JP2013051178A - Lamp unit for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lamp unit for a vehicle compatible with a plurality of lamps with different functions (such as a low-beam headlight lamp and a daytime running lamp).SOLUTION: The lamp unit is provided with a first lamp constituent constituting a first lamp combined with lens parts divided into top and bottom as a projection lens arranged on an optical axis extended in a vehicle to-and-fro direction, a second lamp constituent combined with a part correspondent to a concave part out of the projection lens to constitute a second lamp, a first shade arranged between the projection lens and a first semiconductor light-emitting element, and a second shade arranged not to shield light transmitting the lens part divided into top and bottom as well as a second semiconductor light-emitting element. The second semiconductor light-emitting element is arranged between a part corresponding to the concave part and the second shade, with its emission face in a state directed toward the part corresponding to the concave part, out of a surface of the projection lens on a rear face side of the vehicle.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp unit, and more particularly to a vehicular lamp unit capable of coexisting a plurality of lamps having different functions (for example, a low beam headlamp and a daytime running lamp).

  Conventionally, in the field of vehicular lamps, as shown in FIG. 9, a vehicular lamp in which various lamps such as a low beam headlamp A and a daytime running lamp T used to indicate the presence of a vehicle forward in the daytime are arranged. 200 is known (see Non-Patent Document 1).

Bosch Automotive Handbook (7th edition) P968

  However, in Non-Patent Document 1, the lamps having different functions (for example, the low beam headlamp A and the daytime running lamp T) are configured as separate lamps and are arranged at different locations in the front part of the vehicle ( 9), due to its configuration, there is a problem that it is difficult to arrange a plurality of lamps having different functions (for example, a low beam headlamp A and a daytime running lamp T) in a limited space.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a vehicular lamp unit capable of coexisting a plurality of lamps having different functions (for example, a low beam headlamp and a daytime running lamp). Objective.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is a projection lens arranged on an optical axis extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and is visually recognized as a lens portion that is vertically divided from the front of the vehicle. As described above, the first lamp is configured by combining the projection lens in which a concave portion extending in a substantially horizontal direction is formed in the vicinity of the optical axis on the front surface of the vehicle and the lens portion divided vertically. A first lamp component, and a second lamp component constituting a second lamp in combination with a portion of the projection lens corresponding to the recess, the first lamp component being the projection lens A first semiconductor light-emitting element disposed so as to emit light upward substantially behind the vehicle rear-side focus and in the vicinity of the optical axis, and a first focus is set in the vicinity of the first semiconductor light-emitting element, Two focal points A spheroid reflecting surface set near the vehicle rear side focal point of the projection lens, and is disposed above the first semiconductor light emitting element so that light from the first semiconductor light emitting element is incident thereon. A reflection surface, and a first shade disposed between the projection lens and the first semiconductor light emitting element so as to block a part of the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element. The second lamp component transmits an optical path of light that passes through the upper lens portion of the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element, and passes through the lower lens portion of the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element. A second shade and a second semiconductor light emitting element arranged so as not to block light transmitted through the lens portion divided in the vertical direction in a space between the optical path of the light and the second shade Is the first semiconductor light emitting device? A portion of the projection lens surface corresponding to the concave portion of the projection lens so as not to be incident on a portion of the projection lens surface corresponding to the concave portion of the projection lens. The light emitting element is disposed between a portion corresponding to the concave portion and the second shade in a state where a light emitting surface thereof is directed to a portion corresponding to the concave portion of the surface on the vehicle rear side of the projection lens. It is characterized by.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the concave portion is disposed between the upper lens portion and the lower lens portion, the upper lens portion of the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element is transmitted. Between the light path of the light and the light path of the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element that passes through the lower lens part, a space is formed in which light passing through the upper and lower lens parts does not pass. It is possible to arrange a second lamp component (for example, a second semiconductor light emitting element, a second shade) for realizing another lamp function. In a conventional projector-type vehicular lamp unit (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-269271), the projection lens is not formed with a recess, and the dead space (the light transmitted through the upper lens unit) is not formed. Since a space between the optical path and the optical path of the light passing through the lower lens portion is not formed, a second lamp component (for example, a second semiconductor light emitting element, a second shade) for realizing another lamp function ) Can not be placed.

