JP2016012430A - Vehicular lighting fixture - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular lighting fixture which includes a plurality of lighting fixture units having different use frequencies, which suppresses load concentration on a specific laser light source out of a plurality of laser light sources, and which suppresses service life becoming short.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture includes: two pieces of optical fibers 36Hi, 36Lo corresponding to two lighting fixture units; three laser beam sources; and two movable diffraction optical elements for deflecting laser beams toward an incident end surface of the optical fiber. In the case where the lighting fixture units are lighted, the vehicular lighting fixture is controlled in such a manner that the diffraction optical elements are moved so that the laser beams from each of the three laser beam sources head toward the incident end surface of the optical fiber corresponding to the lighting fixture unit to be lighted diffractively or directly, and output from each of the three laser beam sources becomes uniform and lower than full output.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp, and more particularly, to a vehicular lamp using a plurality of laser light sources.

  Conventionally, a vehicular lamp using a plurality of laser light sources has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 33 is a schematic configuration diagram of the vehicular lamp 301 described in Patent Document 1.

  As shown in FIG. 33, a vehicular lamp 301 described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of laser light sources 302, a plurality of condensing lenses 311 and a plurality of optical fibers 312 provided corresponding to the plurality of laser light sources 302, A lens 313, a reflection mirror 314, a light emitting unit 304 (wavelength conversion member), and the like are collected by each condensing lens 311, introduced from an incident end (incident end surface) of each optical fiber 312, and each output. A light emitting unit 304 (wavelength conversion member) that emits light by excitation with laser light from a plurality of laser light sources 302 that is emitted from an end (outgoing end face), collected by a lens 313, and reflected by a reflecting mirror 314 is used as a light source.

  In the vehicular lamp 1 having the above-described configuration, the emission ends of the plurality of optical fibers 312 are connected to one lamp unit (for example, a low beam lamp unit), and the laser light from the plurality of laser light sources 302 is applied to the lamp unit. Since it is the structure guided only to one lamp unit, the laser light from the plurality of laser light sources 302 cannot be guided to another lamp unit (for example, a traveling beam lamp unit).

  Therefore, in order to realize the passing beam and the traveling beam by the vehicular lamp 1 having the above-described configuration, it is necessary to add the lamp unit 301B configured for the traveling beam in addition to the lamp unit 301A configured for the passing beam. .

JP 2011-222260 A

  However, in general, since the use frequency of the low beam is higher than that of the traveling beam, when the lamp unit 301B configured for the traveling beam is added to the lamp unit 301A configured for the low beam, As a result of the concentration of the load on the laser light source, there is a problem that the life of the laser light source for the low beam is shortened.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in a vehicular lamp including a plurality of lamp units (for example, a passing beam lamp unit and a traveling beam lamp unit) having different usage frequencies, An object is to suppress a load from being concentrated on a specific laser light source among the laser light sources (as a result, to suppress a shortening of the lifetime of the specific laser light source).

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is characterized in that N1 optical fibers (where N1 is a natural number of 2 or more), N2 laser light sources more than N1, and the N1 light beams. N1 lamp units provided corresponding to the fibers, wherein N1 lamp units form a predetermined light distribution pattern using laser light propagated by the corresponding optical fiber among the N1 optical fibers. And one or more of the N1 optical fibers disposed in the optical path of the laser light from any one of the N2 laser light sources and diffracting the laser light from the laser light source. A plurality of diffractive optical elements that are deflected toward the incident end face of the optical fiber, and one of the N1 lamp units, the N2 lasers are turned on. The plurality of diffractive optical elements are arranged so that laser light from each of the light sources is directed by diffraction or directly toward an incident end face of an optical fiber corresponding to the one lamp unit, and among the N1 lamp units, When lighting a plurality of lamp units, the plurality of diffractive optics are arranged such that laser light from each of the N2 laser light sources is directed to an incident end face of an optical fiber corresponding to each of the plurality of lamp units by diffraction or directly. It is a vehicular lamp provided with an actuator for disposing an element and a control means for controlling the outputs of the N2 laser light sources to be equal and lower than full output.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a vehicular lamp including a plurality of lamp units (for example, a passing beam lamp unit and a traveling beam lamp unit) having different usage frequencies, one lamp unit (for example, passing) is used. Even when the beam lamp unit is turned on, it is possible to prevent the load from being concentrated on a specific laser light source among a plurality of laser light sources (as a result, the lifetime of the specific laser light source is shortened). Can be suppressed).

  First, when lighting one lamp unit (for example, a low beam lamp unit) out of N1 lamp units (for example, a low beam lamp unit and a traveling beam lamp unit), N2 ( For example, laser light from each of three laser light sources is diffracted or directly on the incident end face of an optical fiber (for example, a low beam optical fiber) corresponding to one lamp unit (for example, a low beam lamp unit). A plurality of diffractive optical elements are arranged so as to be directed, and secondly, the output of each of N2 (for example, three) laser light sources is controlled to be equal and lower than a full output, that is, This is because the load of each of the plurality of laser light sources is evenly distributed.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a vehicular lamp including a plurality of lamp units (for example, a passing beam lamp unit and a traveling beam lamp unit) having different usage frequencies, a plurality of lamp units (for example, Even when the lamp unit for the low beam and the lamp unit for the traveling beam are turned on, it is possible to suppress the load from being concentrated on a specific laser light source among the plurality of laser light sources (as a result, the specific The life of the laser light source can be shortened).

  First, a plurality of lamp units (for example, a low beam lamp unit and a traveling beam lamp unit) among the N1 lamp units (for example, a low beam lamp unit and a traveling beam lamp unit) are turned on. In this case, the optical fiber corresponding to each of a plurality of lamp units (for example, a passing beam lamp unit and a traveling beam lamp unit) is diffracted or directly by laser light from each of N2 (for example, three) laser light sources. A plurality of diffractive optical elements are arranged so as to be directed to the incident end face (for example, a passing beam optical fiber and a traveling beam optical fiber), and secondly, N2 (for example, three) laser light sources, respectively. Are controlled to be equal and lower than full output, i.e. That over the light source of the respective load is evenly distributed, it is due.

  Moreover, according to invention of Claim 1, it can suppress that a specific laser light source becomes high temperature locally among several laser light sources.

  This is because the output of each of the N2 (for example, three) laser light sources is controlled to be equal and lower than the full output, that is, the heat generated by each of the plurality of laser light sources is dispersed. Is.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, in the state where at least one of the N2 laser light sources has failed, one of the N1 lamp units is replaced with one of the lamp units. In the case of lighting, the actuator directs the laser light from the laser light source other than the failed laser light source among the N2 laser light sources to the incident end face of the optical fiber corresponding to the one lamp unit by diffraction or directly. As described above, the plurality of diffractive optical elements are arranged.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in a vehicular lamp including a plurality of lamp units (for example, a passing beam lamp unit and a traveling beam lamp unit) having different usage frequencies, at least of N2 laser light sources. Even if one lamp unit (for example, a low beam lamp unit) is lit when one laser light source is broken, it is possible to prevent the load from being concentrated on a specific laser light source among a plurality of laser light sources. (As a result, the lifetime of the specific laser light source can be suppressed from being shortened).

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of lamp units among the N1 lamp units are arranged in a state where at least one of the N2 laser light sources has failed. In the case of lighting, the actuator is configured such that laser light from a laser light source other than the failed laser light source among the N2 laser light sources is diffracted or directly on an incident end face of an optical fiber corresponding to each of the plurality of lamp units. The plurality of diffractive optical elements are arranged to face each other.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, in a vehicular lamp including a plurality of lamp units having different usage frequencies (for example, a passing beam lamp unit and a traveling beam lamp unit), at least of N2 laser light sources. Even when a plurality of lamp units (for example, a low beam lamp unit and a traveling beam lamp unit) are turned on in a state where one laser light source has failed, a load is applied to a specific laser light source among the plurality of laser light sources. Can be suppressed (as a result, it is possible to suppress the lifetime of the specific laser light source from being shortened).

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein N2 temperature measurement sensors provided corresponding to the N2 laser light sources, and the N2 Comparison means for comparing the temperature of each of the N2 laser light sources measured by the temperature measurement sensor with a predetermined overheat determination temperature, and a laser light source having a temperature higher than the overheat determination temperature among the N2 laser light sources Overheat coefficient setting means for setting a value smaller than 1 as an overheat coefficient for the laser beam, while setting 1 as an overheat coefficient for a laser light source having a temperature lower than the overheat determination temperature, and the control means includes the N2 laser light sources respectively. Output that is predetermined so that the output is equal and lower than full output x And controlling such that the serial overheating coefficient.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, each laser light source can be operated below a predetermined overheat determination temperature.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an optical fiber for a passing beam, a first condensing lens, a first collimating lens, and a laser light source for the passing beam are provided, and laser light from the laser light source for the passing beam is the first beam. A first optical system configured to be collimated by one collimating lens, and then collected by the first condenser lens to be incident on an incident end face of the optical fiber for the low beam; and an optical fiber for the traveling beam A second condensing lens, a second collimating lens, and a laser light source for the traveling beam, and after the laser light from the laser light source for the traveling beam is collimated by the second collimating lens, the second condensing lens A second optical system configured to be collected at the incident end face of the traveling beam optical fiber, a third collimating lens, and A third optical system comprising an additional laser light source and configured to collimate the laser light from the additional laser light source with the third collimating lens, and using the laser light propagated by the optical fiber for the low beam A lamp unit for a passing beam that forms a light distribution pattern for a passing beam; a lamp unit for a traveling beam that forms a light distribution pattern for a traveling beam using laser light propagated by the optical fiber for the traveling beam; The laser beam from the laser beam source for the traveling beam collimated by the second collimating lens is disposed in the optical path of the laser beam from the laser beam source for the traveling beam and collimated by the second collimating lens. At least one diffractive optical element deflected toward the first condenser lens Laser light from the additional laser light source disposed in the optical path of the laser beam from the additional laser light source collimated by the third collimating lens and collimated by the third collimating lens, In the case of lighting a plurality of diffractive optical elements deflected toward one condenser lens and / or the second condenser lens and the lamp unit for the low beam, the at least one diffractive optical element is connected to the second collimator. When the light beam is arranged in the optical path of the laser beam from the laser beam source for the traveling beam collimated by the lens, and the lamp unit for the low beam and the lamp unit for the traveling beam are turned on, the at least one diffraction An optical element is connected to the traveling beam re-collimated by the second collimating lens. When the first actuator disposed outside the optical path of the laser beam from the laser light source and the lamp unit for the low beam are turned on, the additional laser collimated by the third collimating lens among the plurality of diffractive optical elements A diffractive optical element that deflects laser light from a light source toward the first condenser lens by diffraction is disposed in an optical path of the laser light from the additional laser light source collimated by the third collimating lens, When the lamp unit for the low beam and the lamp unit for the traveling beam are lit, the laser beam from the additional laser light source collimated by the third collimator lens among the plurality of diffractive optical elements is diffracted. Diffracted light deflected toward the first condenser lens and the second condenser lens by A second actuator for disposing an element in an optical path of laser light from the additional laser light source collimated by the third collimating lens; a laser light source for the passing beam; a laser light source for the traveling beam; and the additional laser It is a vehicle lamp provided with the control means which controls so that the output of each light source may become equal and lower than full output.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicular lamp provided with the passing beam lamp unit and the traveling beam lamp unit having different usage frequencies, a plurality of passing beam lamp units may be lit. Concentration of the load on a specific laser light source (laser light source for passing beam, laser light source for traveling beam, additional laser light source) can be suppressed (as a result, the lifetime of the specific laser light source) Can be shortened).

