Vehicle lamp

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle lamp. Light emitted from the light-emitting element (20) toward the projection lens (30) is subjected to transmission control through the light-transmitting member (40), so that a projection light source image serving as a source of a lamp light distribution pattern is formed on the rear focal plane of the projection lens (30). At this time, the light-transmitting member (40) is provided with a direct light control unit (42), and a total reflection light control unit (44) having a plurality of reflection control units (44R1), reflection control units (44R4), and the like, which are divided in the circumferential direction around the light-transmitting member (40). As a result, a plurality of second light distribution patterns formed by light emitted from a plurality of reflection control units (44R1), reflection control units (44R4), and the like are formed into a light distribution pattern in which the upper end edges are aligned within a range that does not exceed the upper end edge of a first light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from a direct light control unit (42) to the upper side, and a light shield or the like is not used.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp including a projection lens. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a vehicle lamp equipped with a projection lens, as a structure for forming a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at an upper end portion, there is known a structure in which light emitted from a light-emitting element reflected by a reflector is irradiated toward the front of the lamp via the projection lens, and on this basis, a shading member is arranged between the reflector and the projection lens to shield a portion of the reflected light from the reflector, thereby forming a horizontal cut-off line.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a convex lens is disposed between a light emitting element and a shade member to focus light emitted from the light emitting element near the upper edge of the shade member. Figure 7 , Figure 8 It is described that the reflector and the convex lens are integrally formed as a light-transmitting member.

[0004] Prior art literature Patent Literature Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-288010 Summary of the invention Problem that the invention aims to solve As described in the above-mentioned "Patent Document 1", a vehicle lamp including a projection lens has a structure in which a light-transmitting member is arranged, thereby making it possible to improve the light flux utilization rate of light emitted from a light-emitting element.

[0005] However, in the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, a large amount of light emitted from the light-transmitting member is blocked by the lampshade disposed between the light-transmitting member and the projection lens. Therefore, further improvement is desired in order to improve the lamp efficiency.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp having a projection lens, which can form a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at an upper end while achieving improved lamp efficiency.

[0007] Means used to solve problems The present invention attempts to achieve the above-mentioned object by making an effort to improve the structure of the light-transmitting member.

[0008] That is, the vehicle lamp according to the present invention is characterized in that: The vehicle lamp is configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end by irradiating light emitted from a light emitting element toward the front of the lamp through a projection lens, wherein: A light-transmitting member is disposed between the light-emitting element and the projection lens, and is configured to form a projection light source image on the rear focal plane of the projection lens by controlling the transmission of light emitted from the light-emitting element. The light emitting element has a rectangular light emitting surface when the lamp is viewed from the front, and is configured such that the upper edge of the light emitting surface extends along a horizontal plane. The light-transmitting member comprises: a direct light control unit, which allows the emitted light from the light-emitting element to be directly emitted toward the front of the lamp after it is incident; and a total reflection light control unit, which allows the emitted light from the light-emitting element to be totally reflected after it is incident, and then emitted toward the front of the lamp. The total reflection light control portion is composed of a plurality of reflection control portions divided along the circumferential direction around the direct light control portion. The above-mentioned light-transmitting component is constructed so that, through the emitted light from the above-mentioned direct light control unit, a first light source image whose lower end edge extends along the first horizontal plane is formed as a part of the above-mentioned projection light source image, and through the emitted light from the above-mentioned multiple reflection control units, a plurality of second light source images whose lower end edges are located on a second horizontal plane that is identical to or parallel to the above-mentioned first horizontal plane are formed as a part of the above-mentioned projection light source image.

[0009] When the lamp is observed in the main view, if the above-mentioned "light-emitting element" has a rectangular light-emitting surface and is configured so that the upper edge of the light-emitting surface extends along a horizontal plane, the specific position of the upper edge of the light-emitting surface is not particularly limited. For example, it can be a position on a horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens, or on a horizontal plane passing through the vicinity of the optical axis.

[0010] The specific position of the “first horizontal plane” is not particularly limited, and for example, a horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens, a horizontal plane passing through the vicinity of the optical axis, etc. may be used.

[0011] As long as the “direct light control unit” is configured to form a first light source image whose lower edge extends along the first horizontal plane using the emitted light, the specific configuration is not particularly limited.

[0012] The above-mentioned “total reflection light control portion” is composed of a plurality of reflection control portions divided in the circumferential direction around the direct light control portion, but the specific division positions and the number of divisions are not particularly limited.

[0013] The above-mentioned "multiple reflection control parts" become a structure in which multiple second light source images are formed by the emitted light, and the lower edge is located on the second horizontal plane. Here, "the lower edge is located on the second horizontal plane" means that the lower edge extends along the second horizontal plane, or a part of the lower edge is in contact with the second horizontal plane.

[0014] The above-mentioned “second horizontal plane” is a horizontal plane that is the same as or parallel to the first horizontal plane, and in the case of a parallel horizontal plane, its specific position is not particularly limited.

[0015] Effects of the Invention The vehicle lamp involved in the invention of the present application is constructed to form a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal light-dark cut-off line at the upper end by irradiating the emitted light from the light-emitting element toward the front of the lamp through a projection lens, but a light-transmitting component is arranged between the light-emitting element and the projection lens. The light-transmitting component can form a projection light source image on the rear focal plane of the projection lens by controlling the transmission of the emitted light from the light-emitting element.

[0016] At this time, the light-emitting element has a rectangular light-emitting surface when the lamp is observed from the front view, and is configured so that the upper edge of the light-emitting surface extends along the horizontal plane, and the light-transmitting component comprises: a direct light control portion, which allows the emitted light from the light-emitting element to be directly emitted toward the front of the lamp after it is incident; and a total reflection light control portion, which allows the emitted light from the light-emitting element to be totally reflected after it is incident and then emitted toward the front of the lamp, and the total reflection light control portion is composed of a plurality of reflection control portions divided circumferentially around the direct light control portion, so that the following effects can be obtained.

[0017] That is, the first light source image whose lower edge extends along the first horizontal plane can be formed as a part of the projection light source image by the emitted light from the direct light control unit, and the plurality of second light source images whose lower edges are located on a second horizontal plane that is the same as or parallel to the first horizontal plane can be formed as a part of the projection light source image by the emitted light from the plurality of reflection control units. At this time, the plurality of reflection control units are divided circumferentially around the direct light control unit, so the plurality of second light source images can be formed as light source images whose lower edges extend approximately along the second horizontal plane.

[0018] Then, the projection light source image is flipped and projected in front of the lamp through the projection lens, and the lamp light distribution pattern formed thereby can be set as a light distribution pattern having a horizontal light-dark cut-off line at the upper end, as a composite light distribution pattern of a first light distribution pattern formed as a flipped projection image of the first light source image and a plurality of second light distribution patterns formed as flipped projection images of a plurality of second light source images.

[0019] At this time, the first light distribution pattern is formed by the emitted light from the direct light control unit, so the first light distribution pattern can be easily formed into a bright light distribution pattern. In addition, the plurality of second light distribution patterns are formed by the emitted light from the plurality of reflection control units divided circumferentially around the direct light control unit, so the light distribution patterns whose upper edges are aligned can be easily formed within a range that does not extend upward from the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern.