  In other words, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the dead space of the projector-type vehicular lamp unit (between the optical path of the light transmitted through the upper lens unit and the optical path of the light transmitted through the lower lens unit). It is possible to dispose a second lamp component (for example, a second semiconductor light emitting element, a second shade) for realizing another lamp function in the space without increasing the size (or With a single projector-type vehicular lamp unit, a plurality of lamps having different functions can be made compatible with each other with little enlargement.

  Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the projection lens is divided into the upper and lower lens portions from the front of the vehicle by the action of the recesses (and the second shade) formed in the projection lens. An eye vehicle lamp unit can be configured.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the vertical dimension of the concave portion of the projection lens is 15 mm or less.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the vertical dimension of the concave portion of the projection lens is set to 15 mm or less, the upper lens portion and the lower lens portion can be visually recognized as one light emitting region. It becomes possible.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicular lamp unit capable of coexisting a plurality of lamps having different functions (for example, a low beam headlamp and a daytime running lamp).

It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view which cut | disconnected the vehicle lamp unit 10 of this embodiment by the vertical surface containing the optical axis AX. (A) The front view of the vehicle lamp unit 10, (b) The front view of the vehicle lamp unit 10 (modification), (c) The front view of the vehicle lamp unit 10 (modification). 2A is a perspective view of a first semiconductor light emitting element 12, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a second semiconductor light emitting element 15. FIG. 3 is an example of directivity characteristics of the first semiconductor light emitting element 12. It is an example of the light distribution pattern P1 for low beams. It is an example of the light distribution pattern P2 for DRL. It is a figure for demonstrating that the feeling of brightness with respect to each lens part 11A, 11B corresponds (or substantially corresponds). It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view which cut | disconnected the vehicle lamp unit 10 (modification) of this embodiment by the vertical plane containing the optical axis AX. It is a front view of the conventional vehicle lamp 200.

  Hereinafter, a vehicle lamp unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The vehicular lamp unit 10 of this embodiment is a combination type vehicular lamp unit that functions as a DRL (daytime running lamp) or a vehicular headlamp (also a position lamp). At least one is arranged on each side. A known aiming mechanism (not shown) is connected to the vehicular lamp unit 10 so that the optical axis can be adjusted.

  FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vehicle lamp unit 10 cut along a vertical plane including the optical axis AX. 2A is a front view of the vehicular lamp unit 10, FIG. 2B is a front view of the vehicular lamp unit 10 (modified example), and FIG. 2C is a front view of the vehicular lamp unit 10 (modified example). It is a front view.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicular lamp unit 10 is disposed on the rear side and the vicinity of the optical axis AX from the vehicle rear side focal point F ₁₁ of the lens 11, a lens 11 arranged on an optical axis AX extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle The first semiconductor light emitting element 12, the reflective surface 13 disposed above the first semiconductor light emitting element 12, and the lens so as to block part of the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 reflected by the reflective surface 13 11 and the first semiconductor light emitting element 12, the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 disposed on the optical axis AX, and the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 is behind the lens 11 in the vehicle. The second shade 16, the heat sink 17, the lens holder 18, and the decoration covering the portion corresponding to the recess 11a on the vehicle rear side surface of the lens 11 so as not to enter the portion corresponding to the recess 11a in the side surface. An extension 19 or the like as a member is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the lens 11 is disposed on an optical axis AX that is held by a lens holder 18 fixed to a heat sink 17 or the like and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction.

  The lens 11 is, for example, a plano-convex aspherical projection lens having a convex front surface and a flat rear surface. The lens 11 may be a transparent resin lens formed by injecting a transparent resin (acrylic, polycarbonate, or the like) into a mold, and cooled and solidified, or may be a glass lens. The lens 11 may be circular or elliptical when viewed from the front, or may have a shape whose outer periphery is cut or other shape so as to have an n-gonal shape (n is an integer of 3 or more) when viewed from the front. Also good.

