Vehicle lamp

Abstract

The present invention suppresses the occurrence of unevenness in the light distribution of a vehicle lamp that is configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern by radiating direct light from a plurality of light-emitting elements to the front of the lamp and through a translucent member. The present invention is configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern by radiating direct light from six light-emitting elements 30A-30F to the front of a lamp and through a translucent member 20 that is provided with six projection lens parts 22A-22F which are disposed parallel to a vehicle width direction. The translucent member 20 is provided with an additional projection lens part 24 that is disposed alongside the six projection lens parts 22A-22F in the vehicle width direction, and a second light-emitting element 40 is additionally disposed to the lamp rear side of the additional projection lens part 24. Additional illumination of this second light-emitting element 40 additionally forms a horizontal additional light distribution pattern which overlaps with the lamp light distribution pattern.

Description

Vehicle lighting device

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lighting device provided with a light-transmitting member.

[0002] Conventionally, as a configuration of a vehicle lighting device, there is known one configured to form a lighting distribution pattern of the lighting device by irradiating direct light from a plurality of light-emitting elements forward of the lighting device through a light-transmitting member.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes such a direct-type vehicle lighting device having a configuration of the light-transmitting member including a plurality of projection lens portions arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction.

[0004] The lighting distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the vehicle lighting device described in Patent Document 1 is configured as a combined lighting distribution pattern of a plurality of small lighting distribution patterns formed by optically controlling the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements by the plurality of projection lens portions.

[0005] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-110502

[0006] However, in the vehicle lighting device described in Patent Document 1, since the lighting distribution pattern is configured to form a lighting distribution pattern in which a plurality of small lighting distribution patterns are chained in a partially overlapping state, there are the following problems.

[0007] That is, in such a lighting distribution pattern, unevenness in light distribution is likely to occur due to partial overlap of the small lighting distribution patterns, and the brightness significantly decreases as the distance from the front direction of the lighting device increases in the left-right direction. Therefore, the unevenness in light distribution is particularly noticeable in the end region.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle lighting device configured to form a lighting distribution pattern by irradiating direct light from a plurality of light-emitting elements forward of the lighting device through a light-transmitting member, and capable of suppressing the occurrence of unevenness in light distribution.

[0009] The present invention aims to achieve the above objective by providing a configuration that includes a predetermined additional projection lens and a second light-emitting element.

[0010] In other words, the vehicle lamp according to the present invention is a vehicle lamp configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern by irradiating direct light from a plurality of light-emitting elements toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member, wherein the light-transmitting member comprises a plurality of projection lens sections arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction, the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged on the rear side of the lamp of the plurality of projection lens sections, the plurality of projection lens sections are configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern in which a plurality of small light distribution patterns are chained together in a partially overlapping state by light-transmitting control of the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements, the light-transmitting member comprises an additional projection lens section arranged in line with the plurality of projection lens sections in the vehicle width direction, a second light-emitting element is additionally arranged on the rear side of the lamp of the additional projection lens section, and the additional projection lens section is configured to form a horizontally elongated additional light distribution pattern that overlaps with the lamp light distribution pattern by light-transmitting control of the light emitted from the second light-emitting element.

[0011] The "multiple projection lens sections" mentioned above are not particularly limited in number or specific shape, as long as they are arranged in parallel when viewed from the front of the light fixture.

[0012] The "multiple light-emitting elements" mentioned above are not particularly limited in their specific arrangement or the specific shape of each light-emitting surface, as long as they are positioned on the rear side of the light fixture with multiple projection lenses.

[0013] The "second light-emitting element" described above is not particularly limited in its specific arrangement or the specific shape of its light-emitting surface, as long as it is additionally positioned on the rear side of the additional projection lens section of the lamp.

[0014] The specific shape of the "additional projection lens section" described above is not particularly limited, as long as it is configured to form an additional light distribution pattern as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that overlaps with the light distribution pattern of the luminaire.

[0015] The "additional light distribution pattern" described above is a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that overlaps with the light distribution pattern of the luminaire. Its specific shape is not particularly limited, and it may be formed to partially overlap with the light distribution pattern of the luminaire, or it may be formed to cover the entire light distribution pattern of the luminaire.

[0016] The types of "light distribution patterns" mentioned above are not particularly limited. For example, light distribution patterns for low beams or patterns that form part of them, light distribution patterns for high beams or patterns that form part of them, light distribution patterns for daytime running lamps, light distribution patterns for fog lamps, etc., can be used.

