Vehicle lamp

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp comprises a light transmitting cover; a semiconductor light emitting element, in which light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting element passes through the light transmitting cover; a pair of light shielding walls disposed on both sides of the semiconductor light emitting element and shielding a portion of the light emitted by the semiconductor light emitting element; wherein a space is formed between the pair of light shielding walls and the light transmitting cover; the light-transmissive cover is subjected to a treatment for diffusing the light passing through the light-transmissive cover; and when a part of the light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element is blocked by the pair of light-blocking walls and another part of the light passes through the light-transmitting cover, a segmented light-emitting region including an outer shape defined by the pair of light-blocking walls is formed on the light-transmitting cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle lamp. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle lamp is known (for example, refer to Patent Document 1) that functions as a communication lamp for the purpose of communication between a vehicle (for example, a vehicle capable of traveling in an autonomous driving mode) and an object (for example, a pedestrian or other vehicle) by controlling the lighting state of multiple segmented light-emitting areas.

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 7045993 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, the relationship between the multiple reflectors and the light-transmitting cover used to form multiple segmented light-emitting areas is unclear, and there are problems such as overlapping of adjacent segmented light-emitting areas, making it impossible to split light into the desired segmented light-emitting areas and emit light from the segmented light-emitting areas.

[0005] The present disclosure is completed to solve such problems. The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle lamp that does not use additional components (such as reflectors or resin lenses), can divide light into desired segmented light-emitting areas with a simple structure, and emits light from the segmented light-emitting areas.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, the vehicle lamp includes: a light-transmitting cover; a semiconductor light-emitting element, wherein light emitted from the semiconductor light-emitting element passes through the light-transmitting cover; a pair of light-shielding walls, which are arranged on both sides of the semiconductor light-emitting element and block a portion of the light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element; wherein a space is formed between the pair of light-shielding walls and the light-transmitting cover; the light-transmitting cover is subjected to a process for diffusing the light passing through the light-transmitting cover; and when a portion of the light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element is blocked by the pair of light-shielding walls and another portion of the light passes through the light-transmitting cover, a segmented light-emitting area including an outer shape defined by the pair of light-shielding walls is formed on the light-transmitting cover.

[0007] According to such a configuration, light can be divided into desired segmented light emitting regions with a simple configuration without using a plurality of reflectors, and light can be emitted from the divided segmented light emitting regions.

[0008] In addition, in the above-mentioned vehicle lamp, the semiconductor light emitting element can be a light source having a Lambertian luminous intensity distribution, and the height of the pair of light shielding walls can be set to block the light emitted by the semiconductor light emitting element within an angle range greater than the half-value angle.

[0009] Additionally, in the above-described vehicle lamp, a distance between the outer shapes of the segmented light-emitting areas defined by the pair of light-shielding walls may be longer than a distance between the pair of light-shielding walls.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vehicle lamp, the vehicle lamp may include a plurality of assemblies composed of the semiconductor light emitting element and the pair of light shielding walls, wherein the plurality of assemblies are arranged in a row along a predetermined direction.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vehicle lamp, the heights of the pair of light-shielding walls may be set so that the segmented light-emitting areas are formed in a state where they do not overlap with each other.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-described vehicle lamp, the heights of the pair of light-shielding walls may be set so that no dark area is formed between the segmented light-emitting areas formed adjacent to each other.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above-described vehicle lamp, the heights of the pair of light-shielding walls may be set so that a dark region is formed between the segmented light-emitting regions formed in a state of being adjacent to each other.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, a vehicle lamp can be provided that can divide light into desired segmented light-emitting areas with a simple structure and emit light from the segmented light-emitting areas without using additional components (such as reflectors or resin lenses).

[0015] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings given below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1A 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the vehicle lamp 10 mounted on the vehicle V forms a segmented light emitting area SA.

[0017] Figure 1B 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the vehicle lamp 10 mounted on the vehicle V forms another segmented light emitting area SA.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the vehicle lamp 10 .

[0019] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view taken along line III-III.

[0020] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle lamp 10 .

[0021] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the housing 30 .

[0022] Figure 6A It is along Figure 2 A sectional view taken along line VIA-VIA.

[0023] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A View in the direction of arrow AR1.

[0024] Figure 7A 1 is a diagram showing an example of the segmented light emitting area SA when the height H1 of the light shielding walls 32 ( 32 a and 32 b ) is adjusted to 5.37 mm.

[0025] Figure 7B 1 is a diagram showing an example of the segmented light emitting area SA when the height H1 of the light shielding wall 32 ( 32 a and 32 b ) is adjusted to 6.07 mm.

