JP2016085795A - Vehicular lighting fixture unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular lighting fixture unit in which one laser light source is made common among a plurality of lighting fixture units.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture unit 40 includes: a laser light source 42; a first lighting fixture unit 46A including a first wavelength conversion member for receiving a laser beam from the laser light source and converting at least one part of the laser beam into light of a different wavelength, and a first optical system configured so as to form a first light distribution pattern by radiating the light from the first wavelength conversion member frontward; a second lighting fixture unit 46B including a second wavelength conversion member for converting at least one of the laser beam into light of a different wavelength, and a second optical system configured so as to form a second light distribution pattern by radiating the light from the second wavelength conversion member frontward; and optical path switching means 48 for switching a light path of the laser beam from the laser light source into one of a first optical path for irradiating the first wavelength conversion member and a second optical path for irradiating the second wavelength conversion member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp unit, and more particularly to a vehicular lamp unit using a laser light source.

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

  FIGS. 10A and 10B are longitudinal sectional views of a vehicular lamp unit 200 using the laser light source described in Patent Document 1. FIG.

  The vehicular lamp unit 200 described in Patent Document 1 includes a laser light source 210, a first phosphor 220, a second phosphor 230, a half mirror 240, a mirror 250, a half mirror 240, and a mirror 250 shown in FIG. By arranging at the first position or the second position shown in FIG. 10B, the optical path of the laser light from the laser light source 210 is the first optical path for irradiating the first phosphor 220, or the first phosphor 220. And an actuator 260 for switching to any one of the second optical paths for irradiating the second phosphor 230, a reflecting surface 270 for reflecting the light from each phosphor 220, 230 and irradiating the light forward.

  In the vehicular lamp unit 200, a light distribution pattern for low beam is formed by the light from the first phosphor 220 that is reflected by the reflecting surface 270 and irradiated forward, and is reflected by the reflecting surface 270 and irradiated forward. A high beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light from the second phosphor 230.

JP 2013-143328 A

  However, the vehicular lamp unit 200 configured as described above uses one laser light source in one lamp unit, and uses one laser light source as a plurality of lamp units (for example, a first lamp unit and a second lamp unit). ) There is a problem that they cannot be shared.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, and it aims at providing the vehicle lamp unit which can make one laser light source common among several lamp units.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a laser light source and a first wavelength conversion member that receives laser light from the laser light source and converts at least a part of the laser light into light of a different wavelength. A first lamp unit including a first optical system configured to irradiate light from the first wavelength conversion member forward to form a first light distribution pattern, and a laser from the laser light source A second wavelength conversion member that receives light and converts at least part of the laser light into light of a different wavelength, and irradiates light from the second wavelength conversion member forward to form a second light distribution pattern. A second lamp unit including the second optical system, and an optical path of a laser beam from the laser light source, the first optical path for irradiating the first wavelength conversion member or the second wavelength conversion member Second to Wherein the optical path switching means for switching to one of the road, a vehicle lamp unit with.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, one laser light source is provided between a plurality of lamp units (between a first lamp unit that forms a first light distribution pattern and a second lamp unit that forms a second light distribution pattern). The vehicle lamp unit can be provided in common.

  This means that the optical path of the laser light from the laser light source is either the first optical path for irradiating the first wavelength conversion member of the first lamp unit or the second optical path for irradiating the second wavelength conversion member of the second lamp unit. This is because an optical path switching means for switching is provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the optical path length of the first optical path is shorter than the optical path length of the second optical path.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, a light distribution pattern (for example, a light distribution pattern for a spot) that has a higher luminance than that of the second wavelength conversion member, a small light emission size, and a higher light intensity is formed. A first wavelength conversion member suitable for the above can be realized.

