JP6635691B2 - Vehicle lighting - Google Patents

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp including a plurality of lamp units each having a light emitting element as a light source.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a configuration of a vehicle lamp, a vehicle lamp including a plurality of lamp units using a light emitting element as a light source is known.

  Patent Literature 1 describes a configuration of each lamp unit in such a vehicle lamp in which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in a vehicle width direction.

  In the vehicle lamp described in this Patent Document 1, all or a part of the plurality of light emitting elements are simultaneously turned on as the plurality of lamp units. Thus, a plurality of types of light distribution patterns are formed in which the positions of the light and dark boundary lines extending in the vertical direction are different from each other.

JP 2013-243080 A

  However, the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which each of the plurality of light emitting elements arranged in each lamp unit is turned on and off independently, so that the plurality of lamp units as a whole are The same number of wiring channels as a plurality of light emitting elements are required.

  Therefore, the configuration of the lighting control circuit for forming a plurality of types of light distribution patterns becomes complicated, and it is necessary to detect disconnection and short circuit for each of a large number of wiring channels. It costs money.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in a vehicle lamp including a plurality of lamp units each having a light emitting element as a light source, a plurality of types of light / dark boundary lines extending in a vertical direction different from each other. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicular lamp capable of forming the light distribution pattern with an inexpensive configuration.

  The present invention achieves the above object by devising wiring of a plurality of light emitting elements.

That is, the vehicle lamp according to the present invention is:
In a vehicle lamp including a plurality of lamp units having a light emitting element as a light source,
Each of the lamp units has a configuration in which a plurality of the light emitting elements are arranged in the vehicle width direction,
As a whole of the plurality of lamp units, the plurality of light-emitting elements can include a plurality of wiring units which are connected to each other in series so as to extend over at least two of the plurality of lamp units. Is divided into wiring channels,
By simultaneously illuminating the plurality of light-emitting elements for each of the wiring channels, it is configured to form a plurality of types of light distribution patterns in which positions of light-dark boundary lines extending in the vertical direction are different from each other. Is what you do.

  The type of the "light emitting element" is not particularly limited, and for example, a light emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like can be adopted.

  The specific configuration of the “lamp unit” is not particularly limited as long as it can form a light distribution pattern having a bright / dark boundary extending in the vertical direction. The one configured to control the reflection by the reflector, the one configured to control the deflection of the light from the light emitting element forward by the lens, and the like can be adopted.

  The “light / dark boundary line” does not necessarily have to extend in the vertical direction as long as it extends in the vertical direction, and may extend linearly or curvedly in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

  The specific shape and brightness of the “plural types of light distribution patterns” are not particularly limited as long as the positions of the light and dark boundary lines extending in the vertical direction are different from each other.

  As shown in the above configuration, the vehicular lamp according to the present invention includes a plurality of lamp units as a whole, including a plurality of wiring channels including wiring channels connected in series in a manner in which wiring of a plurality of light emitting elements straddles at least two lamp units. It is configured to be divided into wiring channels, and by illuminating the plurality of light emitting elements simultaneously for each wiring channel, a plurality of types of light distribution patterns in which the positions of bright and dark boundary lines extending in the vertical direction are different from each other are formed. Therefore, the number of wiring channels can be reduced as compared with the conventional vehicle lamp. As a result, the configuration of the lighting control circuit can be simplified, and disconnection or short circuit of each wiring channel can be easily detected, and the cost can be reduced accordingly.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in a vehicle lamp including a plurality of lamp units each including a light-emitting element as a light source, a plurality of types of light distribution patterns in which the positions of light-dark boundary lines extending in the vertical direction are different from each other are formed with an inexpensive configuration. Can be formed.

  In the above configuration, if the plurality of types of light distribution patterns are light distribution patterns having different shapes from each other, the degree of freedom of the shape and the luminous intensity distribution of the combined light distribution pattern formed by appropriately combining these patterns can be increased.

  In the above configuration, if a plurality of types of light distribution patterns are light distribution patterns having different brightness from each other, the maximum light intensity and the degree of freedom of the light intensity distribution of a combined light distribution pattern formed by appropriately combining these light distribution patterns can be increased. it can.

  In the above configuration, the positional relationship between the optical axis of the lamp unit and the plurality of light emitting elements in each lamp unit may be shifted from each other in at least two of the plurality of lamp units in the vehicle width direction. In addition, it is possible to easily form a plurality of types of light distribution patterns in which the positions of the light and dark boundary lines extending in the vertical direction are different from each other.

  In the above configuration, even when the distance between the light emitting elements in each lamp unit is set to a different value between at least two lamp units among the plurality of lamp units, a light-dark boundary extending in the vertical direction. It is possible to easily form a plurality of types of light distribution patterns having different line positions.

