JP3963454B2 - LED light source vehicle lamp - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp, and particularly relates to a configuration of a vehicular lamp that employs an LED lamp as a light source.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As an example of the configuration of a conventional vehicular lamp that uses this type of LED lamp as a light source, an LED lamp that is installed downward or upward with respect to the irradiation direction of the vehicular lamp and a virtual focal point of the LED lamp are used as a focus. Further, a vehicular lamp is disclosed that includes a reflecting surface having a parabolic system such as a rotating paraboloid having a reflection direction as an irradiation direction of the vehicular lamp. (For example, see Patent Document 1)
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-270008
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional vehicular lamp described above, the light source employs an infrared light emitting LED lamp, that is, the vehicular lamp does not emit visible light. There is no disclosure regarding the means for producing aesthetics when looking at a lamp.
[0005]
Moreover, as an example of a vehicular lamp that uses an LED lamp that emits visible light as a light source, a high-mount stop lamp installed near the rear window of the vehicle is known, but in this type of vehicular lamp, In many cases, a light distribution characteristic is formed by adjusting the lens cut by applying direct light from an LED lamp to an outer lens or the like.
[0006]
In this case, in order to improve the appearance as a vehicular lamp, the design of the lens cut may be considered, but when the LED lamp is turned on, the direct light emitted from the LED lamp is strong. Therefore, only the arrangement of the LED lamp is strongly recognized, and the lens cut described above has a problem that the design effect is weak and the aesthetics cannot be improved as expected.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As a specific means for solving the above-described conventional problems, the present invention provides an LED lamp attached to a lamp body in a direction in which direct light is not projected with respect to the irradiation direction of the lamp, and from the LED lamp. A first reflection surface provided substantially corresponding to the direct light irradiation range and reflecting the direct light toward the irradiation direction of the vehicular lamp, and substantially the same as the first reflection surface on the first reflection surface It has a reflection direction and has a convex shape or a concave shape by making the curvature stronger than the first reflection surface, a curved surface with low curvature is adopted for the vertical cross section, and the curvature for the horizontal cross section is A plurality of second reflecting surfaces adopting a high curved surface are arranged in a design-like manner and the second reflecting surfaces are separated from each other , and the reflected light from the first reflecting surface and the reflected from the second reflecting surface The light distribution characteristics of this vehicular lamp are formed with light, and the front Solves the problem by providing an LED light source vehicular lamp is characterized in that performing the design formation at the time of lighting the arrangement of the second reflecting surface.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Below, this invention is demonstrated in detail based on embodiment shown in a figure. 1 to 3 is an LED light source vehicle lamp according to the present invention. The LED light source vehicle lamp 1 uses an LED lamp 2 as a light source, and light from the LED lamp 2 is used. The point that the axis Y is provided substantially orthogonal to the irradiation direction X of the LED light source vehicular lamp 1 is substantially the same as that of the conventional example shown in Patent Document 1.
[0009]
Here, the conventional example (Patent Document 1) employs an infrared light emitting LED lamp as a light source, that is, an invisible light, whereas in the present invention, red light, yellow light is used. An LED lamp 2 that emits visible light such as light, amber color light, or white light is used as a light source.
[0010]
In FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the LED light source vehicle lamp 1 is represented by one LED lamp 2 and one surface of the first reflecting surface 3. However, in actual implementation, FIG. As shown, the plurality of LED lamps 2 and the plurality of first reflecting surfaces 3 (and second reflecting surfaces 4) corresponding thereto have an appropriate light emitting area, and the LED light source vehicle lamp 1 Is usually configured.
[0011]
Accordingly, the first reflecting surface 3 is used to direct the light emitted from the LED lamp 2 in the direction of the optical axis Y in the irradiation direction X of the LED light source vehicle lamp 1 as described above. Although it is set as the structure substantially the same as the thing of a prior art example, since the LED lamp 2 emitted visible light in this invention, the 1st reflective surface 3 which reflects the light at the time of lighting of the LED lamp 2 is also included. It will shine at the same time.
[0012]
The use of visible light as the LED lamp 2 in this way is intended for use by the LED light source vehicular lamp 1 for signal or illumination, particularly for signals. Since the light emitting surface is viewed, the design is taken into consideration and the aesthetic appearance is improved. Incidentally, in recent vehicle lamps, the outer lens 5 is often made through without a lens cut or the like so that the reflecting surface can be seen through. Therefore, also in the LED light source vehicle lamp 1 of the present invention. Explanation will be made assuming that the configuration is similar.
[0013]
In the present invention, as means for improving the above-described aesthetic appearance, the second reflecting surface 4 having a smaller area than the first reflecting surface 3 and a different curvature is provided on the surface of the first reflecting surface 3 (in-plane). By arranging a plurality of patterns so as to form patterns such as vertical and horizontal rows, for example, when the LED lamp 2 is turned on, a pattern due to a difference in brightness or the like is generated on the light emitting surface of the LED light source vehicle lamp 1. It is what reaches.
