JP2024025228A - Lamp units, vehicle lights - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a lamp unit that can form an irradiation pattern in the vicinity of a vehicle in which it is mounted while suppressing an increase in inclination when mounted on the vehicle. [Solution] A plurality of light sources (34, 35), a condenser lens 23 that condenses light from the plurality of light sources (34, 35), and a part of the light condensed by the condenser lens 23. By projecting light through a light shielding member (24) provided with a plurality of slits 46 and a light shielding member (24), an irradiation pattern Pi having a plurality of irradiation patterns Di corresponding to the plurality of slits 46 is created. The lamp unit 20 includes a projection lens 25 that forms the projection lens 25. The plurality of light sources (34, 35) are provided above the projection lens optical axis Al of the projection lens 25, and the plurality of slits 46 are provided above the projection lens optical axis Al. [Selection diagram] Figure 6

Description

The present disclosure relates to a lamp unit and a vehicle lamp.

2. Description of the Related Art Vehicle lamps have been considered that use a lamp unit to form an irradiation pattern on the road surface around a vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This conventional lamp unit can form an irradiation pattern by projecting light from a light source through a slit in a shade (shading member), thereby informing the viewer of some intention. This conventional lamp unit forms an irradiation pattern on the road surface by tilting it downward.

JP2020-102332A

Incidentally, such a lamp unit is required to form an irradiation pattern near the vehicle in which it is mounted, and by increasing the downward inclination of the lamp unit, the position where the irradiation pattern is formed can be brought closer to the vehicle. can. However, it is conceivable that the lamp unit may be installed in the same light chamber as other lighting equipment to constitute a vehicle lighting equipment, but if it is tilted too far, there is a risk that it will interfere with other lighting equipment, and such interference In order to avoid this, it is necessary to make the lamp room larger.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a lamp unit that can form an irradiation pattern in the vicinity of the vehicle in which it is mounted while suppressing an increase in tilt when mounted on the vehicle. , and a vehicle lamp using the same.

A vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of light sources, a condenser lens that condenses light from the plurality of light sources, and a plurality of slits that partially pass the light condensed by the condenser lens. and a projection lens that forms an irradiation pattern having a plurality of irradiation patterns corresponding to the plurality of slits by projecting light that has passed through the light shielding member, and the plurality of light sources , the projection lens is provided above the projection lens optical axis, and the plurality of slit portions are provided above the projection lens optical axis.

According to the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure, an irradiation pattern can be formed in the vicinity of the vehicle in which the lamp is mounted while suppressing an increase in inclination when the lamp is mounted on the vehicle.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing how the vehicle lamp of Example 1 according to the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle and each forms an irradiation pattern. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a lamp unit in a vehicle lamp. It is an explanatory view showing an exploded configuration of a lamp unit. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section taken along the line II shown in FIG. 2. FIG. It is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship of the 1st light source and the 2nd light source in a light source part. It is an explanatory view showing the composition and positional relationship of the 1st slit part, the 2nd slit part, and the 3rd slit part in a shade. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a condensing lens viewed from the light source side. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a condensing lens viewed from the shade side. In a lamp unit, in a cross section (horizontal section), light from the first light source enters the first lens section from the inclined incidence surface and is then reflected by the reflective surface to form the shade (its first slit section and second slit section). FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how the light passes through the lens and advances to the projection lens. Explanation showing the luminous flux distribution in the first irradiation area formed on the shade by the light from the first light source that enters the first lens part from the inclined incidence surface, is reflected by the reflection surface, and then exits from the first outer output surface part. It is a diagram. In the lamp unit, on a cross section (horizontal section), light from the first light source enters the first lens section from the opposite incident surface, and then passes through the shade (its first slit section and second slit section) to the projection lens. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how the process progresses. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a luminous flux distribution in a second irradiation area formed on the shade by light from the first light source that enters the first lens section from the opposing entrance surface and exits from the first inner exit surface section. In a lamp unit, on a cross section (horizontal section), the light from the second light source enters the second lens section from the second incident surface, and then passes through the shade (its third slit section) and proceeds to the projection lens. FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a luminous flux distribution in a third irradiation area formed on the shade by light from the second light source that enters the second lens part from the second entrance surface and exits from the second exit surface part.

Embodiment 1 Below, a first embodiment of a lamp unit 20 and a vehicle lamp 10 as an example of a vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in FIG. 1, the vehicle light 10 is emphasized with respect to the vehicle 1 in order to make it easier to understand how the vehicle light 10 is installed, and the illustration does not necessarily match the actual state. It's not a thing. Moreover, in FIG. 4, each slit portion 46 of the shade 24 is omitted. Furthermore, in FIGS. 9, 11, and 13, in order to make it easier to understand how the light travels, the shade 24 is schematically shown, and the first lens part of the condenser lens 23 that has a large optical influence is shown. 51 , the opposing entrance surface 53 , the inclined entrance surface 54 , the reflective surface 55 , the inner exit surface section 57 , the outer exit surface section 58 , the second entrance surface 61 and the second exit surface 62 in the second lens section 52 , and the second entrance surface 61 and the second exit surface 62 in the projection lens 25 . The entrance plane and the exit plane are emphasized. In Figures 10, 12, and 14, the light distribution (luminous flux) distribution is shown by dividing the area according to the height of the luminous flux (light amount) with lines, and the contour lines indicate that the luminous flux increases toward the center of the area. It is shown as follows.

A vehicle lamp 10 according to a first embodiment of the vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle lamp 10 of Example 1 is used as a lamp for a vehicle 1 such as an automobile, and is used separately from signal lights such as back lamps (stop lamps) and turn lamps provided on the vehicle 1. , which forms an irradiation pattern Pi on the road surface 2 around the rear of the vehicle 1, and is provided at the rear of the vehicle 1. The surrounding area behind the vehicle 1 is defined as a distance from the vehicle 1 by laws and regulations, and is defined as an area within 3 meters from the vehicle 1, for example.

