JP7038595B2 - Vehicle lighting - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp provided with a reflective spatial light modulator.

Conventionally, as a configuration of a lamp for a vehicle, for example, as described in "Patent Document 1", a lamp equipped with a reflective spatial light modulator that reflects light from a light source toward the front of the lamp has been known. ing.

Further, conventionally, as a configuration of a lighting device provided with a reflection type spatial light modulator, a spatial optical modulator and a support substrate that supports the peripheral portion thereof from the rear side are electrically connected. ..

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-91976

In the vehicle lighting equipment described in the above-mentioned "Patent Document 1", various light distribution patterns can be accurately formed by controlling the spatial distribution of the reflected light by the spatial light modulator.

By the way, as a configuration of a lighting device equipped with a reflection type spatial light modulator, a bracket that abuts on the peripheral portion thereof from the front side is arranged on the front side of the spatial light modulator, and is more than the spatial light modulator. If a configuration is adopted in which a heat sink that elastically presses the spatial light modulator toward the front side while in contact with the central portion thereof is arranged on the rear side, an unreasonable load acts on the spatial light modulator. It is possible to avoid it. As a result, it is possible to secure the electrical connection between the spatial light modulator and the support substrate and prevent the spatial light modulator from being damaged.

However, when such a configuration is applied to the vehicle lighting equipment as it is, when a vibration load or an impact load is applied to the vehicle lighting equipment due to vehicle running or the like, the positional relationship between the spatial light modulator and the heat sink is displaced and the space is displaced. An unreasonable load is applied to the light modulator, which may damage the spatial light modulator.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is effective that the spatial light modulator is damaged by a vibration load or the like in a vehicle lamp equipped with a reflective spatial light modulator. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle lighting fixture that can be suppressed.

The present invention is designed to achieve the above object by providing a predetermined shaft.

That is, the vehicle lamp according to the present invention is
In a vehicle lamp equipped with a reflective spatial light modulator that reflects the light from the light source toward the front of the lamp.
A support substrate that supports the peripheral edge of the spatial light modulator from the rear side of the lamp while being electrically connected to the spatial light modulator is arranged behind the spatial light modulator.
A bracket that comes into contact with the peripheral portion of the spatial light modulator from the front side of the lamp is arranged on the front side of the lamp with respect to the spatial light modulator.
A heat sink that elastically presses the spatial light modulator toward the front side of the lamp while being in contact with the central portion of the spatial light modulator is arranged on the rear side of the lamp from the support substrate.
At least one shaft extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp is arranged around the spatial light modulator in a state of being fixed to the heat sink at the rear end portion of the shaft.
At least one shaft insertion hole is formed in the support substrate, and at least one shaft positioning hole is formed in the bracket.
Each of the shafts is characterized in that the front end portion of the shaft is inserted into each shaft positioning hole in a state where the shaft is arranged so as to insert the shaft insertion holes.

The specific configuration of the above-mentioned "spatial light modulator" is not particularly limited as long as it can control the spatial distribution of light reaching the projection lens, and is, for example, a digital micro. Those using a mirror, those using a reflective liquid crystal display, and the like can be adopted.

The above-mentioned "heat sink" is arranged so as to elastically press the spatial light modulator toward the front side of the lamp while being in contact with the central portion of the spatial light modulator. The specific configuration for realizing this is not particularly limited.

Since the vehicle lighting fixture according to the present invention includes a reflective spatial light modulator that reflects the light from the light source toward the front of the lighting fixture, the spatial distribution of the reflected light is controlled by this spatial light modulator. By doing so, various light distribution patterns can be formed with high accuracy.

At that time, the spatial light modulator is electrically connected to a support substrate that supports the peripheral portion from the rear side of the lamp, but the front side of the spatial light modulator is in contact with the peripheral portion from the front side of the lamp. A bracket is arranged, and a heat sink that elastically presses the spatial light modulator toward the front side of the lamp while being in contact with the central portion thereof is arranged on the rear side of the light fixture of the spatial light modulator. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an unreasonable load from acting on the spatial light modulator. As a result, it is possible to secure the electrical connection between the spatial light modulator and the support substrate and prevent the spatial light modulator from being damaged.

