Lighting devices and vehicle lamps

Abstract

The lighting device comprises: a laser light source (2) which emits laser light (BL); a wavelength conversion component (3) which includes a laser irradiation area (E) irradiated with the laser light (BL) and emits light which is excited and wavelength-converted by irradiation with the laser light (BL); a laser scanning mechanism (4) which forms a light distribution pattern corresponding to a scanning range (S) of the laser light (BL) by scanning the laser light (BL) irradiated to the laser irradiation area (E); and a projection lens (200) which projects the illumination light forming the light distribution pattern forward, wherein the incident angle of the laser light (BL) scanned by the laser scanning mechanism (4) relative to the wavelength conversion component (3) is set to an angle at which the laser light (BL) does not directly enter the projection lens (200) when the wavelength conversion component (3) is damaged, defective or detached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device and a vehicle lamp having the lighting device.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-013890 filed on January 30, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, laser light sources such as laser diodes (LD) that can produce high-brightness and high-output light have been used, and illumination light is obtained by irradiating a phosphor plate (wavelength conversion member) with laser light emitted from the laser light source.

[0004] In such a lighting device, a laser light source emitting blue laser light and a phosphor plate emitting yellow light (fluorescence) excited by the blue laser light (excitation light) and converted in wavelength are combined, so that white light (illumination light) can be obtained by mixing the blue light and the yellow light.

[0005] In addition, there is known a vehicle lamp to which such a lighting device is applied. Among the vehicle lamps, the lighting device is used in a vehicle headlamp (headlight) that projects, by means of a projection lens, an illumination light of a low beam light distribution pattern including a cut-off line at the upper end as a meeting beam (low beam) and an illumination light of a high beam light distribution pattern formed above the low beam light distribution pattern as a running beam (high beam) toward the front of the vehicle.

[0006] Specifically, in the vehicle lamp, a laser irradiation area corresponding to each light distribution pattern such as the low beam light distribution pattern and the high beam light distribution pattern is set within the surface of the phosphor plate, and a laser scanning mechanism such as a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) reflector is used to scan the laser irradiated to the laser irradiation area, thereby forming a light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range of the laser (for example, refer to the following patent document 1).

[0007] Furthermore, such a vehicle lamp can also be configured as a variable light distribution headlamp (ADB: Adaptive Driving Beam) that variably controls the light distribution pattern of light projected toward the front of the vehicle by scanning with lasers. ADB is a technology that uses an on-board camera to identify vehicles ahead, oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, etc., and expands the driver's forward field of vision at night without causing glare to the driver ahead or pedestrians.

[0008] Prior Art Literature

[0009] Patent Literature

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6312484 Summary of the invention

[0011] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0012] In addition, in the above-mentioned lighting device, laser light with high light intensity is scanned within the surface of the phosphor plate. In addition, the laser light irradiated to the phosphor plate is diffused by the phosphor particles dispersed in the phosphor plate. Therefore, the light intensity per unit area of ​​the light emitted from the phosphor plate becomes low, and it becomes incoherent light, so it becomes eye-safe lighting light.

[0013] On the other hand, the laser scanning generates a temperature distribution in the surface of the phosphor plate. In addition, in the case of vehicle lamps, since they are exposed to the outside air, they are also affected by the outside air temperature. For example, in vehicle lamps, the temperature may change from -40°C to more than +100°C.

[0014] Therefore, mechanical external forces such as deformation caused by temperature changes are applied to the phosphor plate. In addition, in the case of vehicle lamps, external forces such as vibration and impact from the vehicle are also applied to the phosphor plate. Due to the influence of these external forces, not only damage and defects such as cracks, defects, cracks, pinholes, etc. may occur on the phosphor plate, but there is also a possibility that the phosphor plate will fall off.

[0015] If the fluorescent plate is damaged, defective or falls off, the laser light may be directly emitted to the outside through the projection lens. In this case, it is dangerous if the laser light directly enters the human eye. Therefore, a measure is taken to set a mechanism to detect the falling of the fluorescent plate, and when the fluorescent plate falls off, the laser light source is extinguished (OFF).

[0016] However, the mechanism for detecting the fall-off of the phosphor plate cannot detect defects and damage such as minute cracks and pinholes generated in the phosphor plate. Therefore, there is a possibility that the laser light is directly emitted to the outside through the projection lens.

[0017] The present invention provides a lighting device that can prevent laser light from being directly emitted to the outside through a projection lens even when a wavelength conversion member is defective, broken, or detached, and a vehicle lamp including such a lighting device.

[0018] Means for solving problems

[0019] The embodiment of the present invention provides the following structure.

[0020] (1) A lighting device, characterized in that it has:

[0021] a laser light source that emits laser light;

[0022] a wavelength conversion member including a laser irradiation region irradiated with the laser light and emitting light excited by the irradiation of the laser light and having its wavelength converted;

[0023] a laser scanning mechanism that forms a light distribution pattern corresponding to a scanning range of the laser light by scanning the laser light irradiated onto the laser irradiation area; and

[0024] a projection lens that projects the illumination light forming the light distribution pattern forward;

[0025] The incident angle of the laser beam scanned by the laser scanning mechanism with respect to the wavelength conversion member is set to an angle at which the laser beam does not directly enter the projection lens when the wavelength conversion member is damaged, broken or detached.

[0026] (2) The lighting device according to (1) above is characterized in that, when the wavelength conversion component is viewed from above, the center of the scanning range of the laser light is located on the side opposite to the side where the laser scanning mechanism is arranged relative to the center of the laser irradiation area.

[0027] (3) The lighting device according to (1) above is characterized in that the laser light source and the laser scanning mechanism are respectively arranged on one side and the other side of the wavelength conversion member.

[0028] The laser scanning mechanism on one side forms a light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range of the laser light on one side by scanning the laser light irradiated from the laser light source on one side toward the laser irradiation area.

[0029] The laser scanning mechanism on the other side forms a light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range of the laser on the other side by scanning the laser on the other side irradiated from the laser light source on the other side toward the laser irradiation area.

[0030] A composite light distribution pattern is formed by superimposing the light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range of the laser light on one side and the light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range of the laser light on the other side.

[0031] When observing the above-mentioned wavelength conversion component from above, the center of the scanning range of the laser on the above-mentioned one side is located on the side opposite to the side where the laser scanning mechanism on the above-mentioned one side is configured relative to the center of the above-mentioned laser irradiation area, and the center of the scanning range of the laser on the above-mentioned other side is located on the side opposite to the side where the laser scanning mechanism on the above-mentioned other side is configured relative to the center of the above-mentioned laser irradiation area.

[0032] (4) The lighting device according to (3) above, wherein the one side is a position corresponding to a left side of the light distribution pattern, and the other side is a position corresponding to a right side of the light distribution pattern.

[0033] (5) The lighting device according to (4) above is characterized in that, when the wavelength conversion member is viewed from above, a width of the laser irradiation region corresponding to the left-right direction of the light distribution pattern is longer than a height corresponding to the up-down direction of the light distribution pattern.

[0034] (6) The lighting device according to (5) above is characterized in that the laser light source and the laser scanning mechanism are additionally arranged on the upper side or the lower side of the light distribution pattern across the wavelength conversion member, or at a position corresponding to the upper side and the lower side.

[0035] The additional laser scanning mechanism forms a light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range of the additional laser light by scanning the additional laser light irradiated from the additional laser light source toward the laser irradiation area.

[0036] A single composite light distribution pattern is formed by superimposing a light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range of the laser beam on one side, a light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range of the laser beam on the other side, and a light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range of the additional laser beam.

[0037] (7) The lighting device according to (6) above is characterized in that, when the wavelength conversion component is viewed from above, the center of the scanning range of the additional laser is located at the intersection of a vertical line passing through the center of the laser scanning mechanism on the additional side and corresponding to the up and down direction of the light distribution pattern and a horizontal line passing through the center of the laser irradiation area and corresponding to the left and right direction of the light distribution pattern.

