Lamp unit and vehicle lamp

Abstract

The light from the light source (52) reflected by the spatial light modulator (30) is irradiated to the front of the unit via the projection lens (72), and a light shielding member (32) for shielding a part of the reflected light from the reflection control unit (30A) is disposed on the front side of the unit of the spatial light modulator (30). At this time, the light-shielding member (32) has a configuration in which an opening (32a) is formed, the opening (32a) having an opening shape in which an isosceles trapezoid is inverted up and down, and the left-right width of a non-light-shielding region, which does not block the reflected light from the reflection control unit (30A), is narrower at the lower part than at the upper part.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application for invention titled "Lamp Unit and Vehicle Lamp", with a national application number of "202180020373.3", an international application number of "PCT / JP2021 / 009037", an international filing date of March 8, 2021, and a date of entry into the Chinese national phase of September 9, 2022. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a lamp unit including a reflective spatial light modulator.

[0003] In addition, the present invention relates to a vehicle lamp in which two lamp units each including a projection lens are arranged side by side.

[0004] In addition, the present invention relates to a vehicle lamp in which a lamp unit including a spatial light modulator and a projection lens is housed in a lamp chamber. Background Art

[0005] Conventionally, as a lamp unit for vehicle use, a lamp unit is known that irradiates light from a light source reflected by a spatial light modulator forward of the unit via a projection lens.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, as a structure of a spatial light modulator in such a lamp unit, a spatial light modulator including a reflection control unit is described. The reflection control unit is formed by arranging a plurality of reflection elements, and the plurality of reflection elements are configured to be able to selectively assume a first angular position that reflects light from the light source toward the projection lens and a second angular position that reflects light from the light source in a direction deviating from the projection lens.

[0007] The lamp unit described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that by controlling the spatial distribution of the reflected light using the spatial light modulator, a light distribution pattern for road surface drawing (i.e., a light distribution pattern for drawing characters, marks, etc.) can be formed on the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0008] In addition, in Patent Document 2, as a structure of a spatial light modulator in such a lamp unit, a spatial light modulator including a plurality of reflection elements is described. The plurality of reflection elements are configured to be able to selectively assume a first angular position that reflects light from the light source toward the projection lens and a second angular position that reflects light from the light source in a direction deviating from the projection lens.

[0009] The lamp unit described in Patent Document 2 is configured such that, similarly to Patent Document 1 that controls the spatial distribution of the reflected light using the spatial light modulator, a light distribution pattern for road surface drawing can be formed on the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0010] Prior Art Documents

[0011] Patent Documents

[0012] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-165130

[0013] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-91976 Summary of the Invention

[0014] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0015] Generally, the reflection control unit of a spatial light modulator has a rectangular outer shape. Therefore, assuming that the entire area of the reflection control unit is projected onto the road surface in front of the vehicle, the maximum projection area has an inverted trapezoidal shape with the outer shape facing away and the left and right widths gradually widening, and its both side edges extend in the directions intersecting with the road shoulder and the center line.

[0016] Therefore, if a light distribution pattern for road surface delineation is formed within the maximum projection area having such an inverted trapezoidal outer shape, it may cause discomfort to the driver or the like.

[0017] A first object of the present invention is to provide a lamp unit including a reflective spatial light modulator in which a light distribution pattern for road surface delineation can be formed without causing discomfort to the driver or the like.

[0018] In addition, as in the lamp unit described in Patent Document 1, by forming a light distribution pattern for road surface delineation while the vehicle is running, it is possible to promote attention to the surroundings.

[0019] However, in such a lamp unit, in order to sufficiently improve the function of promoting attention to the surroundings achieved by forming the light distribution pattern for road surface delineation, further improvement is desired. At this time, it is desired to achieve this without obstructing the light distribution function of the lamp unit.

[0020] A second object of the present invention is to provide a lamp unit including a reflective spatial light modulator in which the function of promoting attention to the surroundings achieved by forming the light distribution pattern for road surface delineation can be improved without obstructing its light distribution function.

[0021] In addition, as a vehicle lamp, if a structure in which the lamp unit described in Patent Document 2 and other lamp units are arranged side by side is adopted, it is possible to form various light distribution patterns including the light distribution pattern for road surface delineation. However, in the case where the other lamp unit has a structure including a projection lens, the following problems may occur.

[0022] That is, in order to form a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction, it is necessary to irradiate light obliquely downward from the lamp unit toward the front of the lamp. However, in the lamp unit described in Patent Document 2, the central positions of the multiple reflection elements constituting the spatial light modulator are located on the optical axis of the projection lens. Therefore, in order to improve its irradiation efficiency, it is necessary to arrange the lamp unit in an obliquely downward inclined state. On the other hand, in the case of forming a light distribution pattern for a headlamp or the like using the irradiation light from another lamp unit, it is necessary to irradiate light toward the front direction of the lamp. Therefore, in order to improve its irradiation efficiency, it is necessary to arrange the lamp unit horizontally.

[0023] Therefore, the orientations of the projection lenses of the two juxtaposed lamp units are different from each other, and as a result, the aesthetics of the vehicle lamp are impaired.

[0024] A third object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp in which two lamp units each having a projection lens are juxtaposed, and in this vehicle lamp, various light distribution patterns including a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction can be efficiently formed without impairing the aesthetics of the vehicle lamp.

[0025] In addition, generally, the lamp unit of a vehicle lamp is accommodated in a lamp chamber composed of a lamp body and a light-transmitting cover. Therefore, the irradiation light from the lamp unit is irradiated toward the front of the lamp via the light-transmitting cover.

[0026] Therefore, as a single lamp unit, the focus of the projection optical system is located at its original position, and thus, it becomes a structure capable of forming a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction or the like with high precision. However, as the entire vehicle lamp including the light-transmitting cover, the focus of the projection optical system slightly deviates from its original position in the front-rear direction of the lamp, and it may not be possible to form a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction or the like with high precision.

[0027] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp in which a lamp unit having a spatial light modulator and a projection lens is accommodated in a lamp chamber, and in this vehicle lamp, a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction or the like can be formed with high precision.

[0028] Technical means for solving the problem

[0029] The present invention achieves the first object by being configured to include a prescribed light-shielding member.

[0030] In the lamp unit according to one aspect of the present invention,

[0031] the lamp unit is configured to irradiate the light from the light source reflected by the spatial light modulator toward the front of the unit (in this application, it refers to the front of the lamp unit) via the projection lens.

[0032] The spatial light modulator includes a reflection control unit formed by arranging a plurality of reflection elements. The plurality of reflection elements are configured to be able to selectively assume a first angular position and a second angular position. The first angular position is an angular position that reflects the light from the light source toward the projection lens, and the second angular position is an angular position that reflects the light from the light source in a direction deviating from the projection lens.

[0033] A light-shielding member that shields a part of the reflected light from the reflection control unit is disposed at a position on the front side of the unit with respect to the reflection control unit, and

[0034] The light-shielding member is formed such that the left-right width of the non-light-shielding region that does not shield the reflected light from the reflection control unit is narrower at the lower part than at the upper part.

[0035] In the present invention, the "lamp unit" may be configured such that the emitted light from the light source directly enters the spatial light modulator, or may be configured to enter the spatial light modulator in a state where the emitted light from the light source has been controlled by a reflector, a lens, etc.

[0036] In the present invention, as long as the "spatial light modulator" includes a reflection control unit formed by arranging a plurality of reflection elements configured to be able to selectively assume a first angular position and a second angular position, its specific structure is not particularly limited.

[0037] In the present invention, as long as the "light-shielding member" is configured to shield a part of the reflected light from the reflection control unit and the left-right width of the non-light-shielding region is formed to be narrower at the lower part than at the upper part, its specific configuration and structure are not particularly limited.

[0038] In the present invention, as long as the "non-light-shielding region" is formed such that its left-right width is narrower at the lower part than at the upper part, its specific shape is not particularly limited. The "non-light-shielding region" may be formed, for example, such that its left-right width gradually narrows, may be formed such that its left-right width changes stepwise, may be formed such that its left-right width narrows equally on the left and right, or may be formed such that its left-right width narrows unevenly on the left and right.

[0039] In addition, the present invention achieves a second object by studying the arrangement of the first light source and the second light source configured as the light sources.

[0040] In the lamp unit according to one aspect of the present invention,

[0041] The lamp unit is configured to irradiate the light from the light source reflected by the spatial light modulator forward of the unit via the projection lens.

[0042] The spatial light modulator includes a plurality of reflective elements configured to be able to selectively assume a first angular position and a second angular position.

[0043] The lighting unit includes a first light source and a second light source as the light sources.

[0044] The first light source is arranged at the following position: Light from the first light source is reflected by each of the reflective elements at the first angular position toward the projection lens, and light from the first light source is reflected by each of the reflective elements at the second angular position in a direction deviating from the projection lens.

[0045] The second light source is arranged at the following position: Light from the second light source is reflected by each of the reflective elements at the second angular position toward the projection lens, and light from the second light source is reflected by each of the reflective elements at the first angular position in a direction deviating from the projection lens, and

[0046] The second light source is arranged at a position deviated from the plane including the optical axis of the projection lens and the light-emitting center of the first light source.

[0047] In the present invention, the specific structure of the "spatial light modulator" is not particularly limited as long as it includes a plurality of reflective elements configured to be able to selectively assume a first angular position and a second angular position.

[0048] In the present invention, the "projection lens" may be composed of a single lens or a plurality of lenses.

[0049] In addition, the present invention achieves a third object by studying the structure of the lighting unit including the spatial light modulator.

[0050] In a vehicle lamp according to one aspect of the present invention,

[0051] A first lighting unit and a second lighting unit are arranged side by side.

[0052] The first lighting unit is configured to irradiate light from the first light source, which has been reflected by the first spatial light modulator, forward of the lamp (in the present application, forward of the vehicle lamp) via the first projection lens.

[0053] The second lighting unit is configured to irradiate light from the second light source forward of the lamp via the second projection lens.

[0054] The first spatial light modulator includes a plurality of first reflection elements, and the plurality of first reflection elements are configured to be able to selectively assume a first angular position and a second angular position. The first angular position is an angular position that reflects the light from the first light source toward the first projection lens, and the second angular position is an angular position that reflects the light from the first light source in a direction deviating from the first projection lens. And

[0055] The first spatial light modulator is arranged in a state where the central positions of the plurality of first reflection elements are displaced upward from the optical axis of the first projection lens.

[0056] In the present invention, as long as the "first lamp unit and the second lamp unit" are arranged side by side, the specific positional relationship between the two is not particularly limited.

[0057] In the present invention, the "first lamp unit" may be configured such that the emitted light from the first light source directly enters the first spatial light modulator, or may be configured to enter the first spatial light modulator after the emitted light from the first light source is controlled by a reflector, a lens, etc.

[0058] In the present invention, the "second lamp unit" may be configured such that the emitted light from the second light source directly enters the second projection lens, or may be configured to enter the second projection lens after the emitted light from the second light source is controlled by a reflector, a lens, etc.

[0059] In the present invention, as long as the "first spatial light modulator" includes a plurality of reflection elements configured to be able to selectively assume a first angular position and a second angular position, its specific structure is not particularly limited. In addition, as long as it is arranged in a state where the central positions of the plurality of first reflection elements are displaced upward from the optical axis of the first projection lens, the specific value of the upward displacement amount is not particularly limited.

[0060] In addition, the present invention achieves the fourth object by being configured to include a predetermined adjustment mechanism.

[0061] In a vehicle lamp according to one aspect of the present invention,

[0062] The lamp unit is housed in a lamp chamber composed of a lamp body and a light-transmitting cover.

[0063] The lamp unit is configured to irradiate the light from the light source reflected by the spatial light modulator forward of the lamp via the projection lens.

[0064] The spatial light modulator includes a plurality of reflection elements, and the plurality of reflection elements are configured to be able to selectively assume a first angular position and a second angular position. The first angular position is an angular position that reflects the light from the light source toward the projection lens, and the second angular position is an angular position that reflects the light from the light source in a direction deviating from the projection lens.

[0065] The lamp unit includes: a bracket that supports the spatial light modulator; and a lens holder that supports the projection lens, and

[0066] An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the bracket and the lens holder in the front-rear direction of the lamp is provided so as to be operable from outside the lamp chamber.

[0067] In the present invention, the specific structure of the "spatial light modulator" is not particularly limited as long as it includes a plurality of reflection elements configured to be able to selectively assume a first angular position and a second angular position.

[0068] In the present invention, the specific structure of the "adjustment mechanism" is not particularly limited as long as it is a structure provided in such a manner that the relative positional relationship in the front-rear direction of the lamp between the bracket that supports the spatial light modulator and the lens holder that supports the projection lens can be operated from outside the lamp chamber.

[0069] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0070] The lamp unit according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to irradiate the light from the light source reflected by the spatial light modulator toward the front of the unit via the projection lens. Therefore, by controlling the spatial distribution of the reflected light using the spatial light modulator, various light distribution patterns can be formed with high precision.

[0071] Moreover, the spatial light modulator includes a reflection control section formed by arranging a plurality of reflection elements. The plurality of reflection elements are configured to be able to selectively assume a first angular position and a second angular position. A light shielding member that shields a part of the reflected light from the reflection control section is disposed on the front side of the unit of the spatial light modulator. Therefore, even if it is assumed that all of the plurality of reflection elements are located at the first angular position (that is, even if the entire region of the reflection control section is in a state where it can project onto the road surface in front of the vehicle), the maximum projection region that is actually projected onto the road surface in front of the vehicle can be set to an outer shape corresponding to the outer shape of the non-light shielding region (that is, the region where the reflected light from the reflection control section is not blocked by the light shielding member).

[0072] At this time, the light-shielding member is formed such that the left-right width of the non-light-shielding region becomes narrower at the lower part than at the upper part. Therefore, the outer shape of the maximum projection region can be made to approach a rectangular shape from a trapezoidal shape when viewed from above, and thus the two side edges of the maximum projection region can be extended in a direction substantially along the road shoulder and the center line.

[0073] Therefore, by forming a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction within the maximum projection region having an outer shape close to such a rectangular shape, discomfort can be avoided for drivers and the like.

[0074] In this way, according to the present invention, in a lamp unit including a reflective spatial light modulator, a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction can be formed without causing discomfort to drivers and the like.

[0075] In addition, the lamp unit according to one aspect of the present invention is configured such that the light from the light source reflected by the spatial light modulator is irradiated forward of the unit via a projection lens. Therefore, by controlling the spatial distribution of the reflected light using the spatial light modulator, various light distribution patterns can be formed with high precision.

[0076] At this time, the spatial light modulator includes a plurality of reflective elements configured to be able to selectively assume a first angular position and a second angular position. In addition, as the light source, a first light source and a second light source are provided. The first light source is disposed at a position where the light from the first light source is reflected by each of the reflective elements located at the first angular position toward the projection lens and is reflected by each of the reflective elements located at the second angular position in a direction deviating from the projection lens. On the other hand, the second light source is disposed at a position where the light from the second light source is reflected by each of the reflective elements located at the second angular position toward the projection lens and is reflected by each of the reflective elements located at the first angular position in a direction deviating from the projection lens. Therefore, the following effects can be obtained.

