JP2021166137A - Lighting unit - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable the formation of a road surface drawing light distribution pattern without giving discomfort to a driver or the like in a lighting unit including a reflective spatial light modulator.SOLUTION: A lighting unit is configured such that light from a light source 52 and reflected at a spatial light modulator 30 is directed towards the front of a unit through a projection lens 72 and a light blocking member 32 which blocks part of reflected light from a reflection control part 30A is arranged on a unit front side of the spatial light modulator 30. At this point, an opening part 32a with an opening shape that is an inverted isosceles trapezoid is formed as the light blocking member 32, and the horizontal width of a light non-blocking region in which the reflected light from the reflection control part 30A is not blocked narrows downward from the top. Consequently, the outer shape of a maximum projection region where a road surface drawing light distribution pattern can be formed on a vehicle front road surface is changed from an inverted trapezoidal shape to be close to a rectangular shape in a top view and both side edges thereof extend in a direction substantially along the road shoulder or the center line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a lamp unit including a reflective spatial light modulator.

Conventionally, as an in-vehicle lamp unit, a lamp unit configured to irradiate light from a light source reflected by a spatial light modulator toward the front of the unit via a projection lens has been known.

According to "Patent Document 1", as a configuration of a spatial light modulator in such a lighting equipment unit, a first angular position for reflecting light from a light source toward a projection lens and reflection toward a direction away from the projection lens are provided. Described is provided with a reflection control unit in which a plurality of reflection elements configured so as to selectively take a second angular position to be caused are arranged.

The lamp unit described in "Patent Document 1" controls the spatial distribution of reflected light in a spatial light modulator to draw a light distribution pattern for road surface drawing (that is, drawing characters, symbols, etc.) on the road surface in front of the vehicle. It is possible to form a light distribution pattern).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-165130

Generally, in a spatial light modulator, the reflection control unit has a rectangular outer shape. Therefore, if the entire area of the reflection control unit is projected on the road surface in front of the vehicle, the maximum projection area is the outer shape. Has an inverted trapezoidal shape in which the width gradually widens toward a distance, and its both end edges extend in a direction intersecting the road shoulder and the center line.

Therefore, if the light distribution pattern for road surface drawing is formed in the maximum projection region having such an inverted trapezoidal outer shape, there is a possibility that the driver or the like may feel uncomfortable.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and forms a light distribution pattern for road surface drawing in a lamp unit provided with a reflective spatial light modulator without giving a sense of discomfort to a driver or the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a lamp unit that can be used.

The present invention is designed to achieve the above object by providing a predetermined light-shielding member.

That is, the lamp unit according to the present invention is
In a lamp unit configured to irradiate light from a light source reflected by a spatial light modulator toward the front of the unit through a projection lens.
The spatial light modulator selectively adopts a first angular position that reflects light from the light source toward the projection lens and a second angular position that reflects light from the projection lens in a direction away from the projection lens. It is provided with a reflection control unit in which a plurality of reflection elements configured to obtain the light are arranged.
A light-shielding member that blocks a part of the reflected light from the reflection control unit is arranged on the front side of the unit with respect to the reflection control unit.
The light-shielding member is characterized in that the left-right width of the non-light-shielding region that does not block the reflected light from the reflection control unit is narrower in the lower part than in the upper part.

The above-mentioned "lamp unit" may be configured so that the light emitted from the light source is directly incident on the spatial light modulator, or the spatial light modulator in a state where the emitted light from the light source is controlled by a reflector, a lens, or the like. It may be configured to be incident on.

The above-mentioned "spatial light modulator" is provided with a reflection control unit in which a plurality of reflecting elements configured so as to selectively adopt a first angular position and a second angular position are provided. The specific configuration is not particularly limited.

The above-mentioned "light-shielding member" is configured to block a part of the reflected light from the reflection control unit, and is formed so that the left-right width of the non-light-shielding region is narrower in the lower part than in the upper part. If so, the specific arrangement and configuration are not particularly limited.

The specific shape of the "non-light-shielding region" is not particularly limited as long as its left-right width is narrower in the lower part than in the upper part. For example, the left-right width is gradually narrowed. It may be formed so that the left and right widths are gradually narrowed, or it may be formed so that the left and right widths are evenly narrowed on the left and right sides. It may be formed so that the left and right widths are evenly narrowed.

Since the lamp unit according to the present invention is configured to irradiate the light from the light source reflected by the spatial light modulator toward the front of the unit via the projection lens, the space of the reflected light in the spatial light modulator. By controlling the distribution, various light distribution patterns can be formed with high accuracy.

On top of that, the spatial light modulator includes a reflection control unit in which a plurality of reflecting elements configured so as to selectively take a first angular position and a second angular position are arranged. Since a light-shielding member that blocks a part of the reflected light from the reflection control unit is arranged on the front side of the unit, even if all of the plurality of reflection elements are in the first angular position (that is, the reflection control unit). Even if the entire area of the vehicle can be projected onto the road surface in front of the vehicle), the maximum projected area actually projected on the road surface in front of the vehicle is shielded from the non-light-shielding area (that is, the reflected light from the reflection control unit is shielded by the light-shielding member. It is possible to set the outer shape corresponding to the outer shape of the area).