  In the above configuration, if the number of the plurality of light emitting elements in each lamp unit is set to a value different from each other between at least two lamp units among the plurality of lamp units, a plurality of types of light distribution patterns are mutually exchanged. It can be easily formed in different sizes.

Front view showing a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention. II-II sectional view of FIG. III-III sectional view of FIG. 1 FIG. 2 is a plan view showing main parts of three lamp units constituting the vehicle lamp in a state where FIG. 2 is rotated by 180 °. The figure which shows the light distribution pattern formed on the virtual vertical screen arrange | positioned at the position 25m ahead of a lamp by the irradiation light from each said lamp unit. The figure which shows the four types of light distribution patterns formed when the light source unit of the three lamp units is turned on for each wiring channel. The figure which shows the four additional light distribution patterns formed when the above-mentioned three light source units are lighted by appropriately combining the four wiring channels. A diagram showing the four additional light distribution patterns combined with a low beam light distribution pattern. A diagram showing four additional light distribution patterns formed by irradiation light from a vehicle lamp having a symmetrical configuration with respect to the vehicle lamp, combined with a low-beam light distribution pattern. FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing a vehicular lamp according to a first modification of the embodiment. The figure similar to FIG. 4 which shows the principal part of the vehicle lamp concerning the 2nd modification of the said embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the operation of the second modification. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows the vehicle lamp concerning the 3rd modification of the said embodiment.

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

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing a vehicle lamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG.

  As shown in these drawings, a vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment is a headlamp arranged at the right front end of a vehicle, and has an additional distribution formed in addition to a low-beam light distribution pattern. It is configured to form a light pattern (which will be described later).

  In addition, as for the vehicle lamp 10, in FIG. 2, the direction indicated by X is "forward" (the vehicle is also "forward"), and the direction indicated by Y is "leftward" (as the vehicle) orthogonal to "forward". Is also "left direction" but "right direction" when viewed from the front of the lamp.

  The vehicle lamp 10 has a configuration in which three lamp units 20A, 20B, and 20C are incorporated in a lamp room formed by a lamp body 12 and a transparent light-transmitting cover 14 attached to a front end opening thereof. Has become.

  The three lamp units 20A, 20B, and 20C are arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction, and are arranged in a more displaced rearward position toward the outside in the vehicle width direction.

  Each of the lamp units 20A, 20B, and 20C is configured as a reflector unit including the light source units 30A, 30B, and 30C and the reflectors 40A, 40B, and 40C, and is supported by a common support member 50.

  The light source unit 30A includes seven light emitting elements 30A1, 30A2, 30A3, 30A4, 30A5, 30A6, 30A7, the light source unit 30B includes two light emitting elements 30B1, 30B2, and the light source unit 30C includes two light emitting elements 30B1, 30B2. There are two light emitting elements 30C1, 30C2.

  Each of these light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7, 30B1, 30B2, 30C1, and 30C2 is a white light emitting diode of the same specification having a rectangular (for example, 1 mm square) light emitting surface, with the light emitting surface facing downward. It is arranged in a state. At this time, these light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7, 30B1, 30B2, 30C1, and 30C2 are arranged in such a manner that both right and left edges of the light emitting surface extend in the vehicle front-rear direction.

  Each of the reflectors 40A, 40B, and 40C has a parabolic reflective surface.

  The reflecting surface 40Aa of the reflector 40A includes a plurality of reflecting elements 40As formed with a paraboloid of revolution P (see FIG. 3) having the optical axis Ax1 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle as a center axis, and a plurality of reflecting elements 40As. The light emitted from the elements 30A1 to 30A7 is reflected and controlled forward. At this time, the surface shape of each reflecting element 40As is set such that the reflecting surface 40Aa slightly deflects the light emitted from each of the light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7 rightward and slightly diffuses it to the left and right sides. .

  The reflecting surface 40Ba of the reflector 40B includes a plurality of reflecting elements 40Bs formed using a paraboloid of revolution having the optical axis Ax2 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction as a central axis as a reference plane, and a plurality of reflecting elements 40Bs from each of the light emitting elements 30B1, 30B2. The reflection of the emitted light is controlled forward. At this time, the surface shape of each reflecting element 40Bs is set such that the light emitted from each of the light emitting elements 30B1 and 30B2 is slightly deflected to the right and then slightly diffused to the left and right sides. .

  The reflection surface 40Ca of the reflector 40C includes a plurality of reflection elements 40Cs formed with a paraboloid of revolution having the optical axis Ax3 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction as a center axis and a reference surface, and a plurality of reflection elements 40Cs from each of the light-emitting elements 30C1, 30C2. The reflection of the emitted light is controlled forward. At this time, the surface shape of each reflecting element 40Cs is set such that the light emitted from each of the light emitting elements 30C1 and 30C2 is slightly diffused to the left and right sides.