In the first embodiment, the vehicle lamp 10 constitutes a signal light such as a back lamp or a turn lamp provided on the vehicle 1. In the first embodiment, the vehicle lamp 10 is used as a back lamp and is arranged in pairs on the left and right sides at the rear of the vehicle 1. It is provided. Note that the vehicle lamp 10 may constitute another signal light, such as a clearance lamp, a turn lamp, a tail lamp, etc., and is not limited to the first embodiment. The two vehicular lamps 10 have basically the same configuration except that the two vehicular lamps 10 are different in the mounting position and the position at which the irradiation pattern Pi is formed, and therefore will be described below simply as the vehicular lamp 10.

The vehicle lamp 10 includes a signal lamp unit and a lamp unit 20 provided in a lamp chamber formed by covering the open end of a lamp housing with a lamp lens. In the first embodiment, this vehicle lamp 10 is arranged at a position higher than the road surface 2 at the front end of the vehicle 1, and the lamp unit 20 (see FIG. ) will be provided. In the following description, in the lamp unit 20, the direction in which the projection optical axis Lp, which is the direction in which light is irradiated (projected), extends is referred to as the optical axis direction (Z in the drawing), and the optical axis direction is assumed to be along a horizontal plane. The vertical direction is the vertical direction (designated as Y in the drawings), and the direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the vertical direction is the width direction (designated as X in the drawings) (see FIG. 2, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lamp unit 20 has a light source section 22, a condensing lens 23, a shade 24, and a projection lens 25 attached to an installation base section 21, forming a single projection optical system. , constitutes a projector type road surface projection unit. The installation base section 21 is a place where the light source section 22 is installed, and is formed of heat-conductive aluminum die-casting or resin, and functions as a heat sink that releases the heat generated in the light source section 22 to the outside. The installation stand section 21 has a base section 31 and a pair of attachment arm sections 32.

The base portion 31 has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the light source portion 22 is attached to the light source attachment point in the middle. This light source mounting location is a flat surface, and is provided with two screw holes 31a and two positioning protrusions 31b. Further, the base portion 31 is provided with a plurality of radiation fins 31c, and the heat generated in the light source portion 22 installed at the light source mounting location is mainly radiated to the outside from each radiation fin 31c.

The pair of attachment arms 32 are provided in pairs on both outer sides of the light source section 22 in the width direction, and protrude from the base section 31 toward the front side in the optical axis direction. The front ends of both mounting arms 32 in the optical axis direction are flat surfaces perpendicular to the optical axis direction. A positioning protrusion 32a and a screw hole 32b are provided at each end. The positioning protrusion 32a is provided at the lower part of the end of each attachment arm 32 in the vertical direction, and protrudes forward in the optical axis direction. The screw hole 32b is provided in the upper part of the end in the vertical direction, and allows the condenser lens 23, shade 24, and projection lens 25 to be fixed by screwing the screw 33.

The light source section 22 includes a first light source 34, a second light source 35, and a substrate 36 on which they are mounted. These two light sources (34, 35) are composed of light emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). In the first embodiment, the two light sources (34, 35) emit white light (white light) with a Lambertian distribution centered on the emission optical axis. Note that the two light sources (34, 35) may be appropriately set in color (wavelength band), distribution mode, number of colors, etc., and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, etc., the two light sources (34, 35) of the first embodiment are located above the projection optical axis Lp and are arranged in the vertical direction, and the first light source (34, 35) is provided on the projection optical axis Lp side. A light source 34 is located, and a second light source 35 is located above the first light source 34. Both light sources (34, 35) in Example 1 have a substantially square shape.

The substrate 36 has a plate shape made of a resin material such as a glass epoxy substrate, and each light source (34, 35) is mounted thereon. In the substrate 36, two screw holes 36a are provided corresponding to each screw hole 31a at the light source attachment point of the base section 31 of the installation table section 21, and two screw holes 36a are provided corresponding to each positioning protrusion 31b at the light source attachment point. A positioning hole 36b is provided. This board 36 is attached to the base portion 31 by passing the positioning protrusion 31b corresponding to each positioning hole 36b and screwing the screw 37 passed through each screw hole 36a into the corresponding screw hole 31a. . Thereby, the board 36 allows each of the mounted light sources (34, 35) to face the condenser lens 23. The board 36 is provided with a connector terminal electrically connected to the wiring pattern, and power is appropriately supplied from a lighting control circuit through the connector terminal to appropriately light each light source (34, 35).

The condenser lens 23 condenses the light emitted from each light source (34, 35), and condenses the light emitted from each light source (34, 35), and condenses the light emitted from each light source (34, 35), and condenses the light emitted from each light source (34, 35). focuses light on the area provided. The condensing lens 23 includes a condensing lens body 41 that condenses light from each light source (34, 35), and a pair of condensing lens attachment pieces 42 extending in the width direction from the condensing lens body 41. The condensing lens main body 41 and the condensing lens attachment piece 42 are integrally formed, and in the first embodiment, they are integrally formed by resin molding using a mold. The condensing lens body 41 has optical characteristics set so as to form a predetermined light distribution area on the shade 24. This will be discussed later.

Both condensing lens attachment pieces 42 are plate-shaped and perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and can be attached to the ends of both attachment arms 32 of the base portion 31 of the installation stand portion 21. Each condensing lens attachment piece 42 is provided with a condensing lens positioning hole 42a and a condensing lens screw hole 42b. Each condensing lens positioning hole 42a can be fitted with its positioning protrusion 32a in a state where the condensing lens attachment piece 42 is attached to the ends of both attachment arms 32. Each of the condensing lens screw holes 42b can pass the screw 33 that is screwed into the condensing lens screw hole 32b with the condensing lens attachment piece 42 being attached to the ends of both attachment arms 32. The condensing lens 23 is assembled by screwing each screw 33 passed through each condensing lens screw hole 42b into the corresponding screw hole 32b while passing the positioning protrusion 32a corresponding to each condensing lens positioning hole 42a. , are attached to both mounting arms 32 (ends thereof) of the installation base section 21.