[0038] (8) The lighting device according to (6) or (7) above is characterized in that the laser scanning mechanism on the additional side is arranged in a staggered manner on either one side corresponding to the left side of the light distribution pattern or the other side corresponding to the right side of the light distribution pattern.

[0039] (9) A vehicle lamp comprising the lighting device according to any one of (1) to (8) above.

[0040] Effects of the Invention

[0041] According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a lighting device that can prevent laser light from being directly emitted to the outside through a projection lens even when a wavelength conversion member has a defect or is damaged, and a vehicle lamp including such a lighting device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a vehicle lamp including a transmission-type lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a vehicle lamp including a reflection-type lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a front view of the lighting device showing the positional relationship between the center of the laser irradiation area and the center of the laser scanning range.

[0045] Figure 4 It is a top view of the lighting device showing the positional relationship between the center of the laser irradiation area and the center of the laser scanning range.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the lighting device showing, for comparison, a case where the center of the scanning range of the laser light is located at the center of the laser light irradiation area.

[0047] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a vehicle lamp including a lighting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 7 Yes means Figure 6 A front view showing the positional relationship between the center of the laser irradiation area of ​​the lighting device, the center of the scanning range of the laser on the left, and the center of the scanning range of the laser on the right.

[0049] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a vehicle lamp including a lighting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 9 Yes means Figure 8 A front view showing the positional relationship between the center of the laser irradiation area of ​​the lighting device, the center of the laser scanning range on the left, the center of the laser scanning range on the right, and the center of the laser scanning range on the upper side.

[0051] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a vehicle lamp including a lighting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig.11 Yes means Fig.10 A front view showing the positional relationship between the center of the laser irradiation area of ​​the lighting device shown and the center of the scanning range of the laser on the left, the center of the scanning range of the laser on the right, the center of the scanning range of the laser on the upper side, and the center of the scanning range of the laser on the lower side.

[0053] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a vehicle lamp including a lighting device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig.13 Yes means Fig.12 A front view showing the positional relationship between the center of the laser irradiation area of ​​the lighting device shown and the center of the scanning range of the laser on the left, the center of the scanning range of the laser on the right, the center of the scanning range of the laser on the upper side, and the center of the scanning range of the laser on the lower side.

[0055] Fig.14 It means from Fig.12 The upper laser scanning mechanism of the lighting device shown is a schematic diagram of the incident vector and incident angle of the laser beam incident on the upper side of the end of the laser irradiation area.

[0056] Fig.15 This is a schematic diagram showing, for comparison, the incident vector and the incident angle of the laser beam incident on the upper side of the end portion of the laser irradiation region from the laser scanning mechanism located on the upper center side.

[0057] Fig.16 This is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a light source image of a light distribution pattern formed within the surface of a wavelength conversion member is projected onto a virtual vertical screen that faces the lighting device.

[0058] Fig.17 Is based on Fig.16 Graph of the luminous intensity distribution of the cross section of the light distribution pattern along the line segment Y to Y shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] In the drawings used in the following description, in order to make each component easier to see, the components may be represented with dimensions at different ratios, and the dimensional ratios of the components may not necessarily be the same as in actual situations.

[0061] First Embodiment

[0062] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A vehicle lamp 100 including lighting devices 1A and 1B according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0063] also, Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a vehicle lamp 100 including a transmission-type lighting device 1A. Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a vehicle lamp 100 including a reflective lighting device 1B.

[0064] In addition, in the drawings shown below, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is set, the X-axis direction is represented as the front-to-back direction of the lighting devices 1A, 1B (vehicle lamp 100), the Y-axis direction is represented as the left-right direction of the lighting devices 1A, 1B (vehicle lamp 100), and the Z-axis direction is represented as the up-down direction of the lighting devices 1A, 1B (vehicle lamp 100).

[0065] (Transmission type lighting device)

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, in the lighting device 1A of the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a vehicle headlamp (headlight) for irradiating illumination light W toward the front (+X axis direction) of the vehicle as a vehicle lamp 100 mounted on the vehicle.

[0067] In addition, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the descriptions of "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up" and "down" refer to the respective directions when observing the vehicle lamp 100 from the front (the front of the vehicle).

[0068] The lighting device 1A includes a projection lens 200 that projects illumination light WL toward the front of the vehicle, and is accommodated inside a lamp body (not shown) together with the projection lens 200 , thereby constituting a vehicle lamp 100 .

[0069] Specifically, the lighting device 1A generally comprises: a laser light source 2, which emits a laser BL as an excitation light; a transmission-type wavelength conversion component 3A, which emits a fluorescence YL that is excited and wavelength-converted by the irradiation of the laser BL; a laser scanning mechanism 4, which scans the laser BL irradiated toward the wavelength conversion component 3A; and a reflector 5, which reflects the laser BL scanned by the laser scanning mechanism 4 toward the wavelength conversion component 3A.

[0070] The laser light source 2 is composed of, for example, a laser diode (LD) that emits blue laser light (emission wavelength of about 450 nm) as the laser light BL. Alternatively, the laser light source 2 may use an LD that emits ultraviolet laser light as the laser light BL.

[0071] The wavelength conversion member 3A is composed of a plate-shaped phosphor plate, which contains yellow phosphor particles. The yellow phosphor particles are excited by the irradiation of the laser BL and emit yellow light as fluorescence YL. In this embodiment, as the wavelength conversion member 3A, for example, a member containing phosphor particles composed of a composite (sintered body) of YAG and aluminum oxide Al2O3 into which an activator such as cerium Ce is introduced is used. In addition, in addition to containing phosphor particles, the wavelength conversion member 3A may also be a structure containing a diffusing agent in order to control the light distribution characteristics of the illumination light WL emitted from the lighting device 1A.

[0072] Laser scanning mechanism 4 is composed of a MEMS mirror disposed in the optical path between laser light source 2 and wavelength converter 3A. The MEMS mirror is a movable mirror using MEMS technology, and controls the scanning direction and scanning speed of laser light BL scanning within the surface of wavelength converter 3A.

[0073] The reflector 5 is constituted by a plane mirror disposed in the optical path between the wavelength converter 3A and the laser scanning mechanism 4. The reflector 5 reflects the laser light BL reflected by the MEMS mirror toward the back surface of the wavelength converter 3A.

[0074] In the lighting device 1A of the present embodiment, a portion of the laser light (blue light) BL irradiated onto the back side of the wavelength conversion component 3A diffuses and passes through the wavelength conversion component 3A, and the irradiation of the laser light BL excites the phosphor particles in the wavelength conversion component 3A, thereby emitting fluorescence (yellow light) YL while emitting illumination light (white light) WL toward the projection lens 200 in the front through the mixture of the blue light and the yellow light.

[0075] (Reflective lighting device)

[0076] On the other hand, Figure 2 As shown, in the lighting device 1B of this embodiment, similarly to the lighting device 1A described above, the present invention is applied to a vehicle headlamp (headlight) for irradiating illumination light W toward the front (+X axis direction) of the vehicle as a vehicle lamp 100 mounted on the vehicle.

[0077] The lighting device 1B is accommodated inside a lamp body (not shown) together with a projection lens 200 that projects illumination light WL toward the front of the vehicle, thereby constituting a vehicle lamp 100 .

[0078] Specifically, the lighting device 1B generally comprises: a laser light source 2, which emits a laser BL as an excitation light; a reflective wavelength conversion component 3B, which emits a fluorescent light YL that is excited and wavelength-converted by the irradiation of the laser BL; a laser scanning mechanism 4, which scans the laser BL irradiated toward the wavelength conversion component 3B; and a reflector 5, which reflects the laser BL scanned by the laser scanning mechanism 4 toward the wavelength conversion component 3B.

