JP2018041664A - Vehicular lighting fixture - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular lighting fixture which has achieved DRL of the same appearance while utilizing a light source and an optical system for forming a light distribution pattern for low beam.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture includes: a light source 20; a lens body 10 for forming a light distribution pattern for low beam including a cutoff line by projecting light emitted from a light source 20 toward a vehicle traveling direction; and an optical element 30 arranged in an optical path of the lens body 10 in a removable manner. The optical element 30 at least includes a refraction surface for refracting light upward, and by inserting the optical element 30 in the optical path of the lens body 10 and by making the output of the light emitted from the light source 20 smaller than that at the time of forming the light distribution pattern for low beam, a light distribution pattern for low light intensity which is located above the light distribution pattern for low beam and in which light intensity is lower than that of the light distribution pattern for low beam is formed so as to be freely switched with the light distribution pattern for low beam.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp.

  Conventionally, there is a vehicular lamp in which a light source and a lens body are combined. In such a vehicular lamp, after the light from the light source enters the inside of the lens body from the incident portion of the lens body and is partially reflected by the reflecting surface of the lens body, the lens is emitted from the exit surface of the lens body. Light is emitted outside the body. Thereby, the light irradiated in front of the lens body reversely projects a light source image formed in the vicinity of the focal point of the exit surface of the lens body, and includes a cut-off line defined by the front end portion of the reflecting surface at the upper edge. A low beam light distribution pattern is formed.

  By the way, in the vehicular lamp, in order to increase the visibility of the vehicle, the vehicle headlamp is turned on from the daytime bright day called DRL (Daytime Running Lamps) (hereinafter referred to as DRL). It has been broken. However, in a conventional vehicle lamp, a light source, an optical system, etc. for constituting a DRL are arranged in the lamp body separately from an optical system, such as a light source and a lens body, for forming the low beam light distribution pattern described above. ing. In this case, the appearance of the headlight changes between daytime and nighttime.

  Then, the vehicle lamp which makes the appearance of a headlamp the same regardless of a day and night is proposed (for example, refer patent document 1, 2). Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a DRL and a fog beam are switched by moving a diffusion and absorption filter to an operating position or a retracted position in a headlight having a DRL function and a fog light function. Has been. On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which a low beam mode, a high beam mode, and a DRL mode are switched by disposing a means (lens) for changing the divergence of a light beam so as to be movable (rotated). .

JP 2004-207242 A Japanese Patent No. 5432666

  However, none of the above-described Patent Documents 1 and 2 describes a specific configuration for diffusing (diverging) or absorbing light, and a light source for forming the above-described low-beam light distribution pattern or The configuration for realizing DRL while using an optical system also remains unclear.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of such conventional circumstances, and uses a light source and an optical system for forming a low-beam light distribution pattern, and has a low luminous intensity light distribution such as DRL having the same appearance. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular lamp that can realize a pattern.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means.
[1] a light source;
A low beam optical system that forms a low beam light distribution pattern including a cut-off line by projecting light emitted from the light source toward a vehicle traveling direction;
An optical element detachably disposed in the optical path of the low beam optical system,
The optical element has a refractive surface that refracts light at least upward,
By inserting the optical element into the optical path of the low beam optical system and making the output of the light emitted from the light source smaller than when forming the low beam light distribution pattern, And a light distribution pattern for low light intensity, which is located above and lower than the light distribution pattern for low beam, and is switchable with the light distribution pattern for low beam.
[2] The vehicular lamp according to [1], wherein the optical element has a diffusion surface that diffuses light at least upward.
[3] a light source;
A low beam optical system for forming a low beam light distribution pattern including a cut-off line by the light emitted from the light source;
An optical element detachably disposed in the optical path of the low beam optical system,
The optical element has a diffusion surface that diffuses light at least upward,
By inserting the optical element into the optical path of the low beam optical system, the light distribution pattern for low luminous intensity is located above the low beam distribution pattern and has a lower luminous intensity than the low beam distribution pattern. Is formed so as to be switchable with the light distribution pattern for low beam.
[4] The low beam optical system includes a first lens portion including a first incident portion, a reflecting surface and a first exit surface, a second entrance surface and a second exit surface along a reference axis extending in the horizontal direction. A second lens part including the lens body arranged in this order,
Light from the light source enters the first lens unit from the first incident part, is partially reflected by the reflecting surface, and is emitted to the outside of the first lens part from the first emitting surface. Thereafter, the light is incident on the inside of the second lens portion from the second incident surface, and is emitted from the second exit surface to the outside of the second lens portion, thereby being emitted from the second exit surface. Is a reverse projection of a light source image formed in the vicinity of the focal point of a synthetic lens composed of the first exit surface, the second entrance surface, and the second exit surface, and the front end portion of the reflection surface is formed on the upper edge. The vehicular lamp according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the low beam light distribution pattern including a defined cut-off line is formed.
[5] The first emission surface is configured by a lens surface that condenses light emitted from the first emission surface in the horizontal direction,
The second emission surface is constituted by a lens surface that condenses light emitted from the second emission surface in the vertical direction,
The vehicular lamp according to [4], wherein the second incident surface is formed of a flat surface.
[6] The lens body includes a connecting portion that connects the first lens portion and the second lens portion,
The connecting portion connects the first lens portion and the second lens portion in a state where a space is formed between the first exit surface and the second entrance surface. The vehicular lamp according to [4] or [5].
[7] The optical element according to any one of [4] to [6], wherein the optical element is detachably disposed between the first exit surface and the second entrance surface. The vehicle lamp as described.
[8] The low beam optical system includes a lens combined body in which a plurality of the lens bodies are combined in a vehicle width direction,
The vehicular lamp according to any one of [4] to [7], wherein the light source is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of lens bodies constituting the lens combination.
[9] The vehicular vehicle according to [8], wherein a final emission surface of the plurality of lens bodies is coupled to each other to form a continuous emission surface extending in a line shape in the vehicle width direction. Light fixture.
[10] The optical element is configured to be integrally inserted and removed between the plurality of lens bodies, and adjacent to the optical element while guiding part of the light emitted from the light source in the vehicle width direction. The vehicular lamp according to [8] or [9], further including a light guide unit that emits light in the vehicle traveling direction from between the matching lens bodies.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicular lamp that can realize a DRL having the same appearance while using a light source and an optical system for forming a low beam light distribution pattern. Is possible.

