JP2018106825A - Vehicular lighting fixture - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve fail-safe with respect to leakage of excitation light in a vehicular lighting fixture using a semiconductor laser light source.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture 10 includes: a laser light source 22 which includes a semiconductor laser element 36 for emitting excitation light, an emission port and a first wavelength conversion member 20 fixed to the emission port so as to fill the emission port and for emitting at least first wavelength light different from the excitation light when receiving the excitation light, and which emits white light from the emission port to a first angle range; a projection lens 34 which has an optical axis O that coincides with or forms an angle with a straight optical path 43 traveling straight to the outside of the laser light source from the semiconductor laser element 36 through the emission port, and which is arranged so that at least one part of the white light directly enters from the emission port; and a light shielding part 24 which is disposed so as to shield or reflect the light emitted from the emission port in a second angle range which is narrower than the first angle range and which contains the straight optical path 43.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a light source unit for a vehicle headlamp configured so that laser light is directly incident on a projection lens from a semiconductor laser light source has been devised (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2013-38010 A

  A vehicular lamp using a semiconductor laser light source is generally designed to convert excitation light emitted from the light source into white light and emit it. A high-power laser light source is used to brightly illuminate far away. It is not desired that high-power excitation light be emitted outside the vehicular lamp, not only when the vehicular lamp is operating normally, but even if a malfunction or failure occurs in the lamp.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to enable fail-safe against leakage of excitation light in a vehicular lamp using a semiconductor laser light source.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a vehicular lamp according to an aspect of the present invention includes a semiconductor laser element that emits excitation light, an exit port, and an exit port that is fixed to the exit port so as to fill the exit port. A first wavelength conversion member that emits light having a first wavelength different from the light, a laser light source that emits white light from the emission port to the first angle range, and a semiconductor laser element to the outside of the laser light source through the emission port A projection lens having a lens optical axis that coincides with or forms an angle with a straight light path that travels straight, and is arranged so that at least part of white light is directly incident from the exit, and includes a straight light path that is narrower than the first angle range and straight A light-shielding portion arranged to shield or reflect light emitted from the exit port in the second angle range.

  According to this aspect, there is provided a so-called direct-light vehicle lamp in which light is directly incident on the projection lens from the exit of the laser light source. It is considered that the excitation light leaking from the laser light source in the unlikely event that the first wavelength conversion member is broken or dropped takes a straight light path that travels straight out of the laser light source from the semiconductor laser element through the exit port. This is because both the leakage excitation light and the white light originate from the same light source, and the excitation light should have higher directivity than the white light. Since the light shielding part is arranged to shield or reflect light traveling in the straight path and the vicinity thereof, the light shielding part can shield or reflect at least part, most or all of the leakage excitation light. Thereby, direct incidence of leaky excitation light on the projection lens, and hence emission of the excitation light out of the lamp, for example irradiation in front of the lamp, is mitigated, minimized or preferably completely prevented. Therefore, a fail-safe against unexpected leakage of excitation light is realized.

  The lens optical axis may coincide with the straight optical path, and the light shielding portion may be disposed between the projection lens and the exit on the lens optical axis.

  The vehicular lamp may be further provided with a sensor that is disposed outside the laser light source and detects excitation light. The light shielding unit may include a reflection surface that reflects incident light toward the sensor or toward a section where the sensor is installed.

  The vehicular lamp may further include a second wavelength conversion member that is disposed outside the laser light source and emits light of at least a first wavelength when receiving excitation light. The light shielding unit may include a reflection surface that reflects incident light so as to direct the light toward the second wavelength conversion member.

  The light shielding unit may include a reflecting surface that condenses incident light on the first wavelength conversion member.

  The light shielding unit may include a mask member that shields the excitation light or a polarizing member that can shield the excitation light.

  The vehicular lamp may include a light reduction unit that reduces light emitted from the emission port in a second angle range that is narrower than the first angle range and includes a straight light path, instead of the light shielding unit.

  The lens optical axis may form an angle with the straight traveling optical path, and the projection lens may be arranged out of the second angle range so that part of the white light is directly incident from the exit.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is also a vehicular lamp. The vehicular lamp includes a semiconductor laser element that emits excitation light, an emission port, a first wavelength that is fixed to the emission port so as to fill the emission port, and emits light having a first wavelength that is different from at least excitation light when receiving the excitation light. A laser light source that emits white light from an emission port, a second wavelength conversion member that is disposed outside the laser light source and emits light of at least a first wavelength when receiving excitation light, and a semiconductor laser element And a reflecting surface arranged to reflect the light traveling along a straight light path that travels straight out of the laser light source through the exit port and direct it toward the second wavelength conversion member.