  The reflecting surfaces 40Aa, 40Ba, and 40Ca of each of the reflectors 40A, 40B, and 40C have a substantially rectangular outer shape when viewed from the front of the lamp, and the positions of the upper edges thereof are substantially the same as the optical axes Ax1, Ax2, and Ax3. Set to height.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing main parts of three lamp units 20A, 20B, and 20C in a state where FIG. 2 is rotated by 180 °.

  As shown in the figure, the seven light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7 constituting the light source unit 30A are arranged such that the light emitting element 30A4 located at the center has its light emission center at the focus of the reflection surface 40Aa (more precisely, the focus of the rotation paraboloid P). ) F1 and the remaining six light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A3 and 30A5 to 30A7 are arranged on the left and right sides of the light emitting element 30A4 at a slight interval from each other. At this time, the six light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A3 and 30A5 to 30A7 are arranged at positions farther away from the light emitting element 30A4 as they are farther from the light emitting element 30A4.

  The two light emitting elements 30B1 and 30B2 constituting the light source unit 30B are arranged in a state where the center of the right edge of the light emitting element 30B1 is located at the focal point F2 of the reflection surface 40Ba, and the light emitting element 30B1 is moved rightward from the light emitting element 30B1. The light emitting element 30B2 is arranged at a position just beside and slightly away.

  The two light emitting elements 30C1 and 30C2 constituting the light source unit 30C are arranged in a state where the light emitting element 30C2 has its emission center located at the focal point F3 of the reflection surface 40Ca, and is slightly leftward from the light emitting element 30C2. The light emitting element 30C1 is arranged right next to the light emitting element 30C1.

  At this time, the center distance Dc between the two light emitting elements 30C1 and 30C2 forming the light source unit 30C is set to a value larger than the center distance Db between the two light emitting elements 30B1 and 30B2 forming the light source unit 30B. . The center distance Db between the two light emitting elements 30B1 and 30B2 forming the light source unit 30B is set to a value larger than the center distance Da between the seven light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7 forming the light source unit 30A. I have.

  The three light source units 30A, 30B, 30C are connected to a lighting control circuit (not shown). At this time, the wiring of the plurality of light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7, 30B1, 30B2, 30C1, and 30C2 constituting the three light source units 30A, 30B, and 30C as a whole is divided into four wiring channels ch1 to ch4. Lighting / light-off control is performed by appropriately combining these four wiring channels ch1 to ch4.

  The wiring channel ch1 is configured as a wiring channel in which three light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A3 on the left side of the light source unit 30A are connected in series. The wiring channel ch2 is configured as a wiring channel in which the central light emitting element 30A4 in the light source unit 30A and the left light emitting element 30B1 in the light source unit 30B are connected in series. The wiring channel ch3 is configured as a wiring channel in which the right three light emitting elements 30A5 to 30A7 in the light source unit 30A, the right light emitting element 30B2 in the light source unit 30B, and the right light emitting element 30C2 in the light source unit 30C are connected in series. I have. The wiring channel ch4 is configured as a single wiring channel of the left light emitting element 30C1 in the light source unit 30C.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen arranged at a position 25 m in front of the lamp by irradiation light from each lamp unit 20A, 20B, 20C.

  The three light distribution patterns PA1, PA2, and PA3 shown in FIG. 3A are light distribution patterns formed by irradiation light from the lamp unit 20A.

  The light distribution pattern PA2 is a light distribution pattern formed by turning on the light emitting element 30A4 located at the center. The light distribution pattern PA2 is formed as a slightly horizontally long light distribution pattern at a position slightly distant to the right from a VV line passing in a vertical direction through HV, which is a vanishing point in the front direction of the lamp.

  The light distribution pattern PA1 is a light distribution pattern formed by simultaneous lighting of the three left light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A3. The light distribution pattern PA1 is formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern at a position further rightward than the light distribution pattern PA2, and its left end overlaps the light distribution pattern PA2.

  The light distribution pattern PA3 is a light distribution pattern formed by simultaneously lighting the three light emitting elements 30A5 to 30A7 on the right. The light distribution pattern PA3 is formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern straddling the line V-V at a position on the left side of the light distribution pattern PA2, and its right end overlaps the light distribution pattern PA2.

  These three light distribution patterns PA1, PA2, PA3 are formed with substantially the same vertical width. At this time, the lower edges of these three light distribution patterns PA1, PA2, and PA3 are located slightly below (for example, about 1 ° below) the HH line that passes through the HV in the horizontal direction. The edge is located somewhat above the HH line (for example, about 5 ° above).