  The luminance of the first wavelength conversion member is higher than the luminance of the second wavelength conversion member because the optical path length of the first optical path that irradiates the first wavelength conversion member is the optical path of the second optical path that irradiates the second wavelength conversion member. Since it is shorter than the length, the degree of diffusion of the laser light that irradiates the first wavelength conversion member is smaller than the laser light that irradiates the second wavelength conversion member. As a result, the spot diameter of the laser light that irradiates the first wavelength conversion member This is because the diameter becomes smaller than that of the laser beam that irradiates the second wavelength conversion member. Moreover, since the optical path length of the first optical path is shorter than the optical path length of the second optical path, the deviation of the laser light irradiation position can be reduced. For this reason, laser light can be irradiated in the vicinity of the focal point of the optical system, and a light distribution pattern having a high luminous intensity from the lamp can be irradiated at a desired angle. In particular, in the case of a light distribution pattern that requires higher light intensity, the angle of the light distribution pattern becomes smaller. Therefore, the deviation of the light emission position of the light source is suppressed, and the position of the maximum light intensity of the light distribution pattern is set to a desired position. It becomes easy to do.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the size of the second wavelength conversion member is larger than the size of the first wavelength conversion member.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, since the second wavelength conversion member is larger in size than the first wavelength conversion member, the optical path length of the second optical path that irradiates the second wavelength conversion member is assumed to be the first wavelength. Even if the deviation of the second optical path is larger than the first optical path due to being longer than the optical path length of the first optical path that irradiates the conversion member, the second wavelength conversion member is reliably irradiated with the laser light. be able to.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the optical path switching means is configured to change the optical path of the laser light from the laser light source based on at least the vehicle speed. It is characterized by switching to either the optical path or the second optical path.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to switch the lamp unit that is turned on according to the vehicle speed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the speed sensor and a vehicle speed for determining whether the vehicle speed detected by the speed sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed. Determination means, and the optical path switching means, when the vehicle speed determination means determines that the vehicle speed detected by the speed sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed, the optical path of the laser light from the laser light source, Switching to the first optical path is characterized.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, when the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed (for example, 80 km), the first lamp unit is turned on by switching the optical path of the laser light from the laser light source to the first optical path. Can be made.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle speed according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the speed sensor and a vehicle speed for determining whether the vehicle speed detected by the speed sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed. The optical path switching means further comprises a determination means and a direction indicator lighting switch, wherein the vehicle speed determination means determines that the vehicle speed detected by the speed sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed, and the direction indication When the device lighting switch is on, the optical path of the laser light from the laser light source is switched to the second optical path.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, when the vehicle speed is a predetermined speed (for example, 30 km) or less and the direction indicator lighting switch is on (for example, when turning left or right), the laser from the laser light source The second lamp unit can be turned on by switching the light path to the second light path.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first light distribution pattern is a spot light distribution pattern, and the second light distribution pattern is cornering. It is a light distribution pattern for lamps.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, one laser light source is shared between the first lamp unit that forms the spot light distribution pattern and the second lamp unit that forms the cornering lamp light distribution pattern. A vehicular lamp unit that can be provided can be provided.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first light distribution pattern is a spot light distribution pattern, and the second light distribution pattern is a wide light distribution pattern. It is a light distribution pattern for use.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, one laser light source is shared between the first lamp unit that forms the spot light distribution pattern and the second lamp unit that forms the wide light distribution pattern. It is possible to provide a vehicular lamp unit that can be used.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicular lamp unit that can share one laser light source among a plurality of lamp units.

It is a front view of the vehicle V carrying the vehicle lamp 10 of this embodiment. (A), (b) is an example of arrangement | positioning of each lamp unit 20, 30, 40 grade | etc.,. (A) A basic light distribution pattern P ₃₀ formed on a virtual vertical screen (disposed approximately 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle) facing the front of the vehicle by light emitted forward from the low beam lamp unit ₃₀ . Example, (b) Example of spot light distribution pattern _P46A formed on a virtual vertical screen by light irradiated forward from the first additional lamp unit 46A, (c) Left diagonally forward from the second additional lamp unit 46B It is an example of the light distribution pattern _P46B for cornering lamps formed on the virtual vertical screen by the light irradiated in the direction. It is a rear view of the additional lamp unit 40 (the movable reflecting surface 48b is disposed at the retracted position). 4 is a top view of the additional lamp unit 40. FIG. (A) Vertical sectional view of the first additional lamp unit 46A (second additional lamp unit 46B), (b) Vertical sectional view of the first additional lamp unit 46A (modified example), (c) First additional lamp unit 46A ( It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a modification. It is a rear view of the additional lamp unit 40 (the movable reflective surface 48b is arrange | positioned in the insertion position). This is a system configuration example for controlling the vehicular lamp 10L (mainly, the additional lamp unit 40). It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of 10L (mainly additional lamp unit 40) of the vehicle lamp 10L. (A), (b) It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp unit 200 using the laser light source of patent document 1. As shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, a vehicular lamp that is an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a vehicle V on which the vehicular lamp 10 (10L, 10R) of this embodiment is mounted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicular lamp 10 of the present embodiment includes a vehicular lamp 10L arranged on the left side of the front part of the vehicle and a vehicular lamp 10R arranged on the right side of the front part of the vehicle.

  The vehicular lamp 10R corresponds to an inverted version of the vehicular lamp 10L, and both have substantially the same configuration.

  Therefore, the following description will focus on the vehicle lamp 10L.

  The vehicular lamp 10L includes three lamp units arranged in a lamp chamber formed between a housing and an outer lens (none of which is shown) assembled thereto, that is, a high beam lamp unit 20 and a low beam lamp. A lamp unit 30 and an additional lamp unit 40 are provided.

  FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are arrangement examples of the lamp units 20, 30, 40, and the like.