On top of that, at least one shaft extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp is arranged around the spatial light modulator in a state of being fixed to the heat sink at the rear end, and each shaft is formed on the support substrate. Since the front end portion thereof is inserted into each shaft positioning hole in a state where the shaft insertion hole is inserted, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, the presence of at least one shaft allows the heat sink and the bracket to be maintained in a constant positional relationship with respect to the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp. Therefore, even when a vibration load or an impact load is applied to the vehicle lighting equipment, it is effective that the positional relationship between the spatial light modulator and the heat sink is displaced and an unreasonable load is applied to the spatial light modulator. This can effectively prevent the spatial light modulator from being damaged.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively suppress damage to the spatial light modulator due to a vibration load or the like in a vehicle lamp provided with a reflective spatial light modulator.

In the above configuration, the front end of each shaft is arranged so as to protrude forward from each shaft positioning hole, and the bracket is displaced to the front side of the lamp at the front end of the bracket. If a displacement regulating member that regulates by engagement with the front surface of the lamp is attached, the heat sink and the bracket are maintained in a constant positional relationship not only in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp but also in the front-rear direction of the lamp. It becomes possible to. As a result, the positional deviation between the spatial light modulator and the heat sink can be more effectively prevented, and the damage prevention effect of the spatial light modulator can be enhanced.

In the above configuration, if the front end of each shaft is fixed to the bracket with an adhesive at each shaft positioning hole, the heat sink and the bracket are not only in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp but also in the front-rear direction of the lamp. It is easily possible to maintain a constant positional relationship. As a result, the positional deviation between the spatial light modulator and the heat sink can be prevented more effectively, and the damage prevention effect of the spatial light modulator can be further enhanced.

Even if the adhesive effect cannot be obtained due to deterioration of the adhesive over time, the state in which the spatial light modulator is elastically pressed by the heat sink can still be maintained.

In the above configuration, a plurality of stepped bolts extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp are arranged around the spatial light modulator, and as each stepped bolt, a bolt insertion hole and a support formed in the heat sink from the rear side of the lamp. The support board is attached to the large diameter part of each stepped bolt on the front side of the lamp after being arranged so as to insert the bolt insertion hole formed in the board and screwed to the bracket in the small diameter part. If a spring is attached to elastically press the light toward the light, the spatial light modulator can be elastically pressed by the heat sink in a stable manner.

At that time, a plurality of stepped bolts are arranged at two locations on the left and right sides of the spatial light modulator, and shafts are arranged between the upper and lower locations on each of the left and right sides of the spatial light modulator. With this configuration, the front end portion of each shaft can be reliably maintained in the state of being inserted into each shaft positioning hole of the bracket, and the positioning function thereof can be enhanced.

Front view showing a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention. Section II-II sectional view of FIG. Section III-III sectional view of FIG. Detailed sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. Detailed cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. An exploded perspective view showing the spatial light modulator sub-assy of the above-mentioned vehicle lighting equipment. An exploded perspective view showing the lens-side sub-assy of the vehicle lamp together with the bracket of the spatial light modulator sub-assy. The same figure as FIG. 5 which shows the 1st modification of the said Embodiment. A diagram similar to FIG. 5, showing a second modification of the above 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, and a part thereof is shown as a cross-sectional view. 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.

In these figures, the direction indicated by X is "forward" as a lamp ("front" as a vehicle), and the direction indicated by Y is "leftward" ("leftward" as a vehicle) orthogonal to "forward". However, in the front view of the lamp, it is "rightward"), and the direction indicated by Z is "upward". The same applies to figures other than these.

As shown in these figures, the vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment is a headlamp provided at the front end of the vehicle, and is incorporated in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body (not shown) and a translucent cover. It is configured as a projector-type lamp unit.

The vehicle lamp 10 has a configuration including a light source side sub-assy 20, a spatial light modulator sub-assy 30, and a lens-side sub-assy 60.

The light source side sub-assy 20 is configured to include a light source 22, a reflector 24 that reflects light emitted from the light source 22 toward the spatial light modulator sub-assy 30, and a base member 26 that supports them. There is.

The spatial light modulator sub-assess 30 includes a spatial light modulator 32, a support substrate 36 arranged on the rear side of the lamp fixture with respect to the spatial light modulator 32, and a bracket arranged on the front side of the lamp fixture with the support substrate 36. It is configured to include 40 and a heat sink 50 arranged on the rear side of the lighting fixture with respect to the spatial light modulator 32.

The lens-side sub-assy 60 is configured to include a projection lens 62 having an optical axis Ax extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and a lens holder 64 that supports the projection lens 62.

The vehicle lighting fixture 10 according to the present embodiment irradiates the light from the light source 22 reflected by the reflector 24 toward the front of the lighting fixture via the spatial light modulator 32 and the projection lens 62, thereby various light distribution. Accurately form patterns (for example, a low beam light distribution pattern, a high beam light distribution pattern, a light distribution pattern that changes according to the vehicle running conditions, and a light distribution pattern that draws characters, symbols, etc. on the road surface in front of the vehicle). It is a structure to obtain.