At that time, since the light-shielding member is formed so that the left-right width of the non-light-shielding area is narrower in the lower part than in the upper part, the outer shape of the maximum projection area can be made closer to a rectangular shape from an inverted trapezoidal shape in top view. As a result, both side edges of the maximum projection area can be extended in a direction substantially along the road shoulder or the center line.

Therefore, by forming the light distribution pattern for road surface drawing in the maximum projection region having an outer shape close to such a rectangular shape, it is possible to prevent the driver or the like from feeling uncomfortable.

As described above, according to the present invention, in the lamp unit provided with the reflective spatial light modulator, it is possible to form a light distribution pattern for road surface drawing without giving a sense of discomfort to the driver or the like.

In the above configuration, the spatial light modulator further includes a housing portion for accommodating the reflection control unit and a translucent plate supported by the housing portion in a state of being arranged on the front side of the unit with respect to the reflection control unit. If the light-shielding member is arranged on the front side of the unit with respect to the light-transmitting plate, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, when the reflected light from the reflection control unit passes through the light transmitting plate, surface reflection occurs in this light transmitting plate, so that there is little stray light other than the reflected light from the reflecting element at the first angle position. However, it is irradiated toward the front of the unit through the projection lens. Therefore, the road surface drawing light distribution pattern is formed on the road surface in front of the vehicle, and the peripheral region (that is, the region other than the road surface drawing light distribution pattern in the maximum projection region) is dimly illuminated.

However, even if the peripheral area is dimly illuminated in this way, the presence of the light-shielding member causes both side edges of the peripheral area to extend in a direction substantially along the road shoulder or the center line, which makes the driver feel uncomfortable. Can be prevented from giving.

In the above configuration, if the light-shielding member is further composed of a light-shielding plate having an opening having the shape of a non-light-shielding region, the front-rear width of the light-shielding member can be reduced, so that the reflection control unit It is possible to prevent the reflected light from the projection lens from being unnecessarily blocked.

In the above configuration, if the shape of the non-light-shielding region is further set to an isosceles trapezoidal shape, the outer shape of the maximum projection region can be made into a shape closer to a rectangular shape in the top view, and both side ends thereof. It is easy to make the edge along the shoulder or center line.

The lamp unit according to the present invention is not limited to the vehicle-mounted lamp unit, and can be used for, for example, a street lamp. However, when it is configured as an vehicle-mounted lamp unit, the lamp unit can be used. Since the incident angle of the irradiation light with respect to the road surface becomes large, it is particularly effective to adopt the configuration of the present invention.

Side sectional view showing a lamp for a vehicle provided with a lamp unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed view of the main part of FIG. Arrow view of line III-III in Fig. 2. Detailed view of the main part of FIG. Detailed view of the main part of FIG. (A) is a diagram transparently showing a light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the lamp unit, and (b) is a light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the lamp unit according to the comparative example of the above embodiment. Figure that shows perspective (A) is a view showing the light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the lamp unit from above, and (b) is the light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the lamp unit according to the comparative example. Figure shown from The same figure as FIG. 4 which shows the 1st and 2nd modification of the said Embodiment. The same figure as in FIG. 6A showing the operation of the first and second modifications. FIG. 4 is a diagram substantially similar to FIG. 4, showing third and fourth modified examples of the above embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a vehicle lamp 100 provided with a lamp unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a main part of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line III-III of FIG. Further, FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a main part of FIG.

In these figures, the direction indicated by X is the "front of the unit", the direction indicated by Y is the "left direction" orthogonal to the "front of the unit" (the "right direction" when viewed from the front of the unit), and the direction indicated by Z. Is "upward". The same applies to figures other than these.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle lamp 100 is a road surface drawing lamp provided at the front end of the vehicle, and the lamp unit 10 is placed in a lamp chamber formed by the lamp body 102 and the translucent cover 104. It is housed in a state where the optical axis is adjusted so that the front-rear direction (that is, the front-rear direction of the unit) coincides with the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

The lamp unit 10 includes a spatial light modulation unit 20, a light source side sub-assy 50, a lens-side sub-assy 70, and a bracket 40 that supports them.

The bracket 40 is a member made of metal (for example, made of aluminum die-cast), is arranged so as to extend along a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the unit, and has a shelf-like portion extending toward the front of the unit on the front surface thereof. 40d is formed.

The lamp unit 10 is supported by the lamp body 102 via a mounting structure (not shown) in the bracket 40, and is configured to be tilted in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction with respect to the lamp body 102.

The spatial light modulation unit 20 includes a spatial light modulator 30, a support substrate 22 arranged on the rear side of the unit with respect to the spatial light modulator 30, and a heat sink 24 arranged on the rear side of the unit with respect to the support substrate 22. It has. The support substrate 22 is formed so as to extend below the heat sink 24.

