JP2014096336A - Vehicular lighting unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular lighting unit capable of irradiating a light distribution pattern over a wide range from a vehicular frontward direction to a vehicular sideward direction by a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A reflection surface for emitting light from a light source 2 having semiconductor light-emitting elements arranged in such a way that an emitting light axis A is inclined in vehicle forward and inward directions, toward vehicle forward and sideward directions is formed by a plurality of reflection surfaces, a first reflection surface 3a irradiates light line L1a to a vehicle forward in an area 3a1 near the light source and irradiates light line L1b to a vehicle side in an area of the other end 3a2 so as to enable a light distribution pattern to be formed over a wide range from the vehicle forward direction to the vehicle side direction while being overlapped with lights distributed from the plurality of reflection surfaces.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp including a light source composed of a semiconductor light emitting element and a reflector, and relates to a vehicular lamp such as a side illumination lamp and a cornering lamp.

  This type of vehicular lamp is conventional. Patent Document 1 describes a vehicular lamp that includes a light source including a semiconductor light emitting element and a reflector that irradiates light from the light source to the side of the vehicle.

JP2012-164515

  However, in such a vehicular lamp, a reflecting surface for irradiating light from the light source in the lateral direction cannot be obtained sufficiently, and it is difficult to irradiate light from the light source over a wide range in the lateral direction. Met.

  This invention is made | formed based on such a situation, and is providing the vehicle lamp which can obtain the diffused light distribution pattern to the side with high visibility.

The present invention (invention according to claim 1) is a reflector-type vehicular lamp using a semiconductor light emitting element as a light source, the light source being installed such that the outgoing optical axis faces the front direction of the vehicle, And a reflection surface that reflects light from the light source to form a light distribution pattern, the reflection surface being provided on the front side of the first reflection surface and the first reflection surface provided on the main optical axis of the light source. The second reflecting surface irradiates a light distribution pattern from the front of the vehicle to the side, and the second reflecting surface reflects the light from the light source in the side direction. The light distribution pattern having a smaller diffusion width than the first reflecting surface is irradiated.

In the present invention (the invention according to claim 2), the first reflecting surface reflects light in the vehicle front direction by the reflecting surface on the light source side, and reflects light in the vehicle side direction as it moves away from the light source to the other end side. It is characterized by that.

In the present invention (the invention according to claim 3), the plurality of reflecting surfaces forming the reflector is the second reflecting surface formed at a position farther from the light source than the first reflecting surface formed at a position near the light source. Is characterized by a narrow irradiation range.

This invention (the invention according to claim 4) is characterized in that the light source is installed such that the outgoing optical axis is inclined toward the vehicle inner side.

    The vehicular lamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) can irradiate a light distribution pattern that is widely diffused in the horizontal direction by the first reflecting surface of the light source made of a semiconductor light emitting element, and is disposed at a position away from the light source. A light distribution pattern with a narrow diffusion width can be irradiated by the second reflecting surface. Thereby, a side light distribution pattern can be formed so as to be continuous to the side of the passing light distribution pattern.

    The vehicular lamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 2) is controlled so that the light from the light source is directed in the vehicle front direction by the reflecting surface located near the light source among the first reflecting surfaces. As the distance from the other end increases, the light from the light source is controlled to be reflected in the vehicle lateral direction. Thereby, strong light can be irradiated in the vehicle front direction, and a side light distribution pattern that does not feel strange with the passing light distribution pattern can be formed.

In the vehicular lamp of the present invention (the invention according to claim 3), since the irradiation range of the second reflection surface is narrower than the irradiation range of the first reflection surface, an appropriate side light distribution pattern can be obtained.

    In the vehicular lamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 4), the light source is difficult to see directly from the outside because the emission optical axis of the light source is inclined toward the inside of the vehicle. Dazzling light to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians can be suppressed.

It is a top view of the vehicle in an embodiment. It is a horizontal sectional view which passes along the light source of a lamp unit. It is A arrow line view in FIG. It is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern on the screen of the lamp unit in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the road surface pattern of the lamp unit in embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the same number is assigned to the same element throughout the description of the embodiment. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  1 to 5 show an embodiment of a vehicular lamp according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numerals 1L and 1R denote vehicle headlamps in this embodiment. The vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R are mounted on both left and right ends of the vehicle C.

  1 and 2, a vehicle headlamp 1L, 1R forms a lamp chamber by a lamp housing (not shown) and an outer lens, and the lamp unit 20 of the present invention or a lamp unit for passing light distribution is provided in the lamp chamber. (Not shown) and the like are stored.

Here, X, Y, and Z constitute an orthogonal coordinate (XYZ orthogonal coordinate system). The X axis is a horizontal axis in the left-right direction that passes through the center O of the light source 2, and is on the opposite lane side, that is, in this embodiment, the right side is the + direction and the left side is the-direction. The Y axis is a vertical axis passing through the center O of the light source 2, and in this embodiment, the upper side is the + direction and the lower side is the-direction. Furthermore, the Z axis is a normal line (perpendicular) passing through the center O of the light source 2, that is, an axis in the front-rear direction orthogonal to the X axis and the Y axis, and in this embodiment, the front side is the + direction. The rear side is the negative direction.