[0020] Furthermore, the above-described light distribution pattern can be realized without using a shade or the like as in the related art, so that the light emitted from the light emitting element can be effectively utilized, thereby improving the lamp efficiency.

[0021] As described above, according to the present invention, in a vehicle lamp including a projection lens, it is possible to form a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at an upper end portion while achieving improved lamp efficiency.

[0022] In the above-mentioned configuration, further, as a configuration of the light-emitting element, on the basis of being configured such that the upper edge of the light-emitting surface extends along a horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens, if the first horizontal plane is set as a horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens, the clarity of the horizontal cut-off line can be maximized.

[0023] At this time, if the light-transmitting component is configured such that, after being emitted from a point on the left end edge of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element, light emitted from a plurality of reflection control parts located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis is focused at the rear focal point of the above-mentioned projection lens, and if the light emitted from a point on the right end edge of the light-emitting surface is configured such that, after being emitted from a point on the light-emitting surface, light emitted from a plurality of reflection control parts located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis is focused at the rear focal point of the above-mentioned projection lens, the following effects can be obtained.

[0024] That is, the second light source image formed by the emitted light from the reflection control part located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis of the projection lens is formed so that the left end edge of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is located below the right end edge, and further, the second light source image formed by the emitted light from the reflection control part located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis of the projection lens is formed so that the right end edge of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is located below the left end edge.

[0025] Therefore, after being emitted from a point on the left end edge of the light emitting surface, the light emitted from the reflection control parts located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis among the multiple reflection control parts is focused at the rear focus of the projection lens, and after being emitted from a point on the right end edge of the light emitting surface, the light emitted from the reflection control parts located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis among the multiple reflection control parts is focused at the rear focus of the projection lens, thereby making it easier to form the multiple second light distribution patterns as light distribution patterns whose upper edges are aligned at positions close to their upper edges without exceeding the upper side of the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern.

[0026] In the case of adopting such a configuration, further, as a configuration of the light-transmitting member, on the basis of the configuration that the reflection control portion located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis of the projection lens and the reflection control portion located at the upper left and lower right are respectively divided into two parts along the circumferential direction, as the reflection control portion located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis, a first area located near the horizontal plane including the optical axis is configured so that light emitted from the upper corner point of the left end edge of the light-emitting surface is focused at the rear focus of the projection lens, and a second area located near the vertical plane including the optical axis is configured so that The structure is configured so that the light emitted from the upper corner point of the left end edge of the light-emitting surface is focused on the rear focus of the above-mentioned projection lens. In addition, as a reflection control unit located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis, if the third area located near the horizontal plane including the optical axis is configured so that the light emitted from the upper corner point of the right end edge of the light-emitting surface is focused on the rear focus of the projection lens, and the fourth area located near the vertical plane including the optical axis is configured so that the light emitted from the lower corner point of the right end edge of the light-emitting surface is focused on the rear focus of the projection lens, the following effect can be obtained.

[0027] That is, the upper edge of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element formed by the second light source image formed by the emitted light from the first and third regions is located below the lower edge, and conversely, the lower edge of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element formed by the second light source image formed by the emitted light from the second and fourth regions is located below the upper edge.

[0028] Therefore, if the first area is composed of a light emitted from the upper corner point of the left end edge of the light emitting surface and focused on the rear focus of the projection lens, the second area is composed of a light emitted from the lower corner point of the left end edge of the light emitting surface and focused on the rear focus of the projection lens, the third area is composed of a light emitted from the upper corner point of the right end edge of the light emitting surface and focused on the rear focus of the projection lens, and the fourth area is composed of a light emitted from the lower corner point of the right end edge of the light emitting surface and focused on the rear focus of the projection lens, then it is easier to form multiple second light distribution patterns as light distribution patterns with their upper edges aligned near their upper edges without exceeding the upper side of the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern.

[0029] In the above configuration, if each of the plurality of reflection control sections has a total reflection surface that totally reflects light emitted from the light emitting element incident on the total reflection light control section having different surface shapes, the following effects can be obtained.

[0030] That is, by configuring each of the plurality of reflection control units to have a surface shape whose total reflection surfaces are different from each other, it is possible to perform transmission control for forming the plurality of second light distribution patterns as light distribution patterns whose upper edges are aligned at positions close to their upper edges without exceeding the upper side of the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern.

[0031] Instead of adopting such a configuration, a configuration having different surface shapes for the incident surface, a configuration having different surface shapes for both the incident surface and the total reflection surface, etc. may be adopted as each configuration of the plurality of reflection control units.

[0032] In the above-mentioned configuration, further, as a configuration of a light-transmitting component, if it is configured so that light emitted from the midpoint of the upper end edge of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element in the left-right direction and incident on the direct light control unit is focused at the rear focus of the projection lens, the first light distribution pattern can be formed into a bright light distribution pattern that is symmetrical on the left and right.

[0033] In the above configuration, if the light emitting surface of the light emitting element has a horizontally long outer shape, the lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end can be easily formed into a horizontally long light distribution pattern.

[0034] Alternatively, when a plurality of left and right diffusion elements are formed on the emission surface of the light-transmitting member, it is also possible to easily form a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end into a horizontally long light distribution pattern.

[0035] It should be noted that, if a plurality of left and right diffusion elements are formed on the emission surface of the light-transmitting component on the basis of a configuration in which the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element has a horizontally long outer shape, it is possible to more easily form a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal light-dark cut-off line at the upper end into a horizontally long light distribution pattern. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 It is a front view showing a vehicle lamp according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line II-II.

[0038] Figure 3The perspective view shows the light-transmitting member of the vehicle lamp as viewed from the upper front obliquely.

[0039] Figure 4 The perspective view shows the light-transmitting member as viewed from the upper rear oblique direction.

[0040] Figure 5 The figure shows the light-transmitting member as viewed from the rear of the lamp.

[0041] Figure 6 The figure shows a projection light source image formed by the light emitted from the above-mentioned light-transmitting member in a state viewed from the rear of the lamp.

[0042] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a lamp light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the above-mentioned vehicle lamp.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the direct light control portion of the light-transmitting member, the first light source image formed by the light emitted therefrom, and the first light distribution pattern, as viewed from behind the lamp.

[0044] Fig. 9 This figure shows the first region and the second region located to the upper right of the optical axis in the light-transmitting member, together with the second light source image and the second light distribution pattern formed by the emitted light thereof, as viewed from behind the lamp.

[0045] Fig.10 This figure shows the third region and the fourth region located to the lower right of the optical axis in the light-transmitting member, together with the second light source image and the second light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted therefrom, as viewed from behind the lamp.

[0046] Fig.11 It is a rear view for explaining the optical function of the light-transmitting member.

[0047] Fig.12 A first modified example of the above embodiment is shown. Figure 3 Same picture.

[0048] Fig.13 The first modification is shown in FIG. Figure 6 , Figure 7 Same picture.

[0049] Fig.14 A second modified example of the above embodiment is shown. Figure 6 , Figure 7 Same picture.

[0050] Fig.15 A third modified example of the above embodiment is shown. Figure 6 , Figure 7Same picture.

