JP2023125885A - Lens, lamp unit and lamp for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a lens, a lamp unit and a lamp for a vehicle which can enhance a degree of freedom for forming a target light distribution.SOLUTION: A lens 2 comprises a first control face 210 and a second control face 220. The first control face 210 is divided into a plurality of first micro control faces 211. The plurality of first micro control faces 211 control light (incident light L3) by a reflection, the second control face 220 is divided into a plurality of second micro control faces 222, and the plurality of second micro control faces 222 control light (parallel reflection light L2) by taking into consideration a reflection of the light at the plurality of first micro control faces 211 (a reflection from the incident light L3 to emission light L4). As a result, the lens 2 in the present embodiment can irradiate a targeted light distribution point out of twenty pieces of light distribution points P1 to P20 of a target light distribution LD with the emission light L4 by the plurality of first micro control faces 211 and the plurality of second micro control faces 222.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to a lens as a light distribution control member (optical system member) of a vehicle lamp that controls light to form a desired light distribution. The present invention also relates to a lamp unit and a vehicular lamp equipped with the above-mentioned lens.

A lens as a light distribution control member (optical system member) of a vehicle lamp that controls light to form a desired light distribution, and a lamp unit and vehicle lamp equipped with this lens are disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. There is something to show. The lens of the vehicle lamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 will be described below.

The lens of the vehicle lamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of minute refractive surfaces on the entrance surface or the exit surface, and each of the plurality of minute refraction surfaces refracts light to form a plurality of light beams in a target light distribution pattern. A desired light distribution pattern is formed by irradiating a predetermined aiming point among the aiming points. The lens of the vehicle lamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 forms a desired light distribution pattern and provides a high brightness feeling (sparkling feeling).

JP2020-181671A

However, since the lens of the vehicle lamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with a plurality of minute refractive surfaces that refract light on either the entrance surface or the exit surface, there is a certain degree of freedom in refracting the light. There are limits. As a result, the lens of the vehicular lamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a certain degree of limitation in its degree of freedom in forming a desired light distribution pattern.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a lens, a lamp unit, and a vehicle lamp that can increase the degree of freedom in forming a desired light distribution.

The lens of the present invention is a lens used as a light distribution control member for a vehicle lamp, and includes a first control surface and a second control surface that control light to form a desired light distribution, and the first control surface is divided into a plurality of first minute control surfaces having a polygonal shape and a plane, and a plurality of minute connection surfaces, and the plurality of first minute control surfaces are arranged with a space between them. the light is controlled by refraction, the plurality of micro-connection surfaces are arranged between the plurality of first micro-control surfaces, and are connected to the plurality of first micro-control surfaces via edges, The second control surface is divided into a plurality of second micro control surfaces each having a polygonal shape and a plane, and the plurality of second micro control surfaces control the light on the plurality of first micro control surfaces. The present invention is characterized in that the light is controlled by refraction in consideration of refraction, and the emitted light is irradiated onto a targeted light distribution point among a plurality of light distribution points of the target light distribution.

The lens of the present invention has an entrance surface and an exit surface, the first control surface is provided on the exit surface, the second control surface is provided on the entrance surface, and the first control surface is provided on the entrance surface. Preferably, the area of the control surface and the area of one micro-connection surface are larger than the area of one second micro-control surface.

In the lens of the present invention, the plurality of first minute control surfaces and the plurality of minute connection surfaces are uneven with respect to the reference surface of the first control surface, and have a basic arrangement that is the basis of the desired light distribution. Preferably, the light is adjusted based on the difference in height between the unevenness of the plurality of first minute control surfaces and the plurality of minute connection surfaces.

In the lens of the present invention, each of the plurality of first minute control surfaces and the plurality of minute connection surfaces preferably has a triangular shape.

In the lens of the present invention, the plurality of first minute control surfaces and the plurality of minute connection surfaces are each formed based on minute dividing surfaces each having a regular hexagonal shape obtained by dividing the first control surface into a plurality of portions. The first micro-control surface is formed based on one of the equilateral triangles obtained by dividing the micro-division surface into six equal parts, and the micro-connecting surface is formed using an equilateral triangle obtained by dividing the micro-division surface into six equal parts. Preferably, it is formed based on the remaining five equilateral triangles.

In the lens of the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of first minute control surfaces are each distributed based on a low discrepancy amount sequence.

In the lens of the present invention, each of the plurality of first micro-control surfaces includes an angle at which the first micro-control surface is tilted, a direction in which the generating point, which is the center of the first micro-control surface, is shifted, an amount by which the generating point is shifted, and a first micro-control surface. It is preferable that at least one of the amounts by which the micro control surface is protruded is determined based on a low discrepancy amount sequence.

The lamp unit of the present invention is characterized by comprising an inner lens that is the lens of the present invention, a light source, and a parallel light irradiation member that irradiates the inner lens with light from the light source as parallel light.

The vehicular lamp of the present invention is characterized by comprising a lamp housing and an outer lens forming a lamp chamber, and a lamp unit of the present invention disposed within the lamp chamber.

The vehicle lamp of the present invention includes an outer lens that is the lens of the present invention, a lamp housing that forms a lamp chamber together with the outer lens, a light source, and a parallel light irradiation member that irradiates the outer lens with light from the light source as parallel light. It is characterized by comprising the following.