[0014]
In addition, when the LED lamp 2 is employed as a light source as in the present invention, the area to be brilliant as desired brightness is not so large, so that the light emitting surface of the LED light source vehicular lamp 1 is a predetermined light emitting surface. In order to secure the area, it is necessary to combine a plurality of first reflecting surfaces 3, but in this case as well, the combination of the first reflecting surfaces 3 forms a pattern so that the aesthetics are improved even in this part. Can be achieved.
[0015]
The first reflecting surface 3 is formed on the basis of a rotating paraboloid having a rotation axis parallel to the irradiation direction X of the LED light source vehicle lamp 1 with the virtual focus of the LED lamp 2 as a focal point. The virtual focus of the LED lamp 2 is a position on the center line where most of the light intersects when the light emitted from the LED lamp 2 is traced to the light source side. In this type of LED lamp 2, Since the light emitting portion of the case is formed in a lens shape, there is a deviation from the position of the LED chip. (See FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1)
[0016]
By forming as described above, the reflected light from the first reflecting surface 3 is basically a parallel light beam directed in the irradiation direction. In this case, the light in the vertical and horizontal directions off the front is emitted. The first reflecting surface 3 is formed as a free-form surface based on a rotating paraboloid and appropriately diffuses light in the vertical and horizontal directions. Yes.
[0017]
On the other hand, as described above, a plurality of the second reflecting surfaces 4 are formed on the surface of the first reflecting surface 3 and have a smaller area than the first reflecting surface 3. When it is formed as a curved surface, it has a stronger curvature than the first reflecting surface 3. Further, for example, it may be formed as a polyhedron, and in this case, the direction in which each reflecting surface faces is set so that reflected light is generated in a desired direction.
[0018]
The second reflective surface 4 may be formed as a convex surface protruding from the first reflective surface 3, may be formed as a concave surface that is depressed, or a concave surface and a convex surface are provided side by side. In short, what is necessary is to improve the aesthetics by drawing a regular pattern on the surface of the first reflecting surface 3.
[0019]
With the configuration described above, the second reflecting surface 4 inevitably diffuses light from the LED lamp 2 over a wider range than the first reflecting surface 3. Therefore, in the present invention, the light distribution characteristic of the LED light source vehicle lamp 1 is basically formed by the reflected light from the second reflecting surface 4. Therefore, each of the second reflecting surfaces 4 is a surface depending on conditions such as a position provided on the first reflecting surface 3 so that a light distribution characteristic is formed by a total of reflected light of all the surfaces. Shape optimization has been performed.
[0020]
FIG. 4 shows an example of the shape of the light distribution characteristic D when the vehicular lamp is, for example, a taillight. The irradiation angle is wide in the horizontal direction in accordance with the function of traveling on the road surface of the vehicle. In the vertical direction, a light distribution characteristic having a shape in which the irradiation angle is not so wide is required. In addition, for vehicle lamps, for example, the required shape differs somewhat depending on the type of headlamp, taillight, direction indicator lamp, etc., but basically a shape that is horizontally wide and vertically narrow is required. .
[0021]
Accordingly, if the shape of the second reflecting surface 4 is formed as a curved surface, a curved surface with a low curvature is adopted for the vertical cross section because the diffusibility is not so required (see FIG. 2). Therefore, a curved surface having a high curvature is employed in the horizontal section to enhance the diffusibility with respect to the reflected light (see FIG. 3). In addition, in the LED light source vehicle lamp 1 of the present invention, for example, a combination lamp and a vehicle lamp using a halogen bulb or an incandescent bulb as a light source can be freely configured.
[0022]
Next, the operation and effect of the LED light source vehicle lamp 1 of the present invention configured as described above will be described. First, according to the present invention, the optical axis Y of the LED lamp 2 is inclined by approximately 90 ° from the irradiation direction X of the LED light source vehicle lamp 1 according to the present invention, and this is directed toward the irradiation direction X by the first reflecting surface 3. The LED light source vehicle lamp 1 is reflected so that it is used as the irradiation light of the LED light source vehicle lamp 1, so that the LED lamp 2 can be seen directly even when viewing the LED light source vehicle lamp 1 when lit from a succeeding vehicle or the like. Disappears.
[0023]
That is, the light source part with the highest luminance of the LED lamp 2 is not seen, and thus the LED lamp 2 is once turned on even when a design cut is applied to the reflecting surface to improve the aesthetic appearance. In addition, only the LED lamp 2 is strongly recognized due to the high luminance, and the effect of the above-described design cut cannot be sufficiently achieved, which has occurred in the conventional vehicle lamp using the LED lamp 2 as a light source. The point can be solved.