  A concave portion 11a extending from the front surface of the vehicle toward the rear surface of the vehicle and extending in the horizontal direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1) is formed in the vicinity of the optical axis AX of the front surface of the lens 11. Has been. The angle formed between the inner wall 11b of the recess 11a and the vehicle front side surface of the lens 11 is chamfered.

  The concave portion 11a passes through the upper and lower divided lens portions 11A and 11B and has a height dimension h (for example, 15 mm or less) that does not block light from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 that forms the low beam light distribution pattern. ). The dimension d (depth) of the recess 11a in the optical axis AX direction is not particularly limited.

  The concave portion 11a makes it possible to visually recognize the lens 11 as lens portions 11A and 11B that are divided into upper and lower portions with the concave portion 11a as a boundary, instead of being seen as one lens. )reference).

  The recess 11a may be disposed in the vicinity of the optical axis AX of the front surface of the lens 11 (see FIG. 2A), or from the vicinity of the optical axis AX of the front surface of the lens 11 of the lens 11. You may arrange | position in the position shifted a little up or down (refer FIG.2 (b)). In the case of the former, it is possible to visually recognize the lens 11 as being divided into lens portions 11A and 11B having the same shape and the same size from the front of the vehicle. In the latter case, it is possible to visually recognize the lens 11 as being divided into lens portions 11A and 11B having different shapes and different sizes from the front of the vehicle. In addition, the recessed part 11a may be extended in the direction slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (refer FIG.2 (c)).

  First, a first lamp (in this embodiment, a headlamp that is a projector-type lamp unit for a vehicle) that forms a low-beam light distribution pattern in combination with the vertically divided lens portions 11A and 11B. The lamp component will be described.

  The first lamp component includes the first semiconductor light emitting element 12, the reflecting surface 13, the first shade 14, and the like.

  FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the first semiconductor light emitting element 12.

  The first semiconductor light emitting element 12 is, for example, a plurality of LED chips 12 a (for example, 1 mm square blue LED chip × 4). Each LED chip 12a is covered with a phosphor (for example, a YAG phosphor which is a yellow phosphor). The LED chip 12a is not limited to four, but may be 1 to 3 or 5 or more. Each LED chip 12a has a higher luminance than each LED chip 15a of the second semiconductor light-emitting element 15 in order to form a low-beam light distribution pattern that requires brightness from the DRL light distribution pattern.

Each LED chip 12a is mounted on the first substrate KA fixed to the upper surface 17a of the heat sink 17 so as to emit light substantially upward (in the example shown in FIG. They are arranged side focal point F ₁₁ on the rear side and the vicinity of the optical axis AX. Each LED chip 12a is arranged so that one side thereof is symmetric with respect to the optical axis AX in a row (in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1) at a predetermined interval along a horizontal line orthogonal to the optical axis AX. (See FIG. 3A).

The first substrate KA is disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the vehicle front end side KAa is positioned above the vehicle rear end side KAb (see FIG. 1). Thus, the axis _{AX 12a} of each LED chip 12a is in the diagonally rearward upward. The first substrate KA may be arranged in a horizontal posture so that the vehicle front end side KAa and the vehicle rear end side KAb are located on the same horizontal plane.

  A lighting circuit (not shown) is electrically connected to the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 via a power cable C. The first semiconductor light emitting element 12 is controlled to be turned on and off by being supplied with a constant current from the lighting circuit. The amount of heat generated from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 is dissipated by the action of the heat sink 17.

  FIG. 4 is an example of directivity characteristics of the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 (LED chip 12a). The directivity characteristics of the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 (LED chip 15a) are the same.

The directional characteristic, in the case where the axial _{AX 12a} luminous intensity on the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 (LED chips 12a) as 100%, a direction inclined a predetermined angle with respect to the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 (LED chips 12a) Of the light intensity of the first semiconductor light-emitting element 12 (LED chip 12a). The angle at which the luminous intensity ratio is 50% is the half-value angle. In FIG. 4, ± 60 degrees is the half-value angle.