[0017] The vehicle lamp according to the present invention is configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern by irradiating direct light from multiple light-emitting elements toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member. The light-transmitting member is equipped with multiple projection lens sections arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction, and the multiple light-emitting elements are arranged on the rear side of the multiple projection lens sections. Furthermore, the light-transmitting member is equipped with an additional projection lens section arranged in line with the multiple projection lens sections in the vehicle width direction, and a second light-emitting element is additionally arranged on the rear side of this additional projection lens section, so that an additional light distribution pattern can be formed in addition to the lamp light distribution pattern.

[0018] In this configuration, the multiple projection lens sections are configured to control the transmission of light emitted from multiple light-emitting elements, thereby forming a light distribution pattern in which multiple small light distribution patterns are linked together in a partially overlapping state. Furthermore, the additional projection lens section is configured to control the transmission of light emitted from the second light-emitting element, thereby forming a horizontally elongated additional light distribution pattern that overlaps with the light distribution pattern of the luminaire. Thus, the following effects can be obtained.

[0019] In other words, with only the luminaire's light distribution pattern, uneven light distribution is likely to occur due to partial overlap of small light distribution patterns, and the brightness decreases significantly as you move away from the front of the luminaire to the left and right. As a result, uneven light distribution is particularly noticeable in the edge regions of the luminaire's light distribution pattern. However, by adding an additional light distribution pattern to this luminaire's light distribution pattern, the unevenness of the light distribution can be made less noticeable.

[0020] Thus, according to the present invention, in a vehicle lamp configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern by irradiating direct light from multiple light-emitting elements toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member, the occurrence of uneven light distribution can be suppressed.

[0021] In the above configuration, if the configuration of the multiple light-emitting elements is further set so that only some of the light-emitting elements can be selectively lit, and the configuration of the second light-emitting element is set so that it lights up only when all of the multiple light-emitting elements are lit, then the following effects can be obtained.

[0022] In other words, in an ADB (i.e., adaptive driving beam) lamp, the configuration allows for the formation of multiple small light distribution patterns in parallel at positions that overlap with the cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern. However, when the vehicle lamp according to the present invention is configured as such an ADB lamp, the configuration ensures that no additional light distribution patterns are formed when some of the multiple light-emitting elements are turned off, thereby enabling proper ADB control.

[0023] In the above configuration, if the additional projection lens is configured to form an additional light distribution pattern that covers the entire light distribution pattern of the luminaire, then the unevenness of the light distribution pattern of the luminaire can be made even less noticeable.

[0024] In the above configuration, if the multiple projection lens sections are configured to form multiple small light distribution patterns, with the smaller light distribution patterns formed further away from the front of the luminaire being more horizontally elongated, then the luminaire light distribution pattern can be formed to extend far away from the front of the luminaire. On the other hand, in this case, unevenness in light distribution tends to be more noticeable in the edge regions of the luminaire light distribution pattern, so it is particularly effective to reduce the visibility of unevenness in the luminaire light distribution pattern by forming additional light distribution patterns.

[0025] In the above configuration, if multiple light-emitting elements and a second light-emitting element are mounted on a common substrate, the above effects can be obtained while simplifying the lamp structure.

[0026] A plan cross-sectional view showing a vehicle lamp according to one embodiment of the present invention A plan cross-sectional view showing the main components of the vehicle lamp A partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the main components (a) is a diagram showing a perspective view of an additional light distribution pattern for high beams formed as a composite light distribution pattern of a lamp light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the vehicle lamp and a lamp light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from a vehicle lamp that is paired with the vehicle lamp (b) is the additional Figure (a), showing a light distribution pattern with a portion missing, shows the light distribution pattern and additional light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the above-mentioned vehicle lamp, and Figure (b), showing the light distribution pattern and additional light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from a vehicle lamp that is to be paired with the above-mentioned vehicle lamp, is a modified example of the above embodiment, similar to Figure 1, and is a diagram showing the operation of the above modified example, where (a) is the same as Figure 4(a), (b) is the same as Figure 5(a), and (c) is the same as Figure 5(b).

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 is a plan cross-sectional view showing a vehicle lighting device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2 and 3 are a plan cross-sectional view and a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the main components of the vehicle lighting device 10.