  The lamp units 20, 30, 40 may be arranged in the order shown in FIG. 2 (a), may be arranged in the order shown in FIG. 2 (b), or are arranged in the other order. May be.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the vehicle lamp 10L may include another lamp unit 50, for example, a position lamp or a DRL (daytime running lamp).

  The high beam lamp unit 20 is configured as a general lamp unit that forms a high beam light distribution pattern (not shown).

The low beam lamp unit 30 is configured as a general lamp unit that forms a low beam light distribution pattern P ₃₀ (see FIG. 3A, hereinafter referred to as a basic light distribution pattern P ₃₀ ) including a cut-off line at the upper edge. Has been. FIG. 3A shows a basic light distribution formed on a virtual vertical screen (disposed approximately 25 m forward from the front of the vehicle) that faces the front of the vehicle by light emitted forward from the low beam lamp unit 30. it is an example of a pattern P _30.

  4 is a rear view of the additional lamp unit 40, FIG. 5 is a top view, and FIG. 6A is a longitudinal sectional view.

The additional lamp unit 40 is a lamp unit that forms a spot light distribution pattern P _46A (see FIG. 3B) or a cornering lamp light distribution pattern P _46B (see FIG. 3C). As shown to (a), the laser light source 42, the condensing lens 44, the 1st additional lamp unit 46A, the 2nd additional lamp unit 46B, the optical path switching means 48, etc. are provided.

  The laser light source 42 is, for example, a semiconductor laser light source such as a laser diode that emits laser light in a blue region (for example, emission wavelength is 450 nm). Is retained. The laser light source 42 is disposed in the lamp chamber.

  The first additional lamp unit 46A and the second additional lamp unit 46B are held by a holding member 52 such as a base in a state adjacent to the left and right.

The first additional lamp unit 46A is a lamp unit that forms a spot light distribution pattern P _46A (see FIG. 3B), and includes a first wavelength conversion member 54A, a first optical system 56A, and the like (FIG. 6). (See (a)), the reference axis AX _46A is arranged in a state of extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction (see FIG. 5). FIG. 3B is an example of a spot light distribution pattern P _46A formed on a virtual vertical screen by light irradiated forward from the first additional lamp unit 46A.

The first wavelength conversion member 54A receives a laser beam from the laser light source 42 and converts at least a part of the laser beam into light of a different wavelength (for example, a rectangular plate having a light emission size of 0.4 × 0.8 mm). Of the laser light from the laser light source 42 collimated by the condenser lens 44 so that the laser light from the laser light source 42 is directly incident near the reference axis AX _46A. (On the road) while being held by a holding member 52 such as a base (see FIG. 6A). The first wavelength conversion member 54A that has received the laser light from the laser light source 42 (irradiated with the laser light) is a mixed color of blue laser light that passes through the first wavelength conversion member 54A and light emission (yellow light) by the blue laser light. Emits white light (pseudo white light).

The first optical system 56A is an optical system configured to irradiate the light from the first wavelength conversion member 54A forward to form a spot light distribution pattern _P46A . Specifically, FIG. ), The projection surface 56Aa (for example, a circular convex lens having a diameter of 30 mm) and the planar reflection surface 56Ab extending substantially horizontally from the vicinity of the rear focal point F _56Aa of the projection lens 56Aa toward the first wavelength conversion member 54A. The projector is configured as a projector-type optical system including a dome-shaped (rotating ellipsoid or similar free curved surface) reflecting surface 56Ac that covers the first wavelength conversion member 54A from above.

Reflecting surface 56Ac of the dome-shaped spot light distribution pattern P _46A on the virtual vertical screen by the light from the first wavelength conversion member 54A to be irradiated forward through the projection lens 56Aa is reflected by the reflective surface 56Ac The surface shape is adjusted so that is formed.

  Of the dome-shaped reflection surface 56Ac, when the first wavelength conversion member 54A is dropped from a fixed position for some reason, the region where the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 is incident (the spot of the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42). A through hole HA is formed in a region corresponding to the diameter. Thereby, when the first wavelength conversion member 54A is dropped from a fixed position for some reason, all of the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 is transmitted through the through hole HA, and therefore the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 is used. However, it can be prevented that the light is reflected by the dome-shaped reflecting surface 56Ac, transmitted through the projection lens 56Aa, and directly irradiated to the outside.

The second additional lamp unit 46B is a lamp unit that forms a cornering lamp light distribution pattern P _46B (see FIG. 3C), and includes a second wavelength conversion member 54B, a second optical system 56B, and the like (see FIG. 6 (a)), when viewed from above, the reference axis AX _46B extends in a direction inclined by a predetermined angle θ (for example, θ = 45 ° in FIG. 5) with respect to the reference axis AX _{46A of} the first additional lamp unit 46A. (See FIG. 5). FIG. 3C shows an example of a cornering lamp light distribution pattern _P46B formed on the virtual vertical screen by light irradiated diagonally forward and leftward from the second additional lamp unit 46B.