  First, when one lamp unit (for example, a low beam lamp unit) is turned on among the low beam lamp unit and the traveling beam lamp unit, three laser light sources (laser light sources for low beam) are used. , A laser light source for a traveling beam, an additional laser light source), or an optical fiber (for example, an optical fiber for a low beam) corresponding to one lamp unit (for example, a low beam lamp unit) by diffraction or directly. A plurality of diffractive optical elements are arranged so as to be directed to the incident end face, and secondly, the output of each of the three laser light sources (laser light source for passing beam, laser light source for traveling beam, and additional laser light source) Are controlled to be even and lower than full power, ie multiple lasers The light source of each load is evenly distributed, it is due.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicular lamp provided with the passing beam lamp unit and the traveling beam lamp unit having different usage frequencies, the passing beam lamp unit and the traveling beam lamp unit are turned on. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the load from being concentrated on a specific laser light source among a plurality of laser light sources (laser light source for passing beam, laser light source for traveling beam, and additional laser light source) (as a result) , The lifetime of the specific laser light source can be suppressed from being shortened).

  First, when lighting the low beam lamp unit and the traveling beam lamp unit, the three laser light sources (laser light source for the passing beam, laser light source for the traveling beam, and additional laser light source) respectively. A plurality of laser beams are directed to the incident end face of the optical fiber (for example, the optical fiber for the passing beam and the optical fiber for the traveling beam) corresponding to each of the low beam lamp unit and the traveling beam lamp unit by diffraction or directly. Arrange the diffractive optical elements, and secondly, the output of each of the three laser light sources (laser light source for the passing beam, laser light source for the traveling beam, and additional laser light source) should be equal and lower than full output. Controlled, that is, the load on each of the multiple laser sources is evenly distributed Is the fact, is due.

  Moreover, according to the invention of Claim 5, it can suppress that a specific laser light source becomes high temperature locally among several laser light sources.

  This is because the output of each of the three laser light sources (laser light source for the passing beam, laser light source for the traveling beam, and additional laser light source) is controlled to be equal and lower than the full output, that is, a plurality of lasers. This is because the heat generated by each light source is dispersed.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the diffractive optical element is a blazed diffractive optical element (DOE) or a hologram optical element (HOE). Features.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the laser light from each laser light source can be deflected with high efficiency.

  According to the present invention, in a vehicular lamp including a plurality of lamp units having different usage frequencies (for example, a passing beam lamp unit and a traveling beam lamp unit), a load is applied to a specific laser light source among the plurality of laser light sources. Concentration can be suppressed (as a result, the lifetime of the specific laser light source can be suppressed).

It is a schematic block diagram of the vehicular lamp 100 using the coupling distributor 10 of this embodiment. (A) Longitudinal sectional view (schematic diagram) of coupling / distributing device 10, (b) A1-A1 sectional view of coupling / distributing device 10 shown in FIG. 2 (a). It is a schematic perspective view of semiconductor laser LD ( _LDLL1 , _LDLL2 , _LDLL3 ). Optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam, the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2, is a diagram for explaining a relationship such as a laser light source 14 _LL2 for high beam. 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 . FIG. (A) Examples of diffractive optical elements 22 _{DO3-1 to} 22 _DO3-3 , (b) Other examples of diffractive optical elements 22 _{DO3-1 to} 22 _DO3-3 . It is a partial expanded sectional view of the 3rd diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-3 . 1A is a cross-sectional view of a kinoform type diffractive optical element, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a multi-level type diffractive optical element. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a coupling / distributing device 10. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a basic operation of the coupling / distributing device 10. It is a flowchart which shows a passing beam lighting (1/3 load operation) process (step S18). It is a figure for _{demonstrating} arrangement _| positioning of the diffractive optical element 20 _{DO2, the} diffractive optical elements 22 _{DO3-1 to} 22 _DO3-3, etc. in the passing beam lighting (1/3 load operation) process (step S18). It is a thermal resistance model figure when paying attention to one laser light source. It is a graph showing the relationship between operating power and the case temperature of a laser light source. It is a flowchart which shows a traveling beam lighting (2/3 load operation) process (step S20). It is a figure for _{demonstrating} arrangement _| positioning of the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 and the diffractive optical elements 22 _{DO3-1 to} 22 _DO3-3, etc. in the traveling beam lighting (2/3 load operation) process (step S20). It is a flowchart which shows a passing beam lighting failure handling operation process (step S24). It is a figure for _{demonstrating} arrangement _| positioning of the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 and the diffractive optical elements 22 _{DO3-1 to} 22 _DO3-3, etc. at the time of failure of the laser light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) for passing beam. It is a figure for _{demonstrating} arrangement _| positioning of the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 and the diffractive optical elements 22 _{DO3-1 to} 22 _DO3-3, etc. at the time of failure of the laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ) for the traveling beam. It is a figure for _{demonstrating} arrangement _| positioning of the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 and the diffractive optical elements 22 _{DO3-1 to} 22 _DO3-3 at the time of failure of the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ). It is a flowchart which shows a passing beam lighting failure handling operation process (step S24). Laser light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) for passing beam and laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ) for traveling beam diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 and diffractive optical elements 22 _{DO3-1 to} 22 _DO3-3 at the time of failure It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning. _Arrangement of diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 and diffractive optical elements 22 _{DO3-1 to} 22 _DO3-3, etc. at the time of failure of laser beam 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ) and additional laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ) for traveling beam It is a figure for demonstrating. Laser light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) for passing beam and additional laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ) arrangement of diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 and diffractive optical elements 22 _{DO3-1 to} 22 _DO3-3 at the time of failure It is a figure for demonstrating. It is a flowchart which shows driving | running | working beam lighting failure corresponding | compatible driving | operation process (step S26). It is a figure for _{demonstrating} arrangement _| positioning of the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 and the diffractive optical elements 22 _{DO3-1 to} 22 _DO3-3, etc. at the time of failure of the laser light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) for passing beam. It is a figure for _{demonstrating} arrangement _| positioning of the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 and the diffractive optical elements 22 _{DO3-1 to} 22 _DO3-3, etc. at the time of failure of the laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ) for the traveling beam. It is a figure for _{demonstrating} arrangement _| positioning of the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 and the diffractive optical elements 22 _{DO3-1 to} 22 _DO3-3 at the time of failure of the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ). It is a flowchart which shows a failure detection process (step S28). It is a flowchart which shows an overheat detection process (step S30). (A) Specific examples of the condenser lenses 18 _Lo and 18 _Hi , (b) When light rays parallel to the optical axis are incident on the condenser lenses 18 _Lo and 18 _Hi , the light rays are condensed. The figure showing a mode that it injects into the entrance plane of an optical fiber, (c) When the light ray inclined 10 degrees with respect to the optical axis _injects into condensing lens _18Lo , _18Hi , the said light ray will condense. It is a figure showing a mode that it is incident on the entrance plane of an optical fiber. 4 is a diagram for explaining a basic concept of reproduction by a hologram optical element 20. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicular lamp 1 described in Patent Document 1. FIG.

  Hereinafter, a vehicular lamp 100 using a coupler / distributor 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicular lamp 100 using the coupling / distributing device 10 of the present embodiment.

The vehicular lamp 100 includes a coupler / distributor 10, an optical fiber 36 _Lo for passing beam, an optical fiber 36 _Hi for traveling beam, a lamp unit 30 _Lo for passing beam, a lamp unit 30 _Hi for traveling beam, and the like. Yes.

The passing beam optical fiber 36 _Lo and the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi correspond to N1 optical fibers of the present invention. The passing beam lamp unit 30 _Lo and the traveling beam lamp unit 30 _Hi correspond to N1 lamp units provided corresponding to the N1 optical fibers of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an example in which N1 is 2. Of course, not limited to this, N1 may be a natural number of 2 or more.

Further, the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the passing beam, the lamp unit 30 _Hi for the traveling beam, and the lamp unit 30 _Hi for the turn lamp, the lamp unit for the position lamp, and the fog lamp are used instead of or in addition to the lamp unit 30 _Hi for the traveling beam. A lamp unit for DRL, a lamp unit for DRL, a lamp unit for rear lamps, a lamp unit for high-mount stop lamps, and other lamp units may be used.

The incident ends of the optical fibers 36 _Lo and 36 _Hi are respectively attached to the optical fiber attachment portions 12 _Lo and 12 _Hi of the coupling / distributing device 10. The exit end of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is attached to the low beam lamp unit 30 _Lo , and the travel beam optical fiber 36 _Hi exit end is attached to the travel beam lamp unit 30 _Hi . It has been.

The passing beam lamp unit 30 _Lo and the traveling beam lamp unit 30 _Hi form a predetermined light distribution pattern using laser light propagating through the corresponding optical fiber of the optical fibers 36 _Lo and 36 _Hi . For example, the low beam lamp unit 30 _Lo forms a low beam light distribution pattern using laser light propagated by the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo . On the other hand, the traveling beam lamp unit 30 _Hi forms a traveling beam light distribution pattern using laser light propagated by the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi .

Since the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the low beam and the lamp unit 30 _Hi for the traveling beam have substantially the same configuration, the configuration of the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the low beam will be described below as a representative.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the low beam includes a wavelength conversion member 32, a projection lens 34, and the like, and is coupled and distributed from the output end (output end surface) of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for the low beam. It is configured as a so-called direct projection type (also referred to as direct type) lamp unit that uses a wavelength conversion member 32 excited and emitted by blue laser light from the vessel 10 as a light source.

The exit end of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is held by a housing 40 made of a heat conductive material via a sleeve 38. A condensing / collimating lens 42 held in the housing 40 is disposed in front of the emission end of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for passing beam. A wavelength conversion member 32 fixed to a translucent support substrate 44 is disposed in front of the condenser / collimator lens 42. The support substrate 44 is held by the flange 46. A projection lens 34 held by a lens holder 48 is disposed in front of the wavelength conversion member 32.

The passing beam lamp unit 30 _Lo having the above-described configuration is disposed in a lamp chamber 56 including an extension lens 50 and an outer lens 52 and a housing 54 assembled thereto. The member indicated by reference numeral 58 is a fixing and optical axis adjusting mechanism, the member indicated by reference numeral 60 is a cooling plate, the member indicated by reference numeral 62 is a light detection sensor, and the member indicated by reference numeral 64 is a sensor signal line.

  The coupling / distributing device 10 is housed in a housing 74 together with the control circuit 72 to be modularized. Members indicated by reference numeral 76 are an external power source and a signal line.

The blue laser light emitted from the exit end (exit end face) of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for passing beam is optically adjusted by the condensing / collimating lens 42, and then passes through the support substrate 44 and enters the wavelength conversion member 32. To do. When the wavelength conversion member 32 receives blue laser light, the phosphor contained in the wavelength conversion member 32 is excited to emit yellow light. For this reason, when the wavelength conversion member 32 receives blue laser light, the blue laser light scattered by the wavelength conversion member 32 is mixed with yellow light, so that white light is emitted from the wavelength conversion member 32. Here, the laser light emitted from the optical fiber 36 _Lo for passing beam is not limited to optical adjustment by the condensing / collimating lens 42 or the like, and for example, the exit end of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for passing beam. A configuration in which the laser beam emitted from the (exit end face) directly enters the wavelength conversion member 32 via the support substrate 44 or not via the support substrate 44 may be adopted. The heat generated in the vicinity of the wavelength conversion member 32 by the blue laser light entering the wavelength conversion member 32 is radiated through the support substrate 44, the housing 40 and the cooling plate 60.

  2A is a longitudinal sectional view (schematic diagram) of the coupling / distributing device 10, and FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 of the coupling / distributing device 10 shown in FIG. 2 (a).