[0029] In Figures 1-3, the direction indicated by X is the "forward" direction for the vehicle light fixture 10 (also the "forward" direction for the vehicle), the direction indicated by Y is the "leftward" direction perpendicular to the "forward" direction (although it is the "leftward" direction for the vehicle, it is the "rightward" direction when viewed from the front of the light fixture), and the direction indicated by Z is the "upward" direction. The same applies to figures other than Figures 1-3.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle lamp 10 is a lamp positioned at the right front end of the vehicle, and has a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 12 and a transparent light-transmitting cover 14 attached to the front end opening of the lamp, which houses a light-transmitting member 20, six light-emitting elements 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, and 30F, and a second light-emitting element 40. The vehicle lamp 10 is configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution pattern (these will be described later) by irradiating direct light from the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F and the second light-emitting element 40 toward the front of the lamp through the light-transmitting member 20.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the light-transmitting member 20 has a configuration in which six projection lens sections 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, and 22F are arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction, and an additional projection lens section 24 is also arranged. Specifically, the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F are arranged in this order from the outside in the vehicle width direction at approximately equal intervals, and the additional projection lens section 24 is arranged on the outside in the vehicle width direction of these six projection lens sections 22A to 22F.

[0032] The front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20 is composed of a convex cylindrical curved surface extending in the vehicle width direction. On the other hand, the rear surface 20b of the light-transmitting member 20 is composed of a convex cylindrical curved surface extending in the vertical direction in the portions located at each of the six projection lens portions 22A to 22F and the additional projection lens portion 24.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the light-transmitting member 20 is supported by the lamp body 12 at a pair of left and right flange portions 20c formed on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the six projection lens portions 22A to 22F and the additional projection lens portion 24.

[0034] Furthermore, an extension panel 16 is positioned inside the lamp chamber to cover the periphery of the light-transmitting member 20 from the front side of the lamp. This extension panel 16 has a horizontally elongated rectangular opening 16a that surrounds the six projection lens portions 22A to 22F and the additional projection lens portion 24. This extension panel 16 is supported by the lamp body 12 around the light-transmitting cover 14.

[0035] The six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F and the second light-emitting element 40 are mounted on a common substrate 50, positioned on the rear side of the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F and the additional projection lens section 24 of the lamp. This substrate 50 is positioned to extend in the vehicle width direction along a vertical plane perpendicular to the front direction of the lamp, and is supported by the lamp body 12 at both its left and right ends.

[0036] The six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are all white light-emitting diodes, and their light-emitting surfaces 30a have the same rectangular (for example, square) external shape. These six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are arranged with their light-emitting surfaces 30a facing the front of the lamp.

[0037] The second light-emitting element 40 is also a white light-emitting diode, and its light-emitting surface 40a has a rectangular (for example, square) outer shape that is slightly larger than the light-emitting surface 30a. The second light-emitting element 40 is also positioned with its light-emitting surface 40a facing the front of the lamp.

[0038] The vehicle light fixture 10 is configured to form six small light distribution patterns by irradiating the light emitted from six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F toward the front of the light fixture through six projection lenses 22A to 22F, and to form the light distribution pattern of the light fixture as a composite light distribution pattern. The vehicle light fixture 10 is also configured to form the additional light distribution pattern by irradiating the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 40 toward the front of the light fixture through an additional projection lens section 24.

[0039] Of the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F, the second projection lens section 22B from the right (second from the left when viewed from the front of the lamp) has a convex curved surface that forms its rear surface 22Bb, which has a symmetrical surface shape. Also, of the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F, the second light-emitting element 30B from the right is positioned directly behind the projection lens section 22B in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the curvature of the convex curved surface that forms the rear surface 22Bb of the projection lens section 22B is set so that the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22B is emitted as parallel light from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20 toward approximately the front of the lamp.

[0040] In other words, the projection lens portion 22B has an optical axis Axb extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp, and the light-emitting element 30B is positioned such that its light-emitting center is located at the rear focal point Fb of the projection lens portion 22B in a plan view.

[0041] The projection lens portion 22A, located at the rightmost end, has a surface shape in which the convex curved surface constituting its rear surface 22Ab is slightly inclined to the right toward the rear of the lamp. The light-emitting element 30A, also located at the rightmost end, is positioned slightly to the right of directly behind the projection lens portion 22A. The curvature of the convex curved surface constituting the rear surface 22Ab of the projection lens portion 22A is set such that the light emitted from the light-emitting element 30A is emitted from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20 as light that is slightly diffused to the left and right in a direction slightly inclined to the left with respect to the front of the lamp.

[0042] In other words, the projection lens portion 22A has an optical axis Axa that is inclined at an angle θa to the left with respect to a virtual axis L extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp, and the rear focal point Fa is located further back than the rear focal point Fb.

[0043] On the other hand, the projection lens unit 22C located third from the right has a surface shape in which the convex surface forming its rear surface 22Cb is inclined slightly to the left toward the rear of the lamp. Also, the light-emitting element 30C located third from the right is disposed at a position displaced slightly to the left from directly behind the projection lens unit 22C. Then, the curvature of the convex surface forming the rear surface 22Cb of the projection lens unit 22C is set so as to emit the light emitted from the light-emitting element 30C as parallel light in a direction inclined slightly to the right with respect to the front direction of the lamp from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20.