[0026] Figure 8A is an example of segmented light emitting area SA(s);

[0027] Figure 8B is another example of segmented light emitting area SA(s);

[0028] Figure 9 is a diagram showing a lighting pattern used in the experiment;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a table summarizing the experimental results (measurement results) for each lighting mode and each light-shielding wall height. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, a vehicle lamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0031] Figure 1A 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the vehicle lamp 10 mounted on the vehicle V forms a segmented light emitting area SA. Figure 1B 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the vehicle lamp 10 mounted on the vehicle V forms another segmented light emitting area SA. Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the vehicle lamp 10 .

[0032] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the vehicle lamp 10 is a communication lamp that notifies the state of the vehicle V (e.g., a vehicle capable of traveling in an automatic driving mode) on which the vehicle lamp 10 is installed (e.g., the driving control state of the vehicle V) to the outside of the vehicle V (e.g., pedestrians U). This is achieved by forming segmented light-emitting areas SA that are selectively turned on and off as appropriate.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, the vehicle lamp 10 is constructed to be elongated. It is mounted in a position visible from the outside of the vehicle V, such as on the sides (left and right) of the vehicle V. In this case, the vehicle lamp 10 is mounted so that its longitudinal direction aligns with the vehicle's front-to-back direction. The vehicle lamps 10 mounted on the left and right sides are structurally symmetrical. Therefore, the following description will focus on the vehicle lamp 10 mounted on the left side (the left side when facing forward).

[0034] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view taken along line III-III. Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle lamp 10 .

[0035] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle lamp 10 includes an outer lens 20 , a housing 30 , a substrate 40 on which a semiconductor light emitting element 41 is mounted, a heat sink 50 , and a casing 60 .

[0036] The outer lens 20 is an elongated light-transmitting cover made of a transparent resin, such as acrylic or polycarbonate, and includes a light-transmitting portion 21 and a light-impermeable portion 22 .

[0037] The light-transmitting portion 21 is a portion through which light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element 41 passes. The light-transmitting portion 21 is provided at Figure 3 The light transmitting portion 21 is within the range indicated by reference numeral A1. At least one of the front and rear surfaces of the light transmitting portion 21 is treated to diffuse light passing through the light transmitting portion 21, for example, by applying a coating that imparts a frosted glass appearance to at least one of the front and rear surfaces. Alternatively, the light diffusing treatment for the light transmitting portion 21 may employ a texture, a diffuser sheet, or similar methods in place of a coating.

[0038] The light-proof portion 22 is provided in a manner surrounding the light-transmitting portion 21. The light-proof portion 22 is provided at Figure 3 The light-proof portion 22 is provided to cover and conceal the internal structure of the vehicle lamp 10, preventing it from being seen from the outside. For example, the light-proof portion 22 may be formed by applying a black or other light-proof coating to at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the outer lens 20.

[0039] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the housing 30 .

[0040] like Figure 5As shown, the housing 30 includes a housing body 31 and a light shielding wall 32 (a pair of light shielding walls 32a and 32b). The housing body 31 and the light shielding walls 32 (32a and 32b) are integrally formed. Alternatively, the housing 30 can be formed by combining the housing body 31 and the light shielding walls 32 (32a and 32b) formed separately. The housing 30 is made of, for example, a black synthetic resin (e.g., carbon-containing polypropylene).

[0041] The housing body 31 and the elongated outer lens 20 (see Figure 4 ) is formed into a slender shape accordingly. A plurality of rectangular through holes H 31 The through holes H are formed in a row at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the housing body 31. 31 The through holes H penetrate the front and rear surfaces of the housing body 31. The semiconductor light emitting elements 41 mounted on the substrate 40 disposed at the rear of the housing body 31 are connected to the housing body 31 through the through holes H. 31 And exposed.

[0042] The light shielding walls 32 (32a and 32b) are provided on the front surface of the housing body 31 (see Figure 5 Specifically, the light shielding wall 32 (32a and 32b) has a thickness T1 in the longitudinal direction of the housing body 31 (refer to Figure 5 ) is provided in the through hole H relative to the longitudinal direction of the housing body 31. 31 The light-shielding walls 32 ( 32 a and 32 b ) are an example of a pair of light-shielding walls in the present disclosure.

[0043] The through hole H constructed as described above 31 The assembly of the light shielding walls 32 ( 32 a and 32 b ) is arranged in a row at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the housing body 31 .

[0044] Figure 6A It is along Figure 2 A sectional view taken along line VIA-VIA.

[0045] like Figure 6A As shown, a space S1 is formed between the outer lens 20 (translucent portion 21) and the light shielding walls 32 (32a and 32b). As a result, the distance L1 between the outer shapes of the segmented light emitting areas SA defined by the light shielding walls 32a and 32b can be made longer than the distance L4 between the light shielding walls 32a and 32b.