[0079] That is, the lighting device 1B has a reflective wavelength conversion component 3B instead of the above-mentioned transmissive wavelength conversion component 3A, and has a structure basically the same as the above-mentioned lighting device 1A except that the configuration of the laser light source 2, the laser scanning mechanism 4 and the reflector 5 are changed accordingly to the configuration of the wavelength conversion component 3B.

[0080] The wavelength conversion member 3B has a structure in which a reflector 6 is arranged on the back side of the phosphor plate constituting the wavelength conversion member 3A. The reflector 6 reflects the laser light BL incident from the front side of the wavelength conversion member 3B and the fluorescence YL excited in the wavelength conversion member 3B toward the front side of the wavelength conversion member 3B.

[0081] In the lighting device B of the present embodiment, a portion of the laser light (blue light) BL irradiated toward the front of the wavelength conversion component 3B is diffused and reflected by the wavelength conversion component 3B, and the yellow phosphor particles in the wavelength conversion component 3A are excited by the irradiation of the laser light BL, thereby emitting fluorescence (yellow light) YL while emitting illumination light (white light) WL toward the projection lens 200 in the front through the mixture of the blue light and the yellow light.

[0082] (Vehicle Lighting)

[0083] In the vehicle lamp 100 of the present embodiment, by having the above-mentioned lighting devices 1A and 1B, it is possible to use the projection lens 200 to project the lighting light WL that is formed as a meeting light beam (low beam) with a low beam distribution pattern including a cut-off line at the upper end, and the lighting light WL that is formed as a running light beam (high beam) with a high beam distribution pattern above the low beam distribution pattern, toward the front of the vehicle.

[0084] Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 100 of the present embodiment may be configured as a variable light distribution headlamp (ADB) that variably controls the light distribution pattern of the illumination light WL projected toward the front of the vehicle by scanning the laser light BL.

[0085] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 100 of this embodiment, in order to improve driving safety, it is also possible to project a drawing light forming an image (drawing light distribution pattern) onto the road surface by scanning the laser BL using the projection lens 200, separately from the illumination light WL projected toward the front of the vehicle.

[0086] In the lighting devices 1A and 1B of this embodiment having the above-described structure, the incident angle of the laser BL scanned by the above-mentioned laser scanning mechanism 4 relative to the wavelength conversion components 3A and 3B is set to an angle at which the laser BL does not directly enter the projection lens 200 when the wavelength conversion components 3A and 3B are damaged, defective or detached.

[0087] Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 100 having the lighting devices 1A and 1B of this embodiment, even if the wavelength conversion components 3A and 3B are defective, broken, or detached, the laser light BL scanned by the laser scanning mechanism 4 can be prevented from being directly emitted to the outside through the projection lens 200.

[0088] In addition, in the lighting devices 1A and 1B of the present embodiment, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in a plan view of the wavelength conversion member 3 , the center P of the scanning range S of the laser light BL is located on the side opposite to the side where the laser scanning mechanism 4 is arranged with respect to the center O of the laser irradiation area E.

[0089] Here, in the above-mentioned lighting devices 1A and 1B, except that the configurations of the laser light source 2, the laser scanning mechanism 4 and the reflector 5 are changed in accordance with the configurations of the above-mentioned transmission-type wavelength conversion component 3A and the reflection-type wavelength conversion component 3B, they have basically the same structure.

[0090] Therefore, in the following description, the transmission type wavelength conversion member 3A and the reflection type wavelength conversion member 3B are collectively referred to as the “wavelength conversion member 3”. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment, a transmission-type lighting device 1A is shown and described as an example, but the present invention is also applicable to a reflection-type lighting device 1B.

[0091] in addition, Figure 3 1A is a front view of the lighting device showing the positional relationship between the center O of the laser irradiation area E and the center P of the scanning range S of the laser light BL. Figure 4 1A is a top view of the lighting device 1A showing the positional relationship between the center O of the laser irradiation area E and the center P of the scanning range S of the laser BL. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the figure, the reflector 5 is omitted.

[0092] Specifically, if Figure 3 As shown, the wavelength conversion member 3 has a laser irradiation area E that is rectangular (oblong) in a plan view (viewed in the X-axis direction) corresponding to the light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range S of the laser BL. In addition, the long side direction of the laser irradiation area E corresponds to the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the light distribution pattern, and the short side direction of the laser irradiation area E corresponds to the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) of the light distribution pattern.

[0093] Therefore, the laser irradiation area E has a so-called horizontally long shape as described below, and the width corresponding to the left-right direction of the light distribution pattern is longer than the height corresponding to the up-down direction of the light distribution pattern when the wavelength conversion component 3 is viewed from above. In addition, the laser irradiation area E may also have a so-called square shape as described below, and the width corresponding to the left-right direction of the light distribution pattern is equal to the height corresponding to the up-down direction of the light distribution pattern when the wavelength conversion component 3 is viewed from above.

[0094] In addition, the light distribution pattern when the illumination light WL irradiated toward the front of the vehicle lamp 100 is projected onto the imaginary vertical screen directly facing the vehicle lamp 100 also becomes a horizontally long shape. In conjunction with this, the laser scanning mechanism 4 is arranged and controlled in such a way that the scanning range S of the laser light L for the laser scanning area E of the wavelength conversion component 3 also becomes horizontally long.

[0095] Specifically, if Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the laser scanning mechanism 4 is arranged on either the left side (one side) or the right side (the other side) of the length direction of the light distribution pattern across the horizontally long wavelength conversion component 3 (the left side in this embodiment). In contrast, the center P of the scanning range S of the laser BL is located on the side opposite to the side where the laser scanning mechanism 4 is arranged (the right side in this embodiment) relative to the center O of the laser irradiation area E. At this time, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the incident angle of the laser light BL incident on the center O of the laser irradiation area E is denoted by θa.

[0096] On the other hand, as a comparison, Figure 5 FIG. 4 shows a case where the center P of the scanning range S of the laser BL is located at the center O of the laser irradiation area E. In this case, Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the incident angle of the laser light BL incident on the center O of the laser irradiation area E is denoted by θb.

[0097] When the incident angle of the laser light BL to the wavelength conversion member 3 is set to an angle at which the laser light BL does not directly enter the projection lens 200, assuming that the MEMS mirror of the laser scanning mechanism 4 is operated at the same deflection angle, Figure 4 The incident angle θa shown can be compared Figure 5 The incident angle θb shown is small.

[0098] Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 100 having the lighting devices 1A and 1B of the present embodiment, by positioning the center P of the scanning range S of the laser BL on the side opposite to the side where the laser scanning mechanism 4 is arranged relative to the center O of the laser irradiation area E, it is possible to reduce the spot size of the laser BL irradiated to the wavelength conversion member 3. As a result, the resolution of the light distribution pattern formed by the ADB can be improved.

[0099] Second Embodiment

[0100] Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, a Figure 6 and Figure 7 A vehicle lamp 100 of the lighting device 1C shown will be described.

[0101] also, Figure 61 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a vehicle lamp 100 including a lighting device 1C. Figure 7 It is a front view showing the positional relationship between the center O of the laser irradiation area E of the lighting device 1C, the center P1 of the scanning range S1 of the left laser BL1, and the center P2 of the scanning range S2 of the right laser BL2.

[0102] In the following description, description of the parts equivalent to those of the above-mentioned lighting devices 1A and 1B will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be given in the drawings. Furthermore, the transmission-type wavelength conversion component 3A and the reflection-type wavelength conversion component 3B will be collectively referred to as the "wavelength conversion component 3". Figure 6 and Figure 7 Although a transmission-type lighting device 1C is illustrated and described as an example in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is also applicable to a reflection-type lighting device.

[0103] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the vehicle lamp 100 having the lighting device 1C of this embodiment includes: a laser light source 3A and a laser scanning mechanism 4A, which are arranged at a position corresponding to the left side (one side) of the light distribution pattern across the wavelength conversion member 3; and a laser light source 3B and a laser scanning mechanism 4B, which are arranged at a position corresponding to the right side (the other side) of the light distribution pattern. Other than this, it has a structure basically the same as that of the vehicle lamp 100 having the lighting device 1A described above.

