is configured to deflect and emit the light forward. However, since the rear surface of the lens 14 is configured as a reflective Fresnel lens, the lamp can be configured compactly.

  Moreover, in the vehicular illumination lamp 10 according to the present embodiment, the light source is composed of the light emitting surface 12A that emits light in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front of the lamp, and the lower end edge thereof is positioned on a horizontal line orthogonal to the optical axis Ax. In addition, the first lens region Z1 is disposed such that the point O on the lower edge is positioned on the optical axis Ax, and the lens 14 is substantially positioned on the upper side of the own lane with respect to the optical axis Ax. A second lens region Z2 substantially located at the upper portion on the opposite lane side, a third lens region Z3 substantially located at the lower portion on the opposite lane side, and a fourth lens region Z4 substantially located at the lower portion on the own lane side The rear side surfaces of the first and third lens regions Z3 and the rear side surfaces of the second and fourth lens regions Z2 and Z4 are formed with reference to different predetermined reference lines. Reflective Fresnel Which is configured in the figure, it is possible to obtain the following effects.

  That is, the rear surfaces of the first and third lens regions Z1 and Z3 pass through the first corner point A located at the upper corner of the light emitting surface 12A on the own lane side and extend parallel to the optical axis Ax. A plurality of annular zone prisms 14p1 whose cross-sectional shape along a plane including one reference line L1 is set in a sawtooth shape are formed concentrically around the first reference line L1, and each of these annular zones is formed. The prism 14p1 causes the light from the first corner point A to be refracted in a direction away from the first reference line L1 on the inner peripheral surface of the annular zone prism 14p1, and then enters the annular zone prism 14p1. Since it is configured as a reflection type Fresnel lens that totally reflects the incident light forward on the outer peripheral surface of the annular prism 14p1, the light emitted from the first and third lens regions Z1 and Z3 is reflected. A horizontal diffusion light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end portion is diffused in the horizontal direction by a plurality of horizontal diffusion elements 14s1, 14s2 respectively formed on the front surface of the general regions Z1o, Z3o. It can be formed with substantially the same shape as PB and with about half the brightness.

  On the other hand, the rear surface of the second and fourth lens regions Z2 and Z4 passes through the second corner point B located at the lower corner of the light emitting surface 12A on the opposite lane side and extends parallel to the optical axis Ax. A plurality of annular zone prisms 14p2 having a sawtooth cross-sectional shape along a plane including the two reference lines L2 are formed concentrically around the second reference line L2, and each of these annular zones is formed. The prism 14p2 causes the light from the second corner point B to be refracted in a direction away from the second reference line L2 on the inner peripheral surface of the annular prism 14p2, and then incident on the annular prism 14p2. Since it is configured as a reflective Fresnel lens that totally reflects the incident light forward on the outer peripheral surface of the annular prism 14p2, the emitted light from these second and fourth lens regions Z2, Z4 is The horizontal diffusion light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end portion is diffused in the horizontal direction by a plurality of horizontal diffusion elements 14s1 and 14s2 formed on the front side surfaces of the general regions Z2o and Z4o, respectively. It can be formed with substantially the same shape as PB and with about half the brightness.

  At this time, the reflection type Fresnel lens constituting the rear surface of the first and third lens regions Z1 and Z3 is formed with reference to the first reference line L1, while the second and fourth lens regions Z2 are formed. The reflection type Fresnel lens that constitutes the rear surface of Z4 is formed with reference to the second reference line L2, so that the horizontal diffusion formed by the light emitted from the first and third lens regions Z1 and Z3. The position of the horizontal cut-off line of the light distribution pattern and the position of the horizontal cut-off line of the horizontal diffusion light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the second and fourth lens regions Z2 and Z4 are substantially matched with the horizontal cut-off line CL1. be able to.

  In addition, in the vehicular lamp 10 according to the present embodiment, an end region adjacent to the second lens region Z2 in the first lens region Z1 and an end adjacent to the third lens region Z3 in the second lens region Z2. Each of the partial region, the end region adjacent to the fourth lens region Z4 in the third lens region Z3, and the end region adjacent to the first lens region Z1 in the fourth lens region Z4 is adjacent to the end region. Since the extended regions Z1a, Z2a, Z3a, and Z4a that enter the lens regions Z2, Z3, Z4, and Z1 at a predetermined angle are formed, the following operational effects can be obtained.