In order to realize this, in the assembly process of the vehicle lamp 10, the positional relationship between the spatial light modulator 32 and the projection lens 62 is finely adjusted with the light source 22 turned on to form a light distribution pattern. It is designed to improve the positional relationship accuracy.

The vehicle lamp 10 is supported by the lamp body in the bracket 40 or the heat sink 50 of the spatial light modulator sub-assy 30.

Next, specific configurations of each of the light source side sub-assy 20, the spatial light modulator sub-assy 30, and the lens-side sub-assy 60 will be described.

First, the configuration of the light source side sub-assy 20 will be described.

The light source 22 is a white light emitting diode, and is fixedly supported by the base member 26 with its light emitting surface facing diagonally upward and forward. The base member 26 is fixedly supported by the bracket 40 of the spatial light modulator sub-assy 30.

The reflector 24 is arranged so as to cover the light source 22 from the front side of the lamp, and is fixedly supported by the base member 26 at the peripheral portion thereof. The reflector 26 is adapted to reflect the light emitted from the light source 22 diagonally upward and backward. At that time, the reflecting surface 24a of the reflector 24 is formed so as to converge the light emitted from the light source 22 in the vicinity of the rear focal plane including the posterior focal F of the projection lens 62.

Next, the configuration of the spatial light modulator sub-assy 30 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a detailed sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a detailed sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. Further, FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the spatial light modulator sub-assy 30 decomposed into its components.

As shown in these figures, the spatial light modulator 32 is a reflection type spatial light modulator, and is composed of a digital micromirror device (DMD) in which a plurality of micromirrors are arranged in a matrix. ..

The spatial light modulator 32 has a configuration capable of selectively switching the reflection direction of light from the light source 22 that has reached the spatial light modulator 32 by controlling the angle of the reflection surface of each of the plurality of minute mirrors. It has become. Specifically, a mode in which the light from the light source 22 is reflected toward the projection lens 62 and a mode in which the light is reflected in a direction other than that (that is, a direction that does not adversely affect the formation of the light distribution pattern) are selected. It has become like.

The spatial light modulator 32 is arranged along a vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax at the position of the rear focal point F of the projection lens 62, and the reflected light control region 32a is horizontally long with the optical axis Ax as the center. It has a rectangular outer shape.

The spatial light modulator 32 is supported by the support substrate 36 via the socket 34 on the rear surface of the peripheral edge portion 32b surrounding the reflected light control region 32a.

The socket 34 is configured as a horizontally long rectangular frame member along the peripheral edge portion 32b of the spatial light modulator 32, and is electrically connected to a conductive pattern (not shown) formed on the support substrate 36. It is fixed to the support substrate 36 by soldering or the like. The support substrate 36 is formed with an opening 36a having substantially the same shape as the inner peripheral edge shape of the socket 34.

A plurality of terminal pins 32c protruding from the rear surface toward the rear of the lamp are formed on the peripheral edge portion 32b of the spatial light modulator 32, and a plurality of fittings in which the plurality of terminal pins 32c are formed in the socket 34. It is electrically connected to the socket 34 by being fitted into a hole (not shown).

The spatial light modulator 32 is supported by the bracket 40 and the heat sink 50 from both sides in the front-rear direction of the lamp.

The bracket 40 is a member made of metal (for example, made of die-cast aluminum), and has a vertical surface portion 40A extending along a vertical surface orthogonal to the optical axis Ax and a horizontal plane from the lower end edge of the vertical surface portion 40A toward the front of the lamp. It is configured to include a horizontal surface portion 40B extending along the line.

In the vertical facing portion 40A, a horizontally long rectangular opening 40Aa is formed around the optical axis Ax. The opening 40Aa has a horizontally long rectangular opening shape that is smaller than the outer peripheral edge shape of the spatial light modulator 32 but larger than the reflected light control region 32a, and the front end edge of the inner peripheral surface thereof is the entire circumference. It is chamfered over.

On the rear surface of the vertical facing portion 40A, columnar protrusions 40Ab projecting to the rear side of the lamp are formed at three locations around the opening 40Aa. The bracket 40 comes into contact with the peripheral edge portion 32b of the spatial light modulator 32 from the front side of the lamp on the rear end surface of the three protrusions 40Ab.

The horizontal surface portion 40B is formed so as to extend to the front side of the lamp from the reflector 24, and the horizontal surface portion 40B is formed with a horizontally long rectangular opening 40Ba for inserting the reflector 24.