[0077] That is, by lighting the first light source, the reflected light from each of the reflective elements located at the first angular position is irradiated forward of the unit via the projection lens. In addition, by lighting the second light source, the reflected light from each of the reflective elements located at the second angular position is irradiated forward of the unit via the projection lens. Therefore, by lighting the first light source and the second light source simultaneously, light irradiation can be performed using all the reflective elements. Thus, when forming a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction on the road surface in front of the vehicle, a supplementary light distribution pattern surrounding the light distribution pattern for road surface depiction can be formed simultaneously.

[0078] Moreover, since the second light source is disposed at a position deviated from the plane including the optical axis of the projection lens and the light emission center of the first light source, it is possible to prevent the light from the first light source after being reflected by each of the reflection elements located at the second angular position from reaching the position of the second light source, or the light from the second light source after being reflected by each of the reflection elements located at the first angular position from reaching the position of the first light source. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first light source, the second light source, and their peripheral structures from being damaged by heat in advance, or to prevent stray light from accidentally generating from the peripheral structures of the first light source and the second light source. Thus, it is possible to prevent a situation that hinders the light distribution function of the lamp unit.

[0079] In this way, according to the present invention, in a lamp unit having a reflective spatial light modulator, the light distribution function is not hindered, and the function of alerting to the surroundings based on the formation of a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction can be improved.

[0080] In addition, the vehicle lamp according to one aspect of the present invention has a structure in which a first lamp unit and a second lamp unit are arranged side by side. However, the first lamp unit is configured to irradiate the light from the first light source reflected by the first spatial light modulator forward of the lamp via the first projection lens. Therefore, by controlling the spatial distribution of the reflected light using the first spatial light modulator, it is possible to accurately form a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction on the road surface in front of the vehicle, thereby alerting to the surroundings.

[0081] On the other hand, the second lamp unit is configured to irradiate the light from the second light source forward of the lamp via the second projection lens. Therefore, it is possible to form a required light distribution pattern (such as a light distribution pattern for a headlamp, etc.) using the irradiated light.

[0082] Moreover, in the first lamp unit, the first spatial light modulator is disposed in a state where the central positions of the plurality of first reflection elements are displaced upward from the optical axis of the first projection lens. Therefore, in a state where the first lamp unit is horizontally disposed (or in a state where the downward oblique angle is reduced), light can be irradiated obliquely downward toward the front of the lamp, thereby efficiently forming a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction.

[0083] Therefore, in a state where the orientations of the first projection lens and the second projection lens of the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit arranged side by side are the same, the orientations of the irradiation lights from the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit can be made different from each other. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently form a variety of light distribution patterns including the light distribution pattern for road surface depiction without impairing the aesthetics of the vehicle lamp.

[0084] Thus, according to the present invention, in a vehicle lamp in which two lamp units each having a projection lens are arranged side by side, various light distribution patterns including a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction can be efficiently formed without impairing the appearance of the vehicle lamp.

[0085] In addition, in the vehicle lamp according to one aspect of the present invention, the lamp unit accommodated in the lamp chamber is configured to irradiate light from the light source reflected by the spatial light modulator toward the front of the lamp via the projection lens. Therefore, by controlling the spatial distribution of the reflected light using the spatial light modulator, various light distribution patterns can be formed with high precision.

[0086] On this basis, the above-described lamp unit includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the relative positional relationship in the front-rear direction of the lamp between the bracket for supporting the spatial light modulator and the lens holder for supporting the projection lens. The adjustment mechanism is provided so as to be operable from outside the lamp chamber, and thus the following effects can be obtained.

[0087] That is, the irradiation light from the lamp unit accommodated in the lamp chamber is irradiated toward the front of the lamp through the light transmissive cover. Therefore, even if the focus of the projection optical system is at its original position as a single lamp unit, as the entire vehicle lamp including the light transmissive cover, the focus of the projection optical system may slightly shift from its original position in the front-rear direction of the lamp. However, by operating the adjustment mechanism from outside the lamp chamber to adjust the relative positional relationship in the front-rear direction of the lamp between the bracket and the lens holder, the focus of the projection optical system can be aligned with its original position. Therefore, a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction or the like can be formed with high precision.

[0088] Thus, according to the present invention, in a vehicle lamp in which a lamp unit having a spatial light modulator and a projection lens is accommodated in a lamp chamber, a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction or the like can be formed with high precision. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0089] Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a vehicle lamp including the lamp unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a detailed view of the main part of

[0091] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a view taken along line III-III of

[0092] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a detailed view of the main part of

[0093] Figure 5 is Figure 2Detailed view of the main part.

[0094] Figure 6 It is a view showing in perspective the light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the above-mentioned lamp unit.

[0095] Figure 7 It is a view showing in perspective the light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the lamp unit related to the comparative example of the above-mentioned first embodiment.

[0096] Figure 8 It is a view observing from above the light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the above-mentioned lamp unit.

[0097] Fig. 9 It is a view observing from above the light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the lamp unit related to the above-mentioned comparative example.

[0098] Fig.10 It shows the first modification of the above-mentioned first embodiment and is Figure 4 substantially the same figure.

[0099] Fig.11 It shows the second modification of the above-mentioned first embodiment and is Figure 4 substantially the same figure.

[0100] Fig.12 It shows the function of the above-mentioned first modification and is Figure 6 the same figure.

[0101] Fig.13 It shows the function of the above-mentioned second modification and is Figure 6 the same figure.

[0102] Fig.14 It shows the third modification of the above-mentioned first embodiment and is Figure 4 substantially the same figure.

[0103] Fig.15 It shows the fourth modification of the above-mentioned first embodiment and is Figure 4 substantially the same figure.

[0104] Fig.16 It is a side sectional view of a vehicle lamp equipped with the lamp unit related to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Fig.17 It is Fig.16 a detailed view of the main part.

[0106] Fig.18 It is Fig.17 a view taken along line III-III of

[0107] Fig.19 It is Fig.17 Detailed view of the main part.

[0108] Fig. 20 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the above-described second embodiment, and is a diagram Fig.18 substantially the same as

[0109] Fig.21 This is a diagram that perspectively shows the light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the above-described lamp unit.

[0110] Fig. 22 This is a diagram showing the first modification of the above-described second embodiment, and is a diagram Fig. 20 the same as

[0111] Fig.23 This is a diagram showing the second modification of the above-described second embodiment, and is a diagram Fig. 20 the same as

[0112] Fig.24 This is a diagram showing the third modification of the above-described second embodiment, and is a diagram Fig.17 the same as

[0113] Fig.25 This is a diagram showing the fourth modification of the above-described second embodiment, and is a diagram Fig.17 the same as

[0114] Fig.26 This is a front view of the vehicle lamp according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Fig. 27 This is Fig.26 a sectional view taken along line II-II of

[0116] Fig.28 This is Fig.26 a sectional view taken along line III-III of

[0117] Fig.29 This is Fig. 27 a detailed view of the main part of

[0118] Fig.30 This is Fig.29 a view taken along line V-V of

[0119] Fig.31 This is a diagram that perspectively shows the light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the first lamp unit of the vehicle lamp according to the above-described third embodiment.

[0120] Fig.32 This is a diagram that perspectively shows the light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the second lamp unit of the vehicle lamp according to the above-described third embodiment.

[0121] Fig.33 is the same figure showing the appearance of the vehicle lamp according to the above-described third embodiment as Fig.26 shown below.

[0122] Fig.34 is a figure showing the appearance of a vehicle lamp as a comparative example.

[0123] Fig.35 is the same figure showing the first modification of the above-described third embodiment as Fig.26 shown below.

[0124] Fig.36 is the same figure showing the operation of the first modification of the above-described third embodiment as Fig.32 shown below.

[0125] Fig.37 is the same figure showing the second modification of the above-described third embodiment as Fig.26 shown below.

[0126] Fig.38 is Fig.37 a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of

[0127] Fig.39 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Fig.40 is Fig.39 a view in the II direction of

[0129] Fig.41 is Fig.39 a view in the III direction of

[0130] Fig.42 is Fig.39 a detailed view of the main part of

[0131] Fig.43 is a perspective view of the lamp unit of the vehicle lamp according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Fig.44 is the same figure showing the vehicle lamp according to the first modification of the fourth embodiment as Fig.41 shown below.

[0133] Fig.45 is the same figure showing the vehicle lamp according to the second modification of the fourth embodiment as Fig.40 shown below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0134] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0135] <First Embodiment>

[0136] Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vehicle lamp 100 including a lamp unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, Figure 2 is Figure 1 a detailed view of the main part of Figure 3 is Figure 2 a view taken along line III-III of Figure 4 is Figure 3 a detailed view of the main part of

[0137] In these figures, the direction indicated by X is the "front of the unit", the direction indicated by Y is the "left direction" orthogonal to the "front of the unit" (the "right direction" when observing the front of the unit), and the direction indicated by Z is the "upward direction". The same applies to other figures.

[0138] As Figure 1 shown, the vehicle lamp 100 is a road surface illumination lamp provided at the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle lamp 100 is configured such that the lamp unit 10 is accommodated in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 102 and a light-transmitting cover 104 in a state where its optical axis is adjusted so that its front-rear direction (i.e., the front-rear direction of the unit) coincides with the vehicle's front-rear direction.

[0139] The lamp unit 10 includes a spatial light modulation unit 20, a light source-side subassembly 50, a lens-side subassembly 70, and a bracket 40 that supports them.

[0140] The bracket 40 is a metal (e.g., aluminum die-cast) component and is arranged to extend along a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the unit. A shelf-like portion 40d extending toward the front of the unit is formed on the front surface of the bracket 40.

[0141] The lamp unit 10 is supported by the lamp body 102 via an installation structure (not shown) through the bracket 40 and is configured to be tiltable relative to the lamp body 102 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

[0142] The spatial light modulation unit 20 includes a spatial light modulator 30, a support substrate 22 disposed at a position on the rear side of the unit relative to the spatial light modulator 30, and a heat sink 24 disposed at a position on the rear side of the unit relative to the support substrate 22. Additionally, the support substrate 22 is formed to have a length extending to a position below the heat sink 24.

[0143] The lens-side subassembly 70 includes: a projection lens 72 having an optical axis Ax extending along the front-rear direction of the unit; and a lens holder 74 that supports the projection lens 72, and the lens-side subassembly 70 is supported by the bracket 40 at the rear end of the lens holder 74.

[0144] The light source side sub - assembly 50 includes a light source 52 and a condenser lens 54 that controls the emitted light from the light source 52 to deflect toward the spatial light modulator 30.

[0145] The light source 52 and the condenser lens 54 are arranged at a position below the optical axis Ax (specifically, directly below the optical axis Ax).

[0146] The lighting unit 10 according to the present embodiment can form a light distribution pattern (i.e., a light distribution pattern for road surface drawing) depicting characters, marks, etc. on the road surface in front of the vehicle by reflecting the light from the light source 52 that reaches the spatial light modulator 30 via the condenser lens 54 at the spatial light modulator 30 and irradiating it forward through the projection lens 72.

[0147] The control of the spatial light modulator 30 is based on an image signal from an in - vehicle camera (not shown) or the like.

[0148] Next, the specific structure of the spatial light modulation unit 20 will be described.

[0149] As Figure 2 、 Figure 3 shown, the spatial light modulator 30 is a digital micromirror device (DMD), and includes a reflection control unit 30A, a housing unit 30B that houses the reflection control unit 30A, a light - transmissive plate 30C, and a sealing unit 30D. The reflection control unit 30A is arranged with a plurality of reflection elements (specifically, hundreds of thousands of micro - mirrors) 30As in a matrix. The light - transmissive plate 30C is supported by the housing unit 30B in a state of being arranged at a position in front of the unit relative to the reflection control unit 30A. The sealing unit 30D is configured to seal the light - transmissive plate 30C to the housing unit 30B at its peripheral edge.

[0150] As Figure 4 shown, the reflection control unit 30A is configured as a horizontally long rectangular area when viewed from the front of the unit. In addition, the light - transmissive plate 30C has an outer shape of a horizontally long rectangular shape that is one size larger than the outer peripheral shape of the reflection control unit 30A.

[0151] As Figure 2 shown, the spatial light modulator 30 is arranged such that the reflection control unit 30A is located on a vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 72. The central axis Ax1 of the reflection control unit 30A is an axis passing through the central positions of the plurality of reflection elements 30As. The central axis Ax1 of the reflection control unit 30A extends in the front - rear direction of the unit at a position displaced upward relative to the optical axis Ax (specifically, the lower edge of the reflection control unit 30A is located at a position slightly above the optical axis Ax).

[0152] Further, the spatial light modulator 30 can selectively change the reflection direction of the light reaching each of the plurality of reflection elements 30As from the light source 52 by controlling the angles of the reflection surfaces of the respective reflection elements 30As that make up the reflection control unit 30A.

[0153] Specifically, a first angular position is selected where the light from the light source 52 is reflected in the direction of the optical path R1 towards the projection lens 72 ( Figure 2 the direction indicated by the solid line in the figure), and a second angular position is selected where the light from the light source 52 is reflected in the direction of the optical path R2 towards a direction deviating from the projection lens 72 (i.e., a direction that does not adversely affect the formation of the light distribution pattern) ( Figure 2 the direction indicated by the dashed-dotted line in the figure).

[0154] The optical axis Ax of the projection lens 72 is displaced downward with respect to the central axis Ax1 of the reflection control unit 30A of the spatial light modulator 30. Therefore, as Figure 1 shown, the light reaching the projection lens 72 from the reflection control unit 30A is irradiated from the projection lens 72 towards the front of the unit as light slightly downward with respect to the horizontal direction, whereby a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction and a supplementary light distribution pattern can be efficiently formed on the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0155] Figure 5 is a detailed view of the main part showing the detailed structure of the reflection control unit 30A Figure 2 of the figure.

[0156] As Figure 5 shown, each of the reflection elements 30As that make up the reflection control unit 30A is configured to be rotatable about a horizontal axis extending in the left-right direction. Each of the reflection elements 30As rotates downward by a predetermined angle (e.g., about 12°) with respect to the vertical plane orthogonal to the central axis Ax1 of the reflection control unit 30A at the first angular position, and reflects the light from the light source 52 incident from the lower oblique direction as light slightly upward (the light of the optical path R1) towards the front of the unit. Each of the reflection elements 30As rotates upward by a predetermined angle (e.g., about 12°) with respect to the above-mentioned vertical plane at the second angular position, and reflects the light from the light source 52 as light considerably upward (the light of the optical path R2) towards the front of the unit.

[0157] The switching between the first angular position and the second angular position is performed by controlling the energization of an electrode (not shown) disposed near a member (not shown) that supports each of the reflection elements 30As in a rotatable manner. Moreover, in the neutral state where this energization is not performed, each of the reflection elements 30As is configured such that its reflection surface is arranged flush with each other along the vertical plane orthogonal to the central axis Ax1.

[0158] In addition, Figure 5It shows a state where the reflection elements 30As in the vicinity of the central axis Ax1 of the reflection control unit 30A are in the first angular position, while the reflection elements 30As in the area below it are in the second angular position.