  The first semiconductor light emitting element 12 may be an element-like light source having a light emitting chip that emits light in a substantially dot shape, and is not limited to the LED chip 12a. For example, the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 may be a light emitting diode or a laser diode other than the LED chip.

As shown in FIG. 1, the reflecting surface 13, rotating the first focus _{F1 13} is set to the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 near the second focal point _{F2 13} is set to the vehicle near the rear side focal point _{F 11} of the lens 11 It is an elliptical reflecting surface (a spheroid or similar free-form surface).

The reflecting surface 13, a relatively high intensity of light emitted to the narrow angle direction with respect to the axis AX _12a of the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 of the light emitted in a substantially upward from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 (e.g. The light from the vicinity of the half-value angle (light within ± 60 degrees in FIG. 4) is incident on the lens 11 from the side of the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 (the side on the rear side of the vehicle in FIG. 1). It extends toward the top and covers the top of the first semiconductor light emitting element 12. Light incident on the reflecting surface 13 is emitted from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12, after being reflected by the reflective surface 13 is condensed at the vehicle rear side focal point F ₁₁ near the lens 11, the lens 11 (the lower lens Part 11B) is transmitted forward.

The first shade 14 includes a mirror surface 14 a extending from the vehicle rear side focal point F ₁₁ of the lens 11 toward the first semiconductor light emitting element 12. The front edge of the first shade 14 is concavely curved along the focal plane of the lens 11 on the vehicle rear side. Light incident on the mirror surface 14a and reflected upward is refracted by the lens 11 (upper lens portion 11A) and travels in the road surface direction. That is, the light incident on the mirror surface 14a is folded back at the cutoff line and superimposed on the light distribution pattern below the cutoff line.

  Since the concave portion 11a is disposed between the upper lens portion 11A and the lower lens portion 11B, the light path of the light transmitted through the upper lens portion 11A out of the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 and the first A space S through which light passing through the upper and lower lens portions 11A and 11B does not pass is formed between the light from the semiconductor light emitting element 12 and the light path that passes through the lower lens portion 11B (see FIG. 1). ), A second lamp component (for example, the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 and the second shade 16) for realizing another lamp function (in this embodiment, a daytime running lamp or a position lamp) in the space S). Can be arranged.

  In a conventional projector-type vehicular lamp unit (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-269271), the projection lens is not formed with a recess, and the dead space (the light transmitted through the upper lens unit) is not formed. Since the space S between the optical path and the optical path of the light transmitted through the lower lens portion is not formed, the second lamp component (for example, the second semiconductor light emitting element 15, the second semiconductor light emitting element 15, etc.) for realizing another lamp function is not formed. 2 shades 16) cannot be arranged.

  Next, a second lamp (in this embodiment, a daytime running lamp / position lamp) that forms a DRL light distribution pattern or a position lamp light distribution pattern in combination with a portion of the lens 11 corresponding to the recess 11a. The 2nd lamp component to comprise is demonstrated.

  The second lamp component includes the second semiconductor light emitting element 15, the second shade 16, and the like. The second semiconductor light emitting element 15 and the second shade 16 are arranged in the space S so as not to block light transmitted through the lens portions 11A and 11B divided in the vertical direction.

  FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the second semiconductor light emitting element 15.

  The second semiconductor light emitting element 15 is, for example, a plurality of LED chips 15a (for example, 1 mm square blue LED chips × 4). Each LED chip 15a is covered with a phosphor (for example, a YAG phosphor which is a yellow phosphor). The LED chip 15a is not limited to four, but may be 1 to 3 or 5 or more.

In each LED chip 15a, light having a relatively high luminous intensity emitted in a narrow-angle direction with respect to the axis AX _15a passes through a portion of the lens 11 corresponding to the recess 11a (the center portion of the lens 11) and forwards. Is mounted on the second substrate KB fixed to the second shade 16 with its light emitting surface directed to the portion corresponding to the recess 11a of the vehicle rear side surface of the lens 11, It arrange | positions between the part corresponding to the said recessed part 11a, and the 2nd shade 16. FIG. The axis AX _15a of each LED chip 15a extends in substantially the same direction as the optical axis AX. Each LED chip 15a is arranged so that one side of the LED chip 15a is symmetric with respect to the optical axis AX in a row (in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1) at a predetermined interval along a horizontal line orthogonal to the optical axis AX. (See FIG. 3B).