The lens-side sub-assy 70 includes a projection lens 72 having an optical axis Ax extending in the front-rear direction of the unit and a lens holder 74 that supports the projection lens 72, and is supported by a bracket 40 at the rear end of the lens holder 74. Has been done.

The light source side sub-assy 50 includes a light source 52 and a condensing lens 54 that deflects and controls the light emitted from the light source 52 toward the spatial light modulator 30.

The light source 52 and the condenser lens 54 are arranged below the optical axis Ax (specifically, at a position directly below the optical axis Ax).

The lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment reflects the light from the light source 52 that has reached the spatial light modulator 30 via the condenser lens 54 by the spatial light modulator 30 and moves forward to the unit via the projection lens 72. By irradiating the light toward the vehicle, a light distribution pattern for drawing characters, symbols, etc. on the road surface in front of the vehicle (that is, a light distribution pattern for drawing the road surface) can be formed.

The spatial light modulator 30 is controlled based on a video signal or the like from an in-vehicle camera (not shown).

Next, a specific configuration of the spatial light modulation unit 20 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the spatial light modulator 30 is a digital micromirror device (DMD) in which a plurality of reflecting elements (specifically, hundreds of thousands of micromirrors) 30As are arranged in a matrix. The reflected reflection control unit 30A, the housing unit 30B accommodating the reflection control unit 30A, and the light transmissive plate 30C supported by the housing unit 30B in a state of being arranged in front of the unit from the reflection control unit 30A. The light-transmitting plate 30C is provided with a seal portion 30D that seals the light-transmitting plate 30C to the housing portion 30B at its peripheral edge.

As shown in FIG. 4, the reflection control unit 30A is configured as a horizontally long rectangular region when viewed from the front of the unit. Further, the light transmitting plate 30C has a horizontally long rectangular outer shape that is slightly larger than the outer peripheral shape of the reflection control unit 30A.

As shown in FIG. 2, the spatial light modulator 30 is arranged so that the reflection control unit 30A is located on the vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 72. At that time, the central axis Ax1 of the reflection control unit 30A is a position displaced upward with respect to the optical axis Ax (specifically, a position where the lower end edge of the reflection control unit 30A is slightly above the optical axis Ax). ), The unit extends in the front-rear direction.

Then, the spatial light modulator 30 controls the angle of each reflecting surface of the plurality of reflecting elements 30As constituting the reflection control unit 30A, so that the light reflecting direction from the light source 52 reaching each reflecting element 30As is reflected. Is configured to be selectively switchable.

Specifically, the first angular position that reflects the light from the light source 52 in the direction of the optical path R1 toward the projection lens 72 (the direction shown by the solid line in the figure) and the direction deviating from the projection lens 72 (that is, the light distribution). A second angular position that reflects in the direction of the optical path R2 (the direction indicated by the two-point chain line in the figure) toward the direction that does not adversely affect the formation of the pattern is selected.

Since the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 72 is displaced downward with respect to the central axis Ax1 of the reflection control unit 30A of the spatial light modulator 30, the light that reaches the projection lens 72 from the reflection control unit 30A can be received. As shown in FIG. 1, the light is emitted from the projection lens 72 toward the front of the unit as light slightly downward in the horizontal direction, whereby the light distribution pattern for road surface drawing and the complementary light distribution pattern are efficiently applied to the road surface in front of the vehicle. It is designed to be able to form.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a main part of FIG. 2, showing a detailed structure of the reflection control unit 30A.

As shown in FIG. 5, each reflection element 30As constituting the reflection control unit 30A has a configuration capable of rotating around a horizontal axis extending in the left-right direction, and at the first angular position, the reflection control unit 30A The unit rotates downward by a predetermined angle (for example, about 12 °) with respect to the vertical plane orthogonal to the central axis Ax1, and the light from the light source 52 incident from diagonally below is regarded as slightly upward light (light of the optical path R1). While reflecting forward, at the second angular position, the light from the light source 52 is considerably upward (of the optical path R2) with respect to the rotation upward by a predetermined angle (for example, about 12 °) with respect to the vertical surface. Light) is reflected toward the front of the unit.

Switching between the first angular position and the second angular position controls energization of electrodes (not shown) arranged in the vicinity of a member (not shown) that rotatably supports each reflecting element 30As. It is supposed to be done by doing. Then, in the neutral state in which the energization is not performed, the reflecting elements 30As are configured so that their reflecting surfaces are arranged flush with each other along the vertical plane orthogonal to the central axis Ax1.

In FIG. 5, the reflecting element 30As located in the vicinity of the central axis Ax1 of the reflection control unit 30A is in the first angular position, and the reflecting element 30As located in the lower region thereof is in the second angular position. Indicates the state.

As shown in FIG. 2, the support substrate 22 is arranged so as to extend along a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the unit (that is, a vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax and the central axis Ax1), and is arranged on the front surface thereof. A conductive pattern (not shown) is formed. The support board 22 supports the peripheral edge of the housing portion 30B of the spatial light modulator 30 from the rear side of the unit via the socket 26, whereby the spatial light modulator 30 electrically supports the support board 22. It is designed to be connected.

