JP6811554B2 - Vehicle lighting - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp configured to form a horizontally long light distribution pattern in a high beam region.

Conventionally, there is also known a vehicle lamp that is configured to form a horizontally long light distribution pattern in a high beam region by reflecting light from a plurality of light emitting elements with a reflector.

In "Patent Document 1", as such a vehicle lighting device, a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, and at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements is selectively turned off. Described are configured to obtain.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-243080

In the vehicle lighting equipment described in the above-mentioned "Patent Document 1", a horizontally long light distribution pattern is formed in a high beam region by lighting a plurality of light emitting elements, and a horizontally long light distribution is formed by selectively turning off a part of the light distribution elements. It is possible to form a light distribution pattern in which a part of the pattern is missing. As a result, it is possible to ensure the front visibility of the own vehicle driver without giving glare to the oncoming vehicle driver and the preceding vehicle driver.

However, in the vehicle lighting equipment described in "Patent Document 1", when some of the light emitting elements are turned off, a part of the horizontally long light distribution pattern becomes dark to the upper space, so that the vehicle front traveling path It becomes difficult to visually recognize overhead signs and the like.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a horizontally long light distribution pattern is formed in a high beam region by reflecting light from a plurality of light emitting elements toward the front of the vehicle by a reflector. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle lamp that can improve the forward visibility of the own vehicle driver without giving glare to the oncoming vehicle driver and the preceding vehicle driver in the configured vehicle lamps. ..

The present invention is designed to achieve the above object by devising the arrangement of a plurality of light emitting elements.

That is, the vehicle lamp according to the present invention is
In a vehicle lighting fixture configured to form a horizontally long light distribution pattern in a high beam region by reflecting light from a plurality of light emitting elements toward the front of the vehicle with a reflector.
As the plurality of light emitting elements, a plurality of first light emitting elements arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction and a position adjacent to the plurality of first light emitting elements in a direction orthogonal to the vehicle width direction in the vehicle width direction. It is equipped with a plurality of second light emitting elements arranged side by side.
A horizontally long first light distribution pattern is formed by lighting the plurality of first light emitting elements, and a horizontally long second light distribution pattern is formed above the first light distribution pattern by lighting the plurality of second light emitting elements. It is configured to form and
At least one of the plurality of light emitting elements is configured to be selectively extinguished .
When the first light emitting element located in the middle of the vehicle width direction among the plurality of first light emitting elements is turned off, the region located in the middle of the left and right directions in the first light distribution pattern is formed as the horizontally long light distribution pattern. Is configured to be able to form a missing light distribution pattern .

The above-mentioned "high beam region" means a region located above the cut-off line of the low-beam light distribution pattern, and at that time, partially includes a region located below the cut-off line. You may be. The invention of the present application does not necessarily presuppose the existence of a low beam light distribution pattern.

The types of the "first light emitting element" and the "second light emitting element" are not particularly limited, and for example, a light emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like can be adopted.

The above-mentioned "plurality of second light emitting elements" are arranged at positions adjacent to the plurality of first light emitting elements in a direction orthogonal to the vehicle width direction, and are above the horizontally long first light distribution pattern by their lighting. As long as the arrangement is such that a horizontally long second light distribution pattern can be formed on the side, the specific direction of the "direction orthogonal to the vehicle width direction" is not particularly limited. For example, when the reflector is arranged above the plurality of light emitting elements, the "plurality of second light emitting elements" is "downward", "rearward", or "obliquely" with respect to the plurality of first light emitting elements. It is possible to configure the structure so that it is arranged adjacent to the "lower rear", and when the reflector is arranged on the lower side with respect to the plurality of light emitting elements, the "plurality of second light emitting elements". Can be arranged at positions adjacent to the plurality of first light emitting elements "downward", "forward", or "diagonally downward front".

The vehicle lighting fixture according to the present invention has a configuration in which light from a plurality of light emitting elements is reflected toward the front of the vehicle by a reflector to form a horizontally long light distribution pattern in a high beam region, but the plurality of light emitting elements A plurality of first light emitting elements arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, and a plurality of second light emitting elements arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction at positions adjacent to them in a direction orthogonal to the vehicle width direction. A horizontally long first light distribution pattern is formed by lighting a plurality of first light emitting elements, and a horizontally long second light distribution pattern is formed above the first light distribution pattern by lighting a plurality of second light emitting elements. Since it is configured to be formed and at least one light emitting element among the plurality of light emitting elements can be selectively turned off, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, by turning on all of the plurality of light emitting elements, a horizontally long light distribution pattern in which the first and second light distribution patterns are arranged in two upper and lower stages can be formed in the high beam region, whereby the driver of the own vehicle can use the light distribution pattern. Sufficient forward visibility can be ensured.

Further, by selectively turning off a part of the plurality of light emitting elements, it is possible to form a light distribution pattern in which a part of the horizontally long light distribution pattern is missing, whereby an oncoming vehicle driver or a preceding vehicle driver can be formed. It is possible to ensure the front visibility of the driver of the own vehicle without giving glare to the vehicle.

At that time, even when a part of the plurality of first light emitting elements is turned off, the second light emitting element located adjacent to the turned off first light emitting element should be maintained in the lit state. As a result, it is possible to prevent a part of the horizontally long light distribution pattern from being darkened to the upper space. Therefore, it is possible to prevent it from becoming difficult to visually recognize the overhead sign or the like on the road ahead of the vehicle, thereby improving the front visibility of the driver of the own vehicle.