The shade 24 is an example of a light shielding member that forms an irradiation pattern Pi by partially passing the light from each light source (34, 35) focused by the condensing lens 23 through each slit portion 46 described later. In the irradiation pattern Pi, as shown in FIG. 1, three irradiation patterns Di are arranged at approximately equal intervals in a direction moving away from the vehicle 1. Here, when each irradiation pattern Di is shown individually, the one farthest from the vehicle 1 is the first irradiation pattern Di1, and as it approaches the vehicle 1 from there, the second irradiation pattern Di2 and the third irradiation pattern Di3 shall be. In the first embodiment, each of the irradiation patterns Di has a substantially rectangular shape with the short side facing the vehicle 1, has substantially the same size and shape, and is arranged at substantially equal intervals.

This irradiation pattern Pi is formed by arranging a first irradiation pattern Di1, a second irradiation pattern Di2, and a third irradiation pattern Di3 on the same straight line so as to move away from the vehicle 1 on a road surface 2 serving as a projection surface. . Therefore, the irradiation pattern Pi can be recognized as a line of light extending in the direction in which the three irradiation patterns Di are arranged. The irradiation pattern Pi consisting of these three irradiation patterns Di is formed by the shade 24.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the shade 24 is basically formed of a plate-shaped member that blocks transmission of light, and includes a shade portion 43 and a pair of shade attachment pieces 44. The shade attachment piece portion 44 extends from the shade portion 43 to both sides in the width direction, and is attached to each condenser lens attachment piece portion 42 of the condenser lens 23 attached to the ends of both attachment arms 32 of the installation base portion 21. It is said that it is possible to address. Each shade attachment piece 44 is provided with a shade positioning hole 44a and a shade screw through hole 44b. Each shade positioning hole 44a is configured such that the positioning protrusion 32a inserted therein can be fitted in a state where the shade attachment piece 44 is directed toward the condenser lens attachment piece 42. Each shade screw through hole 44b is configured such that the screw 33 that is inserted into the condensing lens screw through hole 42b can be passed through the shade mounting piece 44 when it is attached to the condensing lens attaching piece 42. There is. The shade 24 is configured such that the positioning protrusion 32a corresponding to each shade positioning hole 44a is passed through, and each screw 33 passed through each shade screw through hole 44b is screwed into the corresponding screw hole 32b, so that the condensing lens 23 It is attached to both attachment arms 32 of the installation base section 21 via. In the shade 24, the shade attachment piece portion 44 is attached to both attachment arms 32, so that the center position of the shade portion 43 is located on the projection optical axis Lp.

The shade portion 43 is provided with a plurality of slit portions 46 that are partially cut out and penetrated through a plate-shaped member. Each slit section 46 partially passes the light from each light source (34, 35) focused by the condensing lens 23 (its condensing lens body 41), so that the irradiation pattern Pi to be projected is shaped into a predetermined shape. Form into. The slit portions 46 of the first embodiment correspond to the irradiation pattern Pi, and three slit portions 46 are provided in the first embodiment.

These three slit portions 46 correspond one-to-one to the three irradiation patterns Di. Since the projection lens 25 inverts the opening shape of each slit portion 46 provided in the shade 24 and projects it onto the road surface 2, each slit portion 46 corresponds to the positional relationship of each irradiation pattern Di of the irradiation pattern Pi. , and have a rotationally symmetrical positional relationship about the projection optical axis Lp. Therefore, in each slit section 46, the first slit section 461 at the bottom in the vertical direction corresponds to the first irradiation pattern Di1 of the irradiation pattern Pi, and the second slit section 462 above it corresponds to the second irradiation pattern Di2. Correspondingly, the third slit portion 463 above it corresponds to the third irradiation pattern Di3.

The position and size of each slit section 46 on the shade section 43 are set so that each irradiation pattern Di has a desired size and a desired positional relationship on the road surface 2. In the shade 24 of Example 1, as shown in FIG. 6, the three slit parts 46 are located above the projection optical axis Lp and are arranged in the vertical direction, and the first slit part 46 is provided closest to the projection optical axis Lp side. A slit portion 461 is located, a second slit portion 462 is located above the first slit portion 461, and a third slit portion 463 is located above the second slit portion 462. The first slit section 461 and the second slit section 462 correspond to the first light source 34, and the third slit section 463 corresponds to the second light source 35. The center position C1 of the first slit part 461 and the second slit part 462 is located below the first light source 34 (the center position C2 thereof) in the vertical direction. The center position C1 of the first slit part 461 and the second slit part 462 is the center position in the vertical direction in the area in which they are provided, and in the first embodiment, the center position C1 is near the lower end of the second slit part 462. becomes. Moreover, the center position C3 of the third slit part 463 is located below the center position C4 of the second light source 35 in the vertical direction. For this reason, each slit portion 46 is located below the corresponding light source (34, 35) when viewed from its respective center position (C1 to C4). The light transmitted through the shade 24 (each slit portion 46) is projected onto the road surface 2 by a projection lens 25.

Each of the slit portions 46 has a substantially trapezoidal shape. The three slit portions 46 are sized, shaped and shaped according to the distance to the road surface 2 so that each irradiation pattern Di on the road surface 2 has a rectangular shape with a size shown in FIG. 1 and approximately equally spaced. The interval is set. That is, since the optical distance from each slit section 46 to the road surface 2 via the projection lens 25 is different, when the lamp unit 20 is projected onto the road surface 2 by the projection lens 25, each slit section 46 (there) Each irradiation pattern Di), which is the transmitted light, has a size and an interval depending on the distance. In the first embodiment, the first slit portion 461 is approximately trapezoidal, which is the smallest, the second slit portion 462 is approximately trapezoidal, which is larger than the first slit portion 461, and the third slit portion 463 is approximately trapezoidal, which is larger than the second slit portion 462. It is said to be a large trapezoid. Each slit portion 46 is wider in the width direction than the corresponding irradiation pattern Di, and the distance between the second slit portion 462 and the third slit portion is wider than the distance between the first slit portion 461 and the second slit portion 462. The distance from the portion 463 is larger.