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the coupler / distributor 10 of the present embodiment includes an optical fiber attachment portion 12 _{Lo to which} an optical fiber 36 _Lo (incident end portion) for passing beam is attached, traveling An optical fiber mounting portion 12 _Hi to which a beam optical fiber 36 _Hi (incident end portion) is mounted, a laser beam source 14 _LL1 for a passing beam, a laser beam source 14 _LL2 for a traveling beam, an additional laser source 14 _LL3 , first to first 3 collimating lens _{16 LL1, 16 LL2, 16 LL3} , first and second condenser lens 18 _Lo, 18 _Hi, a plurality of diffractive optical elements _{20 DO2, 20 DO3 (20 DO3-1} ~20 DO3-3), the actuator ( (Not shown).

The laser light source 14 _LL1 for the _low beam, the laser light source 14 _LL2 for the traveling beam, and the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 correspond to a larger number of N2 laser light sources than N1 of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows an example in which N2 is 3. Of course, not limited to this, N2 may be a natural number of 3 or more.

The optical fiber attachment portions 12 _Lo and 12 _Hi are fixed to the front surface of the housing 22. The first and second condenser lenses 18 _Lo and 18 _Hi are disposed in the vicinity of the rear of the optical fiber attachment portions 12 _Lo and 12 _Hi .

The laser light sources 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 , 14 _LL3 and the first to third collimating lenses 16 _LL1 , 16 _LL2 , 16 _LL3 include a heat radiating plate 24 a (heat radiating fin) attached to the rear surface of the housing 22. It is fixed to the part 24. Specifically, the laser light source 14 _LL1 for the low beam and the first collimating lens 16 _LL1 are inserted into the first through hole H1 formed in the housing heat dissipation portion 24 and extending in the direction of the first reference axis AX1. It is fixed to the casing heat radiating part 24. Similarly, the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 and the second collimating lens 16 _LL2 are inserted in the second through hole H2 formed in the housing heat radiating portion 24 and extending in the direction of the second reference axis AX2. It is fixed to the casing heat radiation part 24. Similarly, the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 and the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 are inserted into the third through hole H3 extending in the direction of the third reference axis AX3 formed in the casing heat radiating portion 24, and the casing heat dissipation. It is fixed to the part 24.

The optical beam 36 _Lo for passing beam, the first condensing lens 18 _Lo , the first collimating lens 16 _LL1 and the laser light source 14 _LL1 for passing beam are the first collimated laser light from the laser light source 14 _LL1 for passing beam. After being collimated by the lens 16 _LL1 , a first optical system is formed which is _collected by the first condenser lens 18 _Lo and incident on the incident end face of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo . The traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi , the second condenser lens 18 _Hi , the second collimating lens 16 _LL2, and the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 are obtained when the laser light from the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 is the first one. After collimating by the two collimating lens 16 _LL2 , a second optical system is formed that is condensed by the second condensing lens 18 _Hi and enters the incident end face of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi . The third collimating lens 16 _LL3 and the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 constitute a third optical system that collimates the laser light from the additional laser light source 16 _LL3 with the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 .

The laser light sources 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 , and 14 _LL3 respectively include LD output monitors PD _LL1 , PD _LL2 , and PD _LL3 such as semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 , LD _LL3 and photodiodes for monitoring housed in caps. I have.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the semiconductor laser LD (LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 , LD _LL3 ).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the semiconductor laser LD is a semiconductor light emitting device (laser diode) that emits TE mode laser light (linearly polarized light) whose electric field component is parallel to the bonding surface A (active region). The semiconductor laser also emits TM mode laser light whose electric field component is perpendicular to the bonding surface A (active region), but TE mode laser light having a large gain is dominant. The emission wavelength of the semiconductor laser LD is in the blue region (for example, 450 nm). It may be in the near ultraviolet region (for example, 405 nm).

As shown in FIG. 2A, the laser light sources 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 , and 14 _LL3 are not arranged in a vertical row but are arranged in a distributed form in the directions of the reference axes AX1 to AX3. By disposing in such a dispersed form, for example, heat dissipation can be improved as compared with the case of arranging in a dense form in a vertical row.

The diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 is in the optical path of the laser light Ray _LL2 from the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 collimated by the second collimating lens 16 _LL2 by an actuator such as a solenoid (not shown) (for example, FIG. 4). , See FIG. 12) or outside the optical path (for example, see FIG. 16).

When the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 is arranged in the optical path of the laser beam Ray _LL2 from the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 collimated by the second collimating lens 16 _LL2 (see, for example, FIG. 12), the second the laser light Ray _LL2 from the laser light source 14 _LL2 for high beam collimated by the collimator lens 16 _LL2, diffraction (first-order diffraction) by the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam (strictly speaking, the first current Deflection toward the optical lens 18 _Lo ). In order to realize this, the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 is configured as a blazed diffractive optical element (DOE) having a blaze angle θ and a blaze interval d as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the diffractive optical element 20 _{DO2 and the} like.

As shown in FIG. _{6A, the} diffractive optical elements 20 _{DO3-1 to} 20 _DO3-3 are optical paths (or reference) of the laser light Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3. It is arranged along the axis AX3). Of course, not limited to this, the diffractive optical elements 20 _{DO3-1 to} 20 _DO3-3 may be fixed to the rotating plate 26 as shown in FIG. In addition, the location which the code | symbol S in FIG.6 (b) shows is circular opening.

The first diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-1 is in the optical path of the laser light Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 by an actuator (not shown) such as a solenoid (for example, FIG. 12) or outside the optical path (for example, see FIG. 20). Further, when the first diffractive optical element _20DO3-1 is fixed to the rotating plate 26 (see FIG. 6B), the rotating plate 26 is rotated and stopped by an actuator (not shown) such as a solenoid. As a result, the laser beam Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 is arranged in or out of the optical path.

When the first diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-1 is disposed in the optical path of the laser beam Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 (for example, see FIG. 12), 3 laser light Ray _LL3 from the collimating lens 16 _LL3 additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated, the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam by diffraction (first diffraction) (strictly speaking, the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ). In order to realize this, the first diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-1 is configured as a blazed diffractive optical element in which a blaze angle θ and a blaze interval d are set as shown in FIG.

The second diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-2 is in the optical path of the laser light Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 by an actuator (not shown) such as a solenoid (for example, FIG. 27) or outside the optical path (for example, see FIG. 20). When the second diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-2 is fixed to the rotating plate 26 (see FIG. 6B), the rotating plate 26 is rotated and stopped by an actuator (not shown) such as a solenoid. As a result, the laser beam Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 is arranged in or out of the optical path.

When the second diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-2 is disposed in the optical path of the laser beam Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 (for example, see FIG. 27), 3 laser light Ray _LL3 from the collimating lens 16 _LL3 additional laser light source 14 _LL3 which is collimated by the diffraction (first-order diffraction) by the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Hi for high beam (strictly speaking, the second condenser lens 18 _Hi ). In order to realize this, the second diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-2 is configured as a blazed diffractive optical element having a blaze angle θ and a blaze interval d as shown in FIG.

The third diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-3 is in the optical path of the laser light Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 by an actuator (not shown) such as a solenoid (for example, FIG. 16) or outside the optical path (for example, see FIG. 20). Further, when the third diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-3 is fixed to the rotating plate 26 (see FIG. 6B), the rotating plate 26 is rotated and stopped by an actuator (not shown) such as a solenoid. As a result, the laser beam Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 is arranged in or out of the optical path.

When the third diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-3 is arranged in the optical path of the laser beam Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 (for example, see FIG. 16), 3 collimating lens 16 _LL3 laser light Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by, by diffraction (first-order diffraction) 1: optical fiber 36 _Lo, 36 _Hi each incident end surface at a rate of 1 (strictly speaking , _Deflected toward the first and second condenser lenses 18 _Lo and 18 _Hi ). In order to realize this, the third diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-3 is configured as a blazed diffractive optical element in which blaze angles θ1 and θ2 and blaze intervals d1 and d2 are set as shown in FIG. By adjusting the blaze interval and / or the blaze surface ratio, the laser beam Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 is deflected in a different direction at a ratio of 1: 1 (spectral spectroscopy). ).

The diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 and the diffractive optical elements 22 _{DO3-1 to} 22 _DO3-3 may be the kinoform type shown in FIG. 8A or the multilevel type shown in FIG. 8B. There may be. The diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 and the diffractive optical elements 22 _{DO3-1 to} 22 _DO3-3 correspond to a plurality of diffractive optical elements of the present invention.

  When laser light is diffracted or diffracted by a diffractive optical element, reflection loss can be reduced by making the laser light incident on the blade surface as p-polarized light. Further, when the incident angle is set to the Brewster angle or near the Brewster angle, the reflection loss can be reduced.

  Next, a functional configuration of the coupling / distributing device 10 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the coupling / distributing device 10.

As shown in FIG. 9, the coupling / distributing device 10 includes a CPU 80 that controls the entire operation thereof. The CPU 80 is connected to a head lamp switch 82, a photodiode and other LD output monitors PD _LL1 , PD _LL2 , PD _LL3 , LD case (cap) temperature measurement sensors 84 _LL1 , 84 _LL2 , 84 _LL3 , cooling fin temperature via a bus. DOE actuators 88 _DO2 and 88 _DO3 such as solenoids provided corresponding to the measurement sensor 86, the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 and the diffractive optical element 20 _DO3 (20 _{DO3-1 to} 20 _DO3-3 ), laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL2 , 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 , LD _LL3 ) are provided corresponding to the respective laser light sources 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 , 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 , LD _LL3 ). supplying a current LD lighting circuit _{90 LL1, 90 LL2, 90 LL3} , fault recording unit 92a, the overheat coefficient storage unit 92b and CPU80 Storage device 92 that includes a program storage unit in which various programs are stored (not shown) for rows, RAM used as a work area or the like (not shown) is connected.

  Next, the operation of the coupling / distributing device 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the coupling / distributing device 10.

  The following processing is realized by the CPU 80 executing a predetermined program read from the program storage unit into the RAM or the like.

  First, when the headlamp switch 82 is turned on (step S10), that is, when the driver or the like instructs to turn on the passing beam or to turn on the traveling beam, the content indicating the instruction, for example, the instruction to turn on the passing beam is displayed. The content (for example, “1”) or the content (for example, “2”) indicating the lighting instruction of the traveling beam is stored in the headlamp switch flag L. Along with this, main processing (steps S12 to S26), failure detection processing (step S28), and overheating processing (step S30) are executed in parallel.

  In the main process, first, the values of the failure state flag E and the headlamp switch flag L are read (step S12).

Next, it is determined whether or not the laser light sources 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 , 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 , LD _LL3 ) are out of order (step S14). This is determined based on whether the failure state flag E stores content indicating failure (for example, “0”) or stores content indicating normal (for example, “1”).

When it is determined that the laser light sources 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 , 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 , LD _LL3 ) are not malfunctioning (step S14: normal), based on the contents stored in the headlamp switch flag L, It is determined whether the instruction is to turn on the passing beam or to turn on the traveling beam (step S16). If it is determined that the passing beam lighting instruction is given (step S16: Low), a passing beam lighting (1/3 load operation) process is executed (step S18). On the other hand, when it is determined that the traveling beam is instructed to be turned on (step S16: L + H), a traveling beam lighting (2/3 load operation) process is executed (step S20).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 , LD _LL3 are out of order (step S14: failure), based on the contents stored in the headlamp switch flag L, the passing beam lighting instruction or the traveling beam lighting instruction Is determined (step S22). Then, when it is determined that a passing beam lighting instruction is given (step S22: Low), a passing beam lighting (failure handling operation) process is executed (step S24). On the other hand, when it is determined that the traveling beam is instructed to be turned on (step S22: L + H), a traveling beam lighting (failure handling operation) process is executed (step S26).

  Hereinafter, each process (S18, S20, S24, S26) will be described in detail.

  First, the passing beam lighting (1/3 load operation) process (step S18) will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the passing beam lighting (1/3 load operation) process (step S18).