  According to this aspect, the leakage excitation light is reflected by the reflecting surface and directed to the second wavelength conversion member. The second wavelength conversion member can perform the same or similar wavelength conversion action on the excitation light as the first wavelength conversion member, and can convert the excitation light into safer light such as white light or visible light similar thereto. In this way, the emission of excitation light out of the lamp, for example irradiation in front of the lamp, is mitigated, minimized or preferably completely prevented. Therefore, fail-safe against excitation light leakage is realized. Moreover, the excitation light converted by the second wavelength conversion member can be reused for illumination, and a vehicular lamp is provided that enables both fail-safe and effective use of light flux.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the fail safe with respect to the leakage of the excitation light in the vehicle lamp using a semiconductor laser light source is attained.

1 is a vertical sectional view schematically showing a schematic structure of a vehicular lamp according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematically the internal structure of the laser light source which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematically the internal structure of the laser light source which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic for demonstrating the optical path in the inside of the vehicle lamp which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic for demonstrating the optical path in the inside of the vehicle lamp which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 1 is a vertical sectional view schematically showing a schematic structure of a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment. 1 is a vertical sectional view schematically showing a schematic structure of a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment. It is a vertical sectional view which shows typically the schematic structure of the vehicular lamp concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a vertical sectional view which shows typically the schematic structure of the vehicular lamp concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a vertical sectional view which shows typically the schematic structure of the vehicular lamp concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a vertical sectional view which shows typically the schematic structure of the vehicular lamp concerning a 4th embodiment. It is a vertical sectional view which shows typically the schematic structure of the vehicular lamp concerning a 5th embodiment.

  The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The embodiments do not limit the invention but are exemplifications, and all features and combinations described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. In addition, the scale and shape of each part shown in each drawing are set for convenience in order to facilitate the explanation, and are not limitedly interpreted unless otherwise specified.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view schematically showing a schematic structure of a vehicular lamp 10 according to the first embodiment. A vehicular lamp 10 described in the present embodiment is a vehicular headlamp apparatus having a pair of headlamp units arranged on the left and right sides in front of the vehicle. Since the pair of headlamp units have substantially the same configuration, FIG. 1 shows the structure of the headlamp unit arranged on either the left or right side as the vehicular lamp 10.

  The vehicular lamp 10 includes a lamp body 12 having a recess opened forward, and a translucent front cover 14 that closes the opening of the lamp body 12. The lamp body 12 and the front cover 14 constitute a lamp housing 16. An internal space of the lamp housing 16 is formed as a lamp chamber 18.

  In the lamp chamber 18, a laser light source 22 including a first wavelength conversion member 20, a light shielding unit 24, a support member 26, an optical axis adjustment mechanism 28, a sensor 30, a holder 32, and a projection lens 34 are disposed.

  The laser light source 22 is configured to convert the excitation light into white light and emit it. The laser light source 22 is, for example, a so-called CAN package type laser diode (LD) module, and includes a semiconductor laser element 36 that emits excitation light such as a laser diode. The first wavelength conversion member 20 is provided at the exit of the laser light source 22. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The laser light source 22 is installed on the support member 26 via the substrate 38. That is, the substrate 38 is attached on the support member 26, and the laser light source 22 is disposed thereon. The substrate 38 may have a role of transferring heat from the laser light source 22 to the support member 26, positioning the laser light source 22 with respect to the support member 26, and / or supplying power to the laser light source 22.

  The light shielding unit 24 is a mask member that shields light from the laser light source 22, for example, excitation light. The light shielding unit 24 is disposed on the optical axis O of the projection lens 34 between the projection lens 34 and the exit of the laser light source 22 (that is, the first wavelength conversion member 20). The light shielding unit 24 is attached to the holder 32 so as to cover the center of the light incident surface of the projection lens 34. The light shielding unit 24 is held at an appropriate position with respect to the laser light source 22 and the projection lens 34 by the holder 32.

  The light shielding unit 24 has a reflection surface 25 that faces the first wavelength conversion member 20. The projection lens 34 is arranged so that the straight light path 43 that goes straight out of the laser light source 22 from the semiconductor laser element 36 through the emission port coincides with the optical axis O of the projection lens 34. Therefore, the reflecting surface 25 reflects light traveling on the straight light path 43. The reflective surface 25 is formed to direct the reflected light toward the sensor 30. More specifically, the reflection surface 25 is formed so as to reflect the light traveling along the straight light path 43 and collect it on the sensor 30. Therefore, the reflecting surface 25 is formed in a parabolic surface or other curved surface. The reflective surface 25 may be formed to collimate or diffuse the reflected light so as to be directed to the sensor 30. The reflection surface 25 is a complete reflection surface (not a half mirror), and is formed by vapor deposition of a metal material such as aluminum.