As described above, according to the present invention, in a vehicle lighting device configured to form a horizontally long light distribution pattern in a high beam region by reflecting light from a plurality of light emitting elements toward the front of the vehicle by a reflector, the lamps face each other. It is possible to improve the forward visibility of the own vehicle driver without giving glare to the vehicle driver or the vehicle driver in front.

In the above configuration, if each second light emitting element is configured to emit light with a smaller amount of light than each first light emitting element, the second light distribution pattern is necessary for visually recognizing an overhead sign or the like on the road ahead of the vehicle. After forming with brightness, it is possible to prevent unnecessary power consumption.

In the above configuration, if a plurality of lamp units provided with a plurality of light emitting elements and reflectors are arranged, the own vehicle is formed by combining a plurality of light distribution patterns formed by irradiation light from the plurality of lamp units. The front visibility of the driver can be further improved.

At that time, if the positional relationship between the plurality of first light emitting elements and the plurality of second light emitting elements is different between the plurality of lamp units, the light is formed by the irradiation light from the plurality of lamp units. It is possible to easily adjust the luminous intensity distribution when a plurality of light distribution patterns are combined and reduce the light distribution unevenness.

In the above configuration, the reflector is configured to include a plurality of reflection regions formed with reference to a paraboloid as its reflection surface, and these plurality of reflection regions are located at positions away from the plurality of light emitting elements. Assuming that a certain reflection region is formed with reference to a paraboloid whose focal length is shorter, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, the light distribution pattern formed by the light from each light emitting element reflected by the reflector is formed as a set of the light source images of the light emitting element formed by the reflected light at each position of the reflecting surface. At that time, assuming that the reflecting surface is formed with reference to a parabolic surface having a constant focal distance, the light source image formed by the reflected light at a position far from each light emitting element is at a position close to each light emitting element. It will be smaller than the light source image formed by the reflected light.

On the other hand, if the plurality of reflection regions constituting the reflection surface of the reflector are formed with reference to a radial surface having a shorter focal length as the reflection region is located farther from the plurality of light emitting elements, each of them is formed. The distance from the light emitting element to each position of the reflecting surface can be made close to a substantially constant value, and thus the variation in the size of the light source image formed by the reflected light at each position of the reflecting surface can be reduced. .. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the variation in the size and shape of the light distribution pattern formed by the light from each light emitting element reflected by the reflector.

At that time, the reflectors are arranged on the upper side or the lower side with respect to the plurality of light emitting elements, and as the reflecting surface, the left and right ends of the upper end or the lower end of the rectangular shape in the front view of the lamp are provided. If the configuration has a cut-out outer shape, the reflection region that reflects light obliquely from the light emitting element at a position away from each light emitting element in the front view of the lamp is reduced, so that each light emitting element reflected by the reflector is reduced. It is possible to effectively suppress the distortion of the outer shape of the light distribution pattern formed by the light from the light.

Front view showing a vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Section II-II sectional view of FIG. Section III-III sectional view of FIG. (A) is a view taken in the direction of IVa in FIG. 2, (b) is a view taken in the direction of IVb in FIG. 3, (c) is a view similar to (b), and (d) is a view similar to (a). (A) is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the vehicle lighting equipment, and (b) is a distribution formed by the irradiation light from the vehicle lighting equipment to be paired with the vehicle lighting equipment. Diagram showing the light pattern The figure which shows by decomposing the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 5A. (A) is a diagram transparently showing a synthetic light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from the vehicle lamp and the vehicle lamp to be paired with the vehicle lamp, and (b) is a plurality of the vehicle lamps. The figure which shows the synthetic light distribution pattern formed when a part of the light emitting element of is turned off. The same diagram as in FIG. 5 showing the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 7 (b) decomposed for each of the above vehicle lamps. The figure for demonstrating the function of the lamp unit of the said vehicle lamp A diagram similar to FIG. 1, showing a vehicle lamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention. A diagram similar to FIG. 4, showing a main part of the vehicle lamp according to the second embodiment. A diagram similar to FIG. 5, showing the operation of the second embodiment. The same figure as FIG. 6 showing the operation of the second embodiment.

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

First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in the figure, the vehicle lamp 10 is a headlamp arranged at the right front end of the vehicle, and selectively forms a high beam light distribution pattern and a light distribution pattern in which a part thereof is missing. It is configured to get.

The vehicle lamp 10 has a configuration in which four reflector reflection type lamp units 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D are housed side by side in the vehicle width direction in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 12 and a translucent cover 14. It has become.

Of the four lamp units 20A to 20D, the two lamp units 20A and 20D located at both ends have the same configuration as each other, and the two lamp units 20B and 20C located between them have a mutual structure. It has a similar configuration.

Therefore, in the following, the configurations of the lamp units 20A and 20B will be described.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 4 (a) is a view taken in the IVa direction of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 (b) is a view taken in the direction of IVb of FIG.

First, the configuration of the lamp unit 20A will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lamp unit 20A supports a light source unit 30A and a reflector 40A that reflects the light emitted from the light source unit 30A toward the front of the lamp (which is also the front of the vehicle). It includes a base member 50A.

The light source unit 30A has a configuration in which four first light emitting elements 32A are supported by a light source support member 36A via a substrate 34A. At that time, the light source unit 30A is supported by the base member 50A in a state where the light emitting surfaces of the first light emitting elements 32A are directed obliquely upward and backward.

As shown in FIG. 4A, each of the first light emitting elements 32A is a white light emitting diode having a square light emitting surface, and is arranged in a state of being arranged at equal intervals in the vehicle width direction with a slight distance from each other. Has been done.

The reflector 40A is arranged on the upper side of the light source unit 30A. The reflecting surface 40Aa of the reflector 40A is composed of a plurality of reflecting elements 40As, and the plurality of reflecting elements 40As are adapted to reflect and control the light from each first light emitting element 32A of the light source unit 30A.