  The three light distribution patterns PA1, PA2, and PA3 are formed as a substantially horizontally long light distribution pattern as a whole, because the seven light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7 are widely arranged in the left-right direction. . At this time, as for the light emitting element 30A4 located at the focal point F1 of the reflection surface 40Aa, the six light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A3 and 30A5 to 30A7 located on both sides of the light emitting element 30A4 are more distant from the light emitting element 30A4. The light distribution patterns PA1, PA2, and PA3 are formed so as to extend substantially in the horizontal direction because they are arranged at positions shifted forward from the element 30A4.

  These light distribution patterns PA1, PA2, PA3 are formed by slightly diffusing the reverse projection images of the respective light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A3, 30A4, 30A5 to 30A7 in the horizontal direction by the reflector 40A, so that both left and right edges thereof are formed. Constitutes a light-dark boundary extending in the vertical direction. At this time, the shape of the plurality of reflective elements 40As constituting the reflective surface 40Aa is set so that the left edge PA1a of the light distribution pattern PA1 is formed as a clear light-dark boundary line. The position of the left edge PA1a of the light distribution pattern PA1 is set to a position at an angle θ1 (for example, θ1 = 6 °) from the line VV.

  The two light distribution patterns PB1 and PB2 shown in FIG. 3B are light distribution patterns formed by light emitted from the lamp unit 20B.

  The light distribution pattern PB1 is a light distribution pattern formed by turning on the light emitting element 30B1 located on the left side. The light distribution pattern PB1 is formed as a slightly horizontally long light distribution pattern at a position slightly away from the line V-V to the right.

  The light distribution pattern PB2 is a light distribution pattern formed by turning on the light emitting element 30B2 located on the right side. The light distribution pattern PB2 is formed as a slightly long light distribution pattern straddling the line V-V at a position on the left side of the light distribution pattern PB1, and its right end overlaps the light distribution pattern PB1.

  These light distribution patterns PB1 and PB2 are also formed by slightly inverting the reverse projection images of the light emitting elements 30B1 and 30B2 in the horizontal direction by the reflector 40B, so that the right and left edges of the light distribution patterns PB1 and PB2 extend in the vertical direction. Is composed. At this time, the shape of the plurality of reflective elements 40Bs forming the reflective surface 40Ba is set so that the left edge PB1a of the light distribution pattern PB1 is formed as a clear light-dark boundary line. The position of the left edge PB1a of the light distribution pattern PB1 is set to a position at an angle θ2 (for example, θ2 = 1.5 °) that is considerably smaller than the angle θ1 from the line VV.

  The two light distribution patterns PC1 and PC2 shown in FIG. 3C are light distribution patterns formed by the irradiation light from the lamp unit 20C.

  The light distribution pattern PC1 is a light distribution pattern formed by lighting the light emitting element 30C1 located on the left side. The light distribution pattern PC1 is formed as a slightly horizontally long light distribution pattern at a position slightly away from the line VV to the right.

  The light distribution pattern PC2 is a light distribution pattern formed by lighting the light emitting element 30C2 located on the right side. The light distribution pattern PC2 is formed as a substantially square light distribution pattern straddling the line V-V at a position on the left side of the light distribution pattern PC1, and its right end overlaps the light distribution pattern PC1.

  These light distribution patterns PC1 and PC2 are also formed by slightly diffusing the inverted projection images of the light emitting elements 30C1 and 30C2 in the horizontal direction by the reflector 40C. Is composed. At this time, the shape of the plurality of reflective elements 40Cs forming the reflective surface 40Ca is set so that the left edge PC1a of the light distribution pattern PC1 is formed as a clear light-dark boundary line. The left end edge PC1a of the light distribution pattern PC1 is formed at a position at an angle θ3 (eg, θ3 = 3 °) slightly larger than the angle θ2 from the line VV.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating four types of light distribution patterns Pch1 to Pch4 formed when the three light source units 30A, 30B, and 30C are turned on for each of the wiring channels ch1 to ch4.

  The light distribution pattern Pch1 shown in FIG. 9A is constituted by the light distribution pattern PA1 alone formed when the wiring channel ch1 is energized (that is, when the light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A3 are turned on). In the light distribution pattern Pch1, the left edge PA1a of the light distribution pattern PA1 is formed as a clear light-dark boundary line.

  The light distribution pattern Pch2 shown in FIG. 6B is formed by a combined light distribution pattern of the light distribution patterns PA2 and PB1 formed when the wiring channel ch2 is energized (that is, when the light emitting elements 30A4 and 30B1 are turned on). Have been. In the light distribution pattern Pch2, the left edge PB1a of the light distribution pattern PB1 is formed as a clear light-dark boundary line.

