JP2016150668A - Vehicle lamp fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle lamp fitting having high color rendering property and capable of suppressing the occurrence of color separation.SOLUTION: A vehicle lamp fitting configured to form a predetermined light distribution pattern in which a basic light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution pattern narrower than the basic light distribution pattern have been superimposed includes a first light source for emitting light mainly including incoherent light, a first optical system for controlling the light emitted from the first light source so as to form a basic light distribution pattern, a second light source for emitting light higher in luminance than the first light source and narrower in directional angle than the first light source and mainly including coherent light, a second optical system for controlling the light emitted from the second light source so as to form an additional light distribution pattern, a car speed sensor 36a, car speed determination means 30c for determining whether a car speed detected by the car speed sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, and SC light source control means 30b for controlling the lighting state of a SC light source on the basis of the determination result of the car speed determination means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 46

Description

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

  Conventionally, in the field of vehicular lamps, vehicular lamps using semiconductor light emitting elements such as LDs (laser diodes) have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 50 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle lamp 200 described in Patent Document 1.

  As shown in FIG. 50, in the vehicular lamp 200 described in Patent Document 1, the semiconductor laser element 202, the condenser lens 203, the phosphor 228, and the semiconductor laser element 202 are emitted and condensed by the condenser lens 203. An optical fiber 241 that propagates laser light to the phosphor 228, a reflecting mirror 229 that controls the white light emitted from the phosphor 228 upon receiving the laser light propagated by the optical fiber 241 and the like are provided.

JP 2014-17096 A

  However, in the vehicular lamp 200 described in Patent Document 1, various problems caused by the phosphor 228, for example, the spectrum of light emitted from the phosphor is deeply formed between two peaks and the two peaks. Due to the inclusion of valleys (that is, the spectrum of the light emitted from the phosphor does not have continuity close to that of sunlight), the color rendering properties are lowered, and the color of the light emitted from the phosphor is at an angle with respect to the light emitting surface. There is a problem of occurrence of color separation that changes in accordance with this.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is a vehicular lamp (that is, a conventional semiconductor light emitting element such as an LD and a fluorescent lamp in which phosphors that cause color rendering degradation and color separation are omitted). An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular lamp that has higher color rendering than a white light source combined with a body (wavelength conversion member) and can suppress color separation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a vehicle configured to form a predetermined light distribution pattern in which a basic light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution pattern narrower than the basic light distribution pattern are superimposed. A first light source that emits light mainly composed of incoherent light, and a first optical system that controls light emitted from the first light source so that the basic light distribution pattern is formed; The additional light distribution pattern is formed with a second light source that emits light having higher luminance than the first light source and a narrower directivity angle than the first light source and mainly coherent light. A second optical system that controls light emitted from the second light source, a vehicle speed sensor, vehicle speed determination means that determines whether the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and Based on the judgment result of the vehicle speed judgment means It can, characterized by comprising a second light source control means for controlling the lighting state of the second light source.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a vehicular lamp in which phosphors that cause color rendering degradation and color separation are omitted (ie, a conventional semiconductor light emitting element such as an LD and phosphor (wavelength conversion member)). Thus, it is possible to provide a vehicular lamp that has higher color rendering than a white light source that combines the above and can suppress color separation.

  The reason why the phosphor can be omitted is that the supercontinuum light output from the supercontinuum light source is already white light.

  The reason why the color rendering is higher than that of a white light source that combines a conventional semiconductor light emitting element such as an LD and a phosphor (wavelength conversion member) is that the spectrum of supercontinuum light has continuity close to that of sunlight. is there.

  The reason why the color separation can be suppressed is that the color of supercontinuum light does not change (or hardly changes) according to the angle because no phosphor is used.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the basic light distribution pattern is formed of light mainly composed of incoherent light, the additional light distribution pattern is formed of light mainly composed of coherent light, and both are superimposed. It is possible to form a predetermined light distribution pattern (for example, a low beam light distribution pattern or a high beam light distribution pattern) excellent in distant visibility.

  The predetermined light distribution pattern is excellent in distance visibility because the additional light distribution pattern is formed by light from the second light source having higher luminance than the first light source and a narrower directivity angle than the first light source. As a result, the luminous intensity of the additional light distribution pattern becomes relatively high, and the additional light distribution pattern is formed by light mainly composed of coherent light. In other words, light mainly composed of coherent light is light having a uniform phase as compared with light mainly composed of incoherent light, and is light that diverges and has high straightness. Therefore, the additional light distribution pattern is mainly composed of coherent light. It is because it can irradiate farther by forming with the light of.

  Furthermore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, eye safety for a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, and the like when stopped or traveling at a low speed is realized. This controls the lighting state of the second light source that emits light mainly composed of coherent light based on the determination result of the vehicle speed determining means (for example, comparing the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor with a predetermined threshold value). When the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor is less than a predetermined threshold value, control is performed so that the vehicle is turned on when the vehicle is turned off or dimmed).

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the irradiation prohibition target detection means for detecting the irradiation prohibition target existing in front of the vehicle and the second light source control means are determined by the vehicle speed determination means. The lighting state of the second light source is controlled based on the result and the detection result of the irradiation prohibition target detection means.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the eye safety for the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle during high speed traveling is realized.

  The invention according to claim 3 further comprises irradiation prohibition object determination means for determining whether or not the detected irradiation prohibition object exists in a predetermined region in the invention according to claim 2, The second light source control unit controls the lighting state of the second light source based on the determination result of the vehicle speed determination unit, the detection result of the irradiation prohibition target detection unit, and the determination result of the irradiation prohibition target determination unit. And

  According to invention of Claim 3, the eye safety with respect to a pedestrian at the time of high speed driving | running | working is implement | achieved.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicular headlamp configured to form a predetermined light distribution pattern in which a basic light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution pattern narrower than the basic light distribution pattern are superimposed. The first light source that emits light mainly composed of coherent light, the first optical system that controls the light emitted from the first light source so that the basic light distribution pattern is formed, and the luminance from the first light source. The second light source emits light so as to form a second light source that emits light that is high and has a narrower directivity angle than the first light source and is mainly coherent light. A second optical system that controls light to be emitted, an irradiation prohibition target detection unit that detects an irradiation prohibition target existing in front of the vehicle, and a lighting state of the second light source based on a detection result of the irradiation prohibition target detection unit Second light source control means , Characterized by comprising a.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, as in the first aspect, the vehicular lamp (that is, the conventional semiconductor light emitting element such as an LD and the fluorescent light) in which the phosphor causing the color rendering property reduction and the color separation is omitted is omitted. It is possible to provide a vehicular lamp that has higher color rendering than a white light source combined with a body (wavelength conversion member) and can suppress the occurrence of color separation.

  According to the invention of claim 4, as in claim 1, the basic light distribution pattern is formed of light mainly composed of incoherent light, and the additional light distribution pattern is formed of light mainly composed of coherent light, As a result of superimposing both, a predetermined light distribution pattern (for example, a low beam light distribution pattern or a high beam light distribution pattern) excellent in distance visibility can be formed.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 4, the eye safety for the preceding vehicle, the oncoming vehicle, the pedestrian, etc. is realized regardless of the traveling state (whether the vehicle is stopped, traveling at low speed or traveling at high speed). . This controls the lighting state of the second light source based on the detection result of the irradiation prohibition target detection means (for example, when the irradiation prohibition target detection means detects the irradiation prohibition target, it is turned off or dimmed). Control).

  The invention according to claim 5 further includes irradiation prohibition target determination means for determining whether or not the detected irradiation prohibition target exists in a predetermined region, and the second light source control means includes the irradiation target The lighting state of the second light source is controlled based on the detection result of the prohibition target detection unit and the determination result of the irradiation prohibition target determination unit.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, eye safety for pedestrians is realized, particularly when the vehicle is stopped or traveling at a low speed.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first light source includes an incandescent bulb, a halogen bulb, an HID bulb, a semiconductor light emitting element, a wavelength conversion member, and the like. The second light source is a supercontinuum light source that outputs supercontinuum light including a visible wavelength region.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 can be obtained.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 6, wherein the supercontinuum light source includes a pulse laser light source or a CW laser light source, and a pulse laser light or the CW laser light source output from the pulse laser light source. And a non-linear optical medium that converts the CW laser light to be output into the supercontinuum light and outputs the light.

  According to the invention described in claim 7, the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 can be obtained.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 7, wherein the non-linear optical medium is a pulse laser beam output from the pulse laser light source or a CW laser beam output from the CW laser light source. It is a conversion optical fiber configured to be converted into nium light and output.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 can be obtained.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising a transmission optical fiber for propagating the supercontinuum light from the supercontinuum light source to the two optical systems. And the two optical systems control the supercontinuum light emitted from the emission end face of the transmission optical fiber.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, an optical fiber suitable for a vehicle lamp can be used as the transmission optical fiber. Moreover, even if a failure occurs in the transmission optical fiber, the transmission optical fiber can be easily replaced.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect of the invention, the two optical systems control the supercontinuum light emitted from the emission end face of the conversion optical fiber.

  According to the invention of claim 10, an optical fiber for transmission becomes unnecessary.

  An eleventh aspect of the invention is the invention according to any one of the sixth to tenth aspects, further comprising a removing means for removing light outside the predetermined visible wavelength region from the supercontinuum light. The two optical systems control light from which the light other than the visible wavelength region predetermined by the removing unit is removed from the supercontinuum light.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, ultraviolet rays and / or infrared rays of supercontinuum light are used for vehicle lamp component members (for example, outer lenses, projection lenses) and / or peripheral members (for example, housings, extensions). ) Can be prevented from being affected by deterioration or the like.

  The invention described in claim 12 is the invention described in claim 11, wherein the removing means is an optical filter or a dichroic mirror.

  According to invention of Claim 12, there can exist an effect similar to Claim 11.

  The invention according to claim 13 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the predetermined light distribution pattern is a low beam light distribution pattern.

  According to the invention of claim 13, a vehicular lamp in which a phosphor that causes color degradation and color separation is omitted (that is, a conventional semiconductor light emitting element such as an LD and a phosphor (wavelength conversion member)). In the case of a vehicular lamp that has higher color rendering than a white light source combined with the above and can suppress the occurrence of color separation, a low beam light distribution pattern can be formed.

  According to the invention of claim 13, as a result of superimposing the basic light distribution pattern formed of light mainly composed of incoherent light and the additional light distribution pattern formed of light mainly composed of coherent light, A low beam light distribution pattern having excellent visibility can be formed.

  The invention according to claim 14 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the predetermined light distribution pattern is a high beam light distribution pattern.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicular lamp in which a phosphor that causes color rendering degradation and color separation is omitted (that is, a conventional semiconductor light emitting element such as an LD and a phosphor (wavelength conversion member)). In a vehicular lamp that has higher color rendering than a white light source combined with the above and can suppress the occurrence of color separation, a high beam light distribution pattern can be formed.

  According to the invention described in claim 14, as a result of superimposing the basic light distribution pattern formed of light mainly composed of incoherent light and the additional light distribution pattern formed of light mainly composed of coherent light, A high beam light distribution pattern with excellent visibility can be formed.

  According to the present invention, a vehicular lamp (that is, a white light source combining a conventional semiconductor light emitting element such as an LD and a phosphor (wavelength conversion member)) in which a phosphor that causes color rendering degradation and color separation is omitted is omitted. It is possible to provide a vehicular lamp that has higher color rendering than the light source and can suppress the occurrence of color separation.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 10 which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of a high-beam light distribution pattern P _Hi. (A) It is a front view of the white LD light source 24 comprised combining the blue LD element 24a and the yellow fluorescent substance 24b (wavelength conversion member), (b) It is a side view (sectional drawing). It is a figure showing the spectrum of the light which a white LD light source outputs. (A) It is a figure showing the directivity characteristic of a white LD light source, (b) It is a figure showing the directivity characteristic of SC light source (exactly, the output end surface 18b of the optical fiber 18 for transmission). (A) to (e) are examples of spectrums of SC light output by model names “WhiteLase Micro”, “SC400”, “SCUV-3”, “SC450”, and “SC480”, respectively. (A) (b) It is a structural example of the SC light source 12 which outputs SC light including a visible wavelength region. It is a spectrum example of SC light including a visible wavelength region. It is a spectrum example of SC light including a visible wavelength region. It is a spectrum example of SC light including a visible wavelength region. It is a spectrum example of SC light including a visible wavelength region. It is a spectrum example of SC light including a visible wavelength region. It is a spectrum example of SC light including a visible wavelength region. (A) Example of tapered fiber, (b) Example spectrum of SC light including visible wavelength region. It is a spectrum example of SC light including a visible wavelength region. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the internal structure of the removing means 14. This is an example of a transmission optical fiber 18. (A) (b) It is an example of an incoherent means. (A)-(c) It is an example of an incoherent means. 1 is a system configuration example for controlling a vehicular lamp 10. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the vehicle lamp 10 (high beam lamp unit 16). It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 64 which is 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (A) An example of the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi formed on the virtual vertical screen by the vehicle lamp 64, an example of the additional light distribution pattern P2 _{Hi, and} an example of the high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi . It is a figure showing the directional characteristics of a white LED light source (first light source 66a) and an SC light source (more precisely, the second light source 18b). It is a perspective view showing a mode that the expansion light source image I18b of the 2nd light source _18b is formed by the effect | action of the condensing lens 72. FIG. (A) It is the table | surface which put together the simulation result. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lamp unit 66 used in the simulation. (A) Road surface light distribution image of a basic light distribution pattern formed by light mainly composed of incoherent light, (b) Incoherent light is emitted from a basic light distribution pattern formed by light mainly composed of incoherent light. Road surface light distribution image in the case of superimposing an additional light distribution pattern formed by the main light, (c) a light whose main component is coherent light (c) with respect to a basic light distribution pattern formed by the main light incoherent light ( It is a road surface light distribution image when an additional light distribution pattern formed by (SC light) is superimposed. (A) A schematic top view showing a state where light from the second light source 18b is condensed by the action of the condenser lens 72; (b) light from the second light source 18b is collimated by the action of the condenser lens 72; FIG. 4C is a schematic top view showing a state where the light is shining, and FIG. 5C is a schematic top view showing a state where light from the second light source 18 b is diffused by the action of the condenser lens 72. A vehicle lamp 64A (lamp unit 66A) as a modification will be described with reference to the drawings. It is an example of the low beam light distribution pattern P _Lo formed on the virtual vertical screen by the vehicle lamp 64A (lamp unit 66A). It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 64B (lamp unit 66B) which is another modification. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 74 which is 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 74A which is a modification. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 74B which is another modification. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 78 which is 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 78A which is a modification. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 78B which is another modification. It is a perspective view of the vehicular lamp 10 which is one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vehicular lamp 10. FIG. This is an example of a passing beam light distribution pattern P _Lo formed on a virtual vertical screen (disposed approximately 25 m ahead of the front of the vehicle) facing the front of the vehicle by the vehicular lamp 10. It is a figure for demonstrating light taking-in angles (theta) _{1- (} theta) ₃ etc. of the lens body 14. FIG. 1 is a front view of a vehicular lamp 10 (including a light source image arranged on a virtual vertical screen by light emitted from a lens body 14). It is an example of each light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen by the emitted light from the lens body. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the vehicle lamp 10B which is another modification. Control a vehicular lamp (for example, a vehicular lamp 64 according to the second embodiment) using the first light source 66a that emits light mainly composed of incoherent light and the second light source 18b that emits light mainly composed of coherent light. This is a system configuration example. Operation of a vehicular lamp (for example, the vehicular lamp 64 according to the second embodiment) using the first light source 66a that emits light mainly composed of incoherent light and the second light source 18b that emits light mainly composed of coherent light. 10 is a flowchart for explaining Example 1; High beam vehicular lamp (for example, vehicular lamp 64 according to the second embodiment) using a first light source 66a that emits light mainly composed of incoherent light and a second light source 18b that emits light mainly composed of coherent light. ) Is a flowchart for explaining an operation example 2 of FIG. High beam vehicular lamp (for example, vehicular lamp 64 according to the second embodiment) using a first light source 66a that emits light mainly composed of incoherent light and a second light source 18b that emits light mainly composed of coherent light. Is a flowchart for explaining an operation example 3). Examples of the boundary line between the class 3 and class 2 areas of the white laser and the boundary line between the class 2 and class 1 areas of the white laser on the road surface (vehicle width 1.84 m, headlamp interval 1 .2m example). It is a schematic block diagram of the vehicle lamp 200 of patent document 1. FIG.

  Hereinafter, the vehicle lamp which is 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, referring drawings.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vehicular lamp 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an example of a high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi formed by the vehicular lamp 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicular lamp 10 includes a supercontinuum light source 12 (hereinafter referred to as SC light source) that outputs supercontinuum light (hereinafter referred to as SC light) including a visible wavelength region, and an SC light source 12. Removing means 14 for removing (cutting) light other than a predetermined visible wavelength region (for example, 450 nm to 700 nm), and an optical system for controlling the SC light output from the SC light source 12. 16 (for example, a high beam lamp unit), and a vehicle headlamp including a transmission optical fiber 18 that propagates SC light output from the SC light source 12 to the high beam lamp unit 16.