It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a vehicular lamp provided with a lens body concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view which shows schematic structure of the lens body shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the lens body shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the structure of the 1st incident part of the lens body shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the shape of the front-end part of the reflective surface in the lens body shown in FIG. It is a luminous intensity distribution diagram which shows the light distribution pattern formed on the surface of the virtual vertical screen by the light irradiated ahead of a lens body. It is a side view which shows the state by which the optical element is arrange | positioned in the optical path of the lens body shown in FIG. The structure of the optical element shown in FIG. 7 is shown, (a) is the perspective view, (b) is the side view. (A) is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the slide drive mechanism slides the optical element in the vertical direction, and (b) shows a configuration in which the slide drive mechanism slides the optical element in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). It is a perspective view. It is a schematic diagram which shows the light distribution pattern for low beams and the light distribution pattern for DRL simultaneously on the surface of the virtual vertical screen. (A) is a luminous intensity distribution diagram of the low beam light distribution pattern when the low beam is lit, and (b) is a luminous intensity distribution diagram of the DRL light distribution pattern when the DRL is lit. It is a side view which shows another structural example of an optical element. It is a top view which shows schematic structure of the lens body to which the slant angle | corner was provided. It is a front view which shows the rotation direction of the output surface of the lens body to which the fish angle was provided, and the front-end part of a reflective surface. (A) is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the first emission surface is a horizontal light collection surface and the second emission surface is a vertical light collection surface, and (b) is a first light emission surface as a vertical light collection surface. It is a perspective view which shows the structure which made the 2 output surface the horizontal condensing surface. It is a top view which shows schematic structure of a vehicle lamp provided with the lens coupling body which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIGS. 16A and 16B show a configuration of an optical element arranged in the optical path of the lens combination shown in FIG. 16, wherein FIG. 16A is a plan view showing a part of the optical element, and FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
In the drawings used in the following description, in order to make each component easy to see, the scales of the dimensions may be different depending on the component, and the dimensional ratio of each component is not always the same as the actual. Absent.

(First embodiment)
First, a vehicular lamp 100 including a lens body 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 will be described as a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a vehicular lamp 100 including a lens body 10. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the lens body 10. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the lens body 10. In the drawings shown below, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is set, the X-axis direction is the front-rear direction of the vehicle lamp 100 (lens body 10), the Y-axis direction is the left-right direction of the vehicle lamp 100 (lens body 10), The Z-axis direction is shown as the vertical direction of the vehicular lamp 100 (lens body 10).

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the vehicle lamp 100 according to the present embodiment is a vehicle that irradiates a low beam and a daytime lighting (DRL) beam in a switchable manner toward the front of the vehicle (in the + X-axis direction). This constitutes a headlight for a vehicle.

  Specifically, the vehicular lamp 100 generally includes a lens body 10 constituting a low beam optical system and a light source 20 provided corresponding to the lens body 10.

  The lens body 10 is a polyhedral lens body having a shape extending along a first reference axis AX1 extending in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). The lens body 10 may be made of a material having a refractive index higher than that of air, for example, a transparent resin such as polycarbonate or acrylic (PMMA) or glass. Further, when a transparent resin is used for the lens body 10, the lens body 10 can be formed by injection molding using a mold.

  The lens body 10 includes a first lens portion 14 including a first incident portion 11, a reflecting surface 12, and a first exit surface 13, and a second lens portion 17 including a second incident surface 15 and a second exit surface 16. doing. That is, the lens body 10 includes a first incident portion 11, a reflecting surface 12, a first exit surface 13, a second entrance surface 15, and a second exit surface 16 along the first reference axis AX1. , In this order.

  Further, the first lens portion 14 and the second lens portion 17 are connected between the first exit surface 13 and the second entrance surface 15 by a connecting portion 18. Thereby, the 1st output surface 13 and the 2nd entrance surface 15 are facing on both sides of the space S enclosed by the 1st lens part 14, the 2nd lens part 17, and the connection part 18. As shown in FIG.