The lens, lamp unit, and vehicle lamp of the present invention can increase the degree of freedom in forming a desired light distribution.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of a lens, a lamp unit, and a vehicle lamp according to the present invention in a usage state. FIG. 2 is a front view of the lamp unit. FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view (horizontal cross-sectional view, taken along the line III--III in FIG. 2) showing the lamp unit. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of the lamp unit. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the main components and optical path of the lamp unit. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing light (light path) emitted from a lens (lens without prism) in which the first control surface and the second control surface are not provided. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing light (optical path) emitted from a lens (lens with surface prism) whose output surface (front surface, front surface, front surface) is provided with a first control surface. Figure 8 shows a lens (with front prism and back prism) in which the first control surface is provided on the exit surface (front surface, front surface, front surface) and the second control surface is provided on the entrance surface (back surface, back surface, rear surface). FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the light (optical path) emitted from the lens. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a light distribution table for measuring the characteristics of the target light distribution (light distribution of the daytime running lamp function) formed by the lens. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an isoluminance curve of light distribution (original light distribution LD0) irradiated from a lens without a first control surface and a second control surface (lens without prism). In Figure 11, a first control surface is provided on the exit surface (front surface, front surface, front surface), and the maximum height difference between the concave and convex portion of the first control surface is approximately 0.6 mm. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an isoluminance curve of a light distribution (basic light distribution LD1). In Figure 12, a first control surface is provided on the exit surface (front surface, front surface, front surface), and the maximum height difference between the concave and convex portions of the first control surface is approximately 1.0 mm. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an isoluminance curve of a light distribution (basic light distribution LD2). In Fig. 13, a first control surface is provided on the exit surface (front surface, front surface, front surface), and the maximum height difference between the concave and convex portions of the first control surface is approximately 2.0 mm. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an isoluminance curve of the light distribution (basic light distribution LD3). In Fig. 14, a first control surface with a maximum uneven height difference of about 1.0 mm is provided on the exit surface (front surface, front surface, front surface), and a second control surface is provided on the entrance surface (back surface, rear surface, rear surface). FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing isoluminance curves of light distribution (target light distribution LD, light distribution of daytime running lamp function) irradiated from a lens (lens with front surface prism and back surface prism). FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged front view showing the first control surface of the lens. FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the first control surface of the lens. FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the line XVII-XVII in FIG. 16) showing the first control surface of the lens. (A) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first control surface of the lens is divided into a plurality of micro-divided surfaces. (B) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which a plurality of micro-divided planes are aimed at a predetermined light distribution point and are tilted. (C) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which one of the plurality of micro-divided planes is divided into six equal parts and formed as the first micro-control plane. (D) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the remaining five of the plurality of micro-divided planes are divided into six equal parts and formed as micro-connecting planes. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the process of forming the first micro control surface and the micro connecting surface of the first control surface of the lens. (A) is an explanatory front view showing a divided microsurface formed by dividing the first control surface of the lens into a plurality of regular hexagonal sections before forming the first microcontrol surface and the microconnection surface. (B) is an explanatory front view showing a state in which the divided microsurfaces are tilted. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the process of forming the first minute control surface and minute connecting surface of the first control surface of the lens. (A) is an explanatory longitudinal cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 18(B)) showing a state in which the divided microsurface is tilted. (B) is an explanatory cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 18(B)) showing a state in which the divided microsurface is tilted. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the formation process of forming the first minute control surface and minute connecting surface of the first control surface of the lens. (A) is an explanatory front view showing the direction in which the generating point of the center of the divided microsurface is shifted. (B) is an explanatory front view showing the amount by which the generating point of the divided microsurface is shifted. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the formation process of forming the first minute control surface and minute connecting surface of the first control surface of the lens. (A) is an explanatory longitudinal cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG. 20(B)) showing the amount by which the divided microsurfaces are protruded. (B) is an explanatory cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF in FIG. 20(B)) showing the amount by which the divided microsurfaces are protruded. FIG. 22 is an explanatory front view showing a state in which the generating points of a plurality of divided micro-surfaces are shifted, respectively, in the process of forming the first micro-control surface and micro-connecting surface of the first control surface of the lens. FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a control surface shape determining device, a mold processing device, a mold, and a lens that implement the present invention.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, one example of an embodiment (Example) of a lens, a lamp unit, and a vehicle lamp according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. In this specification, front, rear, upper, lower, left, and right refer to the front, rear, upper, lower, left, and right when a vehicle is equipped with the lens, lamp unit, and vehicle lamp according to the present invention. . Note that since the drawings are schematic diagrams, main parts are shown, parts other than the main parts are not shown, and some hatching is omitted.

In FIGS. 9 to 14, the symbols "HL-HR" indicate left and right horizontal lines, and the symbols "VU-VD" indicate upper and lower vertical lines. Furthermore, in FIGS. 15 and 18 to 21, X, Y, and Z constitute orthogonal coordinates (XYZ orthogonal coordinate system). The X-axis is an axis in the up-down (vertical) direction, with the direction of the arrow pointing upwards and the direction opposite to the arrow pointing downwards. The Y-axis is an axis in the left-right (horizontal) direction, with the direction of the arrow being on the left and the direction opposite to the arrow being on the right. The Z-axis is an axis in the front-rear (horizontal) direction orthogonal to the X-axis and the Y-axis, with the direction of the arrow being the front, and the direction opposite to the arrow being the back.

(Description of configuration of embodiment)
The configurations of the lens, lamp unit, and vehicle lamp according to this embodiment will be described below. In the figure, numeral 1 is a vehicle lamp according to this embodiment, numeral 1U is a lamp unit according to this embodiment, and numeral 2 is a light distribution control member according to this embodiment. lens (in this example, the inner lens).

(Description of vehicle lamp 1)
The vehicle lamp 1 is a front combination lamp in this example. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle lamp 1 is installed on both left and right sides of the front portion of the vehicle 1C.

The vehicle lamp 1 includes a lamp housing 11, an outer lens (lamp lens) 12, a lamp unit 1U according to this embodiment, and other lamp units 10U. The lamp unit 1U according to this embodiment is a daytime running lamp unit. Other lamp units 10U include a headlamp unit, a fog lamp unit, and the like.

The lamp housing 11 is made of, for example, a light-opaque member (such as a resin member). The outer lens 12 is, for example, a transparent outer cover, and is made of a light-transmitting member (resin member, etc.).

A lamp chamber 10 is formed by the lamp housing 11 and the outer lens 12. In the lamp chamber 10, a lamp unit 1U according to this embodiment and other lamp units 10U are arranged. Note that, in addition to the lamp units 1U and 10U, for example, an inner lens, an inner housing, etc. may be arranged in the lamp chamber 10.

(Description of lamp unit 1U)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the lamp unit 1U includes a lens 2, a light source unit 3 as a light source, a reflector 4 as a parallel light irradiation member, and an inner housing 5. Inside the lamp unit 1U, a space (lamp chamber) 6 is formed by a lens 2, a light source unit 3, a reflector 4, and an inner housing 5.

The edges and inner surfaces of the lens 2, light source unit 3, reflector 4, and inner housing 5 are coated with black paint or black tape. Further, a black tape 60 is provided between the lens 2 and the reflector 4. Note that illustration of the black paint and the black color of the black tape 60 is omitted.

The inner housing 5 is made of, for example, a light-opaque member (such as a resin member). As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the inner housing 5 includes an upper inner housing 50, a lateral inner housing 51, and a lower inner housing 52. The inner housing 5 is attached to the lamp housing 11 via a mounting member (not shown). Thereby, the lamp unit 1U is arranged in the lamp chamber 10 of the vehicle lamp 1.

The inner housing 5 is provided with a front opening 53, a lateral opening 54, and a rear opening 55, respectively. The lens 2 is attached to the front opening 53. The light source unit 3 is attached to the lateral opening 54 via a bolt 56 and a nut 57. A reflector 4 is attached to the rear opening 55.

In this example, the optical axis of the lens 2 (hereinafter referred to as the "lens axis") Z2 and the optical axis of the light source unit 3 (hereinafter referred to as the "light source axis") Z3 are approximately 75 degrees at an acute angle (approximately 75 degrees at an obtuse angle). 105°). The lens axis Z2 is parallel to the longitudinal center line (number line) of the vehicle 1C.

The light source unit 3 includes a bracket 30 and a socket 31, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. In this example, the bracket 30 is made of a black member. The bracket 30 is attached to the lateral opening 54 via bolts 56 and nuts 57. A socket 31 is detachably attached to the bracket 30. Thereby, the light source unit 3 is detachably attached to the inner housing 5.

A light emitting element 33 is attached to the socket 31 via a substrate 32. Note that a light emission control circuit and the like are mounted on the substrate 32 together with the light emitting element 33. The socket 31 has a fin shape and has a heat sink function to release heat generated in the light emitting element 33 to the outside.

In this example, the light emitting element 33 includes one or more self-emissive semiconductor light emitting elements (semiconductor light emitting elements) such as LED, OEL, or OLED (organic EL). The light emitting element 33 has a light emitting surface. The light emitting surface of the light emitting element 33 faces the reflector 4. Light (light from the light source unit 3) L1 is emitted from the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 33 in a Lambertian pattern (radially). Note that the luminous flux of the light L1 from the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 33 is approximately 600 lumens (lm) in this example. The light source axis Z3 passes through the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 33 and is perpendicular to the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 33.