  The high beam lamp unit 16 is a lamp unit that uses the emission end face 18b of the transmission optical fiber 18 as a light source, and includes a projection lens 22 and the like, and is configured between a housing 40 and an outer lens 42 assembled thereto. It is arranged in the lamp chamber 44. The SC light source 12 may also be disposed in the lamp chamber 44.

  The transmission optical fiber 18 is inserted into an optical fiber insertion hole formed in the sleeve 46 attached to the lamp housing 48 at the emission end, and the emission end face 18b is near the rear focal point of the projection lens 22. The sleeve 46 is held in the positioned state. The incident end of the transmission optical fiber 18 is detachably attached to the removing means 14.

  The projection lens 22 is, for example, disposed in front of the output end face 18 b of the transmission optical fiber 18 in a state where the front surface is a convex lens surface and the rear surface is a flat convex lens and is held by the lens holder 50. Reference numeral 52 indicates an optical axis adjustment mechanism, reference numeral 54 indicates a power supply / signal line, reference numeral 56 indicates an extension, reference numeral 58 indicates a light receiving sensor, and reference numeral Reference numeral 60 denotes a light receiving sensor signal line, and reference numeral 62 denotes a heat sink.

The SC light including the visible wavelength region output from the SC light source 12 is subjected to removal of light outside the predetermined visible wavelength region (for example, 450 nm to 700 nm) by the removing unit 14, and then the condenser lens 20 (see FIG. 16), is introduced from the incident end face 18 a of the transmission optical fiber 18 into the transmission optical fiber 18, propagates to the emission end face 18 b, exits from the emission end face 18 b, and passes through the projection lens 22. Then, the high beam distribution pattern P _Hi shown in FIG. 2 is formed.

  Supercontinuum is an ultrashort light pulse, for example, laser light (pulse laser light) output from a pulse laser light source or laser light (CW laser light output from a CW (Continuous Wave) laser light source, also called continuous light. Is incident on a nonlinear optical material, and the spectrum continuously spreads rapidly due to nonlinear optical effects such as self-phase modulation, cross-phase modulation, four-wave mixing, and Raman scattering. The light whose spectrum is expanded by this phenomenon is called SC light. Since SC light is multi-wavelength coherent light, speckle noise is very weak (not felt by the naked eye) and can be used as an illumination light source without taking measures against speckle noise.

  The advantages of using the SC light source 12 (more precisely, the emission end face 18b of the transmission optical fiber 18) as a light source for a vehicular lamp such as the high beam lamp unit 16 are as follows.

  First, as shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), the yellow fluorescence is compared with a white LD light source 24 configured by combining a blue LD element 24a and a yellow phosphor 24b (wavelength conversion member). The body 24b (wavelength conversion member) becomes unnecessary.

  In the white LD light source 24 configured by combining the blue LD element 24a and the yellow phosphor 24b (wavelength conversion member), the yellow phosphor 24b (wavelength conversion) receiving the blue laser light from the blue LD element 24a. The member) emits white light (pseudo white light) that is a mixture of the blue laser light transmitted therethrough and the light emitted by the blue laser light (yellow light), whereas in the SC light source 12, the SC light source 12 This is because the SC light that is output from (precisely, the SC light emitted from the emission end face 18b of the transmission optical fiber 18) is already white light.

  In FIG. 3B, reference numeral 24c indicates a condensing lens, reference numeral 24d indicates an optical fiber, and reference numeral 24e indicates a yellow phosphor 24b, a diffusing member 24f, and an optical fiber 24d. The reference numeral 24f indicates a diffusion member that diffuses laser light from the blue LD element 24a that is emitted from the emission end of the optical fiber 24d and is incident on the yellow phosphor 24b. .

  Second, color rendering is improved as compared with a white LD light source 24 configured by combining a blue LD light source 24a and a yellow phosphor 24b (wavelength conversion member).

  In the white LD light source 24 configured by combining the blue LD light source 24a and the yellow phosphor 24b (wavelength conversion member), as shown in FIG. 4, the spectrum has two peaks and a gap between the two peaks. In contrast, the SC light source 12 (more precisely, the emission end face 18b of the transmission optical fiber 18) has a spectrum as shown in FIGS. This is due to the continuity close to that of sunlight.

  Thirdly, the directivity can be narrower than that of the white LD light source 24 configured by combining the blue LD light source 24a and the yellow phosphor 24b (wavelength conversion member) (as a result, the smaller projection lens 22 can reduce the directivity). A large amount of light can be incident, that is, the projection lens 22 can be further reduced in size, and thus the vehicle lamp 10 can be further reduced in size).

In the white LD light source 24 configured by combining the blue LD light source 24a and the yellow phosphor 24b (wavelength conversion member), the directivity characteristic is Lambertian as shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the SC light source 12 (more precisely, the emission end face 18b of the transmission optical fiber 18), the directivity can be narrowed as shown in FIG. For example, by using an optical fiber with NA = 0.2 as the transmission optical fiber 18, the directivity characteristic of θ _na = 11.5 ° can be obtained. The directivity can be further narrowed by adjusting the NA.

  Examples of the SC light source 12 that outputs SC light including a visible wavelength region include, for example, a supercontinuum white light source manufactured by Fianium WhiteLase series model names “WhiteLase Micro”, “SC400”, “SCUV-3”, and “SC450”. “SC480” or the like can be used.

  Each of these includes a pulsed laser light source (for example, pulse width: 6 ps, repetition frequency: 20-100 MHz) and a nonlinear optical medium such as an optical fiber, as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (e). Output SC light including visible wavelength region (http://www.tokyoinst.co.jp/product_file/file/FI01_cat01_en.pdf, http://forc-photonics.ru/data/files/sc- 450-450-pp.pdf and http://www.fianium.com/pdf/WhiteLase_SC480_BrightLase_v1.pdf). FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E are examples of the spectrum of SC light output from the model names “WhiteLase Micro”, “SC400”, “SCUV-3”, “SC450”, and “SC480”, respectively. .

  In general, the SC light source 12 that outputs SC light including a visible wavelength region includes a pulse laser light source 12a (or CW laser light source), a pulse laser light source 12a, as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b). Includes a non-linear optical medium 12b that converts the pulse laser beam output from (or the CW laser beam output from the CW laser light source) into SC light and outputs the SC laser beam. 7A shows an example of an SC light source that outputs SC light including a visible wavelength region described in US Pat. No. 6097870, and FIG. 7B includes a visible wavelength region described in US Pat. No. 6611643. It is an example of the SC light source which outputs SC light. Reference numeral 11 in FIG. 7B indicates a focusing optical system.

  As the pulse laser light source 12a, for example, a mode-locked laser light source (for example, a titanium sapphire laser light source) can be used (October 1, 2000 / Vol. 25, No. 19 / OPTICS LETTERS, http: //www.nlo .hw.ac.uk / node / 8 and JP 2002-82286). Further, a fiber laser light source (for example, a ring-type laser light source using an erbium-doped fiber) can be used (see JP 2009-169041). A Q-switch laser light source or the like can also be used (see US Pub. No. 2014153888).

  As the CW laser light source, for example, a fiber laser light source (for example, yttrium-doped fiber) can be used (see http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs-wm/26780.pdf).

  As the nonlinear optical medium 12b, a conversion optical fiber configured to convert the pulse laser light output from the pulse laser light source 12a (or CW laser light output from the CW laser light source) into SC light and output, for example, In addition, a microstructured optical fiber, a tapered fiber, or the like can be used. The microstructure fiber 12b is known as a photonic crystal fiber (PCF), holey fiber, or hole-assisted fiber.

  For example, as the microstructured fiber 12b, one described in U.S. Pat. No. 6097870 (for example, core diameter: 0.5-7 μm) can be used. In this case, SC light including the visible wavelength region shown in FIG. 8 can be output.

  For example, as the microstructured fiber 12b, one described in US. Pub. No. 2014153888 (for example, core diameter: 1-5 μm) can be used. In this case, SC light including the visible wavelength region shown in FIG. 9 can be output.

  Further, for example, as the microstructure fiber 12b, one described in 23 June 2008 / Vol. 16, No. 13 / OPTICS EXPRESS 9671 can be used. In this case, SC light including the visible wavelength region shown in FIG. 10 can be output.

  Further, for example, as the microstructured fiber 12b, one described in http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs-wm/26780.pdf can be used. In this case, SC light including the visible wavelength region shown in FIG. 11 can be output.

  For example, as the microstructure fiber 12b, the one described in http://www.osa-opn.org/home/articles/volume_23/issue_3/features/of-the-art_photonic_crystal_fiber/#.VIbBOMkorpI can be used. . In this case, SC light including the visible wavelength region shown in FIG. 12 can be output.

  Further, for example, as the microstructured fiber 12b, the one described in JP2009-169041 can be used. In this case, SC light including the visible wavelength region shown in FIG. 13 can be output.

  For example, as the microstructure fiber 12b, one described in U.S. Pat. No. 6611643 can be used. In this case, SC light (not shown) including a visible wavelength region can be output.

  For example, tapered fibers are those described in October 1, 2000 / Vol. 25, No. 19 / OPTICS LETTERS 1415 (for example, core diameter: 8.2 μm, waist diameter: 1.5-2.0 μm). 14 (a)). In this case, SC light including the visible wavelength region shown in FIG. 14B can be output.

  Further, for example, the nonlinear optical medium described in http://www.nlo.hw.ac.uk/node/8 can be used. In this case, SC light including the visible wavelength region shown in FIG. 15 can be output.

  FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the internal structure of the removing means 14.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16, the removing unit 14 is a unit that removes light other than a predetermined visible wavelength region (for example, regions indicated by reference signs A1 and A2 in FIG. 8) from the SC light. The predetermined visible wavelength region to be removed by the removing unit 14 is preferably 450 nm to 700 nm in consideration of the spectral luminous efficiency (or CIE standard spectral luminous efficiency). Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the upper limit value and lower limit value of the predetermined visible wavelength region removed by the removing means 14 may be appropriately increased or decreased, for example, 460 nm to 630 nm, It may be other than.

  According to the removing means 14, ultraviolet rays and / or infrared rays of the SC light are converted into components for the vehicle lamp 10 (for example, the outer lens 42 and the projection lens 22) and / or peripheral members (for example, the housing 40 and the extension 56). It is possible to suppress the influence of deterioration or the like on the surface.

  The removing means 14 is disposed between the SC light source 12 and the transmission optical fiber 18 (incident end face 18a). Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the removing means 14 may be disposed in the middle of the transmission optical fiber 18 or may be disposed on the emission end face 18 b side of the transmission optical fiber 18.

  The removal means 14 is, for example, a first removal means 14a that removes light (for example, the area A1 in FIG. 8) that is less than the wavelength near the lower limit of the visible wavelength range (for example, 450 nm) of the SC light, and the SC light. Among them, the second removal means 14b for removing light (for example, see the region A2 in FIG. 8) exceeding the wavelength near the upper limit of the visible wavelength region (for example, 700 nm) is included.

  For example, the first removing unit 14a is disposed on the optical path of the SC light output from the SC light source 12, and is light having a wavelength less than the wavelength near the lower limit of the visible wavelength region (for example, 450 nm) (for example, refer to the region A1 in FIG. 8). ) Is an optical filter that cuts light and passes more light. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first removing unit 14a directs light having a wavelength less than the wavelength near the lower limit of the visible wavelength region (for example, 450 nm) toward the side (for example, the ultraviolet light absorber disposed on the side). It may be a dichroic mirror that reflects and transmits less light (none of which is shown).

  For example, the second removing unit 14b is disposed on the optical path of the SC light that has passed through the first removing unit 14a, and the light (for example, the region in FIG. 8) exceeds the wavelength near the upper limit of the visible wavelength region (for example, 750 nm). It is a dichroic mirror that reflects toward the side (for example, the infrared light absorbing material 14c disposed on the side) and transmits less light. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second removal means 14b is an optical filter (not shown) that cuts light that exceeds the wavelength near the upper limit of the visible wavelength region (for example, 750 nm) and passes more light. May be.

  FIG. 17 is an example of the transmission optical fiber 18.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, a transmission optical fiber 18 includes a core 18c including an incident end face 18a and an exit end face 18b from which SC light introduced from the incident end face 18a is emitted, and a clad surrounding the core 18c. 18d, and the periphery of the clad 18d is covered with a coating 18e. The material of the core 18c and the clad 18d may be quartz glass, a synthetic resin, or other materials.

  The transmission optical fiber 18 may be a single mode optical fiber, a multimode optical fiber, a step index optical fiber, or a graded index optical fiber. Also good. In order to reduce the coherence of the SC light, it is desirable to use a multimode optical fiber as the transmission optical fiber 18.

  The cross-sectional shape of the transmission optical fiber 18 may be circular (see FIG. 17A), rectangular (see FIG. 17B), or other shapes. Good. As a light source for a vehicular lamp, it is particularly desirable to use an optical fiber having a rectangular cross-sectional shape with an end face emission intensity of a top hat type.

  An optical fiber suitable for the vehicle lamp 10 as the transmission optical fiber 18 (for example, a circular optical fiber having a cross-sectional shape of a core diameter of 100 μm to 800 μm, or a rectangular optical fiber having a cross-sectional shape of a core of 100 μm × 100 μm to 200 μm × 400 μm) ) Can be used. Further, since the transmission optical fiber 18 is detachable from the SC light source 12, even if a failure occurs in the transmission optical fiber 18, the transmission optical fiber 18 can be easily replaced. it can.

  The SC light emitted from the emission end face 18b of the transmission optical fiber 18 can be reduced in coherence by the following incoherent means. According to the incoherent means, the SC light having the characteristics of laser light can be made incoherent, and thus eye-safe can be realized. Note that the incoherent means may be omitted.

  For example, by using a multimode optical fiber as the transmission optical fiber 18, the spatial coherence can be reduced (temporal coherence can be slightly reduced). This is because the intensity distribution is made uniform while the SC light is propagated. Further, the transmission optical fiber 18 (multimode optical fiber) is lengthened, the transmission optical fiber 18 (multimode optical fiber) is twisted, or the transmission optical fiber 18 (multimode optical fiber). ), The spatial coherence can be further reduced. In particular, by using an optical fiber having a rectangular cross-sectional shape (see FIG. 17B) as the transmission optical fiber 18, the spatial coherence can be reduced more effectively than an optical fiber having a circular cross-sectional shape.

  Further, the SC light emitted from the emission end face 18 b of the transmission optical fiber 18 can be reduced in coherence by applying high-frequency vibration to the transmission optical fiber 18.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 18A, spatial coherence is achieved by applying high-frequency vibration of about 1.2 MHz to the looped transmission optical fiber 18 by a vibrator 26 in the radial direction or circumferential direction. And temporal coherence can be reduced. This is because the refractive index of the transmission optical fiber 18 varies with time.

  Further, the SC light emitted from the emission end face 18b of the transmission optical fiber 18 has a plurality of branched optical fibers of unequal length arranged in parallel in the middle of the transmission optical fiber 18, as shown in FIG. By arranging, temporal coherence can be reduced. In this case, by using a multimode optical fiber as the transmission optical fiber 18, spatial coherence can be reduced at the same time.

  Further, the SC light emitted from the emission end face 18 b of the transmission optical fiber 18 can be reduced in coherence by the incoherent element 28.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19A, coherence can be reduced by disposing the incoherent element 28 on the emission end face 18b side of the transmission optical fiber 18.

As the incoherent element 28, for example, a light transmissive member in which a scattering agent is dispersed can be used. In this case, spatial coherence can be reduced. As an incoherent element, a diffraction scattering plate in which holes having a hole diameter of about 1 μm to 5 μm are dispersed in a light transmissive glass, or a light transmissive low refractive glass (n = 1.4 or less) has a particle diameter of 1 μm to 5 μm. It is narrow by using a diffraction scattering plate in which silicon carbide (SiC), alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ), aluminum nitride (AlN), titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ) and the like, which are highly transmissive materials with a certain degree of light transmission, are dispersed. Incoherence can be reduced without impairing directivity. If the particle size is 1 μm to 5 μm, it does not diffuse widely like Rayleigh scattering, but it scatters forward, so that narrow directivity can be maintained (see θ _na + α in FIG. 19B). In FIG. 19B, θ _na represents the directivity characteristic when the incoherent element 28 is not used.

  As the incoherent element 28, a diffractive optical element (DOE) such as a grating cell array or a hologram optical element (HOE) can also be used.