  The first incident portion 11 is located on the rear end (rear surface) side of the first lens portion 14 and is disposed in the vicinity of the first incident portion 11 (precisely, a reference point F1 in optical design). An incident surface that refracts the light L from the first lens unit 14 and enters the first lens unit 14 is configured. Specifically, the first incident portion 11 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 4, for example. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the first incident portion 11.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first incident portion 11 has a first condensing incident surface 11a, a second condensing incident surface 11b, and a condensing reflection surface 11c at a position facing the light source 20. Yes. The 1st condensing entrance surface 11a is comprised by the free-form surface (aspherical surface) which becomes convex toward the back from the center part. The 2nd condensing incident surface 11b is comprised by the substantially cylindrical internal peripheral surface of the part which protruded back from the position surrounding the circumference | surroundings of the 1st incident part 11. FIG. The condensing reflection surface 11 c is configured by a substantially frustoconical outer peripheral surface of a portion protruding rearward from a position surrounding the first incident portion 11.

  In the first incident portion 11, the light L 1 incident from the first condensing incident surface 11 a out of the light L emitted from the light source 20 is condensed toward the reflecting surface 12. On the other hand, the light L2 incident from the second condensing incident surface 11b is reflected (totally reflected) by the condensing / reflecting surface 11c to be condensed toward the reflecting surface 12.

  As a result, the first incident portion 11 is parallel to the first reference axis AX1 in the horizontal section (Y-axis section) in which the light L incident from the first incident section 11 into the first lens section 14 is present. It is configured to be light.

  Note that the first incident portion 11 collects the light L incident from the first incident portion 11 into the first lens portion 14 toward the first reference axis AX1 in the horizontal section (Y-axis section). It may be configured.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the first incident portion 11 is configured such that the light L incident on the inside of the first lens portion 14 from the first incident portion 11 is the center of the light source 20 in the vertical section (Z-axis section). It passes through (reference point F1) and a point in the vicinity of the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 (combined focal point F2 of a synthetic lens 19 to be described later) and is inclined obliquely forward and downward relative to the first reference axis AX1. The light is condensed near the second reference axis AX2.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reflecting surface 12 has a planar shape extending in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) from the lower end edge of the first incident portion 11 toward the front (+ X-axis direction). Yes. The reflection surface 12 is a first light exit surface that is forward of the light L incident on the reflection surface 12 in the first lens portion 14 out of the light L incident on the first lens portion 14 from the first incident portion 11. Reflected toward 13 (total reflection). Thereby, in the 1st lens part 14, since the reflective surface 12 can be formed, without using the metal reflective film by metal vapor deposition, it is possible to prevent a cost rise, a fall of a reflectance, etc.

  Further, the reflection surface 12 may be inclined forward and downwardly downward with respect to the first reference axis AX1. In this case, the use efficiency of the light reflected by the reflecting surface 12 is improved while suppressing that a part of the light L reflected by the reflecting surface 12 becomes light (stray light) that travels in a direction not entering the first emitting surface 13. be able to.

  The front end portion 12 a of the reflecting surface 12 defines a cut-off line for the light L incident on the inside of the first lens portion 14. Specifically, the shape of the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A is a schematic diagram showing a front view shape of the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 (shape when viewed from the first incident portion 11 side (+ X axis direction)). FIGS. 5B to 5D are schematic views showing examples of the shape of the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 when viewed from the side (the shape when viewed from the side surface (+ Y-axis direction)).

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 is formed so as to extend in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the first lens portion 14. Specifically, the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 includes a side e1 corresponding to the left horizontal cutoff line, a side e2 corresponding to the right horizontal cutoff line, and a space between the left horizontal cutoff line and the right horizontal cutoff line. It has a step shape including a side e3 corresponding to the oblique cut-off line to be connected.

  In addition, the shape of the front end part 12a of the reflective surface 12 shown to Fig.5 (a) has illustrated the case where a vehicle is right-hand traffic. On the other hand, when the vehicle is on the left side, the shape of the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 is a stepped shape in which the heights of the side e1 corresponding to the left horizontal cutoff line and the side e2 corresponding to the right horizontal cutoff line are reversed. . Further, the shape of the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 is not limited to these shapes, and may be a shape including only sides corresponding to a horizontal cutoff line extending linearly in the horizontal direction.

  The side view shape of the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 has a shape extending linearly from the tip end portion of the reflecting surface 12 upward (in the + Z-axis direction) as shown in FIG. 5B. . Further, the side view shape of the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 may be a shape that extends linearly toward the front and upward as shown in FIG. 5C, as shown in FIG. Thus, the shape may be curved and extended toward the upper front obliquely.

  In addition, about the front-end part 12a of the reflective surface 12, it is not necessarily limited to the shape mentioned above, It is possible to add a change suitably in the range which can prescribe | regulate a cut-off line. Further, the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 is not limited to the step shape described above, and can be formed by a groove portion corresponding to a cut-off line.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the first emission surface 13 is located on the front end (front surface) side of the first lens portion 14, and horizontally emits the light L emitted from the first emission surface 13. In order to collect light in the direction (Y-axis direction), the cylindrical axis is configured as a semi-cylindrical lens surface (referred to as a horizontal light-collecting surface) extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Further, the focal line of the first emission surface 13 extends in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) in the vicinity of the front end portion 12 a of the reflection surface 12.

  The second incident surface 15 is located on the rear end (rear surface) side of the second lens unit 17 and is configured as a plane on which the light L emitted from the first emission surface 13 is incident. The shape of the second incident surface 15 is not limited to such a flat surface, but may be a curved surface (lens surface).

  The second emission surface 16 is located on the front end (front surface) side of the second lens portion 17 as the final emission surface of the lens body 10, and the light L emitted from the second emission surface 16 is directed in the vertical direction (Z-axis). The cylindrical axis is configured as a semi-cylindrical lens surface (referred to as a vertical condensing surface) extending in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) so as to collect light in the direction). Further, the focal line of the second emission surface 16 extends in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) in the vicinity of the front end portion 12 a of the reflection surface 12.