  The light distribution pattern Pch3 shown in FIG. 3C is the light distribution pattern PA3, PB2, PC2 formed when the wiring channel ch3 is energized (that is, when the light emitting elements 30A5 to 30A7, 30B2, 30C2 are turned on). It is composed of a combined light distribution pattern.

  The light distribution pattern Pch4 shown in FIG. 4D is constituted by the light distribution pattern PC1 formed when the wiring channel ch4 is energized (that is, when the light emitting element 30C1 is turned on). In the light distribution pattern Pch4, the left edge PC1a of the light distribution pattern PC1 is formed as a clear light-dark boundary line.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating four additional light distribution patterns P1 to P4 of Zone1 to Zone4 formed when the three light source units 30A, 30B, and 30C are lit by appropriately combining the four wiring channels ch1 to ch4. It is.

  The additional light distribution pattern P1 of Zone 1 is composed of only the light distribution pattern PA1 formed when the wiring channel ch1 is energized (that is, when the light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A3 are turned on).

  The additional light distribution pattern P2 of Zone2 is configured by a combined light distribution pattern of the light distribution patterns PA1 and PC1 formed when the wiring channels ch1 and ch4 are energized (that is, when the light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A3 and 30C1 are turned on). Have been.

  The additional light distribution pattern P3 of Zone3 is a combined light distribution pattern of light distribution patterns PA1, PA2, and PB1 formed when the wiring channels ch1 and ch2 are energized (that is, when the light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A4 and 30B1 are turned on). It is composed of

  The additional light distribution pattern P4 of Zone 4 is a light distribution pattern PA2 formed when the wiring channels ch2, ch3, and ch4 are energized (that is, when the light emitting elements 30A4 to 30A7, 30B1, 30B2, 30C1, and 30C2 are turned on). It is composed of a combined light distribution pattern of PA3, PB1, PB2, PC1, and PC2.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing four additional light distribution patterns P1 to P4 combined with a low-beam light distribution pattern PL formed by irradiation light from another vehicle lamp (not shown).

  The low-beam light distribution pattern PL is a low-beam light distribution pattern for left light distribution, and has cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 at right and left steps at the upper end edge. The cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 extend in the horizontal direction at right and left steps different from the line VV, and the opposite lane side portion on the right side of the line VV is formed as a lower cutoff line CL1. A portion on the side of the own lane on the left side of the -V line is formed as an upper cutoff line CL2 which rises from the lower cutoff line CL1 via an inclined portion.

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

  The additional light distribution pattern P1 is formed such that its lower end overlaps the lower cutoff line CL1. In the additional light distribution pattern P1, the left edge PA1a formed as a clear light-dark boundary line extends upward from the lower cutoff line CL1 at the position of the angle θ1.

  The additional light distribution pattern P2 is formed such that its lower end overlaps the lower cutoff line CL1. In the additional light distribution pattern P2, a left edge PC1a formed as a clear light-dark boundary line extends upward from the lower cutoff line CL1 at the angle θ3. Further, since the additional light distribution pattern P2 is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of the light distribution patterns PA1 and PC2, the portion near the left edge PC1a is bright.

  The additional light distribution pattern P3 is formed such that its lower end overlaps the lower cutoff line CL1. In the additional light distribution pattern P3, a left edge PB1a formed as a clear light-dark boundary line extends upward from the lower cutoff line CL1 at the position of the angle θ2. Further, since the additional light distribution pattern P3 is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of the light distribution patterns PA1, PA2, and PB1, the portion near the left edge PB1a is further brightened.

  The additional light distribution pattern P4 is formed such that the lower end thereof overlaps the lower cutoff line CL1 and the upper cutoff line CL2. Since the additional light distribution pattern P4 is formed as a composite light distribution pattern of the light distribution patterns PA2, PA3, PB1, PB2, PC1, and PC2, the region near the line VV is very bright.

  Next, the operation and effect of the present embodiment will be described.

  Although the vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment includes three lamp units 20A, 20B, and 20C, a plurality of light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7, 30B1, 30B2, and 30C1 that configure the light source units 30A, 30B, and 30C. , 30C2 are divided into four wiring channels ch1 to ch4, and a plurality of light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7, 30B1, 30B2, 30C1, 30C2 are simultaneously turned on for each of the wiring channels ch1 to ch4. Accordingly, four types of light distribution patterns Pch1 to Pch4 in which the positions of the light and dark boundary lines extending in the vertical direction are different from each other are formed, so that the number of wiring channels can be reduced as compared with a conventional vehicle lamp. it can. Thereby, the configuration of the lighting control circuit can be simplified, and disconnection or short circuit of each of the wiring channels ch1 to ch4 can be easily detected, and the cost can be reduced accordingly.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the vehicle lamp 10 including the plurality of lamp units 20A, 20B, and 20C using the light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7, 30B1, 30B2, 30C1, and 30C2 as light sources, the brightness extending vertically. A plurality of types of light distribution patterns Pch1 to Pch4 having mutually different boundary lines can be formed with an inexpensive configuration.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the four additional light distribution patterns P <b> 1 to P <b> 4 in which the positions of the bright / dark boundary lines extending in the vertical direction are different from each other by performing the lighting / light-off control by appropriately combining the four wiring channels ch <b> 1 to ch <b> 4. Is selectively superimposed on the low beam light distribution pattern PL, so that the following operation and effect can be obtained.