[0159] As Figure 2 shown, the support substrate 22 is arranged to extend along a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the unit (i.e., a vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax and the central axis Ax1), and a conductive pattern (not shown) is formed on its front surface. Further, the support substrate 22 supports the peripheral portion of the frame portion 30B of the spatial light modulator 30 from the rear side of the unit via the socket 26. Thereby, the spatial light modulator 30 is electrically connected to the support substrate 22.

[0160] The spatial light modulator 30 is supported from both sides in the front-rear direction of the unit by the bracket 40 and the heat sink 24.

[0161] The heat sink 24 is arranged to extend along a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the unit. A protruding portion 24a that protrudes in a prism shape toward the front of the unit is formed on its front surface, and a plurality of heat radiating fins 24b that extend toward the rear of the unit are formed on its rear surface. Moreover, the heat sink 24 abuts against the central portion of the frame portion 30B of the spatial light modulator 30 at the front end surface of the protruding portion 24a.

[0162] A horizontally long rectangular opening 40a that surrounds the light-transmitting plate 30C of the spatial light modulator 30 is formed in the bracket 40. The inner peripheral surface shape of the opening 40a is chamfered so as to expand toward the front of the unit over its entire circumference.

[0163] As Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, a light-shielding member 32 and a gasket 34 are arranged between the bracket 40 and the spatial light modulator 30.

[0164] The light-shielding member 32 is a member for shielding a part of the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A, and is configured as a light-shielding plate formed with an opening 32a centered on the central axis Ax1 of the reflection control unit 30A.

[0165] Specifically, the light-shielding member 32 is made of an aluminum plate having a thickness thinner than that of the light-transmitting plate 30C of the spatial light modulator 30, and black anodized aluminum treatment is performed on its surface. The light-shielding member 32 has an outer peripheral surface shape larger than that of the frame portion 30B of the spatial light modulator 30, and is arranged at a position slightly separated from the light-transmitting plate 30C toward the front of the unit in a state of surface contact with the rear surface of the bracket 40.

[0166] The opening 32a of the light-shielding member 32 is formed in an opening shape smaller than the outer peripheral surface shape of the light-transmitting plate 30C so as to partially overlap the reflection control unit 30A when viewed from the front of the unit.

[0167] Specifically, the opening portion 32a has an opening shape obtained by inverting an isosceles trapezoid upside down, and is formed in such a manner that most of the region of the reflection control portion 30A is exposed when viewed from the front of the unit, and the wedge-shaped regions on its left and right sides are blocked. That is, the light-shielding member 32 is formed such that the left and right widths of the non-light-shielding region that does not block the reflected light from the reflection control portion 30A become narrower at the lower part than at the upper part as the two side edges 32a1 of its opening portion 32a incline toward the vicinity of the center as they face downward.

[0168] The gasket 34 is made of silicone rubber and is installed between the light-shielding member 32 and the frame portion 30B of the spatial light modulator 30.

[0169] The front surface of the gasket 34 is formed in a planar shape and is in surface contact with the light-shielding member 32. In addition, the gasket 34 has an outer peripheral surface shape slightly smaller than the outer peripheral surface shape of the light-shielding member 32 and an inner peripheral surface shape slightly smaller than the outer peripheral surface shape of the sealing portion 30D of the spatial light modulator 30. And the portion of the gasket 34 located on the front side of the unit with respect to the frame portion 30B is formed as a thin wall portion, and the portion of the gasket 34 surrounding the frame portion 30B is formed as a thick wall portion.

[0170] Next, the specific structure of the light source side sub-assembly 50 will be described.

[0171] As Figure 2 shown, the light source 52 is composed of a light-emitting diode that emits green light and is supported by the light source side holder 60 via the support substrate 56. The light source side holder 60 is supported by the shelf-like portion 40d of the bracket 40.

[0172] The condenser lens 54 is a biconvex lens and is supported by the light source side holder 60 via the lens holder 58. The condenser lens 54 is disposed at a position where the emitted light from the light source 52 converges toward the reflection control portion 30A of the spatial light modulator 30.

[0173] Next, the specific structure of the lens side sub-assembly 70 will be described.

[0174] As Figure 1 shown, the projection lens 72 is composed of three lenses, i.e., a first lens 72A, a second lens 72B, and a third lens 72C, which are arranged in the front-rear direction of the unit along the optical axis Ax.

[0175] The first lens 72A located closest to the front side of the unit is configured as a plano-convex lens that bulges toward the front of the unit. The second lens 72B located at the center is configured as a biconcave lens. The third lens 72C located closest to the rear side of the unit is configured as a biconvex lens.

[0176] The first lens 72A is composed of a resin lens (specifically, an acrylic resin lens). The second lens 72B is composed of a resin lens (specifically, a polycarbonate resin lens). The third lens 72C is composed of a glass lens.

[0177] When viewed from the front of the unit, the first lens 72A and the second lens 72B have a rectangular outer peripheral shape with substantially the same size. When viewed from the front of the unit, the third lens 72C has a circular outer peripheral shape larger than that of the first lens 72A and the second lens 72B, and an outer peripheral flange portion 72Ca is formed at its outer peripheral edge portion.

[0178] The first lens 72A to the third lens 72C are supported by a common lens holder 74.

[0179] The lens holder 74 is a metal (e.g., aluminum die-cast) component. Its front region 74A is formed to extend in a square tube shape centered on the optical axis Ax, and its rear region 74B is formed to extend in a cylindrical shape centered on the optical axis Ax. In addition, the lower end portion of the rear region 74B of the lens holder 74 is cut off.

[0180] A first fitting 76A is attached to the lens holder 74 from the front side of the unit, whereby the first lens 72A and the second lens 72B are fixed to the lens holder 74. On the other hand, in a state where a second fitting 76C presses against the outer peripheral flange portion 72Ca of the third lens 72C from the rear side of the unit, a plurality of jigs 76B are attached to the third lens 72C from its outer peripheral side, whereby the third lens 72C is fixed to the lens holder 74.

[0181] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing in a perspective view a light distribution pattern formed on an imaginary vertical screen disposed at a position 25 m in front of the vehicle by the irradiation light from the lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0182] Figure 6 The shown light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern PA for road surface description, and is formed together with (or independently of) a low beam light distribution pattern PL formed by the irradiation light from another lamp unit (not shown).

[0183] Before explaining the light distribution pattern PA for road surface description, the low beam light distribution pattern PL will be explained.

[0184] The low beam light distribution pattern PL is a left-distributed low beam light distribution pattern, and has cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 at its upper end edge.

[0185] The light and dark cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 are bounded by the V-V line of H-V, which passes through the vanishing point in the front direction of the lamp in the vertical direction, and extend horizontally at different heights on the left and right. The part on the oncoming lane side, which is to the right of the V-V line, forms the lower light and dark cut-off line CL1, and the part on the own lane side, which is to the left of the V-V line, forms the upper light and dark cut-off line CL2 that rises from the lower light and dark cut-off line CL1 via the inclined part.

[0186] In the light distribution pattern PL for low beam, the elbow point E, which is the intersection of the lower light and dark cut-off line CL1 and the V-V line, is located approximately 0.5° to 0.6° below H-V.

[0187] The light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing is a light distribution pattern for promoting attention to the surrounding road surface drawing, and is formed as a light distribution pattern for drawing characters, marks, etc. on the road surface in front of the vehicle. Figure 6 The shown light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing is formed as a light distribution pattern in the shape of an arrow towards the front direction of the vehicle.

[0188] This light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing is formed by rotating a part of the plurality of reflection elements 30As (for example, the reflection elements 30As located in the area set in the shape of an arrow) of the reflection control unit 30A constituting the spatial light modulator 30 to the first angular position, and making the light from the light source 52 reflected by these reflection elements 30As face the projection lens 72. At this time, since the light source 52 is composed of light-emitting diodes that emit green light, the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing is also formed as a green light distribution pattern.

[0189] When the vehicle is traveling at night, by forming such an arrow-shaped light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing, for example, it notifies the surroundings that the vehicle is approaching an intersection in front of the vehicle, thereby promoting attention.

[0190] In addition, in Figure 6 The trapezoidal region Z1 surrounded by the thin solid line represents the maximum projection area projected onto the road surface in front of the vehicle when all the plurality of reflection elements 30As constituting the reflection control unit 30A are located at the first angular position, and represents the range in which various light distribution patterns PA for road surface drawing can be formed.

[0191] Figure 8 It is a view showing the state of the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing, the maximum projection area Z1, and the vehicle 2 when viewed from above.

[0192] As Figure 8 shown, the maximum projection area Z1 is formed as a rectangular area when viewed from above, and its two side edges extend substantially parallel to the road shoulder and the center line.

[0193] In the maximum projection area Z1, the peripheral area surrounding the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction is slightly brighter than the area outside the maximum projection area Z1. This is because when the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A passes through the light-transmitting plate 30C, surface reflection occurs on the light-transmitting plate 30C. Therefore, stray light other than the reflected light from the reflection element 30As located at the first angular position irradiates slightly forward of the unit via the projection lens 72.

[0194] On the other hand, as a comparative example of the above-described embodiment, Figure 7 , Fig. 9 is the same figure as Figure 6 , Figure 8 and shows the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction and the maximum projection area Z0 assuming that the spatial light modulation unit 20 does not have the light-shielding member 32.

[0195] As Fig. 9 shown, the maximum projection area Z0 is formed as an area having an inverted trapezoidal shape in a plan view as the projection image of the entire reflection control unit 30A, and both side edges thereof extend in a manner of expanding from the near-distance area toward the far-distance area.

[0196] Therefore, in this maximum projection area Z0, the peripheral area surrounding the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction is slightly illuminated in a state of intersecting with the road shoulder and the center line, which causes discomfort to the driver and the like.

[0197] In contrast, Figure 6 , Figure 8 both side edges of the maximum projection area Z1 shown extend substantially parallel to the road shoulder and the center line. Therefore, although the peripheral area surrounding the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction in this maximum projection area Z1 is slightly illuminated, it does not cause discomfort to the driver and the like.

[0198] In addition, in Figure 6 , Figure 8 , the maximum projection area Z0 is indicated by a double-dot chain line, and in Figure 7 , Fig. 9 , the maximum projection area Z1 is indicated by a double-dot chain line.

[0199] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0200] The lamp unit 10 according to this embodiment is configured to irradiate the light from the light source 52 reflected by the spatial light modulator 30 forward of the unit via the projection lens 72. Therefore, by controlling the spatial distribution of the reflected light in the spatial light modulator 30, various light distribution patterns PA for road surface depiction can be formed with high precision.

[0201] The spatial light modulator 30 includes a reflection control unit 30A formed by arranging a plurality of reflection elements 30As, the plurality of reflection elements 30As are configured to selectively take a first angular position and a second angular position, and a light shielding member 32 for shielding a portion of the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A is disposed on the unit front side of the spatial light modulator 30. Thus, even if it is assumed that all of the plurality of reflection elements 30As are located at the first angular position (that is, even if the entire area of ​​the reflection control unit 30A can be projected onto the road surface in front of the vehicle), the lamp unit 10 can set the maximum projection area Z1 actually projected onto the road surface in front of the vehicle to an outer shape corresponding to the outer shape of the non-light shielding area (that is, an area where the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A is not shielded by the light shielding member 32).

[0202] At this time, the shading component 32 is formed so that the left and right width of the opening portion 32a serving as the non-shading area is narrower at the lower part than at the upper part, so that the outer shape of the maximum projection area Z1 can be changed from an inverted trapezoidal shape to a rectangular shape when viewed from above, thereby allowing the end edges of both sides of the maximum projection area Z1 to extend in a direction roughly along the shoulder and the center line.

[0203] Therefore, by forming the road surface depicting light distribution pattern PA in the maximum projection area Z1 having an outer shape close to such a rectangular shape, it is possible to prevent the driver or the like from feeling uncomfortable.

[0204] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA can be formed without causing discomfort to the driver or the like by using the lamp unit 10 including the reflective spatial light modulator 30 .

[0205] In addition, in the present embodiment, the spatial light modulator 30 comprises: a frame portion 30B, which accommodates a reflection control portion 30A; and a light-transmitting plate 30C, which is supported by the frame portion 30B in a state where it is arranged closer to the front side of the unit than the reflection control portion 30A, and a light-shielding component 32 is arranged at a position closer to the front side of the unit than the light-transmitting plate 30C, so that the following effect can be obtained.

[0206] That is, when the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A passes through the light-transmitting plate 30C, surface reflection occurs in the light-transmitting plate 30C, so that stray light other than the reflected light from the reflective element 30As located at the first angular position is irradiated toward the front of the unit in a small amount through the projection lens 72. Therefore, the road surface depicting light distribution pattern PA is formed on the road surface in front of the vehicle, and its surrounding area (i.e., the area other than the road surface depicting light distribution pattern PA in the maximum projection area Z1) is slightly illuminated.

[0207] However, even if the peripheral area is slightly illuminated in this way, due to the presence of the light-shielding member 32, the two side edges of the peripheral area extend in a direction substantially along the road shoulder and the center line, so that discomfort can be avoided for the driver and the like.

[0208] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the light-shielding member 32 is constituted by a light-shielding plate formed with an opening 32a having the shape of a non-light-shielding area, so that the front-rear width of the light-shielding member 32 can be reduced. Further, thereby, the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A toward the projection lens 72 can be prevented from being unnecessarily shielded.

[0209] Moreover, in the present embodiment, since the non-light-shielding area is set in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, the outer shape of the maximum projection area Z1 can be made to be a shape closer to a rectangular shape when viewed from above, and it is possible to easily make its two side edges along the road shoulder and the center line.

[0210] When the lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment is configured as a vehicle-mounted lamp unit, the incident angle of the irradiation light from the lamp unit 10 with respect to the road surface becomes large, so that the structure of the present embodiment is particularly effective.

[0211] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the sealing portion 30D of the spatial light modulator 30 is covered by the light-shielding member 32 from the front side of the unit, even if sunlight or the like passes through the projection lens 72 at an angle converging on the sealing portion 30D, the converging light can be blocked by the light-shielding member 32, thereby preventing the sealing portion 30D from being damaged.

[0212] The lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment is configured as a vehicle-mounted lamp unit, and the incident angle of the irradiation light from the lamp unit 10 with respect to the road surface is large. When the light-shielding member 32 is not provided, the outer shape of the maximum projection area Z0 formed is an inverted trapezoidal shape that greatly deviates from a rectangular shape when viewed from above. Therefore, the structure of the present embodiment is particularly effective.

[0213] In the present embodiment, the case where the light source 52 is constituted by a light-emitting diode that emits green light has been described. However, as the light source 52, in addition to green, for example, a structure having a light-emitting color such as blue or white can also be adopted.

[0214] In the present embodiment, the structure in which the reflection control unit 30A of the spatial light modulator 30 is arranged so as to be located on a vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 72 has been described. However, it may also be a structure arranged in a state inclined with respect to the vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax (for example, a forward-inclined state).

[0215] In the present embodiment, the case where the central axis Ax1 of the spatial light modulator 30 is displaced upward with respect to the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 72 has been described, but a structure in which the central axis Ax1 coincides with the optical axis Ax may also be adopted.