The second wavelength conversion member 54B receives a laser beam from the laser light source 42 and converts at least a part of the laser beam into light having a different wavelength (for example, a rectangular plate shape having a light emission size of 0.6 × 1.0 mm). The laser light that is directly above the fixed reflecting surface 48c (that is, the reflected light from the fixed reflecting surface 48c) so that the laser light that is reflected near the reference axis _AX46B and from the fixed reflecting surface 48c enters. (On the optical path) in a state of being held by a holding member 52 such as a base (see FIG. 6A). The second wavelength conversion member 54B that has received the laser light from the laser light source 42 (irradiated with the laser light) is a color mixture of the blue-color laser light that passes through the second wavelength conversion member 54B and the light emitted by the blue-color laser light (yellow light). Emits white light (pseudo white light).

The second optical system 56B is an optical system configured to irradiate light from the second wavelength conversion member 54B forward to form a cornering lamp light distribution pattern P _46B . Specifically, FIG. as shown in a), the projection lens 56Ba (e.g., circular convex lens having a diameter of 18 mm), the reflecting surface of the planar shape extending substantially horizontally from the side focal point F _56Ba vicinity toward the second wavelength conversion member 54B of the projecting lens 56Ba 56Bb, a projector-type optical system having a dome-shaped (rotating ellipsoidal surface or similar free curved surface) reflecting surface 56Bc and the like that covers the second wavelength conversion member 54B from above.

The dome-shaped reflecting surface 56Bc is reflected on the reflecting surface 56Bc, passes through the projection lens 56Ba, and is irradiated forward. The light from the second wavelength conversion member 54B is irradiated onto the virtual vertical screen with the light distribution pattern P for the cornering lamp. The surface shape is adjusted so that _46B is formed.

  Of the dome-shaped reflection surface 56Bc, when the second wavelength conversion member 54B is dropped from a fixed position for some reason, a region where the laser light Ray (reflected light from the fixed reflection surface 48c) from the laser light source 42 enters ( A through hole HB is formed in a region corresponding to the spot diameter of the laser beam Ray from the laser light source 42. As a result, when the second wavelength conversion member 54B falls off from a fixed position for some reason, all of the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 (reflected light from the fixed reflecting surface 48c) passes through the through hole HB. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 (reflected light from the fixed reflecting surface 48c) from being reflected by the dome-shaped reflecting surface 56Bc and transmitted through the projection lens 56Ba and directly irradiated to the outside. Can do.

  The first optical system 56A is not limited to a projector-type optical system, and includes a projection lens 56Ad, a shade 56Ae disposed near the rear focal point of the projection lens 56Ad, and the like as shown in FIG. 6B. The optical system 56AA may be a direct projection type (also referred to as a direct projection type), and as shown in FIG. 6C, a reflection surface 56Af having a paraboloidal surface shape or a similar free-form surface is provided. Further, it may be a reflector type (also called parabolic type) optical system 56AAA, or may be another optical system. The same applies to the second optical system 56B.

  The optical path switching means 48 is a means for switching the optical path of the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 to either the first optical path for irradiating the first wavelength conversion member 54A or the second optical path for irradiating the second wavelength conversion member 54B. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the actuator 48a, the movable reflecting surface 48b, the fixed reflecting surface 48c, and the like are configured.

  The actuator 48a is, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid (straight-advancing solenoid) in which the plunger 48a1 is disposed at the retracted position in the non-energized state (see FIG. 4) and is disposed at the protruding position in the energized state (see FIG. 7).

  The movable reflecting surface 48b is, for example, a prismatic surface (lens cut surface) or a planar reflecting surface formed by vapor deposition of metal such as aluminum, and is fixed by changing the course of the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 incident on the reflecting surface. It is fixed to the tip of the plunger 48a1 in a posture inclined by 45 ° with respect to the traveling direction of the laser beam Ray from the laser light source 42 so as to be reflected toward the reflecting surface 48c.

  When the plunger 48a1 is disposed at the retracted position, the movable reflecting surface 48b is disposed at the retracted position outside the optical path of the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 (see FIG. 4), while the plunger 48a1 is at the projecting position. When arranged, it is arranged at the insertion position on the optical path of the laser beam Ray from the laser light source 42 (see FIG. 7).

  The fixed reflecting surface 48c is, for example, a planar reflecting surface formed by metal deposition such as a prism surface (lens cut surface) or aluminum, and is incident on the optical path of the laser beam Ray which is reflected light from the movable reflecting surface 48b. The traveling direction of the laser light Ray that is the reflected light from the movable reflecting surface 48b is changed so that the path of the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 is changed by 90 ° and reflected toward the second wavelength conversion member 54B. It is arranged in a state where it is held by a holding member 52 such as a base in a posture inclined by 45 °.