The reflecting surface 40Aa of the reflector 40A is formed with reference to a paraboloid. Specifically, the reflecting surface 40Aa has an axis Ax extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp so as to pass through the light emitting centers of the four first light emitting elements 32A (that is, the positions indicated by the points A in FIG. 4A). It is formed with reference to the rotating paraboloid.

At that time, in the reflecting surface 40Aa, substantially half of the region from the horizontal plane including the axis Ax to the upper end edge of the reflecting surface 40Aa is formed as the lower reflecting region 40Aa1, and the reflecting surface is formed from the upper end edge of the lower reflecting region 40Aa1. Approximately two-thirds of the area up to the upper end edge of 40Aa is formed as the middle reflection area 40Aa2, and the remaining area is formed as the upper reflection area 40Aa3.

As shown in FIG. 2, each reflecting element 40As constituting the lower reflecting region 40Aa1 is formed with reference to a rotating paraboloid P1 having a relatively long focal distance, and each reflecting element forming the middle reflecting region 40Aa2. The 40As is formed with reference to the rotating paraboloid P2 having a shorter focal distance than the rotating paraboloid P1, and each reflecting element 40As constituting the upper reflection region 40Aa3 is further focused than the rotating paraboloid P2. It is formed with reference to the rotating paraboloid P3, which has a short distance. At that time, each reflecting element 40As is configured to reflect the light from each first light emitting element 32A so as to be slightly diffused in the left-right direction and to be slightly diffused upward.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the reflecting surface 40Aa of the reflector 40A, the lower reflecting region 40Aa1 is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape in the front view of the lamp, but the middle reflecting region 40Aa2 has equal legs lacking both left and right ends thereof. It is formed in a trapezoidal shape, and the upper reflection region 40Aa3 is also formed in an equilateral trapezoidal shape in which the left and right ends thereof are further largely chipped. The reflecting surface 40Aa has a shape in which the left and right upper ends of a rectangular shape that is almost square as a whole are chamfered when viewed from the front of the lamp.

The lamp unit 20A is arranged so as to face to the left to some extent with respect to the front direction of the lamp.

Next, the configuration of the lamp unit 20B will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lamp unit 20B includes a light source unit 30B, a reflector 40B that reflects the light emitted from the light source unit 30B toward the front of the lamp, and a base member 50B that supports them. ing.

The light source unit 30B has a configuration in which four first light emitting elements 32B1 are supported by the light source support member 36B via the substrate 34B1 and four second light emitting elements 32B2 are supported by the light source support member 36B via the substrate 34B2. It has become. At that time, the light source unit 30B is supported by the base member 50B with the light emitting surfaces of the first light emitting element 32B1 and the second light emitting element 32B2 facing diagonally upward and backward.

As shown in FIG. 4B, each of the first light emitting elements 32B1 is a white light emitting diode having a square light emitting surface, and is arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction with a slight distance from each other. Further, each of the second light emitting elements 32B2 is a white light emitting diode having a square light emitting surface, and is arranged at equal intervals in the vehicle width direction at a slight interval behind each of the first light emitting elements 32B1. It is arranged in the state.

The reflector 40B is arranged on the upper side of the light source unit 30B. The reflection surface 40Ba of the reflector 40B is composed of a plurality of reflection elements 40Bs, and the light from each of the first light emitting elements 32B1 and each second light emitting element 32B2 of the light source unit 30B is reflected and controlled by the plurality of reflection elements 40Bs. It is designed to do.

The reflecting surface 40Ba of the reflector 40B is formed with reference to a paraboloid. Specifically, the reflecting surface 40Ba has an axis Ax extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp so as to pass through the light emitting centers of the four first light emitting elements 32B1 (that is, the positions indicated by points A in FIG. 4B). It is formed with reference to the rotating paraboloid.

At that time, in the reflecting surface 40Ba, substantially half of the region from the horizontal plane including the axis Ax to the upper end edge of the reflecting surface 40Ba is formed as the lower reflecting region 40Ba1, and the reflecting surface is formed from the upper end edge of the lower reflecting region 40Ba1. Approximately two-thirds of the area up to the upper end edge of 40Ba is formed as the middle reflection area 40Ba2, and the remaining area is formed as the upper reflection area 40Ba3. The configurations of the lower reflection region 40Ba1, the middle reflection region 40Ba2, and the upper reflection region 40Ba3 are the same as in the case of the reflection surface 40Aa of the reflector 40A.

The lamp unit 20B is arranged so as to face slightly to the right with respect to the front direction of the lamp.

As described above, the lamp unit 20C includes a light source unit 30B, a reflector 40B, and a light source unit 30C, a reflector 40C, and a base member 50C similar to the base member 50B of the lamp unit 20B, but is to some extent right in the front direction of the lamp. It is arranged facing the direction.

Further, the lamp unit 20D includes a light source unit 30A, a reflector 40A, and a light source unit 30D, a reflector 40D, and a base member 50D similar to the base member 50A of the lamp unit 20A, but is considerably rightward with respect to the front direction of the lamp. It is placed in a facing state.

FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a light source unit 30C of the lamp unit 20C.

The light source unit 30C has a configuration in which four first light emitting elements 32C1 are supported by the light source support member 36C via the substrate 34C1 and four second light emitting elements 32C2 are supported by the light source support member 36C via the substrate 34C2. It has become. At that time, the arrangement of the first light emitting elements 32C1 and 32C2 is exactly the same as in the case of the light source unit 30B.

FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a light source unit 30D of the lamp unit 20D.