[0216] In the present embodiment, the case where the light source side sub-assembly 50 is composed of the light source 52 and the condenser lens 54 disposed at a position directly below the central axis Ax1 has been described, but other structures may also be adopted. For example, a structure in which two sets of the light source 52 and the condenser lens 54 are disposed on the left and right sides of the position directly below the central axis Ax1 may be adopted. In addition, a structure in which a reflector is disposed instead of the condenser lens 54 may also be adopted.

[0217] In the present embodiment, as the structure of the light source side sub-assembly 50, the structure in which a set of the light source 52 and the condenser lens 54 are disposed at a position directly below the central axis Ax1 has been described, but other structures may also be adopted. In this case, it may also be configured such that two sets of the light source 52 and the condenser lens 54 are disposed on the left and right sides with the position directly below the central axis Ax1 interposed therebetween.

[0218] In the present embodiment, the case where the non-shading region is set to an isosceles trapezoidal shape has been described, but the following structure may also be adopted: in the case where it is determined that the discomfort caused by crossing the road shoulder or the center line is caused by only any one of them, the shape of the non-shading region is set to a trapezoidal shape that is inclined only to either the left or the right.

[0219] In the present embodiment, the case where the lamp unit 10 is a vehicle-mounted lamp unit has been described, but it may also be used for purposes other than vehicle-mounted use (for example, a lamp unit of a street lamp configured to depict a road surface from an obliquely upper side, etc.).

[0220] <First Modification of the First Embodiment>

[0221] Next, a first modification of the first embodiment will be described. Fig.10 is a diagram substantially the same as that of the lamp unit 110 according to this modification Figure 4 roughly.

[0222] As Fig.10 shown, the basic structure of this modification is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the structure of the light shielding member 132 is partially different from that of the first embodiment.

[0223] That is, although the light shielding member 132 of this modification is also formed such that the left and right widths of the non-shading region that does not block the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A become narrower at the lower part than at the upper part, the shape of the opening 132a for forming the non-shading region is partially different from that of the first embodiment.

[0224] Specifically, in this modified example, both side edges 132a1 of the opening 132a extend in the vertical direction, and its left and right widths are formed in a stepped shape such that they become narrower in the lower half than in the upper half.

[0225] Fig.12 It is a diagram that perspectively shows the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction and the maximum projection area Z2 formed on the above-mentioned imaginary vertical screen by the irradiation light from the lamp unit 110 according to this modified example.

[0226] As Fig.12 shown, the maximum projection area Z2 is formed in a shape such that the left and right widths of the maximum projection area Z0 shown Figure 7 become narrower in a stepped shape in the long-distance area.

[0227] Both side edges of the maximum projection area Z2 extend in the direction intersecting the road shoulder and the center line, but its left and right widths become narrower in the long-distance area, so it will not intersect the road shoulder and the center line.

[0228] Therefore, even though the peripheral area surrounding the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction in the maximum projection area Z1 is slightly illuminated, it will not cause discomfort to the driver or the like.

[0229] <First Embodiment Second Modified Example>

[0230] Next, a second modified example of the first embodiment will be described. Fig.11 It is a diagram showing the same as that of the lamp unit 210 according to this modified example Figure 4 substantially.

[0231] As Fig.11 shown, the basic structure of this modified example is the same as that of the first embodiment, but there are some differences in the structure of the light shielding member 232 from that of the first embodiment.

[0232] That is, although the light shielding member 232 of this modified example is also formed such that the left and right widths of the non-light shielding area that does not block the reflected light from the reflection control portion 30A become narrower in the lower part than in the upper part, there are some differences in the shape of the opening 232a for forming this non-light shielding area from that of the first embodiment.

[0233] Specifically, both side edges 232a1 of the opening 232a of this modified example incline downward toward the center, but its lower edge 232a2 is formed in an arc shape. At this time, the lowermost position of the lower edge 232a2 is set at a position substantially the same as the lower edge of the reflection control portion 30A.

[0234] Fig.13It is a diagram showing perspective view of the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing and the maximum projection area Z3 formed on the above-mentioned imaginary vertical screen by the irradiation light from the lamp unit 210 of this modification example.

[0235] As Fig.13 shown, the maximum projection area Z3 is formed into Figure 6 a shape in which the left and right diagonal corners at the front end of the maximum projection area Z1 shown are cut into an arc shape.

[0236] The two side edges of the maximum projection area Z3 extend substantially parallel to the road shoulder and the center line, and its front edge is formed into an arc shape. Therefore, even when the vehicle traveling road is curved, it is possible to prevent the peripheral area surrounding the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing from being slightly illuminated in a state of crossing the road shoulder and the center line. Thus, not only when the vehicle is going straight, but also when the vehicle is turning, it will not cause discomfort to the driver or the like.

[0237] <First Embodiment, Third Modification Example>

[0238] Next, the third modification example of the first embodiment will be described. Fig.14 It is a diagram showing substantially the same as Figure 4 the lamp unit 310 according to this modification example.

[0239] As Fig.14 shown, the basic structure of this modification example is the same as that of the first embodiment, but there are some differences in the structure of the light shielding member 334 from that of the first embodiment.

[0240] Specifically, for the light shielding member 334 of this modification example, in the structure of the spacer 34 of the first embodiment, the shape of its inner peripheral surface is formed into the same shape as the opening 32a of the light shielding member 32 of the first embodiment. Moreover, in the lamp unit 310 according to this modification example, there is no component corresponding to the light shielding member 32 of the first embodiment.

[0241] The light shielding member 334 of this modification example is formed such that the left and right widths of the non-light shielding area that does not block the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A become narrower at the lower part than at the upper part by the two side edges 334a1 of its opening 334a tilting downward toward the center.

[0242] In the case of adopting the structure of this modification example, substantially the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can also be obtained.

[0243] In addition, by adopting the structure of this modification example, the number of components can be reduced, and the amount of components corresponding to the light shielding member 32 of the first embodiment can be decreased.

[0244] In addition, in this modified example, since the sealing portion 30D of the spatial light modulator 30 is covered by the light-shielding member 334 from the front side of the unit, even if sunlight or the like passes through the projection lens 72 at an angle converging on the sealing portion 30D, the converging light can be blocked by the light-shielding member 334, thereby preventing the sealing portion 30D from being damaged by melting.

[0245] In the above-described third modified example, the case where the member corresponding to the spacer 34 of the first embodiment is configured as the light-shielding member 334 has been described. However, in addition to this, by making the opening shape of the opening portion 40a of the bracket 40 of the first embodiment the same as the opening portion 32a of the light-shielding member 32 of the first embodiment, it is also possible to have the function as a light-shielding member.

[0246] <Fourth Modified Example of the First Embodiment>

[0247] Next, a fourth modified example of the first embodiment will be described. Fig.15 It shows the same as that of the lamp unit 410 according to this modified example Figure 4 substantially the same figure.

[0248] As Fig.15 shown, the basic structure of this modified example is the same as that of the first embodiment, but there are some differences in the structure of the light-shielding member from that of the first embodiment.

[0249] Specifically, the light-shielding member of this modified example is composed of a pair of left and right light-shielding seals 436 pasted on the light-transmitting plate 30C of the spatial light modulator 30.

[0250] The pair of left and right light-shielding seals 436 are pasted on the light-transmitting plate 30C in a state of wedge-shapedly blocking the left and right sides of the reflection control portion 30A when viewed from the front of the unit. That is, the inner edges 436a of the pair of left and right light-shielding seals 436 are inclined toward the center as they face downward. As a result, the left and right widths of the non-light-shielding region that does not block the reflected light from the reflection control portion 30A are formed to be narrower at the lower part than at the upper part.

[0251] In addition, the lamp unit 410 according to this modified example is configured to include a plate-like member 432 as a member corresponding to the light-shielding member 32 of the first embodiment. However, the opening portion 432a of the plate-like member 432 is formed in a horizontally long rectangular opening shape that surrounds the pair of left and right light-shielding seals 436 with a size one circle smaller than the inner peripheral surface of the spacer 34. Therefore, the plate-like member 432 does not have the function of blocking the reflected light from the reflection control portion 30A.

[0252] In the case of adopting the structure of this modified example, it is also possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0253] In addition, by adopting the structure of this modification example, it is possible to block a part of the reflected light from the reflection control unit 30A at a position closer to the reflection control unit 30A, thereby making the outer shape of the maximum projection area Z1 where the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing can be formed clear.

[0254] In the above-described fourth modification example, the case where the light-shielding member is constituted by a pair of left and right light-shielding seals 436 has been described. However, in addition to this, it is also possible to apply a light-shielding film to the light-transmitting plate 30C of the spatial light modulator 30 in a region substantially the same as the pasting region of the pair of left and right light-shielding seals 436, thereby having the function as a light-shielding member.

[0255] <Second Embodiment>

[0256] Fig.16 FIG. is a side cross-sectional view of a vehicle lamp 1100 including a lamp unit 1010 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, Fig.17 is Fig.16 a detailed view of the main part of Fig.18 is Fig.17 a view taken along line III-III of . In addition, for the same structures as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned and their descriptions are omitted.

[0257] The vehicle lamp 1100 is a road surface drawing lamp provided at the front end of a vehicle, and is configured such that the lamp unit 1010 is accommodated in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 102 and a light-transmitting cover 104 in a state where the optical axis is adjusted so that its front-rear direction (i.e., the unit front-rear direction) coincides with the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0258] The lamp unit 1010 is configured to include a spatial light modulation unit 20, a light source side sub-assembly 1050, a lens side sub-assembly 70, and a bracket 40 that supports them.

[0259] The bracket 40 is a metal (e.g., aluminum die-cast) member, and is arranged to extend along a vertical plane orthogonal to the unit front-rear direction, and shelf-like portions 40d that extend toward the front of the unit are formed at two positions on its front surface.

[0260] The lamp unit 1010 is configured to be supported by the lamp body 102 via an installation structure (not shown) by the bracket 40, and can tilt in the vertical direction and the left-right direction with respect to the lamp body 102.

[0261] The light source side sub-assembly 1050 includes: a first light source 52A and a second light source 52B; and first lenses 54A and second lenses 54B that deflect and control the emitted light from the first light source 52A and the second light source 52B toward the spatial light modulator 30.

[0262] The first light source 52A and the first lens 54A are arranged at a position below the optical axis Ax (specifically, directly below the optical axis Ax), and the second light source 52B and the second lens 54B are arranged at a position above the optical axis Ax (specifically, at a position obliquely above to the right by about 20 to 40° from the optical axis Ax).

[0263] The lamp unit 1010 according to the present embodiment can form a light distribution pattern (i.e., a light distribution pattern for road surface drawing) depicting characters, marks, etc. on the road surface in front of the vehicle by reflecting the light from the first light source 52A that reaches the spatial light modulator 30 via the first lens 54A at the spatial light modulator 30 and irradiating it toward the front of the unit via the projection lens 72.

[0264] In addition, the lamp unit 1010 according to the present embodiment can form a supplementary light distribution pattern surrounding the light distribution pattern for road surface drawing on the road surface in front of the vehicle by reflecting the light from the second light source 52B that reaches the spatial light modulator 30 via the second lens 54B at the spatial light modulator 30 and irradiating it toward the front of the unit via the projection lens 72.

[0265] The spatial light modulator 30 can selectively switch the reflection directions of the light from the first light source 52A and the second light source 52B that reach the respective reflection elements 30As by controlling the angles of the reflection surfaces of the plurality of reflection elements 30As that make up its reflection control unit 30A.

[0266] Specifically, a first angular position and a second angular position are selected. The first angular position is an angular position that reflects the light from the first light source 52A located below the optical axis Ax in the direction of the optical path R1 toward the projection lens 72 ( Fig.17 the direction shown by the solid line in the figure), and the second angular position is an angular position that reflects the light from the first light source 52A in the direction of the optical path R2 toward a direction deviating from the projection lens 72 (i.e., a direction that does not adversely affect the formation of the light distribution pattern) ( Fig.17 the direction shown by the two-dot chain line in the figure).

[0267] On the other hand, when the respective reflection elements 30As are at the first angular position, the light from the second light source 52B located above the optical axis Ax is reflected in the direction of the optical path R3 toward a direction deviating from the projection lens 72 ( Fig.17 the direction shown by the solid line in the figure), and when the respective reflection elements 30As are at the second angular position, the light from the second light source 52B is reflected in the direction of the optical path R4 toward the projection lens 72 ( Fig.17 the direction shown by the two-dot chain line in the figure).

[0268] Fig.19 shows the detailed structure of the reflection control unit 30A Fig.17 The detailed diagram of the main part is a diagram showing the optical path of the light from the second light source 52B. In addition, the optical paths R1 and R2 of the light from the first light source 52A are the same as the optical paths R1 and R2 of the light from the light source 52 shown in Figure 5 .

[0269] As Fig.19 shown, each reflection element 30As is at the first angular position, reflecting the light from the second light source 52B incident obliquely from above as light that is substantially downward (the light in the optical path R3) toward the front of the unit. On the other hand, at the second angular position, the light from the second light source 52B is reflected as light that is slightly downward (the light in the optical path R4) toward the front of the unit.

[0270] On the rear surface of the bracket 40, protrusions 40b that protrude cylindrically toward the rear of the unit are formed at three positions surrounding the opening 40a. Further, on the outer peripheral side thereof, an annular flange portion 40c that protrudes toward the rear of the unit is formed so as to extend in a horizontally long rectangular shape.

[0271] The end faces of the protrusions 40b at the three positions of the bracket 40 are in contact with the front surface of the frame portion 30B of the spatial light modulator 30. At this time, the annular flange portion 40c covers the spatial light modulator 30 over the entire circumference.

[0272] Next, the specific structure of the light source-side subassembly 1050 will be described.

[0273] The first light source 52A is composed of a light-emitting diode that emits yellow light. The first light source 52A is supported by the light source-side holder 60A via the support substrate 56A, and the light source-side holder 60A is supported by the shelf-shaped portion 40d of the bracket 40 (refer to Fig.17 ).

[0274] The first lens 54A is a biconvex lens and is supported by the light source-side holder 60A via the lens holder 58A. The first lens 54A is arranged at a position where the emitted light from the first light source 52A converges on the reflection control portion 30A of the spatial light modulator 30.

[0275] The second light source 52B is composed of a light-emitting diode that emits blue light. The second light source 52B is supported by the light source-side holder 60B via the support substrate 56B, and the light source-side holder 60B is supported by the shelf-shaped portion 40d of the bracket 40.

[0276] The second lens 54B is a biconvex lens and is supported by the light source-side holder 60B via the lens holder 58B. The second lens 54B is arranged at a position where the emitted light from the second light source 52B converges on the reflection control portion 30A of the spatial light modulator 30.

[0277] Fig. 20It is a diagram that is substantially the same as the one showing the reflection directions of the light from the first light source 52A and the second light source 52B after being incident on a reflection element 30As located at the first angular position. Fig.18 Substantially the same diagram.

[0278] As Fig. 20 shown, the first light source 52A and the first lens 54A are arranged at positions directly below the optical axis Ax. Therefore, the light from the first light source 52A that reaches the spatial light modulator 30 via the first lens 54A is reflected in a direction substantially directly above the optical axis Ax.