The spatial light modulator 30 is supported by the bracket 40 and the heat sink 24 from both sides in the front-rear direction of the unit.

The heat sink 24 is arranged so as to extend along a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the unit, and a protrusion 24a projecting in a prismatic shape toward the front of the unit is formed on the front surface thereof, and the heat sink 24 is formed on the rear surface thereof. A plurality of heat radiating fins 24b extending toward the rear of the unit are formed. The heat sink 24 comes into contact with the central portion of the housing portion 30B of the spatial light modulator 30 on the tip surface of the protrusion 24a.

The bracket 40 is formed with a horizontally long rectangular opening 40a that surrounds the light transmissive plate 30C of the spatial light modulator 30. The opening 40a has an inner peripheral surface shape chamfered so as to expand toward the front of the unit over the entire circumference thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a light-shielding member 32 and a gasket 34 are arranged between the bracket 40 and the spatial light modulator 30.

The light-shielding member 32 is a member for blocking a part of the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A, and is configured as a light-shielding plate having an opening 32a centered on the central axis Ax1 of the reflection control unit 30A. ing.

Specifically, the light-shielding member 32 is made of an aluminum plate having a thickness thinner than that of the light-transmitting plate 30C of the spatial light modulator 30, and its surface is subjected to black alumite treatment. The light-shielding member 32 has an outer peripheral surface shape larger than that of the housing portion 30B of the spatial light modulator 30, and is slightly separated from the light-transmitting plate 30C toward the front side of the unit in a state of surface contact with the rear surface of the bracket 40. It is placed in the same position.

The opening 32a of the light-shielding member 32 is formed to have an opening shape smaller than the outer peripheral surface shape of the light-transmitting plate 30C so as to partially overlap the reflection control unit 30A in the front view of the unit.

Specifically, the opening 32a has an opening shape in which the isosceles trapezoid is turned upside down, and most of the region of the reflection control unit 30A is exposed when the unit is viewed from the front, and the wedge-shaped regions on both the left and right sides thereof are exposed. It is formed to shield. That is, the light-shielding member 32 has an upper left-right width of the non-light-shielding region that does not block the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A because the side edge 32a1 of the opening 32a is inclined downward toward the center. It is formed so as to be narrower at the lower part than the lower part.

The gasket 34 is made of silicone rubber and is interposed between the light-shielding member 32 and the housing portion 30B of the spatial light modulator 30.

The front surface of the gasket 34 is formed to be flat, and the gasket 34 is in surface contact with the light-shielding member 32. Further, the gasket 34 has an outer peripheral surface shape slightly smaller than the outer peripheral surface shape of the light shielding member 32, and has an inner peripheral surface shape slightly smaller than the outer peripheral surface shape of the seal portion 30D of the spatial light modulator 30. Have. Further, in the gasket 34, a portion located on the front side of the unit with respect to the housing portion 30B is formed as a thin-walled portion, and a portion surrounding the housing portion 30B is formed as a thick-walled portion.

Next, a specific configuration of the light source side sub-assy 50 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the light source 52 is composed of a light emitting diode that emits green light, and is supported by the light source side holder 60 via a support substrate 56. The light source side holder 60 is supported by the shelf-shaped portion 40d of the bracket 40.

The condenser lens 54 is a biconvex lens and is supported by the light source side holder 60 via the lens holder 58. At that time, the condenser lens 54 is arranged at a position where the light emitted from the light source 52 converges on the reflection control unit 30A of the spatial light modulator 30.

Next, a specific configuration of the lens-side sub-assy 70 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the projection lens 72 is composed of three first, second and third lenses 72A, 72B and 72C arranged side by side in the front-rear direction of the unit on the optical axis Ax.

The first lens 72A located most on the front side of the unit is configured as a plano-convex lens bulging toward the front of the unit, and the second lens 72B located in the center is configured as a biconcave lens, and is configured on the rearmost side of the unit. The third lens 72C located at is configured as a biconvex lens.

The first lens 72A is composed of a resin lens (specifically, an acrylic resin lens), and the second lens 72B is composed of a resin lens (specifically, a polycarbonate resin lens). The third lens 72C is made of a glass lens.

The first and second lenses 72A and 72B have a rectangular outer peripheral shape having substantially the same size when viewed from the front of the unit. The third lens 72C has a circular outer peripheral shape larger than the first and second lenses 72A and 72B when viewed from the front of the unit, and an outer peripheral flange portion 72Ca is formed on the outer peripheral edge portion thereof.

The first to third lenses 72A to 72C are supported by a common lens holder 74.

The lens holder 74 is a member made of metal (for example, made of aluminum die-cast), the front region 74A thereof is formed so as to extend in a square cylinder shape about the optical axis Ax, and the rear region 74B is light. It is formed so as to extend in a cylindrical shape with the axis Ax as the center. The lower end of the rear region 74B of the lens holder 74 is cut out.