[0051] Description of reference numerals: 10: Vehicle lamps; 20: light emitting element; 20a: luminous surface; 20a1: upper edge; 22: Substrate; 30: projection lens; 30a: anterior surface; 30b: outer peripheral flange portion; 32: lens holder; 40, 140: light-transmitting member; 40a: outer peripheral flange portion; 42: direct light control unit; 42a, 142a: front surface; 42b: posterior surface; 44, 144: total reflection light control unit; 44a, 144a: emission surface; 44b: injection surface; 44c: Total reflection surface; 44L1, 44R1: reflection control unit (first region); 44L2, 44R2: reflection control unit (second region); 44L3, 44R3: reflection control unit (third area); 44L4, 44L4: reflection control unit (fourth region); 50: base member; 60: Radiator; 62: Main body; 64: heat sink; 140s: left and right diffusion elements; 370: shading element; 370a: upper edge; A: light reflection position; a, d: lower corner points; ab: right end edge; Ax: optical axis; b, c: upper corner points; bc: upper edge; cd: left end margin; CL, CL1, CL2: horizontal cut-off lines; da: lower edge; F: rear focus; IA, IB, IC, ID: projection light source image; IC: first light source image; Iо, I-L1, I-L2, I-L3, I-L4, I-R1, I-R2, I-R3, I-R4: image of the second light source; IAa, IBa, ICa, IDa, I-Ca, I-L1a, I-L2a, I-L3a, I-L4a, I-R1a, I-R2a, I-R3a, I-R4a: lower terminal edge; PA, PB, PC, PD: lighting pattern of lamps; PC: first light distribution pattern; P-Ca, P-L1a, P-L2a, P-L3a, P-L4a, P-R1a, P-R2a, P-R3a, P-R4a: upper edge; P-L1, P-L2, P-L3, P-L4, P-R1, P-R2, P-R3, P-R4: second light distribution pattern; Z1: first zone; Z2: second zone; Z3: The third zone; Z4: The fourth zone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 1 is a front view showing a vehicle lamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line II-II.

[0054] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 In the figure, the direction indicated by X is the "front of the lamp", the direction indicated by Y is the "left direction" orthogonal to the "front of the lamp" (the "right direction" when the lamp is viewed from the main body), and the direction indicated by Z is the "upward direction". Figure 1 , Figure 2 The same is true for other figures.

[0055] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle lamp 10 is a projector type lamp, and is configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end by irradiating light emitted from the light emitting element 20 toward the front of the lamp via the projection lens 30 (this will be described later).

[0056] In the vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment, a light-transmitting member 40 is disposed between the light-emitting element 20 and the projection lens 30. Then, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 is controlled by the light-transmitting member 40 to form a projection light source image on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 30 (i.e., the focal plane including the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30) (this will be described later).

[0057] The projection lens 30 is a plano-convex aspheric lens whose front surface 30a is composed of a convex curved surface, and has an optical axis Ax extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp. Then, the above-mentioned projection image is reversely projected by the projection lens 30, thereby forming the above-mentioned lamp light distribution pattern. The projection lens 30 is composed of a colorless and transparent resin member, and is supported by a lens holder 32 in the peripheral flange portion 30b. The lens holder 32 is supported by a base member 50.

[0058] The light emitting element 20 is a white light emitting diode having a rectangular light emitting surface 20 a , and is mounted on the substrate 22 in a state where the light emitting surface 20 a faces the front direction of the lamp.

[0059] At this time, the upper edge 20a1 of the light emitting surface 20a of the light emitting element 20 is configured to extend along the horizontal plane. Specifically, the light emitting surface 20a of the light emitting element 20 has an outer shape of a horizontally long rectangle (for example, a horizontally long rectangle with an aspect ratio of about 1:4), and is configured such that the midpoint of the upper edge 20a1 in the left-right direction is located on the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30.

[0060] The substrate 22 is supported by a metal heat sink 60. The heat sink 60 includes a main body 62 extending along a vertical plane perpendicular to the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30, and a plurality of heat sinks 64 extending from the main body 62 toward the rear of the lamp along the vertical plane to support the substrate 22 on the front surface of the main body 62. The heat sink 60 is supported by the base member 50 at the peripheral edge of the main body 62.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the light-transmitting component 40 includes: a direct light control unit 42, which allows the emitted light from the light-emitting element 20 to be directly emitted toward the front of the lamp after it is incident; and a total reflection light control unit 44, which allows the emitted light from the light-emitting element 20 to be totally reflected after it is incident and then emitted toward the front of the lamp.

[0062] The light-transmitting member 40 has a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane including the optical axis Ax. The light-transmitting member 40 is made of a colorless and transparent resin member, and an outer peripheral flange portion 40a that surrounds the total reflection light control portion 44 in an annular shape is formed at the front end portion of the light-transmitting member. Then, the light-transmitting member 40 is supported by a base member 50 in the outer peripheral flange portion 40a.

[0063] Next, the specific structure of the light-transmitting member 40 will be described.

[0064] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the light-transmitting member 40 as viewed from the upper front obliquely. Figure 4 is a three-dimensional view showing the light-transmitting member as viewed from the upper rear oblique side. Figure 5 The figure shows the light-transmitting member as viewed from the rear of the lamp.

[0065] like Figure 3 to Figure 5 As shown, the direct light control section 42 is a region including the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30, and has a circular outer shape centered on the optical axis Ax when viewed from behind the lamp (and from the front of the lamp). The rear surface 42b of the direct light control section 42 is composed of a convex surface centered on the optical axis Ax, and the front surface 42a of the direct light control section 42 is composed of a concave surface centered on the optical axis Ax. At this time, the rear surface 42b is composed of a convex surface with a large curvature, and the front surface 42a is composed of a concave surface with a small curvature, so that the direct light control section 42 functions as a convex lens.

[0066] Specifically, the direct light control unit 42 is configured so that the emitted light from a point located at the center in the left-right direction of the upper edge 20a1 in the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 (i.e., a point located on the optical axis Ax) is refracted from the rear surface 42b of the direct light control unit 42 in a direction approaching the optical axis Ax, and then focused from the front surface 42a of the direct light control unit 42 to the rear focus F of the projection lens 30.

[0067] The total reflection light control unit 44 includes: an incident surface 44b, which deflects the emitted light from the light emitting element 20 toward a direction away from the optical axis Ax; a total reflection surface 44c, which causes the incident light from the incident surface 44b to be totally reflected toward the front of the lamp; and an emission surface 44a, which causes the reflected light from the total reflection surface 44c to be emitted toward the front of the lamp.

[0068] The total reflection light control section 44 is composed of eight reflection control sections 44L1, 44L2, 44L3, 44L4, 44R1, 44R2, 44R3, and 44R4 divided in the circumferential direction around the direct light control section 42. The eight reflection control sections 44L1 to 44R4 are divided at equal angles with the optical axis Ax as the center, and have a fan-shaped appearance when viewed from behind the lamp (and from the front of the lamp).