[0279] At this time, a reflection element 30As is at the first angular position. Therefore, the light from the first light source 52A reflected by this reflection element 30As, as shown by the solid light path R1, is directed as a slightly upward light toward the third lens 72C of the projection lens 72.

[0280] On the other hand, when a reflection element 30As rotates to the second angular position, the light from the first light source 52A reflected by this reflection element 30As, as shown by the dashed-dotted light path R2, does not reach the second light source 52B and its peripheral structures (i.e., the second lens 54B, the support substrate 56B, the lens holder 58B, and the light source-side holder 60B), but is directed as a considerably upward light toward the rear region 74B of the lens holder 74 (refer to Fig.17 ).

[0281] In addition, since the second light source 52B and the second lens 54B are located obliquely above and to the right with respect to the optical axis Ax, the light from the second light source 52B that reaches the spatial light modulator 30 via the second lens 54B is reflected obliquely downward to the left.

[0282] At this time, a reflection element 30As is at the first angular position. Therefore, the light from the second light source 52B reflected by this reflection element 30As, as shown by the solid light path R3, does not reach the first light source 52A and its peripheral structures (i.e., the first lens 54A, the support substrate 56A, the lens holder 58A, and the light source-side holder 60A), but is directed as a considerably downward light toward the rear region 74B of the lens holder 74 (refer to Fig.17 ).

[0283] On the other hand, when a reflection element 30As rotates to the second angular position, the light from the second light source 52B reflected by this reflection element 30As, as shown by the dashed-dotted light path R4, is directed as a slightly downward light toward the third lens 72C of the projection lens 72.

[0284] Fig.21The figure transparently shows a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen arranged 25 m in front of the vehicle by the irradiation light from the vehicle lamp 1100 .

[0285] Fig.21 The light distribution patterns shown are a road surface depicting light distribution pattern PA and a supplementary light distribution pattern PB, and are formed together with (or independently of) a low beam light distribution pattern PL formed by irradiation light from another vehicle lamp not shown.

[0286] The road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA is a light distribution pattern for drawing the road surface for promoting attention to the surroundings, and is formed as a light distribution pattern for drawing characters, symbols, etc. on the road surface in front of the vehicle. Fig.21 The road surface depicting light distribution pattern PA shown is formed as an arrow-shaped light distribution pattern directed toward the front direction of the vehicle.

[0287] The road surface depicting light distribution pattern PA is formed by rotating a part of the plurality of reflective elements 30As (e.g., the reflective elements 30As located in the area set in the shape of an arrow) of the reflection control unit 30A of the spatial light modulator 30 to a first angular position, and directing the light from the first light source 52A reflected by these reflective elements 30As toward the projection lens 72. At this time, the first light source 52A is composed of a light emitting diode that emits yellow light, so the road surface depicting light distribution pattern PA is also formed as a yellow light distribution pattern.

[0288] When a vehicle is traveling at night, by forming such an arrow-shaped road surface depicting light distribution pattern PA, for example, the surroundings are informed that the vehicle is approaching an intersection ahead of the vehicle, thereby prompting attention.

[0289] On the other hand, the supplementary light distribution pattern PB is formed as a light distribution pattern surrounding the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA.

[0290] The supplementary light distribution pattern PB is formed by directing the light from the second light source 52B reflected by the reflective element 30As (i.e., the reflective element 30As rotated to the second angle position) among the plurality of reflective elements 30As constituting the reflection control unit 30A of the spatial light modulator 30, which does not contribute to the formation of the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA, toward the projection lens 72, and its outer shape is a shape that projects the rectangular outer shape of the reflection control unit 30A onto the road surface in front of the vehicle. At this time, since the second light source 52B is composed of a light emitting diode that emits blue light, the supplementary light distribution pattern PB is also formed as a blue light distribution pattern. And, by surrounding the yellow road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA with the blue supplementary light distribution pattern PB, the presence of the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA is made conspicuous.

[0291] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0292] The lamp unit 1010 according to this embodiment is configured to irradiate the light from the first light source 52A reflected by the spatial light modulator 30 forward of the unit via the projection lens 72. Therefore, by controlling the spatial distribution of the reflected light using the spatial light modulator 30, various light distribution patterns PA for road surface depiction can be formed with high precision.

[0293] At this time, the spatial light modulator 30 includes a plurality of reflection elements 30As configured to be able to selectively take a first angular position and a second angular position. In addition, as the light sources, a first light source 52 and a second light source 52B are provided. The first light source 52A is arranged at a position such that the light from the first light source 52A is reflected by the reflection elements 30As at the first angular position toward the projection lens 72 and is reflected by the reflection elements 30As at the second angular position in a direction deviating from the projection lens 72. On the other hand, the second light source 52B is arranged at a position such that the light from the second light source 52B is reflected by the reflection elements 30As at the second angular position toward the projection lens 72 and is reflected by the reflection elements 30As at the first angular position in a direction deviating from the projection lens 72. Therefore, the following effects can be obtained.

[0294] That is, by lighting the first light source 52A, the reflected light from the reflection elements 30As at the first angular position is irradiated forward of the unit via the projection lens 72. In addition, by lighting the second light source 52B, the reflected light from the reflection elements 30As at the second angular position is irradiated forward of the unit via the projection lens 72. Therefore, by lighting the first light source 52A and the second light source 52B simultaneously, light irradiation using all the reflection elements 30As can be performed. Thus, when forming the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction on the road surface in front of the vehicle, a supplementary light distribution pattern PB surrounding the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction can be formed simultaneously. Therefore, by setting the brightness and emission color of the first light source 52A and the second light source 52B to be different from each other, compared with the case where only the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction is formed on the road surface in front of the vehicle, the presence of the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction can be made more distinct, and thus the function of alerting to the surroundings can be improved.

[0295] Moreover, since the second light source 52B is disposed at a position deviated from the plane including the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 72 and the light emission center of the first light source 52A, it is possible to prevent the light from the first light source 52A reflected by the respective reflection elements 30As located at the second angular position from reaching the position of the second light source 52B, or the light from the second light source 52B reflected by the respective reflection elements 30As located at the first angular position from reaching the position of the first light source 52A. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first light source 52A and the second light source 52B and their peripheral structures from being damaged by heat in advance, or to prevent stray light from being accidentally generated by the peripheral structures of the first light source 52A and the second light source 52B. Thus, it is possible to prevent a situation that hinders the light distribution function of the lamp unit 1010 from occurring in the first place.

[0296] Thus, according to the present embodiment, in the lamp unit 1010 including the reflective spatial light modulator 30, it is possible to improve the function of alerting to the surroundings based on the formation of the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing without hindering its light distribution function.

[0297] At this time, in the present embodiment, the first light source 52A is disposed at a position lower than the optical axis Ax, and the second light source 52B is disposed at a position higher than the optical axis Ax. Therefore, it is possible to perform light irradiation using the central region in the left - right direction of the projection lens 72, and thus it is possible to easily form the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing and the supplementary light distribution pattern PB into light distribution patterns with uniform brightness.

[0298] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the first light source 52A and the second light source 52B are configured to have different light emission colors, it is possible to form the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing and the supplementary light distribution pattern PB in different colors. Therefore, it is possible to further clarify the presence of the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing formed on the road surface in front of the vehicle, and thus it is possible to further improve the function of alerting to the surroundings.

[0299] And, in the present embodiment, the central axis Ax1 of the spatial light modulator 30 (i.e., the axis passing through the central positions of the plurality of reflection elements 30As) is displaced upward with respect to the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 72. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate the light from the first light source 52A and the second light source 52B reflected by the spatial light modulator 30 as obliquely downward light from the projection lens 72, and thus it is possible to efficiently form the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing and the supplementary light distribution pattern PB on the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0300] In the present embodiment, a structure in which the first light source 52A is composed of a light-emitting diode that emits yellow light and the second light source 52B is composed of a light-emitting diode that emits blue light has been described. However, as the first light source 52A and the second light source 52B, in addition to yellow or blue, for example, a structure having a light-emitting color such as green or white may be adopted, and they may be appropriately combined to form a structure having mutually different light-emitting colors. Alternatively, light-emitting diodes having the same light-emitting color but different brightnesses may be used as the first light source 52A and the second light source 52B, so as to form a structure in which the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing and the supplementary light distribution pattern PB are formed with different brightnesses.

[0301] In the present embodiment, a case where the central axis Ax1 of the spatial light modulator 30 is displaced upward with respect to the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 72 has been described. However, a structure in which the central axis Ax1 coincides with the optical axis Ax may also be adopted.

[0302] In the present embodiment, a case where the lamp unit 1010 is a vehicle-mounted lamp unit has been described. However, it may also be used for purposes other than vehicle-mounted use (for example, a street lamp unit configured to draw from a direction substantially directly above the road surface, etc.).

[0303] <First Modification of the Second Embodiment>

[0304] Next, a first modification of the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing the same as that of the lamp unit 1110 of this modification Fig. 20 As shown in Fig. 22 The basic structure of this modification is the same as that of the second embodiment, but there are some differences in the structure of the light source-side sub-assembly 1150 from that of the second embodiment.

[0305] That is, the light source-side sub-assembly 1150 of this modification further includes a second light source 152C and a second lens 154C in addition to the first light source 52A, the second light source 52B, the first lens 54A, and the second lens 54B.

[0306] The second light source 152C and the second lens 154C are arranged in a positional relationship that is left-right symmetric with respect to the second light source 52B and the second lens 54B with respect to the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax, and have the same structure as the second light source 52B and the second lens 54B.

[0307] That is, the second light source 152C is composed of a light-emitting diode that emits blue light and is supported by the light source-side holder 160C via the support substrate 156C. In addition, the second lens 154C is a biconvex lens and is supported by the light source-side holder 160C via the lens holder 158C.

[0308] In Fig. 22In [the figure], the light from the second light source 152C that reaches the spatial light modulator 30 via the second lens 154C and is reflected by the reflection element 30As located at the first angular position becomes light directed obliquely downward to the right.

[0309] At this time, the light from the second light source 152C reflected by the reflection element 30As, as shown by the solid line optical path R5, does not reach the first light source 52A and its peripheral structures (i.e., the first lens 54A, the support substrate 56A, the lens holder 58A, and the light source side holder 60A), nor the second light source 52B and its peripheral structures (i.e., the second lens 54B, the support substrate 56B, the lens holder 58B, and the light source side holder 60B), but instead, as light directed substantially downward, it is directed toward the rear region 74B of the lens holder 74 (see Fig.17 ).

[0310] On the other hand, when the reflection element 30As changes to the second angular position, the light from the second light source 152C reflected by the reflection element 30As, as shown by the dashed-dotted line optical path R6, is directed as light slightly downward toward the third lens 72C of the projection lens 72.

[0311] Even when the structure of this modification is adopted, the same operational effects as those in the case of the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0312] Moreover, in this modification, since the pair of left and right second light sources 52B and 152C are lit simultaneously, the supplementary light distribution pattern PB surrounding the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA can be formed as a bright light distribution pattern. Therefore, the presence of the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA can be further clarified, and thus the function of alerting attention to the surroundings can be further improved.

[0313] <Second Modification of the Second Embodiment>

[0314] Next, a second modification of the second embodiment will be described. Fig.23 It is a diagram showing the same as that of the lamp unit 1210 according to this modification Fig. 20 as [a certain figure].

[0315] As Fig.23 shown, the basic structure of this modification is the same as that of the second embodiment, but there are some differences in the structure of the light source side sub-assembly 1250 compared to the case of the second embodiment.

[0316] That is, in the light source side sub-assembly 1250 of this modification example, the pair of left and right first light sources 252D and 252E and the pair of left and right first lenses 254D and 254E are arranged in a positional relationship that is vertically symmetric with respect to the horizontal plane of the central axis Ax1 of the reflection control unit 30A including the spatial light modulator 30, as compared with the pair of left and right second light sources 52B and 152C and the pair of left and right second lenses 54B and 154C in the first modification example of the second embodiment. Further, the second light source 252F and the second lens 254F are arranged in a positional relationship that is vertically symmetric with respect to the above-mentioned horizontal plane, as compared with the first light source 52A and the second lens 54A in the above-mentioned first modification example.

[0317] In Fig.23 , the first light source 252D and the first lens 254D are located in the lower right oblique direction with respect to the optical axis Ax. Therefore, the light from the first light source 252D that reaches the spatial light modulator 30 via the first lens 254D and is reflected by the reflection element 30As located at the first angular position becomes light that travels toward the upper left oblique direction.

[0318] At this time, the light from the first light source 252D reflected by the reflection element 30As, as shown by the solid line optical path R7, travels as light that is slightly upward toward the third lens 72C of the projection lens 72.

[0319] On the other hand, when the reflection element 30As rotates to the second angular position, the light from the first light source 252D reflected by the reflection element 30As, as shown by the dashed-dotted line optical path R8, does not reach the first light source 252E and its surrounding structures (that is, the first lens 254E, the support substrate 256E, the lens holder 258E, and the light source side holder 260E), nor the second light source 252F and its surrounding structures (that is, the second lens 254F, the support substrate 256F, the lens holder 258F, and the light source side holder 260F), but instead travels as light that is considerably upward toward the rear region 74B of the lens holder 74 (refer to Fig.17 ).

[0320] In addition, the first light source 252E and the first lens 254E are located in the lower left oblique direction with respect to the optical axis Ax. Therefore, the light from the first light source 252E that reaches the spatial light modulator 30 via the first lens 254E and is reflected by the reflection element 30As located at the first angular position becomes light that travels toward the upper right oblique direction.

[0321] At this time, the light from the first light source 252E reflected by the reflection element 30As, as shown by the solid line optical path R9, travels as light that is slightly upward toward the third lens 72C of the projection lens 72.

[0322] On the other hand, when the reflecting element 30As rotates to the second angular position, the light from the first light source 252E reflected by the reflecting element 30As, as shown by the optical path R10 of the double-dot dash line, does not reach the first light source 252D and its peripheral structures (i.e., the first lens 254D, the support substrate 256D, the lens holder 258D, and the light source-side holder 260D), nor the second light source 252F and its peripheral structures, but instead, as light that is rather upward, is directed toward the rear region 74B of the lens holder 74 (see Fig.17 ).

[0323] Moreover, since the second light source 252F and the second lens 254F are arranged at positions directly above the optical axis Ax, the light from the second light source 252F that reaches the spatial light modulator 30 via the second lens 254F and is reflected by the reflecting element 30As located at the first angular position becomes light that is directed substantially downward in the direction of the optical axis Ax.

[0324] At this time, the light from the second light source 252F reflected by the reflecting element 30As, as shown by the solid-line optical path R11, does not reach the first light sources 252D and 252E and their peripheral structures, but instead, as light that is rather downward, is directed toward the rear region 74B of the lens holder 74 (see Fig.17 ).

[0325] On the other hand, when the above-described reflecting element 30As rotates to the second angular position, the light from the second light source 252F reflected by the reflecting element 30As, as shown by the double-dot dash line optical path R12, is directed as slightly downward light toward the third lens 72C of the projection lens 72.