The reflector 4 is made of, for example, a light-opaque member (such as a resin member). As shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, a reflective surface 40 is provided on the inner surface of the reflector 4 (the surface facing the space 6 and the lens 2, and the surface facing the front side of the vehicle 1C). There is. The reflective surface 40 is divided into a plurality of reflective surfaces, in this example, a minute reflective surface (segment) 41 and a plurality of minute punched surfaces 42 . In this example, the reflective surface 40 is formed by metal (aluminum) vapor deposition.

The plurality of minute reflective surfaces 41 each reflect the light L1 from the light source unit 3 toward the lens 2 side as parallel reflected light L2. In this way, the reflector 4 is a parallel light irradiation member that irradiates the lens 2 with the light L1 from the light source as parallel light.

The parallel reflected light L2 is parallel to the lens axis Z2. Each of the plurality of minute reflective surfaces 41 is formed from a paraboloid of revolution having a focal point at the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 33. The rotation axis of the paraboloid of revolution passes through the focal point and is parallel to the lens axis Z2. Note that FIGS. 6 to 8 are illustrated with the distance between the lens 2 and the reflector 4 shortened.

(Explanation of lens 2)
The lens 2 is a light distribution control member of the vehicle lamp 1. In this example, the lens 2 is made of a light-transmitting member (such as a resin member). As shown in FIG. 8, the lens 2 controls the parallel reflected light L2 from the reflector 4 to form a target light distribution LD. In this example, the target light distribution LD is the light distribution of the daytime running lamp function shown in the explanatory diagram of the isoluminance curve in FIG. 14.

The lens 2 has an exit surface 21 and an entrance surface 22, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 8. The output surface 21 faces the outer lens 12 of the vehicle lamp 1. The entrance surface 22 faces the reflective surface 40 of the reflector 4 via the space 6 . The exit surface 21 and the entrance surface 22 are inclined with respect to the lens axis Z2. That is, the output surface 21 and the entrance surface 22 are inclined from the front side of the vehicle 1C to the rear side from the left and right center side to the left and right outer sides of the vehicle 1C.

Lens 2 includes a first control surface 210 and a second control surface 220. The first control surface 210 and the second control surface 220 control the parallel reflected light L2 to form a target light distribution LD. The first control surface 210 is provided on the output surface 21 . The second control surface 220 is provided on the entrance surface 22 .

(Description of first control surface 210)
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, 7, 8, and 15 to 17, the first control surface 210 has a polygonal shape, in this example, a triangular shape and a flat surface. It is divided into a minute control surface 211 and a plurality of minute connection surfaces 212.

Each of the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 is a triangle (FIGS. 15 and 15) formed with reference to one equilateral triangle out of six equilateral triangles obtained by dividing the regular hexagonal minute dividing surface 213 on a plane into six equal parts. It forms a plane of a triangle (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 16). The plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 are arranged at intervals, respectively, and control light by refraction.

That is, the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 control the incident light L3 shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 by refraction as the output light L4 shown in FIGS. 5 and 8. Further, the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 control the incident light L3B shown in FIG. 7 as the output light L4B shown in FIG. 7 by refraction.

On the other hand, each of the plurality of micro-connecting surfaces 212 is a triangle formed based on the remaining five equilateral triangles out of the equilateral triangles obtained by dividing the micro-division surface 213, which is a regular hexagon on a plane, into six equal parts (FIG. 15). and the white triangle in FIG. 16). Each of the plurality of micro-connection surfaces 212 is arranged between the plurality of first micro-control surfaces 211 and connected to the plurality of first micro-control surfaces 211 via triangular sides. Note that among the plurality of micro-connecting surfaces 212, there are also micro-connecting surfaces 212 in which the micro-connecting surfaces 212 are connected to each other via triangular sides.

The first minute control surface 211 is a prism surface for forming light distribution (target light distribution LD or basic light distribution LD1, LD2, LD3 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13). The minute connecting surface 212 is a prism surface for connecting prism surfaces with each other at the sides. The first minute control surfaces 211 are not adjacent to each other. Next to the first minute control surface 211 is a minute connection surface 212 .

As shown in FIG. 17(D), the adjacent first minute control surface 211 and the minute connection surface 212, and the adjacent minute connection surface 212 and the minute connection surface 212 are connected in a zigzag manner at the sides of the triangle. Therefore, the connecting sides of the triangle are made up of connecting sides of peaks and connecting sides of valleys, and are uneven with respect to the reference surface 214 of the first control surface 210. In this example, the maximum height difference TH of the unevenness ranges from about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm. Note that the maximum height difference TH of the unevenness may be outside the range of about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm, and is not particularly limited. Further, the sides of the triangle have width dimensions and draft angles that are sufficient to mold the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 and the plurality of minute connection surfaces 212 with a mold.

Each of the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 is provided based on a design. As a result, the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 each control the emitted light L4 (or emitted light L4B) to 20 out of the target light distribution LD (or basic light distribution LD1, LD2, LD3). Light distribution points P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, P10, P11, P12, P13, P14, P15, P16, P17, P18, P19, P20 (hereinafter simply referred to as "P1~ P20" (see the small black circle in FIG. 9), the target predetermined light distribution point is irradiated. Note that the symbols "P1 to P20" for the 20 light distribution points are only shown in FIG. 9 and not shown in FIGS. 10 to 14. The symbols "P1 to P20" of the 20 light distribution points attached to the small black circles in FIG. 9 correspond to the small black circles in FIGS. 10 to 14.

The 20 light distribution points P1 to P20 are 20 light intensity measurement points for measuring light distribution characteristics. The plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 are each allocated to 20 light distribution points P1 to P20 at a predetermined ratio. That is, the number of first minute control surfaces 211 that irradiate the emitted light L4 to a predetermined light distribution point is allocated at a predetermined ratio. This predetermined ratio is a ratio based on the minimum luminous intensity ratio required at the 20 light distribution points P1 to P20.

On the other hand, the plurality of minute connecting surfaces 212 are provided as needed. As a result, the plurality of minute connecting surfaces 212 irradiate the emitted light L4 (or emitted light L4B) onto the target light distribution LD (or basic light distribution LD1, LD2, LD3) as it is.

(Description of second control surface 220)
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 8, the second control surface 220 is divided into a plurality of second minute control surfaces 222 each having a polygonal shape and forming a plane. The plurality of second minute control surfaces 222 are each provided based on the design. As a result, each of the plurality of second minute control surfaces 222 takes into account the refraction of light at the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211, controls the light by refraction, and adjusts the output light L4 to the desired light distribution. A targeted light distribution point P1 to P20 of the 20 light distribution points P1 to P20 of the LD is irradiated.

That is, each of the plurality of second minute control surfaces 222 takes into consideration the refraction from the incident light L3 to the output light L4 at the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211, and refracts the parallel reflected light L2. It is controlled as light L3. As a result, the plurality of second micro-control surfaces 222, together with the plurality of first micro-control surfaces 211, direct the emitted light L4 to a target light distribution point among the 20 light distribution points P1 to P20 of the target light distribution LD. Irradiate points P1 to P20.