[0024]
If necessary, the LED lamp 2 is positioned between the LED lamp 2 and the first reflecting surface 3 and closer to the outer lens 5 so that the LED lamp 2 is not easily viewed directly from the viewing direction side. A shielding plate 6 (see FIG. 2) may be provided. For example, the LED light source vehicle lamp 1 is provided at a position lower than the line of sight such as a taillight, and the optical axis Y of the LED lamp 2 is upward. In some cases, it is effective to avoid direct viewing of the LED lamp 2.
[0025]
Secondly, the above configuration allows the viewer of the LED light source vehicle lamp 1, such as a driver of a following vehicle, to emit light that is emitted from the LED lamp 2 and appropriately diffused. Since the light reflected by the first reflecting surface 3 including the second reflecting surface 4 reaches, the reflected light as a whole of the first reflecting surface 3 may locally have an extremely high brightness portion. Absent.
[0026]
Accordingly, a plurality of LED lamps 2 and corresponding first reflecting surfaces 3 are arranged in, for example, a vertical row or the like to form an LED light source vehicle lamp 1 having a wide light emitting surface (FIG. 5). (See also), a light emitting surface with uniform brightness can be realized, and the display quality of the LED light source vehicle lamp 1 can be improved.
[0027]
In addition, thirdly, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a vehicular lamp having a wide display area such as a taillight without impairing the design surface, visibility, and the like by using an LED lamp as a light source. It is not necessary to substantially consider the replacement of the light source, and it is possible to attach the vehicle body to the vehicle body in a so-called snap-off state without providing any attachment / detachment means to the vehicle body, thereby improving the productivity of the vehicle.
[0028]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the LED lamp mounted on the lamp body in a direction in which direct light is not projected with respect to the irradiation direction of the lamp, and substantially corresponds to the irradiation range of the direct light from the LED lamp A first reflection surface that reflects the direct light toward an irradiation direction of the vehicular lamp, and a first reflection surface having substantially the same reflection direction as the first reflection surface on the first reflection surface. A plurality of second reflective surfaces that are convex or concave by design having a curvature that is stronger than the surface are arranged in a design, reflected light from the first reflective surface, reflected light from the second reflective surface, and Thus, the light distribution characteristics of the vehicular lamp are formed, and the LED light source vehicular lamp that is designed at the time of lighting is formed by the arrangement of the second reflecting surface. Is reflected by the reflected light from the first reflecting surface including the second reflecting surface. Recognizing the lighting of this vehicular lamp, the LED lamp that shines in the form of a high-brightness point light source is avoided, and the design cuts made on the lens and reflecting surface can be recognized both when the lamp is turned off and when it is lit. As an example, this type of LED light source has an extremely excellent effect in improving the aesthetics of the vehicular lamp.
[0029]
Secondly, the light from the LED lamp appropriately diffused as described above is reflected by the first reflecting surface including the second reflecting surface in the irradiation direction of the vehicular lamp. By arranging a plurality of LED lamps and the first reflecting surface in rows and columns, a wide light emitting area with uniform brightness can be realized even in a vehicle lamp using this type of LED lamp as a light source. It has an extremely excellent effect on improvement of reliability and improvement of reliability. In addition, it can be attached to the vehicle in a so-called “fitting-off” state, so that it is not necessary to provide an attaching / detaching means, and it is effective in reducing costs and improving productivity.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of an embodiment of an LED light source vehicle lamp according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of light distribution characteristics required for a vehicular lamp.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example of an LED light source vehicular lamp when a plurality of LED lamps are used as light sources.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... LED light source vehicle lamp 2 ... LED lamp 3 ... 1st reflective surface 4 ... 2nd reflective surface 5 ... Outer lens 6 ... Shielding plate

Claims (2)

An LED lamp attached to the lamp body in a direction in which direct light is not projected with respect to the irradiation direction of the lamp, and the direct light provided substantially corresponding to the irradiation range of the direct light from the LED lamp. A first reflecting surface that reflects toward the irradiation direction of the lamp, and a convex surface that has substantially the same reflecting direction as the first reflecting surface on the first reflecting surface and has a stronger curvature than the first reflecting surface. forms a Jo or concave, in the vertical cross section, is adopted low curvature curved design to and a plurality of second reflecting surface having high curvature curved surface is adopted in the horizontal direction of the cross section, respectively The second reflecting surface is spaced apart, and the light distribution characteristic of the vehicular lamp is formed by the reflected light from the first reflecting surface and the reflected light from the second reflecting surface, and the second reflecting surface. The design of the lighting is being formed by the arrangement of the reflective surface LED light source vehicular lamp according to symptoms.   2. The LED light source vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the LED lamps and the first reflecting surface are provided in the vehicle lamp.

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