[0326] Even when the structure of this modification is adopted, the same operational effects as those in the case of the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0327] Furthermore, in this modification, by simultaneously lighting the pair of left and right first light sources 252D and 252E, the light distribution pattern PA for road surface delineation can be formed into a bright light distribution pattern, and thus the presence of the light distribution pattern PA for road surface delineation can be made more distinct, and thereby the function of alerting attention to the surroundings can be further enhanced.

[0328] <Third Modification of the Second Embodiment>

[0329] Next, a third modification of the second embodiment will be described. Fig.24 is a view showing the same as that of the lamp unit 1310 according to this modification Fig.17 as that.

[0330] As shown in Fig.24As shown, the basic structure of this modification is the same as that of the second embodiment, but there are some differences in the structure of the light source side sub-assembly 1350 compared to the second embodiment.

[0331] That is, the light source side sub-assembly 1350 of this modification includes a first light source 352A and a reflector 364A instead of the first light source 52A and the first lens 54A of the second embodiment.

[0332] The first light source 352A is disposed directly below the optical axis Ax between the third lens 72C of the projection lens 72 and the carriage 40. The first light source 352A is composed of a light emitting diode that emits yellow light, and is supported by a light source side holder 360A via a support substrate 356A in a state where its light emitting surface faces obliquely upward and forward. The light source side holder 360A is supported by a shelf-like portion 40d of the carriage 40.

[0333] The reflector 364A is supported by the support substrate 356A in a state of being disposed so as to cover the first light source 352A from the front side of the unit, and is configured to reflect the emitted light from the first light source 352A toward the spatial light modulator 30. The reflecting surface 364Aa of the reflector 364A has a curved surface shape that is based on a rotational ellipsoidal surface and is slightly deformed from the rotational ellipsoidal surface, whereby the emitted light from the first light source 352A is converged toward the reflection control portion 30A of the spatial light modulator 30.

[0334] In Fig.24 the light from the first light source 352A that is reflected by the reflector 364A and reaches the spatial light modulator 30 and is reflected by the reflection element 30As located at the first angular position becomes light in a direction substantially directly above the optical axis Ax.

[0335] At this time, the light from the first light source 352A reflected by the reflection element 30As is shown by the solid line optical path R13 and is directed toward the third lens 72C of the projection lens 72 as slightly upward light.

[0336] On the other hand, when the reflection element 30As changes to the second angular position, the light from the first light source 352A reflected by the reflection element 30As is shown by the dashed-dotted line optical path R14 and does not reach the second light source 52B and its surrounding structures, but is directed toward the rear region 74B of the lens holder 74 as considerably upward light.

[0337] In addition, since the second light source 52B and the second lens 54B are located in the upper right oblique direction with respect to the optical axis Ax, the light from the second light source 52B that reaches the spatial light modulator 30 via the second lens 54B and is reflected by the reflection element 30As located at the first angular position is as shown by the solid line optical path R3 and will not reach the first light source 352A and its peripheral structures (i.e., the reflector 364A, the support substrate 356A, and the light source side holder 360A), but instead, as light that is considerably downward, it is directed toward the rear region 74B of the lens holder 74 (see Fig.17 ).

[0338] On the other hand, when the above-mentioned reflection element 30As rotates to the second angular position, the light from the second light source 52B reflected by the reflection element 30As is as shown by the dashed-dotted line optical path R4 and is directed as slightly downward light toward the third lens 72C of the projection lens 72.

[0339] Even when the structure of this modification is adopted, the same operational effects as those in the case of the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0340] Moreover, in this modification, the emitted light from the first light source 352A is configured to be reflected by the reflector 364A and reach the spatial light modulator 30. Therefore, it is possible to easily adjust the intensity distribution of the reflected light from the spatial light modulator 30 by using the surface shape of the reflection surface 364Aa of the reflector 364A. Thus, it is possible to easily adjust the photometric distribution of the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction and the supplementary light distribution pattern PB.

[0341] Alternatively, a structure in which multiple sets of the first light source 352A and the reflector 364A are arranged and configured may be adopted instead of the structure of the above-mentioned third modification.

[0342] <Fourth Modification of the Second Embodiment>

[0343] Next, a fourth modification of the second embodiment will be described. Fig.25 is a diagram showing the same as that of the lamp unit 1410 according to this modification Fig.17 as that.

[0344] As Fig.25 shown, the basic structure of this modification is the same as that in the case of the second embodiment, but there are some differences in the structure of the third lens 472C of the projection lens 1472 compared to the case of the second embodiment.

[0345] That is, the third lens 472C of this modification is also, like the third lens 72C of the second embodiment, composed of a glass biconvex lens having a circular outer peripheral shape, and an outer peripheral flange portion 72Ca is formed at its outer peripheral edge portion. However, with the horizontal plane including its optical axis Ax as the boundary, the upper half and the lower half have mutually different incident surface shapes.

[0346] Specifically, the lower half 472Cb of the rear surface of the third lens 472C is slightly displaced toward the front side of the unit compared to the upper half 472Ca thereof. Fig.25 In FIG. 4 , the extended line of the curve constituting the vertical cross-sectional shape of the upper half 472Ca is indicated by a double-dashed line.

[0347] Moreover, thereby, the projection lens 1472 is constructed as a lens as follows: in its upper half, for yellow light (i.e., the luminous color of the first light source 52A), the rear focus F is located at the center of the reflection control unit 30A, and in its lower half, for blue light (i.e., the luminous color of the second light source 52B), the rear focus F is located at the center of the reflection control unit 30A.

[0348] Even when the structure of this modified example is adopted, the same operational effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0349] Moreover, in this modification, the third lens 472C of the projection lens 1472 has incident surface shapes that are different from each other in the upper half and the lower half, so the following effects can be obtained.

[0350] That is, the lamp unit 1410 involved in this variant example has the following structure: relative to the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 1472, the first light source 52A is arranged on the lower side, and the second light source 52B is arranged on the upper side. Therefore, most of the light from the first light source 52A reflected by the spatial light modulator 30 and directed toward the projection lens 1472 is incident on the upper half of the third lens 472C in the manner shown by the optical path R1. On the other hand, most of the light from the second light source 52B reflected by the spatial light modulator 30 and directed toward the projection lens 1472 is incident on the lower half of the third lens 472C as shown by the optical path R4.

[0351] Therefore, as in the projection lens 1472 of the present variation, by adopting a structure in which the upper half and the lower half have different incident surface shapes, the projection lens 1472 can be constructed as a lens having a focal length corresponding to the wavelength of the emitted light of the first light source 52A and the second light source 52B, thereby more clearly forming the road surface depiction light distribution pattern PA and the supplementary light distribution pattern PB.

[0352] In the above-mentioned fourth variant example, the case where the third lens 472C is composed of a glass lens having a circular outer peripheral shape is described, but the third lens 472C can also be easily formed by forming the third lens 472C with a resin lens, or the outer peripheral shape of the third lens 472C can be made into a rectangular shape, thereby making it easy to position in the rotation direction centered on its optical axis Ax.

[0353] <Third Embodiment>

[0354] Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig.26 is a front view of a vehicle lamp 2100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In addition, Fig. 27 is Fig.26 a sectional view taken along line II-II of Fig.28 is Fig.26 a sectional view taken along line III-III of Fig.29 is Fig. 27 a detailed view of the main part of Fig.30 is Fig.29 a view taken along line V-V of

[0355] As Figure 26 to Figure 28 shown, the vehicle lamp 2100 is a road surface profiling lamp provided at the front end of the vehicle, and is configured such that the first lamp unit 2010A and the second lamp unit 2010B are accommodated in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 102 and a light-transmitting cover 104 in a state where their optical axes are adjusted so that their front-rear direction coincides with the front-rear direction of the lamp (and the front-rear direction of the vehicle).

[0356] First, the structure of the first lamp unit 2010A will be described.

[0357] As Fig. 27 shown, the first lamp unit 2010A includes a spatial light modulation unit 2020, a light source side sub-assembly 2050, a lens side sub-assembly 2050, and a bracket 40A that supports them.

[0358] Moreover, the first lamp unit 2010A is configured to be supported by the lamp body 102 via an installation structure (not shown) by the bracket 40A, and can tilt in the vertical direction and the left-right direction with respect to the lamp body 102.

[0359] The bracket 40A is a metal (e.g., aluminum die-cast) member, and is arranged to extend along a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp, and shelf-like portions 40d that extend forward of the lamp are formed at two positions on its front surface.

[0360] The spatial light modulation unit 2020 includes: a first spatial light modulator 2030A; a support substrate 22, which is arranged at a position behind the first spatial light modulator 2030A on the lamp side; and a radiator 24, which is arranged at a position behind the support substrate 22 on the lamp side.

[0361] The lens-side sub-assembly 2070 includes: a first projection lens 2072A having an optical axis Ax extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp; and a lens holder 74 that supports the first projection lens 2072A. The lens-side sub-assembly 2070 is supported by a bracket 40A at the rear end of the lens holder 74.

[0362] The light-source side sub-assembly 2050 includes a first light source 2052A and a condenser lens 54 that deflects and controls the emitted light from the first light source 2052A toward the first spatial light modulator 2030A. The first light source 2052A and the condenser lens 54 are disposed on the lower side with respect to the optical axis Ax (specifically, at a position directly below the optical axis Ax).

[0363] The first lamp unit 2010A according to the present embodiment is configured such that the light from the first light source 2052A that has reached the first spatial light modulator 2030A via the condenser lens 54 is reflected by the first spatial light modulator 2030A and irradiated forward of the lamp via the first projection lens 2072A, thereby enabling a light distribution pattern (i.e., a light distribution pattern for road surface drawing) depicting characters, marks, etc. to be formed on the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0364] The control of the first spatial light modulator 2030A is performed based on an image signal from an in-vehicle camera (not shown).

[0365] Next, the specific structure of the spatial light modulation unit 2020 will be described.

[0366] As Fig.29 and Fig.30 shown, the first spatial light modulator 2030A is a digital micromirror device (DMD), and is configured to include: a reflection control unit 2032A in which a plurality of first reflection elements (specifically, hundreds of thousands of micro-mirrors) 2032As are arranged in a matrix; a frame unit 2034 that houses the reflection control unit 2032A; and a light-transmitting plate 2036 that is supported by the frame unit 2034 in a state disposed on the front side of the lamp with respect to the reflection control unit 2032A.

[0367] The first spatial light modulator 2030A is arranged such that its reflection control unit 2032A is located on a vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax at the rear focal point F of the first projection lens 2072A.

[0368] The central axis (i.e., the axis passing through the central positions of the plurality of first reflection elements 2032As) Ax1 of the reflection control unit 2032A extends in the front-rear direction of the lamp at a position displaced upward with respect to the optical axis Ax. At this time, the upward displacement amount Ha of the central axis Ax1 with respect to the optical axis Ax is set to a value such that the lower edge of the reflection control unit 2032A is located slightly above the optical axis Ax.

[0369] Furthermore, the first spatial light modulator 2030A can selectively switch the reflection direction of the light from the first light source 52A after reaching each first reflection element 2032As by controlling the angle of the reflection surface of each of the plurality of first reflection elements 2032As constituting the reflection control unit 2032A.

[0370] Specifically, a first angle position and a second angle position are selected. The first angle position is to direct the light from the first light source 2052A toward the direction of the optical path R1 toward the first projection lens 2072A ( Fig.29 The second angular position is an angular position for making the light from the first light source 2052A be reflected in the direction of the optical path R2 (in the direction indicated by the solid line in FIG. 1 ), and the second angular position is an angular position for making the light from the first light source 2052A be reflected in the direction of the optical path R2 (in the direction not adversely affecting the formation of the light distribution pattern) in the direction deviating from the first projection lens 2072A (i.e. Fig.29 The angular position of the reflection (direction indicated by the double-dotted line).

[0371] like Fig. 27 As shown, the optical axis Ax of the first projection lens 2072A is displaced downward relative to the central axis Ax1 of the first spatial light modulator 2030A. Therefore, the light reaching the first projection lens 2072A from the first spatial light modulator 2030A is irradiated from the first projection lens 2072A toward the front of the lamp as light slightly downward relative to the horizontal direction, thereby efficiently forming a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction on the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0372] The detailed structure of each first reflection element 2032As constituting the reflection control unit 2032A is Figure 5 The reflective elements 30As shown are identical.

[0373] The first spatial light modulator 2030A is supported by the bracket 40A and the heat sink 24 from both sides in the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0374] The bracket 40A has a horizontally long rectangular opening 40 a surrounding the light-transmitting plate 2036 of the first spatial light modulator 2030A.

[0375] Next, the specific structure of the light source side subassembly 2050 is described.

[0376] The first light source 2052A is composed of a light emitting diode that emits green light. The first light source 2052A is supported by a light source side holder 60 via a support substrate 56, and the light source side holder 60 is supported by the shelf-shaped portion 40d of the bracket 40A.

[0377] The condenser lens 54 is arranged at a position where the light emitted from the first light source 2052A is condensed on the reflection control unit 2032A of the first spatial light modulator 2030A.

[0378] Next, the specific structure of the lens-side sub-assembly 2070 will be described.

[0379] As Fig. 27 shown, the first projection lens 2072A is composed of three lenses, namely, a first lens 72A1, a second lens 72A2, and a third lens 72A3, which are arranged in the front-rear direction of the lamp on the optical axis Ax.

[0380] The first lens 72A1, which is located at the position closest to the front side of the lamp, is configured as a plano-convex lens that protrudes toward the front of the lamp. The second lens 72A2, which is located in the center, is configured as a biconcave lens. The third lens 72A3, which is located at the position closest to the rear side of the lamp, is configured as a biconvex lens.

[0381] The first lens 72A1 is made of a resin lens (specifically, an acrylic resin lens). The second lens 72A2 is made of a resin lens (specifically, a polycarbonate resin lens). The third lens 72A3 is made of a glass lens.

[0382] The first lens 72A1 and the second lens 72A2 have a rectangular outer peripheral shape with substantially the same size when viewed from the front of the lamp. The third lens 72A3 has a circular outer peripheral shape that is larger than the first lens 72A1 and the second lens 72A2 when viewed from the front of the lamp, and an outer peripheral flange portion 72A3a is formed at its outer peripheral edge portion.

[0383] The first lens 72A1 to the third lens 72A3 are supported by a common lens holder 74.

[0384] A first fitting 76A is installed on the lens holder 74 from the front side of the lamp, whereby the first lens 72A1 and the second lens 72A2 are fixed to the lens holder 74. On the other hand, the third lens 72A3 is fixed to the lens holder 74 by installing a plurality of jigs 76B from its outer peripheral side in a state where a second fitting 76C presses against the outer peripheral flange portion 72A3a from the rear side of the lamp.

[0385] Next, the structure of the second lamp unit 2010B will be described.

[0386] As Fig.26 and Fig.28 shown, the basic structure of the second lamp unit 2010B is the same as that of the first lamp unit 2010A. That is, the second lamp unit 2010B is configured to irradiate the light from the second light source 2052B, which has been reflected by the second spatial light modulator 2030B, toward the front of the lamp via the second projection lens 2072B.