  Further, the synthetic focal point F2 of the synthetic lens 19 composed of the first emission surface 13, the second incidence surface 15, and the second emission surface 16 is in the vicinity of the front end portion 12a of the reflection surface 12 (for example, the front end portion 1a of the reflection surface 12). Near the center in the left-right direction).

  Of the surfaces constituting the first lens unit 14 and the second lens unit 17, other surfaces that are not illustrated or described are light L that passes through the first lens unit 14 and the second lens unit 17. It is possible to design freely (for example, to shield) within a range that does not adversely affect the above.

  For the light source 20, for example, a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode (LD) can be used. In the present embodiment, one LED that emits white light is used. Moreover, the high output type thing for vehicle illumination is used for LED. The type of the light source 20 is not particularly limited, and a light source other than the above-described light emitting element may be used.

  The light source 20 is disposed so that the optical axis of the light L emitted from the LED is parallel to the first reference axis AX1. The light source 20 emits the light L emitted from the LEDs radially toward the front of the vehicle (+ X axis direction). The light source 20 is arranged in a state where the optical axis of the light L emitted from the LED is directed obliquely downward and downward, that is, in a state where the optical axis of the light L emitted from the LED coincides with the second reference axis AX2. Also good.

  In the vehicular lamp 100 having the above-described configuration, the light L from the light source 20 that has entered the first lens unit 14 from the first incident unit 11 is reflected by the reflecting surface 12 and then the first emission. The light traveling toward the surface 13 (reflected light) and the light traveling toward the first emission surface 13 (straight-ahead light) travel from the first emission surface 13 to the outside (space S) of the first lens unit 14. Is emitted. The light L passes through the space S, enters the second lens unit 17 from the second incident surface 15, and then exits the second lens unit 17 from the second emission surface 16. .

  As a result, the light L irradiated in front of the lens body 10 is projected as a low beam (also referred to as a passing beam) by reversing and projecting a light source image formed in the vicinity of the synthetic focal point F2 of the synthetic lens 19 to the upper edge. A low beam light distribution pattern (not shown) including a cutoff line defined by the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 is formed.

  Here, FIG. 6 shows a light source image when the light L irradiated in front of the lens body 10 is projected on a virtual vertical screen facing the lens body 10 by simulation. FIG. 6 is a luminous intensity distribution diagram showing a low beam light distribution pattern P1 formed on the surface of the virtual vertical screen. Further, the virtual vertical screen is disposed approximately 25 m ahead from the second exit surface 16 of the lens body 10.

  The light source image by the light L irradiated in front of the lens body 10 is cut off offline corresponding to the sides e1 to e3 of the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 at the upper edge on the surface of the virtual vertical screen shown in FIG. A low beam light distribution pattern P1 including CL1 to CL3 (hereinafter collectively referred to as a cut-off line CL) is formed.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 7, the vehicular lamp 100 according to the present embodiment uses the light source 20 and the lens body 10 for forming the low beam light distribution pattern P <b> 1 described above, and the optical for realizing DRL. An element 30 is provided. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state in which the optical element 30 is disposed in the optical path of the lens body 10.

  Here, a specific configuration of the optical element 30 is shown in FIGS. 8A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the optical element 30, and FIG. 8B is a side view showing the configuration of the optical element 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the optical element 30 is composed of a light guide formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape as a whole. The optical element 30 may be made of a material having a refractive index higher than that of air, such as a transparent resin such as polycarbonate or acrylic (PMMA), or glass.

  The optical element 30 has a first refracting surface 31a and a second refracting surface 31b for refracting the light L upward in the optical path of the light L emitted from the light source 20 and passing through the lens body 10. ing. That is, in the optical element 30, in the vertical section (Z-axis section) along the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the lens body 10, the width of the first refracting surface 31a and the second refracting surface 31b is from above to below. It has a substantially inverted trapezoidal shape that becomes gradually narrower toward it.

  In the optical element 30 of the present embodiment, the first refracting surface 31a that is the incident surface of the light L is disposed obliquely upward with respect to the optical axis of the light L, and the second refracting surface that is the light L emitting surface. The refracting surface 31b is disposed perpendicular to the optical axis of the light L.

  The optical element 30 has a diffusion surface 32 that diffuses the light L at least upward. The diffusing surface 32 is configured by providing a diffusing shape for diffusing the light L on at least one of the first refracting surface 31a and the second refracting surface 31b (the second refracting surface 31b in the present embodiment). Has been.

  As the diffusing shape of the diffusing surface 32, for example, a lens cut called a flute cut that diffuses light L in the vertical direction can be suitably used. The flute cut is configured by arranging a plurality of cylindrical ridges or ridges (in this embodiment, ridges) extending in the horizontal direction in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Yes. Moreover, as the diffusing shape of the diffusing surface 32, a lens cut that diffuses the light L called fish-eye cut in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction can be suitably used.

  In addition, when the diffusing surface 32 is disposed on the first refractive surface 31a side which is the incident surface of the light L, the light L incident on the emitting surface side is reduced and the utilization efficiency of the light L is reduced. It is preferable to arrange on the second refracting surface 31b side to be the exit surface.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the optical element 30 is detachably disposed in a space S between the first exit surface 13 and the second entrance surface 15. For this reason, the vehicular lamp 100 includes a slide drive mechanism 33 for slidingly driving the optical element 30.