  That is, the end regions in the lens regions Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 are formed as extended regions Z1a, Z2a, Z3a, and Z4a that enter the lens regions Z2, Z3, Z4, and Z1 adjacent to the end regions by a predetermined angle. In this case, the reflective Fresnel lens constituting the rear surface of the extension regions Z1a and Z3a has a second reference line L2 different from the original first reference line L1 (that is, each of these extension regions Z1a and Z3a enters). Are formed with a reference line in forming a reflective Fresnel lens constituting the rear surface of each of the lens regions Z2 and Z4 as a reference line, and a reflective type constituting the rear surface of the extended regions Z2a and Z4a. The Fresnel lens has a first reference line L1 that is different from the original second reference line L2 (that is, each lens region in which the extended regions Z2a and Z4a are inserted). 3, will be formed as a baseline reference line) for forming the reflection type Fresnel lenses constituting the rear surface of Z1.

  For this reason, the light distribution patterns P1a to P4a formed by the light emitted from these extended regions Z1a to Z4a become light distribution patterns protruding upward from the horizontal cut-off line CL1, and at this time, the light distribution patterns P1a to P1a P4a is a light distribution pattern having an oblique cutoff line CL2 that rises obliquely toward the own lane at the upper end.

  Therefore, the light distribution pattern PC formed as a combined light distribution pattern of the four light distribution patterns P1a to P4a formed by the emitted light from these four extension regions Z1a to Z4a, and the other four general regions Z1o to Low beam light distribution having horizontal and oblique cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 by combining light distribution pattern PB formed as a combined light distribution pattern of four horizontal diffusion light distribution patterns formed by light emitted from Z4o A pattern PL can be formed. Moreover, this can be realized without shielding a part of the direct light from the light emitting surface 12A by the shade as in the conventional case.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the direct-type vehicular illumination lamp 10 using the substantially rectangular light emitting surface 12A as a light source, the use efficiency of the light source luminous flux is enhanced, A low beam light distribution pattern PL having the oblique cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 can be formed.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the convex lens portion that emits the light from the point O on the optical axis Ax at the lower end edge of the light emitting surface 12A as the light parallel to the optical axis Ax in the region near the optical axis Ax in the optical axis Ax. Since it is configured as Z0, a light distribution pattern PA having a clear horizontal cutoff line at the upper end can be formed as an inverted projection image of the light emitting surface 12A by the convex lens portion Z0. Therefore, by combining this light distribution pattern PA with the light distribution patterns PB and PC formed by the light emitted from the first to fourth lens regions Z1 to Z4, the horizontal cut-off line CL1 of the low beam light distribution pattern PL is set. The main part can be formed more clearly, and the hot zone HZ can be made brighter.

  In the present embodiment, the front side surfaces of the sector regions Z1o3 to Z4o3 located near the ends of the lens regions Z1 to Z4 in the general regions Z1o to Z4o on the side opposite to the extended regions Z1a to Z4a are fan-shaped. Since the light emitted from the regions Z1o3 to Z4o3 is formed so as to be deflected downward, the following operational effects can be obtained.

  That is, assuming that the front surface of each of the lens regions Z1 to Z4 is a plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax, in the general regions Z1o to Z4o of the lens regions Z1 to Z4, the exit from the fan-shaped regions Z1o3 to Z4o3. The light distribution patterns P1oB to P4oB formed by the incident light have their upper end positions relative to the light distribution patterns P1o1 to P4o1 and P1o2 to P4o2 formed by the light emitted from the other fan-shaped areas Z1o1 to Z4o1 and Z1o2 to Z4o2. Is slightly displaced upward. Therefore, if the emitted light from each of the sector regions Z1o3 to Z4o3 is deflected downward, the horizontal cut-off line CL1 of the low beam light distribution pattern PL can be formed more clearly.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, extended regions Z1a and Z3a of the first and third lens regions Z1 and Z3 are formed within an angle range of about 10 to 12 ° from a vertical line passing through the first reference line L1. Further, since the extension regions Z2a and Z4a of the second and fourth lens regions Z2 and Z4 are formed within an angle range of about 7 to 8 ° from the horizontal line passing through the second reference line L2, each of these extension regions Z1a The upper edge of each of the light distribution patterns P1a to P4a formed by the light emitted from ~ Z4a can be formed as an oblique cut-off line that rises at an angle of about 15 ° toward the own lane, thereby making the oblique cut-off line CL2 clear Can be formed.