[0387] On the other hand, the second lamp unit 2010B is set such that the upward displacement Hb of the central axis line (i.e., the axis line passing through the central positions of the plurality of second reflective elements 2032Bs) Ax1 of the reflection control unit 2032B of the second spatial light modulator 2030B relative to the optical axis Ax of the second projection lens 2072B is greater than the upward displacement Ha of the first lamp unit 2010A (specifically, Hb=a value of about 1.5 to 3×Ha). Therefore, in the second lamp unit 2010B, the structure of the bracket 40B is partially different from that of the bracket 40A of the first lamp unit 2010A.

[0388] like Figure 26 to Figure 28 As shown, in the lamp chamber of the vehicle lamp 2100, an extension panel 106 extending along a vertical plane orthogonal to the lamp front-rear direction is arranged near the front ends of the first lamp unit 2010A and the second lamp unit 2010B. The extension panel 106 is supported by the lamp body 102 at its peripheral edge.

[0389] The extension panel 106 is formed with a pair of left and right openings 106 a and 106 b .

[0390] One opening 106a is formed in a rectangular shape at the front end of the first lamp unit 2010A so as to surround the first lens 72A1 of the first projection lens 2072A. The other opening 106b is formed in a rectangular shape at the front end of the second lamp unit 2010B so as to surround the first lens 72B1 of the second projection lens 2072B. At this time, the openings 106a and 106b are formed so as to surround the first lenses 72A1 and 72B1 at approximately a certain interval when the lamp is viewed from the front.

[0391] Fig.31 and Fig.32 The figure transparently shows a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen arranged 25 m in front of the vehicle by the irradiation light from the vehicle lamp 2100 .

[0392] Fig.31 The light distribution pattern shown is a road surface depicting light distribution pattern PA formed by the irradiation light from the first lamp unit 2010A. Fig.32 The light distribution pattern shown is a road surface depicting light distribution pattern PC formed by the irradiation light from the second lamp unit 2010B.

[0393] These road surface drawing light distribution patterns PA and PC are formed together with (or independently of) a low-beam light distribution pattern PL formed by irradiation light from another vehicle lamp (not shown).

[0394] The light distribution patterns PA and PC for road surface depiction are light distribution patterns for promoting attention to the surrounding road surface depiction, and are formed as light distribution patterns for depicting characters, marks, etc. on the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0395] Fig.31 The light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction shown is formed as an arrow-shaped light distribution pattern facing the front direction of the vehicle in a relatively distant area on the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0396] This light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction is formed by rotating a part of the plurality of first reflection elements 2032As of the reflection control unit 2032A constituting the first spatial light modulator 2030A (for example, the first reflection elements 2032As located in the area set as the arrow shape) to the first angular position, and making the light from the first light source 2052A reflected by these first reflection elements 2032As face the first projection lens 2072A. At this time, since the first light source 2052A is composed of a light-emitting diode that emits green light, the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction is also formed as a green light distribution pattern.

[0397] When the vehicle is running at night, for example, by forming such an arrow-shaped light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction in a relatively distant area on the road surface in front of the vehicle, it is possible to inform the surroundings that the vehicle is approaching an intersection in front of the vehicle, thus promoting attention.

[0398] In addition, Fig.31 The area Za indicated by the double-dashed line represents the range in which various light distribution patterns PA for road surface depiction can be formed. The area Za is a rectangular area centered on the V-V line on the above-mentioned imaginary vertical screen, and its upper edge is located near the lower side of the H-H line passing through H-V in the horizontal direction.

[0399] On the other hand, Fig.32 The light distribution pattern PC for road surface depiction shown is formed as a longitudinal stripe-shaped light distribution pattern facing the front direction of the vehicle in a relatively close area on the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0400] This light distribution pattern PC for road surface depiction is also formed as a green light distribution pattern in the same way as the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction.

[0401] When the vehicle is running at night, for example, when there is a pedestrian who wants to cross the crosswalk, in the state where the vehicle is stopped, such a longitudinal stripe-shaped light distribution pattern PC for road surface depiction is formed in a relatively close area on the road surface in front of the vehicle, thereby promoting the pedestrian to cross.

[0402] In addition, Fig.32The area Zb indicated by the double-dashed line represents the range in which various light distribution patterns PB for road surface depiction can be formed. The area Zb is a rectangular area centered on the V-V line on the above-mentioned imaginary vertical screen, and its upper edge is located in the middle in the vertical direction of the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction.

[0403] Fig.33 It is the same figure as that showing the appearance of the vehicle lamp 2100 according to the present embodiment. Fig.26 Same figure. Fig.34 It is a figure showing the appearance of the vehicle lamp 2100' as a comparative example.

[0404] As Fig.33 shown, in the vehicle lamp 2100 according to the present embodiment, the optical axes Ax of the first projection lens 2072A and the second projection lens 2072B in the first lamp unit 2010A and the second lamp unit 2010B both extend horizontally in the front-rear direction of the lamp. Therefore, the first projection lens 2072A and the second projection lens 2072B are both arranged in a state of facing the front direction of the lamp. Moreover, the first lens 72A1 of the first projection lens 2072A is arranged at a substantially constant interval from the inner peripheral surface of the opening 106a of the extension panel 106. In addition, the first lens 72B1 of the second projection lens 2072B is arranged at a substantially constant interval from the inner peripheral surface of the opening 106b of the extension panel 106.

[0405] On the other hand, Fig.34 the vehicle lamp 2100' shown as a comparative example in

[0406] shows a structure in the following case: Its first lamp unit 2010A' and second lamp unit 2010B' do not displace the central axes Ax1 of the reflection control parts 2032A and 2032B of the first spatial light modulator 2030A and the second spatial light modulator 2030B upward relative to the optical axis Ax of the first projection lens 2072A and the second projection lens 2072B like the first lamp unit 2010A and the second lamp unit 2010B of the present embodiment, but make the optical axis Ax coincide with the central axis Ax1. On this basis, the light distribution patterns PA and PC for road surface depiction the same as those in the case of the present embodiment are formed by using the irradiation light from the first lamp unit 2010A' and the second lamp unit 2010B'.

[0407] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 2100', in order to form the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PC in a relatively short-distance area of the road surface in front of the vehicle by using the irradiation light from the second lamp unit 2010B', it is necessary to arrange the second lamp unit 2010B' such that the optical axis Ax of its second projection lens 2072B' is further inclined downward toward the front of the lamp.

[0408] Therefore, when the vehicle lamp 2100' is viewed from the front direction of the lamp, the first lamp unit 2010A is seen in a state where the first lens 72A1' of its first projection lens 2072A' is slightly inclined downward, and the interval from the inner peripheral surface of the opening 106a of the extension panel 106 also becomes uneven. In addition, the second lamp unit 2010B' is seen in a state where the first lens 72B1' of its second projection lens 2072B' is further inclined downward, and the interval from the inner peripheral surface of the opening 106b of the extension panel 106 further becomes uneven.

[0409] Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

[0410] The vehicle lamp 2100 according to the present embodiment has a structure in which the first lamp unit 2010A and the second lamp unit 2010B are arranged in parallel. The first lamp unit 2010A is configured to irradiate the light from the first light source 2052A reflected by the first spatial light modulator 2030A toward the front of the lamp via the first projection lens 2072A. Therefore, by controlling the spatial distribution of the reflected light by the first spatial light modulator 2030A, it is possible to form the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA on the road surface in front of the vehicle, thereby being able to draw attention to the surroundings. On the other hand, the second lamp unit 2010B is configured to irradiate the light from the second light source 2052B toward the front of the lamp via the second projection lens 2072B, so that the required light distribution pattern can be formed by using the irradiation light.

[0411] On this basis, the first spatial light modulator 2030A of the first lamp unit 2010A is arranged in a state where the central positions of the plurality of first reflection elements 2032As constituting its reflection control unit 2032A are shifted upward from the optical axis Ax of the first projection lens 2072A. Therefore, in a state where the first lamp unit 2010A is arranged horizontally, light can be irradiated obliquely downward toward the front of the lamp, thereby being able to efficiently form the road surface drawing light distribution pattern PA.

[0412] Therefore, the directions of the irradiated light from the first lamp unit 2010A and the second lamp unit 2010B can be made different from each other while the directions of the first projection lens 2072A and the second projection lens 2072B of the first lamp unit 2010A and the second lamp unit 2010B arranged in parallel are made consistent. Therefore, a variety of light distribution patterns including the road surface depiction light distribution pattern PA can be efficiently formed without damaging the aesthetics of the vehicle lamp 2100.

[0413] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the vehicle lamp 2100 in which two lamp units including projection lenses are arranged in parallel, a variety of light distribution patterns including the road surface depicting light distribution pattern PA can be efficiently formed without impairing the appearance of the vehicle lamp 2100 .

[0414] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the second lamp unit 2010B, like the first lamp unit 2010A, has a second spatial light modulator 2030B for reflecting the light from the second light source 2052B toward the second projection lens 2072B. The second spatial light modulator 2030B has a plurality of second reflection elements 2032Bs. The plurality of second reflection elements 2032Bs are configured to selectively assume a first angle position and a second angle position. The first angle position is an angle position at which the light from the second light source 2052B is reflected toward the second projection lens 2072B, and the second angle position is an angle position at which the light from the second light source 2052B is reflected in a direction deviating from the second projection lens 2072B. Therefore, the following effects can be obtained.

[0415] That is, by controlling the spatial distribution of the reflected light in the second spatial light modulator 2030B, the road surface depicting light distribution pattern PC can be formed with high precision on the road surface in front of the vehicle, and the headlight light distribution pattern or a part thereof can be formed with high precision.

[0416] Furthermore, the second spatial light modulator 2030B is configured in a state where the center position of the plurality of second reflection elements 2032Bs constituting the reflection control unit 2032B is displaced upward from the optical axis Ax of the second projection lens 2072B. At this time, since the upward displacement amount Hb of the center axis Ax1 (i.e., the axis passing through the center position of the plurality of second reflection elements 2032Bs) of the reflection control unit 2032B of the second spatial light modulator 2030B relative to the optical axis Ax of the second projection lens 2072B is set to a value greater than the upward displacement amount Ha of the center axis Ax1 (i.e., the axis passing through the center position of the plurality of first reflection elements 2032As) of the reflection control unit 2032A of the first spatial light modulator 2030A relative to the optical axis Ax of the first projection lens 2072A, the following effects can be obtained.

[0417] That is, in a state where the orientations of the first projection lenses 2072A and 2072B of the first lamp unit 2010A and the second lamp unit 2010B arranged in parallel are made the same, the downward angles of the irradiation light from the first lamp unit 2010A and the second lamp unit 2010B can be made different from each other. Further, in a state where the orientations of the first projection lenses 2072A and 2072B of the first lamp unit 2010A and the second lamp unit 2010B arranged in parallel are made the same, the downward angle of the irradiation light from the second lamp unit 2010B can be increased compared to the downward angle of the irradiation light from the first lamp unit 2010A. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently form the light distribution pattern PA for road surface drawing in the long-distance area of the road surface in front of the vehicle, and it is possible to efficiently form the light distribution pattern PC for road surface drawing in the short-distance area of the road surface in front of the vehicle, thereby improving the function of alerting to the surroundings.

[0418] Further, as the structure of the second spatial light modulator 2030B, the central positions of the plurality of second reflection elements 2032Bs are arranged in a state above the optical axis of the second projection lens 2072B, so that it is possible to efficiently form a headlamp light distribution pattern or a part thereof using the irradiation light from the second lamp unit 2010B.

[0419] The vehicle lamp 2100 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the first lamp unit 2010A and the second lamp unit 2010B are arranged in the same lamp chamber. In such a lamp structure, if the orientations of the first lamp unit 2010A and the second lamp unit 2010B are not the same, the aesthetics of the vehicle lamp 2100 will be significantly impaired. Therefore, adopting the structure of the present embodiment is particularly effective.

[0420] In the present embodiment, the case where both the first light source 2052A and the second light source 2052B are composed of light-emitting diodes that emit green light has been described. However, in addition to green, for example, they may be composed of light-emitting diodes that emit light colors such as blue or white.

[0421] In the present embodiment, the reflection control units 2032A and 2032B of the first spatial light modulator 2030A and the second spatial light modulator 2030B have been described as being located on the vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax of the first projection lens 2072A and the second projection lens 2072B. However, they may also be configured to be arranged in a state inclined with respect to the vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax (for example, a forward-tilted state).

[0422] <First Variation of the Third Embodiment>

[0423] Next, a first variation of the third embodiment will be described. Fig.35 is the same figure as that of the vehicle lamp 2200 according to this modification example Fig.26 shown.

[0424] As Fig.35 shown, the basic structure of this modification example is the same as that of the third embodiment, but there are some differences in the structure of the second lamp unit 2110 from that of the third embodiment.

[0425] That is, the central axis Ax1 of the reflection control unit 2132B of the second spatial light modulator 2130B of the second lamp unit 2110B in this modification example (i.e., the axis passing through the central positions of the plurality of second reflection elements 2132Bs) coincides with the optical axis Ax of the second projection lens 2072B, and extends in the front-rear direction of the lamp in this state. To achieve this, in the second lamp unit 2110B, there are some differences in the structure of the bracket 140B from that of the bracket 40B of the third embodiment.

[0426] In addition, in this modification example, the opening 106b of the extension panel 106 is formed in a rectangular shape so as to surround the first lens 2172B1 of the second projection lens 2172B at the front end position of the second lamp unit 2110, and at this time, the interval between the two is maintained at a substantially constant value.

[0427] Fig.36 is a figure showing the same light distribution pattern as that formed on the imaginary vertical screen disposed at a position 25 m in front of the vehicle by the irradiation light from the vehicle lamp 2200 Fig.32 shown.

[0428] Fig.36 The light distribution pattern shown is the additional high-beam light distribution pattern PD formed by the irradiation light from the second lamp unit 2110B.

[0429] In addition, the road surface depicting light distribution pattern PA formed by the irradiation light from the first lamp unit 2010A is the same as the road surface depicting light distribution pattern PA Fig.31 shown.

[0430] Fig.36 The additional high-beam light distribution pattern PD shown is formed as a light distribution pattern for increasing the brightness of the central region of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH formed by the irradiation light from other vehicle lamps (not shown).

[0431] The high-beam light distribution pattern PH is formed as a light distribution pattern that extends the low-beam light distribution pattern PL to the upper side space of the cut-off lines CL1 and CL2.

[0432] The additional light distribution pattern PD for high beam is formed as a dot-like light distribution pattern centered on H-V. The additional light distribution pattern PD for high beam can be appropriately changed in shape and formation position by the control of the second spatial light modulator 2130B.

[0433] In addition, in Fig.36 , the range in which various additional light distribution patterns PD for high beam can be formed is represented by a double-dashed line as the area Zc in the state of being projected onto the above-mentioned imaginary vertical screen.

[0434] As Fig.36 shown, the area Zc is a rectangular area centered on H-V. This is because the central axis Ax1 of the reflection control unit 2132B of the second spatial light modulator 2130B extends in the front-rear direction of the lamp in a state where it coincides with the optical axis Ax of the second projection lens 2172B, so that the light reaching the second projection lens 2172B from the second spatial light modulator 2130B is irradiated from the second projection lens 2172B toward the front direction of the lamp.