In this way, the three slit portions 46 have different sizes and shapes from each irradiation pattern Di, and are spaced at different intervals. In each slit part 46, the first slit part 461 is made the smallest, and when the light that passes through is projected onto the road surface 2, it is expanded at the largest magnification ratio to form the first irradiation pattern Di1. Moreover, in each slit part 46, the third slit part 463 is made the largest, and when the light that has passed through is projected onto the road surface 2, it is expanded at the smallest magnification ratio to form the third irradiation pattern Di3.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the projection lens 25 includes a projection lens main body 47 that projects light that has passed through the shade 24, and a pair of projection lens attachment pieces 48 that extend from the projection lens main body 47 in the width direction. The projection lens body 47 is a circular convex lens when viewed in the optical axis direction, and in the first embodiment, it is a free-form surface with a convex entrance surface and an exit surface. The projection lens body 47 forms an irradiation pattern Pi on the road surface 2 that is inclined with respect to the projection optical axis Lp by projecting each slit portion 46 of the shade 24 (see FIG. 1). Note that the entrance surface and the exit surface may be convex or concave as long as the projection lens body 47 is a convex lens, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

Both projection lens attachment pieces 48 are plate-shaped and perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and are attached to each shade attachment piece 44 of the shade 24 attached to the ends of both attachment arms 32 of the installation base 21. It is considered possible. Each projection lens attachment piece 48 is provided with a projection lens positioning hole 48a and a projection lens screw hole 48b. Each projection lens positioning hole 48a can fit the positioning protrusion 32a passed therein with the projection lens attachment piece 48 facing the shade attachment piece 44. Each projection lens screw hole 48b allows the screw 33 to be passed through the shade screw hole 44b in a state where the projection lens attachment piece 48 is directed to the shade attachment piece 44. The projection lens 25 is mounted on the installation base by passing the positioning protrusion 32a corresponding to each projection lens positioning hole 48a and screwing each screw 33 passed through each projection lens screw through hole 48b into the corresponding screw hole 32b. It is attached to both mounting arms 32 (ends thereof) of the section 21. Thereby, in the projection lens 25, the projection lens optical axis Al, which is the optical axis of the projection lens body 47, is oriented in a predetermined direction. This projection lens optical axis Al defines a projection optical axis Lp of the lamp unit 20.

Next, the configuration of the condensing lens body 41 of the condensing lens 23 will be explained using mainly FIGS. 7 to 14. This condensing lens body 41 has a first lens section 51 corresponding to the first light source 34 and a second lens section 52 corresponding to the second light source 35 . In the condensing lens body 41 of Example 1, the first lens part 51 and the second lens part 52 are integrally formed with the second lens part 52 placed on the first lens part 51. There is. The condensing lens 23 of the first embodiment has a first lens part 51 and a second lens part 51 in order to appropriately illuminate each slit part 46 of the shade 24 with the light emitted from the light source part 22, that is, each light source (34, 35). The shape of the lens portion 52, that is, the optical settings are determined.

The first lens section 51 is opposed to the first light source 34 in the optical axis direction (located on the output optical axis of the first light source 34), and directs the light from the first light source 34 to the first slit section 461 of the shade 24. And the light is concentrated in the area where the second slit section 462 is provided. In the first lens part 51, on the lens side surface facing the first light source 34, as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 7, FIG. an opposite entrance surface 53 that is concave to the opposite side) and is curved outwardly at the center thereof, an inclined entrance surface 54 surrounding it, and a reflective surface 55 that surrounds the inclined entrance surface 54 in the shape of a truncated cone; is provided.

The opposing entrance surface 53 is provided on the output optical axis of the first light source 34, facing the first light source 34 in the optical axis direction, and the first light source 34 is located near the rear focal point (rear focal point). The opposing entrance surface 53 allows the light emitted from the first light source 34 to enter the first lens section 51 as parallel light traveling substantially parallel to the axis of the first lens section 51, and directs it toward an inner exit surface section 57, which will be described later. (See Figure 11). Note that this parallel light (parallel light) refers to light that has been collimated by passing through the opposing incident surface 53.

The inclined entrance surface 54 is provided to protrude toward the first light source 34 side, and allows light from the first light source 34 that does not travel to the opposing entrance surface 53 to enter into the first lens portion 51 . The reflective surface 55 is provided at a position where light entering the condensing lens 23 from the inclined incidence surface 54 travels (see FIG. 9). The reflecting surface 55 reflects the light incident from the inclined entrance surface 54, and causes the light to travel toward an outer exit surface section 58, which will be described later, as parallel light traveling approximately parallel to the axis of the first lens section 51 (see FIG. 9). . Note that the reflective surface 55 may reflect light using total reflection, or may reflect light by adhering aluminum, silver, or the like by vapor deposition, painting, or the like.

In the first lens part 51, a first exit surface 56 is provided opposite to the area where the first slit part 461 and the second slit part 462 of the shade 24 are provided, and the light from the first light source 34 is directed to the shade 24. The light is concentrated in the area where the first slit section 461 and the second slit section 462 are provided. In the first lens section 51, the light that has passed through the opposing entrance surface 53 becomes direct light that goes directly toward the first exit surface 56, and the light that has passed through the inclined entrance surface 54 and is reflected on the reflective surface 55 is reflected internally. The reflected light is directed toward the first output surface 56 . Since the first lens section 51 has such a configuration, it can efficiently utilize the light emitted from the corresponding first light source 34.

As shown in FIG. 8 etc., the first output surface 56 has a circular shape with a portion of the upper and lower parts cut out when viewed from the front, and has an inner output surface section 57 and an outer output surface section 58 with different optical settings. and has. The inner exit surface section 57 is provided in a region of the first exit surface 56 where the light that has passed through the opposing entrance surface 53 travels (see FIG. 11), and has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the front. The inner exit surface portion 57 projects further to the outside of the condenser lens 23 (the projection lens 25 side (front side in the front-rear direction)) than the outer exit surface portion 58 . The inner exit surface section 57 refracts the light that has passed through the opposite entrance surface 53 from the first light source 34, and is positioned on the first slit section 461 and the second slit section 462 of the shade 24 in accordance with the optical characteristics. A plurality of light distribution images of one light source 34 are appropriately overlapped and formed. This optical characteristic can be set by adjusting the curvature (surface shape) of the inner exit surface portion 57 together with the opposing entrance surface 53 for each location, and in the first embodiment, the curvature is set by gradually changing the curvature.