[0044] That is, the projection lens unit 22C has an optical axis Axc inclined at an angle θc (θc = θa) to the left with respect to the virtual axis line L, and its rear focal point Fc is located on the rear side of the lamp with respect to the rear focal point Fb.

[0045] The projection lens unit 22D located fourth from the right has a surface shape in which the convex surface forming its rear surface 22Db is inclined further to the left toward the rear of the lamp than the projection lens unit 22C. Also, the light-emitting element 30D located fourth from the right is disposed at a position displaced further to the left from directly behind the projection lens unit 22D. Then, the curvature of the convex surface forming the rear surface 22Db of the projection lens unit 22D is set so as to emit the light emitted from the light-emitting element 30D as parallel light in a direction inclined further to the right with respect to the front direction of the lamp from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20.

[0046] That is, the projection lens unit 22D has an optical axis Axd inclined at an angle θd (θd > θc) to the left with respect to the virtual axis line L, and its rear focal point Fd is located further on the rear side of the lamp with respect to the rear focal point Fc.

[0047] The projection lens unit 22E located fifth from the right has a surface shape in which the convex surface forming its rear surface 22Eb is inclined further to the left than the projection lens unit 22D toward the rear of the lamp. Also, the light-emitting element 30E located fifth from the right is arranged at a position displaced further to the left from directly behind the projection lens unit 22E. And, the projection lens unit 22E is set with the curvature of the convex surface forming its rear surface 22Eb so as to emit the light emitted from the light-emitting element 30E as parallel light in a direction inclined further to the right with respect to the front direction of the lamp from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20.

[0048] That is, the projection lens unit 22E has an optical axis Axe inclined at an angle θe (θe > θd) to the left with respect to the virtual axis L, and its rear focal point Fe is located further on the rear side of the lamp than the rear focal point Fd.

[0049] The projection lens unit 22F located at the left end has a surface shape in which the convex surface forming its rear surface 22Fb is inclined further to the left than the projection lens unit 22E toward the rear of the lamp. Also, the light-emitting element 30F located at the left end is arranged at a position displaced further to the left from directly behind the projection lens unit 22F. And, the projection lens unit 22F is set with the curvature of the convex surface forming its rear surface 22Fb so as to emit the light emitted from the light-emitting element 30F as parallel light in a direction inclined further to the right with respect to the front direction of the lamp (specifically, a direction inclined by about 20° from the front direction of the lamp) from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20.

[0050] That is, the projection lens unit 22F has an optical axis Axf inclined at an angle θf (θf > θe) to the left with respect to the virtual axis L, and its rear focal point Ff is located further on the rear side of the lamp than the rear focal point Fe.

[0051] The additional projection lens portion 24 has a convex curved surface that forms its rear surface 24b and has a symmetrical surface shape. The second light-emitting element 40 is positioned to the left of the projection lens portion 24, away from directly behind it, in the left-right direction. The curvature of the convex curved surface that forms its rear surface 24b is set such that the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 40 is emitted as horizontally diffused light from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20, in a direction slightly to the right of the front of the lamp.

[0052] In other words, the additional projection lens section 24 has an optical axis Ax2 that extends in the front-rear direction of the lamp in a plan view, and the rear focal point F2 is located behind the substrate 50.

[0053] Furthermore, the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F and the second light-emitting element 40 are positioned slightly below and directly behind the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F and the additional projection lens section 24 in the vertical direction, thereby directing the light emitted from the light-transmitting member 20 slightly upward (for example, about 1° upward) relative to the front of the luminaire.

[0054] In the vehicle lighting device 10 according to this embodiment, the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are configured to light up simultaneously or selectively, and the second light-emitting element 40 is configured to light up only when all six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are lit. As a result, the vehicle lighting device 10 can function as both a normal vehicle lighting device and an ADB (Automatic Detachment Brake) lighting device (this will be described later).

[0055] Figure 4(a) is a perspective view showing an additional high-beam light distribution pattern PA1 formed on a virtual vertical screen positioned 25 m in front of the vehicle lamp, which is a composite light distribution pattern (i.e., a light distribution pattern formed on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis) formed on a virtual vertical screen located 25 m in front of the lamp, consisting of the lamp light distribution pattern PAR1 and additional light distribution pattern PBR1 formed by the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 10, and the lamp light distribution pattern PAL1 and additional light distribution pattern PBL1 formed by the light emitted from the vehicle lamp that is paired with the vehicle lamp 10 (i.e., the lamp positioned at the left front end of the vehicle).