  Of the lens 11, the lens portion (mainly, for example, the shape of the bottom surface of the concave portion 11 a) through which the light emitted from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 transmits is diffused in the vertical and horizontal directions. Thus, the light distribution pattern formed on the virtual vertical screen has a shape (for example, a convex lens surface or a concave lens surface) designed so that the vertical and horizontal widths of the light distribution pattern are suitable for the DRL light distribution pattern. Yes. The focal point on the vehicle rear side of the lens portion (mainly the central portion) through which the light emitted from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 of the lens 11 is transmitted is set near the second semiconductor light emitting element 15, for example. ing.

  A lighting circuit (not shown) is electrically connected to the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 via a power cable. The second semiconductor light emitting element 15 is controlled to be turned on and off by being supplied with a constant current from the lighting circuit.

Of the light radiated from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15, light having a relatively high luminous intensity radiated in a narrow-angle direction with respect to the axis AX _15a of the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 (for example, within ± 25 degrees in FIG. 4) Of the lens 11 is mainly transmitted through the portion of the lens 11 corresponding to the recess 11a (the central portion of the lens 11) and irradiated forward.

  The second shade 16 corresponds to the concave portion 11a of the vehicle rear side surface of the lens 11 so that the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 does not enter the portion of the vehicle rear side surface of the lens 11 corresponding to the concave portion 11a. The portion to be covered is covered (see FIG. 1). The second shade 16 is integrally formed by, for example, injecting resin into a mold, cooling, and fixing.

  The second shade 16 has a plate-shaped light shielding member 16a (FIG. 2 (a) extending in the horizontal direction having a height dimension substantially the same as the height dimension h of the recess 11a and a width dimension substantially the same as the width dimension w of the recess 11a. )), An upper light shielding member 16b (see FIG. 1) extending diagonally forward and upward from the upper edge of the light shielding member 16a, and a lower light shielding member 16c (refer to FIG. 1) extending diagonally forward and downward from the lower edge of the light shielding member 16a. Each of these light shielding members 16a to 16c covers a portion of the surface of the lens 11 corresponding to the recess 11a on the vehicle rear side surface. The reason why the upper light shielding member 16b and the lower light shielding member 16a extend obliquely upward and obliquely downward (that is, the reason why the upper light shielding member 16b and the lower light shielding member 16a are arranged to be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane) This is to prevent light transmitted through the lens portions 11A and 11B from being blocked. The shade 16 is visually recognized from the front of the vehicle through the concave portion 11a of the lens 11 (see FIG. 2A).

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the concave portion 11a formed in the lens 11, the second shade 16 is visually recognized through the concave portion 11a. It is possible to visually recognize the lens portions 11A and 11B divided vertically with the second shade 16 as a boundary (see FIG. 2A). Note that this effect can be further enhanced by performing a mirror surface treatment such as aluminum deposition on the surface of the second shade 16.

  Next, an operation example of the vehicular lamp unit 10 having the above configuration will be described.

  When a low beam is selected by a switch (not shown) connected to a lighting circuit (not shown), the lighting circuit (not shown) supplies a constant current I1 (a constant current during low beam) to the second semiconductor light emitting element 15. A constant current I2) when I1 <DRL is supplied, and a constant current I3 is supplied to the first semiconductor light emitting element 12. As a result, the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 are lit (the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 is lit in a dimmed state compared to when DRL is selected).

  In this case, the light from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 follows the same optical path as when DRL is selected, which will be described later. As a result, a light distribution pattern suitable for the position lamp light distribution pattern extending in the horizontal direction above and below the horizontal line H-H is formed on the virtual vertical screen (located about 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle). The

  On the other hand, the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 follows the next optical path.