The outer emission surface section 58 is provided so as to surround the area sandwiching the inner emission surface section 57 in the width direction and the lower area of the inner emission surface section 57, and the outer emission surface section 58 is provided so as to surround the area sandwiching the inner emission surface section 57 in the width direction and the lower area of the inner emission surface section 57. It is located in the area where the reflected light travels (see FIG. 9). The outer output surface portion 58 is located on the inner side of the condenser lens 23 (on the rear side in the front-rear direction) than the inner output surface portion 57 is. The outer output surface section 58 refracts the light from the first light source 34 through the inclined entrance surface 54 and reflected by the reflection surface 55, thereby changing the optical characteristics on the first slit section 461 and the second slit section 462 of the shade 24. A plurality of light distribution images of the first light source 34 are appropriately overlapped and formed at positions corresponding to the above. This optical characteristic can be set by adjusting the curvature (surface shape) of the outer emission surface portion 58 together with the reflection surface 55 for each location, and in the first embodiment, these curvatures are set by gradually changing.

Here, in the first lens section 51, as shown in FIG. The light is set to be focused at a first position P1 slightly beyond the shade 24. This first position P1 is set from the viewpoint of preventing light from traveling to the peripheral portion of the projection lens 25 (its projection lens body 47). Further, the first position P1 is set such that the light from the outer output surface section 58, which is larger than the first slit section 461 and the second slit section 462, can be collected on the first slit section 461 and the second slit section 462. , are set near the shade 24. The first lens section 51 irradiates light from the first light source 34 through the inclined entrance surface 54 and reflected by the reflective surface 55 onto the shade 24 from the outer exit surface section 58, thereby forming a first irradiation area shown in FIG. Form A1. This first irradiation area A1 increases the luminous flux density by irradiating the entire first slit part 461 and second slit part 462, and the first slit part 461 and the second slit part 462 are approximately the upper half of the first slit part 461 and the second slit part 462. The luminous flux density is particularly high in the substantially lower half.

In addition, in the first lens section 51, the inner exit surface section 57 allows the light from the first light source 34 to pass through the opposite entrance surface 53 beyond the shade 24, at least in the cross section (horizontal section), as shown in FIG. The light is set to be focused at the second position P2. This second position P2 is set from the viewpoint of preventing light from traveling to the peripheral portion of the projection lens 25 (its projection lens body 47). Further, the second position P2 is a position farther from the shade 24 than the first position P1, that is, a position displaced closer to the projection lens 25 than the first position P1. This second position P2 is located between the shade 24 and the projection lens so that the light from the inner output surface section 57 provided inside the outer output surface section 58 can be collected into the first slit section 461 and the second slit section 462. It is set between 25 and 25. The first lens section 51 forms a second irradiation area A2 shown in FIG. 12 by irradiating light from the first light source 34 through the opposing incident surface 53 onto the shade 24 from the inner exit surface section 57. This second irradiation area A2 irradiates the entire first slit portion 461 to have the highest luminous flux density, and also irradiates the entire second slit portion 462.

Therefore, the first lens section 51 forms the first irradiation area A1 and the second irradiation area A2 on the shade 24 by overlapping the first irradiation area A1 and the second irradiation area A2 with the light from the first light source 34. As a result, the first lens section 51 makes the first slit section 461 have the highest luminous flux density, the second slit section 462 has the next highest luminous flux density, and the first slit section 461 and the second slit section 462 It can irradiate the entire area. Note that the first lens portion 51 forms a light distribution area that brightens the first slit portion 461 and the second slit portion 462 from the viewpoint of appropriately forming the corresponding first irradiation pattern Di1 and second irradiation pattern Di2. If so, the brightness distribution, shape, etc. in the light distribution area formed by the inner emission surface section 57 and the outer emission surface section 58 may be set as appropriate, and are not limited to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, etc., the second lens portion 52 is a convex lens having a substantially rectangular shape elongated in the width direction when viewed from the front in the optical axis direction, and as a whole serves as a second light source. The spread light emitted from the shade 24 is collected in the area where the third slit portion 463 of the shade 24 is provided (see FIG. 13). This second lens section 52 has a second entrance surface 61 facing the second light source 35 and a second exit surface 62 facing the opposite side. In the first embodiment, the second lens portion 52 is a free-form surface in which the second entrance surface 61 and the second exit surface 62 are convex. Note that the second entrance surface 61 and the second exit surface 62 may be convex or concave as long as the second lens portion 52 is a convex lens, and are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

The second entrance surface 61 faces the second light source 35 in the optical axis direction, and the second light source 35 is located near the rear focal point (rear focal point). The second entrance surface 61 allows the light emitted from the second light source 35 to enter the second lens section 52 as parallel light traveling substantially parallel to the axis of the second lens section 52 (see FIG. 13). The second exit surface 62 is provided on the opposite side to the second entrance surface 61, and refracts the light that has passed through the second entrance surface 61, condensing the light and causing it to travel toward the front in the front-rear direction. The second exit surface 62 irradiates the second light source 35 with light that has passed through the second entrance surface 61, so that the plurality of second light sources 35 are positioned on the shade 24 (shade portion 43) in accordance with the optical characteristics. The light distribution images are formed by appropriately overlapping each other. This optical characteristic can be set by adjusting the curvature (surface shape) of the second entrance surface 61 and the second exit surface 62 for each location, and in the first embodiment, the curvature is set by gradually changing the curvature. .