The heat sink 50 is a metal member (for example, made of die-cast aluminum) and is arranged so as to extend along a vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax, and a plurality of heat radiation fins 50b are arranged in a vertical stripe shape on the rear surface thereof. It is formed.

On the front surface of the heat sink 50, a prismatic protrusion 50c protruding toward the front side of the lamp is formed. The protrusion 50c has a horizontally long rectangular cross-sectional shape centered on the optical axis Ax, and its size is set to a value smaller than the inner peripheral surface shape of the socket 34. The protrusion 50c is rearward to the lamp with respect to the central portion of the spatial light modulator 32 (that is, the portion where the reflected light control region 32a is located) on the front end surface thereof in a state where the opening 36a of the support substrate 36 is inserted. It is designed to come into contact from the side.

The spatial light modulator sub-assy 30 has a configuration in which a plurality of stepped bolts 52 are arranged around the spatial light modulator 32. Specifically, the spatial light modulator 32 has four stepped bolts 52 arranged at two upper and lower positions on the left and right sides of the spatial light modulator 32.

Each stepped bolt 52 is arranged from the rear side of the lamp so as to insert the bolt insertion hole 50a formed in the heat sink 50 and the bolt insertion hole 36b formed in the support substrate 36, and has a small diameter portion at the tip thereof. It is screwed to the bracket 40 at 52a. In order to realize this, the bracket 40 is formed with boss portions 40Ac for screwing the small diameter portion 52a of each stepped bolt 52 at four locations corresponding to the four stepped bolts 52.

A spring 54 for elastically pressing the heat sink 50 toward the front side of the lamp is attached to the large diameter portion 52b of each stepped bolt 52. Each spring 54 is composed of a compression coil spring arranged between the head portion 52c of each stepped bolt 52 and the heat sink 50.

In this way, the heat sink 50 is elastically pressed toward the front side of the lamp at the upper and lower two places on the left and right sides of the spatial light modulator 32, so that an unreasonable load is not applied to the spatial light modulator. The central part is elastically pressed toward the front side of the lamp. As a result, a plurality of terminal pins 32c formed on the peripheral edge portion 32b of the spatial light modulator 32 are properly fitted into the fitting holes of the socket 34 (that is, the electrical of the spatial light modulator 32 and the socket 34). The connection is ensured).

A pair of left and right shafts 56 extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp are arranged around the spatial light modulator 32.

Each shaft 56 is configured as a shaft with a flange, and a portion located on the front side of the lamp with the flange portion 56b constitutes the main body portion 56a. Each shaft 56 is fixed to the heat sink 50 at a rear end portion 56c located on the rear side of the lamp with respect to the flange portion 56b. This fixing is performed by press-fitting the rear end portion 56c of each shaft 56 into the press-fitting boss portion 50d formed in the heat sink 50 from the front side of the lamp.

The support substrate 36 is formed with a pair of left and right shaft insertion holes 36c for inserting the main body portion 56a of the pair of left and right shafts 56. Each shaft insertion hole 36c is formed as an opening having a diameter somewhat larger than that of the main body portion 56a of each shaft 56.

Further, in the vertical facing portion 40A of the bracket 40, a pair of left and right shaft positioning holes 40Ad are formed for positioning in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp with the main body portion 56a of the pair of left and right shafts 56 inserted. ing. Each shaft positioning hole 40Ad is formed with a diameter slightly larger than that of the main body portion 56a of each shaft 56.

Each shaft positioning hole 40Ad is formed by a sleeve 40Ae formed on the rear surface of the vertical facing portion 40A so as to extend toward the rear of the lamp longer than the plate thickness of the vertical facing portion 40A, whereby the main body portion 56a of each shaft 56 is formed. Is slidably engaged over a certain length.

Each shaft 56 is arranged so that the front end portion of the main body portion 56a projects forward from each shaft positioning hole 40Ad. An E-ring is provided at the front end of the main body 56a of each shaft 56 as a displacement regulating member for restricting the displacement of the bracket 40 toward the front side of the lamp by engaging with the front surface of the vertical facing portion 40A of the bracket 40. 58 is attached.

In order to realize this, an annular groove portion 56a1 is formed at the front end portion of the main body portion 56a of each shaft 56, and an E-ring 58 is fitted in the annular groove portion 56a1. At that time, the annular groove portion 56a1 is formed at a position where the annular wall surface on the rear side of the lamp is substantially flush with the front surface of the vertical facing portion 40A of the bracket 40.