[0104] The left laser scanning mechanism 4A forms a light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range S1 of the left laser light BL1 by scanning the left (one side) laser light BL1 irradiated toward the laser irradiation area E from the left laser light source 2A.

[0105] The right laser scanning mechanism 4B forms a light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range S2 of the right laser beam BL2 by scanning the right (other) laser beam BL2 irradiated from the right laser light source 2A toward the laser irradiation area E.

[0106] In the lighting device 1C of the present embodiment, one composite light distribution pattern is formed by superimposing the light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range S1 of the left laser beam BL1 and the light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range S2 of the right laser beam BL2 .

[0107] In the lighting device 1C of this embodiment having the above-described structure, the incident angles of the left and right lasers BL1 and BL2 scanned by the left and right laser scanning mechanisms 4A and 4B with respect to the wavelength conversion component 3 are set to be angles at which the lasers BL1 and BL2 do not directly enter the projection lens 200 when the wavelength conversion component 3 is damaged, defective or detached.

[0108] Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 100 having the lighting device 1C of this embodiment, even if the wavelength conversion component 3 is defective, damaged, or detached, it is possible to prevent the left and right lasers BL1 and BL2 scanned by the left and right laser scanning mechanisms 4A and 4B from being directly emitted to the outside through the projection lens 200.

[0109] In addition, in the lighting device 1C of the present embodiment, when the wavelength conversion member 3 is viewed from above, the center P1 of the scanning range S1 of the left laser BL1 is located on the side opposite to the side where the left laser scanning mechanism 4A is arranged relative to the center O of the laser irradiation area E (the right side). In contrast, the center P2 of the scanning range S2 of the right laser BL2 is located on the side opposite to the side where the right laser scanning mechanism 4B is arranged relative to the center O of the laser irradiation area E (the left side).

[0110] Thus, in the vehicle lamp 100 including the lighting device 1C of the present embodiment, the spot sizes of the left and right laser beams BL1 and BL2 irradiated to the wavelength conversion member 3 can be reduced. As a result, the resolution of the light distribution pattern formed by the ADB can be improved.

[0111] Third Embodiment

[0112] Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, a Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A vehicle lamp 100 of the lighting device 1D shown will be described.

[0113] also, Figure 8 1 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a vehicle lamp 100 including a lighting device 1D. Fig. 9 It is a front view showing the positional relationship between the center O of the laser irradiation area E of the lighting device 1D and the center P1 of the scanning range S1 of the laser BL1 on the left, the center P2 of the scanning range S2 of the laser BL2 on the right, and the center P3 of the scanning range S3 of the laser BL3 on the upper side.

[0114] In the following description, description of the parts equivalent to those of the above-mentioned lighting device 1C is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given in the drawings. Furthermore, the transmission-type wavelength conversion member 3A and the reflection-type wavelength conversion member 3B are collectively referred to as the "wavelength conversion member 3". Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Although a transmission-type lighting device 1D is illustrated and described as an example in FIG. 1 , the present invention is also applicable to a reflection-type lighting device.

[0115] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9As shown, the vehicle lamp 100 having the lighting device 1D of this embodiment, based on the structure of the above-mentioned lighting device 1C, also has a laser light source 2C and a laser scanning mechanism 4C that are additionally arranged on either the upper side (one side) or the lower side (the other side) in the short side direction of the light distribution pattern separated by the wavelength conversion component 3 (the upper side in this embodiment).

[0116] The upper laser scanning mechanism 4C forms a light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range S3 of the upper laser light BL3 by scanning the upper (additional) laser light BL3 irradiated from the upper laser light source 2C toward the laser irradiation area E.

[0117] In the lighting device 1D of this embodiment, a synthetic light distribution pattern is formed by overlapping the light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range S1 of the left laser BL1, the light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range S2 of the right laser BL2, and the light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range S3 of the upper laser BL3.

[0118] In addition, in the lighting device 1D of the present embodiment, when looking down at the wavelength conversion component 3, the center P3 of the scanning range S3 of the upper laser BL3 is located at the intersection of a vertical line VL1 passing through the center Q1 of the upper laser scanning mechanism 4C and corresponding to the up and down direction of the light distribution pattern, and a horizontal line HL passing through the center O of the laser irradiation area E and corresponding to the left and right direction of the light distribution pattern.

[0119] In the present embodiment, the upper laser scanning mechanism 4C is located at the upper center of the wavelength conversion member 3 , so the center P3 of the scanning range S3 of the upper laser BL3 is located at a position that coincides with the center O of the laser irradiation area E.

[0120] In the lighting device 1D of this embodiment having the above-mentioned structure, the incident angles of the left, right and upper lasers BL1, BL2, BL3 scanned by the left, right and upper laser scanning mechanisms 4A, 4B, 4C relative to the wavelength conversion component 3 are set to an angle at which the lasers BL1, BL2, BL3 do not directly enter the projection lens 200 when the wavelength conversion component 3 is damaged, defective or detached.

[0121] Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 100 having the lighting device 1D of the present embodiment, even if the wavelength conversion component 3 is defective, damaged, or detached, the left, right, and upper lasers BL1, BL2, and BL3 scanned by the left, right, and upper laser scanning mechanisms 4A, 4B, and 4C can be prevented from being directly emitted to the outside through the projection lens 200.

[0122] In addition, in the lighting device 1D of the present embodiment, when the wavelength conversion member 3 is viewed from above, the center P1 of the scanning range S1 of the left laser BL1 is located on the side opposite to the side where the left laser scanning mechanism 4A is arranged relative to the center O of the laser irradiation area E (right side). In contrast, the center P2 of the scanning range S2 of the right laser BL2 is located on the side opposite to the side where the right laser scanning mechanism 4B is arranged relative to the center O of the laser irradiation area E (left side).

[0123] Thus, in the vehicle lamp 100 including the lighting device 1D of the present embodiment, the spot sizes of the left and right laser beams BL1 and BL2 irradiated to the wavelength conversion member 3 can be reduced. As a result, the resolution of the light distribution pattern formed by the ADB can be improved.

[0124] Fourth Embodiment

[0125] Next, as a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a Fig.10 and Fig.11 A vehicle lamp 100 of the lighting device 1E shown will be described.

[0126] also, Fig.10 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a vehicle lamp 100 including a lighting device 1E. Fig.11 It is a front view showing the positional relationship between the center O of the laser irradiation area E of the lighting device 1E and the center P1 of the scanning range S1 of the laser BL1 on the left, the center P2 of the scanning range S2 of the laser BL2 on the right, the center P3 of the scanning range S3 of the laser BL3 on the upper side, and the center P4 of the scanning range S4 of the laser BL4 on the lower side.

[0127] In the following description, description of the parts equivalent to those of the above-mentioned lighting device 1C is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given in the drawings. Furthermore, the transmission-type wavelength conversion member 3A and the reflection-type wavelength conversion member 3B are collectively referred to as the "wavelength conversion member 3". Fig.10 and Fig.11 Although a transmission-type lighting device 1E is shown and described as an example in FIG. 1 , the present invention is also applicable to a reflection-type lighting device.

[0128] like Fig.10 and Fig.11As shown, the vehicle lamp 100 having the lighting device 1E of the present embodiment, in addition to the structure of the above-mentioned lighting device 1C, also has: an upper laser light source 2C and a laser scanning mechanism 4C, which are arranged corresponding to the upper side (one side) of the short side direction of the light distribution pattern separated by the wavelength conversion component 3; and a lower laser light source 2D and a laser scanning mechanism 4D, which are arranged corresponding to the lower side (the other side) of the short side direction of the light distribution pattern.

[0129] The upper laser scanning mechanism 4C forms a light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range S3 of the upper laser light BL3 by scanning the upper laser light BL3 irradiated from the upper laser light source 2C toward the laser irradiation area E.