The light source unit 30D has a configuration in which four first light emitting elements 32D are supported by a light source support member 36D via a substrate 34D. At that time, the arrangement of each first light emitting element 32D is exactly the same as in the case of the light source unit 30A.

The vehicle lamp 10 includes the first light emitting elements 32A, 32B1, 32C1, 32D and the second light emitting elements 32B2, 32C2 constituting the light source units 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D of the lamp units 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D. Is configured so that it can be turned on and off individually.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern PHR formed on a virtual vertical screen arranged at a position 25 m in front of the lamp by the irradiation light from the vehicle lamp 10.

The high beam light distribution pattern PHR is formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern that extends to both the left and right sides so as to straddle the VV line that passes through the HV, which is the extinguishing point in the front direction of the lamp, in the vertical direction.

The high beam light distribution pattern PHR is formed by partially overlapping the horizontally long first light distribution pattern PHR1 and the horizontally long second light distribution pattern PHR2 in two upper and lower stages.

The first light distribution pattern PHR1 located on the lower side extends substantially horizontally with its lower end edge slightly below the HH line passing through HV in the horizontal direction, and its upper end edge is with respect to the HH line. Is also formed so as to extend in a substantially horizontal direction upward to some extent.

The first light distribution pattern PHR1 is formed so as to diffuse more in the right direction than in the left direction with respect to the VV line.

The second light distribution pattern PHR2 located on the upper side is formed so that its lower end edge extends in a substantially horizontal direction slightly below the upper end edge of the first light distribution pattern PHR1.

The second light distribution pattern PHR2 is formed at a position closer to the center in the left-right direction of the first light distribution pattern PHR1, and is formed as a light distribution pattern that is darker than the first light distribution pattern PHR1 as a whole.

FIG. 5B shows a vehicle lamp (specifically, a headlamp arranged at the left front end of the vehicle, which is symmetrical with respect to the vehicle lamp 10) to be paired with the vehicle lamp 10. It is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern PHL for a high beam formed by the irradiation light from a lamp having.

In this high beam light distribution pattern PHL, the horizontally long first light distribution pattern PHL1 and the horizontally long second light distribution pattern PHL2 are formed in two upper and lower stages partially overlapping each other, and the high beam is formed with respect to the VV line. It has a symmetrical shape and luminosity distribution with the light distribution pattern PHR.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the high beam light distribution pattern PHR shown in FIG. 5A in an exploded manner.

The first light distribution pattern PA shown in FIG. 6A is a light distribution pattern formed by light from four first light emitting elements 32A constituting the light source unit 30A of the lamp unit 20A, and each first light emission. The light distribution pattern PAa formed by the element 32A is formed in a state of partially overlapping in the left-right direction.

Each light distribution pattern PAa is formed as a substantially vertically long rectangular light distribution pattern in which the left-right width is slightly reduced from the lower end edge to the upper end edge.

This first light distribution pattern PA is formed in the region on the left side with respect to the VV line. This is because the lamp unit 20A is arranged so as to face leftward to some extent with respect to the front direction of the lamp.

The first light distribution pattern PB1 shown in FIG. 6B is a light distribution pattern formed by light from four first light emitting elements 32B1 constituting the light source unit 30B of the lamp unit 20B, and each first light emission pattern. The light distribution pattern PB1a formed by the element 32B1 is formed in a state of partially overlapping in the left-right direction.

The first light distribution pattern PB1 is formed as a light distribution pattern similar to the first light distribution pattern PA, but its center in the left-right direction is located slightly to the right of the VV line. This is because the lamp unit 20B is arranged so as to face slightly to the right with respect to the front direction of the lamp.

The second light distribution pattern PB2 shown in FIG. 6C is a light distribution pattern formed by light from four second light emitting elements 32B2 constituting the light source unit 30B of the lamp unit 20B, and each second light emission pattern. The light distribution pattern PB2a formed by the element 32B2 is formed in a state of partially overlapping in the left-right direction.

The second light distribution pattern PB2 is formed as a light distribution pattern darker than the first light distribution pattern PB1 at a position directly above the first light distribution pattern PB1. At that time, the second light distribution pattern PB2 is formed at a position separated from the first light distribution pattern PB1 by the distance between the four second light emitting elements 32B2 and the four first light emitting elements 32B1. There is.

The supply current value to each second light emitting element 32B2 is made smaller than the supply current value to each first light emitting element 32B1, and each second light emitting element 32B2 emits light with a smaller amount of light than each first light emitting element 32B1. By doing so, it is possible to make the second light distribution pattern PB2 a darker light distribution pattern than the first light distribution pattern PB1.

The first light distribution pattern PD shown in FIG. 6D is a light distribution pattern formed by light from four first light emitting elements 32D constituting the light source unit 30D of the lamp unit 20D, and each first light emission. The light distribution pattern PDa formed by the element 32D is formed in a state of partially overlapping in the left-right direction.

This first light distribution pattern PD is formed as a light distribution pattern similar to the first light distribution pattern PA, but the VV line is higher than the first light distribution pattern PA in the region on the right side of the VV line. It is formed at a position far away from. This is because the lamp unit 20D is arranged so as to face considerably to the right with respect to the front direction of the lamp.

The first light distribution pattern PC1 shown in FIG. 6 (e) is a light distribution pattern formed by light from four first light emitting elements 32C1 constituting the light source unit 30C of the lamp unit 20C, and each first light emission. The light distribution pattern PC1a formed by the element 32C1 is formed in a state of partially overlapping in the left-right direction.