In the passing beam lighting (1/3 load operation) process (step S18), first, the DOE actuator 88 _DO2 (corresponding to the first actuator of the present invention) follows the instruction from the CPU 80, as shown in FIG. 20 _DO2 is arranged in the optical path of the laser beam Ray _LL2 from the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 collimated by the second collimating lens 16 _LL2 (step S1802). Accordingly, the diffraction of the laser light Ray _LL2 is a diffraction optical element 20 _DO2 from the laser light source 14 _LL2 for high beam, the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam corresponding to lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam (Strictly speaking, an optical path toward the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) is formed.

At the same time, the DOE actuator 88 _DO3 (corresponding to the second actuator of the present invention) follows the instruction from the CPU 80 and collimates the first diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-1 with the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 as shown in FIG. It arrange _{| positions in} the optical path of laser beam Ray _LL3 from the added additional laser light source _14LL3 . Thus, additional laser light Ray _LL3 from the laser light source 14 _LL3 is the diffraction at the first diffraction optical element 20 _DO3-1, incidence of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam corresponding to lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam An optical path toward the end face (strictly speaking, the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) is formed.

Next, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL1 , 90 _LL2 and 90 _LL3 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instructions from the CPU 80, and the laser light sources 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 and LD _LL3 ) Control each output to be equal and lower than full output. Specifically, the outputs P1 _1/3 , P2 _1/3 , P3 of the laser light sources 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 , 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 , LD _LL3 ) are 1/3 of the full output. Control is performed so that _1/3 × overheat coefficient k1, k2, and k3 (step S1804).

  Full output means (1) the maximum rated output of an LD (laser diode, semiconductor laser), and (2) the LD output value that satisfies the rated luminous flux of the lamp (for example, 800 lm at the time of shipment) when installed in the lamp. (In other words, the LD output value is a value obtained by dividing 800 lm by the lamp loss value). The relationship between the two output values is (2) ≦ (1).

The outputs P1 _1/3 , P2 _1/3 , and P3 _1/3 of _1/3 of the full output are determined in advance so that the outputs of the N2 laser light sources are equal and lower than the full output. Corresponds to “output”. Note that the overheat coefficient (k1, k2, k3) may be omitted depending on the usage environment of the vehicular lamp 10.

In this case, the laser beam Ray _LL1 (output P1 _1/3 of the full output P1 _1/3 × overheat coefficient k1) from the laser light source 14 _LL1 for the low beam is, as shown in FIG. 12, the first collimating lens 16 _LL1. After being collimated, the light is condensed by the first condenser lens 18 _Lo and is incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for passing beam.

Further, the laser beam Ray _LL2 (the output P2 _1/3 of the full output P2 _1/3 × overheat coefficient k2) from the laser light source 14 _LL2 for the traveling beam is collimated by the second collimating lens 16 _LL2 , and then diffractive optically. the diffraction at element 20 _DO2, toward the first condensing lens 18 _Lo, incident is condensed by the first condensing lens 18 _Lo in the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam.

Further, the laser beam Ray _LL3 (output P3 _1/3 of the full output P3 _1/3 × overheat coefficient k3) from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 is collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 , and then the third diffractive optical element the diffraction at 20 _DO3-1, toward the first condensing lens 18 _Lo, incident is condensed by the first condensing lens 18 _Lo in the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam.

The above laser light Ray _LL1 ~Ray _LL3 incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam as is propagated through the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam , Used to form a light distribution pattern for a passing beam. The output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is full output (or substantially full output).

As described above, in the passing beam lighting (1/3 load operation) process (step S18), when the lamp unit 30 _Lo for passing beam is turned on, the laser light sources 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 , 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD) _LL1 , LD _LL2 , LD _LL3 ) The laser beam Ray _LL1 , Ray _LL2 , Ray _LL3 from each of them is diffracted or directly, the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for the passing beam corresponding to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the passing beam ( Strictly speaking, the DOE actuators 88 _DO2 and 88 _DO3 are connected to the plurality of diffractive optical elements 20 _DO2 and 20 _{DO3-1 to} 20 _DO3-3 so as to go to the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) (the optical path is configured) _. Place.

The processes in steps S12 to S18 are repeatedly executed until the headlamp switch 82 is turned off (step S32: SW = OFF). When the headlamp switch 82 is turned off (step S32: SW = OFF), the oscillations of the laser light sources 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 , 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 , LD _LL3 ) are stopped ( In step S34, each process is terminated.

  The overheat coefficient k (k1 to k3) is set as follows.

  FIG. 13 is a thermal resistance model diagram when focusing on one laser light source.

In the thermal resistance model shown in FIG. 13, the relationship of the following formula 1 is established.
T _case (° C.) = Θ (° _{C./W)×P loss} (W) + T _fin (Equation 1)

According to Equation 1, when the heat generation amount P _loss is constant, it can be seen that when the cooling fin temperature T _fin rises, the LD case temperature T _case moves horizontally to the high temperature side.

Where T _case (° C.) is the LD case temperature, T _fin (° C.) is the cooling fin temperature, θ (° C./W) is the thermal resistance of the heat conductor (a constant value depending on the device structure), P _loss ( W) is a calorific value (loss power).

  FIG. 14 is a graph showing the relationship between the operating power and the case temperature of the laser light source.

The operating power P of the laser light source is converted into light and heat. Therefore, when the power / light conversion rate is ηpho, the heat conversion rate is (1−ηpho), and the amount of heat generation (loss power) is expressed by the following equation (2).
P _loss = P (1-ηpho) (Expression 2)

Here, when Expression 2 is substituted into Expression 1, the following Expression 3 representing the relationship between the operating power and the case temperature is obtained.
T _case = θ × P (1−ηpho) + T _fin (Equation 3)

  According to Equation 3, when the operating power is increased, the LD case temperature rises. It can also be seen that the LD fin temperature rises as the cooling fin temperature increases with the same operating power.

  Next, the overheat coefficient k will be described.

Since the LD (laser diode) is used by being assembled in a coupling distributor, the thermal resistance value (θ) of the heat radiation path is constant. In addition, the LD case temperature (T _case ) and cooling fin temperature (T _fin ) can be monitored with a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, or the like at the same time as lighting. Naturally, the operating power (P) is known in the LD lighting circuit.

By the way, the LD has an operation upper limit temperature. Usually given by the maximum case temperature ( _{Tcase · max} ) of the LD package. In order to perform stable and continuous operation without causing failure of the LD, it is necessary to use it below the maximum case temperature ( _{Tcase · max} ).

Therefore, LD overheating is prevented by the following logic. Specifically, to set the maximum case temperature (T _{case · max)} than slightly lower overheat judgment temperature (T _oh) (e.g. _{T oh = T case · max -5} °), if the right side of expression 3 is less than T _oh field defines power (P) is applied to the LD, determine the k by the following equation 4 right-hand side set the overheat factor if T _oh or (k) of equation 3, the operation power saved by multiplying the prescribed power (P) (P _out ) is given.

(A) _Toh > LD case (cap) In the case of the LD case temperature (T _case ) measured by the temperature measuring sensors 84 _LL1 , 84 _LL2 , 84 _LL3 (corresponding to the points a to b from the graph shown in FIG. 14), A prescribed (predetermined) operating power (P) is applied to the laser light sources 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 and LD _LL3 ).

(B) _Toh <LD case (cap) temperature measurement sensor 84 _LL1 , 84 _LL2 , 84 _LL3 measured case temperature (T _case ) of LD (corresponding to point d from point b shown in FIG. 14), formula The T _case of 3 is _Toh, and the operating power is saved by providing an overheat coefficient (k) to the operating power (P).
T _oh = θ × k · P (1-ηpho) + T _fin (Equation 4)
k = (T _oh −T _fin ) / (θ × P (1−ηpho)) (Formula 5)
P _out = k × P (Formula 6)

  Since the overheating process is a process for suppressing the light output of the LD, it may be lower than the legal luminous flux of the headlamp. In that case, it is desirable to notify the driver with a warning indicator and to keep the indicator lit until the temperature drops and the prescribed operation can be performed.

  A specific process for obtaining the overheat coefficient k will be described later.

  Next, the traveling beam lighting (2/3 load operation) process (step S20) will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the traveling beam lighting (2/3 load operation) process (step S20).

In the traveling beam lighting (2/3 load operation) process (step S20), first, the DOE actuator 88 _DO2 (corresponding to the first actuator of the present invention) follows the instruction from the CPU 80, as shown in FIG. 20 _DO2 is arranged outside the optical path of the laser beam Ray _LL2 from the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 collimated by the second collimating lens 16 _LL2 (step S2002). Thus, the traveling laser beam Ray _LL2 directly from the laser light source 14 _LL2 for beam traveling lamp unit 30 the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Hi for traveling beams corresponding to the _Hi of the beam (strictly, Vol.2 An optical path toward the optical lens 18 _Hi ) is formed.

At the same time, the DOE actuator 88 _DO3 (corresponding to the second actuator of the present invention) follows the instruction from the CPU 80 and collimates the third diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-3 with the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 as shown in FIG. It arrange _{| positions in} the optical path of laser beam Ray _LL3 from the added additional laser light source _14LL3 . Thus, added by laser light Ray _LL3 from the laser light source 14 _LL3 diffraction in the third diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-3, incidence of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam corresponding to lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam The incident end face of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi corresponding to the end surface (strictly, the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) and the traveling beam lamp unit 30 _Hi (strictly, the second condenser lens 18 _Hi ). An optical path toward is formed.

Next, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL1 , 90 _LL2 and 90 _LL3 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instructions from the CPU 80, and the laser light sources 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 and LD _LL3 ) Control each output to be equal and lower than full output. More specifically, the laser light sources 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 , 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 , LD _LL3 ) have outputs P1 _2/3 , P2 _2/3 , P3 that are 2/3 of the full output. _2/3 × overheat coefficients k1, k2, and k3 are controlled (step S2004).

The outputs P1 _2/3 , P2 _2/3 , and P3 _2/3 of _2/3 of the full output are determined in advance according to the present invention so that the output of each of the N2 laser light sources is equal and lower than the full output. Corresponds to “output”.

In this case, the laser beam Ray _LL1 (2/3 full output P1 _2/3 × overheat coefficient k1) from the laser light source 14 _LL1 for the low beam is, as shown in FIG. 16, the first collimating lens 16 _LL1. After being collimated, the light is condensed by the first condenser lens 18 _Lo and is incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for passing beam.

The laser beam Ray _LL2 (2/3 of the full output P2 _2/3 × overheat coefficient k2) from the laser light source 14 _LL2 for the traveling beam is collimated by the second collimating lens 16 _LL2 and then second The light is condensed by the condensing lens 18 _Hi and enters the incident end face of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi .

Furthermore, the laser beam Ray _LL3 (full output 2/3 output P3 _2/3 × overheat coefficient k3) from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 is collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 , and then the third diffractive optical element. _Due to the diffraction at 20 _DO3-3 , the first and second condenser lenses 18 _Lo and 18 _Hi are directed to the first and second condenser lenses 18 _Lo and 18 _Hi , and are _collected by the first and second condenser lenses 18 _Lo and 18 _Hi. The light enters the _Lo incident end surface and the incident end surface of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi .

The above laser light Ray _LL1 and Ray _LL3 incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam as is propagated through the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam , Used to form a light distribution pattern for a passing beam. The output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is full output (or substantially full output).

On the other hand, laser light Ray _LL2 and Ray _LL3 incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Hi for driving beam is propagated to the lamp unit 30 _Hi for driving beam by the optical fiber 36 _Hi for high beam, a main beam Used to form a light distribution pattern. The output from the exit end (exit end face) of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi is full output (or substantially full output).