Here, in the second lens section 52, the second exit surface 62 directs the light from the second light source 35 through the second entrance surface 61 to the shade 24 at least in the cross section (horizontal section), as shown in FIG. It is set so that the light is focused at a third position P3 that greatly exceeds . This third position P3 is set from the viewpoint of preventing light from traveling to the peripheral portion of the projection lens 25 (its projection lens body 47). In addition, the third position P3 is the third slit portion 463 corresponding to the third irradiation pattern Di3, and from the viewpoint that the third irradiation pattern Di3 is formed at the closest position among the irradiation patterns Di. In order to prevent the light from the second exit surface 62 from excessively converging on the third slit portion 463, the position is set at a position farther from the shade 24 than the second position P2, that is, a position displaced from the second position P2 toward the projection lens 25 side. has been done. The second lens section 52 forms a third irradiation area A3 shown in FIG. 14 by irradiating the light from the second light source 35 through the second incident surface 61 onto the shade 24 from the second exit surface 62. . This third irradiation area A3 irradiates the entire third slit portion 463 while increasing the luminous flux density in the lower half of the third slit portion 463. The third irradiation area A3 as a whole has a lower luminous flux than the irradiation of the first slit section 461 and the second slit section 462 by the first lens section 51.

The condensing lens 23 uses the first lens section 51 to irradiate the entire area of the first slit section 461 and the second slit section 462 with the light from the first light source 34, and the second lens section 52 to irradiate the entire area of the first slit section 461 and the second slit section 462 with the light from the second light source 35. The entire area of the third slit section 463 is irradiated with light. The condensing lens 23 has the first slit part 461 having the highest luminous flux density, the second slit part 462 having the highest luminous flux density, and the third slit part 463 having the highest luminous flux density. It has a high density. Thereby, the condensing lens 23 can appropriately illuminate the first slit section 461, the second slit section 462, and the third slit section 463 on the shade 24.

Next, the operation of the vehicle lamp 10 will be explained. The vehicle lamp 10 can turn on and off each light source (34, 35) in the lamp unit 20 by supplying power from the lighting control circuit from the board 36 to each light source (34, 35). The light from each light source (34, 35) is condensed by a condenser lens 23, irradiates the shade 24, passes through each slit portion 46, and is then projected by a projection lens 25, resulting in an irradiation pattern Pi. is formed on the road surface 2. The irradiation pattern Pi is created by projecting the light transmitted through each slit part 46 of the shade 24 with the above-mentioned light distribution (luminous flux) distribution by the projection lens 25, so that the three irradiation patterns Di are arranged on a straight line. formed at the same time.

In the vehicle lamp 10, the lamp unit 20 is linked to a back lamp, and when the back lamp is turned on, both the left and right light sources (34, 35) are turned on to form an irradiation pattern Pi on the road surface 2. do. Therefore, in a scene where the vehicle 1 is about to back up, even if the vehicle 1 is not looking much ahead, such as a pedestrian looking at a smartphone, the vehicular lamp 10 can prevent the illumination formed on the road surface 2. The pattern Pi can be visually recognized. In addition, the vehicle lamp 10 allows the driver of the vehicle 1 to visually recognize the irradiation pattern Pi as the direction in which the vehicle 1 is actually moving backwards, thereby supporting driving.

Here, the conventional vehicle lamp described in the prior art document forms an irradiation pattern on the road surface by tilting a lamp unit, which is a combination of a light source, a light shielding member, and a projection lens, downward. Since such a vehicle lamp is required to form an irradiation pattern near the vehicle in which it is mounted, it is conceivable to increase the inclination of the lamp unit in accordance with this requirement. However, in the case of vehicle lighting, for example, it is conceivable to install other lamps in the same light chamber as the lamp unit, but there is a size restriction on the light chamber, and a lamp unit that is tilted significantly may interfere with other lamps. There is a risk that it will happen. For this reason, with conventional vehicle lamps, there is a limit to how close the irradiation pattern formed by the lamp unit can be to the vehicle in which it is mounted.

On the other hand, in the vehicle lamp 10, in the lamp unit 20, the two light sources (34, 35) are provided above the projection lens optical axis Al of the projection lens 25, that is, the projection optical axis Lp, and each slit portion 46 is provided above the projection lens optical axis Al (projection optical axis Lp). Therefore, in the lamp unit 20, the traveling direction of the light from each light source (34, 35) toward the projection lens 25 through each slit part 46 can be directed downward with respect to the projection optical axis Lp, so that the projection lens 25 can project The traveling direction of the light can be directed downward with respect to the projection optical axis Lp (projection lens optical axis Al). Therefore, the lamp unit 20 can assist in forming the irradiation pattern Pi near the vehicle 1 mounted thereon by the positional relationship of the light source section 22 and the shade 24 with respect to the projection lens 25. Thereby, the lamp unit 20 can suppress the downward inclination of the projection optical axis Lp within the lamp room, and even with the inclination suppressed, the irradiation pattern Pi can be formed in an area within 3 m from the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the lamp unit 20 can assist in forming the irradiation pattern Pi in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 based on the positional relationship of the light source section 22 and the shade 24 with respect to the projection lens 25. It can be made into something.

Further, in the lamp unit 20, the center position C1 of the first slit part 461 and the second slit part 462 is located below the center position C2 of the first light source 34, and the center position C3 of the third slit part 463 is located below the center position C4 of the second light source 35. Therefore, in the lamp unit 20, the traveling direction of light from each light source (34, 35) toward each corresponding slit section 46 can be directed downward with respect to the projection optical axis Lp, and the light source section 22 and shade 24 relative to the projection lens 25 can be directed downward. The downward effect can be further enhanced due to the positional relationship between the two. Therefore, the lamp unit 20 can make the optical settings of the condensing lens 23 reasonable, can suppress the downward inclination of the projection optical axis Lp in the lamp room, and is within 3 m from the vehicle 1. The irradiation pattern Pi can be appropriately formed by the area.