  When the movable reflecting surface 48b is disposed at the retracted position (see FIG. 4), the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 goes straight as it is without being blocked by the movable reflecting surface 48b, and the first wavelength conversion member 54A is moved. A first optical path for irradiation is formed.

  On the other hand, when the movable reflective surface 48b is disposed at the insertion position (see FIG. 7), the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 is reflected in this order by the movable reflective surface 48b and the fixed reflective surface 48c, and the second wavelength conversion is performed. A second optical path for irradiating the member 54B is formed.

  As described above, the optical path of the laser beam Ray from the laser light source 42 is switched to either the first optical path for irradiating the first wavelength conversion member 54A or the second optical path for irradiating the second wavelength conversion member 54B.

  The optical path length of the first optical path that irradiates the first wavelength conversion member 54A may be shorter than the optical path length of the second optical path that irradiates the second wavelength conversion member 54B.

  When the optical path length of the first optical path that irradiates the first wavelength conversion member 54A is shorter than the optical path length of the second optical path that irradiates the second wavelength conversion member 54B, the diffusion of the laser light that irradiates the first wavelength conversion member 54A As a result, the spot diameter of the laser light that irradiates the first wavelength conversion member 54A is smaller than that of the laser light that irradiates the second wavelength conversion member 54B. Become. Further, the first optical path can suppress the deviation of the laser light irradiation position with respect to the second optical path. For this reason, it is easy to set the laser beam irradiation position near the focal point of the optical system, and a light distribution pattern having a high luminous intensity from the lamp can be irradiated at a desired angle. This is useful when the light emitted from the first wavelength conversion member 54A is used for a lamp in which the angle of a light distribution pattern such as a high beam or a low beam is small and a higher luminous intensity is required.

  The second wavelength conversion member 54B may be larger in size than the first wavelength conversion member 54A. In this case, the second optical path that irradiates the second wavelength conversion member 54B is longer than the first optical path because the optical path length of the first optical path that irradiates the first wavelength conversion member 54A is longer than the second optical path. Even if the deviation of the optical path increases, the second wavelength conversion member 54B can be reliably irradiated with the laser light.

  Next, a system configuration example for controlling the vehicle lamp 10L (mainly the additional lamp unit 40) will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a system configuration example for controlling the vehicle lamp 10L (mainly, the additional lamp unit 40).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the present system 60 includes a CPU 62 that controls the overall operation of the system 60. The basic light distribution lighting switch 64, the direction indicator lighting switch 66, the speed sensor 68, the photodiode 70A, the photodiode 70B, the actuator driving circuit 72, the laser light source lighting circuit 74, and the CPU 62 are executed by the CPU 62 via the bus. A storage unit 76 such as a ROM including a program storage unit 76a in which various programs are stored, a RAM (not shown) used as a work area, and the like are connected.

Photodiode 70A is in the first additional lamp unit 46A, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), for forming a light distribution pattern P _46A between and spot of the reflection surface 56Ab of the projection lens 56Aa and the planar shape It is arranged at a position that does not block the light. Photodiode 70B is the second additional lamp unit 46B, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), to form a light distribution pattern P _46B for between and cornering lamps and the reflecting surface 56Bb of the projection lens 56Ba and the planar shape It is arranged at a position that does not block the light.

  The CPU 62 functions as actuator control means 62a, laser light source control means 62b, vehicle speed determination means 62c, abnormality determination means 62d, and the like by executing a predetermined program read from the program storage section 76a into the RAM or the like.

  Next, an operation example of the vehicular lamp 10L having the above configuration (mainly, the additional lamp unit 40) will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the vehicle lamp 10L (mainly, the additional lamp unit 40).

  The following processing is realized by the CPU 62 executing a predetermined program read from the program storage unit 76a into the RAM or the like.

First, when the basic light distribution lighting switch 64 is turned on (step S10: Yes), the low beam lamp unit 30 is turned on, and the upper end of the low beam lamp unit 30 is projected onto the virtual vertical screen by the light emitted forward from the low beam lamp unit 30. A basic light distribution pattern P ₃₀ (see FIG. 3A) including a cut-off line at the edge is formed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed is 30 km or less and the direction indicator lighting switch 66 is turned on (indicating a left turn) (step S12). Whether the vehicle speed is 30 km or less is determined by the vehicle speed determination means 62c based on the comparison result by comparing the vehicle speed detected by the speed sensor 68 with a predetermined threshold value.

  When it is determined that the vehicle speed is 30 km or less and the direction indicator lighting switch 66 is turned on (step S12: Yes), the actuator drive circuit 72 follows the instruction from the actuator control means 62a and the plunger 48a1 is in the protruding position (see FIG. 7). The actuator 48a is controlled so as to be disposed at the same position. Thereby, the movable reflective surface 48b is arrange | positioned in an insertion position (step S14).