  That is, as for the three light distribution patterns Pch1, Pch2, and Pch3, the left edges PA1a, PB1a, and PC1a are formed as clear light and dark boundaries, so that any one of these three additional light distribution patterns P1 to P3 is a low beam. By superimposing it on the light distribution pattern PL for the vehicle, it is possible to irradiate the front traveling road widely without preventing glare from being given to the driver of the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle by the illumination light from the vehicle lamp 10. .

  Further, by superimposing the additional light distribution pattern P4 on the low beam light distribution pattern PL, the area near the line V-V becomes very bright, so that sufficient distant visibility can be ensured.

  In this case, in the present embodiment, the four types of light distribution patterns Pch1 to Pch4 are formed as light distribution patterns having different shapes and brightness from each other. Of the additional light distribution patterns P1 to P4 as the combined light distribution pattern of the above, the degree of freedom of the maximum luminous intensity and the luminous intensity distribution can be increased.

  In the present embodiment, the positional relationship between the optical axes Ax1, Ax2, Ax3 of the lamp units 20A, 20B, 20C and the plurality of light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7, 30B1, 30B2, 30C1, 30C2 is determined by the respective lamp units 20A, Since there is a shift in the vehicle width direction between 20B and 20C, it is easy to form four types of light distribution patterns Pch1 to Pch4 in which the positions of the light and dark boundary lines extending in the vertical direction are different from each other.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the intervals between the light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7, 30B1, 30B2, 30C1, and 30C2 in the respective lamp units 20A, 20B, and 20C are set to different values among the respective lamp units 20A, 20B, and 20C. In this case, it is also possible to easily form four types of light distribution patterns Pch1 to Pch4 in which the positions of the light and dark boundary lines extending in the vertical direction are different from each other.

  In the present embodiment, the number of the plurality of light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7, 30B1, 30B2, 30C1, 30C2 in each of the lamp units 20A, 20B, 20C is different between the lamp unit 20A and the lamp units 20B, 20C. , The four types of light distribution patterns Pch1 to Pch4 can be easily formed in different sizes.

  In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle lamp 10 is described as being a headlamp arranged at the right front end of the vehicle. However, the vehicle lamp 10 may be configured as a headlamp arranged at the left front end of the vehicle.

  FIG. 9 shows four additional light distribution patterns P5 to P8 formed by irradiation light from a vehicle lamp (not shown) having a symmetrical configuration with respect to the vehicle lamp 10 and a low beam light distribution pattern PL. FIG.

  As shown in the drawing, these four additional light distribution patterns P5 to P8 are formed at positions symmetrical to the four additional light distribution patterns P1 to P4 with respect to the line V-V, so that these eight additional light distribution patterns P5 to P8 constitute the entire vehicle. By appropriately combining the three additional light distribution patterns P1 to P8, the following operation and effect can be obtained.

  That is, by appropriately combining the six additional light distribution patterns P1 to P3 and P5 to P7 and superimposing them on the low beam light distribution pattern PL, glare is not given to the driver of the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle. Then, it is possible to irradiate the front traveling path more appropriately and widely.

  Also, by combining the two additional light distribution patterns P4 and P8 to partially overlap each other, it is possible to form a laterally long light distribution pattern in which the region near the VV line is very bright. By superimposing the light distribution pattern PL on the light distribution pattern PL, it is possible to form a high-beam light distribution pattern having excellent distant visibility.

  In the above embodiment, the light distribution patterns formed by combining the four types of light distribution patterns Pch1 to Pch4 are described as the additional light distribution patterns P1 to P4 added to the low beam light distribution pattern PL. It is also possible to form a light distribution pattern that does not assume the addition to the low beam light distribution pattern PL.

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

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

  FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing a vehicle lamp 110 according to the present modification.

  As shown in the figure, the basic configuration of the vehicular lamp 110 is the same as that of the vehicular lamp 10 of the above embodiment, but the direction of the light source unit 30A of the lamp unit 120A is different from that of the above embodiment. ing.

  That is, in the present modification, the light emitting elements 30A4 and the like constituting the light source unit 30A of the lamp unit 120A are arranged with their light emitting surfaces obliquely downward and downward. Accordingly, the shapes of the support member 150, the lamp body 112, and the light transmitting cover 114 are different from those in the above-described embodiment.