[0046] The substrate 40 and the elongated housing 30 (see Figure 4 ) is formed to be elongated accordingly. The substrate 40 is attached to the housing 60 (see FIG. 1 ) in a state where the rear surface opposite to the front surface on which the semiconductor light emitting element 41 is mounted faces the front surface of the metal housing 60 (for example, made of aluminum). Figure 3A heat sink 50 (thermal conductive sheet) is disposed between the rear surface of substrate 40 and the front surface of housing 60 to improve the adhesion between the substrate and housing and reduce contact thermal resistance. Note that other thermal interface materials (TIMs), such as thermal grease or thermal adhesive, may be used instead of heat sink 50.

[0047] The semiconductor light emitting element 41 is a light source having a Lambertian luminous intensity distribution, for example, an LED that emits amber light. Note that the light emitting color of the semiconductor light emitting element 41 may be a color other than amber. The semiconductor light emitting element 41 has a light emitting surface (for example, a light emitting surface of a 1 mm square rectangle). The semiconductor light emitting elements 41 are arranged in a row at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 40. The substrate 40 is provided with each semiconductor light emitting element 41 passing through each through hole H. 31 The exposed state, that is, through each through hole H 31 The exposed semiconductor light emitting element 41 (light emitting surface) and the outer lens 20 (light-transmitting portion 21) are arranged at the rear of the housing 30 and fixed to the outer shell 60 (see FIG. Figure 3 ).

[0048] Next, the segmented light emitting area SA will be described.

[0049] Figure 6A 1 and 2 are diagrams showing a state in which the segmented light emitting area SA is formed on the outer lens 20 (translucent portion 21 ) by lighting the semiconductor light emitting element 41 . Figure 6B yes Figure 6A View in the direction of arrow AR1. Figure 6A and Figure 6B In FIG, the shaded area shown by reference numeral SA represents a segmented luminous area, and the shaded area shown by reference numeral SB represents a non-luminous dark area. The same is true for the other figures.

[0050] When the semiconductor light emitting element 41 is turned on, a portion of the light emitted by the semiconductor light emitting element 41 (for example, Figure 6A The light within the angles θ1 and θ2 in the image is relatively weak in intensity) is blocked by the light shielding walls 32 (32a and 32b), and another part of the light (for example, Figure 6A Light within the angle θ3 (with relatively high intensity) passes through the outer lens 20 (light-transmitting portion 21). At this time, because the outer lens 20 (light-transmitting portion 21) is subjected to a process of diffusing the light that has passed through the light-transmitting portion 21, when another portion of the light (with relatively high intensity) passes through the outer lens 20 (light-transmitting portion 21), a segmented light-emitting area SA is formed on the outer lens 20 (light-transmitting portion 21).

[0051] like Figure 6BAs shown, the segmented light emitting area SA is a rectangular area with a length L1 in the longitudinal direction and a width W1 in the transverse direction. The outer shape of the segmented light emitting area SA is a shape defined by the light shielding walls 32 (32a and 32b), which in this case includes two straight lines CL extending in the transverse direction. SA1 and CL SA2 (Borderline between light and dark). In addition, the outer shape of the segmented light emitting area SA is defined by the opaque portion 22 provided in a manner surrounding the translucent portion 21, and in this case, includes two straight line shapes L extending in the longitudinal direction. SA1 and L SA2 In this way, the segmented light emitting area SA is formed by two straight line shapes CL SA1 and CL SA2 and two straight lines L SA1 and L SA2 The enclosed area (in this case a rectangular area).

[0052] The length L1 of the segmented light emitting area SA in the longitudinal direction can be adjusted by adjusting the height H1 of the light shielding walls 32 ( 32 a and 32 b ).

[0053] Figure 6A An example of the segmented light emitting area SA when the height H1 of the light shielding walls 32 ( 32 a and 32 b ) is adjusted to 4.67 mm is shown. Figure 7A An example of the segmented light emitting area SA when the height H1 of the light shielding walls 32 ( 32 a and 32 b ) is adjusted to 5.37 mm is shown. Figure 7B An example of the segmented light emitting area SA when the height H1 of the light shielding walls 32 ( 32 a and 32 b ) is adjusted to 6.07 mm is shown.

[0054] Reference Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B 、 Figure 7A and Figure 7B It can be observed that as the height H2 of the light shielding walls 32 (32a and 32b) increases, the length L1 of the segmented light emitting area SA in the longitudinal direction decreases.

[0055] Figure 8A is an example of segmented light emitting area SA(s), Figure 8B is another example of the segmented light emitting area SA(s).