[0130] The lower laser scanning mechanism 4C forms a light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range S4 of the lower laser light BL4 by scanning the lower laser light BL4 irradiated from the lower laser light source 2D toward the laser irradiation area E.

[0131] In the lighting device 1E of the present embodiment, a synthetic light distribution pattern is formed by overlapping the light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range S1 of the laser BL1 on the left, the light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range S2 of the laser BL2 on the right, the light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range S3 of the laser BL3 on the upper side, and the light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range S4 of the laser BL4 on the lower side.

[0132] In addition, in the lighting device 1E of the present embodiment, when the wavelength conversion member 3 is viewed from above, the center P3 of the scanning range S3 of the upper laser BL3 is located at the intersection of the vertical line VL1 passing through the center Q1 of the upper laser scanning mechanism 4C and corresponding to the vertical direction of the light distribution pattern and the horizontal line HL passing through the center O of the laser irradiation area E and corresponding to the horizontal direction of the light distribution pattern. In contrast, the center P4 of the scanning range S4 of the lower laser BL4 is located at the intersection of the vertical line VL2 passing through the center Q2 of the lower laser scanning mechanism 4D and corresponding to the vertical direction of the light distribution pattern and the horizontal line HL passing through the center O of the laser irradiation area E and corresponding to the horizontal direction of the light distribution pattern.

[0133] In addition, in this embodiment, the upper laser scanning mechanism 4C is located on the upper center side of the wavelength conversion component 3, and the lower laser scanning mechanism 4C is located on the lower center side of the wavelength conversion component 3, so the centers P3 and P4 of the scanning ranges S3 and S4 of the upper and lower lasers BL3 and BL4 are located at a position consistent with the center O of the laser irradiation area E.

[0134] In the lighting device 1E of this embodiment having the above-mentioned structure, the incident angles of the lasers BL1, BL2, BL3, BL4 on the left, right, upper and lower sides scanned by the above-mentioned left, right, upper and lower laser scanning mechanisms 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D relative to the wavelength conversion component 3 are set to an angle at which the laser BL does not directly enter the projection lens 200 when the wavelength conversion component 3 is damaged, defective or detached.

[0135] Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 100 having the lighting device 1E of the present embodiment, even if the wavelength conversion component 3 is defective, damaged, or detached, the lasers BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4 on the left, right, upper, and lower sides scanned by the laser scanning mechanisms 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D on the left, right, upper, and lower sides can be prevented from being directly emitted to the outside through the projection lens 200.

[0136] In addition, in the lighting device 1E of the present embodiment, when the wavelength conversion member 3 is viewed from above, the center P1 of the scanning range S1 of the left laser BL1 is located on the side opposite to the side where the left laser scanning mechanism 4A is arranged relative to the center O of the laser irradiation area E (the right side). In contrast, the center P2 of the scanning range S2 of the right laser BL2 is located on the side opposite to the side where the right laser scanning mechanism 4B is arranged relative to the center O of the laser irradiation area E (the left side).

[0137] Thus, in the vehicle lamp 100 including the lighting device 1E of the present embodiment, the spot sizes of the left and right laser beams BL1 and BL2 irradiated to the wavelength conversion member 3 can be reduced. As a result, the resolution of the light distribution pattern formed by the ADB can be improved.

[0138] Fifth Embodiment

[0139] Next, as a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a Fig.12 and Fig.13 A vehicle lamp 100 of the lighting device 1F shown will be described.

[0140] also, Fig.10 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a vehicle lamp 100 including a lighting device 1F. Fig.11 It is a front view showing the positional relationship between the center O of the laser irradiation area E of the lighting device 1F and the center P1 of the scanning range S1 of the laser BL1 on the left, the center P2 of the scanning range S2 of the laser BL2 on the right, the center P3 of the scanning range S3 of the laser BL3 on the upper side, and the center P4 of the scanning range S4 of the laser BL4 on the lower side.

[0141] In the following description, description of the parts equivalent to those of the above-mentioned lighting device 1E is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given in the drawings. Furthermore, the transmission-type wavelength conversion member 3A and the reflection-type wavelength conversion member 3B are collectively referred to as the "wavelength conversion member 3". Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the embodiment, a transmission-type lighting device 1F is shown as an example and described, but the present invention is also applicable to a reflection-type lighting device.

[0142] like Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the vehicle lamp 100 having the lighting device 1F of the present embodiment has the following structure: in the structure of the above-mentioned lighting device 1E, the upper laser light source 2C and the laser scanning mechanism 4C are staggered to the left side (one side) of the long side direction of the light distribution pattern separated by the wavelength conversion component 3, and the lower laser light source 2D and the laser scanning mechanism 4D are staggered to the right side (the other side) of the long side direction of the light distribution pattern separated by the wavelength conversion component 3.

[0143] Therefore, in the lighting device 1F of this embodiment, when looking down at the wavelength conversion component 3, the center P3 of the scanning range S3 of the upper laser BL3 and the center P4 of the scanning range S4 of the lower laser BL4 are located on the left and right sides of the center O of the laser irradiation area E.

[0144] In the lighting device 1F of this embodiment having the above-mentioned structure, the incident angles of the lasers BL1, BL2, BL3, BL4 on the left, right, upper and lower sides scanned by the above-mentioned left, right, upper and lower laser scanning mechanisms 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D are incident on the wavelength conversion component 3, and are set to an angle at which the laser BL does not directly enter the projection lens 200 when the wavelength conversion component 3 is damaged, defective or detached.

[0145] Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 100 having the lighting device 1F of the present embodiment, even if the wavelength conversion component 3 is defective, damaged, or detached, the lasers BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4 on the left, right, upper, and lower sides scanned by the laser scanning mechanisms 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D on the left, right, upper, and lower sides can be prevented from being directly emitted to the outside through the projection lens 200.

[0146] In addition, in the lighting device 1F of the present embodiment, when the wavelength conversion member 3 is viewed from above, the center P1 of the scanning range S1 of the left laser BL1 is located on the side opposite to the side where the left laser scanning mechanism 4A is arranged relative to the center O of the laser irradiation area E (the right side). In contrast, the center P2 of the scanning range S2 of the right laser BL2 is located on the side opposite to the side where the right laser scanning mechanism 4B is arranged relative to the center O of the laser irradiation area E (the left side).

[0147] Thus, in the vehicle lamp 100 including the lighting device 1F of the present embodiment, the spot sizes of the left and right laser beams BL1 and BL2 irradiated to the wavelength conversion member 3 can be reduced. As a result, the resolution of the light distribution pattern formed by the ADB can be improved.

[0148] Furthermore, in the lighting device 1F of the present embodiment, when the wavelength conversion member 3 is viewed from above, the center P3 of the scanning range S3 of the upper laser BL3 is located on the left side of the center O of the laser irradiation area E. In contrast, the center P4 of the scanning range S4 of the lower laser BL4 is located on the right side of the center O of the laser irradiation area E.

[0149] Here, in Fig.12 In the case where the upper laser scanning mechanism 4C is located on the right side in the longitudinal direction of the light distribution pattern across the wavelength conversion member 3, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown, the incident angle of the upper laser light BL3 incident on the right end of the laser irradiation region E with respect to the normal line (X axis) of the wavelength conversion member 3 is θc, which is the incident vector Vc of the upper laser light BL.

[0150] On the other hand, as a comparison, in the above Figure 8 In the case where the upper laser scanning mechanism 4C is located at the upper center side across the wavelength conversion component 3, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown, the incident angle of the upper laser light BL3 incident on the right end of the laser irradiation area E with respect to the normal line (X axis) of the wavelength conversion member 3 is set to θd, which is the incident vector Vd of the upper laser light BL3.