Like the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211, the plurality of second minute control surfaces 222 are respectively allocated to the twenty light distribution points P1 to P20 at a predetermined ratio. That is, the number of second minute control surfaces 222 that advance the incident light L3 to a predetermined first minute control surface 211 is allocated at a predetermined ratio. This predetermined ratio is a ratio based on the minimum luminous intensity ratio required at the 20 light distribution points P1 to P20.

Thereby, the plurality of first micro-control surfaces 211, the plurality of micro-connecting surfaces 212, and the plurality of second micro-control surfaces 222 form the intended light distribution LD. Here, the area of one first minute control surface 211 and the area of one minute connecting surface 212 are larger than the area of one second minute control surface 222.

(Explanation of the design process of lenses 2A, 2B, 2)
The design process of lenses 2A, 2B, and 2 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 and 10 to 14. Note that the designs of the light source unit 3, reflector 4, and inner housing 5 have been completed.

In the first design step, the inclination of the lens 2A (the inclination of the entrance surface 22A and the exit surface 21A with respect to the lens axis Z2) is designed. As shown in FIG. 6, the lens 2A in the first design process is a transparent lens in which the exit surface 21A is not provided with the first control surface 210 and the entrance surface 22A is not provided with the second control surface 220. It is a lens (lens without prism).

The lens 2A in the first design process refracts the parallel reflected light L2 from the reflective surface 40 of the reflector 4 from the incident surface 22A and makes it incident as incident light L3A, and refracts the incident light L3A from the exit surface 21A and outputs it. The light is emitted as incident light L4A to form the original light distribution LD0 in FIG. In this way, the lens 2A in the first design step controls the light distribution (not shown) formed based on the design of the reflective surface 40 of the reflector 4 to form the original light distribution LD0.

The original light distribution LD0 suppresses the diffusion of light as much as possible with respect to the light distribution from the reflector 4, and distributes the light from the center (left (L) about 5 degrees to right (R) about 2 degrees, and above ( It is controlled to concentrate (converge, converge) in the range from U) about 5 degrees to below (D) about 3 degrees. Further, the main optical axis of the original light distribution LD0 (radiation direction of the emitted light L4A to the highest light distribution point) is adjusted based on the inclination of the lens 2A.

In the second design step, the first control surface 210 of the exit surface 21B of the lens 2B is designed. As shown in FIG. 7, the lens 2B in the second design process is a lens ( A lens with a surface prism).

The lens 2B in the second design process refracts the parallel reflected light L2 from the incident surface 22B and makes it incident as the incident light L3B, refracts the incident light L3B from the exit surface 21B and makes it exit as the output light L4B. 11 to 13 to form basic light distributions LD1, LD2, and LD3. In this way, the lens 2B in the second design process controls the original light distribution LD0 using the first control surface 210 of the exit surface 21B to form the basic light distributions LD1, LD2, and LD3.

The basic light distributions LD1, LD2, and LD3 are created by diffusing the original light distribution LD0 based on the maximum height difference TH between the concaves and convexities of the first control surface 210 to obtain the shape of the target light distribution LD shown in FIG. It is controlled to match the shape of the light distribution points P1 to P20.

In the basic light distributions LD1, LD2, and LD3, when the maximum height difference TH between the concave and convex portions of the first control surface 210 is small (for example, about 0.6 mm), the light is emitted as shown in the basic light distribution LD1 in FIG. If the maximum height difference TH between the unevenness of the first control surface 210 is large (for example, about 2.0 mm), the light will tend to concentrate (focus, converge), as shown in the basic light distribution LD3 in FIG. tends to spread. In this example, the basic light distribution LD2 shown in FIG. 12 is used with the maximum height difference TH between the concave and convex portions being approximately 1.0 mm.

Further, the main optical axes of the basic light distributions LD1, LD2, and LD3 (radiation direction of the emitted light L4B to the highest light distribution point) are adjusted based on the inclination of the lens 2B.

In the third design step, the second control surface 220 of the entrance surface 22 of the lens 2, for which the design of the first control surface 210 of the exit surface 21 has been completed, is designed. In the lens 2 in the third design process, as shown in FIG. 8, the exit surface 21 is provided with a first control surface 210 that forms the basic light distribution LD2 of FIG. This is a lens (a lens with a front surface prism and a back surface prism) provided with a surface 220.

The lens 2 in the third design process refracts the parallel reflected light L2 from the incident surface 22 and makes it enter as the incident light L3, refracts the incident light L3 from the exit surface 21 and makes it exit as the output light L4. 14 objective light distribution LDs are formed. In this way, the lens 2 in the third design process controls the basic light distribution LD2 using the first control surface 210 of the exit surface 21 and the second control surface 220 of the entrance surface 22 to form the desired light distribution LD. do.

The target light distribution LD is such that the emitted light L4 controlled based on the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 of the first control surface 210 and the plurality of second minute control surfaces 222 of the second control surface 220 is The light distribution is controlled from the basic light distribution LD2 by irradiating targeted light distribution points P1 to P20 among the 20 light distribution points P1 to P20 of the light distribution.

Here, if the emitted light L4 does not irradiate the targeted light distribution points P1 to P20, the second control surface 220 is designed again. The design of the second control surface 220 is repeated until the emitted light L4 is irradiated onto the targeted light distribution points P1 to P20.

(Description of target light distribution LD)
The target light distribution LD is the light distribution of the daytime running lamp function shown in FIG. The light distribution table shown in FIG. 14, like the light distribution table shown in FIG. 9, has 20 light distribution points (light intensity measurement points) P1 to P20 as described below.

P1 is a point 10° above (U) and 5° to the left (L).
P2 is a point at 10 degrees above (U) and 0 degrees left and right (HL-HR).
P3 is a point 10° above (U) and 5° to the right (R).
P4 is a point 5° above (U) and 20° to the left (L).
P5 is a point 5° above (U) and 10° to the left (L).
P6 is a point at 5 degrees above (U) and 0 degrees left and right (HL-HR).
P7 is a point 5° above (U) and 10° to the right (R).
P8 is a point 5° above (U) and 20° to the right (R).
P9 is the point at 0° up and down (VU-VD) and 20° left (L).
P10 is the point at 0° up and down (VU-VD) and 10° left (L).
P11 is the point at 0° up and down (VU-VD) and 5° left (L).
P12 is the point of 0° vertically (VU-VD) and 0° horizontally (HL-HR).
P13 is a point at 0° up and down (VU-VD) and 5° to the right (R).
P14 is a point at 0° up and down (VU-VD) and 10° to the right (R).
P15 is a point at 0° up and down (VU-VD) and 20° to the right (R).
P16 is a point 5° below (D) and 20° to the left (L).
P17 is a point 5 degrees below (D) and 10 degrees to the left (L).
P18 is the point at 5° down (D) and 0° left and right (HL-HR).
P19 is a point 5 degrees below (D) and 10 degrees to the right (R).
P20 is a point 5° below (D) and 20° to the right (R).

Further, the ratio (%) of the minimum luminous intensity of each of the light distribution points P1 to P20 when the minimum luminous intensity of the light distribution point P12 is 100% is as follows. Note that the minimum luminous intensity ratio (%) below is a value based on Japanese and European regulations. Therefore, in the United States, the minimum luminous intensity percentage values below will be different.
P1 is 20%.
P2 is 20%.
P3 is 20%.
P4 is 10%.
P5 is 20%.
P6 is 70%.
P7 is 20%.
P8 is 10%.
P9 is 25%.
P10 is 70%.
P11 is 90%.
P12 is 100%.
P13 is 90%.
P14 is 70%.
P15 is 25%.
P16 is 10%.
P17 is 20%.
P18 is 70%.
P19 is 20%.
P20 is 10%.