  Further, as the incoherent element 28, phosphors (blue, blue green, green, yellow, orange, red) excited by ultraviolet rays are dispersed in a substrate housing made of a light-transmitting resin, glass, or crystal. A fluorescent scattering plate can also be used. A scatterer having a refractive index different from that of the substrate housing may be added to the phosphor. When this fluorescent scattering plate is used, the first removing means 14a can be omitted. The amount of the phosphor is preferably added so that the visible light spectrum of SC light approximates the visible light spectrum of sunlight.

  Next, a system configuration example for controlling the vehicular lamp 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a system configuration example for controlling the vehicular lamp 10.

  As shown in FIG. 20, this system includes an arithmetic control device 30 (CPU) that controls the overall operation. The arithmetic control device 30 has a head lamp switch 32, a light receiving sensor 58, an SC light source 12, a program storage unit (not shown) in which various programs executed by the arithmetic control device 30 are stored, a work area, and the like via a bus. A RAM (not shown) and the like used as the are connected. The light receiving sensor 58 is used for monitoring the output state of the SC light and detecting an output abnormality. Thereby, the output of SC light can be adjusted and the SC light can be stopped when the output is abnormal. Further, the abnormality of the transmission optical fiber 18 can be detected.

  Next, an example of the operation of the vehicular lamp 10 (high beam lamp unit 16) having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the vehicular lamp 10 (high beam lamp unit 16).

  The following processing is realized by the arithmetic and control unit 30 executing a predetermined program read from the program storage unit into the RAM or the like.

  First, when the headlamp switch 32 is turned on (step S10), reading of information from the light receiving sensor 58 and discrimination of recorded information are executed (step S12), and then failure determination of the SC light source 12 is executed (step S12). As a result, when it is determined as normal (step S14: “normal”), the arithmetic and control unit 30 controls the SC light source 12 to output SC light (step S16). At the same time, the fact that the SC light source 12 is normally outputting the SC light is notified in the form of lighting of the HL indicator provided on the instrument panel or the like.

The SC light including the visible wavelength region output from the SC light source 12 is collected by the condenser lens 20 after light other than the predetermined visible wavelength region (for example, 450 nm to 700 nm) is removed by the removing unit 14. Light is introduced into the transmission optical fiber 18 from the incident end face 18a of the transmission optical fiber 18, propagated to the emission end face 18b, and emitted from the emission end face 18b, and at least partially incoherent by the incoherent means. Then, the light is transmitted forward through the projection lens 22 to form a high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi shown in FIG. The SC light may be incoherent before being emitted from the emission end face 18b.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a failure in step S14 (step S14: “failure”), the arithmetic and control unit 30 controls the SC light source 12 so as not to output the SC light (step S20). At the same time, the recording of the abnormality and the fact that the SC light source 12 has failed is notified in the form of lighting of a warning lamp provided on the instrument panel or the like.

  The processes in steps S12 to S16 described above are repeatedly executed until the headlamp switch 32 is turned off or it is determined that a failure has occurred in step S14.

  According to the present embodiment, the vehicular lamp 10 in which the phosphor (wavelength conversion member) that causes a decrease in color rendering and the occurrence of color separation is omitted (that is, a conventional semiconductor light emitting element such as an LD and phosphor (wavelength conversion). A vehicle lamp that has higher color rendering than a white light source combined with a member) and can suppress the occurrence of color separation can be provided.

  The phosphor can be omitted because the SC light output from the SC light source 12 is already white light.

  The reason why the color rendering is higher than that of a white light source combining a conventional semiconductor light emitting element such as an LD and a phosphor (wavelength conversion member) is that the spectrum of SC light has continuity close to that of sunlight.

  The reason why the color separation can be suppressed is that the color of the SC light does not change (or hardly changes) according to the angle because no phosphor is used.

  Next, a modified example will be described.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to a vehicle headlamp using a so-called direct projection type (also referred to as a direct-light type) high beam lamp unit has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  That is, the present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp using a direct projection type low beam lamp unit, a vehicle headlamp using a projector type high beam lamp unit (or a low beam lamp unit), and a reflector type high beam. Vehicular headlamps using a lamp unit (or low beam lamp unit), vehicular headlamps using a lens body including a reflective surface for forming a cut-off line (see, for example, JP-A-2003-317515), etc. The present invention can be widely applied to various vehicle lamps (including external lighting devices such as vehicle headlamps, indoor lighting devices such as room lamps, and signal-marking devices such as clearance lamps).

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example using the optical fiber 18 for transmission, this invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the transmission optical fiber 18 may be omitted, and at least a part of the conversion optical fiber 12 b (nonlinear optical medium) (for example, the emission end side) may be used as the transmission optical fiber 18. In this way, the transmission optical fiber 18 becomes unnecessary.

  Next, a vehicular lamp that is a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vehicular lamp 64 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, it demonstrates centering around difference with the vehicle lamp 10 which is 1st Embodiment, about the structure similar to the vehicle lamp 10 which is 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 22, the vehicular lamp 64 includes a lamp unit 66, an SC light source 12 that outputs SC light including a visible wavelength region, and a predetermined visible wavelength region (SC light output from the SC light source 12 ( For example, a vehicle headlamp including a removing unit 14 that removes (cuts) light other than 450 nm to 700 nm, a transmission optical fiber 18 that propagates SC light output from the SC light source 12 to the lamp unit 66, and the like. It is configured as.

The lamp unit 66 forms a high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi (corresponding to the predetermined light distribution pattern of the present invention) in which the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi and the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi shown in FIG. 23 are superimposed. The high beam lamp unit is configured and is disposed in a lamp chamber 44 formed between a housing 40 and an outer lens 42 assembled thereto. The SC light source 12 may also be disposed in the lamp chamber 44.

  The lamp unit 66 is configured as a projector-type lamp unit including a first light source 66a, a projection lens 66b, a reflecting surface 66c, and the like.

  The first light source 66a is a light source that emits light mainly composed of incoherent light. For example, an LED element whose emission color is in a blue range (for example, an LED element including a 1 mm square emission surface) and a wavelength in a yellow range that covers the LED element. It is a white LED light source having a structure in which a conversion member (for example, YAG phosphor) is combined. The first light source 66a is white by color mixture of light (blue light) from the semiconductor light emitting element that transmits the wavelength conversion member and light emission (yellow light) from the semiconductor light emitting element (blue light). Emits light (pseudo white light). In addition, the semiconductor light emitting element should just be 1 or more.

The first light source 66a is in the vicinity of a reference axis AX (also referred to as an optical axis) that is fixed to a holding member 68 such as a heat radiating plate and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction with its light emitting surface facing upward, and is reflective. The surface 66c is disposed in the vicinity of the first focus F1 _66c .

  The first light source 66a may be a light source that emits light mainly composed of incoherent light, and is not limited to a white LED light source having a structure in which a semiconductor light emitting element and a wavelength conversion member are combined, but a combination of RGB three color LED elements. The white LED light source may be a white LED light source having a structure in which an LD element whose emission color is in a blue region and a wavelength conversion member in a yellow region covering the LD element are combined. The first light source 66a may be a light source selected from, for example, an incandescent bulb, a halogen bulb, and an HID bulb other than the semiconductor light emitting element.

The reflection surface 66c has a spheroid reflection surface (a spheroid or spheroid surface) in which the first focal point F1 _66c is set near the first light source 66a and the second focal point F2 _66c is set near the rear focal point F _66b of the projection lens 66b. The basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi is formed on the virtual vertical screen by the light from the first light source 66a that is reflected by the reflecting surface 66c, is transmitted through the projection lens 66b, and is irradiated forward. As shown, the surface shape is adjusted.

  The reflection surface 66c has a range from the side of the first light source 66a to the upper side so that the light from the first light source 66a emitted upward (in the hemispherical direction) is incident (however, the reflected light from the reflection surface 66c is not reflected). (Excluding the area in front of the passing vehicle) is covered in a dome shape. The reflection surface 66c is fixed to a holding member 68 such as a heat radiating plate at the lower end portion of the periphery thereof.

  The projection lens 66b is disposed on the reference axis AX in a state where the front surface is a convex lens surface and the rear surface is a flat convex lens and is held by the lens holder 50, for example.

Light RayA the first light source 66a emits (incoherent light is mainly light), after condensed near side focal point F _66b after reflected by the projection lens 66b by the reflecting surface 66c, is transmitted through the projection lens 66b Irradiated forward, a basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi is formed on the virtual vertical screen. The reflecting surface 66c and the projection lens 66b correspond to the first optical system of the present invention.

The transmission optical fiber 18 is held by a holding member 70 such as a bracket in a state in which an emission end thereof is opposed to a through hole 66c1 formed in a region near the reference axis AX in the reflection surface 66c. The optical axis AX ₁₈ of the transmission optical fiber 18 is inclined forward and downward with respect to the reference axis AX (for example, inclined about 5 °).

  The transmission optical fiber 18 is, for example, an optical fiber having a rectangular core cross section (for example, an aspect ratio of 1: 2), and the emission end face 18b of the transmission optical fiber 18 has higher luminance than the first light source 66a, and The light having a narrower directivity angle than that of the first light source 66a (see FIG. 24) is emitted mainly from coherent light. Hereinafter, the emission end face 18b of the transmission optical fiber 18 is also referred to as a second light source 18b.

  A condensing lens 72 is disposed between the second light source 18b and the through hole 66c1 (see FIG. 22).

As shown in FIG. 25, the condensing lens 72 is, for example, an enlarged light source image I _18b (for example, enlarged five times in the vertical direction and horizontal) of the second light source 18b (for example, a core cross section having an aspect ratio of 1: 2). _Is formed as a lens that forms a light source image 15 times enlarged in the vicinity of the rear focal point F _66b of the projection lens 66b.

The SC light (light mainly composed of coherent light) including the visible wavelength region output from the SC light source 12 is removed by light other than the predetermined visible wavelength region (for example, 450 nm to 700 nm) by the removing unit 14. Thereafter, the light is collected by the condenser lens 20 (see FIG. 16), introduced into the transmission optical fiber 18 from the incident end face 18a of the transmission optical fiber 18, propagated to the emission end face 18b, and emitted from the emission end face 18b. (Refer to the dotted line indicated by reference sign RayB in FIG. 22), the enlarged light source image I _18b (for example, the core cross section having an aspect ratio of 1: 2) of the transmission optical fiber 18 by the action of the condenser lens 72 (for example, A light source image that is enlarged 5 times in the vertical direction and 15 times in the horizontal direction) is formed in the vicinity of the rear focal point F _66b of the projection lens 66b. The enlarged light source image I _18b is projected forward by the action of the projection lens 66b, whereby the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is formed. The additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is by being superimposed on the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi, a synthesized light distribution pattern for high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi is formed. The condenser lens 72 and the projection lens 66b correspond to the second optical system of the present invention.

This high-beam light distribution pattern P _Hi has a part of, for example, central luminous intensity (near the intersection of the H line and V line) having a relatively high distance visibility.

  Next, in order to confirm this effect, simulation results (Example 1, Comparative Examples 1 to 3) performed by the present inventors using a predetermined software program will be described. FIG. 26A is a table summarizing the simulation results.

<Example>
In the example, simulation was performed using the lamp unit 66 shown in FIG. The diameter D _66b of the projection lens 66b is 65 mm, the diameter of the condenser lens 72 is 6 mm, the diameter of the through hole 66c1 is 5 mm, and the angle formed by the optical axis AX ₁₈ of the transmission optical fiber ₁₈ and the reference axis AX. θ is 5 °, the back focus BF _66b of the projection lens 66b is 35 mm, the back focus BF ₇₂ of the condenser lens 72 is 9.2 mm, and the distance between the lens end of the condenser lens 72 and the rear focal point F _66b of the projection lens 66b. The distance L is 45 mm. The light emission surface of the first light source 66a is 1.3 mm × 7 mm (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 27 is 7 mm) and 1700 lm, and the light emission surface (core cross section) of the second light source 18b is 0.2 mm × 0.4 mm ( In FIG. 27, the direction orthogonal to the paper surface is 0.4 mm), and the NA of the transmission optical fiber 18 is 0.2.

  As a result of the simulation, the luminous flux of light (luminance: 8000 Mnit) mainly composed of coherent light emitted from the second light source 18 b, that is, the coherent light emitted from the transmission optical fiber 18 is 400 lm, and the MAX luminous intensity is 155,000 cd. It has been found.

Then, a fallen object (size: 20 cm × 20 cm, reflectivity: 10) existing in front by light from the second light source 18b that is transmitted forward through the projection lens 66b (light mainly composed of coherent light). %), The average detection distance to the falling object, that is, the longest distance that can detect the falling object (the distance that cannot be detected beyond this distance) is 177 m (for example, in FIG. 28C) Of the distance LL3). FIG. 28C shows a case where an additional light distribution pattern formed by coherent light (for example, SC light) is superimposed on a basic light distribution pattern formed by light mainly composed of incoherent light. This represents the road surface light distribution image.

  The average detection distance (Ddet) to the fallen object is that the directional headlight beam is irradiated to the fallen object on the road, and the subject (driver) falls on the fallen object (specified size) by the reflected light (Lambacyan distribution). The distance (average distance) that can be determined to be the specified reflectance. The relationship between the average detection distance (Ddet) and the maximum luminous intensity can be expressed by the following formula 1 (function) as shown in FIG. 26B as a result of an experiment for a large number of subjects. Is known. In the experiment, each light source (mounting height to vehicle: 0.75 m, width 1.2 m) shown in FIG. 26A was used as a light source, and a fallen object (size: 20 cm × 20 cm, reflectance: 10%) was carried out in an environment installed on the road surface in front of the vehicle (no other fallen objects etc. exist around it).

Ddet = f (Lmax) (Formula 1)
Here, Ddet is the average detection distance, and Lmax is the maximum luminous intensity (falling object direction).

  The distance “177 m” described in the “average detected distance to fallen object” column corresponding to the “example” in FIG. 26A is calculated based on the above equation 1.

<Comparative Example 1>
In Comparative Example 1, similar to the example, a simulation was performed using the lamp unit 66 shown in FIG.

  As a result of the simulation, it is found that the MAX luminous intensity of the light mainly from the incoherent light from the white LED light source having the structure in which the LED element and the wavelength conversion member are combined is 62,000 cd. did.

Then, a fallen object (size: 20 cm × 20 cm, reflectance :) present in front by light from the first light source 66a that is transmitted forward through the projection lens 66b (light mainly composed of incoherent light). 10%), the average detection distance to the falling object, that is, the longest distance at which the falling object can be detected (the distance that cannot be detected beyond this distance) was calculated to be 132 m (for example, FIG. 28 (a), see distance LL1). FIG. 28A shows a road surface light distribution image of a basic light distribution pattern formed by light mainly composed of incoherent light.

  The distance “132 m” described in the “average detected distance to fallen object” column corresponding to “Comparative Example 1” in FIG. 26A is calculated based on Equation 1 above.

<Comparative example 2>
In Comparative Example 2, similar to the example, a simulation was performed using the lamp unit 66 shown in FIG. However, in place of the SC light source 12, a white LED light source (luminance: 100 Mnit) having a structure in which an LED element having a light emission color in a blue region and a wavelength conversion member in a yellow region covering the LED element was used.

  As a result of the simulation, it has been found that the light flux of the light mainly from the white LED light source, that is, the incoherent light emitted from the emission end face 18b of the transmission optical fiber 18, is 5 lm, and the MAX luminous intensity is 63,000 cd.

Then, a fallen object (size: 20 cm × 20 cm, reflectance: 10) existing in front by light from a white LED light source that is transmitted forward through the projection lens 66b (light mainly composed of incoherent light). %), The average detection distance to the falling object, that is, the longest distance at which the falling object can be detected (distance that cannot be detected beyond this distance) was calculated to be 132 m (for example, FIG. 28). (See distance LL1 in (a)).

  The distance “132 m” described in the “average detected distance to fallen object” column corresponding to “Comparative Example 2” in FIG. 26A is calculated based on the above Equation 1.

<Comparative Example 3>
In Comparative Example 3, a simulation was performed using the lamp unit 66 shown in FIG. However, instead of the SC light source 12, a white LD light source (luminance: 400Mnit) having a structure in which an LD element having a light emission color in a blue region and a wavelength conversion member in a yellow region covering the LD element was used.

  As a result of the simulation, it has been found that the light flux of the light mainly from the light emitted from the white LD light source, that is, the incoherent light emitted from the outgoing end face 18b of the transmission optical fiber 18, is 20 lm and the MAX luminous intensity is 66,000 cd.

  Then, a fallen object (size: 20 cm × 20 cm, reflectance: 10) existing in front by light from a white LD light source that is transmitted forward through the projection lens 66b (light mainly composed of incoherent light). %) Was calculated as 134 m (for example, FIG. 28), the average detection distance to the fallen object, that is, the longest distance at which the fallen object can be detected (the distance that cannot be detected beyond this distance). (See distance LL2 in (b)).