  In the above embodiment, the light emitting surface 12A of the light emitting element 12 has been described as having an outer shape of about 1 × 4 mm. However, it is of course possible to use a light emitting surface having a shape other than this. It is.

  In the said embodiment, although the front side surface of extension area | region Z1a-Z4a in 1st-4th lens area | regions Z1-Z4 was demonstrated as what was comprised by the plane orthogonal to optical axis Ax, this front side surface In addition, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which a plurality of diffusion deflecting elements for diffusing or deflecting light emitted from the extension regions Z1a to Z4a in the oblique direction along the oblique cutoff line CL2 are formed.

  In the above embodiment, the extension regions Z1a to Z4a are described as being formed in each of the first to fourth lens regions Z1 to Z4, but any one of these four extension regions Z1a to Z4a may be selected. It is also possible to have a configuration in which only two, three, or three are formed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the convex lens unit Z0 has been described as being configured as a normal plano-convex lens. However, the cross-sectional shape along the horizontal plane of the convex lens unit Z0 is appropriately changed so that the convex lens unit Z0 It is also possible to diffuse the emitted light in the horizontal direction.

  In the above embodiment, the description has been given assuming that the midpoint O in the left-right direction at the lower end edge of the light emitting surface 12A is located on the optical axis Ax, but other than the midpoint O in the left-right direction at the lower end edge of the light emitting surface 12A. A configuration in which the point is located on the optical axis Ax is also possible.

  In the above embodiment, the front side surfaces of the fan-shaped regions Z1o3 to Z4o3 in the general regions Z1o to Z4o of the lens regions Z1 to Z4 horizontally deflect the emitted light from the fan-shaped regions Z1o3 to Z4o3. However, if there is no practical problem, the emitted light from the fan-shaped regions Z1o3 to Z4o3 may be diffused horizontally without being deflected downward. Is possible.

  In the above embodiment, the region near the optical axis Ax in the lens 14 has been described as being configured by the convex lens portion Z0. However, the first to fourth lens regions Z1 to Z4 are extended to the vicinity of the optical axis Ax. It is also possible to adopt a configuration.

  In the above embodiment, the left light distribution light beam distribution pattern PL is formed by light irradiation from the vehicular illumination lamp 10, but the first to fourth lenses as in the above embodiment. If the first to fourth lens regions Z1 to Z4 are arranged clockwise with respect to the optical axis Ax instead of the configuration in which the regions Z1 to Z4 are arranged counterclockwise with respect to the optical axis Ax, A light distribution pattern for low beam distribution can be formed.

  In addition, the numerical value shown as a specification in the said embodiment is only an example, and of course, you may set these to a different value suitably.

Front view showing a vehicular illumination lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention II-II sectional detail view of FIG. The perspective view which shows the lens of the said illumination lamp for vehicles as a single item The front view for demonstrating the positional relationship of the back side surface and light emission surface of the 1st-4th lens area | region in the said lens. The figure which shows perspectively the low-beam light distribution pattern formed on the virtual vertical screen arrange | positioned in the position of 25 m ahead of a lamp | ramp by the light irradiated ahead from the said vehicle lighting lamp. (A) is the figure which shows the said light distribution pattern for low beams as a result of having performed simulation, (b), (c), (d) shows three light distribution patterns which comprise the said light distribution pattern for low beams. , Each shown as a simulation result above The figure which shows the result of having performed the simulation in order to explain the formation process of two light distribution patterns among the said three light distribution patterns The figure which shows the result of having performed the simulation in order to explain the formation process of one light distribution pattern of the said two light distribution patterns