  By adopting the configuration of the present modification, more light emitted from each light emitting element 30A4 and the like can reach the reflection surface 40Aa of the reflector 40A, thereby improving the lamp efficiency.

  If two lamp units other than the lamp unit 120A have the same configuration, the lamp efficiency can be further improved.

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

  FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a main part of a vehicular lamp according to this modification.

  As shown in the figure, the basic configuration of this modification is the same as that of the above embodiment, but the configuration of the light source unit 230B of the lamp unit 220B and the configuration of the four wiring channels ch1 to ch4 are the same as those of the above embodiment. Is different from the case.

  That is, in this modification, the light source unit 230B has a configuration including three light emitting elements 230B1, 230B2, and 230B3.

  Of these three light emitting elements 230B1, 230B2, 230B3, the configuration and arrangement of the two light emitting elements 230B1, 230B2 are the same as the two light emitting elements 30B1, 30B2 constituting the light source unit 30B of the above embodiment, and the remaining 1 The two light emitting elements 230B3 are arranged at positions just beside the light emitting element 230B1 and slightly leftward. The light emitting element 230B3 is disposed at a position equidistant from the light emitting element 230B2 with respect to the light emitting element 230B1, and has the same configuration as the light emitting element 230B1.

  The wiring channel ch1 of the four wiring channels ch1 to ch4 in this modification has a configuration in which three light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A3 on the left side of the light source unit 30A are connected in series, as in the case of the above embodiment. However, the configuration of the remaining three wiring channels ch2 to ch4 is completely different from that of the above embodiment.

  That is, the wiring channel ch2 is configured as a single wiring channel of the left light emitting element 30C1 in the light source unit 30C. The wiring channel ch3 is configured as a wiring channel in which two light emitting elements 230B1 and 230B3 on the left side of the light source unit 230B are connected in series. The wiring channel ch4 is configured as a wiring channel in which the right four light emitting elements 30A4 to 30A7 in the light source unit 30A, the rightmost light emitting element 230B2 in the light source unit 230B, and the right light emitting element 30C2 in the light source unit 30C are connected in series. I have.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing four types of light distribution patterns Pch1 to Pch4 formed when the three light source units 30A, 230B, and 30C are turned on for each of the wiring channels ch1 to ch4 in this modification.

  The light distribution pattern Pch1 shown in FIG. 9A is constituted by the light distribution pattern PA1 alone formed when the wiring channel ch1 is energized (that is, when the light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A3 are turned on). In the light distribution pattern Pch1, the left edge PA1a of the light distribution pattern PA1 is formed as a clear light-dark boundary line.

  The light distribution pattern Pch2 shown in FIG. 4B is constituted by the light distribution pattern PC1 formed alone when the wiring channel ch2 is energized (that is, when the light emitting element 30C1 is turned on). In the light distribution pattern Pch2, the left edge PC1a of the light distribution pattern PC1 is formed as a clear light-dark boundary line.

  The light distribution pattern Pch3 shown in FIG. 9C is constituted by the light distribution pattern PB1 formed when the wiring channel ch3 is energized (that is, when the light emitting elements 230B1 and 230B3 are turned on). In the light distribution pattern Pch3, the left edge PB1a of the light distribution pattern PB1 is formed as a clear light-dark boundary line.

  The light distribution pattern Pch4 shown in FIG. 6D is the light distribution pattern PA3, PB2, PC2 formed when the wiring channel ch4 is energized (that is, when the light emitting elements 30A4 to 30A7, 230B2, 30C2 are turned on). It is composed of a combined light distribution pattern.

  Even in the case of employing the configuration of the present modified example, the plurality of light-emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7, 230B1 to 230B3, 30C1, and 30C2 are simultaneously turned on for each of the wiring channels ch1 to ch4, so that the bright and dark boundary lines extending in the vertical direction are formed. Four types of light distribution patterns Pch1 to Pch4 having different positions can be formed, whereby the same operation and effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, by adopting the configuration of the present modification, the four types of light distribution patterns Pch1 to Pch4 formed by simultaneous lighting of each of the wiring channels ch1 to ch4 can be directly used as the four additional light distribution patterns P1 of the above embodiment. To P4 can be used as a light distribution pattern.

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

  FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing a vehicle lamp 310 according to this modification.

  As shown in the figure, the basic configuration of the vehicle lamp 310 is the same as that of the vehicle lamp 10 of the above embodiment, but a lamp unit 320C is arranged instead of the lamp unit 20C of the above embodiment. This is different from the above embodiment in the point.

  In this modification, the lamp unit 320C is configured as a projector-type lamp unit instead of a reflector unit.