[0151] When the incident angle of the laser light BL to the wavelength conversion member 3 is set to an angle at which the laser light BL does not directly enter the projection lens 200, assuming that the MEMS mirror of the laser scanning mechanism 4 is operated at the same deflection angle, Fig.14 The incident angle θc shown can be compared to Fig.15 The incident angle θd shown is small.

[0152] However, when a resonant MEMS mirror is used as the laser scanning mechanism 4, when a driving voltage is applied to the MEMS mirror according to a sinusoidal driving signal, the speed of the MEMS mirror when it is reciprocated is the largest near the center of the laser irradiation area E and the smallest near the left and right ends of the laser irradiation area E. Accordingly, near the left and right ends of the laser irradiation area E where the speed becomes smaller, the luminous intensity distribution within the surface of the laser irradiation area E becomes relatively higher.

[0153] As a means of optically correcting the luminous intensity distribution, a correction mirror can be used. The correction mirror can flatten the luminous intensity distribution by optically stretching the left and right ends of the laser irradiation area E where the brightness becomes higher. However, with this, the spot size becomes larger near the left and right ends of the laser irradiation area E. In addition, the larger the scanning range S of the laser BL, the more correction is required near the left and right ends of the laser irradiation area E, resulting in a larger spot size.

[0154] In this regard, the upper laser scanning mechanism 4 shifts the center P3 of the scanning range S of the upper laser BL3 to the right relative to the center O of the laser irradiation area E, thereby reducing the incident angle θc near the left and right ends of the in-plane luminosity distribution of the laser irradiation area E. As a result, the scanning range S3 of the upper laser BL3 can be reduced, and the spot size can be prevented from increasing near the left and right ends of the laser irradiation area E.

[0155] Example

[0156] The effects of the present invention will be further clarified by way of the following examples. The present invention is not limited to the following examples, and can be implemented by appropriately changing the scope of the present invention.

[0157] In this embodiment, the lighting devices of Embodiments 1-1, 1-2, Embodiments 2-1, 2-2, Embodiments 3-1, 3-2, Embodiments 4-1, 4-2 are used. Fig.16 As shown, a simulation is performed in which the illumination light WL is irradiated toward the front of the illumination device by the projection lens 200 and a light source image of the light distribution pattern DP formed in the surface of the wavelength conversion member 3 is projected onto a virtual vertical screen SC facing the illumination device.

[0158] In addition, Fig.16 In the cross section of the light distribution pattern DP shown by the line segment Y to Y (the cross section along the length direction of the light distribution pattern DP), Fig.17 The illumination light WL emitted from each illumination device is adjusted in the form of the luminous intensity distribution of the high-beam light distribution pattern shown.

[0159] (Examples 1-1, 1-2)

[0160] In Example 1-1, a transmissive type illumination device corresponding to the above-mentioned illumination device 1D is used. In addition, in the left, right, and upper laser scanning mechanisms 4A, 4B, and 4C, the left side is set to "MEM1", the right side is set to "MEM2", and the upper side is set to "MEMS3", and the scanning ranges S1 to S3 of the lasers BL1 to BL3 based on these three MEM1 to MEMS3 and their centers P1 to P3 are adjusted as shown in the following Table 1, and by overlapping the light distribution patterns corresponding to the scanning ranges S1 to S3 of each laser BL1 to BL3, a light pattern that satisfies Fig.17 The light distribution pattern DP of the high beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG.

[0161] [Table 1]

[0162] MEMS1 MEMS2 MEMS3 Center of scanning range [mm] 2.24 -2.24 0 Scanning width [mm] 11.52 11.52 4.32

[0163] In Table 1, regarding the centers P1 to P3 of the scanning ranges S1 to S3, the center O of the laser irradiation area E on the horizontal line HL is represented as 0 [mm], and the left side is represented as the negative (-) side and the right side is represented as the positive (+) side relative to the center O of the laser irradiation area E. In addition, the scanning ranges S1 to S3 are the scanning widths on the horizontal line HL. In addition, the same is also represented in Tables 2 to 8 shown below.

[0164] In Example 1-2, the scanning ranges S1 to S3 of the lasers BL1 to BL3 and their centers P1 to P3 based on the three MEM1 to MEMS3 are adjusted as shown in Table 2 below, and the light distribution patterns corresponding to the scanning ranges S1 to S3 of the lasers BL1 to BL3 are overlapped to form a light distribution pattern satisfying Fig.17 The light distribution pattern DP of the high beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG.

[0165] That is, in comparison with Example 1-1, Example 1-2 is a case where centers P1 to P3 of scanning ranges S1 to S3 of laser beams BL1 to BL3 of MEM1 to MEMS3 are made to coincide with center O of laser beam irradiation region E, respectively.

[0166] [Table 2]

[0167] MEMS1 MEMS2 MEMS3 Center of scanning range [mm] 0 0 0 Scanning width [mm] 8 4.32 16

[0168] (Examples 2-1, 2-2)

[0169] In Example 2-1, a reflective type lighting device corresponding to the lighting device 1D is used. In addition, the scanning ranges S1 to S3 of the lasers BL1 to BL3 based on the three MEM1 to MEMS3 and their centers P1 to P3 are adjusted as shown in Table 3 below, and the light distribution patterns corresponding to the scanning ranges S1 to S3 of the lasers BL1 to BL3 are overlapped to form a light distribution pattern that satisfies Fig.17 The light distribution pattern DP of the high beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG.

[0170] [Table 3]

[0171] MEMS1 MEMS2 MEMS3 Center of scanning range [mm] 2.24 -2.24 0 Scanning width [mm] 11.52 11.52 4.32

[0172] In Example 2-2, the scanning ranges S1 to S3 of the lasers BL1 to BL3 of the three MEM1 to MEMS3 in the lighting device of Example 2-1 and their centers P1 to P3 are adjusted as shown in Table 4 below, and the light distribution patterns corresponding to the scanning ranges S1 to S3 of the lasers BL1 to BL3 are overlapped to form a light distribution pattern satisfying Fig.17 The light distribution pattern DP of the high beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG.

[0173] That is, in comparison with Example 2-1, Example 2-2 is a case where centers P1 to P3 of scanning ranges S1 to S3 of laser beams BL1 to BL3 of MEM1 to MEMS3 are made to coincide with center O of laser beam irradiation region E, respectively.

[0174] [Table 4]

[0175] MEMS1 MEMS2 MEMS3 Center of scanning range [mm] 0 0 0 Scanning width [mm] 8 4.32 16

[0176] (Examples 3-1, 3-2)

[0177] In Example 3-1, a transmissive type illumination device corresponding to the above-mentioned illumination device 1F is used. In addition, in the laser scanning mechanisms 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D on the left, right, upper, and lower sides, the left side is set to "MEM1", the right side is set to "MEM2", the upper side is set to "MEMS3", and the lower side is set to "MEMS4". The scanning ranges S1 to S4 of the lasers BL1 to BL4 based on these four MEM1 to MEMS4 and their centers P1 to P4 are adjusted as shown in the following Table 5, and by overlapping the light distribution patterns corresponding to the scanning ranges S1 to S4 of each laser BL1 to BL4, a light pattern that satisfies Fig.17 The light distribution pattern DP of the high beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG.

[0178] [Table 5]

[0179] MEMS1 MEMS2 MEMS3 MEMS4 Center of scanning range [mm] 0.68 -0.68 2.08 -2.08 Scanning width [mm] 4.56 4.56 11.84 11.84

[0180] In Example 3-2, the scanning ranges S1 to S4 of the lasers BL1 to BL4 of the four MEM1 to MEMS4 in the lighting device of Example 3-1 and their centers P1 to P4 are adjusted as shown in Table 6 below, and the light distribution patterns corresponding to the scanning ranges S1 to S4 of the lasers BL1 to BL4 are overlapped to form a light distribution pattern satisfying Fig.17 The light distribution pattern DP of the high beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG.