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle illumination lamp 12 Light emitting element 12A Light emitting surface 12a Light emitting chip 12b Substrate 14 Lens 14p1, 14p2 Ring-shaped prism 14s1, 14s2 Horizontal diffusion element 16 Holder A 1st corner point Ax Optical axis B 2nd corner point C 3rd Corner point CL1 Horizontal cut-off line CL2 Diagonal cut-off line E Elbow point HZ Hot zone L1 First reference line L2 Second reference line O Point on the optical axis at the lower edge of the light emitting surface PA, PB, PC Light distribution pattern PL For low beam Light distribution pattern P1a, P1o, P1oA, P1oB, P2a, P2o, P2oA, P2oB, P3a, P3o, P3oA, P3oB, P4a, P4o, P4oA, P4oB Light distribution pattern Z0 Convex lens part Z1 First lens area Z1 , Z4a Extension region Z1o, Z2o, Z 3o, Z4o General area Z1o1, Z1o2, Z1o3, Z2o1, Z2o2, Z2o3, Z3o1, Z3o2, Z3o3, Z4o1, Z4o2, Z4o3 Fan-shaped area Z2 Second lens area Z3 Third lens area α3α Second lens area α3α , Α4, θ1, θ2, θ3, θ4 Angle

Claims (4)

In a vehicular illumination lamp comprising: a light source disposed in the vicinity of an optical axis extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp; and a lens disposed on the front side of the light source to deflect and emit light from the light source toward the front ,
The light source is composed of a light emitting surface that emits light in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front of the lamp. The lower end edge of the light emitting surface is positioned on a horizontal line perpendicular to the optical axis, and a point on the lower end edge is located on the optical axis. It is arranged to be located,
The lens has a first lens region substantially located at the upper part on the own lane side, a second lens region substantially located at the upper part on the opposite lane side, and a third lens located substantially at the lower part on the opposite lane side with respect to the optical axis. A lens region, and a fourth lens region substantially located at the lower part on the own lane side,
A plane including a first reference line passing through a first corner point located at the upper corner of the light emitting surface on the own lane side and extending in parallel with the optical axis on the rear surface of the first and third lens regions. A plurality of ring-shaped prisms whose cross-sectional shape is set in a sawtooth shape are formed concentrically around the first reference line,
After each ring-shaped prism makes the light from the first corner point incident on the ring-shaped prism in a manner to refract the light from the first reference line on the inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped prism, The incident light is configured as a reflection type Fresnel lens that totally reflects forward on the outer peripheral surface of the annular prism,
A plane including a second reference line passing through a second corner point located at the lower corner of the light emitting surface on the opposite lane side and extending in parallel with the optical axis on the rear surface of the second and fourth lens regions. A plurality of ring-shaped prisms whose cross-sectional shape is set in a sawtooth shape are formed concentrically around the second reference line,
After each of the ring-shaped prisms is incident on the ring-shaped prism in a manner that refracts light from the second corner point in a direction away from the second reference line on the inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped prism, The incident light is configured as a reflection type Fresnel lens that totally reflects forward on the outer peripheral surface of the annular prism,
An end region adjacent to the second lens region in the first lens region, an end region adjacent to the third lens region in the second lens region, and adjacent to the fourth lens region in the third lens region. Of the end region and the end region adjacent to the first lens region in the fourth lens region, at least one end region has a substantially fan shape that enters a predetermined angle into the lens region adjacent to the end region. Formed as an extension region,
A plurality of horizontal diffusing elements for diffusing emitted light from the general region in the horizontal direction are formed on the front surface of the general region other than the extended region in the first to fourth lens regions. Vehicle lighting fixtures.   A region near the optical axis of the lens is configured as a convex lens portion that emits light from a point on the optical axis at the lower edge of the light emitting surface as light parallel to the optical axis at least in the vertical direction. The vehicular illumination lamp according to claim 1.   The front surface of the region located near the end opposite to each end region in the general region of each lens region is formed so as to deflect the emitted light from the region downward. The vehicular illumination lamp according to claim 1 or 2.   4. Each extension region is formed within an angle range of 5 to 12 degrees from a vertical line or a horizontal line passing through a reference line of a lens region to which the extension region belongs. Vehicle lighting fixtures.

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