  Here, a specific configuration of the slide drive mechanism 33 is shown in FIGS. 9A is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the slide drive mechanism 33 slides the optical element 30 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and FIG. 9B shows the slide drive mechanism 33 by the optical element 30. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the slide drive mechanism 33 of the present embodiment is attached to a rack member 34 that holds the optical element 30, a base frame 35 that slidably supports the rack member 34, and a base frame 36. Drive motor 36.

  In the slide drive mechanism 33, the rotational drive of the drive motor 36 is linearly driven by the rack member 34 by meshing the rack gear 37 provided on the rack member 34 with the pinion gear 38 attached to the rotation shaft 36 a of the drive motor 36. The optical element 30 can be slid in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) after conversion.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the slide drive mechanism 33 slides the optical element 30 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) by changing the orientation of the optical element 30 held by the rack member 34. It is also possible to make it.

  The optical element 30 is in a position where the optical element 30 is detached from between the first exit surface 13 and the second entrance surface 15 when the above-described low beam is turned on. On the other hand, when the DRL is lit, it is at a position inserted between the first exit surface 13 and the second entrance surface 15.

  In the vehicular lamp 100 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, when the DRL is turned on, the optical element 30 is inserted (arranged) between the first exit surface 13 and the second entrance surface 15. The light L emitted from the light source 20 and passing through the lens body 10 is refracted upward by the first refracting surface 31a and the second refracting surface 31b and diffused in the vertical direction by the diffusion surface 32.

  Further, when the DRL is turned on, the output of the light L emitted from the light source 20 is made smaller than when the low beam light distribution pattern P1 is formed. Specifically, in order to satisfy the DRL legal requirement (for example, European legislation), the luminous intensity of the light L irradiated in front of the lens body 10 when the DRL is turned on is set to the maximum luminous intensity of the light L when the low beam is turned on. 1/30 or less.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the output of the light L emitted from the light source 20 is reduced so that the maximum light intensity is, for example, 15% with respect to the maximum light intensity of the light L when the low beam is turned on. In this case, the above-mentioned DRL regulation requirement cannot be satisfied only by reducing the output of the light L emitted from the light source 20. For this reason, by diffusing the light L by the diffusing surface 32, the maximum luminous intensity of the light L when the DRL is turned on is reduced so as to satisfy the legal requirement of the DRL.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the light L irradiated to the front side of the lens body 10 is positioned above the low beam light distribution pattern P1 described above as a low luminous intensity light distribution pattern, and has a low beam distribution. A daytime lighting (DRL) light distribution pattern P2 having a light intensity lower than that of the light pattern P1 is formed to be switchable with the low beam light distribution pattern P1. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the low beam light distribution pattern P1 and the DRL light distribution pattern P2 simultaneously on the surface of the virtual vertical screen.

  Here, a light source image (low beam light distribution pattern P1) when the low beam is turned on when the light L irradiated to the front of the lens body 10 is projected onto a virtual vertical screen facing the lens body 10 by simulation. FIG. 11 (a) shows a luminous intensity distribution diagram. On the other hand, FIG. 11B shows a light intensity distribution diagram of the light source image (DRL light distribution pattern P2) when the DRL is turned on.

  In this simulation, the material of the optical element 30 is PMMA, the angle at which the first refracting surface 31a is inclined obliquely upward is 15 degrees with respect to the vertical direction, the flute cut pitch interval of the diffusion surface 32 is 1 mm, and the radius of curvature R Is 1 mm.

  As a result, in the low beam light distribution pattern P1 shown in FIG. 11A, the light distribution is concentrated below the cut-off line, and the light is strongly concentrated in the high illuminance zone. On the other hand, in the DRL light distribution pattern P2 shown in FIG. 11B, the DRL light distribution pattern P2 can be lifted upward by about 5 deg as a whole. In addition, the light concentration can be broadly blurred by eliminating the bright and dark borders of the cut-off line. Thereby, it is possible to improve the appearance when the DRL is turned on.

  As described above, in the vehicular lamp 100 of the present embodiment, the optical element 30 described above is placed in the optical path of the lens body 10 while using the light source 20 and the lens body 10 for forming the low beam light distribution pattern P1. By arranging it, it is possible to realize a DRL having the same appearance.

  The optical element 30 may have a configuration in which the diffusing surface 32 is omitted when the output of the light L emitted from the light source 20 can be reduced to a luminous intensity satisfying the above-mentioned DRL regulations. Is possible. On the other hand, the DRL can be realized by omitting the first refracting surface 31a and the second refracting surface 31b and controlling the diffusing light distribution by the diffusing surface 32.

  The optical element 30 is detachably disposed between the first exit surface 13 and the second entrance surface 15 constituting the lens body 10 described above. The arrangement is not necessarily limited, and the arrangement of the lens body 10 and the low beam optical system including the lens body 10 can be appropriately changed depending on the configuration.

  The present invention is not necessarily limited to that of the first embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  Specifically, in the vehicle lamp 100, for example, an optical element 30A as shown in FIG. 12 can be used instead of the optical element 30. FIG. 12 is a side view showing the configuration of the optical element 30A.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the optical element 30A, instead of refracting the light L upward by the first refracting surface 31a and the second refracting surface 31b described above, the incident surface side of the light L is changed to the Fresnel lens surface 39. By doing so, the light L is refracted upward. The diffusion surface 32 is provided on the light L emission surface side.