[0069] The reflection control unit 44R1 and the reflection control unit 44R2 are regions located to the upper right of the optical axis Ax. The reflection control unit 44R1 is set as a first region Z1 located near a horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, and the reflection control unit 44R2 is set as a second region Z2 located near a vertical plane including the optical axis Ax.

[0070] The reflection control unit 44R3 and the reflection control unit 44R4 are located in the lower right area of ​​the optical axis Ax. The reflection control unit 44R3 is set to be located in the third area Z3 near the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, and the reflection control unit 44R4 is set to be located in the fourth area Z4 near the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax.

[0071] The reflection control unit 44L1 and the reflection control unit 44L2 are located in the lower left area of ​​the optical axis Ax. The reflection control unit 44L1 is set as a first area Z1 located near the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, and the reflection control unit 44L2 is set as a second area Z2 located near the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax.

[0072] The reflection control unit 44L3 and the reflection control unit 44L4 are areas located to the upper left of the optical axis Ax. The reflection control unit 44L3 is set as the third area Z3 located near the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, and the reflection control unit 44L4 is set as the fourth area Z4 located near the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax.

[0073] The two reflection control sections 44R1 and 44L1 set in the first area Z1 are configured to focus light emitted from the upper corner point c of the left edge cd of the light emitting surface 20 a of the light emitting element 20 at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30 .

[0074] The two reflection control portions 44R2 and 44L2 set in the second area Z2 are configured to focus light emitted from the lower corner d of the left edge cd of the light emitting surface 20 a of the light emitting element 20 at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30 .

[0075] The two reflection control parts 44R3 and 44L3 set as the third area Z3 are configured to focus light emitted from the upper corner point b of the right edge ab in the light emitting surface 20 a of the light emitting element 20 at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30 .

[0076] The two reflection control portions 44R4 and 44L4 set as the fourth area Z4 are configured to focus light emitted from the lower corner point a of the right edge ab in the light emitting surface 20 a of the light emitting element 20 at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30 .

[0077] In order to realize the above, the eight reflection control parts 44L1 to 44R4 are configured such that the total reflection surfaces 44 c thereof have surface shapes different from each other.

[0078] Figure 6 The figure shows a projection light source image IA formed on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 30 by the light emitted from the light-transmitting member 40 as viewed from the rear of the lamp.

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the projection light source image IA is formed such that the lower edge IAa thereof extends along a horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30 .

[0080] Specifically, the projection light source image IA is formed as follows: a first light source image IC formed by the emitted light from the direct light control unit 42 of the light-transmitting member 40 and eight second light source images I-L1, I-L2, I-L3, I-L4, I-R1, I-R2, I-R3, and I-R4 formed by the emitted light from the total reflection light control unit 44 of the light-transmitting member 40 are overlapped. It should be noted that the small area with a thin shadow line applied inside each of the first light source image IC and the eight second light source images I-L1 to I-R4 is a high-luminosity area.

[0081] Figure 7 The diagram shows a lamp light distribution pattern PA formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle by light irradiated from the vehicle lamp 10 toward the front of the lamp.

[0082] like Figure 7 As shown, the lamp light distribution pattern PA has a horizontal cut-off line CL at the upper end. The horizontal cut-off line CL is formed to extend along the HH line that passes through the vanishing point HV in the front direction of the lamp in the horizontal direction.

[0083] Specifically, the lamp light distribution pattern PA is formed as a composite light distribution pattern of the first light distribution pattern PC and eight second light distribution patterns P-L1, P-L2, P-L3, P-L4, P-R1, P-R2, P-R3, and P-R4. It should be noted that the small area with fine hatching inside the first light distribution pattern PC and the eight second light distribution patterns P-L1 to P-R4 is a high-brightness area.

[0084] The first light distribution pattern PC is a light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the direct light control portion 42 of the light transmitting member 40 , and the remaining eight second light distribution patterns P-L1 to P-R4 are light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from the total reflection light control portion 44 of the light transmitting member 40 .

[0085] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the direct light control portion 42 of the light transmitting member 40 together with the first light source image IC and the first light distribution pattern PC formed by the light emitted therefrom, as viewed from behind the lamp.

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the direct light control unit 42 is configured such that the upper edge 20a1 of the light emitting surface 20a of the light emitting element 20 extends along a horizontal plane passing through the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30. Figure 8 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the first light source image IC is formed such that a lower edge I-Ca thereof extends along a horizontal plane passing through the optical axis Ax.

[0087] At this time, the light emitting surface 20a of the light emitting element 20 has a horizontally long rectangular shape, and the left-right center of its upper edge 20a1 is located on the optical axis Ax, so the first light source image IC is formed as a light source image that is left-right symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane passing through the optical axis Ax.

[0088] Then, if Figure 8 As shown in (c) , the first light distribution pattern PC formed as the reverse projection image of the first light source image IC is formed as a substantially horizontally long rectangular light distribution pattern centered on the line VV passing through HV in the vertical direction, and is formed such that the upper edge P-Ca extends along the line HH.

[0089] Fig. 9 This figure shows the reflection control part 44R1 and the reflection control part 44R2 located on the upper right of the optical axis Ax in the total reflection light control part 44 of the light-transmitting component 40, the second light source image I-R1 and the second light source image I-R2 formed by the light emitted thereby, and the second light distribution pattern P-R1 and the second light distribution pattern P-R2 as viewed from the rear of the lamp.

[0090] like Fig. 9 As shown in (a1) in FIG. 1 , the reflection control unit 44R1 set to be located in the first area Z1 near the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax is configured to focus the light emitted from the upper corner point c of the left edge cd of the light emitting surface 20a of the light emitting element 20 at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30, so that Fig. 9 As shown in (b1) in FIG. 1 , the second light source image I-R1 is formed such that its lower edge I-R1a extends substantially along a horizontal plane passing through the optical axis Ax from a position near the left side of the optical axis Ax to a light source image on the right side of the optical axis Ax.

[0091] At this time, since the reflection control section 44R1 is located near the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, the second light source image I-R1 is formed to extend obliquely upward to the left from the lower edge I-R1a thereof.

[0092] Then, if Fig. 9 As shown in (c1) in FIG. 1 , the second light distribution pattern P-R1 formed as the reverse projection image of the second light source image I-R1 is formed so that its upper edge P-R1a extends substantially along the HH line and extends obliquely rightward and downward from its upper edge P-R1a.

[0093] like Fig. 9 As shown in (a2) in FIG. 1 , the reflection control unit 44R2 set to be located in the second area Z2 near the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax is configured to focus the light emitted from the lower corner point d of the left edge cd in the light emitting surface 20a of the light emitting element 20 at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30, so that Fig. 9 As shown in (b2) in FIG. 1 , the second light source image I-R2 is formed as a horizontally long light source image whose lower edge I-R2a extends approximately along a horizontal plane passing through the optical axis Ax from a position near the right side of the optical axis Ax to a position on the left side of the optical axis Ax.

[0094] Then, if Fig. 9 As shown in (c2), the second light distribution pattern P-R2 formed as the reverse projection image of the second light source image I-R2 is formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern whose upper edge P-R2a extends long to the right from a position near the left side of the VV line roughly along the HH line.