By fitting the E-ring 58 into each of the main body portions 56a of the pair of left and right shafts 56 in this way, the bracket 40 is restricted from being displaced to the front side of the lamp on both the left and right sides of the spatial light modulator 32. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bracket 40 from being tilted in the left-right direction with respect to the vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax.

Further, as described above, since the main body portion 56a of each shaft 56 is slidably engaged with each shaft positioning hole 40Ad over a certain length, the bracket 40 also has a vertical surface orthogonal to the optical axis Ax. It will be prevented from tilting with respect to.

Next, the configuration of the lens-side sub-assy 60 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the projection lens 62 is composed of first and second lenses 62A and 62B arranged at required intervals in the front-rear direction of the lamp on the optical axis Ax.

The first lens 62A located on the front side of the lamp is configured as a biconvex lens, and the second lens 62B located on the rear side of the lamp is configured as a concave meniscus lens bulging toward the rear of the lamp. At that time, the upper end portions of the first and second lenses 62A and 62B are slightly cut off along the horizontal plane, and the lower portion thereof is cut off relatively large along the horizontal plane.

The first and second lenses 62A and 62B are supported by a common lens holder 64 at the outer peripheral edge thereof.

The lens holder 64 is a metal member (for example, made of die-cast aluminum), and has a holder body 64A formed so as to surround the projection lens 62 in a tubular shape, and a horizontal plane at the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the holder body 64A. It is configured to include a pair of flange portions 64B formed so as to project on both the left and right sides along the above.

A protrusion 64Aa for positioning the first and second lenses 62A and 62B is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the holder body 64A. On the other hand, the pair of left and right flange portions 64B are formed in a flat plate shape so as to extend in the front-rear direction of the lamp with a constant left-right width over the entire length of the lens holder 64.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the lens-side sub-assy 60 together with the bracket 40 of the spatial light modulator sub-assy 30.

As shown in the figure, the lens holder 64 is fixed to the horizontal surface portion 40B of the bracket 40 of the spatial light modulator sub-assy 30 by mechanical fastening in the pair of left and right flange portions 64B. This mechanical fastening is fixed by screw tightening.

In order to realize this, each flange portion 64B of the lens holder 64 is formed with a pair of front and rear screw insertion holes 64Ba that penetrate the flange portion 64B in the vertical direction. Further, the horizontal surface portion 40B of the bracket 40 is formed so that a pair of front and rear boss portions 40Bb having screw holes 40Bb1 project downward. Then, the screw 66 is screwed from above each flange portion 64B into the screw hole 40Bb1 of each boss portion 40Bb via each screw insertion hole 64Ba.

At that time, each screw insertion hole 64Ba is formed as an elongated hole extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp with a left-right width larger than the screw diameter of each screw 66, whereby the lens holder 64 is positioned in the front-rear direction of the lamp with respect to the bracket 40. It is configured so that screws can be tightened in the adjusted state.

On the lower surface of each flange portion 64B of the lens holder 64, a positioning pin 64Bb is formed so as to project vertically downward at the center position in the front-rear direction of the pair of front-rear screw insertion holes 64Ba. Each positioning pin 64Bb is formed in a columnar shape, and its tip portion is formed in a convex curved surface shape. Further, the amount of downward protrusion of each positioning pin 64Bb from the flange portion 264B is set to a value slightly larger than the plate thickness of the horizontal surface portion 40B of the bracket 40.

On the other hand, the horizontal surface portion 40B of the bracket 40 is formed with an elongated hole 40Bc that penetrates the horizontal surface portion 40B in the vertical direction at a position corresponding to each positioning pin 64Bb. Each elongated hole 40Bc is formed as an elongated hole extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp with a left-right width slightly larger than the diameter of the positioning pin 64Bb.

Then, when the lens holder 64 is screwed to the bracket 40, the positioning pin 64Bb is inserted into the elongated hole 40Bc in advance to prevent the lens holder 64 from being displaced in the left-right direction with respect to the bracket 40. Above, the positional relationship between the lens holder 64 and the bracket 40 in the front-rear direction of the lamp can be finely adjusted. This prevents the lens holder 64 from inadvertently rotating with respect to the bracket 40 due to the torque generated during screw tightening, and improves the accuracy of the positional relationship between the spatial light modulator 32 and the projection lens 62. ing.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

Since the vehicle lighting equipment 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to irradiate the light from the light source 22 toward the front of the lighting equipment via the spatial light modulator 32 and the projection lens 62, the light is projected by the spatial light modulator 32. By controlling the spatial distribution of the light reaching the lens 62, various light distribution patterns can be formed with high accuracy.