Here, the lamp unit 20 includes the light source 2, the reflector 3, and the heat sink member 4. The lamp unit 20 is disposed in the lamp chamber 11 of the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R. In this embodiment, the right vehicle headlamp 1R will be described. The left-side vehicle headlamp 1L is an inverted version of the right-side vehicle headlamp 1R, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In this example, the light source 2 uses a self-luminous semiconductor light source such as an LED or an EL (organic EL), that is, a semiconductor light emitting element (LED in this embodiment). The light source 2 includes a substrate (not shown), a light emitting surface (not shown) provided on the substrate, and a sealing resin member (not shown) that seals the light emitting surface. . The light source 2 is attached to the heat sink member 4. The light emitting surface of the light source 2 emits light when current is supplied through a mounting member and a substrate (not shown).

The light emitting surface of the light source 2 has a planar rectangular shape (planar rectangular shape). That is, four square chips are arranged in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction). Note that one rectangular chip or one square chip may be used. The light source 2 is located at or near the focal point F of the reflector 3. The light emitting surface of the light source 2 is installed so that the outgoing optical axis A faces the front direction of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the outgoing optical axis A of the light source 2 is inclined inward of the vehicle from the vehicle optical axis Z-Z. Installed.

The reflector 3 is composed of a plurality of reflecting surfaces that are free-form surfaces based on a paraboloid. The reflector 3 is provided so as to cover the front side (Z direction) of the light source 2, and the first reflection surface 3 a, the second reflection surface 3 b, and the third reflection surface from the vicinity of the light source 2 to the outer end portion (X + direction). A reflective surface is formed by being divided into the reflective surface 3c. The reflector 3 is fixed to the heat sink member 4 with screws or the like.

The first reflecting surface 3 a is a reflecting surface composed of a free-form surface based on a paraboloid having a focal point F near the center O of the light source 2. The first reflecting surface 3a is disposed closest to the light source 2, reflects light incident on the light source side region in the vehicle forward direction (Z + direction) (light ray L1a), and enters the light source 2 as it moves away from one end. The light to be reflected is reflected to the side of the vehicle (X + direction) (light ray L1b).

The second reflecting surface 3 b is a reflecting surface made of a free-form surface based on a paraboloid having a focal point F near the center O of the light source 2. The second reflecting surface 3b is disposed on the vehicle front side (X + direction) with respect to the first reflecting surface 3a, reflects light incident on the region on the light source 2 side in the vehicle front direction, and increases as the distance from the one end increases. 2 is set so that light incident from 2 is reflected to the side of the vehicle (light ray L2). However, without being limited to this example, the second reflecting surface 3b may be a reflecting surface that irradiates only the side from the region on the light source 2 side to the other end.

The third reflecting surface 3 c is a reflecting surface composed of a free-form surface based on a paraboloid having a focal point F near the center O of the light source 2. The third reflecting surface 3c is arranged on the vehicle front side with respect to the second reflecting surface 3b, reflects light incident on the region on the light source 2 side in the vehicle front direction, and enters from the light source 2 as the distance from the one end portion increases. It is set to reflect light to the side of the vehicle (light ray L3). However, without being limited to this example, the third reflecting surface 3c may be a reflecting surface that irradiates only the side from the region on the light source 2 side to the other end.

The heat sink member 4 is composed of a plate portion and a plurality of fin portions integrally provided on one surface (rear surface) of the plate portion. The light source 2 is attached to the other surface (front surface) of the plate portion of the heat sink member 4 via an attachment member (not shown). In addition, the reflector 3 is fixed to the other surface of the plate portion of the heat sink member 4 with screws or the like. The heat sink member 4 is made of, for example, a metal member such as a resin member having a high thermal conductivity or aluminum die casting.
FIG. 3 shows a view taken in the direction of arrow A in FIG.

  The vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R in the embodiment of the present invention are configured as described above, and the operation and effect thereof will be described below.

  When the light source 2 is turned on, the light from the light source 2 enters the first reflecting surface 3a, the second reflecting surface 3b, and the third reflecting surface 3c of the reflector 3, as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, the light incident on the respective reflecting surfaces is reflected in the vehicle forward direction from the light incident on the light source 2 side region 3 a 1, and the other end side region 3 a 2 (position away from the light source 2). It is controlled so as to be reflected in the side direction of the vehicle as it goes to.

  As shown in FIG. 4 which is a light distribution pattern on the screen of the vehicular lamp, reflected light (light rays L1a and L1b) from the first reflecting surface 3a is used as a side light distribution pattern SP1 of the passing light distribution pattern LP. The light is diffused and diffused widely from the vehicle front side to the side toward the same height or lower side as the cut-off line CL, and is irradiated so as to partially overlap the low light distribution pattern LP.

Since the first reflecting surface 3a is disposed at the closest position from the light source 2, and the outgoing optical axis A of the light source 2 faces the first reflecting surface 3a, a large light source image is incident on the first reflecting surface 3a. In addition, strong light is incident, and a light distribution suitable for the diffusion pattern can be irradiated to the front of the vehicle. Accordingly, it is possible to irradiate a light distribution pattern that is greatly diffused without reducing the amount of light as the side light distribution pattern SP.