[0056] The additional light distribution pattern PA1 is a light distribution pattern that is formed additionally to the low beam light distribution pattern PL when forming the high beam light distribution pattern PH1. Before describing this additional light distribution pattern PA1, the low beam light distribution pattern PL will be described.

[0057] The low beam light distribution pattern PL, as shown by the dashed line in the figure, is a left-facing low beam light distribution pattern, and has staggered cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 at its upper edge. These cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 extend horizontally at staggered levels on the left and right, separated by a V-V line that passes vertically through the vanishing point H-V in the direction of the front of the lamp. The portion to the right of the V-V line, on the opposing lane side, is formed as the lower cutoff line CL1, while the portion to the left of the V-V line, on the in-lane side, is formed as the upper cutoff line CL2, which rises from the lower cutoff line CL1 via an inclined section.

[0058] In the low beam light distribution pattern PL, the elbow point E, which is the intersection of the lower cutoff line CL1 and the V-V line, is located approximately 0.5 to 0.6° below the H-V line.

[0059] The additional light distribution pattern PA1 is a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that extends horizontally along the H-H line passing through the H-V line. It is formed in a state where the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 and additional light distribution pattern PBR1, which extend to the right from the vicinity of the left side of the V-V line, and the luminaire light distribution pattern PAL1 and additional light distribution pattern PBL1, which extend to the left from the vicinity of the right side of the V-V line, partially overlap. The lower end region of this additional light distribution pattern PA1 overlaps with the region near the cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern PL, so that the high beam light distribution pattern PH1 is formed as a light distribution pattern with no gap between the low beam light distribution pattern PL and the additional light distribution pattern PA1.

[0060] Figure 5(a) shows the light distribution pattern PAR1 and the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 formed by the light emitted from the vehicle light fixture 10.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5(a), the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 is composed of six small light distribution patterns IR1a, IR1b, IR1c, IR1d, IR1e, and IR1f formed by the light emitted from six light-emitting elements 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, and 30F.

[0062] The six small light distribution patterns IR1a to IR1f are substantially rectangular light distribution patterns formed by the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F as inverted projection images of the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F, and are formed with spacing in the left-right direction, partially overlapping each other.

[0063] In this configuration, the six small light distribution patterns IR1a to IR1f are formed such that the smaller the light distribution pattern, the further it is from the front of the luminaire, the more horizontally elongated it is. As a result, the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 is formed as a light distribution pattern that extends to a position far from the front of the luminaire.

[0064] The luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 is formed as a bright light distribution pattern such that the small light distribution pattern IR1b, which is formed second from the left as an inverted projection image of the second light-emitting element 30B from the right, is located on the V-V line. This is because the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element 30B is located at the rear focal point Fb of the projection lens portion 22B in a plan view. Furthermore, the brightness of this luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 decreases as you move away from the front of the luminaire, and the amount of overlap between the six small light distribution patterns IR1a to IR1f is reduced.

[0065] Furthermore, the light distribution pattern PAR1 of the luminaire has its vertical center position slightly upward relative to the H-H line. This is because the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are positioned slightly downward from directly behind the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F in the vertical direction, causing the light emitted from the light-transmitting member 20 to be slightly upward relative to the front of the luminaire.

[0066] On the other hand, the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 is a light distribution pattern formed by the additional projection lens section 24 as an inverted projection image of the second light-emitting element 40, and is formed as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that overlaps with the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1. In this case, the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 is formed to extend slightly longer outward in the vehicle width direction (i.e., to the right) so as to cover the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1.

[0067] The reason why the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 is formed as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that covers the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 is that the curvature of the convex curved surface constituting the rear surface 24b of the additional projection lens portion 24 and the arrangement of the second light-emitting element 40 are set so that the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 40 is emitted as horizontally diffused light from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20 toward a direction slightly to the right relative to the front of the luminaire. In this case, the reason why the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 is formed with a larger vertical width than the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 is that the outer shape of the light-emitting surface 40a of the second light-emitting element 40 is slightly larger than the light-emitting surfaces 30a of the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F.

[0068] Figure 5(b) shows the light distribution pattern PAL1 and the additional light distribution pattern PBL1 formed by the light emitted from the vehicle light fixture that is paired with the vehicle light fixture 10.

[0069] As shown in Figure 5(b), the luminaire light distribution pattern PAL1 is formed as a light distribution pattern that is symmetrical to the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 with respect to the V-V line.