  The support member 26 supports the laser light source 22 and connects the laser light source 22 to the optical axis adjustment mechanism 28. The support member 26 is made of metal, and has a cylindrical partition wall portion 48 that surrounds the laser light source 22 so as to partition an accommodation recess for housing the laser light source 22, and a support plate 50 to which the laser light source 22 and the substrate 38 are fixed. . The partition wall 48 protrudes forward from the support plate 50. The laser light source 22 and the substrate 38 are attached to a substantially central portion of the accommodating recess, that is, a substantially central portion of the support plate 50. The support member 26 may include a heat radiating section (not shown) called a heat sink for releasing heat generated by the laser light source 22.

  The optical axis adjustment mechanism 28 includes a leveling actuator 52 and a pivot 54. The leveling actuator 52 is attached to the lower part of the support plate 50 via a screw, and the pivot 54 is attached to the upper part of the support plate 50. Thus, the support member 26 is supported by the lamp body 12 via the optical axis adjustment mechanism 28. The optical axis adjustment mechanism 28 can tilt the support member 26 with respect to the lamp body 12 by driving the leveling actuator 52. Accordingly, the laser light source 22 and the projection lens 34 are tilted, and the optical axis of the illumination light can be adjusted. The specific configuration of the optical axis adjustment mechanism 28 is not limited to this, and an appropriate known configuration can be adopted as appropriate.

  The holder 32 includes a lens support plate 40 and holder legs 42, and connects the projection lens 34 to the support member 26. The holder 32, that is, the lens support plate 40 and the holder leg portion 42 are made of a transparent resin or other light-transmitting material. The holder 32 may be formed integrally with the projection lens 34 using the same material as the projection lens 34.

  The lens support plate 40 has the same shape as the incident surface of the projection lens 34 when viewed from the direction of the optical axis O of the projection lens 34, and is fixed to the projection lens 34 so as to overlap the incident surface of the projection lens 34. The light shielding portion 24 is fixed to the center portion of the lens support plate 40 on the side opposite to the projection lens 34. Therefore, light traveling from the laser light source 22 toward the projection lens 34 can be incident on the projection lens 34 through the lens support plate 40 from the periphery of the light shielding unit 24.

  The holder leg 42 is cylindrical from the outer periphery of the lens support plate 40 to the partition wall 48 so that the outer periphery of the lens support plate 40, that is, the outer periphery of the projection lens 34 is connected to the partition wall 48 of the support member 26. It extends to. Therefore, the holder leg portion 42 surrounds the light shielding portion 24. The holder leg portion 42 is disposed outside the optical path of the emitted light from the laser light source 22. For example, the lens support plate 40 is a disc and the holder leg 42 is a cylinder.

  The projection lens 34 receives white light incident from the laser light source 22 and directs the light forward. The white light that has exited the exit surface of the projection lens 34 travels toward the front cover 14 through the front cover 14 and is emitted out of the vehicular lamp 10. Thus, a desired light distribution pattern is formed in front of the lamp by the action of the projection lens 34. The projection lens 34 is made of a transparent resin or other light transmissive material.

  Note that, instead of arranging the projection lens 34 so that the optical axis O of the projection lens 34 coincides with the rectilinear optical path 43, the optical axis O of the projection lens 34 is set so that the optical axis O of the projection lens 34 is rectilinear optical path 43 as necessary. May be arranged parallel or at an angle.

  The sensor 30 is arranged outside the laser light source 22 and configured to detect excitation light. The sensor 30 includes a light receiving element such as a photodiode, and is configured to detect at least light having the same wavelength as the excitation light. In order to avoid erroneously detecting white light as excitation light, the sensor 30 is configured to be able to distinguish white light from excitation light, or is configured not to detect white light.

  The sensor 30 is supported by the sensor support member 44. The sensor support member 44 is disposed outside the holder 32, for example, below the holder leg portion 42. The sensor support member 44 is made of an opaque material that does not transmit excitation light.

  A section in which the sensor 30 is installed (hereinafter also referred to as a sensor chamber 46) is formed below the holder 32. The sensor chamber 46 is defined between the holder leg portion 42 of the holder 32 and the sensor support member 44. The reflection surface 25 of the light shielding unit 24 is formed to reflect incident light toward the sensor 30 or the sensor chamber 46.

  2 and 3 are diagrams schematically showing an internal structure of the laser light source 22 according to the embodiment. In addition to the first wavelength conversion member 20 and the semiconductor laser element 36 described above, the laser light source 22 includes a condenser lens 58 and a light source housing 62 having an emission port 60. The straight light path 43 corresponds to the optical axis of the laser light source 22 and is the strongest direction of the emitted light from the laser light source 22.

  The semiconductor laser element 36 is disposed at the bottom of the light source casing 62 and is accommodated in the light source casing 62. The semiconductor laser element 36 faces the emission port 60 with the condenser lens 58 interposed therebetween. The condensing lens 58 condenses the light emitted from the semiconductor laser element 36 onto the first wavelength conversion member 20. The first wavelength conversion member 20 is fixed to the emission port 60 so as to fill the emission port 60. The first wavelength conversion member 20 is formed in a layer shape so as to block the emission port 60, and is firmly fixed to the emission port 60 so as not to be easily detached from the emission port 60. In this way, the laser light source package is configured.