  The distance “134 m” described in the “average detected distance to fallen object” column corresponding to “Comparative Example 3” in FIG. 26A is calculated based on the above Equation 1.

According to the above Examples and Comparative Examples 1-3, the average detection distance to the falling object, that is, the longest distance at which the falling object can be detected is compared with Comparative Examples 1-3 using incoherent light as a main component, The embodiment using the light mainly composed of coherent light (for example, SC light) has the longest length of 177 m, and the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi formed by the light mainly composed of coherent light is formed by the light mainly composed of incoherent light. It can be seen that a high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi excellent in distance visibility can be formed by superimposing it on the basic light distribution pattern P 1 _Hi .

The high-beam light distribution pattern P _Hi has excellent distant visibility because the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi has a higher luminance than the first light source 66a and a narrower directivity angle than the first light source 66a. result formed by light from the light source 18b, in addition to the intensity of the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is relatively high, the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is, the coherent light is formed by light of the main Is due to. That is, the light mainly composed of coherent light is light having a uniform phase as compared with light mainly composed of incoherent light, and is light that has less divergence and high straightness. Therefore, the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is changed to coherent light. This is because it is possible to irradiate farther (see FIG. 28C).

  According to the present embodiment, the vehicular lamp 10 in which the phosphor (wavelength conversion member) that causes a decrease in color rendering and the occurrence of color separation is omitted (that is, a conventional semiconductor light emitting element such as an LD and phosphor (wavelength conversion). A vehicle lamp that has higher color rendering than a white light source combined with a member) and can suppress the occurrence of color separation can be provided.

  The phosphor can be omitted because the SC light output from the SC light source 12 is already white light.

  The reason why the color rendering is higher than that of a white light source combining a conventional semiconductor light emitting element such as an LD and a phosphor (wavelength conversion member) is that the spectrum of SC light has continuity close to that of sunlight.

  The reason why the color separation can be suppressed is that the color of the SC light does not change (or hardly changes) according to the angle because no phosphor is used.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi is formed of light mainly composed of incoherent light, and the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is formed of light mainly composed of coherent light, and both are superimposed. The high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi having excellent far visibility can be formed.

As the condenser lens 72, a lens for focusing the side focal point F _66b after the light projection lens 66b from the second light source 18b by using (Fig. 29 (a) see), the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi The luminous intensity can be further increased, and the distance visibility can be further improved.

Further, as the condenser lens 72, by using a lens to collimate light from the second light source 18b (see FIG. 29 (b)), compared with the case of FIG. 29 (a), a vertical auxiliary light distribution pattern P2 _Hi Since the width and / or the lateral width can be increased, a wide area can be illuminated brightly.

Further, as the condenser lens 72, by using a lens for diffusing light from the second light source 18b (see FIG. 29 (c)), compared with the case of FIG. 29 (b), the vertical auxiliary light distribution pattern P2 _Hi Since the width and / or the width can be further increased, a wider area can be illuminated brightly.

In this embodiment, the example in which the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi and the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi are realized by one lamp unit 66 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi is realized by one lamp unit (for example, a projector-type lamp unit, a reflector-type lamp unit, a direct projection-type (direct-light type) lamp unit or a light guide lens-type lamp unit), and additional light distribution The pattern P2 _Hi may be realized by another lamp unit (for example, a projector type lamp unit, a reflector type lamp unit, a direct projection type (direct-light type) lamp unit, or a light guide lens type lamp unit).

  Next, a vehicle lamp 64A (lamp unit 66A) which is a modification will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 30 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vehicle lamp 64A (lamp unit 66A) which is a modification.

As shown in FIG. 30, the lamp unit 66A includes a low-beam light distribution pattern P _Lo in which the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Lo and the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Lo shown in FIG. This corresponds to a low beam lamp unit configured to form a light beam member 66d in addition to the vehicular lamp 64 (lamp unit 66) according to the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, differences from the vehicular lamp 64 (lamp unit 66) according to the second embodiment will be mainly described, and the same configuration as the vehicular lamp 64 (lamp unit 66) according to the second embodiment will be the same. The reference numerals are attached and the description is omitted.

The light shielding member 66d is configured as a planar reflecting surface extending in the substantially horizontal direction from the vicinity of the rear focal point F _66b of the emission surface 66b to the rear.

Of the light RayA from the first light source 66a reflected by the reflecting surface 66c (light mainly composed of incoherent light), the light partially blocked by the light blocking member 66d and the light reflected by the light blocking member 66d are emitted from the output surface 66b. The basic light distribution pattern P1 _Lo including the cut-off line defined by the front end edge of the light shielding member 66d is formed on the upper end edge on the virtual vertical screen.

On the other hand, of the light RayB (light mainly composed of coherent light) from the second light source 18b, the light partially shielded by the light shielding member 66d and the light reflected by the light shielding member 66d are emitted from the emission surface 66b and forward. The additional light distribution pattern P2 _Lo including the cut-off line defined by the front end edge of the light shielding member 66d is formed on the upper end edge on the virtual vertical screen. By superimposing the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Lo on the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Lo , a low beam light distribution pattern P _Lo which is a combined light distribution pattern is formed.

This low-beam light distribution pattern P _Lo has the same reason as in the second embodiment, and a part thereof, for example, the central luminous intensity (near the intersection of the H line and the V line) has a relatively high distance visibility. It will be a thing.

In this modification, the example in which the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Lo and the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Lo are realized by one lamp unit 66A has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Lo is realized by one lamp unit (for example, a projector-type lamp unit, a reflector-type lamp unit, a direct projection-type (direct-light type) lamp unit or a light guide lens-type lamp unit), and additional light distribution The pattern P2 _Lo may be realized by another lamp unit (for example, a projector type lamp unit, a reflector type lamp unit, a direct projection type (direct-light type) lamp unit, or a light guide lens type lamp unit).

  Next, a vehicle lamp that is another modification will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 32 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vehicle lamp 64B (lamp unit 66B) which is another modification.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the lamp unit 66B is a lamp unit that can be switched between a high beam and a low beam, and a movable light shielding member 66Bd is added to the vehicle lamp 64 (lamp unit 66) according to the second embodiment. Is equivalent to

  Hereinafter, differences from the vehicular lamp 64 (lamp unit 66) according to the second embodiment will be mainly described, and the same configuration as the vehicular lamp 64 (lamp unit 66) according to the second embodiment will be the same. The reference numerals are attached and the description is omitted.

The light shielding member 66Bd (reflection surface) is supported rotatably about a rotation axis AX _66Bd extending in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG.

  The light shielding member 66Bd is rotationally controlled by an actuator such as a stepping motor, so that when the high beam is turned on, the light blocking member 66Bd is rotated to the high beam position (refer to the position indicated by reference numeral out in FIG. 32) and stopped. 32 (see the position indicated by the symbol in in 32) and stops.

The high beam position is a position where the light shielding member 66Bd does not shield the light from the first light source 66a and the light from the second light source 18b reflected by the reflecting surface 66c, and the low beam position is the light shielding member 66Bd from the first light source 66a. The position where the light and the light from the second light source 18b are blocked, for example, the position where the light blocking member 66Bd extends in the substantially horizontal direction from the vicinity of the rear focal point F _66b of the emission surface 66b toward the rear.

When the light blocking member 66Bd is stopped at the high beam position, the light RayA (light mainly composed of incoherent light) reflected from the first light source 66a reflected by the reflection surface 66c is emitted from the emission surface 66b and irradiated forward. The basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi is formed on the virtual vertical screen.

On the other hand, the light RayB from the second light source 18b (coherent light of the main light) has, on a virtual vertical screen is irradiated forward emitted from the exit surface 66b, forming an additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi. The additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is by being superimposed on the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi, a synthesized light distribution pattern for high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi is formed.

This high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi is excellent in distant visibility because of the same reason as in the second embodiment, for example, the central luminous intensity (in the vicinity of the intersection of the H line and the V line) is relatively high. It will be a thing.

On the other hand, when the light shielding member 66Bd is stopped at the low beam position, the light RayA (light mainly composed of incoherent light) from the first light source 66a reflected by the reflecting surface 66c is partially shielded by the light shielding member 66Bd. The light and the light reflected by the light shielding member 66Bd are emitted from the emission surface 66b and irradiated forward, and the basic light distribution including the cutoff line defined by the front edge of the light shielding member 66Bd at the upper edge on the virtual vertical screen. A pattern P1 _Lo is formed.

On the other hand, of the light RayB (light mainly composed of coherent light) from the second light source 18b, the light partially blocked by the light blocking member 66Bd and the light reflected by the light blocking member 66Bd are emitted from the emission surface 66b and forward. The additional light distribution pattern P2 _Lo including the cut-off line defined by the front end edge of the light shielding member 66Bd is formed on the upper end edge on the virtual vertical screen. By superimposing the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Lo on the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Lo , a low beam light distribution pattern P _Lo which is a combined light distribution pattern is formed.

This low-beam light distribution pattern P _Lo has the same reason as in the second embodiment, and a part thereof, for example, the central luminous intensity (near the intersection of the H line and the V line) has a relatively high distance visibility. It will be a thing.

  Next, a vehicular lamp that is a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 33 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vehicular lamp 74 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, it demonstrates centering around difference with the vehicle lamp 10 which is 1st Embodiment, about the structure similar to the vehicle lamp 10 which is 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

The vehicle lamp 74 forms a high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi (corresponding to the predetermined light distribution pattern of the present invention) in which the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi and the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi shown in FIG. 23 are superimposed. As shown in FIG. 33, a first light source 66a, a lens body 76, an SC light source 12 that outputs SC light including a visible wavelength region (not shown in FIG. 33), SC Removal means 14 (not shown in FIG. 33) for removing (cutting) light other than a predetermined visible wavelength region (for example, 450 nm to 700 nm) out of SC light output from the light source 12, and output from the SC light source 12 This is configured as a vehicular headlamp including a transmission optical fiber 18 that propagates the SC light to the lens body 76.

  The lens body 76 is a lens body having a shape extending along the first reference axis AX1 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction. The material of the lens body 76 may be polycarbonate, other transparent resin such as acrylic, or glass.

  The rear end portion of the lens body 76 includes a first incident surface 76a and a second incident surface 76b.

The first incident surface 76a is a surface on which the light RayA from the first light source 66a disposed in the vicinity of the first incident surface 76a enters the lens body 76 (for example, a free-form curved surface convex toward the first light source 66a). in, so that the light RayA from the first light source 66a incident on the inner lens 76 is, at least with respect to the vertical direction, is focused on the second reference axis AX2 closer toward the vicinity of the back focal point F _76c after exit surface 76c, The surface shape is configured. The second reference axis AX2 passes through the center of the first light source 66a (more precisely, the reference point F _66a ) and a point in the vicinity of the rear focal point F _76c of the emission surface 76c, and is forward of the first reference axis AX1. It is inclined obliquely downward. The first incident surface 76 a is disposed at a position spaced upward from the first reference axis AX <b> 1 in the rear end portion of the lens body 76.

The second incident surface 76b is a surface on which the light RayB from the second light source 18b disposed in the vicinity of the second incident surface 76b is incident on the lens body 76 (for example, a free curved surface convex toward the second light source 18b). in light RayB from the second light source 18b which enters the inner lens 76 is, at least with respect to the vertical direction, so that condensed near side focal point F _76c after exit surface 76c, the surface shape is formed. The second incident surface 76b is disposed at a position between the first incident surface 76a and the first reference axis AX1 in the rear end portion of the lens body 76.

  In response to light from the second light source 18b having a narrower directivity angle than the first light source 66a, the second incident surface 76b has a smaller size than the first incident surface 76a.

The first light source 66a is fixed to a holding member 68 such as a heat radiating plate with its light emitting surface facing the first incident surface 76a, and is disposed in the vicinity of the first incident surface 76a (near the reference point F _76a ). . Optical axis AX _66a of the first light source 66a coincides with the second reference axis AX2 (or substantially match).

Light RayA (light mainly composed of incoherent light) emitted from the first light source 66a enters the lens body 76 from the first incident surface 76a, and is condensed near the second reference axis AX2 (for example, on the emission surface 76c). After focusing on the vicinity of the rear focal point F _76c , the light is emitted from the emission surface 76c and irradiated forward to form the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi on the virtual vertical screen. The first entrance surface 76a and the exit surface 76c correspond to the first optical system of the present invention.

The transmission optical fiber 18 is fixed to a holding member such as a sleeve in a state where the emission end face 18b (second light source 18b) faces the second incident face 76b, and near the second incident face 76b (near the reference point F _76b). ). The optical axis AX ₁₈ of the transmission optical fiber 18 is inclined forward and downward with respect to the first reference axis AX1 (for example, inclined by about 5 °).

The front end portion of the lens body 76 includes an emission surface 76c. The exit surface 76c is a lens surface convex forward, and reversely projects a luminous intensity distribution (light source image) formed in the vicinity of the rear focal point F _76c of the exit surface 76c, whereby the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is projected. Form.

The SC light (light mainly composed of coherent light) including the visible wavelength region output from the SC light source 12 is removed by light other than the predetermined visible wavelength region (for example, 450 nm to 700 nm) by the removing unit 14. Thereafter, the light is collected by the condenser lens 20 (see FIG. 16), introduced into the transmission optical fiber 18 from the incident end face 18a of the transmission optical fiber 18, propagated to the emission end face 18b, and emitted from the emission end face 18b. 33 (see the dotted line indicated by RayB in FIG. 33), enters the lens body 76 from the second entrance surface 76b, condenses near the rear focal point F _{76c of} the exit surface 76c, and exits from the exit surface 76c. Irradiated forward, the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is formed on the virtual vertical screen. The additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is by being superimposed on the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi, a synthesized light distribution pattern for high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi is formed. The second entrance surface 76b and the exit surface 76c correspond to the second optical system of the present invention.

This high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi is excellent in distant visibility because of the same reason as in the second embodiment, for example, the central luminous intensity (in the vicinity of the intersection of the H line and the V line) is relatively high. It will be a thing.

According to the present embodiment, the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi is formed of light mainly composed of incoherent light, and the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is formed of light mainly composed of coherent light, and both are superimposed. The high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi having excellent visibility can be formed.

  Next, a vehicle lamp that is a modification will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 34 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vehicle lamp 74A which is a modification.

As shown in FIG. 34, the vehicular lamp 74A has a low beam light distribution pattern P _Lo (the predetermined light distribution pattern of the present invention) in which the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Lo and the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Lo shown in FIG. Is a low beam vehicle lamp (lamp unit) configured to form a light beam, and corresponds to a vehicle lamp 74 according to the third embodiment with a reflection surface 76d added thereto.

  Hereinafter, differences from the vehicular lamp 74 according to the third embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components as those of the vehicular lamp 74 according to the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

  The lens body 76A is configured as a lens body including a reflecting surface 76d disposed between the front end portion and the rear end portion of the lens body 76A.

The reflecting surface 76d is configured as a planar reflecting surface extending in the substantially horizontal direction from the vicinity of the rear focal point F _76c of the emitting surface 76c to the rear.

Of the light RayA (light mainly composed of incoherent light) from the first light source 66a that has entered the lens body 76A from the first incident surface 76a, the light partially blocked by the reflective surface 76d and reflected by the reflective surface 76d. The light is emitted from the emission surface 76c and irradiated forward to form a basic light distribution pattern P1 _Lo including a cutoff line defined by the front edge of the reflection surface 76d at the upper edge on the virtual vertical screen.

On the other hand, the light RayB (light mainly composed of coherent light) from the second light source 18b incident on the inside of the lens body 76A from the second incident surface 76b is partially blocked by the reflecting surface 76d and reflected by the reflecting surface 76d. The emitted light is emitted from the emission surface 76c and irradiated forward to form an additional light distribution pattern P2 _Lo including a cutoff line defined by the front edge of the reflection surface 76d at the upper edge on the virtual vertical screen. By superimposing the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Lo on the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Lo , a low beam light distribution pattern P _Lo which is a combined light distribution pattern is formed.

This low-beam light distribution pattern P _Lo has the same reason as in the second embodiment, and a part thereof, for example, the central luminous intensity (near the intersection of the H line and the V line) has a relatively high distance visibility. It will be a thing.

  Next, a vehicle lamp that is another modification will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 35 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vehicle lamp 74B which is another modification.

  As shown in FIG. 35, the vehicular lamp 74B is a vehicular lamp (lamp unit) that can be switched between a high beam and a low beam, and a rotating lens unit 76e is added to the vehicular lamp 74 according to the third embodiment. It corresponds to a thing.

  Hereinafter, differences from the vehicular lamp 74 according to the third embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components as those of the vehicular lamp 74 according to the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

  The lens body 76B is configured as a lens body including a rotating lens portion 76e disposed between the front end portion and the rear end portion of the lens body 76B.

The rotating lens portion 76e is a lens portion including a reflecting surface 76d, and is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis AX _76e extending in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG.