The first light distribution pattern PC1 is formed as a light distribution pattern similar to the first light distribution pattern PB1, but is formed at a position somewhat distant from the VV line in the region on the right side of the VV line. ing. This is because the lamp unit 20C is arranged so as to face to the right to some extent with respect to the front direction of the lamp.

The second light distribution pattern PC2 shown in FIG. 6F is a light distribution pattern formed by light from four second light emitting elements 32C2 constituting the light source unit 30C of the lamp unit 20C, and each second light emission pattern. The light distribution pattern PC2a formed by the element 32C2 is formed in a state of partially overlapping in the left-right direction.

The second light distribution pattern PC2 is formed as a light distribution pattern darker than the first light distribution pattern PC1 at a position directly above the first light distribution pattern PC1. At that time, the positional relationship between the second light distribution pattern PC2 and the first light distribution pattern PC1 and the ratio of the brightness thereof are the positional relationship between the second light distribution pattern PB2 and the first light distribution pattern PB1 and the ratio thereof. Similar to the brightness ratio.

Then, as the combined light distribution pattern of the four first light distribution patterns PA, PB1, PC1, and PD, the lower first light distribution pattern PHR1 shown in FIG. 5A is formed, and the two second light distribution patterns are formed. As a combined light distribution pattern of PB2 and PC2, the second light distribution pattern PHR2 on the upper side shown in FIG. 5A is formed.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the high beam light distribution pattern PH formed on the virtual vertical screen by the irradiation light from the vehicle lamp 10 and the vehicle lamp to be paired with the vehicle lamp 10 (that is, in vehicle units). It is a figure shown in.

The high beam light distribution pattern PH is formed as a composite light distribution pattern of a pair of left and right high beam light distribution patterns PHL and PHR.

In this high beam light distribution pattern PH, the first light distribution patterns PHL1 and PHR1 on the lower stage side partially overlap each other, so that the region on the HH line is widely and brightly irradiated around the VV line. In addition, the second light distribution patterns PHL2 and PHR2 on the upper side of the light distribution pattern PHL2 and PHR2 partially overlap each other, so that the upper region of the HH line is widened to some extent around the VV line. It is designed to be irradiated with an appropriate brightness.

As a result, the front visibility of the driver of the own vehicle is sufficiently ensured, and the visibility of the overhead sign OHS of the vehicle front travel path is also ensured.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing the light distribution pattern PM in which a part of the high beam light distribution pattern PH is missing.

This light distribution pattern PM is formed as a pair of left and right high beam light distribution patterns PHL and a light distribution pattern in which the lower left first light distribution patterns PHL1 and PHR1 in the PHR lack the central region in the left-right direction.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8A, the light distribution pattern PM includes a light distribution pattern PMR in which the first light distribution pattern PB1 in the high beam light distribution pattern PHR is missing, and FIG. 8B. As shown, the first light distribution pattern PB1 in the high beam light distribution pattern PHL is formed as a combined light distribution pattern with the missing light distribution pattern PML.

The light distribution pattern PMR is formed by turning off the four first light emitting elements 32B1 constituting the light source unit 30B of the lamp unit 20B. The same applies to the light distribution pattern PML.

By forming the light distribution pattern PM as shown in FIG. 7B, even if the preceding vehicle 2 is present, the driver of the own vehicle does not give glare to the driver of the preceding vehicle. It is possible to ensure forward visibility. At that time, in the light distribution pattern PM, the portions located on the left and right sides of the preceding vehicle 2 overlap the first light distribution pattern PA and the first light distribution pattern PC1, so that the front visibility of the driver of the own vehicle is visible. Can be sufficiently secured. Further, since the light distribution patterns PHL2 and PHR2 on the upper stage side are maintained in the formed state, it is possible to secure the visibility of the overhead marker OHS.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 6, the light distribution patterns PAa, PB1a, PC1a, PDa, PB2a, which constitute the first light distribution patterns PA, PB1, PC1, PD and the second light distribution patterns PB2, PC2, respectively. Each of the PC2a is formed as a light distribution pattern having a vertically long substantially rectangular outer shape, and the reflecting surfaces 40Aa of the reflectors 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D are formed with such an outer shape. This is because 40Ba, 40Ca, and 40Da have the above-mentioned configurations.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining this.

Assuming that the reflecting surface 40Aa of the reflector 40A is formed with reference to a rotating parabolic surface having a constant focal distance as in the reflecting surface 40Aa of the reflector 40A shown in FIG. 9 (a1), each first The light source image formed by the reflected light at a position far from the light emitting element 32A (see the light beam indicated by the two-point chain line in FIG. 2) is larger than the light source image formed by the reflected light at a position close to each first light emitting element 32A. Will also be small. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9A2, each light distribution pattern PAa "formed by the light from each first light emitting element 32A reflected by the reflector 40A" has a large upper end portion on the VV line side. It becomes an inclined one, and the light distribution pattern of the vertically long rectangular shape is greatly collapsed.

On the other hand, as shown in the reflection surface 40Aa'of the reflector 40A'shown in FIG. 9 (b1), the focal distance of the middle reflection region 40Aa2'is shorter than that of the lower reflection region 40Aa1', and the upper stage is higher than the middle reflection region 40Aa2'. By shortening the focal distance of the reflection region 40Aa3', the distance from each first light emitting element 32A to each position of the reflection surface 40Aa'can be brought close to a substantially constant value, whereby each position of the reflection surface 40Aa'can be approached. It is possible to reduce the variation in the size of the light source image formed by the reflected light in. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9B2, each light distribution pattern PAa'formed by the light from each first light emitting element 32A reflected by the reflector 40A'is close to a vertically long rectangular light distribution pattern. Become.