[0181] That is, in comparison with Example 3-1, Example 3-2 is a case where centers P1 to P4 of scanning ranges S1 to S4 of laser beams BL1 to BL4 of MEM1 to MEMS4 are made to coincide with center O of laser beam irradiation region E, respectively.

[0182] [Table 6]

[0183] MEMS1 MEMS2 MEMS3 MEMS4 Center of scanning range [mm] 0 0 0 0 Scanning width [mm] 3.68 5.76 8.48 16

[0184] (Examples 4-1, 4-2)

[0185] In Example 4-1, a reflective type lighting device corresponding to the lighting device 1F is used. In addition, the scanning ranges S1 to S4 of the lasers BL1 to BL4 based on the four MEM1 to MEMS4 and their centers P1 to P4 are adjusted as shown in Table 7 below, and the light distribution patterns corresponding to the scanning ranges S1 to S4 of the lasers BL1 to BL4 are overlapped to form a light pattern that satisfies Fig.17 The light distribution pattern DP of the high beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG.

[0186] [Table 7]

[0187] MEMS1 MEMS2 MEMS3 MEMS4 Center of scanning range [mm] 0.68 -0.68 2.08 -2.08 Scanning width [mm] 4.56 4.56 11.84 11.84

[0188] In Example 4-2, the scanning ranges S1 to S4 of the lasers BL1 to BL4 of the four MEM1 to MEMS4 in the lighting device of Example 4-1 and their centers P1 to P4 are adjusted as shown in Table 8 below, and the light distribution patterns corresponding to the scanning ranges S1 to S4 of the lasers BL1 to BL4 are overlapped to form a light distribution pattern satisfying Fig.17 The light distribution pattern DP of the high beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG.

[0189] That is, as a comparison with Example 4-1, Example 4-2 is a case where the centers P1 to P4 of the scanning ranges S1 to S4 of the laser beams BL1 to BL4 of MEM1 to MEMS4 are made to coincide with the center O of the laser beam irradiation area E, respectively.

[0190] [Table 8]

[0191] MEMS1 MEMS2 MEMS3 MEMS4 Center of scanning range [mm] 0 0 0 0 Scanning width [mm] 3.68 5.76 8.48 16

[0192] In this embodiment, for each lighting device of the above-mentioned embodiments 1-1, 1-2, embodiments 2-1, 2-2, embodiments 3-1, 3-2, embodiments 4-1, 4-2, the incident angle [°] of the laser light BL1 to BL3 (BL4) incident from each MEM1 to MEMS3 (MEMS4) to the center O of the laser irradiation area E is calculated, and the maximum value (MAX) of the incident angle is obtained. The results are summarized in the following Table 9.

[0193] [Table 9]

[0194]

[0195] In addition, in this embodiment, for each lighting device of the above-mentioned embodiments 1-1, 1-2, embodiments 2-1, 2-2, embodiments 3-1, 3-2, embodiments 4-1, 4-2, the spot size of the laser BL1 to BL3 (BL4) incident from each MEM1 to MEMS3 (MEMS4) to the center O of the laser irradiation area E is calculated, and the ratio (incident ratio) relative to the spot size when the incident angle becomes 0° is obtained, and then the maximum value (MAX) is obtained. The results are summarized in the following Table 10.

[0196] [Table 10]

[0197]

[0198] As shown in Tables 9 and 10, the lighting devices of Examples 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, and 4-1 can reduce the incident angle and spot size of lasers BL1 to BL3 (BL4) incident from each MEM1 to MEMS3 (MEMS4) to the center O of the laser irradiation area E, compared with the lighting devices of Examples 1-2, 2-2, 3-2, and 4-2.

[0199] In addition, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be added without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0200] Specifically, in the lighting devices 1A to 1F, the angle is set so that the laser light BL does not directly enter the projection lens 200 when the wavelength conversion members 3A and 3B are damaged, missing or detached, and therefore, it is preferred to provide a light absorbing part or a light shielding part inside the lamp body for absorbing or shielding the laser light BL scanned by the laser scanning mechanism 4. The light absorbing part or the light shielding part may be any structure as long as a light absorbing part or a light shielding part that absorbs or shields the laser light BL is provided.

[0201] The wavelength conversion members 3A and 3B are not necessarily limited to those of the above-mentioned embodiments, and their structures, materials, etc. can be appropriately selected and used.

[0202] For example, as the wavelength conversion components 3A and 3B, [1] components in which a molded body of a phosphor plate is joined or bonded to a substrate, and [2] components in which a phosphor layer (wavelength conversion layer) is formed on a substrate can be used.

[0203] In the case of the transmission type wavelength conversion member 3A, a transparent substrate such as a transparent ceramic substrate or a glass substrate can be used. On the other hand, in the case of the reflection type wavelength conversion member 3B, in addition to a metal substrate, a reflective substrate having a reflective film formed on the surface of a ceramic substrate, a glass substrate, etc. can be used.

[0204] In the case of [1] above, for example, single crystal phosphors, phosphor ceramics, phosphor dispersed glass, phosphor dispersed resin sheets, etc. can be used. In addition, as the adhesive, for example, a transparent adhesive among organic adhesives and inorganic adhesives can be used.

[0205] On the other hand, in the case of [2] above, for example, a structure can be used in which a material in which phosphor particles are dispersed in a ceramic adhesive, a glass adhesive, or a resin adhesive is applied onto a substrate using a dispensing method, a spin coating method, a printing method, a spraying method, or the like.

[0206] As the phosphor particles, for example, particles obtained by granulating oxide phosphors, nitride phosphors, nitrogen oxide phosphors, sulfide phosphors, fluoride phosphors, etc. can be used. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the thickness of the phosphor layer and the particle size (D50) of the phosphor particles, and they can be set arbitrarily. In addition, a transparent protective layer can be further provided on the phosphor layer. As the transparent protective layer, for example, inorganic materials such as glass and ceramics, silicone resins, epoxy resins, etc. can be used.

[0207] A piezoelectric, electrostatic, or electromagnetic MEMS mirror can be used for the laser scanning mechanism 4. In addition, since the laser BL is scanned within the plane of the wavelength conversion components 3A and 3B, two types of structures, a two-axis MEMS mirror or a one-axis MEMS mirror, can be used for the MEMS mirror.

[0208] In addition, as a piezoelectric two-axis type MEMS mirror, there are 1-axis resonant 1-axis non-resonant type, 2-axis resonant type, 2-axis non-resonant type, etc. In addition, in the case of a 1-axis resonant / 1-axis non-resonant type MEMS mirror, a non-resonant axis and a resonant axis may be allocated to any one of the X-axis and the Y-axis within the plane of the wavelength conversion member 3A, 3B.

[0209] The reflector 5 is not limited to the plane mirror, but may be a curved mirror that corrects the deformation of the laser light BL reflected toward the wavelength conversion members 3A, 3B. A deformation correction lens may be disposed between the reflector 5 and the wavelength conversion members 3A, 3B.

[0210] The projection lens 200 is not limited to a single lens, and a lens (group lens) composed of a plurality of lenses may be used. In addition, the lens is not limited to a spherical lens, and an aspherical lens may be used.

[0211] Furthermore, the lighting device to which the present invention is applied is particularly suitable for the above-mentioned vehicle lamp, but can also be widely used for purposes other than vehicle lamps.

[0212] Description of symbols

[0213] 1A~1F: lighting device; 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D: laser light source; 3, 3A, 3B: wavelength conversion component; 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D: laser scanning mechanism; 5: reflector; 6: reflection plate; 100: vehicle lamp; 200: projection lens; BL: laser; YL: fluorescence; WL: illumination light; E: laser irradiation area; O: center of laser irradiation area; S, S1, S2, S3, S4: laser scanning range; P, P1, P2, P3, P4: center of laser scanning range; Q1, Q2: center of laser scanning mechanism; VL: plumb line HL: horizontal line.