  The rotating lens unit 76e (reflecting surface 76d) is rotationally controlled by an actuator such as a stepping motor, so that when the high beam is turned on, the rotating lens unit 76e is rotated to the high beam position (see the position indicated by the sign out in FIG. 35) and stopped. Sometimes, it rotates to the low beam position (refer to the position indicated by symbol in in FIG. 35) and stops.

The high beam position is a position where the reflection surface 76d does not block the light from the first light source 66a and the light from the second light source 18b incident on the lens body 76B, and the low beam position is the reflection surface 76d incident on the lens body 76B. A position where the light from the first light source 66a and the light from the second light source 18b are shielded, for example, a state in which the reflection surface 76d extends in the substantially horizontal direction from the vicinity of the rear focal point F _76c of the emission surface 76c to the rear. Is the position.

When the rotating lens unit 76e is stopped at the high beam position, the light RayA (light mainly composed of incoherent light) from the first light source 66a that has entered the lens body 76B from the first incident surface 76a is emitted from the emission surface 76c. A basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi is formed on the virtual vertical screen by being emitted and irradiated forward.

On the other hand, the light RayB (light mainly composed of coherent light) from the second light source 18b incident on the inside of the lens body 76B from the second incident surface 76b is emitted from the emission surface 76c and irradiated forward to be projected on the virtual vertical screen. to form the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi. The additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is by being superimposed on the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi, a synthesized light distribution pattern for high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi is formed.

This high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi is excellent in distant visibility because of the same reason as in the second embodiment, for example, the central luminous intensity (in the vicinity of the intersection of the H line and the V line) is relatively high. It will be a thing.

On the other hand, when the rotating lens unit 76e is stopped at the low beam position, the reflecting surface of the light RayA (light mainly composed of incoherent light) from the first light source 66a that has entered the lens body 76B from the first incident surface 76a. The light partially shielded by 76d and the light internally reflected (totally reflected) by the reflecting surface 76d are emitted from the emitting surface 76c and irradiated forward, and on the virtual vertical screen, the upper end edge is the front end of the reflecting surface 76d. A basic light distribution pattern P1 _Lo including a cut-off line defined by an edge is formed.

On the other hand, light RayB (light mainly composed of coherent light) from the second light source 18b incident on the inside of the lens body 76B from the second incident surface 76b is partially blocked by the reflecting surface 76d and internally reflected by the reflecting surface 76d. The (totally reflected) light is emitted from the emission surface 76c, irradiated forward, and on the virtual vertical screen, the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Lo including a cutoff line defined by the front edge of the reflection surface 76d on the upper edge. Form. By superimposing the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Lo on the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Lo , a low beam light distribution pattern P _Lo which is a combined light distribution pattern is formed.

This low-beam light distribution pattern P _Lo has the same reason as in the second embodiment, and a part thereof, for example, the central luminous intensity (near the intersection of the H line and the V line) has a relatively high distance visibility. It will be a thing.

  Next, a vehicle lamp that is a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 36 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vehicular lamp 78 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, it demonstrates centering around difference with the vehicle lamp 10 which is 1st Embodiment, about the structure similar to the vehicle lamp 10 which is 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

The vehicular lamp 78 forms a high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi (corresponding to the predetermined light distribution pattern of the present invention) in which the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi and the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi shown in FIG. 23 are superimposed. As shown in FIG. 36, the SC light source 12 outputs SC light including a first light source 66a, a first reflection surface 80a, a second reflection surface 80b, and a visible wavelength region. (Omitted in FIG. 36), removing means 14 (in FIG. 36) for removing (cutting) light other than a predetermined visible wavelength region (for example, 450 nm to 700 nm) out of the SC light output from the SC light source 12. (Omitted), it is configured as a vehicle headlamp including a transmission optical fiber 18 or the like that propagates SC light output from the SC light source 12 to the second reflecting surface 80b. In addition, by adjusting the surface shapes of the first reflecting surface 80a and the second reflecting surface 80b, the low beam light distribution pattern P in which the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Lo and the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Lo shown in FIG. A low beam vehicular lamp configured to form _Lo (corresponding to the predetermined light distribution pattern of the present invention) can also be configured.

The first light source 66a is fixed to a holding member 68 such as a heat radiating plate with its light emitting surface facing upward, in the vicinity of a reference axis AX (also referred to as an optical axis) extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, It is disposed at the focal F _80a near the first reflecting surface 80a.

The first reflecting surface 80a is a rotating paraboloidal reflecting surface (such as a rotating paraboloid surface or a free-form surface similar to this) whose focal point F _80a is set in the vicinity of the first light source 66a, and is reflected by the first reflecting surface 80a. The surface shape is adjusted so that the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi is formed on the virtual vertical screen by the light from the first light source 66a irradiated forward.

  The first reflecting surface 80a has a range from the side to the top of the first light source 66a so that light from the first light source 66a emitted upward (hemispherical direction) is incident (however, from the first reflecting surface 80a). (Except the front area of the vehicle through which the reflected light passes) is covered in a dome shape. The first reflecting surface 80a is fixed to a holding member 68 such as a heat radiating plate at the peripheral lower end portion thereof.

The light RayA (light mainly composed of incoherent light) emitted from the first light source 66a is reflected by the first reflecting surface 80a and irradiated forward to form a basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi on the virtual vertical screen. The first reflecting surface 80a corresponds to the first optical system of the present invention.

  The transmission optical fiber 18 is fixed to a holding member such as a sleeve with the emission end face 18b (second light source 18b) facing upward, forward of the front end edge of the first reflecting face 80a, and the reference axis AX. It is arranged below.

The second reflecting surface 80b is a rotating paraboloidal reflecting surface (such as a rotating paraboloid surface or a free-form surface similar to this) whose focal point F _80b is set in the vicinity of the second light source 18b, and is reflected by the second reflecting surface 80b. is it so that the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi on a virtual vertical screen by the light from the second light source 18b to be irradiated to the front is formed, the surface shape is adjusted.

  The second reflection surface 80b is reflected forward from the front edge of the first reflection surface 80a and from the first reflection surface 80a so that light from the second light source 18b emitted upward (hemispherical direction) enters. It is placed in a position that does not block light.

  The first reflecting surface 80a and the second reflecting surface 80b may be configured as physically integrated reflecting members, or may be configured as individual reflecting members that are physically separated, and may be configured by combining them. Also good. In the case where the first reflecting surface 80a and the second reflecting surface 80b are configured as a physically integrated reflecting member, the component is compared with the case where the first reflecting surface 80a and the second reflecting surface 80b are configured as respective reflecting members. It is possible to reduce the number of points, simplify the assembly process, reduce assembly errors, and the like.

The SC light (light mainly composed of coherent light) including the visible wavelength region output from the SC light source 12 is removed by light other than the predetermined visible wavelength region (for example, 450 nm to 700 nm) by the removing unit 14. Thereafter, the light is collected by the condenser lens 20 (see FIG. 16), introduced into the transmission optical fiber 18 from the incident end face 18a of the transmission optical fiber 18, propagated to the emission end face 18b, and emitted from the emission end face 18b. (Refer to the dotted line indicated by reference sign RayB in FIG. 36), the light is reflected by the second reflecting surface 80b and irradiated forward to form the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi on the virtual vertical screen. The additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is by being superimposed on the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi, a synthesized light distribution pattern for high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi is formed. The second incident surface 80b corresponds to the second optical system of the present invention.

This high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi is excellent in distant visibility because of the same reason as in the second embodiment, for example, the central luminous intensity (in the vicinity of the intersection of the H line and the V line) is relatively high. It will be a thing.

According to the present embodiment, the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi is formed of light mainly composed of incoherent light, and the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is formed of light mainly composed of coherent light, and both are superimposed. The high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi having excellent visibility can be formed.

  Next, a vehicle lamp that is a modification will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 37 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vehicle lamp 78A which is a modification.

As shown in FIG. 37, the vehicular lamp 78A has a high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi in which the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi and the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi shown in FIG. A part of the first reflecting surface 80a in the vehicle lamp 78 (lamp unit) according to the fourth embodiment is a second reflecting surface 80b. And the optical axis AX ₁₈ of the transmission optical fiber 18 is inclined rearward and upward with respect to the reference axis AX.

According to this modification, as in the fourth embodiment, the basic light distribution pattern P1 on the virtual vertical screen by the light from the first light source 66a reflected by the first reflecting surface 80a (light mainly composed of incoherent light). _The additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is formed by the light from the second light source 18b (light mainly composed of coherent light) reflected by the second reflecting surface 80b, and the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is By superimposing on the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi , a high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi which is a combined light distribution pattern is formed.

This high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi is excellent in distant visibility because of the same reason as in the second embodiment, for example, the central luminous intensity (in the vicinity of the intersection of the H line and the V line) is relatively high. It will be a thing.

  Next, a vehicle lamp 78B as another modification will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 38 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vehicle lamp 78B which is another modification.

As shown in FIG. 38, the vehicular lamp 86 has a high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi in which the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi and the additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi shown in FIG. The second reflecting surface 80b in the vehicular lamp 78 (lamp unit) according to the fourth embodiment is omitted, and the transmission optical fiber 18 is formed. Of the first reflecting surface 80a in a state facing the through hole 80a1 formed in the region near the reference axis AX, and between the second light source 18b and the through hole 80a1, This corresponds to an arrangement of a condensing lens 88 that condenses light from the light source 18b.

According to this modification, as in the fourth embodiment, the basic light distribution pattern P1 on the virtual vertical screen by the light from the first light source 66a reflected by the first reflecting surface 80a (light mainly composed of incoherent light). _An additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is formed by the light from the second light source 18b (light mainly composed of coherent light), and this additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is superimposed on the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi. Thus, a high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi which is a combined light distribution pattern is formed.

This high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi is excellent in distant visibility because of the same reason as in the second embodiment, for example, the central luminous intensity (in the vicinity of the intersection of the H line and the V line) is relatively high. It will be a thing.

  Next, a vehicular lamp that is a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

39 is a perspective view of a vehicular lamp 10A according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 40 is a longitudinal sectional view, and FIG. 41 is a virtual vertical screen (about 25 m from the front of the vehicle) that faces the front of the vehicle by the vehicular lamp 10A. it is an example of a low-beam light distribution pattern P _Lo formed on placement are) forward.

  Hereinafter, it demonstrates centering around difference with the vehicle lamp 10 which is 1st Embodiment, about the structure similar to the vehicle lamp 10 which is 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the vehicular lamp 10A includes a light source 12A disposed on a reference axis AX (also referred to as an optical axis) extending in the vehicle front-rear direction with a light emitting surface 12Aa facing forward. 41, the lens body 14A disposed in front of the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa), and the light from the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa) that is transmitted forward through the lens body 14A as shown in FIG. In addition, a light distribution pattern P _Lo for a passing beam including a left horizontal cutoff line CL1, a right horizontal cutoff line CL2, and an oblique cutoff line CL3 between the left horizontal cutoff line CL1 and the right horizontal cutoff line CL2 is formed at the upper edge. It is configured as a vehicle headlamp. Of course, not limited to this, high-beam light distribution pattern P _Hi vehicle headlamp and a vehicle lamp for previous non headlamp vehicle to form a (e.g., fog) can be configured as.

  The light source 12A includes a laser light source 16A, a condensing lens 18A, a wavelength conversion member 20A, a holder 22A for holding them, and the like. The holder 22A is configured by combining a lens holder 22Aa that holds the condenser lens 18A, a ring 22Ab that is fixed to the lens holder 22Aa, and a connection flange 22Ac that is fixed to the ring 22Ab.

  The laser light source 16A is a laser light source that emits laser light in a blue region (for example, an emission wavelength of 450 nm). Specifically, the laser light source 16A is a can-type semiconductor laser light source packaged including a laser diode (LD element). It is configured. Note that the laser light source 16A may be a laser light source that emits near-ultraviolet light (for example, an emission wavelength of 405 nm) or other laser light. The heat generated by the laser light source 16A is radiated and cooled by the heat sink 24A to which it is fixed.

  The wavelength conversion member 20A is a wavelength conversion member that receives laser light from the laser light source 16A collected by the condensing lens 18A and converts at least a part of the laser light into light having a wavelength different from that of the laser light. Is configured as a plate-like or layered phosphor that emits yellow light when excited by laser light in a blue region (for example, emission wavelength is 450 nm).

  The wavelength conversion member 20A constitutes a rectangular light emitting surface 12Aa (for example, aspect ratio 1: 2 of length 0.4 × width 0.8 mm).

  The wavelength converting member 20A is configured as a plate-like or layered phosphor that emits light of three colors of red, green, and blue when excited by laser light in the near ultraviolet region (for example, emission wavelength is 405 nm). May be.

  When the laser beam in the blue region is irradiated, the wavelength conversion member 20A emits white light (pseudo white light) due to the color mixture of the laser beam in the blue region and the light emitted by the laser beam in the blue region (yellow light). discharge. On the other hand, when near-ultraviolet laser light is irradiated, the wavelength conversion member 20A causes white light (pseudo-white light) to be generated by mixing light emitted from the near-ultraviolet laser light (light of three colors of red, green, and blue). Release.

  The light source 12A may be a light source including a rectangular light emitting surface, and may be a semiconductor light emitting element such as a white LED light source, or may be other light sources.

The directivity of light emitted from the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa) is Lambertian and can be expressed as I (θ) = I ₀ × cos θ. This represents the spread of light emitted from the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa). However, I (θ) represents the luminous intensity in the direction inclined by the angle θ from the optical axis AX ₁₂ of the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa), and I ₀ represents the luminous intensity on the optical axis AX ₁₂ . In the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa), intensity of the optical axis _{AX 12} above (theta = 0) becomes maximum. Incidentally, the optical axis _{AX 12} of the light source 12A (light-emitting surface 12Aa) passes through the center of the light emitting surface 12Aa, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the light-emitting surface 12Aa.

  In the light source 12A, the light emitting surface 12Aa faces forward, the lower end edge (long side) of the light emitting surface 12Aa coincides with a horizontal line orthogonal to the reference axis AX, and the lower end edge (long side) of the light emitting surface 12Aa is the lens body 14A. It is fixed to the lens holder 34A in a state of being positioned in the vicinity of the reference point F in the optical design.

  The lens body 14A includes a central lens portion 26A disposed on the reference axis AX, an intermediate lens portion 28A (corresponding to the peripheral lens portion of the present invention) disposed so as to surround the central lens portion 26A, and the intermediate lens portion 28A. The outer peripheral lens portion 30A (corresponding to the peripheral lens portion of the present invention), a flange portion 32A, and a reference point F in optical design are arranged. The lens body 14A is disposed in front of the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa) with the flange portion 32A fixed to the lens holder 34A. The material of the lens body 14A may be polycarbonate, other transparent resin such as acrylic, or glass.

FIG. 42 is a diagram for explaining the light capture angles θ _{1 to} θ ₃ of the lens body 14A.

As shown in FIG. 42, the diameter D of the lens body 14A is 32 mm, for example, and the distance LL between the central lens portion 26A (the apex of the central incident surface 26Aa) and the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa) is 2.5 mm, for example. The ratio of the diameter D of the lens body 14A to the distance LL between the central lens portion 26A (the apex of the central incident surface 26Aa) and the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa) is, for example, 12: 1. The ratio between the diameter LW of the central lens portion 26A and the distance LL between the central lens portion 26A (the apex of the central incident surface 26Aa) and the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa) is, for example, 3.4: 1. Incoupling angle theta ₁ is, for example, 0 to 38 degrees of the central lens portion 26A, the light acceptance angle theta ₂ of the intermediate lens portion 28A is for example 38 to 57 degrees (45 degrees back focus 3.3 (LL ratio)), the outer peripheral lens the light acceptance angle theta ₃ parts 30A, for example 57 to 85 degrees (71 degrees back focus 4.5 (LL ratio)).

  First, the configuration of the central lens portion 26A will be described.

  The central lens portion 26A includes a central incident surface 26Aa formed at the rear end portion of the central lens portion 26A facing the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa), and a central emission surface 26Ab formed at the front end portion of the central lens portion 26A. , Including a lens portion.

  The central lens portion 26A enters the central lens portion 26A from the central incident surface 26Aa, and the diffusion pattern S-WW (see FIG. 44, see FIG. 44) by the light RayA from the light source 12A emitted from the central output surface 26Ab. It is configured as a lens portion for forming a light distribution pattern. Specifically, the configuration is as follows.

Central incident surface 26Aa, as shown in FIG. 42, the narrow angle direction with respect to the optical axis _{AX 12} of the light source 12A (e.g., the light acceptance angle theta _1: 0 to 38 degree range) Relative intensity is high which is released The surface on which the light RayA is incident on the inside of the central lens portion 26A is formed as a convex surface toward the light source 12A in a circular area centering on the reference axis AX at the rear end of the central lens portion 26A facing the light source 12A. ing.