That is, light incident on the reflecting surface 13 is emitted from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12, after condensed by the vehicle rear-side focal point F ₁₁ near is reflected by the reflective surface 13 the lens 11, the lens 11 (the lower side The lens portion 11B) is irradiated forward. The light reflected by the reflecting surface 13 and incident on the mirror surface 14a and reflected upward is refracted by the lens 11 (upper lens portion 11A) and travels in the road surface direction. That is, the light incident on the mirror surface 14a is folded back at the cutoff line and superimposed on the light distribution pattern below the cutoff line.

  As described above, as shown in FIG. 5, on the virtual vertical screen (for example, disposed about 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle), the low beam arrangement including the cutoff line CL defined by the first shade 14 at the upper edge. A light distribution pattern P1 suitable for the light pattern is formed.

  Next, when DRL is selected by a switch (not shown) connected to a lighting circuit (not shown), the lighting circuit supplies the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 with a constant current I2 (constant current I1 <low beam time). A constant current I2) during DRL is supplied. As a result, the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 is turned on (the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 is not turned on).

  In this case, the light from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 follows the next optical path.

That is, a relatively high intensity of light emitted to the narrow angle direction with respect to the axis AX _15a of the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 of the light emitted from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 (eg, ± in FIG 25 Of the lens 11 is transmitted through the portion of the lens 11 corresponding to the recess 11a (the central portion of the lens 11) and irradiated forward. The light from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 that passes through the portion corresponding to the concave portion 11a (the central portion of the lens 11) of the lens 11 is vertically moved by the action of the portion corresponding to the concave portion 11a (the central portion of the lens 11). The left and right widths are diffused so that the left and right widths are suitable for the DRL light distribution pattern.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, on the virtual vertical screen (located about 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle), above and below the horizontal line HH (for example, 10 degrees above the horizontal line HH and below A second light distribution pattern P2 suitable for the DRL light distribution pattern extending in the horizontal direction in a range of 10 degrees) is formed.

  It should be noted that, in the lens 11, it is obtained in Europe by appropriately designing a lens portion (mainly, for example, the shape of the bottom surface of the concave portion 11 a) through which the light emitted from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 is transmitted. DRL light distribution pattern that diffuses in the range from 10 degrees above 5 degrees above the horizontal line HH, and DRL distribution that spreads over the range from 5 degrees above 5 degrees below the horizontal line HH required in North America An optical pattern can be formed.

  Note that the vehicular lamp unit 10 is optically adjusted by a known aiming mechanism (not shown) so that each of the light distribution patterns P1 and P2 irradiates an appropriate range on the virtual vertical screen.

  As described above, according to the vehicular lamp unit 10 of the present embodiment, the concave portion 11a is disposed between the upper lens portion 11A and the lower lens portion 11B. Between the light path of the light transmitted through the upper lens portion 11A and the light path of the light transmitted from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 through the lower lens portion 11B. A space S through which light passing through 11A and 11B does not pass is formed (see FIG. 1). In this space S, a second lamp component (for example, the second semiconductor light emitting element 15, The second shade 16) can be arranged.

  That is, according to the vehicular lamp unit 10 of the present embodiment, the dead space of the projector-type vehicular lamp unit (the optical path of light that passes through the upper lens portion 11A and the optical path of light that passes through the lower lens portion 11B) The second lamp component (for example, the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 and the second shade 16) for realizing other lamp functions can be disposed in the space S) between Multiple projectors (headlamps, daytime running lamps, and position lamps in this embodiment) are compatible with a single projector-type vehicular lamp unit without enlarging (or almost without enlarging) It becomes possible to make it.

  Further, according to the vehicular lamp unit 10 of the present embodiment, the lens 11 has the upper and lower lens portions 11A in appearance from the front of the vehicle due to the action of the recess 11a (and the second shade 16) formed in the lens 11. , 11B can be configured as a multi-lens vehicular lamp unit.