However, even in such a case, each light distribution pattern PAa'is on the inner side due to the presence of light directed from each first light emitting element 32A in a direction greatly inclined with respect to the plane perpendicular direction of the light emitting surface. The edge is formed in a concave curve shape.

On the other hand, as in the case of the reflective surface 40Aa of the reflector 40A shown in FIG. 9 (c1), if the lamp has an outer shape in which the left and right ends of the upper end of the rectangular shape are cut off in the front view of the lamp, the front view of the lamp Since the reflection region that reflects the light from each first light emitting element 32A toward the direction greatly inclined with respect to the plane perpendicular direction of the light emitting surface is reduced, the light from each first light emitting element 32A reflected by the reflector 40A is used. It is possible to effectively suppress the distortion of the outer shape of each light distribution pattern PA to be formed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9C2, the light distribution pattern PAa formed as a set of light source images at each reflection position is close to a vertically long rectangular light distribution pattern.

Next, the action and effect of this embodiment will be described.

The vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment includes four reflector reflection type lamp units 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D, but the two lamp units 20B and 20C have their light source units 30B and 30C as vehicles. Four first light emitting elements 32B1 and 32C1 arranged side by side in the width direction, and four second light emitting elements arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction at positions adjacent to them in a direction orthogonal to the vehicle width direction. 32B2 and 32C2 are provided, and the horizontally long first light distribution patterns PB1 and PC1 are formed by lighting the four first light emitting elements 32B1 and 32C1, and the first arrangement is formed by lighting the four second light emitting elements 32B2 and 32C2. The configuration is such that a horizontally long second light distribution pattern PB2, PC2 is formed on the upper side of the light patterns PB1, PC1, and among the four first light emitting elements 32B1, 32C1 and the four second light emitting elements 32B2, 32C2. Since at least one light emitting element can be selectively turned off, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, by lighting all the first and second light emitting elements 32A, 32B1, 32B2, 32C1, 32C2, and 32D of the four lamp units 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D, the four first light distribution patterns PA, PB1, A high beam light distribution pattern PHR in which a first light distribution pattern PHR1 composed of PC1 and PD and two second light distribution patterns PB2 and a second light distribution pattern PHR2 composed of PC2 are arranged in two upper and lower stages can be formed. As a result, the front visibility of the driver of the own vehicle can be sufficiently ensured.

Further, the high beam light distribution pattern PHR is obtained by selectively turning off a part of the plurality of first light emitting elements 32B1, 32C1 and the plurality of second light emitting elements 32B2, 32C2 (for example, four first light emitting elements 32B1). It is possible to form a horizontally long light distribution pattern PMR in which a part of the light is missing, thereby ensuring the forward visibility of the own vehicle driver without giving glare to the preceding vehicle driver (or oncoming vehicle driver). Can be done.

At that time, for example, even when the four first light emitting elements 32B1 are turned off, by keeping the four second light emitting elements 32B2 located adjacent to them in the lit state, the light distribution pattern PMR can be changed. It is possible to prevent a part of the space from becoming dark to the upper space. Therefore, it is possible to prevent it from becoming difficult to visually recognize the overhead sign OHS or the like on the vehicle front travel path, and thereby it is possible to improve the front visibility of the own vehicle driver.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the vehicle lamp 10 configured to form the high beam light distribution pattern PHR by the irradiation light from the four lamp units 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D, the oncoming vehicle driver and It is possible to improve the forward visibility of the own vehicle driver without giving glare to the preceding vehicle driver.

At that time, in the present embodiment, since the second light emitting elements 32B2 and 32C2 are configured to emit light with a smaller amount of light than the first light emitting elements 32A, 32B1, 32C1 and 32D, respectively, the second light distribution pattern The PB2 and the PC2 can be formed with the brightness necessary for visually recognizing the overhead sign OHS and the like on the road ahead of the vehicle, and the power consumption more than necessary can be prevented.

Further, in the present embodiment, the reflector 40A of the lamp unit 20A includes a lower reflection region 40Aa1, a middle reflection region 40Aa2, and an upper reflection region 40Aa3 formed with reference to the light source surface as its reflection surface 40Aa. Since the reflection region located farther from each light emitting element 32A is formed with reference to a radial surface having a shorter focal distance, the distance from each light emitting element 32A to each position of the reflecting surface 40Aa is a substantially constant value. It is possible to reduce the variation in the size of the light source image formed by the reflected light at each position of the reflecting surface 40Aa. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the variation in the size and shape of each light distribution pattern PAa formed by the light from each light emitting element 32A reflected by the reflector 40A.

At that time, since the reflecting surface 40Aa of the reflector 40A has an outer shape in which the left and right ends of the upper end portion of the rectangular shape are cut off in the front view of the lamp, the position away from each light emitting element 32A in the front view of the lamp. Since the reflection region that reflects the light obliquely from the light emitting element 32A is reduced, the outer shape of each light distribution pattern PAa formed by the light from each light emitting element 32A reflected by the reflector 40A is distorted. It can be effectively suppressed.

In the present embodiment, the other three lamp units 20B, 20C, and 20D have the same configuration as the reflectors 40B, 40C, and 40D of the lamp unit 20A, so that the light distribution patterns PB1a, PB2a, respectively. It is possible to effectively suppress distortion of the outer shape of PC1a, PC2a, and PDa.

In the above embodiment, the case where the four first light emitting elements 32B1 are selectively turned off to form a horizontally long light distribution pattern PMR in which a part of the high beam light distribution pattern PHR is missing has been described. By turning off the other first light emitting element according to the position of the oncoming vehicle or the preceding vehicle, the front visibility of the own vehicle driver is ensured without giving glare to the oncoming vehicle driver or the preceding vehicle driver. It is also possible.