  The first wavelength conversion member 20 is configured to emit light having a wavelength different from that of the excitation light when receiving the excitation light emitted from the semiconductor laser element 36. The first wavelength conversion member 20 emits light having at least one wavelength longer than the wavelength of the excitation light. The first wavelength conversion member 20 includes a phosphor that emits fluorescence upon receiving excitation light. The laser light source 22 emits illumination light of a predetermined color from the emission port 60. The illumination light exits from the exit port 60 over the first angle range θ1 around the straight light path 43, that is, the optical axis. Since light is diffused by the first wavelength conversion member 20 and emitted to Lambertian, the first angle range θ1 is relatively wide.

  For example, the semiconductor laser element 36 emits blue laser light as excitation light. The first wavelength conversion member 20 includes a phosphor that converts the wavelength of blue laser light into yellow light. A part of the incident blue laser light is converted into yellow light by the first wavelength conversion member 20 and emitted. The remaining blue laser light passes through the first wavelength conversion member 20. White light is obtained by mixing yellow light and blue laser light.

  Alternatively, the semiconductor laser element 36 may emit ultraviolet laser light as excitation light. The first wavelength conversion member 20 may include a first phosphor that converts the wavelength of ultraviolet laser light into blue light and a second phosphor that converts the wavelength of ultraviolet laser light into yellow light. The incident ultraviolet laser light is wavelength-converted into blue light and yellow light, and white light is obtained by mixing them.

  The combination of the semiconductor laser element 36 and the first wavelength conversion member 20 in the laser light source 22 is not limited to the above, and various other well-known configurations for obtaining light having a desired illumination color may be appropriately employed. Can do.

  FIG. 3 shows a state where the first wavelength conversion member 20 is not present at the emission port 60. As described above, the first wavelength conversion member 20 is designed so as not to be easily detached from the emission port 60. However, due to impacts caused by vibrations of the vehicle or the like, aging deterioration, etc., it may fall off from the exit port 60, be displaced from the original mounting position, be completely or partially melted, or be partially missing, and be completely or partially The possibility that the part disappears from the position where it should be cannot be completely denied.

  In such a case, the excitation light emitted from the semiconductor laser element 36 is emitted from the emission port 60 along the straight light path 43 without acting on the first wavelength conversion member 20. The excitation light extends over the second angle range θ2 around the straight light path 43, that is, the optical axis. The second angle range θ2 is narrower than the first angle range θ1. In the unlikely event that the first wavelength conversion member 20 is damaged or dropped out, excitation light with high directivity is directed to the light shielding portion 24.

  4 and 5 are schematic views for explaining an optical path inside the vehicular lamp 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the vehicular lamp 10 is operating normally. FIG. 5 shows a state where the first wavelength conversion member 20 is not present at the emission port 60 as shown in FIG.

  Reference is first made to FIG. As described above, the excitation light E emitted from the semiconductor laser element 36 inside the laser light source 22 is converted into white light W by the first wavelength conversion member 20. The laser light source 22 emits white light W from the first wavelength conversion member 20 to the first angle range θ1. Most of the white light W, specifically, the outer portion of the white light W is directly incident on the projection lens 34. There is no other optical element between the first wavelength conversion member 20 and the projection lens 34. The white light W incident on the projection lens 34 goes to the front cover 14. The white light W passes through the front cover 14 and is emitted to the outside of the vehicle lamp 10.

  On the other hand, the central portion of the white light W is directed to the light shielding portion 24. The light shielding unit 24 is formed so as to receive the light emitted from the laser light source 22 in the second angle range θ2, and is disposed at the center of the light incident surface of the projection lens 34 as described above. The white light W incident on the light shielding unit 24 is reflected by the reflecting surface 25. The reflected white light W passes through the holder leg 42 and enters the sensor chamber 46. The white light W is condensed on the sensor 30 and is not used as illumination light. Thus, since the central portion of the white light W is not emitted outside the lamp, it can be said that it is shielded by the light shielding portion 24.

  Please refer to FIG. In the absence of the first wavelength conversion member 20, the excitation light E travels straight from the laser light source 22 through the emission port 60 toward the light shielding unit 24. Since the excitation light E is in the second angle range θ2, it is reflected by the reflecting surface 25. The reflected excitation light E passes through the holder leg 42 and enters the sensor chamber 46. The reflection surface 25 is formed so as to collect the reflected light on the sensor 30. The excitation light E incident on the sensor 30 is detected by the sensor 30. The excitation light E is shielded by the light shielding part 24 and is not emitted outside the lamp.