  The central incident surface 26Aa is configured to have a surface shape so as to convert light RayA from the light source 12A incident on the central lens portion 26A from the central incident surface 26Aa into light parallel to the reference axis AX. .

  A light-shielding film or a reflective film is applied to a region of the central incident surface 26Aa that is irradiated with the laser light from the laser light source 16A collected by the condenser lens 18A when the wavelength conversion member 20A is removed from the holder 22A. It is desirable to leave. Thereby, the fail safe at the time of the wavelength conversion member 20A drop-off is realizable. Since the distance LL between the central lens portion 26A and the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa) is short, the light shielding film or the reflective film can be suppressed to a minimum size.

  The central exit surface 26Ab is a surface from which the light RayA from the light source 12A that enters the central lens portion 26A is emitted from the central entrance surface 26Aa, and is formed in a circular region centered on the reference axis AX of the front end portion of the central lens portion 26A. Has been.

  Next, the relationship between the central exit surface 26Ab and the light source image will be described.

  FIG. 43 is a front view of the vehicular lamp 10 (including a light source image arranged on a virtual vertical screen by light emitted from the lens body 14A). FIG. 44 is an example of each light distribution pattern formed on the virtual vertical screen by the light emitted from the lens body 14A.

  If the central exit surface 26Ab is a plane orthogonal to the reference axis AX, the light source image L-WW by the emitted light RayA from the central exit surface 26Ab is as shown in FIG.

  Actually, the central exit surface 26Ab is not a flat surface, and the outgoing light RayA from the central exit surface 26Ab is evenly diffused in the horizontal direction, and the diffusion pattern S-WW (see FIG. 44. First light distribution pattern of the present invention). The surface shape is configured so as to form an equivalent.

  In FIG. 44, the diffusion pattern S-WW has its left and right ends extending to the vicinity of L40 degrees and R40 degrees. This is because the surface shape of the central emission surface 26Ab is adjusted so that the left and right ends of the diffusion pattern S-WW extend to the vicinity of L40 degrees and R40 degrees. In this way, by adjusting the surface shape of the central emission surface 26Ab, the degree of diffusion in the horizontal direction of the diffusion pattern S-WW can be made desired.

  In the diffusion pattern S-WW, the region along the horizontal line H is brighter than the region below it. This is because the lower end edge (long side) of the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa) is located near the reference point F in the optical design of the lens body 14A, and the entire light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa) is above the reference point F. It is because it is arranged in.

Diffusion pattern S-WW is to be formed in the light of bluish towards the optical axis AX ₁₂ direction, thereby improving visibility by peripheral vision. The diffusion pattern S-WW is formed by light closer to blue toward the optical axis AX ₁₂ (reference axis AX). The light source 12A is a laser light source 16A having a blue emission color and a wavelength conversion having a yellow emission color. When the light source combined with the member 20A is used, the light toward the optical axis AX ₁₂ (reference axis AX) direction becomes light closer to blue due to the difference in the distance of the laser light passing through the wavelength conversion member 20A. This is because light traveling in a direction having a larger angle with respect to the optical axis AX ₁₂ (reference axis AX) becomes yellowish light.

  Next, the configuration of the intermediate lens portion 28A will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 42, the intermediate lens portion 28A has an intermediate incident surface 28Aa formed so as to surround the central lens portion 26A at the rear end portion of the intermediate lens portion 28A, and intermediate incident on the rear end portion of the intermediate lens portion 28A. The lens unit includes an intermediate reflection surface 28Ab formed so as to surround the surface 28Aa and an intermediate output surface 28Ac formed so as to surround the central output surface 26Ab at the front end portion of the intermediate lens unit 28A.

  The intermediate lens portion 28A enters the intermediate lens portion 28A from the intermediate incident surface 28Aa, is internally reflected (totally reflected) by the intermediate reflective surface 28Ab, and then is emitted by the light RayB from the light source 12A emitted from the intermediate output surface 28Ac. Patterns S-M1a, S-M1b, S-M2, S-M3a, S-M3b, S-M4, S-S1, S-S2, S-S3, S-S4 (narrower than the diffusion pattern S-WW (FIG. 44) (Refer to the second light distribution pattern of the present invention). Specifically, the configuration is as follows.

Intermediate incident surface 28Aa are medium-angle direction with respect to the optical axis _{AX 12} of the light source 12A (e.g., the light acceptance angle theta _2: 38-57 ° range) Relative intensity emitted in the weak light RayB intermediate lens portion 28A A surface incident on the inside is formed at the rear end portion of the intermediate lens portion 28A so as to surround the central lens portion 26A.

  The intermediate reflection surface 28Ab is a surface that internally reflects (totally reflects) the light RayB from the light source 12A that enters the intermediate lens portion 28A from the intermediate incident surface 28Aa toward the intermediate emission surface 28Ac, and is the rear end of the intermediate lens portion 28A. Is formed so as to surround the intermediate incident surface 28Aa.

  The intermediate reflecting surface 28Ab has a surface shape so as to convert light RayB from the light source 12A incident on the intermediate lens portion 28A from the intermediate incident surface 28Aa into light parallel to the reference axis AX.

  The intermediate emission surface 28Ac is a surface from which the reflected light RayB from the intermediate reflection surface 28Ab is emitted, and is formed at the front end portion of the intermediate lens portion 28A so as to surround the central emission surface 26Ab.

  As shown in FIG. 43, the intermediate exit surface 28Ac has a plurality of fan-shaped exit regions M1a, M1b, M2, M3a, M3b, M4, and a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the central lens portion 26A (center exit surface 26Ab). It is divided into S1, S2, S3, and S4.

  Of the plurality of fan-shaped exit areas M1a, M1b, M2, M3a, M3b, M4, S1, S2, S3, and S4, one side of the light source image by the emitted light RayB is an angle of the oblique cutoff line CL3 (or an angle smaller than that). The emission areas S1, S2, S3, and S4 are arranged near the horizontal line H and the vertical line V. For example, the emission region S1 is arranged in a fan-shaped region that is 7.5 ° to 22.5 ° above the horizontal line H with respect to the vertical line V in front view, and the emission region S3 is relative to the vertical line V in front view. It is arranged in a sector area on the left and below 7.5 ° to 22.5 ° with respect to the horizontal line H. The emission area S2 is arranged in a fan-shaped area 10 to 30 ° to the right with respect to the vertical line V and below the horizontal line H in the front view, and the emission area S4 is above the horizontal line H in the front view. It is arranged in a sector area 10 to 30 ° to the left with respect to the vertical line V.

  Next, the relationship between the emission areas S1, S2, S3, S4 and the light source image will be described.

  If the emission areas S1, S2, S3, and S4 are planes orthogonal to the reference axis AX, the light source images L-S1, L-S2, and L by the emitted light RayB from the emission areas S1, S2, S3, and S4. -S3 and L-S4 are as shown in FIG.

  Actually, the emission areas S1, S2, S3, and S4 are not flat, but light source images L-S1, L-S2, L-S3, and L-S4 by the emitted light RayB from the emission areas S1, S2, S3, and S4. (Condensing patterns S-S1, S-S2, S-S3, S-S4, see FIG. 44) are in a state where each side is along the oblique cut-off line CL3 and the light source images L-S1, L-S2, The surface shape is configured such that the entire L-S3 and L-S4 are arranged below the oblique cutoff line CL3.

  As described above, the light source images L-S1, L-S2, L-S3, and L-S4 (condensing patterns S-S1, S-S2, S-S3, and S) with one side along the oblique cut-off line CL3. Since the whole of -S4) is arranged below the oblique cut-off line CL3, the oblique cut-off line CL3 can be formed.

  Next, the relationship between the emission areas M1a, M1b, M2, and M4 and the light source image will be described.

  If the emission areas M1a, M1b, M2, and M4 are planes orthogonal to the reference axis AX, the light source images L-M1a, L-M1b, and L by the emitted light RayB from the emission areas M1a, M1b, M2, and M4 -M2 and L-M4 are as shown in FIG.

  Actually, the exit areas M1a, M1b, M2, and M4 are not flat, but the emitted light RayB from the exit areas M1a, M1b, M2, and M4 is diffused in the horizontal direction, and the upper edge is along the left horizontal cutoff line CL1. The entire diffusion patterns S-M1a, S-M1b, S-M2, and S-M4 (see FIG. 44, corresponding to the second light distribution pattern of the present invention) are arranged below the left horizontal cut-off line CL1. Thus, the surface shape is configured (for example, the output light RayB from the output regions M1a, M1b, M2, and M4 is diffused in the horizontal direction in the output regions M1a, M1b, M2, and M4. An optical element such as a prism or lens cut is formed).

  Thus, the upper end edge is in a state along the left horizontal cut-off line CL1, and the entire diffusion patterns S-M1a, S-M1b, S-M2, and S-M4 are arranged below the left horizontal cut-off line CL1. The left horizontal cut-off line CL1 can be formed.

  In FIG. 44, the horizontal dimension of the diffusion pattern S-M1a is about 30 degrees. This is because the surface shape of the emission region M1a is adjusted so that the horizontal dimension of the diffusion pattern S-M1a is about 30 degrees. Thus, by adjusting the surface shape of the emission region M1a, the horizontal dimension of the diffusion pattern S-M1a can be set to a desired one. The same applies to the diffusion patterns S-M1b, S-M2, and S-M4.

  In FIG. 44, the entire diffusion pattern S-M1a is arranged below the left horizontal cutoff line CL1. This is because the inclination of the emission region M1a is adjusted so that the entire diffusion pattern S-M1a is arranged below the left horizontal cutoff line CL1. In this way, by adjusting the inclination of the emission region M1a, the diffusion pattern S-M1a can be arranged at a desired location on the virtual vertical screen. The same applies to the diffusion patterns S-M1b, S-M2, and S-M4.

  Next, the relationship between the emission areas M3a and M3b and the light source image will be described.

  If the emission areas M3a and M3b are planes orthogonal to the reference axis AX, the light source images L-M3a and L-M3b by the emitted light RayB from the emission areas M3a and M3b are as shown in FIG. Become.

  Actually, the emission areas M3a and M3b are not flat, but the emitted light RayB from the emission areas M3a and M3b is diffused in the horizontal direction, the upper edge is along the right horizontal cut-off line CL2, and the diffusion pattern S- The surface shapes are configured such that the entirety of M3a and S-M3b (see FIG. 44, corresponding to the second light distribution pattern of the present invention) is arranged below the right horizontal cut-off line CL2. Optical elements such as prisms or lens cuts are formed in M3a and M3b so as to diffuse the outgoing light RayB from the outgoing areas M3a and M3b in the horizontal direction.

  As described above, the right horizontal cut-off line CL2 is formed by arranging the diffusion patterns S-M3a and S-M3b below the right horizontal cut-off line CL2 in a state where the upper edge is along the right horizontal cut-off line CL2. can do.

  In FIG. 44, the horizontal dimension of the diffusion pattern S-M3a is about 50 degrees. This is because the surface shape of the emission region M3a is adjusted so that the horizontal dimension of the diffusion pattern S-M3a is about 50 degrees. Thus, by adjusting the surface shape of the emission region M3a, the horizontal dimension of the diffusion pattern S-M3a can be set to a desired one. The same applies to the diffusion pattern S-M3b.

  In FIG. 44, the entire diffusion pattern S-M3a is arranged below the right horizontal cut-off line CL2. This is because the inclination of the emission region M3a is adjusted so that the entire diffusion pattern S-M3a is arranged below the right horizontal cutoff line CL2. In this manner, by adjusting the inclination of the emission region M3a, the diffusion pattern S-M3a can be arranged at a desired location on the virtual vertical screen. The same applies to the diffusion pattern S-M3b.

  In FIG. 44, diffusion patterns S-M3a and S-M3b have their left ends extending to the own lane side. Thereby, the light intensity in the road surface front direction can be compensated, and the uniformity of the light distribution can be ensured.

  Next, the configuration of the outer peripheral lens portion 30A will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 42, the outer peripheral lens portion 30A has an outer peripheral incident surface 30Aa formed so as to surround the intermediate lens portion 28A at the rear end portion of the outer peripheral lens portion 30A, and an outer peripheral incident portion on the rear end portion of the outer peripheral lens portion 30A. The lens unit includes an outer peripheral reflection surface 30Ab formed so as to surround the surface 30Aa and an outer peripheral output surface 30Ac formed so as to surround the intermediate output surface 28Ac at the front end portion of the outer lens part 30A.

  The outer lens part 30A enters the outer lens part 30A from the outer lens incident surface 30Aa, is internally reflected (totally reflected) by the outer reflecting surface 30Ab, and then is emitted by the light RayC from the light source 12A emitted from the outer emitting surface 30Ac. Patterns S-E1, S-E2, S-E3, S-E4, S-S1, S-S2, S-S3, and S-S4 narrower than the diffusion pattern S-WW (see FIG. 44. Second arrangement of the present invention) It is configured as a lens portion that forms a light pattern). Specifically, the configuration is as follows.

Outer peripheral incident surface 30Aa are medium-angle direction with respect to the optical axis _{AX 12} of the light source 12A (e.g., the light acceptance angle theta _3: 57-85 ° range) Relative intensity emitted in the weak light RayC outer peripheral lens portion 30A It is a surface incident on the inside, and is formed at the rear end portion of the outer peripheral lens portion 30A so as to surround the intermediate lens portion 28A.

  The outer peripheral reflecting surface 30Ab is a surface that internally reflects (totally reflects) the light RayC from the light source 12A that enters the outer peripheral lens portion 30A from the outer peripheral incident surface 30Aa toward the outer peripheral emitting surface 30Ac, and is the rear end of the outer peripheral lens portion 30A. Is formed so as to surround the outer peripheral incident surface 30Aa.

  The outer reflective surface 30Ab has a surface shape so as to convert the light RayC from the light source 12A incident on the outer peripheral lens portion 30A from the outer peripheral incident surface 30Aa into light parallel to the reference axis AX.

  The outer peripheral emission surface 30Ac is a surface from which the reflected light RayC from the outer peripheral reflection surface 30Ab is emitted, and is formed at the front end portion of the outer peripheral lens portion 30A so as to surround the intermediate emission surface 28Ac.

  As shown in FIG. 43, the outer peripheral exit surface 30Ac has a plurality of fan-shaped exit regions E1, E2, E3, E4, S1, S2, and a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the central lens portion 26A (center exit surface 26Ab). It is divided into S3 and S4.

  Outgoing area S1 in which one side of the light source image by outgoing light RayC is an angle of oblique cut-off line CL3 (or an angle smaller than that) among a plurality of fan-shaped outgoing areas E1, E2, E3, E4, S1, S2, S3, S4. , S2, S3, S4 are arranged in the vicinity of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V. Since the emission areas S1, S2, S3, and S4 have already been described, the description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, the relationship between the emission areas E1 and E2 and the light source image will be described.

  If the emission areas E1 and E2 are planes orthogonal to the reference axis AX, the light source images L-E1 and L-E2 by the emitted light RayC from the emission areas E1 and E2 are as shown in FIG. Become.

  Actually, the emission areas E1 and E2 are not flat, but the emitted light RayC from the emission areas E1 and E2 is diffused in the horizontal direction, the upper edge is along the left horizontal cutoff line CL1, and the diffusion pattern S- The surface shape is configured such that the entirety of E1, S-E2 (see FIG. 44, corresponding to the second light distribution pattern of the present invention) is arranged below the left horizontal cut-off line CL1 (for example, the emission region) In E1 and E2, optical elements such as prisms or lens cuts formed so as to diffuse the outgoing light RayC from the outgoing areas E1 and E2 in the horizontal direction are formed).

  Thus, the left horizontal cut-off line CL1 is formed by arranging the diffusion patterns S-E1 and S-E2 below the left horizontal cut-off line CL1 in a state where the upper edge is along the left horizontal cut-off line CL1. can do.

  In FIG. 44, the horizontal dimension of the diffusion pattern S-E1 is about 25 degrees. This is because the surface shape of the emission region E1 is adjusted so that the horizontal dimension of the diffusion pattern S-E1 is about 25 degrees. As described above, by adjusting the surface shape of the emission region E1, the horizontal dimension of the diffusion pattern S-E1 can be set to a desired one. The same applies to the diffusion pattern S-2.

  In FIG. 44, the entire diffusion pattern S-E1 is arranged below the left horizontal cutoff line CL1. This is because the inclination of the emission region E1 is adjusted so that the entire diffusion pattern S-E1 is arranged below the left horizontal cutoff line CL1. As described above, by adjusting the inclination of the emission region E1, the diffusion pattern S-E1 can be arranged at a desired location on the virtual vertical screen. The same applies to the diffusion pattern S-E2.

  Next, the relationship between the emission areas E3 and E4 and the light source image will be described.

  If the emission areas E3 and E4 are planes orthogonal to the reference axis AX, the light source images L-E3 and L-E4 from the emission light RayC from the emission areas E3 and E4 are as shown in FIG. Become.