[0070] In other words, the luminaire light distribution pattern PAL1 is composed of six smaller light distribution patterns IL1a, IL1b, IL1c, IL1d, IL1e, and IL1f, which have a left-right symmetrical image shape with respect to the V-V line, with respect to the six smaller light distribution patterns IR1a, IR1b, IR1c, IR1d, IR1e, and IR1f that constitute the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1.

[0071] Furthermore, the additional light distribution pattern PBL1 is formed as a light distribution pattern that is symmetrical with respect to the V-V line compared to the additional light distribution pattern PBR1.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4(a), the additional light distribution pattern PA1 is formed as a light distribution pattern with minimal unevenness, where the central left and right regions located near the V-V line are the brightest, and the light gradually darkens towards both left and right ends. This is because the pair of left and right luminaire light distribution patterns PAL1 and PAR1 partially overlap in the region near the V-V line, and the pair of left and right additional light distribution patterns PBL1 and PBR1 are formed to cover the pair of left and right luminaire light distribution patterns PAL1 and PAR1 while partially overlapping in the region near the V-V line.

[0073] Figure 4(b) is a diagram similar to Figure 4(a), showing the additional light distribution pattern PA1 with a portion of it missing.

[0074] In Figure 4(b), the third light-emitting element 30C from the right among the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F in the vehicle lamp 10 and the first light-emitting element from the left among the six light-emitting elements in the vehicle lamp that should be paired with the vehicle lamp 10 are turned off, resulting in a state where the third small light-emitting element IR1c from the left that constitutes the light-emitting element PAR1 and the first small light-emitting element IL1a from the right that constitutes the light-emitting element IL1a that constitutes the light-emitting element PAR1, which are the left and right pairs of lamp light-emitting elements that constitute the additional light-emitting element PA1, are missing.

[0075] Furthermore, since the second light-emitting element 40 is configured to light up only when all six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are lit, when the small light distribution patterns IL1a and IR1c are missing, the pair of additional light distribution patterns PBL1 and PBR1 on the left and right are also not formed.

[0076] By forming the additional light distribution pattern PA1 shown in Figure 4(b), the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 10 is prevented from hitting the oncoming vehicle 2, thereby illuminating as wide an area of ​​the road ahead as possible without causing glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 2.

[0077] Furthermore, as the position of the oncoming vehicle 2 changes, the shape of the additional light distribution pattern PA1 can be changed by sequentially switching the light-emitting elements 30A to 30F, etc., that are to be turned off.

[0078] The presence of oncoming vehicle 2 is detected by an on-board camera (not shown). Furthermore, if there is a vehicle ahead on the road or pedestrians on the shoulder, these are detected, and glare is prevented by omitting parts of the small light distribution patterns IR1a to IR1f and IL1a to IL1f.

[0079] Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be described.

[0080] The vehicle lamp 10 according to this embodiment is configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern PAR1 by irradiating direct light from six light-emitting elements 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, and 30F toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member 20. The light-transmitting member 20 has six projection lens sections 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, and 22F arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction. The six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are arranged on the rear side of the lamp relative to the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F. Furthermore, the light-transmitting member 20 has an additional projection lens section 24 arranged in line with the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F in the vehicle width direction. A second light-emitting element 40 is additionally arranged on the rear side of this additional projection lens section 24, so that an additional light distribution pattern PBR1 can be additionally formed in addition to the lamp light distribution pattern PAR1.

[0081] In this configuration, the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F are configured to transmit light from the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F, thereby forming a light distribution pattern PAR1 in which six small light distribution patterns IR1a, IR1b, IR1c, IR1d, IR1e, and IR1f are linked together in a partially overlapping state. Furthermore, the additional projection lens section 24 is configured to transmit light from the second light-emitting element 40, thereby forming a horizontally elongated additional light distribution pattern PBR1 that overlaps with the light distribution pattern PAR1. Thus, the following effects can be obtained.

[0082] In other words, with only the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1, uneven light distribution is likely to occur because the small light distribution patterns IR1a to IR1f partially overlap, and the brightness decreases significantly as you move away from the front of the luminaire in the left and right directions. As a result, uneven light distribution is particularly noticeable in the end regions of the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1. However, by additionally forming the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 on top of the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1, the uneven light distribution of the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 can be made less noticeable.

[0083] Thus, according to this embodiment, in a vehicle lamp 10 configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern PAR1 by irradiating direct light from six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member 20, the occurrence of uneven light distribution can be suppressed.

[0084] In the vehicle lighting device 10 according to this embodiment, the configuration of the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F is such that only some of the light-emitting elements can be selectively lit, and the configuration of the second light-emitting element 40 is such that it lights up only when all six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are lit, so the following effects can be obtained.