  Next, the laser light source lighting circuit 74 supplies current to the laser light source 42 in accordance with an instruction from the laser light source control means 62b. As a result, the laser light source 42 is turned on (step S14).

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 is collimated by the condensing lens 44 and reflected by the movable reflecting surface 48b and the fixed reflecting surface 48c in this order, and is reflected by the second wavelength conversion member 54B. Irradiate. The second wavelength conversion member 54B that has received the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 (irradiated with the laser light) is configured to transmit blue light that passes through the second wavelength conversion member 54B and light emission (yellow light) by the blue light. Emits white light (pseudo white light) due to color mixing.

The light from the second wavelength conversion member 54B is irradiated forward by the second optical system 56B, and on the virtual vertical screen, a cornering lamp light distribution pattern P _46B including a cut-off line at the upper end edge (FIG. 3C). Reference).

Thus, at the time of low-speed running (at the time of left turn), the side of the basic light distribution pattern P ₃₀ for the light distribution pattern P _46B cornering lamp (left) is formed in a form to be added, the front side ( The visibility on the left side is improved.

  Next, it is determined whether or not it is normal, that is, whether or not the second wavelength conversion member 54B has dropped from the fixed position (steps S16 and S18).

  The abnormality determination means 62d compares the detection result detected by the photodiode 70B (step S16) with a predetermined threshold value, and determines based on the comparison result.

  In order to realize this, as shown in FIG. 6A, light from the second wavelength conversion member 54B (for example, light emission (yellow light) of the second wavelength conversion member 54B having a wavelength of 500 nm or more) is transmitted, An optical filter 78B that cuts light of other wavelengths is disposed in front of the photodiode 70B disposed in the second additional lamp unit 46B.

  When the second wavelength conversion member 54B is disposed at a fixed position, the detection result detected by the photodiode 70B> the predetermined threshold value. On the other hand, when the second wavelength conversion member 54B is dropped from the fixed position for some reason, the detection result detected by the photodiode 70B <the predetermined threshold value.

  Therefore, the abnormality determination unit 62d compares the detection result detected by the photodiode 70B (step S16) with a predetermined threshold value, and based on the comparison result, the second wavelength conversion member 54B drops off from the fixed position. It can be determined whether or not.

  If it is determined in step S18 that it is not normal (step S18: No), the additional lighting function is stopped (step S20). That is, the laser light source lighting circuit 74 stops the supply of current to the laser light source 42 in accordance with the instruction from the laser light source control means 62b. As a result, the laser light source 42 is turned off.

  On the other hand, when it is determined to be normal in step S18 (step S18: Yes), it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed is 30 km or more or the direction indicator lighting switch 66 is off (step S22). Whether the vehicle speed is 30 km or more is determined by the vehicle speed determination unit 62c based on the comparison result by comparing the vehicle speed detected by the speed sensor 68 with a predetermined threshold value.

  When it is determined that the vehicle speed is 30 km or more or the direction indicator lighting switch 66 is OFF (step S22: Yes), the laser light source lighting circuit 74 supplies current to the laser light source 42 in accordance with an instruction from the laser light source control means 62b. Stop. As a result, the laser light source 42 is turned off (step S24). At the same time, the actuator drive circuit 72 controls the actuator 48a so that the plunger 48a1 is disposed at the retracted position (see FIG. 4) in accordance with an instruction from the actuator control means 62a. Thereby, the movable reflective surface 48b is arrange | positioned in a retracted position (step S24).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the vehicle speed is 30 km or less and the direction indicator lighting switch 66 is not on (step S12: No), it is determined whether the vehicle speed is 80 km or more (step S26). Whether the vehicle speed is 80 km or higher is determined by the vehicle speed determination means 62c based on the comparison result by comparing the vehicle speed detected by the speed sensor 68 with a predetermined threshold value.

  If it is determined that the vehicle speed is 80 km or higher (step S26: Yes), the laser light source lighting circuit 74 supplies current to the laser light source 42 in accordance with an instruction from the laser light source control means 62b. As a result, the laser light source 42 is turned on (step S28).

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 is collimated by the condenser lens 44 and irradiates the first wavelength conversion member 54A without being blocked by the movable reflecting surface 48b. The first wavelength conversion member 54A that has received the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 (irradiated with the laser light) is configured to transmit blue light that passes through the first wavelength conversion member 54A and light emission (yellow light) by the blue light. Emits white light (pseudo white light) due to color mixing.

Spot The light from the first wavelength conversion member 54A is comprising on a virtual vertical screen is emitted forward by the first optical system 56A, in a state of being superimposed on the basic light distribution pattern P _30, the cut-off line to the upper edge A light distribution pattern P _46A (see FIG. 3B) is formed.