At that time, the spatial light modulator 32 is electrically connected to the support substrate 36 that supports the peripheral portion 32b from the rear side of the lighting equipment, but the front side of the lighting equipment on the front side of the lighting equipment of the spatial light modulator 32 is the front of the lighting equipment. A bracket 40 that abuts from the side is arranged, and the spatial light modulation is performed in a state of being in contact with the central portion (that is, the portion where the reflected light control region 32a is located) on the rear side of the lighting fixture of the spatial light modulator 32. Since the heat sink 50 that elastically presses the vessel 32 toward the front side of the lamp is arranged, it is possible to prevent an unreasonable load from acting on the spatial light modulator 32. As a result, it is possible to secure the electrical connection between the spatial light modulator 32 and the support substrate 36 and prevent the spatial light modulator 32 from being damaged.

On top of that, a pair of left and right shafts 56 extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp are arranged around the spatial light modulator 32 in a state of being fixed to the heat sink 50 at the rear end, and each shaft 56 is a support substrate. Since the front end portion thereof is inserted into each shaft positioning hole 40Ad in a state where each shaft insertion hole 36c formed in 36 is inserted so as to be inserted through the shaft insertion hole 36c, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, the presence of the pair of left and right shafts 56 makes it possible to maintain the heat sink 50 and the bracket 40 in a constant positional relationship with respect to the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp. Therefore, even when a vibration load or an impact load is applied to the vehicle lighting fixture 10, the positional relationship between the spatial light modulator 32 and the heat sink 50 is displaced, and an unreasonable load is applied to the spatial light modulator 32. This can be effectively suppressed, whereby the spatial light modulator 32 can be effectively suppressed from being damaged.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the vehicle lamp 10 provided with the reflective spatial light modulator 32, it is possible to effectively suppress the damage of the spatial light modulator 32 due to a vibration load or the like. can.

In the present embodiment, the front end portion of each shaft 56 protrudes forward from each shaft positioning hole 40Ad, and the bracket 40 is displaced to the front side of the lamp fixture at the front end portion of the vertical facing portion 40A of the bracket 40. Since the E-ring 58 (that is, the displacement regulating member) that regulates by engaging with the front surface is attached, the heat sink 50 and the bracket 40 have a constant positional relationship not only in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp but also in the front-rear direction of the lamp. It will be possible to be maintained at. As a result, the positional deviation between the spatial light modulator 32 and the heat sink 50 can be more effectively prevented, and the damage prevention effect of the spatial light modulator 32 can be enhanced.

Moreover, since the shafts 56 are arranged on the left and right sides of the spatial light modulator 32 and the E-rings 58 are fitted in the main body portions 56a of each of the left and right pair of shafts 56, the bracket 40 is moved to the front side of the lamp. Displacement can be restricted on both the left and right sides of the spatial light modulator 32, thereby preventing the bracket 40 from tilting in the left-right direction with respect to the vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax. can.

Further, since the main body portion 56a of each shaft 56 is slidably engaged with each shaft positioning hole 40Ad over a certain length, the bracket 40 is also inclined with respect to the vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax. It is possible to prevent it from happening.

Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of stepped bolts 52 extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp are arranged around the spatial light modulator 32, and each stepped bolt 52 is formed on the heat sink 50 from the rear side of the lamp. In a state where the bolt insertion hole 50a and the bolt insertion hole 36b formed in the support substrate 36 are inserted, the small diameter portion 52a is screwed to the bracket 40, and then each stepped bolt is screwed. Since the spring 54 that elastically presses the support substrate 36 toward the front side of the lamp is attached to the large-diameter portion 52b of 52, the spatial light modulator 32 is elastically pressed by the heat sink 50 in a stable manner. Can be made to be.

At that time, in the present embodiment, a plurality of stepped bolts 52 are arranged at two locations above and below the left and right sides of the spatial light modulator 32, and above that, above and below each of the left and right sides of the spatial light modulator 32. Since the shafts 56 are arranged between the two locations, it is ensured that each shaft 56 is inserted into each shaft positioning hole 40Ad of the bracket 40 via each shaft insertion hole 36c of the support substrate 36. Can be maintained at, and its positioning function can be enhanced.

In the above embodiment, the rear end portion 56c of each shaft 56 is fixed to the heat sink 50 by press-fitting, but it is also possible to use a configuration such as screw tightening.

In the above embodiment, the E-ring 58 is used as the displacement regulating member, but other members (for example, a cotter pin, a locking washer, etc.) can also be used as the displacement regulating member.