[0085] In other words, the vehicle light fixture 10 according to this embodiment is configured to form six small light distribution patterns IR1a to IR1f in parallel at positions that overlap with the cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 of the low beam light distribution pattern PL. However, when some of the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are turned off, the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 is not formed, so that ADB control can be performed appropriately.

[0086] Furthermore, since the additional projection lens section 24 is configured to form the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 as a light distribution pattern that covers the entire luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1, the unevenness of the light distribution of the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 can be made even less noticeable.

[0087] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10 according to this embodiment, the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F are configured to form six small light distribution patterns IR1a to IR1f, with the smaller light distribution patterns formed at positions further from the front of the lamp being more horizontally elongated. Therefore, the lamp light distribution pattern PAR1 can be formed as a light distribution pattern that extends to positions far from the front of the lamp. The same applies to the lamp light distribution pattern PAL1.

[0088] On the other hand, when such a light distribution pattern PAR1 is formed, uneven light distribution tends to be noticeable in its edge regions. Therefore, it is particularly effective to reduce the visibility of uneven light distribution in the light distribution pattern PAR1 by adding an additional light distribution pattern PBR2.

[0089] Furthermore, since the vehicle light fixture 10 according to this embodiment has a configuration in which six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F and a second light-emitting element 40 are mounted on a common substrate 50, the above effects can be obtained while simplifying the light fixture structure.

[0090] In the above embodiment, in order to make the vertical width of the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 larger than the vertical width of the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1, the light-emitting surface 40a of the second light-emitting element 40 was described as having an outer shape that is slightly larger than the light-emitting surfaces 30a of the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F. However, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the light-emitting surfaces are the same size.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the light-transmitting member 20 was described as having six projection lens sections 22A to 22F arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction. However, it is also possible to have a configuration with five or fewer projection lens sections or seven or more projection lens sections, and even when such a configuration is adopted, substantially the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the light-transmitting member 20 was described as having a front surface 20a that is a convex cylindrical curved surface extending in the vehicle width direction, and the portions of the rear surface 20b located at each of the six projection lens portions 22A to 22F and the additional projection lens portion 24 being convex cylindrical curved surfaces extending in the vertical direction. However, it is also possible to adopt other configurations (for example, a configuration in which the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20 is formed in a planar shape, and the portions of the rear surface 20b located at each of the six projection lens portions 22A to 22F and the additional projection lens portion 24 are formed in a convex curved shape).

[0093] Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0094] Figure 6 is a diagram similar to Figure 1, showing a vehicle lighting device 110 according to this modified example.

[0095] As shown in Figure 6, the basic configuration of the vehicle light fixture 110 is the same as that of the vehicle light fixture 10 according to the above embodiment, but the configuration of the light-transmitting member 120 is slightly different from that of the above embodiment.

[0096] In other words, the light-transmitting member 120 of this modified example also has a configuration in which six projection lens portions 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E, and 122F arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction and an additional projection lens portion 124 are arranged, but the shape of the rear surface 120b is slightly different from that of the above embodiment.

[0097] Specifically, in this modified example of the light-transmitting member 120, the front surface 120a is composed of a convex cylindrical curved surface extending in the vehicle width direction, and the rear surfaces of the six projection lens portions 122A to 122F are composed of convex cylindrical curved surfaces extending vertically with the same curvature as in the above embodiment. However, it differs from the above embodiment in that the rear surface 124b of the additional projection lens portion 124 is composed of a convex cylindrical curved surface extending vertically with a larger curvature than in the above embodiment.

[0098] Furthermore, the additional projection lens portion 124 in this modified example is configured to emit light from the second light-emitting element 40 from the front surface 120a of the light-transmitting member 120 in a direction slightly to the right with respect to the front of the lamp, with a smaller left-right diffusion angle than in the above embodiment.

[0099] Figure 7(a) is a diagram showing a perspective view of the additional high-beam light distribution pattern PA2 formed on the virtual vertical screen as a composite light distribution pattern of the light distribution pattern PAR2 and additional light distribution pattern PBR2 formed by the light emitted from the vehicle light fixture 110, and the light distribution pattern PAL2 and additional light distribution pattern PBL2 formed by the light emitted from a vehicle light fixture that is paired with the vehicle light fixture 110. Figure 7(b) is a diagram similar to Figure 5(a) showing the light distribution pattern PAR2 and additional light distribution pattern PBR2, and Figure 7(c) is a diagram similar to Figure 5(b) showing the light distribution pattern PAL2 and additional light distribution pattern PBL2.