[0095] Fig.10 This figure shows the reflection control part 44R3 and the reflection control part 44R4 located at the lower right of the optical axis Ax in the total reflection light control part 44 of the light-transmitting component 40, the second light source image I-R3 and the second light source image I-R4 formed by the light emitted therefrom, and the second light distribution pattern P-R3 and the second light distribution pattern P-R4 as viewed from the rear of the lamp.

[0096] like Fig.10 As shown in (a3) ​​in FIG. 1 , the reflection control unit 44R3 set to be located in the first area Z1 near the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax is configured to focus the light emitted from the upper corner point b of the right edge ab in the light emitting surface 20a of the light emitting element 20 at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30, so that Fig.10 As shown in (b3) in FIG. 1 , the second light source image I-R3 is formed such that its lower edge I-R3a extends substantially along a horizontal plane passing through the optical axis Ax from a position near the right side of the optical axis Ax to a light source image extending to the left side of the optical axis Ax.

[0097] At this time, the reflection control section 44R3 is located near the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, so the second light source image I-R3 is formed to extend obliquely upward to the right from the lower edge I-R3a thereof.

[0098] Then, if Fig.10 As shown in (c3) in FIG. 1 , the second light distribution pattern P-R3 formed as the reverse projection image of the second light source image I-R3 is formed so that its upper edge P-R1a extends substantially along the HH line and is formed so as to extend obliquely downward to the left from its upper edge P-R3a.

[0099] It should be noted that the second light source image I-R3 and the second light distribution pattern P-R3 are formed in such a shape that the second light source image I-R1 and the second light distribution pattern P-R1 are flipped left and right, and are formed as a light source image and a light distribution pattern that are greatly expanded in the vertical direction than the second light source image I-R1 and the second light distribution pattern P-R1. This is because the reflection control unit 44R1 is configured to focus the emitted light from the upper corner point c of the left end edge cd in the light emitting surface 20a at the rear focus F, and on the contrary, the reflection control unit 44R3 is configured to focus the emitted light from the upper corner point b (i.e., a relatively close position) of the right end edge ab in the light emitting surface 20a at the rear focus F.

[0100] like Fig.10 As shown in (a4) in FIG. 1 , the reflection control unit 44R4 set to be located in the second area Z2 near the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax is configured to focus the light emitted from the lower corner point a of the right edge ab in the light emitting surface 20a of the light emitting element 20 at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30, so that Fig.10 As shown in (b4) in FIG. 1 , the second light source image I-R4 is formed such that its lower edge I-R4a extends substantially along a horizontal plane passing through the optical axis Ax from a position near the left side of the optical axis Ax to a slightly laterally long light source image to the right side of the optical axis Ax.

[0101] Then, if Fig.10 As shown in (c4), the second light distribution pattern PR4 formed as the reverse projection image of the second light source image I-R4 is formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern whose upper edge PR4a extends long leftward from a position near the right side of the VV line substantially along the HH line.

[0102] It should be noted that the second light source image I-R4 and the second light distribution pattern P-R4 are formed in a shape that the second light source image I-R2 and the second light distribution pattern P-R2 are flipped left and right, and are formed as a light source image and a light distribution pattern that are greatly expanded in the vertical direction than the second light source image I-R2 and the second light distribution pattern P-R2. This is because the reflection control unit 44R2 is configured to focus the emitted light from the lower corner point d of the left end edge cd in the light-emitting surface 20a at the rear focus F, while the reflection control unit 44R4 is configured to focus the emitted light from the lower corner point a (i.e., a relatively close position) of the right end edge ab in the light-emitting surface 20a at the rear focus F.

[0103] As described above, the light-transmitting member 40 has a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane including the optical axis Ax. Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown, the second light source image I-L1, the second light source image I-L2, the second light source image I-L3, the second light source image I-L4, and the second light distribution patterns P-L1, the second light distribution patterns P-L2, the second light distribution patterns P-L3, and the second light distribution patterns P-L4 formed by the emission lights from the four reflection control parts 44L1, 44L2, 44L3, and 44L4 respectively constituting the left half of the total reflection light control part 44 have a shape that is symmetrical on the left and right with the second light source image I-R3, the second light source image I-R4, the second light source image I-R1, the second light source image I-R2, and the second light distribution patterns P-R3, the second light distribution pattern P-R4, the second light distribution pattern P-R1, and the second light distribution pattern P-R2 formed by the emission lights from the four reflection control parts 44R3, 44R4, 44R1, and 44R2 respectively constituting the right half.

[0104] Fig.11 It is a rear view for explaining the optical function of the light-transmitting member 44 .

[0105] Right now, Fig.11 This figure schematically shows the light-transmitting member 40 from the rear side of the lamp in order to explain the relationship between the light reflection position A on the total reflection surface 44c of the total reflection light control unit 44 and the second light source image Io formed on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 30 by the total reflection light from the light reflection position A. Fig.11 , the total reflection surface 44c of the total reflection light control unit 44 is shown to be composed of a single annular convex surface centered on the optical axis Ax, and the second light source image Io is shown in the light reflection position A.

[0106] like Fig.11 As shown, as the light reflection position A changes along the circumferential direction, the shape of the second light source image Io also changes.

[0107] That is, the second light source image Iо formed by the total reflected light from the light reflection position A located on the right side relative to the light emitting element 20 becomes a light source image having an outer shape of a horizontally long rectangle, but as the light reflection position A rotates counterclockwise around the optical axis Ax, the second light source image Iо also rotates counterclockwise.

[0108] At this time, when the light reflection position A rotates 90°, the second light source image 10 rotates 180°, and when the light reflection position A rotates 180°, the second light source image 10 rotates 360°.

[0109] Therefore, the second light source image 1о becomes a light source image having a horizontally long rectangular shape at each position on the right side, directly above, directly left side, and directly below relative to the light emitting element 20. At this time, the shape of the second light source image 1о becomes further horizontally long at each position directly above and directly below relative to each position on the right side and directly left side. In addition, at the angle position between these, the second light source image 1о has a parallelogram shape extending in the inclined direction.

[0110] It should be noted that in Fig.11 In the figure, the letters a, b, c, and d marked on the four corners of the second light source image Iо are used to indicate the respective correspondence between the lower corner point a of the right edge ab, the upper corner point b, the upper corner point c of the left edge cd, and the lower corner point d of the light emitting surface 20a of the light emitting element 20.

[0111] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0112] The vehicle lamp 10 involved in the present embodiment is configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern PA having a horizontal cut-off line CL at the upper end by irradiating the emitted light from the light emitting element 20 toward the front of the lamp via the projection lens 30, but a light-transmitting component 40 is arranged between the light emitting element 20 and the projection lens 30 to control the transmission of the emitted light from the light emitting element 20, thereby forming a projection light source image IA that becomes the source of the lamp light distribution pattern PA on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 30.

[0113] At this time, the light-emitting element 20 has a rectangular light-emitting surface 20a when observed from the main view of the lamp, and is configured so that the upper edge 20a1 of the light-emitting surface 20a extends along the horizontal plane. In addition, the light-transmitting component 40 includes: a direct light control portion 42, which allows the emitted light from the light-emitting element 20 to be directly emitted toward the front of the lamp after it is incident; and a total reflection light control portion 44, which allows the emitted light from the light-emitting element 20 to be totally reflected after it is incident and then emitted toward the front of the lamp. The total reflection light control portion 44 is composed of eight reflection control portions 44L1 to reflection control portions 44R4 divided circumferentially around the direct light control portion 42, so that the following effects can be obtained.