In the above embodiment, the light emitted from the light source 22 reflected by the reflector 26 is reflected by the spatial light modulator 32, but the light emitted from the light source 22 whose deflection is controlled by a lens or the like is reflected by the spatial light modulator. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the light is reflected by the 32 and a configuration in which the light emitted from the light source 22 is directly reflected by the spatial light modulator 32.

Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

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

FIG. 8 is a diagram similar to FIG. 5, showing a main part of a vehicle 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 spatial light modulator sub-assy 130 is partially different from that of the above embodiment.

That is, the spatial light modulator subassy 130 of this modification also has a configuration in which a pair of left and right shafts 156 extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp are arranged around the spatial light modulator 32.

Like each shaft 56 of the above-described embodiment, each shaft 156 is configured as a shaft with a flange, and a portion located on the front side of the lamp with the flange portion 156b constitutes the main body portion 156a. The portion 156a is formed to be shorter than the main body portion 56a of each shaft 56 of the above embodiment. Specifically, the main body portion 156a of each shaft 156 is set to a length such that the front end portion thereof does not protrude forward from each shaft positioning hole 140Ad of the bracket 140.

Then, each shaft 156 is arranged so that the front end surface of the main body portion 156a is located behind the lamp fixture with respect to the front surface of the vertical facing portion 140A of the bracket 140, and the front end portion of the main body portion 156a is positioned for each shaft. It is fixed to the bracket 140 by the adhesive 170 in the hole 140Ad.

In the bracket 140 of this modification, the front end region 140Ad1 of each shaft positioning hole 140Ad is formed with an inner diameter slightly larger than that of other general regions. Therefore, the adhesive 170 is filled in each shaft positioning hole 140Ad with a sufficient contact area secured for both the front end portion of each shaft 156 and the bracket 140.

Also in this modification, each shaft 156 is fixed to the heat sink 50 at the rear end portion 156c.

Further, also in this modification, each shaft positioning hole 140Ad of the bracket 140 is formed so as to extend toward the rear of the lamp longer than the plate thickness of the vertical facing portion 140A by the sleeve 140Ae formed on the rear surface of the vertical facing portion 140A. .. Further, the bracket 140 is formed with an opening 140Aa and a protrusion 140Ab similar to the bracket 40 of the above embodiment.

Even when the configuration of this modification is adopted, it is easily possible to maintain a constant positional relationship between the heat sink 50 and the bracket 140 not only in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp but also in the front-rear direction of the lamp. It becomes. As a result, the positional deviation between the spatial light modulator 32 and the heat sink 50 can be prevented more effectively, and the damage prevention effect of the spatial light modulator 32 can be further enhanced.

Even if the adhesive effect cannot be obtained due to deterioration of the adhesive 170 over time, the state in which the spatial light modulator 32 is elastically pressed by the heat sink 50 can still be maintained. ..

In the first modification, the configuration of the main body portion 156a of each shaft 156 has been described as assuming that the front end portion thereof is arranged so as not to protrude forward from each shaft positioning hole 140Ad of the bracket 140. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the front end portion is arranged so as to project forward from each shaft positioning hole 140Ad and then fixed to the bracket 140 by an adhesive 170 around the front end portion.

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

FIG. 9 is a diagram similar to FIG. 5, showing a main part of a vehicle 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 spatial light modulator sub-assy 230 is partially different from that of the above embodiment.

That is, the spatial light modulator subassy 230 of this modification also has a configuration in which a pair of left and right shafts 256 extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp are arranged around the spatial light modulator 32.

Like each shaft 56 of the above-described embodiment, each shaft 256 is configured as a shaft with a flange, and a portion located on the front side of the lamp with the flange portion 256b constitutes the main body portion 256a, and the front end portion thereof is formed. Is arranged so as to project forward from each shaft positioning hole 40Ad of the vertical facing portion 40A of the bracket 40 to the front of the lamp.

However, each shaft 256 of this modification does not have an annular groove portion such as the annular groove portion 56a1 formed in the main body portion 56a of each shaft 56 of the above embodiment at the front end portion of the main body portion 256a.

Also in this modification, each shaft 256 is fixed to the heat sink 50 at the rear end portion 256c.

Even when the configuration of this modification is adopted, a pair of left and right shafts 256 extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp are arranged around the spatial light modulator 32 in a state of being fixed to the heat sink 50 at the rear end. Each shaft 256 is arranged so as to insert each shaft insertion hole 36c formed in the support substrate 36, and its front end is inserted into each shaft positioning hole 40Ad, so that the following actions are performed. The effect can be obtained.