As described above, in the traveling beam lighting (2/3 load operation) process (step S20), when the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the passing beam and the lamp unit 30 _Hi for the traveling beam are turned on, the laser light source 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 , 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 , LD _LL3 ) Laser beam Ray _LL1 , Ray _LL2 , Ray _LL3 from each beam is diffracted or directly for a passing beam corresponding to a lamp unit 30 _Lo for a passing beam The incident end face (strictly speaking, the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) of the optical fiber 36 _{Lo and} the incident end face of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi corresponding to the lamp unit 30 _Hi for the traveling beam (strictly, the first focusing lens 18 _Lo ). The two DOE actuators 88 _DO2 and 88 _DO3 are connected to a plurality of diffractive optical elements so as to go to the two condensing lenses 18 _Hi ) _. The children 20 _DO2 and 20 _{DO3-1 to} 20 _DO3-3 are arranged.

  Next, the passing beam lighting (failure handling operation) process (step S24) will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the passing beam lighting failure handling operation process (step S24).

  In the passing beam lighting (failure handling operation) process (step S24), first, the number of failed laser light sources (semiconductor lasers) is checked (step S2402). This is performed based on the recorded contents of the failure recording unit 92a.

  If the number of failed laser light sources (semiconductor lasers) is 1 (step S2402: “1 failure”), then it is checked which laser light source (semiconductor laser) has failed (step S2404). This is also performed based on the recorded contents of the failure recording unit 92a.

When it is determined that the laser light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) for passing beam is out of order (step S 2404: LL 1), the DOE actuator 88 _{DO 2} (corresponding to the first actuator of the present invention) follows the instruction from the CPU 80. As shown in FIG. 18, the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 is disposed in the optical path of the laser beam Ray _LL2 from the traveling beam laser light source _14LL2 collimated by the second collimating lens _16LL2 (step S2406). Accordingly, the diffraction of the laser light Ray _LL2 is a diffraction optical element 20 _DO2 from the laser light source 14 _LL2 for high beam, the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam corresponding to lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam (Strictly speaking, an optical path toward the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) is formed.

Along with this, the DOE actuator 88 _DO3 (corresponding to the second actuator of the present invention) follows the instruction from the CPU 80 and collimates the first diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-1 with the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 as shown in FIG. It arrange _{| positions in} the optical path of laser beam Ray _LL3 from the added additional laser light source _14LL3 . Thus, additional laser light Ray _LL3 from the laser light source 14 _LL3 is the diffraction at the first diffraction optical element 20 _DO3-1, incidence of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam corresponding to lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam An optical path toward the end face (strictly speaking, the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) is formed.

Next, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL1 , 90 _LL2 , 90 _LL3 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instruction from the CPU 80, and the laser light source 14 _LL1 for the low beam (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) stops its output. In addition, the laser light sources 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL2 and LD _LL3 ) are controlled so that the respective outputs are equal and lower than the full output. Specifically, the output of each of the laser light sources 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL2 and LD _LL3 ) is 1/2 of the full output P2 _1/2 and P3 _1/2 × overheat coefficients k2 and k3. Control is performed as described above (step S2408). The outputs P2 _1/2 and P3 _{1/2 that} are _½ of the full output correspond to the “output determined in advance so that the outputs of the N2 laser light sources are equal and lower than the full output” of the present invention. .

In this case, the laser beam Ray _LL2 (half output P2 _1/2 × overheat coefficient k2) from the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 is, as shown in FIG. 18, the second collimating lens 16 _LL2. in after being collimated by the diffraction at the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2, toward the first condensing lens 18 _Lo, the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for condensed by passing beam by the first condenser lens 18 _Lo Incident.

Further, the laser beam Ray _LL3 (1/2 output P3 _1/2 of full output × overheat coefficient k3) from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 is collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 , and then the first diffractive optical element the diffraction at 20 _DO3-1, toward the first condensing lens 18 _Lo, incident is condensed by the first condensing lens 18 _Lo in the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam.

Then, above the passing laser light Ray incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for beam _LL2, Ray _LL3 is propagated through the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam , Used to form a light distribution pattern for a passing beam. The output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is full output (or substantially full output).

As described above, when the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the low beam is turned on in a state where the laser light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) for the low beam is broken, the failed laser light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) Laser beams Ray _LL2 and Ray _LL3 from the laser light sources 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL2 and LD _LL3 ), respectively, are diffracted, and the optical fiber 36 for the passing beam corresponding to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the passing beam. _The DOE actuators 88 _DO2 and 88 _DO3 are connected to the plurality of diffractive optical elements 20 _DO2 and 20 _DO3-1 so as to be directed to the incident end face of _Lo (strictly speaking, the first condensing lens 18 _Lo ) (the optical path is configured) _{. Place} ~ 20 _DO3-3 .

Then, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL2 and 90 _LL3 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instruction from the CPU 80, and the laser light sources 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers) other than the failed laser light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ). (LD _LL2 , LD _LL3 ) The outputs are controlled so that the respective outputs P2 _1/2 and P3 _1/2 are higher than the outputs P2 _1/3 and P3 _1/3 before the failure.

As a result, the output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is constant (or substantially constant) before and after the failure of the _low beam laser light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ). Become.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ) is out of order (step S 2404: LL 2), the DOE actuator 88 _{DO 3} (corresponding to the second actuator of the present invention) follows the instruction from the CPU 80. As shown in FIG. 19, the first diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-1 is arranged in the optical path of the laser light Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 . Thus, additional laser light Ray _LL3 from the laser light source 14 _LL3 is the diffraction at the first diffraction optical element 20 _DO3-1, incidence of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam corresponding to lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam An optical path toward the end face (strictly speaking, the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) is formed.

Next, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL1 , 90 _LL2 , 90 _LL3 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instruction from the CPU 80, and the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ) stops its output. In addition, the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL3 ) are controlled so that the respective outputs are equal and lower than the full output. Specifically, the output of each of the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL3 ) is 1/2 of the full output P1 _1/2 and P3 _1/2 × overheat coefficients k1 and k3. Control is performed as described above (step S2412). The outputs P1 _1/2 and P3 _{1/2 which} are _½ of the full output correspond to “the outputs determined in advance so that the outputs of the N2 laser light sources are equal and lower than the full output” of the present invention. .

In this case, the laser beam Ray _LL1 (half output P1 _1/2 × overheat coefficient k1) from the laser light source 14 _LL1 for the low beam is, as shown in FIG. 19, the first collimating lens 16 _LL1. After being collimated, the light is condensed by the first condenser lens 18 _Lo and is incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for passing beam.

Further, the laser beam Ray _LL3 (1/2 output P3 _1/2 of full output × overheat coefficient k3) from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 is collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 , and then the first diffractive optical element the diffraction at 20 _DO3-1, toward the first condensing lens 18 _Lo, incident is condensed by the first condensing lens 18 _Lo in the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam.

The above laser light Ray _LL1, Ray _LL3 incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam as is propagated through the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam , Used to form a light distribution pattern for a passing beam. The output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is full output (or substantially full output).

As described above, when the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the low beam is turned on in a state where the laser light source 14 _LL2 for the traveling beam (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ) has failed, the failed laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ). Laser beam Ray _LL1 and Ray _LL3 from laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL3 ), respectively, other than the laser beam for passing beam corresponding to lamp unit 30 _Lo for passing beam by diffraction or directly The DOE actuators 88 _DO2 and 88 _DO3 are connected to the plurality of diffractive optical elements 20 _DO2 and 20 _DO3 so as to go to the incident end face of the fiber 36 _Lo (strictly speaking, the first condensing lens 18 _Lo ) _{. -1 to} 20 _DO3-3 is placed.

Then, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL1 and 90 _LL3 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instruction from the CPU 80, and the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers) other than the failed laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ). LD _LL1 , LD _LL3 ) The outputs are controlled so that the outputs P1 _1/2 and P3 _1/2 are higher than the outputs P1 _1/3 and P3 _1/3 before the failure.

As a result, the output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is constant (or substantially constant) before and after the failure of the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ). Become.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ) has failed (step S2404: LL3), the DOE actuator 88 _DO2 (corresponding to the first actuator of the present invention) follows the instruction from the CPU 80, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 is disposed in the optical path of the laser beam Ray _LL2 from the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 collimated by the second collimating lens 16 _LL2 (step S2414). Accordingly, the diffraction of the laser light Ray _LL2 is a diffraction optical element 20 _DO2 from the laser light source 14 _LL2 for high beam, the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam corresponding to lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam (Strictly speaking, an optical path toward the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) is formed.

Next, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL1 , 90 _LL2 and 90 _LL3 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instruction from the CPU 80, the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) stops its output, and The laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL2 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL2 ) are controlled so that their respective outputs are equal and lower than the full output. Specifically, the output of each of the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL2 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL2 ) is 1/2 of full output P1 _1/2 and P2 _1/2 × overheat coefficients k1 and k2. Control is performed as described above (step S2416). The outputs P1 _1/2 and P2 _{1/2 which} are _½ of the full output correspond to “the outputs determined in advance so that the outputs of the N2 laser light sources are equal and lower than the full output” of the present invention. .

In this case, the laser beam Ray _LL1 (half output P1 _1/2 × overheat coefficient k1) from the laser light source 14 _LL1 for the low beam is collimated by the first collimating lens 16 _LL1 , The light is condensed by one condensing lens 18 _Lo and enters the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for passing beam.

Further, the laser beam Ray _LL2 (half output P2 _1/2 × overheat coefficient k2) from the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 is collimated by the second collimating lens 16 _LL2 , and then diffractive optically. the diffraction at element 20 _DO2, toward the first condensing lens 18 _Lo, incident is condensed by the first condensing lens 18 _Lo in the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam.

The above laser light Ray _LL1, Ray _LL2 incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam as is propagated through the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam , Used to form a light distribution pattern for a passing beam. The output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is full output (or substantially full output).

As described above, in the case where the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ) has failed, when the lamp unit 30 _Lo for passing beam is turned on, a laser other than the failed laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ) Laser light Ray _LL1 and Ray _LL2 from the light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL2 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL2 ), respectively, are diffracted or directly, the optical fiber 36 _Lo for passing beams corresponding to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for passing beams The DOE actuators 88 _DO2 and 88 _DO3 are connected to the plurality of diffractive optical elements 20 _DO2 and 20 _DO3-1 to be directed toward the incident end face (strictly speaking, the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) _. 20 _{Place DO3-3} .

Then, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL1 and 90 _LL2 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instruction from the CPU 80, and the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL2 (semiconductor lasers) other than the failed laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ). LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 ) The outputs are controlled so that the outputs P 1 _1/2 and P 3 _1/2 are higher than the outputs P _1/3 and P2 _1/3 before the failure.

As a result, the output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is constant (or substantially constant) before and after the failure of the _low beam laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ). Become.

  On the other hand, if the number of failed laser light sources (semiconductor lasers) is two (step S2402: “two failures”), then it is checked which laser light source (semiconductor laser) has failed (step S2418). . This is also performed based on the recorded contents of the failure recording unit 92a.

When the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL2 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL2 ) are determined to be faulty (step S2418: LL1, LL2), the DOE actuator 88 _DO2 (corresponding to the second actuator of the present invention) is sent from the CPU 80. According to the instruction, as shown in FIG. 22, the first diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-1 is arranged in the optical path of the laser light Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 (step S2420). Thus, additional laser light Ray _LL3 from the laser light source 14 _LL3 is the diffraction at the first diffraction optical element 20 _DO3-1, incidence of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam corresponding to lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam An optical path toward the end face (strictly speaking, the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) is formed.

Next, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL1 , 90 _LL2 and 90 _LL3 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instructions from the CPU 80, and the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL2 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL2 ) output their outputs. Control is performed so that the output of the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ) becomes full output P3 × overheat coefficient k3 (step S2422). The full output P3 is determined in advance.