  As described above, the vehicular lamp 10 according to the first embodiment shields or blocks the light emitted from the emission port 60 in the second angle range θ2 that is narrower than the first angle range θ1 and includes the straight light path 43. The light-shielding part 24 arrange | positioned so that it may reflect is provided. A light shielding unit 24 is provided at a portion of the projection lens 34 to which the excitation light E leaked from the laser light source 22 is irradiated. In this way, the leaked excitation light E can be reflected by the light shielding unit 24 and enclosed in the lamp, and irradiation of the excitation light E forward of the lamp can be prevented. Therefore, fail-safe against the leakage of the excitation light E is realized.

  In addition, the optical axis O of the projection lens 34 coincides with the straight light path 43. The light shielding unit 24 is disposed between the projection lens 34 and the emission port 60 on the optical axis O. Such an arrangement of the light shielding part 24 ensures that the excitation light E leaked from the emission port 60 enters the light shielding part 24 in the direct-type vehicle lamp 10.

  Since the sensor 30 for detecting the excitation light E is provided, the leakage of the excitation light E from the laser light source 22 can be detected. When the excitation light E is detected by the sensor 30, the laser light source 22 can be stopped.

  Note that the sensor 30 may be disposed in a position away from the condensing point by the reflecting surface 25 in the sensor chamber 46. In this case, the inner surface of the sensor support member 44 and / or the inner surface of the other sensor chamber 46 may be configured to diffusely reflect the incident excitation light E. These inner surfaces may be painted white, for example, or may be a matte surface. In this way, even if the sensor 30 is not reliably positioned at the condensing point by the reflecting surface 25, the irregularly reflected excitation light E can enter the sensor 30. Therefore, the sensor 30 can detect the excitation light E.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the vehicular lamp 10 may include a light reduction unit 56 instead of the light shielding unit 24. The light reducing portion 56 has a reflection surface 25, and this reflection surface 25 is formed as a semi-transmissive reflection region so-called a half mirror. Other features of the reflecting surface 25 are as described above. Therefore, a part (for example, half) of the light incident on the reflecting surface 25 of the light reducing unit 56 is directed forward of the lamp, and the remaining part (for example, the remaining half) of the light incident on the reflecting surface 25 is directed toward the sensor 30. . In this manner, the light reduction unit 56 is configured to reduce light emitted from the emission port in a second angle range that is narrower than the above-described first angle range and includes the straight traveling optical path 43.

  Also in this case, the leaked excitation light can be detected by the sensor 30 as described above. Moreover, the light reduction part 56 can fully reduce the intensity | strength of the excitation light which goes to a lamp front. On the other hand, during normal operation, a part of white light incident on the reflecting surface 25 can be directed forward of the lamp and used as illumination light. Therefore, both fail-safe and effective use of the luminous flux can be achieved.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the light shielding unit 24 may include a concave reflection surface 64 that collects incident light on the first wavelength conversion member 20. In this case, the white light incident on the concave reflecting surface 64 is once returned to the first wavelength conversion member 20 and diffused again. Part of the diffused white light exits through the projection lens 34 to the front of the lamp. On the other hand, if the first wavelength conversion member 20 is lost, the white light incident on the concave reflection surface 64 is returned to the inside of the laser light source 22 through the exit port of the laser light source 22. Therefore, both fail-safe and effective use of the luminous flux can be achieved.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view schematically showing a schematic structure of the vehicular lamp 10 according to the second embodiment. The vehicular lamp 10 according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the specific configuration of the light shielding unit 24. Further, the vehicular lamp 10 according to the second embodiment does not include the sensor 30. Hereinafter, in order to avoid redundancy, description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

  The vehicular lamp 10 includes a polarizing member 66 that can block excitation light as a light blocking portion. The polarizing member 66 is a polarizing filter, for example, and can block excitation light. Similar to the light shielding unit 24 according to the first embodiment, the polarizing member 66 is configured to center the light incident surface of the projection lens 34 so as to shield the excitation light emitted from the exit of the laser light source 22 to the second angle range. It is arranged in the part.

  Since the excitation light is raw laser light, the polarization state is aligned. Therefore, by arranging the polarizing member 66 that does not transmit light of this specific polarization state in the optical path, it is possible to prevent the excitation light from being emitted outside the lamp. On the other hand, the polarization state of white light is not uniform due to diffusion in the phosphor. Therefore, the white light is not blocked by the polarizing member 66 and can be used as illumination light.

  Therefore, according to the vehicular lamp 10 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to achieve both fail-safe and effective use of light flux.

  The polarizing member 66 may be disposed at any location in the lamp so as to cross an optical path that can be taken by the excitation light leaking from the laser light source 22. For example, the polarizing member 66 may be disposed immediately downstream of the exit of the laser light source 22 so as to cross the straight light path 43.

  Instead of the polarizing member 66, a flat mask member that does not transmit both excitation light and white light may be provided. Alternatively, a light reduction unit may be provided instead of the polarizing member 66.