  Even when such an optical element 30A is used, as in the case where the optical element 30 is used, the light source 20 and the lens body 10 for forming the low beam light distribution pattern P1 are used, and the same appearance is obtained. DRL can be realized.

  Moreover, in the said vehicle lamp 100, like the lens body 10A shown in FIG. 13, according to the slant shape provided to the corner part of the vehicle front end side, the slant angle ( (Also referred to as a camber angle). FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the lens body 10A with a slant angle.

  That is, the second emission surface 16 to which the slant angle is given is outside (−Y axis side) from the inside (+ Y axis side) in the vehicle width direction (Y axis direction) with respect to the vehicle traveling direction (+ X axis direction). Is inclined at a predetermined angle (retraction angle) θx in the direction of retreat (−X-axis direction).

  In the case of this configuration, the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 preferably has a shape adjusted according to the receding angle θx. That is, when a slant angle is given to the second emission surface 16, light is transmitted between the front end portion 12 a of the reflection surface 12 and the second emission surface 16 by an angle (retraction angle) θx that the second emission surface 16 is inclined. The optical path changes. In accordance with this, the shape C at the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 can be adjusted (corrected) so as to cancel the change from when the second exit surface 16 is not inclined (θ = 0 °). preferable.

  Specifically, the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 has the most receded position B with respect to the traveling direction (+ X-axis direction) of the light L emitted from the second emitting surface 16 across the first reference axis AX1. It has an asymmetrical shape C shifted to one end (−Y axis) in the horizontal direction (Y axis direction). Further, the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 has a horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) sandwiching the first reference axis AX1 with respect to the traveling direction (+ X-axis direction) of the light L emitted from the second emission surface 16. It has a curved shape C such that one end (−Y axis) side is relatively retracted before adjustment and the other end (+ Y axis) side is relatively advanced than before adjustment.

  Thereby, it is possible to optimize the optical path of light between the front end portion 12a of the reflection surface 12 and the second emission surface 16, and to form an optimal light distribution pattern according to the above-described offset amount.

  In the vehicle lamp 100, as in the lens body 10B shown in FIG. 14, the second emission surface 16 is inclined at a predetermined angle (fishing angle) θz in the direction of rotation about the first reference axis AX1. It is good also as composition which is doing. FIG. 14 is a front view showing the rotation direction of the second exit surface 16 to which the fisheye angle θz of the lens body 10B is given and the front end portion 12a of the reflection surface 12.

  In the case of this configuration, the direction (− direction) opposite to the rotation direction (+ direction) of the second emission surface 16 around the first reference axis AX1 according to the angle (fishing angle) θz at which the second emission surface 16 is inclined. The front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 is inclined at a predetermined angle −θz. Thereby, even when the 2nd output surface 16 inclines at predetermined angle (fishing angle) (theta) z, it is possible to suppress that a light distribution pattern rotates in the direction according to the rotation direction.

  It should be noted that the angle θz at which the second emission surface 16 is inclined and the angle −θz at which the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 is inclined do not necessarily coincide with each other. For example, the lens body shown in FIG. In 10B, when θz is 5 °, −θz is about −7.5 °.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15A, the lens body 10 has a configuration in which the first exit surface 13 is a horizontal condensing surface and the second exit surface 16 is a vertical condensing surface. It is also possible to have a reverse configuration. That is, in the present invention, as in the lens body 10C shown in FIG. 15B, the first light exit surface 13 may be a vertical light collection surface and the second light emission surface 16 may be a horizontal light collection surface. It is.

  In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 15A, the cylindrical axis of the first emission surface 13 coincides with the direction (+ Z-axis direction) in which the lens body 10 is extracted from the mold after the lens body 10 is molded. In this case, the lens body 10 can be released from the mold once (without using a slide), so that the lens body 10 can be manufactured at low cost.

  On the other hand, in the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 15B, the cylindrical axis of the first emission surface 13 does not coincide with the direction (+ Z-axis direction) in which the lens body 10C is extracted from the mold after the lens body 10C is molded. In this case, it becomes impossible to extract the lens body 10C from the mold after the molding of the lens body 10C. For this reason, it is preferable that the lens body 10 </ b> C has a configuration in which the first lens unit 14 and the second lens unit 17 are separated.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a vehicular lamp 200 including the lens combination 50 shown in FIG. 16 will be described as a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of the vehicular lamp 200. Moreover, in the following description, about the site | part equivalent to the said vehicle lamp 100 (lens body 10), while omitting description, the same code | symbol shall be attached | subjected in drawing.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the vehicle lamp 200 according to the present embodiment includes a vehicle headlamp (head) disposed at both corners on the vehicle front end side (in this embodiment, the left corner is illustrated). Light).

  Specifically, the vehicular lamp 200 includes a lens combination 50 to which the present invention is applied and a plurality of light sources 20 provided corresponding to each of the plurality of lens bodies 51A to 51D constituting the lens combination 50. And roughly.

  That is, the vehicular lamp 200 includes a plurality of lamp cells 60A including a plurality of lens bodies 51A to 51D and a plurality of light sources 20 provided corresponding to each of the plurality of lens bodies 51A to 51D. To 60D, and the plurality of lamp cells 60A to 60D are arranged in a line in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction). In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the four lamp cells 60A to 60D (lens bodies 51A to 51D) are arranged side by side is illustrated, but the number of the arrangement is not particularly limited.