In this case, the laser beam Ray _LL3 (full output P3 × overheat coefficient k3) from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 is collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 and then the first diffractive optical element 20 as shown in FIG. _Due to diffraction at _DO3-1 , the light travels toward the first condenser lens 18 _Lo and is _collected by the first condenser lens 18 _Lo and enters the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for passing beam.

Then, the laser light Ray _LL3 incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam as described above, is propagated through the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam, low beam It is used to form a light distribution pattern. The output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is full output (or substantially full output).

As described above, when the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the low beam is turned on in a state where the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL2 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL2 ) have failed, the failed laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL2 ( The laser beam Ray _LL3 from the laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ) other than the semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL2 ) is diffracted, and the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo corresponding to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the low beam The DOE actuators 88 _DO2 and 88 _DO3 are connected to a plurality of diffractive optical elements 20 _DO2 and 20 _{DO3-1 to 20-20} so as to go to the incident end face (strictly speaking, the first condensing lens 18 _Lo ) (the optical path is configured) _{. Place DO3-3} .

Then, the LD lighting circuit 90 _LL3 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follows the instruction from the CPU 80 and the laser light sources 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers) other than the failed laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL2 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL2 ). (LD _LL3 ) is controlled so that the output is a full output P3 higher than the output P3 _1/3 before the failure.

As a result, the output from the exit end (exit end face) of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for the low beam is constant (or substantially constant) before and after the failure of the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL2 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL2 ). )

On the other hand, when the laser light sources 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL2 and LD _LL3 ) are determined to be out of order (step S2418: LL2, LL3), the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL1 , 90 _LL2 , 90 _LL3 (control of the present invention) According to the instruction from the CPU 80, the laser light sources 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL2 and LD _LL3 ) stop their output, and the laser light source 14 _LL1 for the low beam (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) Is controlled to be the full output P1 × overheat coefficient k1 (step S2426).

In this case, the laser beam Ray _LL3 (full output P1 × overheat coefficient k1) from the laser light source 14 _LL1 for the low beam is collimated by the first collimating lens 16 _LL1 as shown in FIG. The light is condensed by the optical lens 18 _Lo and enters the incident end face of the _low- pass optical fiber 36 _Lo .

Then, the laser light Ray _LL1 incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam as described above, is propagated through the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam, low beam It is used to form a light distribution pattern. The output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is full output (or substantially full output).

As described above, when the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the low beam is turned on in a state where the laser light sources 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL2 and LD _LL3 ) have failed, the failed laser light sources 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 ( Laser light Ray _LL1 from a laser light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) other than the semiconductor lasers LD _LL2 and LD _LL3 is directly incident on a low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo corresponding to the low beam lamp unit 30 _Lo. Toward the end face (strictly speaking, the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ).

At this time, the LD lighting circuit 90 _LL1 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follows the instruction from the CPU 80 and the laser light sources 14 _LL1 (semiconductors) other than the failed laser light sources 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL2 and LD _LL3 ). Control is performed so that the output of the laser LD _LL1 ) becomes a full output P1 higher than the output P1 _1/3 before the failure.

As a result, the output from the exit end (exit end face) of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for the low beam is constant (or substantially constant) before and after the failure of the laser light sources 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL2 and LD _LL3 ). )

On the other hand, if the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL3 ) are determined to be faulty (step S2418: LL1, LL3), the DOE actuator 88 _DO2 (corresponding to the first actuator of the present invention) is the CPU 80. 24, the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 is arranged in the optical path of the laser beam Ray _LL2 from the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 collimated by the second collimating lens 16 _LL2 as shown in FIG. Step S2428). As a result, the laser beam Ray _LL3 from the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 is diffracted by the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 , and the incident end face of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo corresponding to the low beam lamp unit 30 _Lo. (Strictly speaking, an optical path toward the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) is formed.

Next, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL1 , 90 _LL2 and 90 _LL3 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instructions from the CPU 80, and the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL3 ) output their outputs. Control is performed so that the output of the laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ) for the traveling beam becomes full output P2 × overheat coefficient k2 (step S2430). The full output P2 is determined in advance.

In this case, the laser beam Ray _LL2 (full output P2 × overheat coefficient k2) from the laser light source 14 _LL2 for the traveling beam is collimated by the second collimating lens 16 _LL2 as shown in FIG. the diffraction at 20 _DO2, toward the first condensing lens 18 _Lo, incident is condensed by the first condensing lens 18 _Lo in the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam.

Then, the laser light Ray _LL2 incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam as described above, is propagated through the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam, low beam It is used to form a light distribution pattern. The output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is full output (or substantially full output).

As described above, when the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the low beam is turned on in a state where the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL3 ) have failed, the failed laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL3 ( The laser beam Ray _LL2 from the laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ) other than the semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL3 ) is diffracted, and the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo corresponding to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the low beam The DOE actuators 88 _DO2 and 88 _DO3 are connected to a plurality of diffractive optical elements 20 _DO2 and 20 _{DO3-1 to 20-20} so as to go to the incident end face (strictly speaking, the first condensing lens 18 _Lo ) (the optical path is configured) _{. Place DO3-3} .

Then, the LD lighting circuit 90 _LL2 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follows the instruction from the CPU 80 and the laser light sources 14 _LL2 (semiconductor lasers) other than the failed laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL3 ). LD _LL2 ) is controlled so as to have a full output P2 higher than the output P2 _1/3 before the failure.

As a result, the output from the exit end (exit end face) of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for the low beam is constant (or substantially constant) before and after the failure of the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL3 ). )

  Next, the traveling beam lighting failure handling operation process (step S26) will be described.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the running beam lighting failure handling operation process (step S26).

  In the traveling beam lighting failure handling operation process (step S26), it is first checked which laser light source (semiconductor laser) has failed (step S2602). This is also performed based on the recorded contents of the failure recording unit 92a.

When it is determined that the laser beam source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) for passing beam is out of order (step S 2602: LL 1), the DOE actuator 88 _{DO 2} (corresponding to the first actuator of the present invention) follows the instruction from the CPU 80. As shown in FIG. 26, the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 is disposed outside the optical path of the laser beam Ray _LL2 from the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 collimated by the second collimating lens 16 _LL2 (step S2604). Thus, the second laser light source 14 a laser beam Ray _LL2 directly from _LL2 for high beam, traveling lamp unit 30 the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Hi for traveling beams corresponding to the _Hi of the beam (strictly speaking, the An optical path toward the two condenser lenses 18 _Hi ) is formed.

At the same time, the DOE actuator 88 _DO3 (corresponding to the second actuator of the present invention) follows the instruction from the CPU 80 and collimates the first diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-1 with the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 as shown in FIG. It arrange _{| positions in} the optical path of laser beam Ray _LL3 from the added additional laser light source _14LL3 . Thus, additional laser light Ray _LL3 from the laser light source 14 _LL3 is the diffraction at the first diffraction optical element 20 _DO3-1, incidence of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam corresponding to lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam An optical path toward the end face (strictly speaking, the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) is formed.

Next, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL1 , 90 _LL2 , 90 _LL3 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instruction from the CPU 80, and the laser light source 14 _LL1 for the low beam (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) stops its output. In addition, the laser light sources 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL2 and LD _LL3 ) are controlled so that the respective outputs are equal and lower than the full output. Specifically, control is performed so that the outputs of the laser light sources 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL2 and LD _LL3 ) become full outputs P2, P3 × overheat coefficients k2, k3 (step S2606). Full outputs P2 and P3 are determined in advance.

In this case, the laser beam Ray _LL2 (full output P2 × overheat coefficient k2) from the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 is collimated by the second collimating lens 16 _LL2 as shown in FIG. The light is condensed by the optical lens 18 _Hi and enters the incident end face of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi .

Further, the laser beam Ray _LL3 (full output P3 × overheat coefficient k3) from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 is collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 , and then diffracted by the first diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-1 . toward the first condensing lens 18 _Lo, incident is condensed by the first condensing lens 18 _Lo in the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam.

Then, the laser light Ray _LL3 incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam as described above, is propagated through the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam, low beam It is used to form a light distribution pattern. The output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is full output (or substantially full output).

On the other hand, the laser light Ray _LL2 incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Hi for driving beam is propagated to the lamp unit 30 _Hi for driving beam by the optical fiber 36 _Hi for high beam, high-beam light distribution pattern Used to form. The output from the exit end (exit end face) of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi is full output (or substantially full output).

As described above, when the low beam light source unit 30 _Lo and the traveling beam lamp unit 30 _Hi are turned on in a state where the low beam laser light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) is out of order, the failed laser is turned on. light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1) laser light source 14 _LL2 laser light Ray _LL2 directly from (a semiconductor laser LD _LL2) other than the traveling beam for for traveling beams corresponding to the lamp unit 30 _Hi of the optical fiber 36 _Hi The laser beam Ray _LL3 from the laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ) is passed by diffraction so as to go to the incident end face (strictly speaking, the second condenser lens 18 _Hi ) (optical path is configured). The incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for passing beam corresponding to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for beam (strictly speaking, the first A plurality of diffractive optical elements 20 _DO2 and 20 _{DO3-1 to} 20 _DO3-3 are arranged by the DOE actuators 88 _DO2 and 88 _DO3 so as to be directed to one condenser lens 18 _Lo ) (an optical path is configured).

Then, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL2 and 90 _LL3 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instruction from the CPU 80, and the laser light sources 14 _LL2 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers) other than the failed laser light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ). (LD _LL2 , LD _LL3 ) Each output is controlled to be higher than the outputs P2 _2/3 and P3 _2/3 before the failure P2 and P3.

As a result, the output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is constant (or substantially constant) before and after the failure of the _low beam laser light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ). Become. Also, the output from the exit end (exit end face) of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi is constant (or substantially constant) before and after the failure of the laser beam 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) for the low beam. .

On the other hand, when the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ) is determined to be out of order (step S2602: LL2), the DOE actuator 88 _DO2 (corresponding to the first actuator of the present invention) follows the instruction from the CPU 80. As shown in FIG. 27, the second diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-2 is arranged in the optical path of the laser light Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 . Thus, additional laser light Ray _LL3 from the laser light source 14 _LL3 is by diffraction at the second diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-2, incidence of the optical fiber 36 _Hi for traveling beams corresponding to the lamp unit 30 _Hi for high beam An optical path toward the end face (strictly speaking, the second condenser lens 18 _Hi ) is formed.

Next, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL1 , 90 _LL2 , 90 _LL3 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instruction from the CPU 80, and the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ) stops its output. In addition, the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL3 ) are controlled so that the respective outputs are equal and lower than the full output. Specifically, control is performed so that the outputs of the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL3 ) become full outputs P1, P3 × overheat coefficients k1, k3 (step S2610). Full outputs P1 and P3 are determined in advance.

In this case, the laser beam Ray _LL1 (full output P1 × overheat coefficient k1) from the laser light source 14 _LL1 for the low beam is collimated by the first collimating lens 16 _LL1 as shown in FIG. The light is condensed by the optical lens 18 _Lo and enters the incident end face of the _low- pass optical fiber 36 _Lo .

Further, the laser beam Ray _LL3 (full output P3 × overheat coefficient k3) from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 is collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 , and then diffracted by the second diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-2 . towards the second condenser lens 18 _Hi, is incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Hi for high beam is condensed by the second condenser lens 18 _Hi.

Then, the laser light Ray _LL1 incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam as described above, is propagated through the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam, low beam It is used to form a light distribution pattern. The output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is full output (or substantially full output).

On the other hand, the laser light Ray _LL3 incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Hi for driving beam is propagated to the lamp unit 30 _Hi for driving beam by the optical fiber 36 _Hi for high beam, high-beam light distribution pattern Used to form. The output from the exit end (exit end face) of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi is full output (or substantially full output).