Furthermore, the minimum luminous intensity of each light distribution point P1 to P20 in the light distribution of the daytime running lamp function is as follows. The unit is candela (cd). The minimum luminous intensity below is based on Japanese and European regulations. Therefore, in the United States, the minimum luminous intensity values below will be different.
P1 is 80 cd.
P2 is 80cd.
P3 is 80cd.
P4 is 40cd.
P5 is 80 cd.
P6 is 280cd.
P7 is 80cd.
P8 is 40cd.
P9 is 100cd.
P10 is 280 cd.
P11 is 360 cd.
P12 is 400 cd.
P13 is 360 cd.
P14 is 280cd.
P15 is 100 cd.
P16 is 40 cd.
P17 is 80 cd.
P18 is 280 cd.
P19 is 80 cd.
P20 is 40cd.

The luminous intensity of each light distribution point P1 to P20 in the target light distribution LD of FIG. 14 formed by the lamp unit 1U equipped with the lens 2 is as follows. The unit is candela (cd).
P1 is 147.375 cd.
P2 is 212.435 cd.
P3 is 136.875 cd.
P4 is 85.597 cd.
P5 is 258.200 cd.
P6 is 436.627 cd.
P7 is 268.616 cd.
P8 is 148.760 cd.
P9 is 155.221 cd.
P10 is 389.172 cd.
P11 is 523.709 cd.
P12 is 593.373 cd.
P13 is 560.346 cd.
P14 is 365.322 cd.
P15 is 174.811 cd.
P16 is 87.330 cd.
P17 is 199.847 cd.
P18 is 353.456 cd.
P19 is 282.036 cd.
P20 is 115.467 cd.

In this way, the lamp unit 1U equipped with the lens 2 can sufficiently satisfy the minimum luminous intensity of each of the light distribution points P1 to P20 in the light distribution of the daytime running lamp function based on Japanese and European regulations. As a result, the lamp unit 1U equipped with the lens 2 can form the light distribution of the daytime running lamp function based on the regulations in Japan and Europe.

A plurality of (in this example, N pieces. Note that the number is not limited to N pieces) first minute control surfaces 211 in the lens 2 of the lamp unit 1U are arranged at the 20 light distribution points P1 to P20. Based on the ratio of the minimum luminous intensity in , each number is allocated as follows.
P1 is 20/790 (the sum of the minimum luminous intensity ratios at the 20 light distribution points P1 to P20, the same applies hereinafter)×N.
P2 is 20/790×N pieces.
P3 is 20/790×N pieces.
P4 is 10/790 x N pieces.
P5 is 20/790×N pieces.
P6 is 70/790×N pieces.
P7 is 20/790×N pieces.
P8 is 10/790 x N pieces.
P9 is 25/790×N pieces.
P10 is 70/790×N pieces.
P11 is 90/790×N pieces.
P12 is 100/790×N pieces.
P13 is 90/790×N pieces.
P14 is 70/790×N pieces.
P15 is 25/790×N pieces.
P16 is 10/790×N pieces.
P17 is 20/790×N pieces.
P18 is 70/790×N pieces.
P19 is 20/790×N pieces.
P20 is 10/790×N pieces.

(Description of formation of first minute control surface 211, minute connection surface 212, and second minute control surface 222)
The plurality of first minute control surfaces 211, the plurality of minute connection surfaces 212, and the plurality of second minute control surfaces 222 each have a low discrepancy sequence (super uniform distribution sequence, low discrepancy sequence, quasi-random number sequence). ) is distributed based on As a result, the output light L4 is irradiated to the light distribution point allocated among the 20 light distribution points P1 to P20, eliminating overlap and bias in the light distribution point targeted by the output light L4, and achieving the target light distribution LD. is formed.

Here, a low-discrepancy sequence is a method that uses a uniformly distributed sequence instead of random numbers in contrast to the Monte Carlo method, which is a method that uses random numbers for simulations and numerical calculations. Refers to a method of performing simulations and numerical calculations (also called quasi-Monte Carlo method or quasi-random number). Such calculations and simulations based on the low difference sequence are performed using the control surface shape determination device 100 configured by a computer. Specifically, the control surface shape determination device 100 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 23.

Then, based on the three-dimensional data created by the control surface shape determination device 100, a mold 160 is manufactured using a mold processing device 150 as shown in FIG. Using such a mold 160, the lens 2 as the light control member of this embodiment is formed, for example, by injection molding.

The control surface shape determining device 100 will be described below based on FIG. 23. The control surface shape determining device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, a memory 120 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a non-volatile memory. It is preferable to include a processing unit (Processing Unit) 130. The control surface shape determination device 100 also includes a data output unit 140 for transmitting and receiving data from external equipment and outputting formed reflective surface shape data.

This control surface shape determining device 100 calculates the first control surface 210 of the lens 2 serving as a reference and A plurality of first minute control surfaces 211, Microsurface shape data is formed from the microsurface shape data of the plurality of microconnecting surfaces 212 and the plurality of second microcontrol surfaces 222.

The microsurface shape data created at this time is determined by calculation based on a low difference sequence. The created microsurface shape data is then output from the data output unit 140 to an external device. This data output section 140 may be a connection section that connects to a portable memory, or may be a communication section that performs wired or wireless communication.

Further, the external device may be a portable memory, and the microsurface shape data stored in such a memory may be read into the control unit of the mold processing device 150. Further, when the above-mentioned external device is the mold processing device 150, the control section of the mold processing device 150 directly receives the microsurface shape data from the data output section 140, and uses the microsurface shape data. Based on this, the mold processing device 150 processes the mold. Then, the lens 2 having the first control surface 210 and the second control surface 220 as in this embodiment is formed by, for example, injection molding using the mold 160 created by the mold processing device 150.

The details of the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 will be described below, but the first control surface 210 having the first minute control surface 211 and the minute connecting surface 212 and the second minute control surface are formed by injection molding in the mold 160. When the second control surface 220 having the surface 222 is actually created, excluding manufacturing errors, the actual first control surface 210, the first micro control surface 211, the micro connection surface 212, and the actual second The control surface 220 and the second minute control surface 222 generally correspond to, for example, three-dimensional shape data and minute surface shape data. Therefore, in the following explanation, the actual first control surface 210 can be regarded as corresponding to the shape data, and the actual first minute control surface 211 can be regarded as corresponding to the minute surface shape data. can be considered.

The plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 (corresponding to minute surface shape data; the same applies hereinafter) and minute connection surfaces 212 each have a triangular shape and form a plane. Hereinafter, the formation of the first minute control surface 211 and the minute connection surface 212 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 15 to 22.

The plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 each have an angle θX, θY for tilting the minute division surface 213, which has a regular hexagonal shape on a plane, a direction X1 for shifting the generating point C, which is the center of the minute division surface 213, and a minute division. The amount TX for shifting the generating point C of the surface 213 and the amount TZ for protruding the minute division surface 213 are determined based on the low discrepancy amount sequence. Note that the minute dividing surface 213 does not necessarily have to have a regular hexagonal shape on a plane as in this example. For example, it may be a regular triangular shape, a regular pentagonal shape, a regular heptagonal shape or more, or a simple polygonal shape on a plane. Further, the parameters determined based on the low discrepancy amount sequence may not include all of the tilt angles θX and θY, the direction X1 for shifting the generating point C, the amount TX for shifting the generating point C, and the protruding amount TZ. That is, at least one parameter among these four parameters may be determined based on the low discrepancy amount sequence.

First, as shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 17(A), FIG. 18, FIG. 20, and FIG. It is divided into (N in the following example) minute division planes 213. Next, as shown in FIG. 17(B), each of the plurality of minute dividing surfaces 213 is aimed at a predetermined light distribution point among the 20 light distribution points P1 to P20 in the light distribution. (take aim), tilt.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 18(B) and 19(A), the optical axis Z1 of the micro-divided surface 213 before being tilted is centered on the origin on the XZ plane (FIG. 19(A)). ) is tilted downward at an angle θX with respect to the optical axis Z (Z-axis) of the minute dividing surface 213 ) shown by the two-dot chain line in ). In addition, as shown in FIGS. 18(B) and 19(B), the optical axis Z1 of the micro-divided surface 213 before being tilted is centered on the origin on the YZ plane (FIG. 19(B)). ) is tilted to the right at an angle θY with respect to the optical axis Z (Z-axis) of the minute dividing surface 213) shown by the two-dot chain line in ). The ratio of the number of the plurality of micro-divided surfaces 213 aimed at and tilted at the 20 light distribution points P1 to P20 is as described above.

Then, as shown in FIG. 20(A), the direction X1 in which the generating point C of the micro-divided plane 213 is shifted is set at an angle θ to the right (clockwise) with respect to the X axis with the origin as the center on the XY plane. Shift and decide. Further, as shown in FIG. 20(B), the generating point C of the minute division plane 213 is shifted by an amount (distance) TX from the origin in the shifting direction X1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 22, the generating points of the plurality of micro-divided surfaces 213 are each shifted from the generating point C of the micro-divided surfaces 213 before shifting to the generating point C1 of the micro-divided surfaces 213 after shifting. .

Subsequently, the minute dividing surface 213 shown by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. On the optical axis Z1 of the subsequent minute dividing surface 213, it protrudes by an amount (distance) TZ from the origin. As a result, as shown by the solid line in FIGS. 21(A) and 21(B), the minute dividing surface 213 protrudes backward.

As described above, it is tilted at predetermined angles θX and θY with respect to the reference plane 214, and the generating point C is shifted by a predetermined amount TX in the predetermined direction X1, and furthermore, it is extended by a predetermined amount TZ. A first minute control surface 211 is formed in each of the plurality of minute division planes 213 (see FIG. 17(B) and FIG. 22) that have been separated (see FIG. 17(C)). In this example, the reference plane 214 consists of the exit surface 21 of the lens 2.

Each of the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 is formed in a triangular shape with one equilateral triangle as a reference among equilateral triangles obtained by dividing the minute dividing surface 213, which has a regular hexagonal shape on a plane, into six equal parts. The plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 are arranged with a space between them.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17(D), the first control surface 210 is formed with a plurality of first micro-control surfaces 211 and a plurality of micro-connecting surfaces 212. Each of the plurality of micro connecting surfaces 212 is formed into a triangular shape based on five equilateral triangles out of six equilateral triangles obtained by dividing the micro dividing surface 213 having a regular hexagonal shape on a plane into six equal parts. Further, each of the plurality of micro-connecting surfaces 212 is arranged between the plurality of first micro-control surfaces 211 and connected to the plurality of first micro-control surfaces 211 via triangular sides. or connected at points through the vertices of a triangle. Thereby, each of the plurality of micro-connection surfaces 212 connects the plurality of first micro-control surfaces 211 to each other.

Each of the plurality of micro-connecting surfaces 212 is formed as a surface that follows the reference surface 214, a surface that is a result of the reference surface 214, a ready-made surface of the reference surface 214, or a surface that follows the reference surface 214. .

As described above, a plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 and a plurality of minute connection surfaces 212 (microsurface shape data) are formed, and these plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 and a plurality of minute connection surfaces 212 (microsurface shape data) are formed. A first control surface 210 (shape data) having 212 (microsurface shape data) is formed.

Note that when the mold 160 is processed by the mold processing device 150 based on shape data having a plurality of micro-surface shape data as described above, a plurality of first micro-control surfaces 211 and a plurality of micro-surfaces as an actual object are processed. A lens 2 is formed having a first control surface 210 having a micro-connecting surface 212.

Further, the plurality of second minute control surfaces 222 (corresponding to the minute surface shape data) each have a polygonal shape and a flat surface, and are formed in the same manner as the first minute control surface 211 and the minute connection surface 212 described above. , is formed. A description of the formation of the plurality of second minute control surfaces 222 will be omitted.

(Description of action of embodiment)
The lens 2, lamp unit 1U, and vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment have the above-mentioned configurations, and their functions will be described below.

Power (current) is supplied to the light emitting element 33 of the light source unit 3 to cause the light emitting element 33 to emit light. Then, the light L1 emitted from the light emitting element 33 is reflected by the reflective surface 40 of the reflector 4 as parallel reflected light L2. The parallel reflected light L2 enters as incident light L3 from the plurality of second minute control surfaces 222 of the second control surface 220 of the entrance surface 22 of the lens 2. The incident light L3 exits from the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 of the first control surface 210 of the exit surface 21 of the lens 2 as output light L4.

The emitted light L4 is controlled by the plurality of second micro-control surfaces 222 and the plurality of first micro-control surfaces 211, and is selected from among the 20 light distribution points P1 to P20 in the target light distribution LD. Irradiates the target light distribution point. Further, the emitted light L4 emitted from the plurality of minute connecting surfaces 212 of the first control surface 210 of the emitting surface 21 of the lens 2 is emitted to the target light distribution LD.

As a result, the emitted light L4 is emitted from the lens 2, lamp unit 1U, and vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment to the rear of the vehicle 1C, and the target light distribution LD, that is, the light distribution of the daytime running lamp function, is It is formed.

(Explanation of effects of embodiment)
The lens 2, lamp unit 1U, and vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment have the above-described configurations and functions, and the effects thereof will be described below.

The lens 2 according to this embodiment includes a first control surface 210 and a second control surface 220, the first control surface 210 is divided into a plurality of first minute control surfaces 211, and a plurality of first control surfaces 211. The micro control surface 211 controls light (incident light L3) by refraction, the second control surface 220 is divided into a plurality of second micro control surfaces 222, and the plurality of second micro control surfaces 222 are divided into a plurality of second micro control surfaces 222. The light (parallel reflected light L2) is controlled by refraction in consideration of the refraction of light (refraction from the incident light L3 to the output light L4) at the first minute control surface 211. As a result, the lens 2 according to this embodiment uses the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 and the plurality of second minute control surfaces 222 to direct the emitted light L4 to the 20 light distribution points of the target light distribution LD. It is possible to irradiate a targeted light distribution point among P1 to P20. As a result, the lens 2 according to this embodiment can form a desired light distribution LD, and moreover, a plurality of minute refractive surfaces that control the desired light distribution pattern are provided on either the entrance surface or the exit surface. Compared to the lens of the vehicle lamp of Patent Document 1, which is provided, the degree of freedom in forming the desired light distribution LD can be increased.