Further, according to the vehicle lamp unit 10 of the present embodiment, the light emitted from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 and incident on the reflecting surface 13 is reflected by the reflecting surface 13 and the vehicle rear side focal point F of the lens 11. _Since it is the structure which condenses in ₁₁ vicinity, it becomes possible to visually recognize as the whole lens 11 (upper and lower lens part 11A, 11B) is shining. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, the brightness feelings of the upper lens unit 11A and the lower lens unit 11B viewed from a certain viewpoint E (a certain viewpoint above the horizontal line HH) in front of the vehicle are matched (or (Substantially match).

  Next, a modified example will be described.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the low beam is selected, the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 are turned on (the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 is turned on in a dimmed state than when DRL is selected). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the low beam is selected, only the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 may be turned on and the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 may not be turned on.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the lens part (mainly the center part, for example, the shape of the bottom face of the recessed part 11a) which the light radiated | emitted from the 2nd semiconductor light-emitting element 15 permeate | transmits the lens 11 permeate | transmits this. A shape (for example, convex lens surface) designed such that light is diffused in the vertical and horizontal directions so that the vertical and horizontal widths of the light distribution pattern formed on the virtual vertical screen are the vertical and horizontal widths suitable for the DRL light distribution pattern. (Or concave lens surface). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the lens 11, the light transmitted through the lens portion is vertically moved in front of the lens portion through which the light emitted from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 is transmitted (that is, in the recess 11 a). The lens unit 20 that is diffused in the left-right direction and is designed so that the vertical and horizontal widths of the light distribution pattern formed on the virtual vertical screen are the vertical and horizontal widths suitable for the DRL light distribution pattern may be disposed. . As described above, the portion that diffuses the light emitted from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 in the vertical and horizontal directions may be integral with the lens 11 or may be a separate component from the lens 11.

  The above embodiment is merely an example in all respects. The present invention is not construed as being limited to these descriptions. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Vehicle lamp unit, 11 ... Lens, 11A, 11B ... Lens part, 11a ... Recessed part, 11b ... Inner wall, 12 ... 1st semiconductor light emitting element, 12a ... LED chip, 13 ... Reflecting surface, 14 ... 1st shade, 14a ... mirror surface, 15 ... second semiconductor light emitting element, 15a ... LED chip, 16 ... second shade, 16a ... light shielding member, 16b ... upper light shielding member, 16c ... lower light shielding member, 17 ... heat sink, 17a ... upper surface, 18 ... Lens holder, 19 ... Extension

Claims (2)

A projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and is apparently seen from the front of the vehicle as a lens portion that is divided into upper and lower parts, on the front surface of the vehicle, near the optical axis. A projection lens formed with a recess extending in a substantially horizontal direction;
A first lamp component that constitutes a first lamp in combination with the upper and lower divided lens parts;
A second lamp component constituting a second lamp in combination with a portion of the projection lens corresponding to the recess;
With
The first lamp component is:
A first semiconductor light emitting element disposed so as to emit light substantially upwardly behind the focal point of the rear side of the projection lens and in the vicinity of the optical axis;
The first focal point is set in the vicinity of the first semiconductor light emitting element, and the second focal point is a spheroid reflecting surface set in the vicinity of the vehicle rear side focal point of the projection lens. A reflective surface disposed above the first semiconductor light emitting element so that light is incident;
A first shade disposed between the projection lens and the first semiconductor light emitting element so as to block a part of the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element;
With
The second lamp component is:
Of the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element, the light path between the light passing through the upper lens part and the light path of the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element passing through the lower lens part. A second shade and a second semiconductor light emitting element arranged so as not to block light transmitted through the lens portion divided in the upper and lower parts in the space;
The second shade includes the concave portion in the rear surface of the projection lens so that light from the first semiconductor light emitting element does not enter a portion corresponding to the concave portion in the rear surface of the projection lens. Covers the part corresponding to
The second semiconductor light emitting element is disposed between a portion corresponding to the concave portion and the second shade in a state in which a light emitting surface thereof is directed to a portion corresponding to the concave portion of a vehicle rear side surface of the projection lens. A vehicular lamp unit characterized by being made.   The vehicular lamp unit according to claim 1, wherein a vertical dimension of the concave portion of the projection lens is 15 mm or less.

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