As described above, when the low beam laser unit 30 _Lo and the traveling beam lamp unit 30 _Hi are turned on in a state where the low beam laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ) has failed, The laser beam Ray _LL1 from the laser light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) other than the light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ) directly corresponds to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the low beam, and the optical fiber 36 _Lo for the low beam The laser beam Ray _LL3 from the laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ) travels by diffraction so as to go to the incident end face (strictly speaking, the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) (optical path is configured). The incident end face of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi corresponding to the beam lamp unit 30 _Hi (strictly speaking, the first The two diffractive optical elements 20 _DO2 and 20 _{DO3-1 to} 20 _DO3-3 are arranged by the DOE actuators 88 _DO2 and 88 _DO3 so as to go to the two condenser lenses 18 _Hi ) (an optical path is configured).

Then, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL1 and 90 _LL3 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instruction from the CPU 80, and the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL3 (semiconductor lasers) other than the failed laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ). (LD _LL1 , LD _LL3 ) Control is performed so that the respective outputs are higher than the outputs P1 _2/3 and P3 _2/3 before the failure.

As a result, the output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is constant (or substantially constant) before and after the failure of the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ). Become. Also, the output from the exit end (exit end face) of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi becomes constant (or substantially constant) before and after the failure of the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ). .

On the other hand, when it is determined that the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ) is faulty (step S2602: LL3), the DOE actuator 88 _DO2 (corresponding to the first actuator of the present invention) follows the instruction from the CPU 80, and FIG. as shown in, arranging the diffractive optical element 20 _DO2, outside the optical path of the laser beam Ray _LL2 from the second collimating lens 16 _LL2 laser light source 14 _LL2 for high beam collimated in (step S2612). Thus, the traveling laser beam Ray _LL2 directly from the laser light source 14 _LL2 for beam traveling incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Hi for traveling beams corresponding to the lamp unit 30 _hi the beam (strictly, Vol.2 An optical path toward the optical lens 18 _Hi ) is formed.

Next, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL1 , 90 _LL2 , 90 _LL3 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instruction from the CPU 80, the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ) stops its output, and Control is performed so that the outputs of the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL2 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL2 ) are equal and lower than the full output. Specifically, control is performed so that the outputs of the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL2 (semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 and LD _LL2 ) become full outputs P1, P2 × overheat coefficients k1, k2 (step S2614). Full outputs P1 and P2 are determined in advance.

In this case, the laser beam Ray _LL1 (full output P1 × overheat coefficient k1) from the laser light source 14 _LL1 for the low beam is collimated by the first collimating lens 16 _LL1 as shown in FIG. The light is condensed by the optical lens 18 _Lo and enters the incident end face of the _low- pass optical fiber 36 _Lo .

The laser beam Ray _LL2 (full output P2 × overheat coefficient k2) from the traveling beam laser light source 14 _LL2 is collimated by the second collimating lens 16 _LL2 and then condensed by the second condenser lens 18 _Hi. Then, the light enters the incident end face of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi .

Then, the laser light Ray _LL1 incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam as described above, is propagated through the optical fiber 36 _Lo for low beam to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for low beam, low beam It is used to form a light distribution pattern. The output from the exit end (exit end face) of the low beam optical fiber 36 _Lo is full output (or substantially full output).

On the other hand, the laser light Ray _LL2 incident on the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Hi for driving beam is propagated to the lamp unit 30 _Hi for driving beam by the optical fiber 36 _Hi for high beam, high-beam light distribution pattern Used to form. The output from the exit end (exit end face) of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi is full output (or substantially full output).

As described above, in the case where the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ) has failed, when the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the passing beam and the lamp unit 30 _Hi for the traveling beam are turned on, the failed laser light source 14 _LL3 The laser beam Ray _LL1 from the laser light source 14 _LL1 (semiconductor laser LD _LL1 ) other than (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ) directly enters the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for passing beam corresponding to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for passing beam ( Strictly speaking, the laser beam Ray _LL2 from the laser light source 14 _LL2 (semiconductor laser LD _LL2 ) is directly directed to the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) (the optical path is configured), and the traveling beam lamp unit 30 the incident end face of the optical fiber 36 _Hi for traveling beams corresponding to the _Hi (strictly, the second condenser lens 18 _Hi As the heading (optical path is formed), DOE actuator 88 _DO2, 88 _DO3 is, arranging a plurality of diffractive optical elements 20 _DO2, 20 _DO3-1 ~20 _DO3-3.

Then, the LD lighting circuits 90 _LL1 and 90 _LL2 (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) follow the instruction from the CPU 80, and the laser light sources 14 _LL1 and 14 _LL2 (semiconductor lasers) other than the failed laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ). (LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 ) Each output is controlled to be higher than the outputs P1 _2/3 and P2 _2/3 before the failure.

As a result, the output from the exit end (exit end face) of the optical fiber 36 _Lo for the low beam becomes constant (or substantially constant) before and after the failure of the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ). Further, the output from the exit end (exit end face) of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi is also constant (or substantially constant) before and after the failure of the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 (semiconductor laser LD _LL3 ).

  The main processing (steps S12 to S26) is repeated until the headlamp switch 82 is determined to be off (step S32: SW = OFF).

  Next, the failure detection process (step S28) will be described.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the failure detection process (step S28).

In the failure detection process (step S28), first, the outputs of the semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 , and LD _LL3 , here, the outputs of the photodiodes PD _LL1 , PD _LL2 , and PD _LL3 are read (step S2802). Then, it is determined whether or not the outputs of the semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 , and LD _LL3 are as intended. When all the outputs are determined as intended, contents indicating normality (for example, “1”) are stored in the failure state flag E. Is done.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the outputs of the semiconductor lasers LD _LL1 , LD _LL2 , and LD _LL3 are not as intended, the content (for example, “0”) indicating the failure is stored in the failure state flag E (step S2804). Along with this, the content (for example, “LL1”) indicating the semiconductor laser determined to be not as intended is stored in the failure recording unit 92a.

  The failure detection process (step S28) is repeated until it is determined that the headlamp switch 82 is off (step S32: SW = OFF).

  Next, the overheat detection process (step S30) will be described.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the overheat detection process (step S30). The overheat detection process (step S30) corresponds to the overheat coefficient setting means of the present invention.

In the overheat detection process (step S30), first, the LD case temperature measuring sensors 84 _LL1 , 84 _LL2 , 84 _{LL3 are used} to detect the LD case (cap) temperatures T _{case1 to} T _case3 of the laser light sources 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 , 14 _LL3. Is measured (step S3002).

Next, the cooling fin temperature measurement sensor 86 measures the cooling fin temperature T _fin of the cooling fin 24a (step S3004).

Next, whether or not it exceeds the LD case temperature T _N is overheating determination temperature T _oh predetermined is determined (step S3008).

Then, it is determined that LD case temperature T _N does not exceed the overheating determination temperature T _oh (Step S3008: No) and is set to "1" to the overheating factor K _N (step S3010).

On the other hand, it is determined that LD case temperature T _N exceeds the overheat judgment temperature T _oh (Step S3008: Yes) and calculates the _{(T oh -T fin) / (} θ × P (1-ηpho)) The calculation result is set to the overheat coefficient k _N (step S3014).

The above process (S3008~S3014) is, by being performed for each of the laser light source 14 _LL1, 14 _LL2, 14 _LL3 of LD case temperature T _Case, overheating coefficient k1~k3 is set. The overheat coefficients k1 to k3 are values of 1 or less.

Next, specific examples of the condenser lenses 18 _Lo and 18 _Hi will be described.

FIG. 31A _shows the light even if the optical path is switched by the diffractive optical elements 20 _DO2 , 20 _{DO3-1 to} 20 _DO3-3 (or the hologram optical elements 20A _DO2 , 20A _{DO3-1 to} 20A _DO3-3 described _later ). This is a specific example (aspherical lens) of the condensing lenses 18 _Lo and 18 _Hi that allow the outgoing light to enter the fibers 36 _Hi and 36 _Lo without loss. The condensing lenses 18 _Lo and 18 _Hi (incident surface and outgoing surface) in FIG. 31A are aspherical surfaces represented by the following equations.

That is, the cross-sectional curves of the condenser lenses 18 _Lo and 18 _Hi (aspherical lenses) can be defined by sag values when they are separated from the lens center line by a distance x in the lens outer peripheral direction.

  The sag value Sag (x) represents the distance from the lens top when the distance is x from the lens optical axis center line. R represents a radius of curvature (a radius of curvature when c = 0), and c represents an aspherical coefficient.

FIG. 31B shows a case where light beams parallel to the optical axis are incident on the condensing lenses 18 _Lo and 18 _Hi , and the light beams are collected and are incident on the incident surfaces of the optical fibers 36 _Hi and 36 _Lo. FIG. 31 (c) shows a state of incidence, and when a light beam inclined by 10 ° with respect to the optical axis is incident on the condensing lenses 18 _Lo and 18 _Hi , the light beam is collected and light is collected. It is a figure showing a mode that it injects into the incident surface of fiber _36Hi , _36Lo .

The optical fibers 36 _Hi and 36 _Lo in FIGS. 31A to _31C have a diameter of 1 mm and NA> 0.82.

Next, instead of the blazed diffractive optical elements 20 _DO2 and 20 _{DO3-1 to} 20 _DO3-3 (DOE), hologram optical elements 20A _DO2 and 20A _{DO3-1 to} 20A _DO3-3 (HOE: holographic optical elements) are used. An example of use will be described. Both are diffractive optical elements.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining the basic concept of reproduction by the hologram optical element 20.

  The hologram optical element 20 divides coherent laser light into reference light and reproduction scheduled light, irradiates the hologram base material, and records and creates the interference state (hologram pattern) on the base material. When the hologram optical element 20 thus created is irradiated with only the reference light Ray1 as shown in FIG. 32, the reference light Ray1 generates reproduction-scheduled light as the interference light by the hologram pattern (reproduction light). The reference light Ray1 acts on the interference pattern of the hologram optical element 20 to become the reproduction light Ray2 and is condensed at the light emission point P.

  The hologram optical element can be manufactured by CGH (Computer Generated Hologram). CGH does not record the complex amplitude distribution of the object with the interference fringes formed by the wavefront from the object and the reference wavefront, unlike the conventional hologram, and replaces this whole process as a calculation means. Based on the data of the object to be reproduced or the wavefront, the wavefront reaching the hologram surface is calculated, the original hologram is displayed on an appropriate display device, and the hologram is obtained by reducing it photographically. Therefore, in principle, any wavefront that can be mathematically described can be reproduced with any wavefront that cannot be reproduced with a conventional hologram.

The hologram optical element 20A _DO2 is disposed at the same position as the blazed diffractive optical element _20DO2 . Then, the hologram optical element 20A _DO2, when the laser light Ray _LL2 from the laser light source 14 _LL2 for high beam collimated by the second collimator lens 16 _LL2 and reference light, an optical fiber for reproduction light passing beam 36 _It is configured to be directed to the _Lo incident end face (strictly speaking, the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ). Therefore, the hologram optical element 20A _DO2 functions in the same manner as the blazed diffractive optical element _20DO2 .

The first hologram optical element 20A _DO3-1 is arranged at the same position in place of the blazed first diffractive optical element _20DO3-1 . Then, the first hologram optical element 20A _DO3-1 is an optical fiber for passing the reproduction light when the laser light Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 is used as the reference light. It is configured to face the 36 _Lo incident end face (strictly speaking, the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ). Accordingly, the first hologram optical element 20A _DO3-1 functions in the same manner as the blazed first diffractive optical element _20DO3-1 .

The second hologram optical element 20A _DO3-2 is arranged at the same position in place of the blaze-type second diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-2 . The second holographic optical element 20A _DO3-2, when the laser light Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimator lens 16 _LL3 and reference light, an optical fiber for reproduction light high beam It is configured to be directed to the incident end face of 36 _Hi (strictly speaking, the second condenser lens 18 _Hi ). Accordingly, the second hologram optical element 20A _DO3-2 functions in the same manner as the blazed second diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-2 .