[0114] That is, through the emitted light from the direct light control section 42, the first light source image IC whose lower edge I-Ca extends along the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax as the "first horizontal plane" can be formed as a part of the projection light source image IA, and through the emitted light from the eight reflection control sections 44L1 to 44R4, the eight second light source images I-L1 to I-R4 whose lower edges I-L1a to I-R4a are located on the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax as the "second horizontal plane" can be formed as a part of the projection light source image IA. At this time, the eight reflection control sections 44L1 to 44R4 are divided circumferentially around the direct light control section 42, so the eight second light source images I-L1 to I-R4 can be formed as light source images whose lower edges I-L1a to I-R4a extend roughly along the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax.

[0115] Then, the lamp light distribution pattern PA formed by flipping and projecting the projection light source image IA in front of the lamp through the projection lens 30 can be set as a light distribution pattern having a horizontal light-dark cut-off line CL at the upper end, as a composite light distribution pattern of the first light distribution pattern IC formed as a flipped projection image of the first light source image IC, and eight second light distribution patterns P-L1 to second light distribution patterns P-R4 formed as flipped projection images of eight second light source images I-L1 to second light source images I-R4.

[0116] At this time, the first light distribution pattern IC is formed by the emitted light from the direct light control portion 42, so it can be easily formed into a bright light distribution pattern. In addition, the eight second light distribution patterns P-L1 to second light distribution patterns P-R4 are formed by the emitted light from the eight reflection control portions 44L1 to 44R4 divided in the circumferential direction around the direct light control portion 42, so within the range that does not extend upward from the upper edge I-Ca of the first light distribution pattern IC, it is possible to form a light distribution pattern in which the upper edge P-L1a to the upper edge P-R4a are aligned.

[0117] Furthermore, since the above-mentioned light distribution pattern can be realized without using a shade or the like as in the related art, the light emitted from the light emitting element 20 can be effectively utilized, thereby improving the lamp efficiency.

[0118] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the vehicle lamp 10 including the projection lens 30 , it is possible to form a lamp light distribution pattern PA having a horizontal cut-off line CL at the upper end while achieving improved lamp efficiency.

[0119] At this time, in this embodiment, the light emitting element 20 is configured such that the upper edge 20a1 of its light emitting surface 20a extends along a horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30, and the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30 is set as a "first horizontal plane", so that the clarity of the horizontal cut-off line CL can be maximized.

[0120] In addition, the light-transmitting component 40 of the present embodiment is constructed as follows: after being emitted from a point on the left end edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20, the light emitted from the reflection control parts 44L1, 44L2, 44R1, and 44R2 located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis Ax is focused at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30, and after being emitted from a point on the right end edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20, the light emitted from the reflection control parts 44L3, 44L4, 44R3, and 44R4 located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis Ax is focused at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30, so that the following effects can be obtained.

[0121] That is, Fig.11 As shown, the second light source image Iо formed by the emitted light from the points on the total reflection surface 44c of the reflection control parts 44L1, 44L2, 44R1 and 44R2 located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30 is formed so that the left end edge cd of the light emitting surface 20a of the light emitting element 20 is located below the right end edge ab. In addition, the second light source image Iо formed by the emitted light from the points on the total reflection surface 44c of the reflection control parts 44L3, 44L4, 44R3 and 44R4 located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30 is formed so that the right end edge ab of the light emitting surface 20a of the light emitting element 20 is located below the left end edge cd.

[0122] Therefore, after being emitted from a point on the left edge cd of the light emitting surface 20a of the light emitting element 20, the light emitted from the reflection control units 44L1, 44L2, 44R1, and 44R2 located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis Ax is focused at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30, and after being emitted from a point on the right edge ab of the light emitting surface 20a of the light emitting element 20, the light emitted from the reflection control units 44L1, 44L2, 44R1, and 44R2 located at the upper left and lower left of the optical axis Ax is focused at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30. The light emitted from the control unit 44L3, the reflection control unit 44L4, the reflection control unit 44R3, and the reflection control unit 44R4 is focused at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30, thereby making it easier to form a light distribution pattern with the upper edges P-L1a to P-R4a aligned at a position close to the upper edge P-Ca, while preventing the eight second light distribution patterns P-L1 to P-R4 from extending above the upper edge P-Ca of the first light distribution pattern PC.

[0123] Furthermore, in the light-transmitting member 40 of the present embodiment, the structure is as follows: the reflection control parts 44L1, 44L2, 44R1, and 44R2 located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30, and the reflection control parts 44L3, 44L4, 44R3, and 44R4 located at the upper left and lower right are respectively divided into two parts in the circumferential direction. On this basis, the reflection control parts 44L1, 44L2, 44R1, and 44R2 located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis Ax make the light emitted from the upper corner point c of the left end edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a converge at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30 in the first area 44L1 and the first area 44R1 located near the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, and focus the light at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30 at the upper corner point c of the left end edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a. In the second area 44L2 and the second area 44R2 near the vertical plane within the projection lens 20, the light emitted from the lower corner point d of the left end edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a is focused on the rear focus F of the projection lens 30. In addition, the reflection control parts 44L3, the reflection control parts 44L4, the reflection control parts 44R3 and the reflection control parts 44R4 located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis Ax make the light emitted from the upper corner point b of the right end edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a be focused on the rear focus F of the projection lens 30 in the third area 44L3 and the third area 44R3 located near the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, and the light emitted from the lower corner point a of the right end edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a is focused on the rear focus F of the projection lens 30 in the fourth area 44L4 and the fourth area 44R4 located near the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0124] That is, Fig.11As shown, the second light source image Iо formed by the emitted light from the points on the total reflection surface 44c of the first and third regions 44L1, 44R1, 44L3, and 44R3 is formed so that the upper edge bc (=20a1) of the light emitting surface 20a of the light emitting element 20 is located on the lower side than the lower edge da, and in contrast, the second light source image Iо formed by the emitted light from the points on the total reflection surface 44c of the second and fourth regions 44L2, 44R2, 44L4, and 44R4 is formed so that the lower edge ad of the light emitting surface 20a of the light emitting element 20 is located on the lower side than the upper edge bc.

[0125] Therefore, as the configuration of the first region 44L1 and the first region 44R1, the light emitted from the upper corner point c of the left end edge cd of the light emitting surface 20a is focused on the rear focus F of the projection lens 30. As the configuration of the second region 44L2 and the second region 44R2, the light emitted from the lower corner point d of the left end edge cd of the light emitting surface 20a is focused on the rear focus F of the projection lens 30. As the configuration of the third region 44L3 and the third region 44R3, the light emitted from the upper corner point b of the right end edge ab of the light emitting surface 20a is focused on the rear focus F of the projection lens 30. If the structure of the rear focus F of the projection lens 30, as the structure of the fourth area 44L4 and the fourth area 44R4, is set to make the light emitted from the lower corner point a of the right end edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a converge at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30, then the eight second light distribution patterns P-L1 to the second light distribution pattern P-R4 do not extend beyond the upper side of the upper end edge P-Ca of the first light distribution pattern PC, and it is easier to form a light distribution pattern in which the upper edges P-L1a to the upper edges P-R4a are aligned at a position close to the upper edge P-Ca thereof.