  That is, the lamp unit 320C includes a projection lens 322 having an optical axis Ax4 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a light source unit 330C disposed behind the projection lens 322, and emits light from the light source unit 330C. The light is emitted forward through the projection lens 322.

  The projection lens 322 is a plano-convex aspheric lens having a convex front surface and a flat rear surface, and is supported by a lens holder 324 on the outer peripheral edge. The projection lens 322 projects a light source image formed on the rear focal plane (that is, the focal plane including the rear focal point F4 of the projection lens 322) on the virtual vertical screen in front of the lamp as an inverted image. Has become.

  The light source unit 330C includes two light emitting elements 330C1 and 330C2 arranged in parallel in the left and right direction, and is supported by the support member 324 with its light emitting surface facing the front of the lamp.

  The two light emitting elements 330C1, 330C2 have the same configuration as the light emitting elements 30C1, 30C2 of the above embodiment. Of these two light emitting elements 330C1 and 330C2, the light emitting element 330C2 is disposed at a position slightly shifted in the front-rear direction with respect to the rear focal point F4 of the projection lens 322, and moves leftward from the light emitting element 330C2. The light emitting element 30C1 is arranged at a position just beside and slightly away.

  As a result, a light distribution pattern substantially similar to the light distribution pattern PC2 shown in FIG. 5C is formed as an inverted projected image of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 330C2, and FIG. A light distribution pattern substantially similar to the light distribution pattern PC1 shown in (c) is formed.

  Also in this modified example, the wiring of the plurality of light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7, 30B1, 30B1, 30B2, 330C1, and 330C2 constituting the light source units 30A, 30B, and 330C of the three lamp units 20A, 20B, and 320C is the same as that of the above-described embodiment. It is divided into four wiring channels ch1 to ch4 as in the case.

  Even in the case of employing the configuration of the present modified example, the plurality of light emitting elements 30A1 to 30A7, 30B1, 30B2, 330C1, and 330C2 are simultaneously turned on for each of the wiring channels ch1 to ch4, so that the bright and dark boundary lines extending in the vertical direction are formed. Four types of light distribution patterns having different positions can be formed, whereby the same operation and effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

  Note that the numerical values shown as specifications in the above-described embodiment and its modifications are merely examples, and it is a matter of course that these may be set to different values as appropriate.

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

10, 110, 310 Vehicle lamp 12, 112 Lamp body 14, 114 Translucent cover 20A, 20B, 20C, 120A, 220B, 320C Lamp unit 30A, 30B, 30C, 230B, 330C Light source unit 40A, 40B, 40C Reflector 40Aa , 40Ba, 40Ca Reflecting surface 40As, 40Bs, 40Cs Reflecting element 50, 150, 326 Supporting member 30A1, 30A2, 30A3, 30A4, 30A5, 30A6, 30A7, 30B1, 30B2, 30C1, 30C2, 230B1, 230B2, 230B3, 330C1, 330C2 Light emitting element 322 Projection lens 324 Lens holder Ax1, Ax2, Ax3, Ax4 Optical axis CL1 Lower cutoff line CL2 Upper cutoff line ch1, ch2, ch3, c 4 Wiring channel Da, Db, Dc Center-to-center distance E Elbow point F1, F2, F3 Focus F4 Rear focus P Rotating paraboloid P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8 Additional light distribution pattern PA1, PA2, PA3, PB1, PB2, PC1, PC2, Pch1, Pch2, Pch3, Pch4 Light distribution pattern PA1a, PB1a, PC1a Left edge PL Light distribution pattern for low beam θ1, θ2, θ3 Angle

Claims (6)

In a vehicle lamp including a plurality of lamp units having a light emitting element as a light source,
Each of the lamp units has a configuration in which a plurality of the light emitting elements are arranged in the vehicle width direction,
As a whole of the plurality of lamp units, the plurality of light-emitting elements can include a plurality of wiring units which are connected to each other in series so as to extend over at least two of the plurality of lamp units. Is divided into wiring channels,
By simultaneously illuminating the plurality of light-emitting elements for each of the wiring channels, it is configured to form a plurality of types of light distribution patterns in which positions of light-dark boundary lines extending in the vertical direction are different from each other. Vehicle lighting.   The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of types of light distribution patterns have different shapes.   The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of types of light distribution patterns are light distribution patterns having different brightness from each other.   The positional relationship between the optical axis of the lamp unit and the plurality of light emitting elements in each of the lamp units is shifted from each other in at least two of the plurality of lamp units in the vehicle width direction. The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The distance between the respective light emitting elements in each of the lamp units is set to a different value between at least two of the plurality of lamp units. The vehicle lighting device as described in the above.   The number of the plurality of light emitting elements in each of the lamp units is set to a value different from each other between at least two lamp units among the plurality of lamp units. The vehicle lighting device as described in the above.

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