Vehicle lamp

Abstract

A vehicle lamp (100) is a vehicle headlamp mounted on a vehicle, and is provided with a plurality of optical systems (20) each including a light-emitting element (6) and an inner lens (4) disposed on the front side of the light-emitting element (6), the plurality of inner lenses (4) being integrated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp mounted on a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In the past, technologies related to vehicle lamps have been developed. For example, the vehicle lamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a headlamp for a two-wheeled vehicle, and includes: a first lamp unit that forms a high-beam light distribution pattern; a second lamp unit that forms a low-beam light distribution pattern; and a panel member that is arranged to surround the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit. In addition, the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit have inner lenses that are separate from each other.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-76364 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] A lamp having a plurality of inner lenses, such as the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, tends to have an increased number of components.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp which can reduce the number of components, thereby achieving cost reduction and facilitation of assembly.

[0009] Technical solutions to the problem

[0010] A vehicle lamp according to one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle headlamp mounted on a vehicle and includes a plurality of optical systems including a light emitting element and an inner lens disposed in front of the light emitting element, wherein the plurality of inner lenses are integrated.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, the number of components can be reduced, and cost reduction and facilitation of assembly can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a front perspective view showing the structure of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the detailed structure of the vehicle lamp shown.

[0015] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2A partial enlarged view of the detailed structure of the intermediate component is shown.

[0016] Figure 4 Is used to illustrate the Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the path of light reflected by a reflecting portion among light emitted by a light emitting element.

[0017] Figure 5 Is used to explain Figure 4 A diagram showing an area illuminated by light reflected by a reflecting portion.

[0018] Figure 6 Is used to illustrate the Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the path of light passing through the light diffusion portion of the inner lens, among the light emitted by the light emitting element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] <Overall schematic structure>

[0020] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 It is a front perspective view showing the structure of a vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Reference Figure 1 The vehicle lamp 100 is, for example, a low-beam and high-beam headlamp mounted on a vehicle such as a motorcycle. The vehicle lamp 100 includes an outer lens 1 and a heat sink 2 to which the outer lens 1 is mounted.

[0022] In this example, Figure 1 The direction of the arrow F shown is "forward", and the direction of the arrow B is "rearward". Figure 1 The direction of the arrow R shown is the "right direction", and the direction of the arrow L is the "left direction". Figure 1 The direction of the arrow U shown is the “upward direction”, and the direction of the arrow D is the “downward direction”.

[0023] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the detailed structure of the vehicle lamp 100. Figure 2 In, not shown Figure 1 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vehicle lamp 100 includes a plurality of optical systems 20 in addition to the outer lens 1 and the heat sink 2 .

[0024] Specifically, the vehicle lamp 100 includes, for example, a first optical system 20a that forms a low-beam light distribution pattern including a cutoff line and a second optical system 20b that forms a high-beam light distribution pattern as the optical system 20. The first optical system 20a and the second optical system 20b are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, for example.

[0025] More specifically, the vehicle lamp 100 further includes inner lenses 4a, 4b, an intermediate member 5, light emitting elements 6a, 6b, and a substrate 7. Hereinafter, each inner lens 4a, 4b is also referred to as "inner lens 4". In addition, each light emitting element 6a, 6b is also referred to as "light emitting element 6".

[0026] From the front side, the outer lens 1, the inner lens 4, the intermediate member 5, the light emitting element 6 and the substrate 7 are arranged in this order. Figure 1 The heat sink 2 is shown. The inner lens 4a and the light emitting element 6a are included in the first optical system 20a. The inner lens 4b and the light emitting element 6b are included in the second optical system 20b.

[0027] Each light emitting element 6 is, for example, a white light emitting diode and has a rectangular light emitting surface. The light emitting surface of each light emitting element 6 is provided on the front side, and the rear side surface of each light emitting element 6 is supported by the substrate 7. Figure 1 The radiator 2 is shown supported.

[0028] The intermediate member 5 has openings 11 for each optical system. Specifically, the intermediate member 5 has openings 11a for allowing light from the light emitting element 6a to enter the inner lens 4a and openings 11b for allowing light from the light emitting element 6b to enter the inner lens 4b.

[0029] In addition, the intermediate member 5 has reflecting portions 12a and 12b near the opening 11a for reflecting light from the light emitting element 6a toward the inner lens 4a. Hereinafter, each of the reflecting portions 12a and 12b is also referred to as a "reflecting portion 12". Details of the reflecting portion 12 will be described later.

[0030] Each inner lens 4 is, for example, a projection lens. Specifically, in each inner lens 4, the incident surface, i.e., the rear surface, is a flat surface, and the exit surface, i.e., the front surface, is formed as a convex lens that is curved and protrudes toward the front side. The inner lens 4a refracts the light from the light emitting element 6a, and the inner lens 4b refracts the light from the light emitting element 6b. The inner lens 4a and the inner lens 4b are made of the same material and are integrated.