[0100] As shown in Figure 7, the left and right pair of luminaire light distribution patterns PAL2 and PAR2 are formed as light distribution patterns similar to those in the above embodiment, but the left and right pair of additional light distribution patterns PBL2 and PBR2 are formed as light distribution patterns with smaller left-right diffusion angles than in the above embodiment.

[0101] These two additional left and right light distribution patterns, PBL2 and PBR2, are formed as light distribution patterns that partially overlap with the two left and right luminaire light distribution patterns, PAL2 and PAR2. Specifically, the two additional left and right light distribution patterns, PBL2 and PBR2, are formed so as to cover the two left and right luminaire light distribution patterns, PAL2 and PAR2, at both ends of the additional light distribution pattern PA2, but are formed in a state where they do not completely cover them in the center of the additional light distribution pattern PA2.

[0102] By adopting the configuration of this modified example, the brightness of the pair of additional light distribution patterns PBL2 and PBR2 on the left and right can be increased, thereby enhancing the effect of suppressing uneven light distribution at both ends of the additional light distribution pattern PA2.

[0103] Furthermore, even when the pair of additional left and right light distribution patterns PBL2 and PBR2 are formed in such a way that they do not completely cover the pair of left and right luminaire light distribution patterns PAL2 and PAR2 at the center of the additional light distribution pattern PA2, the left and right luminaire light distribution patterns PAL2 and PAR2 partially overlap each other at the center of the additional light distribution pattern PA2, and have sufficient brightness, so this does not reduce the effect of suppressing uneven light distribution.

[0104] It should be noted that the numerical values ​​shown as specifications in the above embodiments and their modified forms are merely examples, and these may be set to different values ​​as appropriate.

[0105] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-187225, filed on 24 October 2024, and the entire contents of said Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-187225 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0106] The above description of specific embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the described forms. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and alterations are possible in light of the above description. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiments and their variations, and various other modified configurations can be adopted.

[0107] 2 Oncoming vehicle 10, 110 Vehicle lighting fixture 12 Lamp body 14 Light-transmitting cover 16 Extension panel 16a Opening 20, 120 Light-transmitting member 20a, 120a Front 20b, 22Ab, 22Bb, 22Cb, 22Db, 22Eb, 22Fb, 24b, 124b Rear 20c Flange part 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E, 122F Projection lens part 24, 124 Additional projection lens part 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F Light-emitting element 30a, 40a Light-emitting surface 40 Second light-emitting element 50 Substrate Axa, Axb, Axc, Axd, Axe, Axf, Ax2 Optical axis CL1 Lower cutoff line CL2 Upper cutoff line E Elbow point Fa, Fb, Fc, Fd, Fe, Ff, F2 Rear focus IL1a, IL1b, IL1c, IL1d, IL1e, IL1f, IR1a, IR1b, IR1c, IR1d, IR1e, IR1f Small light distribution pattern L Virtual axis PAL1, PAL2, PAR1, PAR2 Light distribution pattern PA1, PA2 Additional light distribution pattern PBL1, PBL2, PBR1, PBR2 Additional light distribution pattern PH1, PH2 Light distribution pattern for high beam PL Light distribution pattern for low beam θa, θc, θd, θe, θf Angle

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp configured to form a light distribution pattern by irradiating direct light from multiple light-emitting elements toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member, wherein the light-transmitting member comprises a plurality of projection lens sections arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction, the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged on the rear side of the lamp of the plurality of projection lens sections, the plurality of projection lens sections are configured to form a light distribution pattern in which a plurality of small light distribution patterns are chained together in a partially overlapping state as the light distribution pattern of the lamp by controlling the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements, the light-transmitting member comprises an additional projection lens section arranged in line with the plurality of projection lens sections in the vehicle width direction, a second light-emitting element is additionally arranged on the rear side of the lamp of the additional projection lens section, and the additional projection lens section is configured to form a horizontally elongated additional light distribution pattern that overlaps with the light distribution pattern of the lamp by controlling the light emitted from the second light-emitting element.

2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of light-emitting elements are configured such that only some of the light-emitting elements can be selectively lit, and the second light-emitting element is configured to light up only when all of the plurality of light-emitting elements are lit.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the additional projection lens portion is configured to form the additional light distribution pattern as a light distribution pattern that covers the entire light distribution pattern of the lamp.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plurality of projection lens portions are configured to form the plurality of small light distribution patterns as the smaller light distribution pattern formed at a position further away from the front of the lamp becomes a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plurality of light-emitting elements and the second light-emitting element are mounted on a common substrate.

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