Further, in order from the shade 24 side, the lamp unit 20 has a condensing position (first position P1) of the light reflected by the reflection surface 55 and emitted from the outer emission surface part 58, and an inner emission surface part after passing through the opposite incidence surface 53. A condensing position (second position P2) for the light emitted from the second incident surface 61 and a condensing position (third position P3) for the light emitted from the second exit surface 62 via the second incident surface 61 are set. ing. Therefore, the lamp unit 20 adjusts the luminous flux density and distribution at each slit section 46 on the shade 24 by adjusting each of the above-mentioned light condensing positions, so it is possible to appropriately adjust the irradiation pattern Pi with a simple configuration. can be formed into In particular, in the lamp unit 20 of the first embodiment, each of the above-mentioned light condensing positions is set from the viewpoint of preventing light from traveling to the peripheral portion of the projection lens 25 (its projection lens body 47). According to the optical settings, light can be projected with little aberration, and the irradiation pattern Pi can be appropriately formed. This means that in the lamp unit 20, since each light source (34, 35) is white, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of color fringes (where a plurality of colors are lined up in a strip) in the irradiation pattern Pi. can.

The lamp unit 20 and the vehicle lamp 10 of Example 1 can obtain the following effects.
The lamp unit 20 is a shade provided with a plurality of light sources (34, 35), a condenser lens 23 that condenses light from the light sources, and a plurality of slits 46 that partially pass the condensed light. 24, and a projection lens 25 that forms an irradiation pattern Pi having a plurality of irradiation patterns Di corresponding to the plurality of slit portions 46 by projecting light that passes therethrough. In the lamp unit 20, a plurality of light sources (34, 35) are provided above the projection lens optical axis Al of the projection lens 25, and a plurality of slits 46 are provided above the projection lens optical axis Al. . Therefore, in the lamp unit 20, the traveling direction of the light from each light source (34, 35) toward the projection lens 25 through each slit part 46 can be directed downward with respect to the projection optical axis Lp, so that the projection lens 25 can project The traveling direction of the light can be directed downward with respect to the projection optical axis Lp (projection lens optical axis Al). Thereby, the lamp unit 20 can form the irradiation pattern Pi near the vehicle 1 while suppressing downward tilting of the projection optical axis Lp, and can simplify the optical setting of the condenser lens 23.

In the lamp unit 20, the light sources (34, 35) are provided corresponding to at least one or more slit parts 46, and the light sources (34, 35) are provided at the center position (C1) of the corresponding at least one or more slit parts 46. , C3). Therefore, in the lamp unit 20, the traveling direction of light from each light source (34, 35) toward each corresponding slit section 46 can be directed downward with respect to the projection optical axis Lp, and the light source section 22 and shade 24 relative to the projection lens 25 can be directed downward. The downward effect can be further enhanced due to the positional relationship between the two.

In the lamp unit 20, the irradiation pattern Di includes a first irradiation pattern Di1, a second irradiation pattern Di2, and a third irradiation pattern Di3, and the plurality of slits 46 include a first slit corresponding to the first irradiation pattern Di1. 461, a second slit portion 462 corresponding to the second irradiation pattern Di2, and a third slit portion 463 corresponding to the third irradiation pattern Di3. Further, the lamp unit 20 includes, as light sources, a first light source 34 corresponding to the first slit section 461 and a second slit section 462, and a second light source 35 corresponding to the third slit section 463. Then, the lamp unit 20 positions the center position C2 of the first light source 34 above the center position C1 of the area where the first slit part 461 and the second slit part 462 are provided, and the second light source 35. The center position C4 is located above the center position C3 of the third slit portion 463. Therefore, in the lamp unit 20, the traveling direction of the light from both light sources (34, 35) toward the corresponding slit portions 46 can be directed downward with respect to the projection optical axis Lp, and the traveling direction of the light projected from the projection lens 25 can be made downward. The direction can be more effectively directed downward with respect to the projection optical axis Lp.

In the lamp unit 20, the condenser lens 23 has a structure in which a first lens section 51 corresponding to the first light source 34 and a second lens section 52 corresponding to the second light source 35 are stacked. In the lamp unit 20, the first lens section 51 includes an opposite entrance surface 53 facing the first light source 34, an inclined entrance surface 54 surrounding the opposite entrance surface 53, and a reflective surface 55 surrounding the inclined entrance surface 54. The second lens portion 52 is a convex lens that condenses light from the corresponding second light source 35. Therefore, the lamp unit 20 can efficiently utilize the light from the first light source 34, and while simplifying the configuration of the first lens section 51, the first slit section 461 and the second slit section 462 have a predetermined shape. Can form luminous flux distribution. Further, the lamp unit 20 can form a uniform luminous flux distribution with the light from the second light source 35 with respect to the third slit section 463 using the second lens section 52 . For these reasons, even if the lamp unit 20 uses a single condensing lens 23, it is possible to form various luminous flux distributions for each slit portion 46, and to form a more appropriate irradiation pattern Pi.

In the lamp unit 20, in the first lens section 51, the condensing position (second position P2) of the light that has passed through the opposing incident surface 53 is set closer to the projection lens 25 than the shade 24, and the light reflected on the reflective surface 55 is The light condensing position (first position P1) is set closer to the projection lens 25 than the shade 24. Further, in the lamp unit 20, the condensing position (third position P3) of the light from the second light source 35 in the second lens portion 52 is set closer to the projection lens 25 than the shade 24. Therefore, the lamp unit 20 can form a predetermined luminous flux distribution over the entire area of the corresponding slit portion 46 on the shade 24 without collecting too much light, and can appropriately form the irradiation pattern Pi.

In the lamp unit 20, the condensing position (second position P2) of the light that has passed through the opposing entrance surface 53 in the first lens part 51 is the same as the condensing position (second position P2) of the light from the second light source 35 in the second lens part 52. 3 position P3) to the shade 24 side, and the condensing position of the light reflected by the reflective surface 55 (first position P1) is set closer to the condensing position of the light that has passed through the opposing entrance surface 53 (second position P2). is also set on the shade 24 side. For this reason, the lamp unit 20 can adjust the luminous flux density and distribution at each slit section 46 on the shade 24 by adjusting each of the above-mentioned light condensing positions, and the light reaches the peripheral part of the projection lens 25. It can be set so that it does not advance, and the irradiation pattern Pi can be appropriately formed with a simple configuration.

The vehicle lamp 10 includes the lamp unit 20 described above. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 can form the irradiation pattern Pi in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 on which it is mounted without providing the lamp unit 20 so that the projection optical axis Lp is significantly tilted downward, and the lamp chamber can be enlarged. The lamp unit 20 can be provided while preventing this.