Thus, at the time of high speed running, since the basic light distribution pattern P ₃₀ is the spot light distribution pattern P _46A is formed in a form that is superimposed, distance visibility is improved.

  Next, it is determined whether or not it is normal, that is, whether or not the first wavelength conversion member 54A has dropped from the fixed position (steps S30 and S32).

  The abnormality determination means 62d compares the detection result detected by the photodiode 70A (step S30) with a predetermined threshold value and makes a determination based on the comparison result.

  In order to realize this, as shown in FIG. 6A, light from the first wavelength conversion member 54A (for example, light emission (yellow light) of the first wavelength conversion member 54A having a wavelength of 500 nm or more is transmitted) An optical filter 78A that cuts off light having a wavelength other than that is disposed in front of the photodiode 70A disposed in the first additional lamp unit 46A.

  When the first wavelength conversion member 54A is disposed at a fixed position, the detection result detected by the photodiode 70A> the predetermined threshold value. On the other hand, when the first wavelength conversion member 54A is removed from the fixed position for some reason, the detection result detected by the photodiode 70A <the predetermined threshold value.

  Therefore, the abnormality determination unit 62d compares the detection result detected by the photodiode 70A (step S30) with a predetermined threshold value, and based on the comparison result, the first wavelength conversion member 54A drops off from the fixed position. It can be determined whether or not.

  When it determines with it being normal in step S32 (step S32: No), an additional lighting function is stopped (step S34). That is, the laser light source lighting circuit 74 stops the supply of current to the laser light source 42 in accordance with the instruction from the laser light source control means 62b. As a result, the laser light source 42 is turned off.

  On the other hand, when it determines with it being normal at step S32 (step S32: Yes), it is determined whether a vehicle speed is 80 km or less (step S36). Whether the vehicle speed is 80 km or less is determined by the vehicle speed determination unit 62c based on the comparison result by comparing the vehicle speed detected by the speed sensor 68 with a predetermined threshold value.

  If it is determined that the vehicle speed is 80 km or less (step S36: Yes), the laser light source lighting circuit 74 stops the supply of current to the laser light source 42 in accordance with the instruction from the laser light source control means 62b. As a result, the laser light source 42 is turned off (step S38).

  The processes in steps S12 to S38 are repeated while the basic light distribution lighting switch 64 is on.

  As described above, according to the processing in steps S12 to S38, the additional lamp units 46A and 46B that are turned on according to the vehicle speed can be switched.

  That is, when the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed (for example, 80 km), the first additional lamp unit 46A can be turned on by switching the optical path of the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 to the first optical path. When the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed (for example, 30 km) and the direction indicator lighting switch 66 is on (for example, when turning left or right), the second optical path of the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 is set. By switching to the optical path, the second additional lamp unit 46B can be turned on.

  Next, a method for determining failure of the actuator 48a using the photodiodes 70A and 70B will be described.

  During the processing of steps S14 to S24 in FIG. 9, the condition of step S12 is satisfied (step S12: Yes), and since it is originally switched to the second optical path, it is arranged in the first additional lamp unit 46A. The output of the photodiode 70A should not change. Therefore, when a change in the output of the photodiode 70A is detected during the processing of steps S14 to S24 in FIG. 9, it can be determined that the actuator 48a has failed. In this case, for example, the process of step S20 in FIG. 9 is executed.

  Similarly, during the processing of steps S28 to S38 in FIG. 9, the condition of step S26 is satisfied (step S26: Yes), and since it is originally switched to the first optical path, it is in the second additional lamp unit 46B. The output of the photodiode 70B placed in the should be unchanged. Therefore, when a change in the output of the photodiode 70B is detected during the processing of steps S28 to S38 in FIG. 9, it can be determined that the actuator 48a has failed. In this case, for example, the process of step S34 in FIG. 9 is executed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first additional lamp unit 46A that forms one laser light source 42 between a plurality of lamp units (spot light distribution pattern P _46A (see FIG. 3B)) and It is possible to provide the additional lamp unit 40 that can be shared by the cornering lamp light distribution pattern P _46B (between the second additional lamp unit 46B that forms the light distribution pattern P _46B (see FIG. 3C)).

  This irradiates the optical path of the laser beam Ray from the laser light source 42 with the first optical path for irradiating the first wavelength conversion member 54A of the first additional lamp unit 46A or the second wavelength conversion member 54B of the second additional lamp unit 46B. This is because the optical path switching means 48 for switching to one of the second optical paths is provided.

  Further, since the laser light source 42 can be shared, the heat dissipation structure can be omitted, and as a result, weight reduction can be achieved.

  Next, a modified example will be described.