[0056] For example, by adjusting the height H2 of the light shielding walls 32 (32a and 32b), as shown in FIG. Figure 8A As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of segmented light emitting areas SA can be formed adjacent to each other without gaps (dark areas SB) and without overlapping each other. In addition, by adjusting the height H2 of the light shielding walls 32 (32a and 32b), as shown in FIG. Figure 8BAs shown, a plurality of segmented light emitting regions SA can be formed adjacent to each other with gaps (dark regions SB) therebetween.

[0057] The height H2 of the light shielding walls 32 (32a and 32b) is desirably set to be greater than the half-value angle (eg, Figure 6A The light emitted by the semiconductor light emitting element 41 is blocked within the range of the angles θ1 and θ2. In this way, a brighter segmented light emitting area SA can be formed.

[0058] Next, the experimental results conducted by the present inventors will be described.

[0059] Figure 9 3 is a diagram showing the lighting pattern used in the experiment.

[0060] In the experiment, in the dark room, Figure 9 (a) to Figure 9 In the lighting mode shown in (d) of FIG. 1 , the brightness and contrast at the measurement point p1 are measured using the luminance meter 70 each time the semiconductor light emitting element 41 provided at a different position is lit. Figure 9 In FIG, a semiconductor light emitting element 41 painted black indicates that it is on, and a semiconductor light emitting element 41 painted white indicates that it is off. Figure 9 As shown in (a), the measurement point p1 is the optical axis AX of the specific semiconductor light emitting element 41. 41 The distance H2 between the outer lens 20 (translucent portion 21) and the semiconductor light emitting element 41 is 14.5 mm, and the optical axis AX of the semiconductor light emitting element 41 is 14.5 mm. 41 The distance L2 between the light shielding wall 32 (32a and 32b) is 3 mm. The luminance meter 70 is set at a position away from the measurement point p1 by a distance H3 in the normal direction. The distance H3 is 600 mm.

[0061] Figure 10 This is a table summarizing experimental results (measurement results) for each lighting mode and each light-shielding wall height.

[0062] Reference Figure 10 It can be observed that as the height H2 of the light shielding walls 32 (32a and 32b) increases, the contrast improves.

[0063] The segmented light emitting area SA can be formed to move from the rear side to the front side (or the reverse direction) of the vehicle by controlling the lighting / extinguishing state of each semiconductor light emitting element 41 (refer to Figure 1A The segmented light emitting areas SA and dark areas SB can also be formed to alternate continuously (see arrow AR2). Figure 1B ). In addition, the segmented light emitting area SA may be formed in various other patterns.

[0064] As described above, according to this embodiment, light can be divided into desired segmented light-emitting areas and emitted from the segmented light-emitting areas without using additional components (e.g., reflectors or resin lenses) and with a simple structure (light-shielding walls 32 (32a and 32b)). In this case, high efficiency and higher contrast can also be achieved in the segmented light-emitting areas SA.

[0065] The numerical values described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and it is apparent that appropriate numerical values different from those described in the above embodiments can be used.

[0066] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects.

[0067] The present disclosure is not to be interpreted as being limited by the above-described embodiments, and the present disclosure can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp, comprising: Translucent cover; a semiconductor light emitting element, wherein light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting element passes through the light-transmitting cover; a pair of light-shielding walls, the pair of light-shielding walls being provided on both sides of the semiconductor light-emitting element and shielding a portion of the light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element; wherein, A space is formed between the pair of light-shielding walls and the light-transmitting cover; The light-transmitting cover is subjected to a process for diffusing the light passing through the light-transmitting cover; and When part of the light emitted by the semiconductor light emitting element is blocked by the pair of light blocking walls and another part of the light passes through the light-transmitting cover, a segmented light emitting area having an outer shape defined by the pair of light blocking walls is formed on the light-transmitting cover.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein: The semiconductor light emitting element is a light source having a Lambertian luminous intensity distribution, and The heights of the pair of light shielding walls are set so as to shield light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting element within an angular range greater than a half-value angle.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein A distance between the outer shapes of the segmented light emitting areas defined by the pair of light shielding walls is longer than a distance between the pair of light shielding walls.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, further comprising: A plurality of assemblies consisting of the semiconductor light emitting element and the pair of light shielding walls, wherein: The plurality of assemblies are arranged in a row along a predetermined direction.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein: The heights of the pair of light shielding walls are set so that the segmented light emitting areas are formed in a state where they do not overlap with each other.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein: The heights of the pair of light shielding walls are set so that no dark area is formed between the segmented light emitting areas formed in a state of being adjacent to each other.

7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein: The heights of the pair of light shielding walls are set so that a dark region is formed between the segmented light emitting regions formed adjacent to each other.

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