The first metal fitting 76A is attached to the lens holder 74 from the front side of the unit, whereby the first and second lenses 72A and 72B are fixed to the lens holder 74. On the other hand, in the third lens 72C, a plurality of clips 76B are attached from the outer peripheral side of the third lens 72C in a state where the second metal fitting 76C is pressed against the outer peripheral flange portion 72Ca from the rear side of the unit, whereby the lens holder It is fixed at 74.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen arranged at a position 25 m in front of the vehicle by the irradiation light from the lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment.

The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 6A is a road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA, together with (or independently of) a low beam light distribution pattern PL formed by irradiation light from another lamp unit (not shown). It is supposed to be formed.

Before explaining the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing, the light distribution pattern PL for low beam will be described.

The low beam light distribution pattern PL is a left light distribution low beam light distribution pattern, and has cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 at the upper end edges thereof.

The cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 extend horizontally with a VV line that passes vertically through the HV, which is the vanishing point in the front direction of the lamp, in the left-right direction, and face each other on the right side of the VV line. The lane side portion is formed as the lower cut offline CL1, and the own lane side portion on the left side of the VV line is formed as the upper cut offline CL2 which is stepped up from the lower cut offline CL1 via the inclined portion. Has been done.

In the low beam light distribution pattern PL, the elbow point E, which is the intersection of the lower cut-off line CL1 and the VV line, is located about 0.5 to 0.6 ° below the HV.

The road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA is a light distribution pattern for drawing a road surface to call attention to the surroundings, and is formed as a light distribution pattern for drawing characters, symbols, and the like on the road surface in front of the vehicle. The road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA shown in FIG. 6A is formed as an arrow-shaped light distribution pattern facing the front direction of the vehicle.

The light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing includes a part of the plurality of reflecting elements 30As constituting the reflection control unit 30A of the spatial light modulator 30 (for example, the reflecting element 30As located in the region set in the arrow shape). It is formed by rotating it to a first angular position and directing the light from the light source 52 reflected by these reflecting elements 30As toward the projection lens 72. At that time, since the light source 52 is composed of a light emitting diode that emits green light, the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA is also formed as a green light distribution pattern.

By forming such an arrow-shaped light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing when the vehicle is running at night, for example, the surroundings are notified that the vehicle is approaching an intersection in front of the vehicle to call attention. It has become.

The trapezoidal region Z1 shown by being surrounded by a thin solid line in FIG. 6A is projected onto the road surface in front of the vehicle when the plurality of reflecting elements 30As constituting the reflection control unit 30A are all at the first angle position. It is the maximum projection region, and indicates the range in which various light distribution patterns PA for road surface drawing can be formed.

FIG. 7A is a view showing the light distribution pattern PA for drawing the road surface and the maximum projection area Z1 as viewed from above together with the own vehicle 2.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the maximum projection region Z1 is formed as a rectangular region in the top view, and both side edges thereof extend substantially parallel to the road shoulder and the center line.

In the maximum projection area Z1, the peripheral area surrounding the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA is slightly brighter than the areas other than the maximum projection area Z1. This is because when the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A passes through the light transmitting plate 30C, surface reflection occurs in the light transmitting plate 30C, so that the light is reflected from the reflecting element 30As at the first angular position. This is because stray light other than light is slightly emitted toward the front of the unit via the projection lens 72.

On the other hand, in FIGS. 6 (b) and 7 (b), as a comparative example of the above embodiment, the maximum projection area Z0 when the spatial light modulation unit 20 does not include the light-shielding member 32 is arranged for road surface drawing. It is the same figure as FIG. 6A and FIG. 7A shown together with the light pattern PA.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the maximum projection region Z0 is formed as an inverted trapezoidal region in the top view as a projection image of the entire reflection control unit 30A, and both side edges thereof are long distances from the short distance region. It extends so that it extends toward the area.

Therefore, in this maximum projection area Z0, the peripheral area surrounding the light distribution pattern PA for drawing the road surface is illuminated dimly in a state where it intersects the road shoulder and the center line, which causes a sense of discomfort to the driver or the like. Become.

On the other hand, the maximum projection area Z1 shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A has both side edges extending substantially parallel to the road shoulder and the center line, and thus is used for road surface drawing in the maximum projection area Z1. Even though the peripheral area surrounding the light distribution pattern PA is dimly illuminated, this does not give a sense of discomfort to the driver or the like.

In addition, in FIG. 6A and FIG. 7A, the maximum projection area Z0 is indicated by a two-dot chain line, and in FIGS. 6B and 7B, the maximum projection area Z1 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. Shown.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

Since the lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to irradiate the light from the light source 52 reflected by the spatial light modulator 30 toward the front of the unit via the projection lens 72, the spatial light modulator. By controlling the spatial distribution of the reflected light in No. 30, various light distribution patterns PA for road surface drawing can be formed with high accuracy.