  Actually, the emission areas E3 and E4 are not flat, but the emitted light RayC from the emission areas E3 and E4 is diffused in the horizontal direction, the upper edge is along the right horizontal cutoff line CL2, and the diffusion pattern S- The surface shape is configured such that the entirety of E3, S-E4 (see FIG. 44, corresponding to the second light distribution pattern of the present invention) is arranged below the right horizontal cutoff line CL2 (for example, the emission region). E3 and E4 are formed with optical elements such as prisms or lens cuts configured to diffuse the outgoing light RayC from the outgoing areas E3 and E4 in the horizontal direction).

  Thus, the right horizontal cut-off line CL2 is formed by arranging the diffusion patterns S-E3 and S-E4 below the right horizontal cut-off line CL2 in a state where the upper edge is along the right horizontal cut-off line CL2. can do.

  In FIG. 44, the horizontal dimension of the diffusion pattern S-E3 is about 35 degrees. This is because the surface shape of the emission region E3 is adjusted so that the horizontal dimension of the diffusion pattern S-E3 is about 35 degrees. Thus, by adjusting the surface shape of the emission region E3, the horizontal dimension of the diffusion pattern S-E3 can be made desired. The same applies to the diffusion pattern S-E4.

  In FIG. 44, the entire diffusion pattern S-E3 is arranged below the right horizontal cut-off line CL2. This is because the inclination of the emission region E3 is adjusted so that the entire diffusion pattern S-E3 is arranged below the right horizontal cutoff line CL2. In this way, by adjusting the inclination of the emission region E3, the diffusion pattern S-E3 can be arranged at a desired location on the virtual vertical screen. The same applies to the diffusion pattern S-E4.

  In FIG. 44, diffusion patterns S-E3 and S-E4 have their left ends extending to the own lane. Thereby, the light intensity in the road surface front direction can be compensated, and the uniformity of the light distribution can be ensured.

The light distribution pattern P _Lo for passing beam (see FIG. 41) includes the condensing patterns S-S1, S-S2, S-S3, S-S4, diffusion patterns S-M1a, S-M1b, and S- shown in FIG. It is formed as a combined light distribution pattern in which M2, S-M3a, S-M3b, S-M4, S-E1, S-E2, S-E3, S-E4, and S-WW are superimposed.

The light distribution pattern P _Lo for passing beam includes a left horizontal cutoff line CL1, a right horizontal cutoff line CL2, and an oblique cutoff line CL3 at the upper end edge thereof.

  The left horizontal cut-off line CL1 has a top edge along the left horizontal cut-off line CL1, and the entire diffusion patterns S-M1a, S-M1b, S-M2, S-M4, S-E1, and S-E2 are left. It is formed by being arranged below the horizontal cut-off line CL1.

  The right horizontal cut-off line CL2 has the upper edge along the right horizontal cut-off line CL2, and the entire diffusion patterns S-M3a, S-M3b, S-E3, and S-E4 are arranged below the right horizontal cut-off line CL2. Is formed.

  The oblique cut-off line CL3 is in a state where one side is along the oblique cut-off line CL3 and the light source images L-S1, L-S2, L-S3, and L-S4 (condensing patterns S-S1, S-S2, and S-S3). , S-S4) is formed by being arranged below the oblique cut-off line CL3.

  As shown in FIG. 43, a light source image (L-WW) by the outgoing light RayA from the central lens portion 26 (central outgoing surface 26Ab) and a light source image by the outgoing light RayB from the intermediate lens portion 28A (intermediate outgoing surface 28Ac) ( L-M1a, L-M1b, L-M2, M3a, M3b, and L-M4), and light source images (L-E1, L-E2, and L-) by the outgoing light RayC from the outer peripheral lens portion 30A (outer peripheral output surface 30Ac). E3, L-E4) are small and bright light source images in this order. This is because the distance L1 (optical path length; see FIG. 40) between the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa) and the central lens portion 26A (deflecting portion), the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa) and the intermediate lens portion 28A (deflecting portion). L2 (optical path length; see FIG. 40), and a distance L3 (optical path length; see FIG. 40) between the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa) and the outer lens part 30A (deflection part) in this order. It is by becoming. The distances L1, L2, and L3 are exemplified. L1 is 2.5 mm (0 degree direction with respect to the reference axis AX), L2 is 8.25 mm (45 degree direction with respect to the reference axis AX), and L3 is 11.25 mm (reference axis AX). 71 degrees direction).

Based on this small and bright light source image, condensing patterns S-S1, S-S2, S-S3, S-S4, and diffusion patterns S-M1a, S-M1b, S-M2, S-M3a, S-M3b , S-M4, S-E1, S-E2, S-E3, S-E4 are arranged along the horizontal line H of the diffusion pattern S-WW in addition to being arranged along the cut-off lines CL1, CL2, CL2. As a result, the light distribution pattern P _Lo for the passing beam, which is relatively bright in the vicinity of the cut-off lines CL1, CL2, and CL2, and has excellent distance visibility, can be formed.

In addition, it is possible to form a light distribution pattern P _Lo for a passing beam excellent in light distribution feeling that becomes darker in gradation as it goes downward from the vicinity of the cutoff lines CL1, CL2, and CL2.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the vehicular lamp 10A including the light source 12A and the lens body 14A disposed in front of the light source 12A, a conventional vehicular lamp (for example, JP 2009-283299 A). Compared to the publication No.), further miniaturization (particularly, further thinning in the reference axis AX direction) can be realized.

  This is because the central lens portion 26A is provided with a second light distribution pattern (each pattern S-M1a, S-M1b, S-M2, S-M3a) by the emitted light RayA from the central lens portion 26A (central emission surface 26Ab). , S-M3b, S-M4, S-S1, S-S2, S-S3, S-S4 (see FIG. 44)) as a lens unit that forms a wider first light distribution pattern (diffusion pattern S-WW) Since it is configured, the distance between the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa) and the central lens portion 26A can be shortened as compared to a conventional vehicle lamp (for example, see JP 2009-283299 A). Is. Note that if the distance between the light source 12A (light emitting surface 12Aa) and the central lens portion 26A is shorter than that of a conventional vehicle lamp (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-283299), the output from the central lens portion 26A is reduced. Although the light source image by the light ray RayA becomes large, this light source image has a second light distribution pattern (each pattern S-M1a, S-M1b, S-M2, S-M3a, S-M3b, S-M4, S-S1, S-S2, S-S3, and S-S4 (see FIG. 44)) are wider than (diffused) suitable for forming the first light distribution pattern (diffusion pattern S-WW), so that the disadvantage is Does not occur.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, a hot zone (region in the vicinity of the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V) and the cutoff lines CL1, CL2, CL3 are converted into an optical system using total reflection (for example, the intermediate reflection surface 28Ab, Since the outer peripheral reflection surface 30Ab) is formed, it is possible to suppress the formation of uneven color near the cutoff lines CL1, CL2, and CL3 due to chromatic aberration. In other words, the light is refracted at each of the incident surfaces 28Aa and 30Aa and the respective output surfaces 28Ac and 30Ac, but there is little color separation because both surfaces are flat.

  Next, a modified example will be described.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the lens portions 26A, 28A, and 30A are formed in a circular shape when viewed from the front (see FIG. 43) has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the lens portions 26A, 28A, and 30A may be formed in an elliptical shape or other shapes in front view.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example using two lens parts, the intermediate | middle lens part 28A and the outer periphery lens part 30A, as a surrounding lens part of this invention, it is not restricted to this. That is, one lens unit (for example, only the intermediate lens unit 28A) may be used as the peripheral lens unit of the present invention, or three or more lens units may be used.

  Next, another modification will be described.

  FIG. 45 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle lamp 10B that is another modification.

As shown in FIG. 45, the vehicular lamp 10B has a basic light distribution pattern (for example, the condensing patterns S-S1, S-S2, S-S3, S-S4, diffusion patterns S-M1a, S shown in FIG. 44). -M1b, S-M2, S-M3a, S-M3b, S-M4, S-E2, S-E3, S-E4, S-WW are combined light distribution patterns) and additional light distribution patterns (for example, 44. A low beam vehicle configured to form a low beam light distribution pattern P _Lo (see FIG. 41, corresponding to the predetermined light distribution pattern of the present invention) on which the diffusion pattern S-E1) shown in FIG. 44 is superimposed. SC light source 12 (not shown in FIG. 45) that outputs SC light including a visible wavelength region to the vehicular lamp 10A according to the fifth embodiment. Predetermined visible wave of light Removal means 14 (not shown in FIG. 45) for removing light other than the long region (for example, 450 nm to 700 nm), transmission optical fiber 18 that propagates SC light output from SC light source 12 to lens body 14B. It is equivalent to what added.

  Hereinafter, the difference from the vehicular lamp 10A according to the fifth embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components as those of the vehicular lamp 10A according to the fifth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

  The lens body 14B corresponds to a lens body 14A according to the fifth embodiment in which an incident surface 90 is added.

  The incident surface 90 is a surface on which light from the second light source 18b is incident on the inside of the lens body 14, and is an area corresponding to a specific emission area (for example, an area corresponding to the emission area E1) on the back surface of the lens body 10. Is formed.

  The outgoing end of the transmission optical fiber 18 is disposed in a state of facing the incident surface 90.

  A condensing lens 92 that condenses the light from the second light source 18b is disposed between the second light source 18b and the incident surface 90.

  At least one of the incident surface 90 and the condensing lens 92 has a surface shape so that light from the second light source 18b that has entered the lens body 14B from the incident surface 90 becomes light parallel to the reference axis AX. It is configured.

  In FIG. 45, the first light source 66a is used, but the light source 12A may be used instead.

According to this modification, a basic light distribution pattern (for example, condensing patterns S-S1 and S-S2 shown in FIG. 44) on the virtual vertical screen by the light from the first light source 66a (light mainly composed of incoherent light). , S-S3, S-S4, diffusion patterns S-M1a, S-M1b, S-M2, S-M3a, S-M3b, S-M4, S-E2, S-E3, S-E4, S-WW Is formed, and an additional light distribution pattern (for example, a diffusion pattern S-E1 shown in FIG. 44) is formed by light from the second light source 18b (light mainly composed of coherent light). Then, this additional light distribution pattern is superimposed on the basic light distribution pattern, thereby forming a light distribution pattern P _Lo for passing beam which is a combined light distribution pattern (see FIG. 41). The central lens portion 26A, the intermediate lens portion 28A, and the outer peripheral lens portion 30A correspond to the first optical system of the present invention, and the condenser lens 92, the incident surface 90, and the emission region E1 correspond to the second optical system of the present invention. To do.

This light distribution pattern P _Lo for passing beam has excellent distant visibility with a relatively high luminous intensity near the cutoff line on the own lane side for the same reason as in the second embodiment.

According to this modification, the basic light distribution pattern is formed of light mainly composed of incoherent light, and the additional light distribution pattern is formed of light mainly composed of coherent light. In addition, a low beam light distribution pattern P _Lo can be formed.

In addition, by forming the incident surface 90 in a region corresponding to the emission region other than the emission region E1 on the back surface of the lens body 14B, a portion other than the vicinity of the cutoff line on the own lane side in the low beam light distribution pattern _PLo. The luminous intensity can be made relatively high.

  Further, the incident surface 90 is not limited to one and may be formed in plural.

For example, by forming the incident surface 90 in a region corresponding to the emission regions S1, S2, S3, and S4 in the back surface of the lens body 14B, the central luminous intensity in the low beam light distribution pattern P _Lo is relatively increased. be able to.

  Next, as a sixth embodiment, a vehicular lamp using a first light source 66a that emits light mainly composed of incoherent light and a second light source 18b that emits light mainly composed of coherent light (for example, the second embodiment). An example of the operation of the vehicular lamp 64) will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 46 shows a vehicular lamp using a first light source 66a that emits light mainly composed of incoherent light and a second light source 18b that emits light mainly composed of coherent light (for example, a vehicular lamp according to the second embodiment). 64).

  The system shown in FIG. 46 corresponds to a system in which a vehicle speed sensor 36a, a steering angle sensor 36b, an imaging device 36c (camera information) such as a stereo camera, a navigation device 36d, and the like are added to the system shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 46, this system includes an arithmetic control device 30 (CPU) that controls the overall operation of the system. The arithmetic control device 30 includes a headlamp switch 32, a vehicle speed sensor 36a, a steering angle sensor 36b, an imaging device 36c (camera information), a navigation device 36d, an LED power supply 38a (power supply circuit), and an SC light power supply 38b via a bus. (Power supply circuit), a program storage unit (not shown) in which various programs executed by the arithmetic and control unit 30 are stored, a RAM (not shown) used as a work area, and the like are connected.

  The arithmetic and control unit 30 executes a predetermined program read from a program storage unit into a RAM or the like, thereby providing an SC light source control unit 30b, a vehicle speed determination unit 30c, an irradiation prohibition target detection unit 30d, an irradiation prohibition target determination unit 30e, and the like. Function.

  The SC light source control means 30b is a means for controlling the lighting state of the SC light source 12 (second light source 18b). The vehicle speed determination means 30c is a means for determining whether or not the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 36a is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 40 km). The irradiation prohibition target detection means 30d is based on an image captured by the imaging device 36c (or by a radar device such as a millimeter wave radar device or a near infrared laser radar device), and an irradiation prohibition target (preceding vehicle, oncoming vehicle) existing in front of the vehicle. , Pedestrians, bicycles, etc.). The irradiation prohibition target determination unit 30e is a unit that determines whether or not the irradiation prohibition target (for example, a pedestrian) detected by the irradiation prohibition target detection unit 30d exists within a predetermined region.

  Next, an operation example 1 of the vehicle lamp (for example, the vehicle lamp 64 according to the second embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Operation example 1>
47 shows a vehicular lamp using a first light source 66a that emits light mainly composed of incoherent light and a second light source 18b that emits light mainly composed of coherent light (for example, a vehicular lamp according to the second embodiment). 64) is a flowchart for explaining an operation example 1 of (64).

  The following processing is realized by the arithmetic and control unit 30 executing a predetermined program read from the program storage unit into the RAM or the like.

First, when the headlamp switch 32 is turned on (step S30), the arithmetic and control unit 30 controls the LED power source 38a so that the first light source 66a is turned on. The LED power source 38a applies a driving current to the first light source 66a in accordance with the control from the arithmetic and control unit 30. Thereby, the 1st light source 66a lights (step S32). In this case, the light RayA the first light source 66a emits (incoherent light is mainly light), after condensed near side focal point F _66b after reflected by the projection lens 66b by the reflecting surface 66c, a projection lens 66b A basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi is formed on the virtual vertical screen by being transmitted and irradiated forward.

  Next, vehicle speed information is acquired from the vehicle speed sensor 36a attached to the vehicle on which the vehicle lamp 64 is mounted (step S34), and based on the acquired vehicle speed information and the like, it is determined whether or not it is the SC light source lighting timing. The

  Whether or not it is the SC light source lighting timing can be determined as follows.

  For example, it can be determined based on the determination result of the vehicle speed determination means 30c.

  For example, when the vehicle speed determination unit 30c determines that the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 36a> a predetermined threshold value (step S36: 40 km or more), it can be determined that the SC light source lighting timing is reached.

When the SC light source lighting timing is determined (step S36: 40 km or more), the SC light source control unit 30b controls the SC light power source 38b so that the SC light source 12 is lit. The SC optical power supply 38 a applies a drive current to the SC light source 12 according to control from the arithmetic and control unit 30. As a result, the SC light source 12 (second light source 18b) is turned on (step S38). In this case, the SC light (light mainly composed of coherent light) including the visible wavelength region output from the SC light source 12 is light other than the visible wavelength region (for example, 450 nm to 700 nm) predetermined by the removing unit 14. After being removed, the light is collected by the condenser lens 20 (see FIG. 16), introduced from the incident end face 18a of the transmission optical fiber 18 into the transmission optical fiber 18 and propagated to the emission end face 18b, and the emission end face. emitted from 18b (see dotted line indicated in Figure 22 code RayB), forming an additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is irradiated forward through the projection lens 66b on the virtual vertical screen. The additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is by being superimposed on the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi, a synthesized light distribution pattern for high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi is formed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the SC light source is turned off (or dimmed).

  Whether or not the SC light source is turned off (or dimmed) can be determined as follows.

  For example, it can be determined based on the determination result of the vehicle speed determination means 30c.

  For example, when the vehicle speed determination means 30c determines that the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 36a <a predetermined threshold value (step S36: less than 40 km), it can be determined that the SC light source is turned off (or dimmed). .

  When it is determined that the SC light source is turned off (or dimmed) (step S36: less than 40 km), the SC light source control unit 30b turns off the SC light source so that the SC light source 12 is turned off (or lit in a dimmed state). 38b is controlled. The SC light power supply 38b stops the application of the drive current to the SC light source 12 according to the control from the SC light source control means 30b. Alternatively, a drive current adjusted to light up in a dimmed state is applied to the SC light source 12. Thereby, the SC light source 12 (second light source 18b) is turned off (or turned on in a dimmed state) (step S38). Thereby, eye safety for a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, and the like is realized.