  The plurality of lens bodies 51 </ b> A to 51 </ b> D have basically the same configuration as the lens body 10 except that the offset amount of the second emission surface 16 described later is different. In addition, the lens combination 50 is a semi-columnar shape extending in a line in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) by combining the second emission surfaces 16 in a state where the plurality of lens bodies 51A to 51D are arranged. 16A of continuous emission surfaces.

  In the vehicular lamp 200 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the design by providing such a lens combined body 50 having a sense of unity extending in a line shape in the horizontal direction.

  In addition, about the lens coupling body 50, after shape | molding several lens bodies 51A-51D separately from not only what integrally shape | molded several lens bodies 51A-51D, but these are used as holding members, such as a lens holder. By holding it, it is possible to have an integrated structure.

  Further, in the lens combination 50, a slant angle (camber angle) is given to the continuous emission surface 16A serving as the final emission surface in accordance with the slant shape provided to the corner portion on the vehicle front end side. That is, the continuous emission surface 16A has a direction in which the outer side (−Y axis side) recedes from the inner side (+ Y axis side) in the vehicle width direction (Y axis direction) with respect to the vehicle traveling direction (+ X axis direction) (− It is inclined at a predetermined angle (backward angle) θx toward the X-axis direction.

  In the lens combination 50, as in the case shown in FIG. 13, the shape at the front end portion 12a of the reflection surface 12 of each lens body 51A to 51D depends on the angle (retraction angle) θx at which the continuous emission surface 16A is inclined. It has been adjusted (corrected). Thereby, the optical path of the light L is optimized between the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 and the second emission surface 16 (continuous emission surface 16A) in each of the lens bodies 51A to 51D, and the optimum according to the offset amount described above. It is possible to form a light distribution pattern.

  In the vehicular lamp 200 including the lens combination body 50 (a plurality of lamp cells 51A to 51D) as described above, the lamp cells 51A to 51D enter the first lens unit 14 from the first incident unit 11. Of the light L from the light source 20 that has been reflected by the reflecting surface 12, the light that travels toward the first exit surface 13 (reflected light) and the light that travels toward the first exit surface 13 (straight light) ) Is emitted from the first emission surface 13 to the outside (space S) of the first lens unit 14. The light L passes through the space S, enters the second lens unit 17 from the second incident surface 15, and then exits the second lens unit 17 from the second emission surface 16. .

  As a result, the light L irradiated in front of each of the lens bodies 51A to 51D is reversely projected as a passing beam (low beam) LB, and a light source image formed in the vicinity of the synthetic focal point F2 of the synthetic lens 19 is obtained. The low beam light distribution pattern P1 including the cut-off line CL defined by the front end portion 12a of the reflecting surface 12 is formed. Further, by combining (superimposing) the low-beam light distribution patterns P1 formed by the lamp cells 51A to 51D, one light distribution pattern (hereinafter referred to as a combined light distribution pattern) is formed as a whole.

  In the vehicular lamp 200 of the present embodiment, the optical element 30 provided corresponding to each of the plurality of lens bodies 51A to 51D is configured to be integrally inserted and removed between the lens bodies 51 to 51D. Thus, it is possible to realize the DRL having the same appearance while using the light sources 20 and the lens bodies 51 to 51D for forming the low beam light distribution pattern P1.

  Moreover, in the said vehicle lamp 200, it is also possible to use the optical element 40 as shown, for example to Fig.17 (a), (b). 17A is a plan view showing a part of the optical element 40, and FIG. 17B is an enlarged plan view of the light guide portion 41 of the optical element 40. Moreover, in the following description, about the site | part equivalent to the said optical element 30, while omitting description, the same code | symbol shall be attached | subjected in drawing.

  As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the optical element 40 includes a light guide body in which the optical elements 30 provided corresponding to the plurality of lens bodies 51A to 51D are integrated. Since the optical element 40 diffuses the light L emitted from each light source 20 in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction), both sides sandwiching the central axis of each lens body 51 to 51D are in the vehicle traveling direction (+ X-axis direction). ), And has a shape bent symmetrically.

  Further, the optical element 40 guides a part of the light L emitted from the light source 20 in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction), while traveling between the adjacent lens bodies 51 to 51D (+ X-axis direction). ) To the light guide portion 41. A plurality of light guide reflection surfaces 42 are provided on the second refractive surface 31 b of the light guide portion 41. The plurality of light guide reflection surfaces 42 are provided symmetrically in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) with the central axis of each lens body 51 to 51D interposed therebetween. Each light guide reflection surface 42 is formed by a V-shaped groove 43 that is inclined in a direction away from the central axis of the lens bodies 51 to 51D.

  The light guide 41 reflects a part of the light L incident from the first refracting surface 31 in a direction away from the central axis of the lens bodies 51 to 51D (all front) by the plurality of light guide reflection surfaces 42. . Thereafter, the light L reflected (totally) by the first refracting surface 31 is emitted from the second refracting surface 31b toward the vehicle traveling direction (+ X-axis direction).

  Thereby, the exit surface side of the optical element 40 can be brought close to light emission. Therefore, in the vehicular lamp 200 including such an optical element 40, the continuous emission surface 16 </ b> A of the lens combined body 50 is formed when the DRL is turned on while preventing a dark portion from being generated between the adjacent lens bodies 51 to 51 </ b> D. It is possible to emit light entirely.