On top of that, the spatial light modulator 30 includes a reflection control unit 30A in which a plurality of reflection elements 30As configured so as to selectively adopt a first angular position and a second angular position are arranged. Since a light-shielding member 32 that blocks a part of the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A is arranged on the front side of the unit, it is assumed that the plurality of reflection elements 30As are all at the first angle position. (That is, even if the entire region of the reflection control unit 30A can be projected onto the road surface in front of the vehicle), the maximum projection region Z1 actually projected on the road surface in front of the vehicle is set from the non-light-shielding region (that is, the reflection control unit 30A). The outer shape can be set to correspond to the outer shape of the region) where the reflected light of the above is not blocked by the light-shielding member 32.

At that time, since the light-shielding member 32 is formed so that the left-right width of the opening 40a as the non-light-shielding area is narrower in the lower part than in the upper part, the outer shape of the maximum projection area Z1 is changed from the inverted trapezoidal shape in the top view. It can be made closer to a rectangular shape, so that both side edges of the maximum projection area Z1 can be extended in a direction substantially along the road shoulder or the center line.

Therefore, by forming the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing in the maximum projection region Z1 having an outer shape close to such a rectangular shape, it is possible to prevent the driver or the like from feeling uncomfortable. can.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the lamp unit 10 provided with the reflective spatial light modulator 30, the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing can be formed without giving a sense of discomfort to the driver or the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, the spatial light modulator 30 is supported by the housing portion 30B accommodating the reflection control unit 30A and the housing portion 30B in a state of being arranged in front of the unit from the reflection control unit 30A. Since the light-transmitting plate 30C is provided and the light-shielding member 32 is arranged on the front side of the unit with respect to the light-transmitting plate 30C, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, when the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A passes through the light transmitting plate 30C, surface reflection occurs in the light transmitting plate 30C. Therefore, other than the reflected light from the reflecting element 30As at the first angle position. The stray light is slightly emitted toward the front of the unit through the projection lens 72. Therefore, the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA is formed on the road surface in front of the vehicle, and the peripheral area (that is, the area other than the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA in the maximum projection area Z1) is dimly illuminated. Become.

However, even if the peripheral region is dimly illuminated in this way, the presence of the light-shielding member 32 extends both side edges of the peripheral region in a direction substantially along the road shoulder or the center line, so that the driver or the like can use the light-shielding member 32. It is possible to prevent it from giving a sense of discomfort.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the light-shielding member 32 is composed of a light-shielding plate having an opening 32a having the shape of a non-light-shielding region, the front-rear width of the light-shielding member 32 can be reduced. As a result, the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A toward the projection lens 72 can be prevented from being unnecessarily blocked.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, since the shape of the non-light-shielding region is set to an isosceles trapezoidal shape, the outer shape of the maximum projection region Z1 can be made into a shape closer to a rectangular shape in the top view, and both side ends thereof. It is easy to make the edge along the shoulder or center line.

In the present embodiment, since the seal portion 30D of the spatial light modulator 30 is covered from the front side of the unit by the light shielding member 32, the projection lens 72 is transmitted at an angle at which sunlight or the like converges on the seal portion 30D. Even if this happens, the focused light can be shielded by the light-shielding member 32, whereby it is possible to prevent the seal portion 30D from being melted and damaged.

The lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment is configured as an in-vehicle lamp unit, and is formed when the incident angle of the irradiation light from the lamp unit 10 with respect to the road surface is large and the light shielding member 32 is not arranged. Since the outer shape of the maximum projection region Z0 to be formed becomes an inverted trapezoidal shape that deviates greatly from the rectangular shape in the top view, it is particularly effective to adopt the configuration of the present embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the light source 52 has been described as being composed of a light emitting diode that emits green light, but the light source 52 may be configured to have a light emitting color such as blue or white in addition to green. be.

In the above embodiment, the reflection control unit 30A of the spatial light modulator 30 has been described as being arranged so as to be located on a vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 72, but is orthogonal to the optical axis Ax. It is also possible to configure the structure so that it is tilted with respect to the vertical plane (for example, tilted forward).

In the above embodiment, it has been described that the central axis Ax1 of the spatial light modulator 30 is displaced upward with respect to the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 72, but the central axis Ax1 and the optical axis Ax coincide with each other. It is also possible to adopt the configuration that is used.

In the above embodiment, the light source side sub-assy 50 has been described as being composed of the light source 52 and the condenser lens 54 arranged at a position directly below the central axis Ax1, but other configurations are adopted. Is also possible. For example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which two sets of the light source 52 and the condenser lens 54 are arranged on the left and right sides of the position directly below the central axis Ax1, and a reflector is arranged instead of the condenser lens 54. It is also possible to adopt a different configuration.

In the above embodiment, as the configuration of the light source side sub-assy 50, the light source 52 and the condenser lens 54 are described as being arranged at a position directly below the central axis Ax1, but other configurations are adopted. At that time, the light source 52 and the condenser lens 54 may be arranged in two sets on the left and right sides so as to sandwich the position directly below the central axis Ax1.

In the above embodiment, it has been described that the shape of the non-light-shielding region is set to an isosceles trapezoidal shape, but it is judged that the discomfort due to the intersection with the shoulder or the center line occurs only in one of them. It is also possible that the shape of the non-light-shielding region is set to a trapezoidal shape in which only one of the left and right sides is inclined.