Therefore, the lamp unit 20 (vehicle lamp 10) of Example 1 as a lamp unit (vehicle lamp) according to the present disclosure suppresses the increase in inclination while being mounted on the vehicle 1. The irradiation pattern Pi can be formed near the vehicle 1.

Although the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure has been described above based on Example 1, the specific configuration is not limited to Example 1, and departs from the gist of the invention according to each claim. Changes and additions to the design are permitted unless otherwise specified.

In the first embodiment, the three irradiation patterns Di are formed into a substantially rectangular shape with the short side facing the vehicle 1, and are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the direction away from the vehicle 1 to form the irradiation pattern Pi. However, if the irradiation pattern is composed of a plurality of irradiation patterns Di formed by a shade (light shielding member), the design of the symbol as the irradiation pattern Di, the position at which it is formed, the number of irradiation patterns Di, etc. are set as appropriate. The configuration is not limited to that of the first embodiment.

Further, in the first embodiment, each light source (34, 35) emits white light. However, the color of the light emitted from the light source may be appropriately set depending on the location where it is provided and the content to be conveyed, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, a shade 24 is used as the light shielding member, and the shade 24 allows the light collected by the condenser lens 23 to pass through each slit portion 46 . However, the light shielding member may have any other configuration as long as it is provided with a plurality of slits 46 that partially pass the light condensed by the condensing lens 23, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. Other configurations include, for example, providing a plurality of irradiation slits that partially transmit light on a plate-shaped film member that blocks transmission of light, and transmitting light that has passed through the condenser lens 23 through the plurality of irradiation slits. It can be a plate (filter).

In the first embodiment, a lamp unit 20 (vehicle lamp 10) is provided in a vehicle 1 driven by a driver. However, the vehicle lamp may be provided in a vehicle having an automatic driving function, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. In this case, the vehicular lamp may form an irradiation pattern at a timing according to the intended use, that is, at a timing according to some intention regarding the operation of the vehicle 1, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, a lamp unit 20 is provided in a lamp chamber of a vehicle lamp 10. However, the lamp unit may be provided at any location in the vehicle as long as it has the above characteristics and is mounted on the vehicle, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. Further, the vehicle lamp 10 may be configured only with the lamp unit 20, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the light source section 22 is provided on an installation base section 21 that functions as a heat sink, and a condenser lens 23, a shade 24, and a projection lens 25 are attached to this installation base section 21. However, the vehicle lamp may have any other configuration as long as it forms an irradiation pattern by condensing light from a light source onto a light shielding member with a condensing lens and projecting it with a projection lens. configuration.

In the first embodiment, two light sources 34 and 35 are provided. However, as long as a plurality of light sources are provided, the number and arrangement may be set as appropriate, and the configuration is not limited to the first embodiment.

10 Vehicle lamp 20 Lamp unit 23 Condenser lens 24 Shade (as an example of a light shielding member) 25 Projection lens 34 First light source 35 Second light source 461 First slit portion 462 Second slit portion 463 Third slit portion 51 First Lens section 52 Second lens section 53 Opposing incident surface 54 Inclined incident surface 55 Reflective surface Al Projection lens optical axis Di1 First irradiation pattern Di2 Second irradiation pattern Di3 Third irradiation pattern Pi Irradiation pattern

Claims (8)

multiple light sources,
a condensing lens that condenses light from the plurality of light sources;
a light shielding member provided with a plurality of slits that partially pass the light focused by the focusing lens;
a projection lens that forms an irradiation pattern having a plurality of irradiation patterns corresponding to the plurality of slits by projecting light through the light shielding member;
The plurality of light sources are provided above the projection lens optical axis of the projection lens,
A lamp unit, wherein the plurality of slit portions are provided above the optical axis of the projection lens. The light source is provided corresponding to at least one or more of the slit parts,
The lamp unit according to claim 1, wherein the light source is provided above a center position of at least one corresponding slit section. The irradiation pattern includes a first irradiation pattern projected at a distant position in the irradiation pattern, a second irradiation pattern projected at a position closer to the first irradiation pattern in the irradiation pattern, and a second irradiation pattern projected at a position closer to the first irradiation pattern in the irradiation pattern. and a third irradiation pattern projected at a position closer to the second irradiation pattern,
The plurality of slit portions include a first slit portion corresponding to the first irradiation pattern, a second slit portion corresponding to the second irradiation pattern, and a third slit portion corresponding to the third irradiation pattern. have,
The lamp according to claim 2, wherein the light source includes a first light source corresponding to the first slit section and the second slit section, and a second light source corresponding to the third slit section. unit. The first light source has a center position located above a center position of a region where the first slit part and the second slit part are provided,
4. The lamp unit according to claim 3, wherein a center position of the second light source is located above a center position of the third slit section. The condensing lens includes a first lens portion corresponding to the first light source and a second lens portion corresponding to the second light source, which are overlapped,
The first lens portion has an opposite entrance surface facing the first light source, an inclined entrance surface surrounding the opposite entrance surface, and a reflective surface surrounding the inclined entrance surface,
5. The lamp unit according to claim 4, wherein the second lens portion is a convex lens that focuses light from the corresponding second light source. The first lens section is configured such that a condensing position of the light that has passed through the opposing incident surface is set closer to the projection lens than the light shielding member, and a condensing position of the light reflected by the reflecting surface is set to be closer to the projection lens than the light shielding member. is also set on the projection lens side,
6. The lamp unit according to claim 5, wherein the second lens section is configured such that a condensing position of the light from the second light source is set closer to the projection lens than the light shielding member. The first lens part is configured such that a condensing position of the light that has passed through the opposing incident surface is set closer to the light shielding member than a condensing position of the light from the second light source in the second lens part, and 7. The lamp unit according to claim 6, wherein a condensing position of the light reflected by the opposite incident surface is set closer to the light shielding member than a condensing position of the light that has passed through the opposing incident surface. A vehicular lamp comprising the lamp unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7.