Further, the first reflecting surface 3a is reflected in the vehicle forward direction by the vicinity region 3a1 of the light source 2, and is reflected in the lateral direction toward the other end side. Can be irradiated. Thereby, since the light quantity of the part which overlaps with the passing light distribution pattern LP can be increased, the passing light distribution pattern LP and the side light distribution pattern SP1 are irradiated as a continuous light distribution pattern without a sense of incongruity, and the road surface is visually recognized. Can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 4, the reflected light (light ray L2) from the second reflecting surface 3b is directed to the same height or lower side as the cut-off line CL of the passing light distribution pattern LP as the side light distribution pattern SP2. Irradiation is performed as a light distribution pattern with a diffusion width suppressed more than that of the light distribution pattern SP1 from the first reflecting surface 3a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the reflected light (light beam L3) from the third reflecting surface 3c is directed to the same height or lower side as the cut-off line CL of the passing light distribution pattern LP as the side light distribution pattern SP3. Then, the light is distributed as a light distribution pattern having a diffusion width suppressed more than that of the light distribution pattern SP2 from the second reflecting surface 3b.

Since the second reflecting surface 3b and the third reflecting surface 3c are more distant from the light source 2 than the first reflecting surface 3a, a smaller light source image is incident on the reflecting surface, and a lateral distribution with a small diffusion width is provided. It is suitable for forming the optical patterns SP2 and SP3. The side light distribution patterns SP2 and SP3 are irradiated within the irradiation range of the side light distribution pattern SP1 and contribute to the formation of a light distribution pattern that does not feel uncomfortable with the passing light distribution pattern LP.

Further, since the second reflecting surface 3b and the third reflecting surface 3c are arranged on the vehicle front side with respect to the first reflecting surface 3a, it is easy to irradiate the light from the light source 2 to the side of the vehicle. Become.

The outgoing light axis A of the light source 2 is inclined in the vehicle front direction and toward the inside of the vehicle, and the reflector 3 is disposed so as to cover the light source 2, so that the light from the light source 2 is efficiently first reflected. The light can enter the surface 3a. Moreover, since each reflecting surface of the reflector 3 is disposed so as to face the vehicle side, it is easy to diffusely irradiate the side light distribution patterns SP1, SP2, and SP3 to the side.

Furthermore, since the light source 2 is inclined inward of the vehicle, the light source 2 is difficult to see directly from the outside, so that the appearance of the vehicular lamp is improved. Moreover, since it becomes difficult to irradiate the direct light from the light source 2 to the vehicle front side, the dazzling light to the oncoming vehicle, the pedestrian, etc. by the direct light of the light source 2 can be suppressed.

  The light source 2 is attached to the heat sink member 4 so as to face the front of the vehicle and is disposed in the lamp chamber 11, and a member such as a reflection surface is provided in front of the light source 2. When replacement is necessary due to the above, it is easy to take out the light source 2 from an opening (not shown) provided on the rear side of the housing 6 and replace the housing 6.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cornering pattern of light from the lamp unit 20 in the vehicle headlamp 1R of the vehicle C traveling on the road.
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the reflecting surface of the reflector 3 is divided into three parts has been described. However, the number of divisions of the reflecting surface is not limited and may be two or three or more. Good.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, it cannot be overemphasized that the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiments. Further, it is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

C ... vehicle, 20 ... lamp unit, 2 ... light source, 3 ... reflector, 3a ... first reflecting surface, 3a1 ... light source side region, 3a2 ... other end side region, 3b ... second reflection Surface, 3c... Third reflecting surface, 4 .. heat sink member, LP .. passing light distribution pattern, CL .. cut-off line, SP1 .. additional light distribution pattern from first reflecting surface, SP2. Additional light distribution pattern from the surface, SP3: Additional light distribution pattern from the third reflecting surface, L1 to L3: Optical path, O1: Vehicle axis, A: Outgoing optical axis.

Claims (4)

A reflector-type vehicular lamp using a semiconductor light emitting element as a light source,
The light source is installed such that the outgoing optical axis faces the vehicle front direction,
The reflector has a reflecting surface that reflects light from the light source to form a light distribution pattern;
The reflective surface includes a first reflective surface provided on the main optical axis of the light source and a second reflective surface provided on the front side of the first reflective surface,
The first reflecting surface irradiates a light distribution pattern from the front of the vehicle toward the side,
The vehicular lamp, wherein the second reflecting surface reflects light from the light source in a lateral direction and irradiates a light distribution pattern having a smaller diffusion width than the first reflecting surface. The first reflecting surface reflects light in the vehicle forward direction by a reflecting surface provided on the light source side,
The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein light is reflected in a lateral direction of the vehicle as it moves away from the light source toward the other end. The plurality of reflecting surfaces forming the reflector has a narrower irradiation range on the second reflecting surface formed at a position away from the light source than on the first reflecting surface formed at a position near the light source.
The vehicular lamp according to claim 1 or 2. The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light source is installed such that an outgoing optical axis is inclined toward a vehicle inner side direction.

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