In the above embodiment, the lamp unit 10 has been described as being an in-vehicle lamp unit, but it is used for purposes other than in-vehicle use (for example, a street lamp lamp configured to draw from diagonally above the road surface). It can also be used for units, etc.).

Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

First, a first modification of the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8A is a diagram substantially similar to that of FIG. 4, showing the lamp unit 110 according to this modified example.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the basic configuration of this modification is the same as that of the above embodiment, but the configuration of the light shielding member 132 is partially different from that of the above embodiment.

That is, the light-shielding member 132 of this modification is also formed so that the left-right width of the non-light-shielding region that does not block the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A is narrower in the lower part than in the upper part, but the non-light-shielding region is formed. The shape of the opening 132a is partially different from that of the above embodiment.

Specifically, in this modification, both side edge 132a1 of the opening 132a extends in the vertical direction, and the lateral width thereof is formed in a stepped shape so as to be narrower in the lower half than in the upper half. There is.

FIG. 9A is a diagram perspectively showing the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA and the maximum projection area Z2 formed on the virtual vertical screen by the irradiation light from the lamp unit 110 according to the present modification.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the maximum projection region Z2 is formed in a shape in which the left-right width of the maximum projection region Z0 shown in FIG. 6B is narrowed in a stepwise manner in a long distance region.

This maximum projection area Z2 extends in the direction in which both side edges intersect the road shoulder and the center line, but does not intersect the road shoulder and the center line because its lateral width is narrowed in the long distance area. ..

Therefore, even though the peripheral region surrounding the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA is dimly illuminated in this maximum projection region Z1, it is possible to prevent the driver or the like from feeling uncomfortable.

Next, a second modification of the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8B is a diagram substantially similar to that of FIG. 4, showing the lamp unit 210 according to this modified example.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the basic configuration of this modification is the same as that of the above embodiment, but the configuration of the light shielding member 232 is partially different from that of the above embodiment.

That is, the light-shielding member 232 of this modification is also formed so that the left-right width of the non-light-shielding region that does not block the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A is narrower in the lower part than in the upper part, but the non-light-shielding region is formed. The shape of the opening 232a is partially different from that of the above embodiment.

Specifically, the opening 232a of the present modification has both side edge edges 232a1 inclined downward toward the center, and the lower end edge 232a2 thereof is formed in an arc shape. At that time, the lowermost end position of the lower end edge 232a2 is set to substantially the same position as the lower end edge of the reflection control unit 30A.

FIG. 9B is a diagram transparently showing the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA and the maximum projection area Z3 formed on the virtual vertical screen by the irradiation light from the lamp unit 210 according to the present modification.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the maximum projection area Z3 is formed in a shape in which a pair of left and right corners of the tip of the maximum projection area Z1 shown in FIG. 6A are cut into an arc shape. ing.

In this maximum projection region Z3, both side edges extend substantially parallel to the road shoulder and the center line, and the tip edge thereof is formed in an arc shape, so that the vehicle travel path is curved. Even so, it is possible to prevent the peripheral region surrounding the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA from being dimly illuminated while intersecting the road shoulder and the center line. As a result, it is possible to prevent the driver and the like from feeling uncomfortable not only when the vehicle is going straight but also when the vehicle is turning.

Next, a third modification of the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10A is a diagram substantially similar to that of FIG. 4, showing the lamp unit 310 according to this modified example.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the basic configuration of this modification is the same as that of the above embodiment, but the configuration of the light shielding member 334 is partially different from that of the above embodiment.

Specifically, the light-shielding member 334 of the present modification is formed so that the inner peripheral surface shape thereof is the same as the opening 32a of the light-shielding member 32 of the above-described embodiment in the configuration of the gasket 34 of the above-described embodiment. ing. The lamp unit 310 according to this modification does not have a member corresponding to the light-shielding member 32 of the above embodiment.

The light-shielding member 334 of this modification has a left-right width of a non-light-shielding region that does not block the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A because the side edge 334a1 of the opening 334a is inclined downward toward the center. Is formed so as to be narrower at the lower part than at the upper part.

Even when the configuration of this modification is adopted, substantially the same effect as in the case of the above embodiment can be obtained.

Further, by adopting the configuration of this modification, the number of parts can be reduced by the amount of the member corresponding to the light-shielding member 32 of the above embodiment.

Also in this modification, since the seal portion 30D of the spatial light modulator 30 is covered from the front side of the unit by the light shielding member 334, the projection lens 72 is transmitted at an angle at which sunlight or the like converges on the seal portion 30D. Even if this happens, the convergent light can be shielded by the light-shielding member 334, which can prevent the seal portion 30D from being melted and damaged.

In the third modification, the member corresponding to the gasket 34 of the above embodiment has been described as being configured as the light shielding member 334, but in addition to this, the opening of the opening 40a of the bracket 40 of the above embodiment has been described. By making the shape the same as the opening 32a of the light-shielding member 32 of the above embodiment, it is possible to have a function as a light-shielding member.