That is, the presence of the pair of left and right shafts 256 makes it possible to maintain the heat sink 50 and the bracket 40 in a constant positional relationship with respect to the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp. Therefore, even when a vibration load or an impact load is applied to the vehicle lighting equipment, the positional relationship between the spatial light modulator 32 and the heat sink 50 is displaced, and an unreasonable load is applied to the spatial light modulator 32. Can be effectively suppressed, whereby the spatial light modulator 32 can be effectively suppressed from being damaged.

Further, also in this modification, since the main body portion 56a of each shaft 256 is slidably engaged with each shaft positioning hole 40Ad over a certain length, the bracket 40 is also vertically orthogonal to the optical axis Ax. It is possible to prevent it from being tilted with respect to the surface.

It should be noted that the numerical values shown as specifications in the above-described embodiment and its modifications are only examples, and it is needless to say 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 with various other modifications can be adopted.

10 Vehicle lighting 20 Light source side sub-assess 22 Light source 24 Reflector 24a Reflective surface 26 Base members 30, 130, 230 Spatial light modulator Sub-assy 32 Spatial light modulator 32a Reflected light control area 32b Peripheral part 32c Terminal pin 34 Socket 36 Support Substrate 36a Opening 36b Bolt insertion hole 36c Shaft insertion hole 40, 140 Bracket 40A, 140A Lead facing part 40Aa, 40Ba, 140Aa Opening 40Ab, 140Ab Protrusion 40Ac, 40Bb Boss 40Ad, 140Ad Shaft positioning hole 40Ae, 140A Face 40Bb1 Screw hole 40Bc Long hole 50 Heat source 50a Bolt insertion hole 50b Heat dissipation fin 50c Protrusion 50d Press-fit boss 52 Stepped bolt 52a Small diameter 52b Large diameter 52c Head 54 Spring 56, 156, 256 Shaft 56a, 156a, 256a Main body 56a1 Circular groove 56b, 156b, 256b Flange 56c, 156c, 256c Rear end 58 E-ring (displacement regulating member)
60 Lens side sub-assessie 62 Projection lens 62A 1st lens 62B 2nd lens 64 Lens holder 64A Holder body 64Aa Protrusion part 64B Flange part 64Ba Screw insertion hole 64Bb Positioning pin 66 Screw 140Ad1 Front end area 170 Adhesive Ax Optical axis F Rear focus

Claims (5)

In a vehicle lamp equipped with a reflective spatial light modulator that reflects the light from the light source toward the front of the lamp.
A support substrate that supports the peripheral edge of the spatial light modulator from the rear side of the lamp while being electrically connected to the spatial light modulator is arranged behind the spatial light modulator.
A bracket that comes into contact with the peripheral portion of the spatial light modulator from the front side of the lamp is arranged on the front side of the lamp with respect to the spatial light modulator.
A heat sink that elastically presses the spatial light modulator toward the front side of the lamp while being in contact with the central portion of the spatial light modulator is arranged on the rear side of the lamp from the support substrate.
At least one shaft extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp is arranged around the spatial light modulator in a state of being fixed to the heat sink at the rear end portion of the shaft.
At least one shaft insertion hole is formed in the support substrate, and at least one shaft positioning hole is formed in the bracket.
A vehicle lamp, wherein each of the shafts is arranged so as to insert each of the shaft insertion holes, and the front end portion of the shaft is inserted into each shaft positioning hole. Each of the shafts is arranged so that the front end portion of the shaft projects forward from each of the shaft positioning holes to the front of the lamp.
The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a displacement regulating member that regulates the displacement of the bracket to the front side of the lamp by engagement with the front surface of the bracket is attached to the front end portion of each of the shafts. Lighting equipment. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein each of the shafts has a front end portion fixed to the bracket by an adhesive at each of the shaft positioning holes. Around the spatial light modulator, a plurality of stepped bolts extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp are arranged.
Each of the stepped bolts is arranged in a small diameter portion of the stepped bolt in a state where the bolt insertion hole formed in the heat sink and the bolt insertion hole formed in the support substrate are inserted from the rear side of the lamp. It is screwed to the above bracket,
The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a spring for elastically pressing the support substrate toward the front side of the lamp is attached to the large diameter portion of each stepped bolt. .. The plurality of stepped bolts are arranged at two locations on the left and right sides of the spatial light modulator.
The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 4, wherein the shaft is arranged between two upper and lower positions on each of the left and right sides of the spatial light modulator.

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