  The processes in steps S32 to S40 are repeatedly executed until the headlamp switch 32 is turned off.

  When the headlamp switch 32 is turned off (step S42: SW = OFF), the first light source 66a and the SC light source 12 (second light source 12b) are turned off (step S44). That is, the application of the drive current to the first light source 66a and the SC light source 12 is stopped.

  According to the first operation example, the eye safety for the preceding vehicle, the oncoming vehicle, the pedestrian, and the like at the time of stopping or traveling at a low speed (for example, traveling at less than 40 km) is realized. This is because the SC light source control means 30b controls the lighting state of the SC light source 12 that emits light mainly composed of coherent light based on the determination result of the vehicle speed determination means 30c (for example, the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 36a and the vehicle speed in advance). A predetermined threshold value is compared, and when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 36a is less than the predetermined threshold value, the SC light source 12 is controlled to be turned on or turned off. Is.

  Next, an operation example 2 of the high beam vehicular lamp (for example, the vehicular lamp 64 according to the second embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Operation example 2>
FIG. 48 shows a high-beam vehicular lamp (for example, the second embodiment) using the first light source 66a that emits light mainly composed of incoherent light and the second light source 18b that emits light mainly composed of coherent light. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation example 2 of the vehicle lamp 64).

  The following processing is realized by the arithmetic and control unit 30 executing a predetermined program read from the program storage unit into the RAM or the like. Note that when the following processing is performed by a low beam vehicle lamp (for example, a low beam vehicle lamp 64A which is a modification of the second embodiment), step S56 can be omitted.

First, when the headlamp switch 32 is turned on (step S50), the arithmetic and control unit 30 controls the LED power source 38a so that the first light source 66a is turned on. The LED power source 38a applies a driving current to the first light source 66a in accordance with the control from the arithmetic and control unit 30. Thereby, the 1st light source 66a lights (step S52). In this case, the light RayA the first light source 66a emits (incoherent light is mainly light), after condensed near side focal point F _66b after reflected by the projection lens 66b by the reflecting surface 66c, a projection lens 66b A basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi is formed on the virtual vertical screen by being transmitted and irradiated forward.

  Next, camera information (that is, a captured image) is acquired from the imaging device 36c attached to the vehicle on which the vehicle lamp 64 is mounted (step S54), and based on the acquired captured image and the like, whether the SC light source lighting timing is reached. It is determined whether or not.

  Whether or not it is the SC light source lighting timing can be determined as follows.

  For example, the determination can be made based on the detection result of the irradiation prohibition target detection unit 30d and the determination result of the irradiation prohibition target determination unit 30e.

  For example, when the irradiation prohibition target detection means 30d does not detect the irradiation prohibition target (step S56: none, step S58: none), it can be determined as the SC light source lighting timing. Note that step S56 is a process of detecting at least one of a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle as an irradiation prohibition target. Step S58 is a process of determining whether or not the detected pedestrian is present in a predetermined area when a pedestrian as an irradiation prohibition target is detected.

When it is determined that the SC light source lighting timing is reached (step S56: none, step S58: none), the SC light source control means 30b controls the SC light source 38b so that the SC light source 12 is lit. The SC light power supply 38a applies a drive current to the SC light source 12 according to control from the SC light source control means 30b. Thereby, the SC light source 12 (second light source 18b) is turned on (step S60). In this case, the SC light (light mainly composed of coherent light) including the visible wavelength region output from the SC light source 12 is light other than the visible wavelength region (for example, 450 nm to 700 nm) predetermined by the removing unit 14. After being removed, the light is collected by the condenser lens 20 (see FIG. 16), introduced from the incident end face 18a of the transmission optical fiber 18 into the transmission optical fiber 18 and propagated to the emission end face 18b, and the emission end face. emitted from 18b (see dotted line indicated in Figure 22 code RayB), forming an additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is irradiated forward through the projection lens 66b on the virtual vertical screen. The additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is by being superimposed on the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi, a synthesized light distribution pattern for high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi is formed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the SC light source is turned off (or dimmed).

  Whether or not the SC light source is turned off (or dimmed) can be determined as follows.

  For example, the determination can be made based on the detection result of the irradiation prohibition target detection unit 30d and the determination result of the irradiation prohibition target determination unit 30e.

  For example, when the irradiation prohibition target detection means 30d detects at least one of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle as the irradiation prohibition target (step S56: present), it can be determined that the SC light source is turned off (or dimmed).

  Further, for example, when the irradiation prohibition target detection unit 30d detects a pedestrian as an irradiation prohibition target, and the irradiation prohibition target determination unit 30e determines that the detected pedestrian exists within a predetermined region (step) S58: Yes), it can be determined that the SC light source is extinguished (or dimmed). As a result, eye safety for pedestrians is realized particularly when the vehicle is stopped or traveling at a low speed. Whether the detected pedestrian exists within the predetermined area by comparing the irradiation prohibited object (the position of the pedestrian) detected by the irradiation prohibited object detection means 30d with the predetermined area. It can be determined whether or not.

  The predetermined areas are, for example, shown in a research report (http://www.oitda.or.jp/main/keirin/hj2401.pdf) on the safety and security of laser equipment in 2012. For example, data representing a class 3 region (or a larger region), for example, data representing a boundary line (see FIG. 50) between the class 2 region and the class 3 region can be used. FIG. 50 shows an example of a boundary line between the class 3 region and the class 2 region of the white laser and a boundary line between the class 2 region and the class 1 region of the white laser (vehicle width 1.84 m, An example of a headlamp interval of 1.2 m).

  When it is determined that the SC light source is turned off (or dimmed) (step S56: yes, step S58: yes), the SC light source control means 30b causes the SC light source 12 to be turned off (or lit in a dimmed state). The SC optical power supply 38b is controlled. The SC light power supply 38a stops applying the drive current to the SC light source 12 according to the control from the SC light source control means 30b. Alternatively, a drive current adjusted to light up in a dimmed state is applied to the SC light source 12. As a result, the SC light source 12 (second light source 18b) is turned off (or turned on in a dimmed state) (step S62). Thereby, eye safety for a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, and the like is realized.

  The processes in steps S52 to S62 are repeatedly executed until the headlamp switch 32 is turned off.

  When the headlamp switch 32 is turned off (step S64: SW = OFF), the first light source 66a and the SC light source 12 (second light source 12b) are turned off (step S66). That is, the application of the drive current to the first light source 66a and the SC light source 12 is stopped.

  According to the second operation example, the eye safety for the preceding vehicle, the oncoming vehicle, the pedestrian, and the like is realized regardless of the traveling state (whether the vehicle is stopped, travels at a low speed, or travels at a high speed). This is because the SC light source control unit 30b controls the lighting state of the SC light source 12 based on the detection result of the irradiation prohibition target detection unit 30d (for example, when the irradiation prohibition target detection unit 30d detects the irradiation prohibition target, The light source 12 is controlled to be turned on when the light source 12 is turned off or dimmed).

  Next, an operation example 3 of the high beam vehicular lamp (for example, the vehicular lamp 64 according to the second embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Operation example 3>
FIG. 49 shows a high beam vehicle lamp (for example, a second embodiment) using a first light source 66a that emits light mainly composed of incoherent light and a second light source 18b that emits light mainly composed of coherent light. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation example 3 of the vehicle lamp 64).

  The following processing is realized by the arithmetic and control unit 30 executing a predetermined program read from the program storage unit into the RAM or the like. Note that when the following processing is performed by a low beam vehicle lamp (for example, a low beam vehicle lamp 64A which is a modification of the second embodiment), step S80 may be omitted.

First, when the headlamp switch 32 is turned on (step S70), the arithmetic and control unit 30 controls the LED power source 38a so that the first light source 66a is turned on. The LED power source 38a applies a driving current to the first light source 66a in accordance with the control from the arithmetic and control unit 30. Thereby, the first light source 66a is turned on (step S72). In this case, the light RayA the first light source 66a emits (incoherent light is mainly light), after condensed near side focal point F _66b after reflected by the projection lens 66b by the reflecting surface 66c, a projection lens 66b A basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi is formed on the virtual vertical screen by being transmitted and irradiated forward.

  Next, vehicle speed information is acquired from the vehicle speed sensor 36a attached to the vehicle on which the vehicle lamp 64 is mounted (step S74), and the camera from the imaging device 36c attached to the vehicle on which the vehicle lamp 64 is mounted. Information (that is, a photographed image) is acquired (step S78), and it is determined whether or not it is the SC light source lighting timing based on the acquired vehicle speed information and the like.

  Whether or not it is the SC light source lighting timing can be determined as follows.

  For example, the determination can be made based on the determination result of the vehicle speed determination unit 30c and the detection result of the irradiation prohibition target detection unit 30d.

  For example, when the vehicle speed determination unit 30c determines that the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 36a> a predetermined threshold value (step S76: 40 km or more), and the irradiation prohibition target detection unit 30d does not detect the irradiation prohibition target (Step S80: None, Step S82: None) The SC light source lighting timing can be determined. Note that step S80 is a process of detecting at least one of a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle as an irradiation prohibition target. Step S82 is a process of determining whether or not the detected pedestrian is present in a predetermined area when a pedestrian as an irradiation prohibition target is detected.

When the SC light source lighting timing is determined (step S76: 40 km or more, step S80: none, step S82: none), the SC light source control means 30b controls the SC light source 38b so that the SC light source 12 is lit. . The SC light power supply 38b applies a drive current to the SC light source 12 according to the control from the SC light source control means 30b. Thereby, the SC light source 12 (second light source 18b) is turned on (step S84). In this case, the SC light (light mainly composed of coherent light) including the visible wavelength region output from the SC light source 12 is light other than the visible wavelength region (for example, 450 nm to 700 nm) predetermined by the removing unit 14. After being removed, the light is collected by the condenser lens 20 (see FIG. 16), introduced from the incident end face 18a of the transmission optical fiber 18 into the transmission optical fiber 18 and propagated to the emission end face 18b, and the emission end face. emitted from 18b (see dotted line indicated in Figure 22 code RayB), forming an additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is irradiated forward through the projection lens 66b on the virtual vertical screen. The additional light distribution pattern P2 _Hi is by being superimposed on the basic light distribution pattern P1 _Hi, a synthesized light distribution pattern for high beam light distribution pattern P _Hi is formed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the SC light source is turned off (or dimmed).

  Whether or not the SC light source is turned off (or dimmed) can be determined as follows.

  For example, the determination can be made based on the determination result of the vehicle speed determination unit 30c and the detection result of the irradiation prohibition target detection unit 30d.

  For example, when the vehicle speed determination means 30c determines that the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 36a <a predetermined threshold value (for example, 40 km) (step S76: less than 40 km), it is determined that the SC light source is turned off (or dimmed). can do.

  Further, for example, the vehicle speed determining means 30c determines that the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 36a> a predetermined threshold value (step S76: 40 km or more), and the irradiation prohibited object detecting means 30d is the preceding vehicle as the irradiation prohibited object. When at least one of the oncoming vehicle and the oncoming vehicle is detected (step S80: present), it can be determined that the SC light source is turned off (or dimmed).

  Further, for example, the vehicle speed determination unit 30c determines that the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 36a> a predetermined threshold (step S76: 40 km or more), and the irradiation prohibition target detection unit 30d detects a pedestrian as an irradiation prohibition target. In addition, when the irradiation prohibition target determining means 30e determines that the detected pedestrian is present in a predetermined area (step S82: present), it is determined that the SC light source is turned off (or dimmed). Can do.

  When it is determined that the SC light source is turned off (or dimmed) (step S76: less than 40 km, step S80: present, step S82: present), the SC light source control means 30b is in a state where the SC light source 12 is turned off (or dimmed). The SC optical power supply 38b is controlled so as to light up. The SC light power supply 38a stops applying the drive current to the SC light source 12 according to the control from the SC light source control means 30b. Alternatively, a drive current adjusted to light up in a dimmed state is applied to the SC light source 12. Thereby, the SC light source 12 (second light source 18b) is turned off (or turned on in a dimmed state) (step S86). Thereby, eye safety for a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, and the like is realized.

  The processes in steps S72 to S86 are repeated until the headlamp switch 32 is turned off.

  When the headlamp switch 32 is turned off (step S88: SW = OFF), the first light source 66a and the SC light source 12 (second light source 12b) are turned off (step S90). That is, the application of the drive current to the first light source 66a and the SC light source 12 is stopped.

  According to the third operation example, eye safety for a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, and a pedestrian during high speed traveling is realized.

  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 ... Vehicle lamp, 12 ... Super continuum light source, 12a ... Pulse laser light source, 12b ... Nonlinear optical medium (fine structure fiber, optical fiber for conversion), 14, 14a, 14b ... Removal means, 14c ... Infrared light absorption 16: Optical system (high beam lamp unit), 18: Transmission optical fiber, 20 ... Condensing lens, 22 ... Projection lens, 26 ... Vibrator, 28 ... Incoherent element

Claims (14)

In a vehicle lamp configured to form a predetermined light distribution pattern in which a basic light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution pattern narrower than the basic light distribution pattern are superimposed,
A first light source emitting mainly incoherent light;
A first optical system that controls light emitted by the first light source so that the basic light distribution pattern is formed;
A second light source that emits light that is higher in luminance than the first light source and has a narrower directivity angle than the first light source and is mainly coherent light;
A second optical system for controlling light emitted by the second light source so that the additional light distribution pattern is formed;
A vehicle speed sensor,
Vehicle speed determination means for determining whether the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
Second light source control means for controlling the lighting state of the second light source based on the determination result of the vehicle speed determination means;
Vehicular lamp equipped with An irradiation prohibition target detection means for detecting an irradiation prohibition target existing in front of the vehicle;
2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second light source control unit controls a lighting state of the second light source based on a determination result of the vehicle speed determination unit and a detection result of the irradiation inhibition target detection unit. Irradiation prohibition target determination means for determining whether or not the detected irradiation prohibition target exists within a predetermined region,
The second light source control means controls the lighting state of the second light source based on the determination result of the vehicle speed determination means, the detection result of the irradiation prohibition target detection means, and the determination result of the irradiation prohibition target determination means. The vehicle lamp as described in 2. In a vehicular lamp configured to form a predetermined light distribution pattern in which a basic light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution pattern narrower than the basic light distribution pattern are superimposed,
A first light source emitting mainly incoherent light;
A first optical system that controls light emitted by the first light source so that the basic light distribution pattern is formed;
A second light source that emits light that is higher in luminance than the first light source and has a narrower directivity angle than the first light source and is mainly coherent light;
A second optical system for controlling light emitted by the second light source so that the additional light distribution pattern is formed;
An irradiation prohibition target detection means for detecting an irradiation prohibition target existing in front of the vehicle;
Second light source control means for controlling a lighting state of the second light source based on a detection result of the irradiation prohibition target detection means;
Vehicular lamp equipped with Irradiation prohibition target determination means for determining whether or not the detected irradiation prohibition target exists within a predetermined region,
5. The vehicular lamp according to claim 4, wherein the second light source control unit controls a lighting state of the second light source based on a detection result of the irradiation prohibition target detection unit and a determination result of the irradiation prohibition target determination unit. The first light source is an incandescent bulb, a halogen bulb, an HID bulb, and a light source selected from a combination of a semiconductor light emitting element and a wavelength conversion member,
The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second light source is a supercontinuum light source that outputs supercontinuum light including a visible wavelength region.   The super continuum light source converts a pulse laser light source or a CW laser light source and a pulse laser light output from the pulse laser light source or a CW laser light output from the CW laser light source into the super continuum light for output. The vehicle lamp according to claim 6, further comprising a nonlinear optical medium.   The nonlinear optical medium is a conversion optical fiber configured to convert the pulse laser light output from the pulse laser light source or the CW laser light output from the CW laser light source into the supercontinuum light and output it. The vehicular lamp according to claim 7. A transmission optical fiber for propagating the supercontinuum light from the supercontinuum light source to the two optical systems;
The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the two optical systems control the supercontinuum light emitted from an emission end face of the transmission optical fiber.   The vehicular lamp according to claim 8, wherein the two optical systems control the supercontinuum light emitted from an emission end face of the conversion optical fiber. Of the supercontinuum light, comprising a removal means for removing light other than a predetermined visible wavelength region,
The vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the two optical systems control light from which the light other than the visible wavelength region predetermined by the removing unit is removed from the supercontinuum light. Lamps.   The vehicular lamp according to claim 11, wherein the removing means is an optical filter or a dichroic mirror.   The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the predetermined light distribution pattern is a low beam light distribution pattern.   The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the predetermined light distribution pattern is a high beam light distribution pattern.