[0031] More specifically, for example, the vehicle lamp 100 further includes a plate-shaped connecting portion 8 formed of the same material as the inner lenses 4a and 4b. The front surface of each of the inner lenses 4a and 4b is provided so as to protrude toward the front side of the connecting portion 8. The rear surface of each of the inner lenses 4a and 4b is formed in the same flat surface as the rear surface of the connecting portion 8.

[0032] In addition, the intermediate component 5 is not limited to a structure having an opening for each optical system, and may have, for example, a single opening formed by connecting the opening 11a and the opening 11b. However, in this case, light from the light emitting element 6a may be incident on the inner lens 4b, or light from the light emitting element 6b may be incident on the inner lens 4a. Therefore, the intermediate component 5 preferably has an opening for each optical system.

[0033] <Details of the Reflecting Section of the Intermediate Member>

[0034] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of the detailed structure of the middle part is shown. Figure 3 , a state where a part of the intermediate member 5, the light emitting element 6a, and a part of the substrate 7 are viewed from the front side is shown.

[0035] Reference Figure 3 The light emitting element 6a and a part of the substrate 7 are exposed from the opening 11a of the intermediate member 5. The reflecting parts 12a and 12b are respectively provided on the front surface of the intermediate member 5, that is, on the upper right side and the upper left side of the light emitting element 6a. Figure 3 Although three light emitting elements 6a are shown in the figure, the number of light emitting elements 6a may be one, two, or four or more.

[0036] More specifically, the intermediate member 5 is provided with a region E for shielding unnecessary light directed toward the lower side of the low-beam light distribution pattern. Specifically, the region E is a portion near the lower side of the opening 11a of the intermediate member 5. The reflective portion 12 is preferably provided in a region other than the region E. In addition, the above-mentioned cut-off line is formed by refracting light incident on a predetermined region of the inner lens 4a. The reflective portion 12 is preferably provided to avoid the path of the light forming the cut-off line.

[0037] Figure 4 Is used to illustrate the Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the path of light reflected by the reflecting portion among the light emitted by the light emitting element. Figure 4 , a portion of the intermediate member 5, the light emitting element 6a, the inner lens 4a, and a portion of the connecting portion 8 are shown as viewed from above. Figure 5 Is used to explain Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an area illuminated by light reflected by a reflecting portion. Figure 5 , a state of the road surface in front of the vehicle as viewed from the vehicle side is shown.

[0038] Reference Figure 4 as well as Figure 5The light from the light emitting element 6a that reaches the reflecting portion 12a provided on the upper right side of the light emitting element 6a is reflected by the reflecting portion 12a and enters the inner lens 4a as shown by the arrow K1. Figure 5 As shown, the light illuminates a right area X2 on the road surface in front of the vehicle and near the vehicle.

[0039] In addition, the light reaching the reflecting portion 12b provided on the upper left side of the light emitting element 6a is as follows: Figure 4 As shown by the arrow K2, it is reflected by the reflection part 12b and enters the inner lens 4a. Then, as Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the light illuminates a left area X1 on the road surface in front of the vehicle and near the vehicle. Thus, visibility on the road surface in front of the vehicle and near the vehicle can be improved.

[0040] In addition, it is also possible that the light from the light emitting element 6a that reaches the reflecting portion 12a provided on the upper right side of the light emitting element 6a illuminates the left area X1 of the road surface near the vehicle, and the light that reaches the reflecting portion 12b provided on the upper left side of the light emitting element 6a illuminates the right area X2 of the road surface near the vehicle.

[0041] In addition, the reflective portion 12 is not limited to the structure in which one is provided on the upper right side and the upper left side of the light emitting element 6a, and the reflective portion 12 may be provided on either the upper right side or the upper left side of the light emitting element 6a, or may be provided on other parts. In addition, the number of the reflective portions 12 may be one, or may be three or more. Furthermore, the intermediate component 5 may also be a structure without the reflective portion 12.

[0042] <Details of the light diffusion section of the inner lens>

[0043] Refer again Figure 4 The inner lens 4a has a light diffusion part 13 for diffusing the light on a part of the surface on the rear side where the light emitted from the light emitting element 6a is incident. The light diffusion part 13 is preferably arranged to avoid the path of the light forming the above-mentioned light-dark cutoff line. For example, the light diffusion part 13 can be subjected to texture processing or frosting. In addition, as the light diffusion part 13, a block-shaped component or the like can also be provided.

[0044] Figure 6 Is used to illustrate the Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the path of light emitted from the light emitting element and passing through the light diffusion portion of the inner lens. Figure 6 In, with Figure 4 Similarly, a state where a part of the intermediate member 5 , the light emitting element 6 a , the inner lens 4 a , and a part of the connecting portion 8 are viewed from above is shown.

[0045] Reference Figure 6The light from the light emitting element 6a that reaches the light diffusion unit 13 is diffused in the light diffusion unit 13 as shown by arrow K3, enters the inner lens 4a, and is emitted from the inner lens 4a. Thus, the direct light from the light emitting element 6a can be effectively diffused, further reducing the unevenness of light in the irradiation area.