In the above embodiment, as the configuration of each lamp unit 20A to 20D, the reflectors 40A to 40D are described as being arranged on the upper side of the light source units 30A to 30D, but the reflectors 40A to 40D are the light source units 30A to 30A to. It is also possible to have a configuration arranged on the lower side (or side) of the 30D.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing a vehicle lamp 110 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in the figure, in the vehicle lamp 110, two reflector reflection type lamp units 120A and 120B are housed side by side in the vehicle width direction in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 112 and a translucent cover 114. It has a structure.

Similar to the lamp unit 20B of the above embodiment, the lamp units 120A and 120B include light source units 130A and 120B, reflectors 140A and 140B that reflect the light emitted from the light source units 130A and 120B toward the front of the lamp, and these. The base members 150A and 150B are provided to support the above.

FIG. 11 is a diagram similar to FIG. 4, showing the light source units 130A and 120B of the lamp units 120A and 120B, respectively.

First, the configuration of the lamp unit 120A will be described.

As shown in FIG. 11A, in the light source unit 130A of the lamp unit 120A, four first light emitting elements 132A1 are supported by the light source supporting member 136A via the substrate 134A1, and four first light emitting elements 132A2 are supported. Is supported by the light source support member 136A via the substrate 134A2, and four second light emitting elements 132A2 are further supported by the light source support member 136A via the substrate 134A3. At that time, the light source unit 130A is supported by the base member 150A with the light emitting surfaces of the first light emitting elements 132A1 and 132A2 and the second light emitting elements 132A3 facing diagonally upward and backward.

The configuration itself of the four first light emitting elements 132A1 and the four first light emitting elements 132A2 is the same as that of the four first light emitting elements 32B1 of the above embodiment. Further, the configuration itself of the four second light emitting elements 132A3 is the same as that of the four second light emitting elements 32B2 of the above embodiment, and is arranged diagonally below and behind the four first light emitting elements 132A1.

The reflector 140A is arranged on the upper side of the light source unit 130A. The configuration of the reflector 140A is the same as that of the reflector 40B of the above embodiment. However, the reflecting surface 140Aa of the reflector 140A is formed with reference to an axis passing through a point A located between the four first light emitting elements 132A1 and the four first light emitting elements 132A2.

The lamp unit 120A is arranged so as to face slightly to the left with respect to the front direction of the lamp.

Next, the configuration of the lamp unit 120B will be described.

As shown in FIG. 11B, in the light source unit 130B of the lamp unit 120B, four first light emitting elements 132B1 are supported by the light source supporting member 136B via the substrate 134B1, and four first light emitting elements 132B2 are supported. Is supported by the light source support member 136B via the substrate 134B2, and four second light emitting elements 132B3 are further supported by the light source support member 136B via the substrate 134B3. At that time, the light source unit 130B is supported by the base member 150B with the light emitting surfaces of the first light emitting elements 132B1 and 132B2 and the second light emitting elements 132B3 facing diagonally upward and backward.

The configuration itself of the four first light emitting elements 132B1 and the four first light emitting elements 132B2 is the same as that of the four first light emitting elements 32B1 of the above embodiment. Further, the configuration itself of the four second light emitting elements 132B3 is the same as that of the four second light emitting elements 32B2 of the above embodiment, and is located at the center of the four first light emitting elements 132B1 and the four first light emitting elements 132B2. As such, they are arranged diagonally below and behind these.

The reflector 140B is arranged on the upper side of the light source unit 130B. The configuration of the reflector 140B is the same as that of the reflector 40B of the above embodiment. However, the reflecting surface 140Ba of the reflector 140B is formed with reference to an axis passing through a point A located between the four first light emitting elements 132B1 and the four first light emitting elements 132B2.

The lamp unit 120B is arranged so as to face to the right to some extent with respect to the front direction of the lamp.

FIG. 12A is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern PHR formed on the virtual vertical screen by irradiation light from the vehicle lamp 110.

The high beam light distribution pattern PHR is formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern that extends to both the left and right sides so as to straddle the VV line that passes through the HV, which is the extinguishing point in the front direction of the lamp, in the vertical direction.

In this high beam light distribution pattern PHR, similarly to the high beam light distribution pattern PHR of the above embodiment, the horizontally long first light distribution pattern PHR1 and the horizontally long second light distribution pattern PHR2 partially overlap each other in two upper and lower stages. However, the degree of diffusion in the left-right direction is slightly smaller in both the first and second light distribution patterns PHR1 and PHR2 than in the case of the above embodiment, and the region near the right side of the VV line is formed. The brightness of is increased.

FIG. 12B is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern PHL formed by irradiation light from a vehicle lamp that should be paired with the vehicle lamp 10.

In this high beam light distribution pattern PHL, the horizontally long first light distribution pattern PHL1 and the horizontally long second light distribution pattern PHL2 are formed in two upper and lower stages partially overlapping each other, and the high beam is formed with respect to the VV line. It has a symmetrical shape and luminosity distribution with the light distribution pattern PHR.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the high beam light distribution pattern PHR shown in FIG. 12A in an exploded manner.

The first light distribution pattern PE1 shown in FIG. 13A is a light distribution pattern formed by light from four first light emitting elements 132A1 constituting the light source unit 130A of the lamp unit 120A. The first light distribution pattern PE1 is formed in the region on the left side with respect to the VV line.

The first light distribution pattern PE2 shown in FIG. 13B is a light distribution pattern formed by light from four first light emitting elements 132A2 constituting the light source unit 130A of the lamp unit 120A. The first light distribution pattern PE2 is formed so as to straddle the VV line so as to spread more to the right side than the left side of the VV line, and partially with the first light distribution pattern PE1 at the left end portion thereof. It is designed to overlap with.