[0126] The light-transmitting member 40 of this embodiment has eight reflection control sections 44L1 to 44R4, each of which has a total reflection surface 44c that totally reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 incident on the total reflection light control section 44 having different surface shapes, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0127] That is, by setting each of the eight reflection control portions 44L1 to 44R4 to have a configuration in which the total reflection surfaces 44c thereof have surface shapes different from each other, the eight second light distribution patterns P-L1 to P-R4 can be precisely controlled to form light distribution patterns in which the upper edges P-L1a to P-R4a are aligned at positions close to the upper edge P-Ca thereof without exceeding the upper side of the upper edge P-Ca of the first light distribution pattern PC.

[0128] In addition, the light-transmitting component 40 of the present embodiment is configured to emit light from the midpoint in the left-right direction of the upper end edge 20a1 of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 so that the light incident on the direct light control unit 42 is focused at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30, thereby being able to form the first light distribution pattern PC into a bright light distribution pattern that is symmetrical on the left and right, thereby being able to form the lamp light distribution pattern PA into a light distribution pattern having a high-brightness area in the center in the left-right direction near the horizontal cut-off line CL.

[0129] The vehicle lamp 10 according to the present embodiment has a horizontally long outer shape of the light emitting surface 20 a of the light emitting element 20 , and thus can easily form a lamp light distribution pattern PA having a horizontal cut-off line CL at an upper end thereof as a horizontally long light distribution pattern.

[0130] The purpose of the vehicle lamp 10 involved in this embodiment is not particularly limited. The lamp light distribution pattern PA formed by the irradiated light has a horizontal cut-off line CL at the upper end, so it can be used as a light distribution pattern for ensuring a bright central area in, for example, a fog lamp light distribution pattern or a low beam headlight light distribution pattern.

[0131] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the total reflection light control unit 44 is described as being composed of eight reflection control units 44L1 to 44R4 divided in the circumferential direction, but it is also possible to have a structure divided in other ways. For example, it is possible to adopt a structure divided into four parts in the circumferential direction (i.e., divided into reflection control unit 44L1 and reflection control unit 44L2, reflection control unit 44L3 and reflection control unit 44L4, reflection control unit 44R1 and reflection control unit 44R2, reflection control unit 44R3 and reflection control unit 44R4), a structure in which the eight reflection control units 44L1 to 44R4 are further divided into two parts in the circumferential direction, etc.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the case where both the “first horizontal plane” and the “second horizontal plane” are horizontal planes including the optical axis Ax is described, but the “second horizontal plane” may be set as a horizontal plane parallel to the “first horizontal plane”.

[0133] Next, modifications of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0134] First, a first modified example of the above-mentioned embodiment will be described.

[0135] Fig.12 The light-transmitting member 140 of the vehicle lamp according to this modification is Figure 3 Same picture.

[0136] like Fig.12As shown, the basic structure of this modified example is the same as that of the above-mentioned embodiment, but it is different from the above-mentioned embodiment in that a plurality of left and right diffusion elements 140s are formed on the front surface 142a of the direct light control part (not shown) in the light-transmitting component 140 and the emission surface 144a of the total reflection light control part 144.

[0137] The plurality of left and right diffusion elements 140 s are formed in a convex cylindrical curved surface shape extending in the up-down direction along the front surface 142 a of the direct light control portion and the emission surface 144 a of the total reflection light control portion 144 .

[0138] Fig.13 (a) in the figure shows a projection light source image IB formed by the light emitted from the light-transmitting member 140 as viewed from behind the lamp, which is similar to Figure 6 Same diagram. In addition, Fig.13 (b) shows a lamp light distribution pattern PB formed by light irradiated from the vehicle lamp according to this modification toward the front of the lamp, which is similar to Figure 7 Same picture.

[0139] like Fig.13 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the projection light source image IB is formed into a light source image of a shape in which the projection light source image IA of the above embodiment is extended in the left-right direction, and its lower edge IBa is formed to extend along a horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30. Then, as a result, Fig.13 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the lamp light distribution pattern PB is formed in a shape obtained by extending the lamp light distribution pattern PA of the above embodiment in the left-right direction and is formed as a light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line CL at its upper end.

[0140] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, substantially the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0141] On this basis, as in this variation, by forming the lamp light distribution pattern PB into a horizontally long light distribution pattern, it can be used as a light distribution pattern suitable for ensuring brightness in the central area of, for example, a light distribution pattern for a fog lamp or a light distribution pattern for a low beam of a headlight.

[0142] Next, a second modified example of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0143] Fig.14 This modification is represented by Figure 6 , Figure 7 Same picture.

[0144] Fig.14(a) in the figure shows a projection light source image IC formed by light emitted from a light-transmitting member (not shown) of this modification as viewed from behind the lamp, which is similar to Figure 6 Same diagram. In addition, Fig.14 (b) shows the lamp light distribution pattern PC formed as a reverse projection image of the projection light source image IC, which is Figure 7 Same picture.

[0145] In this modification, the orientation of the rear surface 42b of the direct light control section 42 in the light-transmitting member 40 of the above-mentioned embodiment and the orientation of each total reflection surface 44c of the eight reflection control sections 44L1 to 44R4 constituting the total reflection light control section 44 are appropriately adjusted, so that Fig.14 As shown in (a) in FIG. 1 , the projection light source image IC has a lower edge Ica formed to have different heights on the left and right.

[0146] Specifically, the first light source image IC constituting a part of the projection light source image IC is formed such that a lower edge I-Ca thereof extends along a horizontal plane located above the optical axis Ax.

[0147] In addition, four second light source images I-L2, I-R1, I-R2 and I-R3 of the eight second light source images I-L1 to I-R4 constituting a part of the projection light source image IC are formed so that their lower edges I-L2a, I-R1a, I-R2a and I-R3a extend approximately along the same horizontal plane as the lower edge I-Ca of the first light source image IC, and the remaining four second light source images I-L1, I-L3, I-L4 and I-R4 are formed so that their lower edges I-L1a, I-L3a, I-L4a and I-R4a extend approximately along a horizontal plane slightly below the optical axis Ax.

[0148] Then, if Fig.14 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the lamp light distribution pattern PC formed as the inverted projection image of the projection light source image IC is formed as a light distribution pattern having a horizontal cutoff line CL1 and a horizontal cutoff line CL2 having different left and right heights.

[0149] Specifically, the horizontal cut-off line CL1 and the horizontal cut-off line CL2 having different left and right heights are formed as the horizontal cut-off line CL1 extending along the horizontal plane in an area to the right of the VV line and below the HH line, and are formed as the horizontal cut-off line CL2 extending approximately along the horizontal plane in an area to the left of the VV line and slightly above the HH line.