Claims

1. A lighting device, comprising: a laser light source that emits laser light; a wavelength conversion member including a laser irradiation region irradiated with the laser light and emitting light excited by the irradiation of the laser light and having its wavelength converted; a laser scanning mechanism that forms a light distribution pattern corresponding to a scanning range of the laser light by scanning the laser light irradiated onto the laser irradiation area; and a projection lens that projects the illumination light forming the light distribution pattern forward; The wavelength conversion member has a reflector on a surface opposite to an incident surface on which the laser beam is incident, and the incident surface faces the projection lens. The incident angle of the laser light scanned by the laser scanning mechanism on the wavelength conversion member is set to an angle at which the laser light reflected by the reflection plate does not directly enter the projection lens when the wavelength conversion member is damaged, broken or detached.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein: When the wavelength conversion member is viewed from above, the center of the scanning range of the laser light is located on the side opposite to the side where the laser scanning mechanism is arranged with respect to the center of the laser irradiation region.

3. The lighting device according to claim 2, wherein: The laser light source includes a first laser light source and a second laser light source. The laser scanning mechanism includes a first laser scanning mechanism and a second laser scanning mechanism. The first laser light source and the first laser scanning mechanism are arranged on one side of the wavelength conversion component. The second laser light source and the second laser scanning mechanism are arranged on the other side of the wavelength conversion component. The first laser scanning mechanism forms a first light distribution pattern corresponding to a scanning range of the first laser light by scanning the first laser light irradiated from the first laser light source toward the laser irradiation area. The second laser scanning mechanism forms a second light distribution pattern corresponding to a scanning range of the second laser light by scanning the second laser light irradiated from the second laser light source toward the laser irradiation area. A combined light distribution pattern is formed by superimposing a first light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range of the first laser beam and a second light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range of the second laser beam. When observing the above-mentioned wavelength conversion component from above, the center of the scanning range of the above-mentioned first laser is located on the side opposite to the side where the above-mentioned first laser scanning mechanism is configured relative to the center of the above-mentioned laser irradiation area, and the center of the scanning range of the above-mentioned second laser is located on the side opposite to the side where the above-mentioned second laser scanning mechanism is configured relative to the center of the above-mentioned laser irradiation area.

4. The lighting device according to claim 3, wherein: When the wavelength conversion member is viewed from above, the width of the laser irradiation region corresponding to the left-right direction of the synthetic light distribution pattern is longer than the height corresponding to the up-down direction of the synthetic light distribution pattern. The side where the first laser light source and the first laser scanning mechanism are arranged corresponds to the left side of the synthetic light distribution pattern, and the side where the second laser light source and the second laser scanning mechanism are arranged corresponds to the right side of the synthetic light distribution pattern.

5. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein: The laser light source and the laser scanning mechanism include a third laser light source and a third laser scanning mechanism, and the third laser light source and the third laser scanning mechanism are arranged on the upper side or the lower side of the synthetic light distribution pattern across the wavelength conversion component, or at a position corresponding to the upper side and the lower side. The third laser scanning mechanism forms a third light distribution pattern corresponding to a scanning range of the third laser light by scanning the third laser light irradiated from the third laser light source toward the laser irradiation area. One composite light distribution pattern is formed by superimposing the first light distribution pattern, the second light distribution pattern, and the third light distribution pattern.

6. The lighting device according to claim 5, wherein: When observing the above-mentioned wavelength conversion component from above, the center of the scanning range of the above-mentioned third laser is located at the intersection of a vertical line passing through the center of the above-mentioned third laser scanning mechanism and corresponding to the up and down direction of the above-mentioned light distribution pattern and a horizontal line passing through the center of the above-mentioned laser irradiation area and corresponding to the left and right direction of the above-mentioned light distribution pattern.

7. The lighting device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The third laser scanning mechanism is disposed in a staggered manner on one side corresponding to the left side of the light distribution pattern and the other side corresponding to the right side of the light distribution pattern.

8. A lighting device, comprising: a laser light source that emits laser light; a wavelength conversion member including a laser irradiation region irradiated with the laser light and emitting light excited by the irradiation of the laser light and having its wavelength converted; a laser scanning mechanism that forms a light distribution pattern corresponding to a scanning range of the laser light by scanning the laser light irradiated onto the laser irradiation area; and a projection lens that projects the illumination light forming the light distribution pattern forward; The wavelength conversion member includes an incident surface for the laser beam from the laser scanning mechanism to be incident and an exit surface opposite to the incident surface, wherein the exit surface is opposite to the projection lens. The incident angle of the laser beam scanned by the laser scanning mechanism with respect to the wavelength conversion member is set to an angle at which the laser beam does not directly enter the projection lens when the wavelength conversion member is broken, chipped or detached.

9. The lighting device according to claim 8, wherein: When the wavelength conversion member is viewed from above, the center of the scanning range of the laser light is located on the side opposite to the side where the laser scanning mechanism is arranged with respect to the center of the laser irradiation region.

10. The lighting device according to claim 9, wherein: The laser light source includes a first laser light source and a second laser light source. The laser scanning mechanism includes a first laser scanning mechanism and a second laser scanning mechanism. The first laser light source and the first laser scanning mechanism are arranged on one side of the wavelength conversion component. The second laser light source and the second laser scanning mechanism are arranged on the other side of the wavelength conversion component. The first laser scanning mechanism forms a first light distribution pattern corresponding to a scanning range of the first laser light by scanning the first laser light irradiated from the first laser light source toward the laser irradiation area. The second laser scanning mechanism forms a second light distribution pattern corresponding to a scanning range of the second laser light by scanning the second laser light irradiated from the second laser light source toward the laser irradiation area. A combined light distribution pattern is formed by superimposing a first light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range of the first laser beam and a second light distribution pattern corresponding to the scanning range of the second laser beam. When observing the above-mentioned wavelength conversion component from above, the center of the scanning range of the above-mentioned first laser is located on the side opposite to the side where the above-mentioned first laser scanning mechanism is configured relative to the center of the above-mentioned laser irradiation area, and the center of the scanning range of the above-mentioned second laser is located on the side opposite to the side where the above-mentioned second laser scanning mechanism is configured relative to the center of the above-mentioned laser irradiation area.

11. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein: When the wavelength conversion member is viewed from above, the width of the laser irradiation region corresponding to the left-right direction of the synthetic light distribution pattern is longer than the height corresponding to the up-down direction of the synthetic light distribution pattern. The side where the first laser light source and the first laser scanning mechanism are arranged corresponds to the left side of the synthetic light distribution pattern, and the side where the second laser light source and the second laser scanning mechanism are arranged corresponds to the right side of the synthetic light distribution pattern.

12. The lighting device according to claim 11, wherein: The laser light source and the laser scanning mechanism include a third laser light source and a third laser scanning mechanism, and the third laser light source and the third laser scanning mechanism are arranged on the upper side or the lower side of the synthetic light distribution pattern across the wavelength conversion component, or at a position corresponding to the upper side and the lower side. The third laser scanning mechanism forms a third light distribution pattern corresponding to a scanning range of the third laser light by scanning the third laser light irradiated from the third laser light source toward the laser irradiation area. One composite light distribution pattern is formed by superimposing the first light distribution pattern, the second light distribution pattern, and the third light distribution pattern.

13. The lighting device according to claim 12, wherein: When observing the above-mentioned wavelength conversion component from above, the center of the scanning range of the above-mentioned third laser is located at the intersection of a vertical line passing through the center of the above-mentioned third laser scanning mechanism and corresponding to the up and down direction of the above-mentioned light distribution pattern and a horizontal line passing through the center of the above-mentioned laser irradiation area and corresponding to the left and right direction of the above-mentioned light distribution pattern.

14. The lighting device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The third laser scanning mechanism is disposed in a staggered manner on one side corresponding to the left side of the light distribution pattern and the other side corresponding to the right side of the light distribution pattern. 15 . A vehicle lamp comprising the lighting device according to claim 1 .

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