In the lens 2 according to this embodiment, the first control surface 210 is divided into a plurality of flat first minute control surfaces 211 and a plurality of minute connection surfaces 212, and the second control surface 220 is divided into a plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 and a plurality of minute connection surfaces 212. It is divided into a plurality of second minute control surfaces 222 that are planar. As a result, the lens 2 according to this embodiment has a curved surface (a curved surface A high brightness feeling (sparkling feeling) can be obtained compared to the prism surface).

In the lens 2 according to this embodiment, a plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 are arranged with spaces between each other, and a plurality of minute connecting surfaces 212 are arranged between each of the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211. Since it is arranged and connected to the plurality of first micro control surfaces 211 through the sides, it is different from the surface (prism surface) when it is lit and when it is not lit, compared to a surface (prism surface) that is connected via a step. In terms of appearance (appearance) of the lens 2, a high brightness feeling (sparkling feeling) can be obtained.

In the lens 2 according to this embodiment, the first minute control surface 211 and the minute connection surface 212 are connected through the sides, and there is no step between the first minute control surface 211 and the minute connection surface 212. Since there is no step, the surface area required for processing the mold 160 is reduced. As a result, the lens 2 according to this embodiment can shorten the processing time of the mold 160 and reduce the manufacturing cost.

Moreover, in the lens 2 according to this embodiment, even if the area of the first minute control surface 211 and the area of the minute connection surface 212 are increased, there is no step between the first minute control surface 211 and the minute connection surface 212. Since there is no such thing, there is no problem in processing the mold 160, as described above.

In the lens 2 according to this embodiment, the first micro-control surface 211 and the micro-connecting surface 212 of the first control surface 210 are provided on the exit surface 21, and the second micro-control surface 222 of the second control surface 220 is provided on the exit surface 21. The area of one first minute control surface 211 and the area of one minute connecting surface 212 are larger than the area of one second minute control surface 222 provided on the surface 22 . As a result, in the lens 2 according to this embodiment, the first micro-control surface 211 and the micro-connecting surface 212, which have a large area, are arranged on the exit surface 21 side, and the second micro-control surface 222, which has a small area, is arranged on the entrance surface 22 side. Since the arrangement is similar to that of a diamond prism, the appearance (appearance) of the lens 2 when the lens 2 is not lit provides a high luminance feeling (sparkling feeling) similar to the brilliance of a diamond.

In the lens 2 according to this embodiment, the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 and the plurality of minute connection surfaces 212 are uneven with respect to the reference surface 214 of the first control surface 210, and the target light distribution LD The basic light distributions LD1, LD2, and LD3 that are the basis of are adjusted based on the difference in height between the unevenness of the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 and the plurality of minute connection surfaces 212. As a result, the lens 2 according to this embodiment adjusts the basic light distributions LD1, LD2, and LD3 by adjusting the height difference between the unevenness of the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 and the plurality of minute connection surfaces 212. Therefore, the desired light distribution LD can be designed and formed with high precision.

In the lens 2 according to this embodiment, since the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 and the plurality of minute connection surfaces 212 are uneven, the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 and the plurality of minute connection surfaces 212 are uneven. Depending on the direction in which the lens 212 is viewed, shadows occur on the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 and the plurality of minute connection surfaces 212, and as a result, the appearance (appearance) of the lens 2 when lit and when not lit is improved. A feeling of brightness (sparkling) can be obtained.

In the lens 2 according to this embodiment, the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 and the plurality of minute connection surfaces 212 have a triangular shape. Therefore, a high brightness feeling (sparkling feeling) can be obtained in the appearance (appearance) of the lens 2 when the lens 2 is lit and when it is not lit.

In the lens 2 according to this embodiment, the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 are formed based on one equilateral triangle of equilateral triangles obtained by dividing a minute division surface 213 having a regular hexagonal shape on a plane into six equal parts. A plurality of micro connecting surfaces 212 are formed based on the remaining five equilateral triangles of the equilateral triangles obtained by dividing the micro dividing surface 213 into six equal parts. As a result, in the lens 2 according to this embodiment, the plurality of first micro-control surfaces 211 and the plurality of micro-connection surfaces 212, which are planar and triangular in shape, are all connected at the sides, so that the difference in level can be eliminated. The appearance (appearance) of the lens 2 when it is lit and when it is not lit has a high brightness feeling (sparkling feeling) compared to the surface that is connected through the prismatic surface (prism surface) and the surface that is more than rectangular (prism surface). can get.

In the lens 2 according to this embodiment, the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 are distributed based on a low discrepancy sequence (super uniform distribution sequence, low discrepancy sequence, quasi-random number sequence). , it is possible to eliminate duplication and bias in the light distribution point targeted by the emitted light L4, and to irradiate the emitted light L4 to the light distribution point allocated among the 20 light distribution points P1 to P20. It is possible to form a nearly ideal light distribution LD with no bias.

In the lens 2 according to this embodiment, the plurality of first micro-control surfaces 211 tilt the micro-divided surfaces 213, which are regular hexagonal and planar, at angles θX and θY, and the generating point C, which is the center of the micro-divided surfaces 213, is shifted. The direction X1, the amount TX by which the generating point C is shifted, and the amount TZ by which the minute dividing surface 213 is protruded are determined based on the low discrepancy amount sequence. As a result, in the lens 2 according to this embodiment, the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 can be easily and reliably molded onto the lens 2 to be injection molded.

Since the lamp unit 1U according to this embodiment uses the lens 2 according to this embodiment as an inner lens, it can achieve almost the same effect as the above-mentioned effect of the lens 2 according to this embodiment. .

Since the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment uses the lamp unit 1U according to this embodiment, the effects of the lamp unit 1U according to this embodiment, that is, the above-mentioned effects of the lens 2 according to this embodiment are obtained. Almost the same effect can be achieved.

Since the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment uses the lens 2 according to this embodiment as an outer lens, it is possible to achieve almost the same effects as the above-mentioned effects of the lens 2 according to this embodiment. can.

(Explanation of examples other than embodiments)
Note that in the embodiments described above, daytime running lamps will be described. However, the present invention can also be applied to lamps other than daytime running lamps. For example, the lamps at the rear of the vehicle include tail lamps, stop lamps, tail/stop lamps, turn signal lamps, rear fog lamps, etc.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the light source unit 3 that emits light L1 of approximately 600 lumens (lm) will be described. However, in the present invention, the luminous flux of the light L1 emitted from the light source unit 3 is not particularly limited. Any light flux may be used as long as it can sufficiently satisfy the minimum luminous intensity of each light distribution point of the target light distribution.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, one lens 2 will be described. However, in the present invention, if one lens 2 has a large wall thickness, the inside of the lens 2 may be cut out (thickened) as shown by two broken lines in FIG. At this time, if the minimum luminous intensity of each light distribution point of the target light distribution cannot be sufficiently obtained, the luminous flux of the light L1 emitted from the light source unit 3 is increased.

Further, in the embodiment described above, a reflective reflector 4 will be described as the parallel light irradiation member. However, in the present invention, a member other than the reflector 4 having a reflection system function may be used as the parallel light irradiation member. For example, it may be a refractive lens member, or a combination of a refractive lens member and a reflective reflector member. Furthermore, a direct light system may be used in which the lens 2 is directly irradiated with light from a light source.