Next, a fourth modification of the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10B is a diagram substantially similar to that of FIG. 4, showing the lamp unit 410 according to this modified example.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the basic configuration of this modification is the same as that of the above embodiment, but the configuration of the light-shielding member is partially different from that of the above embodiment.

Specifically, the light-shielding member of this modification is composed of a pair of left and right light-shielding stickers 436 attached to the light-transmitting plate 30C of the spatial light modulator 30.

A pair of left and right light-shielding stickers 436 are attached to the light-transmitting plate 30C in a state where both the left and right sides of the reflection control unit 30A are shielded in a wedge shape when viewed from the front of the unit. That is, in the pair of left and right light-shielding stickers 436, the inner edge 436a is inclined downward toward the center, so that the left-right width of the non-light-shielding region that does not block the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A is larger than the upper part. Is also formed to be narrower at the bottom.

The lamp unit 410 according to this modification is configured to include a plate-shaped member 432 as a member corresponding to the light-shielding member 32 of the above embodiment, and the opening 432a of the plate-shaped member 432 is a gasket. It has a horizontally long rectangular opening shape that is slightly smaller than the inner peripheral surface of 34, and is formed so as to surround a pair of left and right light-shielding stickers 436. Therefore, this plate-shaped member 432 does not have a function of blocking the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A.

Even when the configuration of this modification is adopted, substantially the same effect as in the case of the above embodiment can be obtained.

Further, by adopting the configuration of this modification, a part of the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A can be shielded at a position closer to the reflection control unit 30A, whereby the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing is formed. The outer shape of the maximum projection region Z1 that can be formed can be made clear.

In the fourth modification, it has been described that the light-shielding member is composed of a pair of left-right light-shielding stickers 436, but in addition to this, a pair of left-right light-transmitting plates 30C of the spatial light modulator 30 is used. By applying a light-shielding film to an area substantially similar to the area to which the light-shielding sticker 436 is attached, it is possible to provide a function as a light-shielding member.

It should be noted that the numerical values shown as specifications in the above-described embodiment and its modified examples are only examples, and it goes without saying that these may be set to different values as appropriate.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiment and its modifications, and configurations to which various other modifications are added can be adopted.

2 Own vehicle 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 Lighting unit 20 Spatial light modulation unit 22 Support board 24 Heat sink 24a Protrusion part 24b Heat dissipation fin 26 Socket 30 Spatial light modulator 30A Reflection control unit 30As Reflector element 30B Housing part 30C Transparent Light plate 30D Seal part 32, 132, 232, 334 Light-shielding member 32a, 132a, 232a, 334a Opening (non-light-shielding area)
32a1, 132a1, 232a1, 334a1 Both sides edge 34 Gasket 40 Bracket 40a Opening 40d Shelf 50 Light source side sub-assie 52 Light source 54 Condensing lens 56 Support board 58 Lens holder 60 Light source side holder 70 Lens side sub-assie 72 Projection lens 72A 1st lens 72B 2nd lens 72C 3rd lens 72Ca Outer flange 74 Lens holder 74A Front area 74B Rear area 76A 1st metal fitting 76B Clip 76C 2nd metal fitting 100 Vehicle lighting equipment 102 Lamp body 104 Translucent cover 232a2 Lower edge 432 Plate-shaped member 432a Opening 436 Light-shielding seal (light-shielding member)
436a Inner edge Ax Optical axis Ax1 Center axis CL1 Lower cut offline CL2 Upper cut offline E Elbow point F Rear focus PA Light distribution pattern for road surface drawing PL Low beam light distribution pattern R1, R2 Optical path Z0, Z1, Z2, Z3 Maximum projection region

Claims (5)

In a lamp unit configured to irradiate light from a light source reflected by a spatial light modulator toward the front of the unit through a projection lens.
The spatial light modulator selectively adopts a first angular position that reflects light from the light source toward the projection lens and a second angular position that reflects light from the projection lens in a direction away from the projection lens. It is provided with a reflection control unit in which a plurality of reflection elements configured to obtain the light are arranged.
A light-shielding member that blocks a part of the reflected light from the reflection control unit is arranged on the front side of the unit with respect to the reflection control unit.
The light-shielding member is a lamp unit characterized in that the left-right width of a non-light-shielding region that does not block the reflected light from the reflection control unit is narrower in the lower part than in the upper part. The spatial light modulator includes a housing portion for accommodating the reflection control unit and a translucent plate supported by the housing portion in a state of being arranged on the front side of the unit with respect to the reflection control unit. ,
The lamp unit according to claim 1, wherein the light-shielding member is arranged on the front side of the unit with respect to the light-transmitting plate. The lamp unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light-shielding member is composed of a light-shielding plate having an opening having the shape of the non-light-shielding region. The lamp unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shape of the non-light-shielding region is set to an isosceles trapezoidal shape. The lamp unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lamp unit is configured as an in-vehicle lamp unit.

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