(Third embodiment)
9 and 10 are vertical cross-sectional views schematically showing the schematic structure of the vehicular lamp 10 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the vehicular lamp 10 according to the third embodiment is operating normally. FIG. 10 shows a state where the first wavelength conversion member 20 is not present at the emission port 60 as shown in FIG.

  The vehicular lamp 10 according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the angular positional relationship between the laser light source 22 and the projection lens 34. Since the other points are substantially the same, the description of the same configuration is appropriately omitted in order to avoid redundancy.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the laser light source 22 is disposed obliquely. The support member 26 has an inclined installation surface 68 in an accommodation recess surrounded by the partition wall portion 48. The laser light source 22 is installed on the inclined installation surface 68 via the substrate 38. The exit of the laser light source 22, that is, the first wavelength conversion member 20 is directed obliquely upward. In the laser light source 22, most or all of the white light W emitted from the first wavelength conversion member 20 to the first angle range θ1 is applied to the projection lens 34 or the holder 32 (that is, the lens support plate 40 and the holder leg 42). It is arranged so that.

  The projection lens 34 is arranged so that the optical axis O of the projection lens 34 forms an angle with the straight traveling optical path 43. The projection lens 34 is disposed out of the second angle range θ2 so that part of the white light W is directly incident from the exit of the laser light source 22.

  The sensor 30 and the sensor support member 44 are disposed outside the holder 32, for example, above the holder leg portion 42. The sensor support member 44 is formed of an opaque material that does not transmit the excitation light E. That is, the sensor support member 44 is provided as a light shielding portion that shields light emitted from the emission port of the laser light source 22 in the second angle range θ2. The sensor chamber 46 is defined between the holder leg portion 42 and the sensor support member 44, and is formed above the holder 32.

  As described above, the excitation light E emitted from the semiconductor laser element 36 inside the laser light source 22 is converted into white light W by the first wavelength conversion member 20. The laser light source 22 emits white light W from the first wavelength conversion member 20 to the first angle range θ1. A part of the white light W, specifically, a lower part of the white light W is directly incident on the projection lens 34. In order to improve the luminous flux utilization factor, as indicated by broken lines in FIG. 9, a reflector that directs the portion of the white light W that does not directly enter the projection lens 34, specifically, the upper portion of the white light W toward the projection lens 34. 70 may be provided. The white light W incident on the projection lens 34 goes to the front cover 14. The white light W passes through the front cover 14 and is emitted to the outside of the vehicle lamp 10.

  On the other hand, the light emitted from the laser light source 22 to the second angle range θ <b> 2 in the white light W passes through the holder leg 42 and enters the sensor chamber 46. The white light W is shielded by the sensor support member 44 and is not used as illumination light.

  Please refer to FIG. In the absence of the first wavelength conversion member 20, the excitation light E travels straight from the laser light source 22 through the emission port 60, passes through the holder leg 42, and enters the sensor chamber 46. The sensor 30 is arranged so that a part of the excitation light E enters the sensor 30. Therefore, the excitation light E is detected by the sensor 30. The excitation light E is shielded by the sensor support member 44 and is not emitted outside the lamp.

  According to the vehicular lamp 10 according to the third embodiment, the laser light source 22 is inclined with respect to the projection lens 34 so that the excitation light E leaking from the laser light source 22 does not directly enter the projection lens 34. Yes. In addition, a sensor 30 that detects the leaked excitation light E is provided, and a sensor support member 44 is provided as a light-shielding portion that receives the leaked excitation light E. In this way, fail-safe against the leakage of the excitation light E is realized.

  Also in the third embodiment, the sensor chamber 46 may be provided below the holder 32 as in the first embodiment. In this case, the support member 26 may include an inclined installation surface 68 formed so that the laser light source 22 directs its emission port, that is, the first wavelength conversion member 20 obliquely downward.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing a schematic structure of the vehicular lamp 10 according to the fourth embodiment. The vehicular lamp 10 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a second wavelength conversion member 72 is provided instead of the sensor 30. Since the other points are substantially the same, the description of the same configuration is appropriately omitted in order to avoid redundancy.

  The laser light source 22 is fixed to the emission port so as to fill the semiconductor laser element 36 that emits the excitation light E, the emission port, and the emission port, and emits light having a first wavelength at least different from the excitation light E when receiving the excitation light E. A first wavelength conversion member 20. The laser light source 22 emits the white light W from the exit to the first angle range θ1. The second wavelength conversion member 72 is disposed outside the laser light source 22 and emits light of at least the first wavelength when receiving the excitation light E. The reflection surface 25 is disposed so as to reflect the light traveling along the straight light path 43 that travels straight from the semiconductor laser element 36 to the outside of the laser light source 22 through the emission port and directs it toward the second wavelength conversion member 72. The reflection surface 25 reflects light emitted from the emission port of the laser light source 22 into the second angle range θ2 that is narrower than the first angle range θ1 and includes the straight light path 43 and directs the light toward the second wavelength conversion member 72. The reflection surface 25 is provided in the light shielding unit 24.