The second light distribution pattern PE3 shown in FIG. 13C is a light distribution pattern formed by the light from the four second light emitting elements 132A3 constituting the light source unit 130A of the lamp unit 120A. The second light distribution pattern PE3 is formed as a light distribution pattern darker than the first light distribution pattern PE2 on the upper side of the first light distribution pattern PE2.

The first light distribution pattern PF1 shown in FIG. 13D is a light distribution pattern formed by light from four first light emitting elements 132B1 constituting the light source unit 130B of the lamp unit 120B. The first light distribution pattern PF1 is formed in the region on the right side with respect to the VV line. At that time, the first light distribution pattern PF1 is formed at a position far away from the VV line than the first light distribution pattern PE1.

The first light distribution pattern PF2 shown in FIG. 13E is a light distribution pattern formed by light from four first light emitting elements 132B2 constituting the light source unit 130B of the lamp unit 120B. The first light distribution pattern PF2 is formed so as to straddle the VV line so as to spread more to the right side than the left side of the VV line, and partially with the first light distribution pattern PF1 at the right end portion thereof. It is designed to overlap with.

The second light distribution pattern PF3 shown in FIG. 13 (f) is a light distribution pattern formed by light from four second light emitting elements 132B3 constituting the light source unit 130B of the lamp unit 120B. The second light distribution pattern PF3 is formed as a darker light distribution pattern on the upper side of the intermediate position between the first light distribution pattern PF1 and the first light distribution pattern PF2.

Even when the configuration of the present embodiment is adopted, substantially the same effect as in the case of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In the vehicle lamp 110 according to the present embodiment, the positional relationship between the plurality of first light emitting elements 132A1, 132A2, 132B1, 132B2 and the plurality of second light emitting elements 132A3, 132B3 is between the two lamp units 120A and 120B. Since they are different, it is possible to increase the brightness of the region in the vicinity of the VV line in the high beam light distribution pattern PHR formed by the irradiation light from these two lamp units 120A and 120B.

It should be noted that the numerical values shown as specifications in each of the above embodiments are merely examples, and it goes without saying that these may be set to different values as appropriate.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the configuration described in each of the above embodiments, and a configuration with various other modifications can be adopted.

2 Oncoming vehicles 10, 110 Vehicle lighting 12, 112 Lamp body 14, 114 Translucent cover 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 120A, 120B Lighting unit 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 130A, 130B Light source unit 32A, 32B1, 32C1, 32D, 132A1, 132A2, 132B1, 132B2 1st light emitting element 32B2, 32C2, 132A3, 132B3 2nd light emitting element 34A, 34B1, 34B2, 34C1, 34C2, 34D, 134A1, 134A2, 134A3, 134B1, 134B2, 134B3 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D, 136A, 136B Light source support member 40Aa, 40Ba, 140Aa, 140Ba Reflective surface 40Aa1, 40Ba1 Lower reflection area 40Aa2, 40Ba2 Middle reflection area 40Aa3, 40Ba3 Upper reflection area 40As, 40Bs Reflection element 40A 40C, 40D, 140A, 140B Reflector 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 150A, 150B Base member A point Ax axis OHS overhead marker PA, PB1, PC1, PD, PE1, PE2, PF1, PF2, PHL1, PHR1 1st arrangement Light pattern PAa, PB1a, PB2a, PC1a, PC2a, PDa Light distribution pattern PB2, PC2, PE3, PF3, PHL2, PHR2 Second light distribution pattern PH, PHL, PHR High beam light distribution pattern PM, PML, PMR High beam distribution Light distribution pattern with a part of the light pattern missing P1, P2, P3 Rotating parabolic surface

Claims (6)

In a vehicle lighting fixture configured to form a horizontally long light distribution pattern in a high beam region by reflecting light from a plurality of light emitting elements toward the front of the vehicle with a reflector.
As the plurality of light emitting elements, a plurality of first light emitting elements arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction and a position adjacent to the plurality of first light emitting elements in a direction orthogonal to the vehicle width direction in the vehicle width direction. It is equipped with a plurality of second light emitting elements arranged side by side.
A horizontally long first light distribution pattern is formed by lighting the plurality of first light emitting elements, and a horizontally long second light distribution pattern is formed above the first light distribution pattern by lighting the plurality of second light emitting elements. It is configured to form and
At least one of the plurality of light emitting elements is configured to be selectively extinguished .
When the first light emitting element located in the middle of the vehicle width direction among the plurality of first light emitting elements is turned off, the region located in the middle of the left and right directions in the first light distribution pattern is formed as the horizontally long light distribution pattern. A vehicle lamp that is configured to form a missing light distribution pattern . The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein each of the second light emitting elements is configured to emit light with a smaller amount of light than each of the first light emitting elements. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of lamp units including the plurality of light emitting elements and the reflector are arranged. The vehicle lamp according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of lamp units have different positional relationships between the plurality of first light emitting elements and the plurality of second light emitting elements. The reflector has a plurality of reflection regions formed with reference to a paraboloid as a reflection surface of the reflector.
The plurality of reflection regions according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of reflection regions are formed with reference to a paraboloid having a shorter focal length as the reflection regions are located farther from the plurality of light emitting elements. Vehicle lighting equipment. The reflector is arranged on the upper side or the lower side with respect to the plurality of light emitting elements.
The vehicle lamp according to claim 5, wherein the reflective surface of the reflector has an outer shape in which the left and right ends of the upper end or the lower end of the rectangular shape are cut off in a front view of the lamp.

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