[0150] When the configuration of this modified example is adopted, substantially the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0151] On this basis, as in this modification, the lamp light distribution pattern PC is formed as a light distribution pattern having horizontal cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 of different left and right heights, thereby making it a low beam light distribution pattern suitable for headlights.

[0152] In the lamp light distribution pattern PC formed in this modified example, the horizontal cut-off line CL1 on the left side becomes an upward step relative to the horizontal cut-off line CL1 on the right side, becoming a low beam light distribution pattern suitable for left light distribution. If the projection light source image IC and the lamp light distribution pattern PC are flipped left and right, it can be set to a low beam light distribution pattern suitable for right light distribution.

[0153] It should be noted that, in the present variation, relative to the “first horizontal plane” extending from the lower edge I-Ca of the first light source image IC, the “second horizontal plane” from which the lower edges I-L2a, I-R1a, I-R2a, and I-R3a of the four second light source images I-L2, I-R1, I-R2, and I-R3 are extended is set to the same horizontal plane, but the “second horizontal plane” from which the lower edges I-L1a, I-L3a, I-L4a, and I-R4a of the remaining four second light source images I-L1, I-L3, I-L4, and I-R4 are extended is set to a horizontal plane parallel to the “first horizontal plane”.

[0154] Next, a third modified example of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0155] Fig.15 This modification is represented by Figure 6 , Figure 7 Same picture.

[0156] Fig.15 (a) in the figure shows a projection light source image ID formed by light emitted from a light-transmitting member (not shown) of this modification as viewed from behind the lamp, which is similar to Figure 6 Same diagram. In addition, Fig.15 (b) shows the lamp light distribution pattern PD formed as the reverse projection image of the projection light source image ID, which is Figure 7 Same picture.

[0157] In this variation, the light-transmitting member 40 of the above-mentioned embodiment is subjected to the same shape change as in the above-mentioned second variation, and on this basis, a light-shielding member 370 is additionally arranged on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 30 of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0158] Specifically, Fig.15 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the lower edge Ida of the projection light source image ID is formed by the upper edge 370a of the light shielding member 370. The light shielding member 370 is formed such that the upper edge 370a extends along the horizontal plane at different heights on the left and right via an inclined portion, thereby being configured to shield the vicinity of the lower edge ICa (indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure) of the projection light source image IC of the second modified example. Then, as a result, Fig.15 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , a configuration is made to form a light distribution pattern having a horizontal cutoff line CL1 and a horizontal cutoff line CL2 having different left and right heights as the lamp light distribution pattern PD.

[0159] When the configuration of this modified example is adopted, a light distribution pattern having a horizontal cutoff line CL1 and a horizontal cutoff line CL2 having different left and right heights can be formed as the lamp light distribution pattern PD.

[0160] When the configuration of this variation is adopted, the shading member 370 is still required, but since the horizontal cut-off line CL1 and the horizontal cut-off line CL2 are formed at different left and right heights as the reversed projection image of the upper edge 370a thereof, they can be formed more clearly than in the case of the second variation described above.

[0161] Moreover, the lamp light distribution pattern PC of the above-mentioned second variant has been formed into a light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line CL1 and a horizontal cut-off line CL2 (indicated by double-dotted lines in the figure) with different left and right heights. Therefore, as in the present variant, as a structure with an additional shading member 370, the amount of light shielded by the shading member 370 can be minimized.

[0162] Therefore, according to the present modification, it is possible to form a lamp light distribution pattern PD having clear horizontal cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 while maintaining lamp efficiency.

[0163] In the above-described embodiment or the above-described first modification, a configuration in which a light shielding member similar to the light shielding member 370 of the present modification is additionally provided may be employed.

[0164] It should be noted that, in the above-described embodiment and its modified examples, the numerical values ​​indicated as specifications are merely examples, and it is apparent that they may be appropriately set to different values.

[0165] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the invention having the configuration described in the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified examples, and various other modified configurations can be adopted.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp, which is configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end by irradiating light emitted from a light emitting element toward the front of the lamp through a projection lens, characterized in that: A light-transmitting member is disposed between the light-emitting element and the projection lens, and is configured to form a projection light source image on the rear focal plane of the projection lens by controlling the transmission of light emitted from the light-emitting element. The light emitting element has a rectangular light emitting surface when the lamp is viewed from the front, and is configured such that the upper edge of the light emitting surface extends along a horizontal plane. The light-transmitting member comprises: a direct light control unit, which makes the light emitted from the light-emitting element directly emitted toward the front of the lamp after being incident; and a total reflection light control unit, which makes the light emitted from the light-emitting element totally reflected after being incident and then emitted toward the front of the lamp. The total reflection light control portion is composed of a plurality of reflection control portions divided along the circumferential direction around the direct light control portion. The above-mentioned light-transmitting component is constructed so that, through the emitted light from the above-mentioned direct light control unit, a first light source image whose lower end edge extends along the first horizontal plane is formed as a part of the above-mentioned projection light source image, and through the emitted light from the above-mentioned multiple reflection control units, a plurality of second light source images whose lower end edges are located on a second horizontal plane that is identical to or parallel to the above-mentioned first horizontal plane are formed as a part of the above-mentioned projection light source image.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light emitting element is arranged in such a way that the upper edge of the light emitting surface passes through the optical axis of the projection lens. The first horizontal plane is set as a horizontal plane including the optical axis.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, characterized in that: The light-transmitting component is configured so that after being emitted from a point on the left end edge of the light-emitting surface, light emitted from the reflection control parts among the multiple reflection control parts located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis is focused at the rear focus of the projection lens, and so that after being emitted from a point on the right end edge of the light-emitting surface, light emitted from the reflection control parts among the multiple reflection control parts located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis is focused at the rear focus of the projection lens.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 3, characterized in that: The light-transmitting member is configured such that the reflection control portion located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis and the reflection control portion located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis are respectively divided into two parts in the circumferential direction. In the reflection control section located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis, a first area located near the horizontal plane including the optical axis is configured so that light emitted from the upper corner point of the left end edge of the light emitting surface is focused at the rear focus of the projection lens, and a second area located near the vertical plane including the optical axis is configured so that light emitted from the upper corner point of the left end edge of the light emitting surface is focused at the rear focus of the projection lens. In the reflection control unit located at the upper left and lower right of the above-mentioned optical axis, the third area located near the horizontal plane including the above-mentioned optical axis is configured to focus the light emitted from the upper corner point of the right end edge of the above-mentioned light-emitting surface at the rear focus of the above-mentioned projection lens, and the fourth area located near the vertical plane including the above-mentioned optical axis is configured to focus the light emitted from the lower corner point of the right end edge of the above-mentioned light-emitting surface at the rear focus of the above-mentioned projection lens.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The plurality of reflection control sections are respectively configured such that total reflection surfaces that totally reflect the light emitted from the light emitting element incident on the total reflection light control section have surface shapes different from each other.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The light-transmitting member is configured to focus light emitted from a midpoint in the left-right direction of an upper edge of the light-emitting surface and incident on the direct light control unit at a rear focus of the projection lens.

7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The light emitting surface has a horizontally long shape.

8. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A plurality of left and right diffusion elements are formed on the emission surface of the light-transmitting member.

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