  The reflecting surface 25 is formed so as to reflect the light traveling along the straight light path 43 and collect it on the second wavelength conversion member 72. By condensing, more excitation light E can be incident on the second wavelength conversion member 72 and the excitation light E can be converted into safer white light W or yellow light. Thereby, the leakage of the excitation light E to the outside of the lamp can be prevented more reliably.

  The 2nd wavelength conversion member 72 is comprised as a transparent member which sealed the fluorescent substance layer, and forms a part of holder 32 (for example, holder leg part 42). Thus, the second wavelength conversion member 72 is arranged outside the optical path of the white light W that is directly incident on the projection lens 34 from the laser light source 22. Therefore, the second wavelength conversion member 72 does not interfere with the white light W incident on the projection lens 34.

  Similar to the first wavelength conversion member 20, the second wavelength conversion member 72 is configured to emit light having a wavelength different from that of the excitation light E when receiving the excitation light E emitted from the semiconductor laser element 36. The second wavelength conversion member 72 is configured to apply the same wavelength conversion action to the excitation light E as the first wavelength conversion member 20. For example, the second wavelength conversion member 72 is formed of the same material as the first wavelength conversion member 20. When the first wavelength conversion member 20 includes a phosphor that converts the wavelength of blue laser light into yellow light, the second wavelength conversion member 72 also includes a phosphor that converts the wavelength of blue laser light into yellow light.

  The light directed to the second wavelength conversion member 72 by the reflecting surface 25 can pass through the second wavelength conversion member 72. The white light W is transmitted through the second wavelength conversion member 72 or diffused by the second wavelength conversion member 72. When the excitation light E is incident on the second wavelength conversion member 72, it is converted into white light W or yellow light by the second wavelength conversion member 72.

  The light that has passed through the second wavelength conversion member 72 travels toward the reflector 74. The reflector 74 is disposed below the holder 32. The reflector 74 may be attached to the support member 26. The reflector 74 is provided as an optical member that directs light from the second wavelength conversion member 72 forward of the lamp. The light reflected by the reflector 74 is emitted forward of the lamp as effective illumination light, like the white light W emitted from the projection lens 34. Therefore, the luminous flux utilization factor is improved.

  When the first wavelength conversion member 20 is not present, the excitation light E travels straight from the laser light source 22 through the emission port toward the light shielding unit 24. Since the excitation light E is in the second angle range θ2, it is reflected by the reflecting surface 25. The excitation light E reflected by the reflecting surface 25 is converged on the second wavelength conversion member 72. Since the second wavelength conversion member 72 can perform the same wavelength conversion action on the excitation light E as the first wavelength conversion member 20, the incident excitation light E is converted into white light W or yellow light by the second wavelength conversion member 72. Then, the light is reflected by the reflector 74 and travels toward the front cover 14. Thus, despite the absence of the first wavelength conversion member 20, the white light W passes through the front cover 14 and is emitted out of the vehicle lamp 10. Irradiation of the excitation light E to the front of the lamp is prevented.

  Therefore, according to the vehicular lamp 10 according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to achieve both fail-safe and effective use of light flux.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view schematically showing a schematic structure of the vehicular lamp 10 according to the fifth embodiment. The second wavelength conversion member 72 is applicable not only to the direct-type vehicle lamp 10 as described above, but also to the reflection-type vehicle lamp 10 that does not have the projection lens 34.

  The laser light source 22 is installed on the support member 26 via the substrate 38 so that the straight light path 43 faces upward. The vehicular lamp 10 includes a first reflector 76 disposed opposite to the exit of the laser light source 22, that is, the first wavelength conversion member 20. The first reflector 76 is attached to the support member 26 and is held at an appropriate position with respect to the laser light source 22.

  The first reflector 76 includes a first reflecting surface 78 and a second reflecting surface 80. The laser light source 22 emits white light W from the first wavelength conversion member 20 to the first angle range θ1. The first reflecting surface 78 is formed to reflect the incident white light W in front of the lamp. However, the first reflecting surface 78 is arranged away from the straight light path 43. In other words, the first reflecting surface 78 does not exist immediately above the exit of the laser light source 22 and is formed so as to surround the straight light path 43. An outer portion of the white light W is directed toward the first reflecting surface 78. The white light W reflected by the first reflecting surface 78 travels toward the front cover 14, passes through the front cover 14, and is emitted outside the vehicle lamp 10.

  On the other hand, the second reflecting surface 80 is disposed immediately above the emission port of the laser light source 22 and is located on the emission optical axis of the laser light source 22. The second reflecting surface 80 is disposed so as to reflect the light traveling along the straight light path 43 and collect it on the second wavelength conversion member 72. The second reflecting surface 80 is formed so as to reflect the light emitted in the second angle range θ2. A central portion of the white light W is directed to the second reflecting surface 80.