[0046] In addition, a step not shown in the figure may be provided on the incident surface of the inner lens 4a at the lower side of the light emitting element 6a when the vehicle lamp 100 is observed from the front. In this case, the light from the light emitting element 6a that has reached the step is reflected in the step and emitted from the inner lens 4a toward the front and the top. Thus, the light can illuminate the front of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle lamp 100 and the billboard located above the vehicle. The step is preferably provided to avoid the path of the light that forms the above-mentioned light-dark cutoff line, as is the case with the above-mentioned light diffusion portion 13.

[0047] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the light diffusion portion 13 is not limited to a structure provided so as to diffuse direct light emitted from the light emitting element 6 a , and may be provided so as to diffuse light reflected by the reflection portion 12 , for example.

[0048] In addition, the first optical system 20a and the second optical system 20b are not limited to forming a low-beam light distribution pattern and a high-beam light distribution pattern, respectively. For example, both the first optical system 20a and the second optical system 20b can form a low-beam light distribution pattern. In this case, it is preferred that the reflective portion 12 is provided not only near the opening 11a of the intermediate component 5, but also near the opening 11b. In addition, in this case, it is preferred that the light diffusion portion 13 for diffusing the light from the light-emitting element 6b is provided not only on the incident surface of the inner lens 4a, but also on the incident surface of the inner lens 4b.

[0049] In addition, the vehicle lamp 100 is not limited to a structure having two optical systems, but may be provided with three or more optical systems. In addition, these multiple optical systems are not limited to being arranged in the left-right direction, but may be arranged in the upper and lower rear directions, for example. In addition, the vehicle lamp 100 is not limited to a structure having the intermediate component 5, but may be a structure not having the intermediate component 5.

[0050] As described above, the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of optical systems 20, the optical systems 20 including the light emitting element 6 and the inner lens 4 disposed in front of the light emitting element 6, and the plurality of inner lenses 4 are integrated. With such a structure, the number of components can be reduced, and cost reduction and ease of assembly can be achieved, compared with the case where the inner lens 4 is separately provided for each optical system 20.

[0051] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of inner lenses 4 has a light diffusion portion 13 for diffusing the light at a portion of the incident surface on which the light from the light emitting element 6 is incident. With such a structure, direct light from the light emitting element 6 can be effectively diffused, further reducing unevenness of light in the irradiated area.

[0052] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 100 involved in the embodiment of the present invention, the substrate 7 supports the light emitting element 6. In addition, the intermediate member 5 is arranged between the substrate 7 and the inner lens 4. The intermediate member 5 has a reflecting portion 12 that reflects light from the light emitting element 6a toward the inner lens 4a. The reflecting portion 12 is provided on at least one of the upper right side and the upper left side of the light emitting element 6a. According to such a structure, appropriate light can be irradiated to at least one of the left area and the right area on the road surface in front of the vehicle, thereby further improving the visibility on the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0053] In the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate member 5 is formed with an opening 11 for allowing light from the light emitting element 6 to enter the inner lens 4 for each optical system 20. With such a structure, the intermediate member 5 can not only reflect the light from the light emitting element 6 toward the inner lens 4 by the reflection portion 12, but also prevent the light from the light emitting element 6 from entering the inner lens 4 that does not correspond to the light emitting element 6. This is particularly effective in a structure in which a plurality of inner lenses 4 are integrated as described above.

[0054] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, in the optical system 20, the light emitting element 6 and the inner lens 4 are arranged so as to form a light distribution pattern including a cut-off line. In addition, the reflecting portion 12 in the intermediate member 5 is arranged to avoid the path of light forming the cut-off line. According to such a structure, the visibility on the road surface in front of the vehicle can be further improved, and the cut-off line can be prevented from being unclear.

[0055] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted restrictively by the description of the present embodiment. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present embodiment is only an example, and various embodiments can be changed within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

[0056] This application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2022-060196 filed on March 31, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlamp, It is characterized in that The vehicle headlamp is mounted on a vehicle, The vehicle headlamp includes a plurality of optical systems, each of which includes a light emitting element and an inner lens disposed in front of the light emitting element. The plurality of inner lenses are integrated.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, It is characterized in that At least one of the plurality of inner lenses includes a light diffusion portion for diffusing the light at a part of an incident surface on which the light from the light emitting element is incident.

3. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The vehicle headlamp further comprises: a substrate supporting the light emitting element; and an intermediate component, the intermediate component being arranged between the substrate and the inner lens, The intermediate member includes a reflecting portion for reflecting light from the light emitting element toward the inner lens. The reflecting portion is provided on at least one of an upper right side and an upper left side of the light emitting element.

4. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The intermediate member is formed with an opening for each of the optical systems so that the light from the light emitting element is incident on the inner lens.

5. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 3 or 4, It is characterized in that In the optical system, the light emitting element and the inner lens are arranged so as to form a light distribution pattern including at least a cut-off line. The reflecting portion in the intermediate member is provided away from a path of light forming the cut-off line.

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