  In the above embodiment, the wavelength converting members 54A and 54B have been described as examples of transmissive light sources. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the wavelength converting members 54A and 54B may be configured as reflective light sources.

In the above embodiment, an example has been described of switching the optical path of the laser light Ray from mechanically laser light source 42 by the actuator 48a, it is not limited to this, using polarized light by crystals having the photoelectric effect (LiNbO ₃₎ or the like Then, the optical path of the laser beam Ray from the laser light source 42 may be switched. Note that the light utilization efficiency can be further increased by mechanically switching the optical path of the laser light Ray from the laser light source 42 as in the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the additional lamp unit 40 is arranged such that the spot light distribution pattern P _46A (see FIG. 3B) superimposed on the low beam light distribution pattern P ₃₀ (basic light distribution pattern P ₃₀ ) or Although the example which comprises as a lamp unit which forms the light distribution pattern _P46B for cornering lamps (refer _FIG.3 (c)) was demonstrated, it is not restricted to this, It superimposes on the light distribution pattern for high beams (basic light distribution pattern) It may be configured as a lamp unit that forms a spot light distribution pattern or a cornering lamp light distribution pattern P _46B (see FIG. 3C). Further, the light distribution pattern P _46A (see FIG. 3B) or the wide light distribution pattern (basic light distribution pattern P) superimposed on the low beam light distribution pattern P ₃₀ (basic light distribution pattern P ₃₀ ). _A light distribution pattern in which the upper, lower, left and right sides of ₃₀ are diffused (not shown) may be configured as a lamp unit.

  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.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10L ... Vehicle lamp, 20 ... High beam lamp unit, 30 ... Low beam lamp unit, 40 ... Additional lamp unit, 42 ... Laser light source, 44 ... Condensing lens, 46A ... 1st additional lamp unit, 46B ... No. 2 additional lamp units, 48 ... optical path switching means, 48a ... actuator, 48a1 ... plunger, 48b ... movable reflecting surface, 48c ... fixed reflecting surface, 52 ... holding member, 54A ... first wavelength converting member, 54B ... second wavelength Conversion member, 56A ... first optical system, 56Aa ... projection lens, 56Ab ... reflection surface, 56Ac ... reflection surface, 56B ... second optical system, 56Ba ... projection lens, 56Bb ... reflection surface, 56Bc ... reflection surface, 62a ... actuator Control means, 62b ... laser light source control means, 62c ... vehicle speed judgment means, 62d ... abnormality judgment means, 64 ... basic light distribution point Switch, 66 ... turn signal lighting switch, 68 ... speed sensor, 70A, 70B ... photodiode, 72 ... actuator driving circuit, 74 ... laser light source lighting circuit, 76a ... program storage section, 78A, 78B ... optical filter

Claims (8)

A laser light source;
A first wavelength conversion member that receives laser light from the laser light source and converts at least a part of the laser light into light of a different wavelength, and irradiates light from the first wavelength conversion member forward to form a first distribution. A first optical system configured to form a light pattern; and a first lamp unit comprising:
A second wavelength conversion member that receives laser light from the laser light source and converts at least a part of the laser light into light of a different wavelength; and irradiates light from the second wavelength conversion member forward to form a second distribution. A second lamp unit including a second optical system configured to form a light pattern;
A vehicle comprising: an optical path switching means for switching an optical path of the laser light from the laser light source to either a first optical path for irradiating the first wavelength conversion member or a second optical path for irradiating the second wavelength conversion member; Lamp unit.   The vehicular lamp unit according to claim 1, wherein an optical path length of the first optical path is shorter than an optical path length of the second optical path.   The vehicle lamp unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a size of the second wavelength conversion member is larger than a size of the first wavelength conversion member.   The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the optical path switching means switches the optical path of the laser light from the laser light source to either the first optical path or the second optical path based on at least a vehicle speed. Lamp unit. A speed sensor;
Vehicle speed determination means for determining whether or not the vehicle speed detected by the speed sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed, and
The optical path switching means switches the optical path of the laser light from the laser light source to the first optical path when the vehicle speed determination means determines that the vehicle speed detected by the speed sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed. The vehicle lamp unit according to any one of 1 to 4. A speed sensor;
Vehicle speed determination means for determining whether the vehicle speed detected by the speed sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed;
A direction indicator lighting switch,
The optical path switching means determines that the vehicle speed determining means determines that the vehicle speed detected by the speed sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed, and that the direction indicator lighting switch is on, the laser light from the laser light source. The vehicle lamp unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optical path is switched to the second optical path. The first light distribution pattern is a spot light distribution pattern;
The vehicle lamp unit according to claim 1, wherein the second light distribution pattern is a cornering lamp light distribution pattern. The first light distribution pattern is a spot light distribution pattern;
The vehicle lamp unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second light distribution pattern is a wide light distribution pattern.

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