  In addition, this invention is not necessarily limited to the thing of the said embodiment, A various change can be added in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

  For example, in the vehicle lamp 200, although not shown, the continuous emission surface 16A has a predetermined angle (fishing angle) in the direction of rotation about the first reference axis AX1 as in the case shown in FIG. ) It may be configured to be inclined at θz.

  In this case, according to the angle (fishing angle) θz at which the continuous emission surface 16A is inclined, the rotation direction (+ direction) of the continuous emission surface 16A is opposite (− direction) around the first reference axis AX1. The front end 12a of the reflecting surface 12 in each of the lens bodies 51A to 51D is inclined at a predetermined angle −θz. Accordingly, even when the continuous emission surface 16A is inclined at a predetermined angle (fishing angle) θz, it is possible to suppress the light distribution pattern from rotating in a direction corresponding to the rotation direction.

  Moreover, although the case where the above-mentioned DRL light distribution pattern P2 is formed as the low light intensity light distribution pattern is illustrated in the above embodiment, the low light intensity light distribution pattern is not limited to the DRL light distribution pattern P2. However, for example, a vehicle width lamp (position lamp) or a decoration lamp (accessory lamp) having a lower light intensity can be formed to be switchable with the low beam light distribution pattern P1.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,10A-10C ... Lens body 11 ... 1st incident part 12 ... Reflective surface 12a ... Front end part of reflective surface 13 ... Output surface 14 ... 1st lens part 15 ... 2nd entrance surface 16 ... 2nd output surface 16A ... Continuous Emitting surface 17 ... second lens portion 18 ... connecting portion 19 ... synthetic lens 20 ... light source 30, 30A ... optical element 31a ... first refracting surface 31b ... second refracting surface 32 ... diffusing surface 33 ... slide drive mechanism 40 ... optical element DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 41 ... Light guide part 50 ... Lens combination body 51A-51D ... Lens body 60A-60D ... Lamp body cell 100,200 ... Vehicle lamp AX1 ... 1st reference axis (reference axis) F2 ... Focal point of synthetic lens L ... Light P1 ... Light distribution pattern for low beam CL ... Cut-off line P2 ... Light distribution pattern for DRL (low intensity light distribution pattern)

Claims (10)

A light source;
A low beam optical system that forms a low beam light distribution pattern including a cut-off line by projecting light emitted from the light source toward a vehicle traveling direction;
An optical element detachably disposed in the optical path of the low beam optical system,
The optical element has a refractive surface that refracts light at least upward,
By inserting the optical element into the optical path of the low beam optical system and making the output of the light emitted from the light source smaller than when forming the low beam light distribution pattern, And a light distribution pattern for low light intensity, which is located above and lower than the light distribution pattern for low beam, and is switchable with the light distribution pattern for low beam.   The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the optical element has a diffusion surface that diffuses light at least upward. A light source;
A low beam optical system for forming a low beam light distribution pattern including a cut-off line by the light emitted from the light source;
An optical element detachably disposed in the optical path of the low beam optical system,
The optical element has a diffusion surface that diffuses light at least upward,
By inserting the optical element into the optical path of the low beam optical system, the light distribution pattern for low luminous intensity is located above the low beam distribution pattern and has a lower luminous intensity than the low beam distribution pattern. Is formed so as to be switchable with the light distribution pattern for low beam. The low beam optical system includes a first lens portion including a first incident portion, a reflecting surface and a first exit surface, and a second lens including a second entrance surface and a second exit surface along a reference axis extending in the horizontal direction. The lens unit has a lens body arranged in this order,
Light from the light source enters the first lens unit from the first incident part, is partially reflected by the reflecting surface, and is emitted to the outside of the first lens part from the first emitting surface. Thereafter, the light is incident on the inside of the second lens portion from the second incident surface, and is emitted from the second exit surface to the outside of the second lens portion, thereby being emitted from the second exit surface. Is a reverse projection of a light source image formed in the vicinity of the focal point of a synthetic lens composed of the first exit surface, the second entrance surface, and the second exit surface, and the front end portion of the reflection surface is formed on the upper edge. The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the low-beam light distribution pattern including a defined cut-off line is formed. The first emission surface is configured by a lens surface that condenses light emitted from the first emission surface in a horizontal direction,
The second emission surface is constituted by a lens surface that condenses light emitted from the second emission surface in the vertical direction,
The vehicular lamp according to claim 4, wherein the second incident surface is a flat surface. The lens body includes a connecting portion that connects the first lens portion and the second lens portion;
The connecting portion connects the first lens portion and the second lens portion in a state where a space is formed between the first exit surface and the second entrance surface. The vehicular lamp according to claim 4 or 5.   The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the optical element is detachably disposed between the first exit surface and the second entrance surface. The low beam optical system has a lens combination that is combined in a state where a plurality of the lens bodies are arranged in the vehicle width direction,
The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the light source is provided corresponding to each of a plurality of lens bodies constituting the lens combined body.   9. The vehicular lamp according to claim 8, wherein a final emission surface of the plurality of lens bodies is coupled to each other to form a continuous emission surface extending in a line shape in the vehicle width direction.   The optical element is configured to be integrally inserted and removed between the plurality of lens bodies, and the adjacent lenses while guiding a part of the light emitted from the light source in the vehicle width direction. 10. The vehicular lamp according to claim 8, further comprising a light guide portion that emits light from between the bodies toward the vehicle traveling direction.