Moreover, in the embodiment described above, an example will be described in which the lens 2 is used as an inner lens. However, in this invention, the lens 2 may be used as an outer lens.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the area of one first minute control surface 211 and the area of one minute connecting surface 212 are larger than the area of one second minute control surface 222. However, in the present invention, the area of one first minute control surface 211 and the area of one minute connecting surface 212 may be equal to or smaller than the area of one second minute control surface 222.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the first control surface 210 is provided on the exit surface 21 and the second control surface 220 is provided on the entrance surface 22. However, in the present invention, the first control surface 210 may be provided on the entrance surface 22 and the second control surface 220 may be provided on the exit surface 21.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the first minute control surface 211 and one minute connection surface 212 are triangular planes. However, in the present invention, the first minute control surface 211 and one minute connection surface 212 may be planes having a rectangular shape or more.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 are distributed based on a low discrepancy sequence (super uniform distribution sequence, low discrepancy sequence, quasi-random number sequence). However, in the present invention, the plurality of second minute control surfaces 222 may be distributed based on a low discrepancy sequence (super uniform distribution sequence, low discrepancy sequence, quasi-random number sequence).

Further, in the embodiment described above, the plurality of first minute control surfaces 211 have angles θX, θY at which the plane minute dividing plane 213 of a regular hexagonal shape is tilted, and a generating point C which is the center of the minute dividing plane 213. The shifting direction X1, the amount TX by which the generating point C is shifted, and the amount TZ by which the minute dividing surface 213 is protruded are determined based on the low discrepancy amount sequence. However, in the present invention, the plurality of second minute control surfaces 222 have the following characteristics: the angle at which the polygonal, planar minute dividing surface is tilted, the direction in which the generating point, which is the center of the minute dividing surface, is shifted, and the amount by which the generating point is shifted. , the amount of protrusion of the minute division plane may be determined based on the low discrepancy amount sequence.

1 Vehicle lamp 10 Light chamber 11 Lamp housing 12 Outer lens (lamp lens)
1C Vehicle 1U Lamp unit 10U Other lamp units 2, 2A, 2B Lens (light distribution control member)
21, 21A, 21B Output surface 22, 22A, 22B Entrance surface 210 First control surface 211 First micro control surface 212 Micro connecting surface 213 Micro dividing surface 214 Reference surface 220 Second control surface 222 Second micro control surface 3 Light source unit (light source)
30 bracket 31 socket 32 board 33 light emitting element 4 reflector (parallel light irradiation member)
40 Reflective surface 41 Microscopic reflective surface 42 Microscopic cutout surface 5 Inner housing 50 Upper inner housing 51 Lateral inner housing 52 Lower inner housing 53 Front opening 54 Lateral opening 55 Rear opening 56 Bolt 57 Nut 6 Space (light chamber)
60 Black tape 100 Control surface shape determining device 110 CPU
120 memory 130 GPU
140 Data output unit 150 Mold processing device 160 Mold C Generic point of micro-divided surface 213 before shifting C1 Generic point of micro-divided surface 213 after shifted HL-HR Left and right horizontal lines L1 Light (light from light source unit 3) )
L2 Parallel reflected light (parallel reflected light from reflector 4)
L3, L3A, L3B Incident light L4, L4A, L4B Output light LD Target light distribution (light distribution of daytime running lamp function)
LD0 Original light distribution LD1, LD2, LD3 Basic light distribution P1 to P20 Light distribution points (light intensity measurement points)
TH Maximum height difference TX Amount to shift the generating point C of the micro-divided surface 213 TZ Amount to protrude the micro-divided surface 213 VU-VD Upper and lower vertical lines X X-axis X1 Direction to shift the generating point C of the micro-divided surface 213 Y Y-axis Z Z-axis (optical axis of minute dividing surface 213 before tilting)
Z1 Optical axis of reference micro-divided surface 213 after tilting (optical axis of first micro-control surface 211)
Z2 Lens axis (optical axis of lens 2)
Z3 Light source axis (optical axis of light source unit 3)
θ Angle to shift the generating point C of the minute dividing surface 213 θX An angle at which the minute dividing surface 213 is tilted θY An angle at which the minute dividing surface 213 is tilted

Claims (10)

A lens as a light distribution control member for a vehicle lamp,
comprising a first control surface and a second control surface that control light to form a desired light distribution,
The first control surface is divided into a plurality of first minute control surfaces and a plurality of minute connection surfaces each having a polygonal shape and a plane,
The plurality of first micro control surfaces are spaced apart and control light by refraction,
The plurality of micro-connection surfaces are arranged between the plurality of first micro-control surfaces and are connected to the plurality of first micro-control surfaces via sides,
The second control surface is divided into a plurality of second minute control surfaces each having a polygonal shape and forming a plane,
The plurality of second micro-control surfaces control the light by refraction in consideration of the refraction of light at the plurality of first micro-control surfaces, and adjust the emitted light to the plurality of light distributions having the desired light distribution. irradiating the targeted light distribution point among the points;
A lens characterized by: has an entrance surface and an exit surface,
The first control surface is provided on the exit surface,
The second control surface is provided on the entrance surface,
The area of one of the first micro-control surfaces and the area of one of the micro-connecting surfaces are larger than the area of one of the second micro-control surfaces.
The lens according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of first minute control surfaces and the plurality of minute connection surfaces are uneven with respect to a reference surface of the first control surface,
The basic light distribution, which is the basis of the target light distribution, is adjusted based on the height difference between the unevenness of the plurality of first minute control surfaces and the plurality of minute connection surfaces.
The lens according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The plurality of first minute control surfaces and the plurality of minute connection surfaces each have a triangular shape,
The lens according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The plurality of first minute control surfaces and the plurality of minute connection surfaces are each formed based on minute dividing surfaces having a regular hexagonal shape obtained by dividing the first control surface into a plurality of pieces,
The first minute control surface is formed based on one equilateral triangle of equilateral triangles obtained by dividing the minute division plane into six equal parts,
The micro connecting surface is formed based on the remaining five equilateral triangles of the equilateral triangles obtained by dividing the micro dividing surface into six equal parts,
The lens according to claim 4, characterized in that: The plurality of first minute control surfaces are each distributed based on a low discrepancy amount sequence,
The lens according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The plurality of first minute control surfaces each have an angle at which the first minute control surface is tilted, a direction in which the generating point, which is the center of the first minute control surface, is shifted, an amount by which the generating point is shifted, and the first minute control surface. at least one of the amounts by which the control surface is protruded is determined based on a low discrepancy amount sequence;
The lens according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: An inner lens which is the lens according to any one of claims 1 to 7 above;
a light source and
a parallel light irradiation member that irradiates the inner lens with light from the light source as parallel light;
Equipped with
A lamp unit characterized by: a lamp housing and an outer lens forming a lamp chamber;
The lamp unit according to claim 8, which is disposed within the lamp chamber;
Equipped with
A vehicle lamp characterized by: an outer lens that is the lens according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
a lamp housing that forms a lamp chamber together with the outer lens;
a light source and
a parallel light irradiation member that irradiates the outer lens with light from the light source as parallel light;
Equipped with
A vehicle lamp characterized by:

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