Third holographic optical element 20A _DO3-3 is arranged at the same position as this in place of the third diffractive optical element 20 _DO3-3 blazed. Then, the third hologram optical element 20A _DO3-3 is an optical fiber for passing the reproduction light when the laser light Ray _LL3 from the additional laser light source 14 _LL3 collimated by the third collimating lens 16 _LL3 is used as the reference light. 36 _Lo is configured to be directed toward the incident end face (strictly, the first condenser lens 18 _Lo ) and the incident end face of the traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi (strictly, the second condenser lens 18 _Hi ). . Therefore, the third hologram optical element 20A _DO3-3 functions in the same manner as the blazed third diffractive optical element _20DO3-3 .

Therefore, the hologram optical element 20A _DO2 , 20A _{DO3-1 to} 20A _DO3-3 (HOE) can be used instead of the blaze type diffractive optical element 20 _DO2 , 20 _{DO3-1 to} 20 _DO3-3 (DOE). The same effect as the vehicular lamp 100 using the blazed diffractive optical elements 20 _DO2 and 20 _{DO3-1 to} 20 _DO3-3 (DOE) can be obtained.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the vehicular lamp 100 including the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the passing beam and the lamp unit 30 _Hi for the traveling beam that are used differently, the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the passing beam is used. Even when the light is turned on, the load is concentrated on a specific laser light source among a plurality of laser light sources (laser light source 14 _LL1 for passing beam, laser light source 14 _LL2 for traveling beam, and additional laser light source 14 _LL3 ). (As a result, the lifetime of the specific laser light source can be suppressed from being shortened).

First, when one lamp unit (for example, a low beam lamp unit 30 _Lo ) is turned on among the low beam lamp unit 30 _Lo and the traveling beam lamp unit 30 _Hi , three lamp units 30 _Lo and a traveling beam lamp unit 30 _Hi are turned on. Laser light from each laser light source (laser light source 14 _LL1 for _low beam, laser light source 14 _LL2 for traveling beam, additional laser light source 14 _LL3 ) is diffracted or directly by one lamp unit (for example, lamp for low beam) A plurality of diffractive optical elements 20 _DO2 , 20 _{DO3-1 to} 20 _DO3-3 (or hologram optics) so as to be directed to the incident end face of an optical fiber corresponding to the unit 30 _Lo ) (for example, an optical fiber 36 _Lo for passing beam). element 20A _DO2, 20A _DO3-1 ~20A _DO3-3) that is arranged, in the second, three laser light sources (passing Bee Laser light source 14 _LL1 of use, high-beam of the laser light source 14 _LL2, additional laser light source 14 _LL3) that each output is controlled to be lower than the uniform and full output, i.e., a plurality of laser light sources 14 _LL1, 14 _This is because the loads of _LL2 and _14LL3 are evenly distributed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, in the vehicular lamp 100 including the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the passing beam and the lamp unit 30 _Hi for the traveling beam, which are used differently, the lamp unit 30 _Lo for the passing beam and the traveling beam are provided. Even when the lamp unit 30 _Hi is turned on, a specific laser light source among a plurality of laser light sources (laser light source 14 _LL1 for passing beam, laser light source 14 _LL2 for traveling beam, and additional laser light source 14 _LL3 ) It is possible to prevent the load from concentrating on (as a result, it is possible to suppress the lifetime of the specific laser light source from being shortened).

First, when the lamp unit 30 _Lo for passing beam and the lamp unit 30 _Hi for traveling beam are turned on, three laser light sources (laser light source 14 _LL1 for passing beam, laser light source for traveling beam) 14 _LL2 and additional laser light source 14 _LL3 ) are diffracted or directly, optical fibers corresponding to the lamp unit 30 _Lo for passing beam and the lamp unit 30 _Hi for traveling beam (for example, light for passing beam). A plurality of diffractive optical elements 20 _DO2 , 20 _{DO3-1 to} 20 _DO3-3 (or hologram optical elements 20A _DO2 , 20A _DO3-1 to the optical fiber 36 _Lo and traveling beam optical fiber 36 _Hi ). 20A _DO3-3) that is arranged, in the second laser light source 14 _LL1 three laser light sources (for low beam High-beam of the laser light source 14 _LL2, additional laser light source 14 _LL3) that each output is controlled to be lower than the uniform and full output, i.e., a plurality of laser light sources 14 _LL1, 14 _LL2, 14 _LL3 each load Is uniformly distributed.

Moreover, according to this embodiment, it can suppress that a specific laser light source becomes high temperature locally among several laser light source _14LL1 , _14LL2 , _14LL3 .

This is controlled so that the output of each of the three laser light sources (laser light source 14 _LL1 for the passing beam, laser light source 14 _LL2 for the traveling beam, and additional laser light source 14 _LL3 ) is equal and lower than the full output. That is, the heat generated in each of the plurality of laser light sources 14 _LL1 , 14 _LL2 , and 14 _LL3 is dispersed.

  Each numerical value shown in the above embodiment and each modified example is an exemplification, and any appropriate numerical value different from this can be used.

  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.

10 ... coupling distributor, 12 _Hi, 12 _Lo ... optical fiber mounting _{unit, 14 LL1, 14 LL2, 14} LL3 ... laser light _{source, 16 LL1, 16 LL2, 16} LL3 ... collimator lens, 18 _Hi, 18 _Lo ... condenser lens , 20 _DO2 , 20 _{DO3-1 to} 20 _DO3-3 ... Diffractive optical element, 20A _DO2 , 20A _{DO3-1 to} 20A _DO3-3 ... Hologram optical element, 22 .. casing, 24. Plate, 26 ... Rotating plate, 30 _Hi , 30 _Lo ... Lamp unit, 32 ... Wavelength conversion member, 34 ... Projection lens, 36 _Hi , 36 _Lo ... Optical fiber, 38 ... Sleeve, 40 ... Housing, 42 ... Condensing / condensing Collimating lens, 44 ... support substrate, 46 ... flange, 48 ... lens holder, 50 ... extension, 52 ... outer lens, 54 ... housing, 56 ... light chamber, 80a ... failure recording unit, 82 ... headlamp switch, 8 4 _LL1 ... temperature measurement sensor, 86 ... cooling fin temperature measurement sensor, 88 _DO2 ... actuator, 90 _LL1 ... lighting circuit, 92 ... storage device, 92a ... failure recording part, 92b ... overheat coefficient storage part, 100 ... vehicle lamp

Claims (6)

N1 optical fibers (where N1 is a natural number of 2 or more);
More N2 laser sources than N1;
N1 lamp units provided corresponding to the N1 optical fibers, wherein a predetermined light distribution pattern is formed using laser light propagating through the corresponding optical fiber among the N1 optical fibers. N1 lamp units,
One or more of the N1 optical fibers are arranged in the optical path of the laser light from any one of the N2 laser light sources and diffract the laser light from the laser light source. A plurality of diffractive optical elements deflected toward the incident end face of the fiber;
When lighting one of the N1 lamp units, the laser light from each of the N2 laser light sources is directed to the incident end face of the optical fiber corresponding to the one lamp unit by diffraction or directly. When the plurality of diffractive optical elements are arranged and a plurality of lamp units among the N1 lamp units are turned on, laser light from each of the N2 laser light sources is diffracted or directly by the plurality of lamp units. An actuator for disposing the plurality of diffractive optical elements so as to face the incident end face of the optical fiber corresponding to each of the lamp units;
Control means for controlling the output of each of the N2 laser light sources to be uniform and lower than full output;
Vehicular lamp equipped with   When one of the N1 lamp units is turned on in a state where at least one of the N2 laser light sources has failed, the actuator may cause the failure of the N2 laser light sources. 2. The plurality of diffractive optical elements according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of diffractive optical elements are arranged so that laser light from a laser light source other than the laser light source is directed to an incident end face of an optical fiber corresponding to the one lamp unit by diffraction or directly. Vehicle lamp.   When turning on a plurality of lamp units among the N1 lamp units in a state where at least one of the N2 laser light sources has failed, the actuator may cause the failure among the N2 laser light sources. 2. The plurality of diffractive optical elements are arranged such that laser light from a laser light source other than the laser light source is directed to the incident end face of an optical fiber corresponding to each of the plurality of lamp units by diffraction or directly. Vehicle lamps. N2 temperature measurement sensors provided corresponding to the N2 laser light sources;
A comparison means for comparing the temperature of each of the N2 laser light sources measured by the N2 temperature measurement sensors with a predetermined overheat determination temperature;
A value smaller than 1 is set as an overheat coefficient for a laser light source having a temperature higher than the overheat determination temperature among the N2 laser light sources, while 1 is set as an overheat coefficient for a laser light source having a temperature lower than the overheat determination temperature. Overheat coefficient setting means;
4. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control so that an output of each of the N2 laser light sources is equal to and lower than a full output, which is a predetermined output × the overheat coefficient. 5. The vehicle lamp as described. An optical fiber for passing beam, a first condenser lens, a first collimating lens, and a laser light source for passing beam, and after the laser light from the laser light source for passing beam is collimated by the first collimating lens, A first optical system configured to be collected by the first condenser lens and to be incident on an incident end face of the optical fiber for the low beam;
An optical fiber for a traveling beam, a second condenser lens, a second collimating lens, and a laser light source for the traveling beam; and after the laser light from the laser light source for the traveling beam is collimated by the second collimating lens, A second optical system configured to be condensed by the second condenser lens and to be incident on an incident end face of the traveling beam optical fiber;
A third optical system comprising a third collimating lens and an additional laser light source, and configured to collimate laser light from the additional laser light source with the third collimating lens;
A lamp unit for a passing beam that forms a light distribution pattern for a passing beam using a laser beam propagated by the optical fiber for the passing beam;
A traveling beam lamp unit that forms a traveling beam light distribution pattern using laser light propagated by the traveling beam optical fiber;
The laser beam from the laser beam source for the traveling beam collimated by the second collimating lens is disposed in the optical path of the laser beam from the laser beam source for the traveling beam and collimated by the second collimating lens. And at least one diffractive optical element deflected toward the first condenser lens,
Laser light from the additional laser light source collimated by the third collimating lens is disposed in the optical path of the laser light from the additional laser light source collimated by the third collimating lens, and the first condensing is performed by diffraction. A plurality of diffractive optical elements deflected toward the lens and / or the second condenser lens;
When lighting the lamp unit for the low beam, the at least one diffractive optical element is disposed in the optical path of the laser light from the laser light source for the traveling beam collimated by the second collimating lens, When turning on the lamp unit for the low beam and the lamp unit for the traveling beam, the at least one diffractive optical element is irradiated with laser light from the laser light source for the traveling beam collimated by the second collimating lens. A first actuator disposed outside the optical path;
When the lamp unit for the low beam is turned on, laser light from the additional laser light source collimated by the third collimator lens among the plurality of diffractive optical elements is directed to the first condenser lens by diffraction. A diffractive optical element to be deflected in the optical path of the laser beam from the additional laser light source collimated by the third collimating lens, while the lamp unit for the passing beam and the lamp unit for the traveling beam are provided. When turning on the light, the laser light from the additional laser light source collimated by the third collimating lens among the plurality of diffractive optical elements is directed toward the first condensing lens and the second condensing lens by diffraction. The additional laser in which the diffractive optical element to be deflected is collimated by the third collimating lens A second actuator arranged in the optical path of the laser beam from the light source,
Control means for controlling the laser beam light source for the passing beam, the laser beam light source for the traveling beam, and the output of the additional laser light source to be uniform and lower than the full power;
Vehicular lamp equipped with   The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the diffractive optical element is a blazed diffractive optical element (DOE) or a hologram optical element (HOE).

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