  The 2nd wavelength conversion member 72 is comprised as a transparent member which sealed the fluorescent substance layer. Therefore, the light directed toward the second wavelength conversion member 72 by the second reflecting surface 80 can pass through the second wavelength conversion member 72. The white light W is transmitted through the second wavelength conversion member 72 or diffused by the second wavelength conversion member 72. When the excitation light E is incident on the second wavelength conversion member 72, it is converted into white light W or yellow light by the second wavelength conversion member 72. The second wavelength conversion member 72 is attached to the front end portion of the support member 26.

  The light transmitted through the second wavelength conversion member 72 travels to the second reflector 82. The second reflector 82 is disposed below the holder 32. The second reflector 82 may be attached to the support member 26. The second reflector 82 is provided as an optical member that directs the light from the second wavelength conversion member 72 forward of the lamp. The light reflected by the second reflector 82 is emitted to the front of the lamp as effective illumination light, similarly to the white light W reflected by the first reflecting surface 78. Therefore, the luminous flux utilization factor is improved.

  When the first wavelength conversion member 20 is not present, the excitation light E travels straight from the laser light source 22 through the emission port toward the first reflector 76. Since the excitation light E is in the second angle range θ2, it is reflected by the second reflecting surface 80. The excitation light E reflected by the second reflecting surface 80 is converged on the second wavelength conversion member 72. Since the second wavelength conversion member 72 can perform the same wavelength conversion action on the excitation light E as the first wavelength conversion member 20, the incident excitation light E is converted into white light W or yellow light by the second wavelength conversion member 72. Then, the light is reflected by the second reflector 82 and travels toward the front cover 14. Thus, despite the absence of the first wavelength conversion member 20, the white light W passes through the front cover 14 and is emitted out of the vehicle lamp 10. Irradiation of the excitation light E to the front of the lamp is prevented.

  Therefore, also in the vehicular lamp 10 according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to achieve both fail-safe and effective use of the luminous flux as in the fourth embodiment.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and it is possible to combine the embodiments and modifications, and to add various modifications such as various design changes based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Therefore, embodiments and modifications in which such combinations or further modifications are added are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle lamp, 20 1st wavelength conversion member, 22 Laser light source, 24 Light-shielding part, 25 Reflecting surface, 30 Sensor, 34 Projection lens, 36 Semiconductor laser element, 43 Straight light path, 56 Light reduction part, 60 Outlet, 66 Polarizing member, 72 second wavelength conversion member, E excitation light, O optical axis, W white light.

Claims (9)

A semiconductor laser element that emits excitation light, an emission port, and a first wavelength conversion member that is fixed to the emission port so as to fill the emission port and emits light having a first wavelength different from at least the excitation light when receiving the excitation light A laser light source that emits white light from the emission port to a first angle range;
It has a lens optical axis that matches or forms an angle with a straight light path that goes straight out of the laser light source from the semiconductor laser element through the emission port, so that at least part of the white light is directly incident from the emission port. An arranged projection lens;
A vehicular lamp comprising: a light-shielding portion arranged to shield or reflect light emitted from the exit port in a second angle range narrower than the first angle range and including the straight light path. . The lens optical axis coincides with the straight optical path,
The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light-shielding portion is disposed between the projection lens and the exit on the lens optical axis. A sensor that is disposed outside the laser light source and detects the excitation light;
3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding unit includes a reflective surface that reflects incident light toward the sensor or toward a section where the sensor is installed. 4. A second wavelength conversion member disposed outside the laser light source and emitting at least the light of the first wavelength when receiving the excitation light;
The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light-shielding portion includes a reflection surface that reflects incident light toward the second wavelength conversion member.   The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light shielding portion includes a reflecting surface that condenses incident light on the first wavelength conversion member.   The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light shielding unit includes a mask member that shields the excitation light or a polarizing member that can shield the excitation light.   2. A light-reducing part that reduces light emitted from the emission port in a second angle range that is narrower than the first angle range and includes the straight light path, instead of the light shielding part. The vehicle lamp as described in 2.   The lens optical axis forms an angle with the straight light path, and the projection lens is disposed out of the second angle range so that a part of the white light is directly incident from the emission port. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1. A semiconductor laser element that emits excitation light, an emission port, and a first wavelength conversion member that is fixed to the emission port so as to fill the emission port and emits light having a first wavelength different from at least the excitation light when receiving the excitation light A laser light source that emits white light from the exit port, and
A second wavelength conversion member disposed outside the laser light source and emitting at least the light of the first wavelength when receiving the excitation light;
A reflecting surface arranged to reflect light traveling along a straight light path that travels straight out from the laser light source through the emission port from the semiconductor laser element and directs the light toward the second wavelength conversion member. A vehicular lamp characterized by the above.

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