[0435] In this way, in this modification, since the central axis Ax1 of the reflection control unit 2132B of the second spatial light modulator 2130B coincides with the optical axis Ax of the second projection lens 2172B, it is possible to form the additional light distribution pattern PD for high beam with high precision and high efficiency using the irradiation light from the second lamp unit 2110B.

[0436] <Third Embodiment Second Modification>

[0437] Next, a second modification of the third embodiment will be described. Fig.37 is a diagram showing the same as that of the vehicle lamp 2300 according to this modification Fig.26 , and Fig.38 is Fig.37 a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of

[0438] As Fig.37 and Fig.38 shown, the basic structure of this modification is the same as that of the third embodiment, but the structure of the second lamp unit 210B is different from that of the third embodiment.

[0439] That is, the second lamp unit 210B of this modification is configured to irradiate the front of the lamp with the light from the second light source 252B via the second projection lens 272B. At this time, the light from the second light source 252B is reflected by the reflector 262 and incident on the second projection lens 272B.

[0440] The second projection lens 272B projects an image of the light source formed on its rear focal plane (i.e., the focal plane including the rear focal point F of the second projection lens 272B) onto an imaginary vertical screen in front of the vehicle by using the light emitted from the second light source 252B and reflected by the reflector 262.

[0441] The second projection lens 272B is composed of a single resin lens (specifically, an acrylic resin lens). The second projection lens 272B is configured as a plano-convex lens that bulges toward the front of the lamp, and has an outer shape in which the upper and lower ends, which are circular when viewed from the front of the lamp, are cut off in the horizontal direction. Further, the second projection lens 272B is supported at its outer peripheral edge by a lens holder 278, and the lens holder 278 is supported by a base member 280.

[0442] The second light source 252B is a light-emitting diode that emits white light and has a horizontally long rectangular light-emitting surface. The second light source 252B is supported by the base member 280 in a state where its light-emitting surface is arranged upward on the optical axis Ax.

[0443] The reflector 262 is supported by the base member 280 at its lower end edge in a state of being arranged so as to cover the second light source 252B from above. The reflecting surface 262a of the reflector 262 is formed as a substantially elliptical curved surface having the light-emitting center of the second light source 252B as the first focal point. The reflecting surface 262a is set such that the shape of the vertical cross section along the major axis is an ellipse having a point on the front side of the lamp relative to the rear focal point F as the second focal point, and its eccentricity is set to gradually increase from the vertical cross section toward the horizontal cross section. Further, thereby, the reflector 262 converges the emitted light from the second light source 252B at a point on the front side of the lamp relative to the rear focal point F in the vertical cross section, and further displaces the convergence position thereof toward the front side of the lamp in the horizontal cross section.

[0444] An upward reflecting surface 280a is formed on the base member 280. The upward reflecting surface 280a shields a part of the light from the second light source 252B reflected by the reflector 262 and then reflects the shielded light upward. In the upward reflecting surface 280a, the left region located on the left side of the optical axis Ax (right side when viewed from the front of the lamp) is composed of a horizontal plane located slightly above the optical axis Ax, and the right region located on the right side of the optical axis Ax is composed of a horizontal plane (specifically, a horizontal plane located slightly below the optical axis Ax) that is one level lower than the left region via a short inclined surface, and the front edge thereof extends to both left and right sides near the upper side of the rear focal point F.

[0445] Thus, in the second lamp unit 210B, the light reflected upward by the upward reflecting surface 280a of the base member 280 is incident on the second projection lens 272B, and is emitted from the second projection lens 272B as downward light, thereby forming a Fig.31 The low beam light distribution pattern PL as shown.

[0446] In this modification, an extension panel 206 substantially the same as the extension panel 106 of the third embodiment is arranged in the lamp chamber of a vehicle lamp 2300 .

[0447] The extension panel 206 is formed with a pair of left and right openings 206 a and 206 b .

[0448] The opening 206a is similar to the opening 106a of the third embodiment, and is formed at the front end of the first lamp unit 2010A so as to surround the first lens 72A1 of the first projection lens 2072A at a substantially constant interval. On the other hand, the opening 206b is formed at the front end of the second lamp unit 210B so as to surround the second projection lens 272B at a substantially constant interval.

[0449] In this modification, the directions of the irradiated light from the first lamp unit 2010A and the second lamp unit 210B can be made different from each other while the directions of the first projection lens 2072A and the second projection lens 272B of the first lamp unit 2010A and the second lamp unit 210B arranged in parallel are made consistent. Therefore, without impairing the beauty of the vehicle lamp 2300, the vehicle lamp 2300 can be efficiently formed simultaneously or separately. Fig.31 The light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction and the light distribution pattern PL for low beam are shown.

[0450] Therefore, even when the structure of this modified example is adopted, the same operational effects as those of the third embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0451] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0452] Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig.39 : is a side sectional view showing a vehicle lamp 3100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig.40 yes Fig.39 II direction view, Fig.41 yes Fig.39 In addition, about the structure same as 1st Embodiment - 3rd Embodiment, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected and the description is abbreviate|omitted.

[0453] like Fig.39As shown, the vehicle lamp 3100 is a road surface profiling lamp provided at the front end of the vehicle. The lamp unit 3010 is accommodated in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 102 and a light-transmitting cover 104 in a state where its optical axis is adjusted so that its front-rear direction coincides with the front-rear direction of the lamp (and the front-rear direction of the vehicle).

[0454] The lamp unit 3010 includes a spatial light modulation unit 20, a light source side sub-assembly 3050, a lens side sub-assembly 3070, and a bracket 3040 that supports them.

[0455] The bracket 3040 is a metal component and includes: a vertical surface portion 3040A that extends along a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp; and a horizontal surface portion 3040B that extends along a substantially horizontal plane from the lower end edge of the vertical surface portion 3040A toward the front of the lamp.

[0456] As Fig.40 、 Fig.41 shown, the lamp unit 3010 is supported so as to be able to adjust the light in the vertical direction and the left-right direction with respect to the lamp body 102.

[0457] Specifically, the lamp unit 3010 is supported by a pivot 12 located at the upper right (upper left when viewed from the front of the lamp) of the vertical surface portion 3040A of the bracket 3040 and two light adjustment screws 14 and 16 located at the upper left and lower right so as to be able to rotate in the vertical direction and the left-right direction with respect to the lamp body 102.

[0458] The pivot 12 is arranged to extend along the front-rear direction of the lamp, and its base end portion (rear end portion) is fixedly supported by the lamp body 102. The end portion (front end portion) 12a of the pivot 12 is formed into a spherical shape, and at this end portion 12a, it is engaged with a resin spherical step bearing 42 mounted on the bracket 3040 so as to be able to rotate in all directions.

[0459] The light adjustment screw 14 is arranged to extend along the front-rear direction of the lamp, and its base end portion (rear end portion) is supported by the lamp body 102 so as to be able to rotate. The light adjustment screw 14 is screwed with a resin light adjustment nut 44 mounted on the bracket 3040 at its threaded portion 14a. The light adjustment nut 44 is mounted on the bracket 3040 so as to allow the bracket 3040 to rotate about a vertical axis centered on the screwing position with the light adjustment screw 14.

[0460] The light adjustment screw 16 is also arranged to extend in the front-rear direction of the lamp, and its base end portion (rear end portion) is supported by the lamp body 102 so as to be able to rotate. The light adjustment screw 16 is screwed with a resin light adjustment nut 46 mounted on the bracket 3040 at its threaded portion 16a. The light adjustment nut 46 is mounted on the bracket 3040 so as to allow the bracket 3040 to rotate about a horizontal axis centered on the screwing position with the light adjustment screw 16.

[0461] As Fig.39 shown, the spatial light modulation unit 20 includes a spatial light modulator 30, a support substrate 22 disposed at a position behind the spatial light modulator 30 on the lamp rear side, and a radiator 24 disposed at a position behind the support substrate 22 on the lamp rear side. The spatial light modulation unit 20 is supported on the vertical surface portion 3040A of the bracket 3040 at a position in front of the spatial light modulator 30 on the lamp front side.

[0462] The light source side sub-assembly 3050 includes: a pair of left and right light sources (specifically, light emitting diodes that emit green light) 52 mounted on the substrate 56; a reflector 3054 that reflects the emitted light from each light source 52 toward the spatial light modulation unit 20; and a base member 3060 that supports them. The light source side sub-assembly 3050 is supported on the horizontal surface portion 3040B of the bracket 3040 through the base member 3060. At this time, the reflecting surface of the reflector 3054 is configured to converge the emitted light from each light source 52 to a position that is displaced upward with respect to the rear focal point F of the projection lens 3072.

[0463] The lens side sub-assembly 3070 includes: a projection lens 3072 having an optical axis Ax extending in the lamp front-rear direction; and a lens holder 3074 that supports the projection lens 3072. The lens side sub-assembly 3070 is supported by the vertical surface portion 3040A and the horizontal surface portion 3040B of the bracket 3040 through the lens holder 3074.

[0464] Moreover, the lamp unit 3010 irradiates the light from each light source 52 reflected by the reflector 3054 toward the front of the lamp through the spatial light modulator 30 and the projection lens 3072, so that a light distribution pattern (i.e., a light distribution pattern for road surface drawing) depicting characters, marks, etc. can be formed on the road surface in front of the vehicle with high precision.

[0465] In addition, a radiator 80 and a cooling fan 82 for dissipating heat generated by the lighting of each light source 52 are disposed at a position in front of the light source side sub-assembly 3050 on the lamp front side and below the lens side sub-assembly 3070. The radiator 80 is connected to the heat transfer plate 62 of the light source side sub-assembly 3050 via a heat transfer plate 84 and a pair of left and right heat pipes 86.

[0466] Fig.42 is a detailed view of the main part showing the detailed structure of the spatial light modulation unit 20 Fig.39 of the main part.

[0467] As Fig.42 shown, the spatial light modulator 30 is a digital micromirror device (DMD), and includes a reflection control unit 30A, a frame unit 30B, and a light transmissive plate 30C.

[0468] Further, the spatial light modulator 30 can selectively switch the reflection direction of the light from each light source 52 after reaching each of the plurality of reflection elements 30As that make up the reflection control unit 30A by controlling the angles of the reflection surfaces of the respective reflection elements 30As. Specifically, a first angular position and a second angular position are selected. The first angular position is an angular position that reflects the light from each light source 52 in the direction of the optical path R1 ( Fig.42 shown by the solid line in the figure) toward the projection lens 3072, and the second angular position is an angular position that reflects the light from each light source 52 in the direction of the optical path R2 ( Fig.42 shown by the double-dashed line in the figure) in the direction deviating from the projection lens 3072 (i.e., a direction that does not adversely affect the formation of the light distribution pattern). In addition, the detailed structure of each of the reflection elements 30As that make up the reflection control unit 30A is the same as that of the reflection control unit 30A in the Figure 5 first embodiment shown.

[0469] The spatial light modulator 30 is supported from both sides in the front-rear direction of the lamp by the vertical surface portion 3040A of the bracket 3040 and the radiator 24. At this time, a plate-like member 3032 and a gasket 34 are disposed between the vertical surface portion 3040A of the bracket 3040 and the spatial light modulator 30.

[0470] An opening 40Aa that surrounds the light-transmitting plate 30C of the spatial light modulator 30 is formed in the vertical surface portion 3040A of the bracket 3040, and an opening 32a that is one size smaller than the opening 40Aa is formed in the plate-like member 3032.

[0471] A light-transmitting dust cover 3036 that covers the opening 40Aa from the front side of the lamp is supported on the vertical surface portion 3040A of the bracket 3040. The light-transmitting dust cover 3036 is fixed to the vertical surface portion 3040A of the bracket 3040 by screw fastening on both its left and right side portions.

[0472] Next, the specific structure of the lens-side subassembly 3070 will be described.

[0473] As Fig.39 shown, the projection lens 3072 is composed of a first lens 3072A, a second lens 3072B, and a third lens 3072C arranged in the front-rear direction of the lamp along the optical axis Ax.

[0474] The first lens 3072A located at the position closest to the front side of the lamp is configured as a plano-convex lens that bulges toward the front of the lamp. The second lens 3072B located at the center is configured as a biconcave lens. The third lens 3072C located at the position closest to the rear side of the lamp is configured as a biconvex lens.

[0475] The first lens 3072A to the third lens 3072C are all made of resin lenses. Specifically, the first lens 3072A and the third lens 3072C are made of acrylic resin, and the second lens 3072B is made of polycarbonate resin.

[0476] The first lens 3072A to the third lens 3072C are configured such that their upper end portions are slightly cut off along the horizontal plane, and their lower end portions are cut off relatively largely along the horizontal plane. Also, the first lens 3072A to the third lens 3072C are supported by a common lens holder 3074 at their outer peripheral portions.

[0477] The optical axis Ax of the projection lens 3072 is displaced downward with respect to the central axis Ax1 of the reflection control unit 30A of the spatial light modulator 30. Therefore, the light that reaches the projection lens 3072 from the reflection control unit 30A irradiates forward from the projection lens 3072 as light that is slightly downward with respect to the horizontal direction, thereby forming a light distribution pattern for road surface depiction on the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0478] Fig.43 It is a perspective view of the lamp unit 3010 observed from the front diagonally from above to the left.

[0479] As Fig.43 shown, the lens holder 3074 is a metal (e.g., aluminum die-cast) component, and includes: a holder main body 3074A formed to surround the projection lens 3072 in a cylindrical shape; a pair of left and right legs 3074B that extend from the lower end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the holder main body 3074A to the left and right sides and bend downward; and a pair of left and right flange portions 3074C that are formed to extend from the left and right side portions of the outer peripheral surface of the holder main body 3074A to the left and right sides.

[0480] A first fitting 3076A is attached to the holder main body 3074A from the front side of the lamp, and a second fitting 3076B is attached from the rear side of the lamp. Thus, the first lens 3072A to the third lens 3072C are fixed to the holder main body 3074A.

[0481] The pair of left and right legs 3074B are placed on the horizontal surface portion 3040B of the bracket 3040 at their end portions. On the other hand, a pair of engaging groove portions 3040Ba that engage with the end portions of the pair of left and right legs 3074B are formed on the horizontal surface portion 3040B of the bracket 3040.

[0482] The end portions of the respective legs 3074B are formed to extend elongatedly in the front-rear direction of the lamp and extend in the vertically downward direction, and the lower end surfaces thereof are in contact with the bottom surfaces of the respective engaging groove portions 3040Ba. Each engaging groove portion 3040Ba is formed such that its left-right width is slightly larger than the end portion of each leg 3074B and extends longer in the front-rear direction of the lamp than the end portion of each leg 3074B. Thus, the lens holder 3074 is configured to be slidable relative to the bracket 3040 in the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0483] A pair of left and right flange portions 3074C are formed to extend in a plate shape along a vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 3072 at the same height position as the optical axis Ax, and threaded holes 3074Ca extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp are respectively formed at their end portions.

[0484] In the lamp unit 3010, an adjustment mechanism 90 for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the bracket 3040 and the lens holder 3074 in the front-rear direction of the lamp is provided so as to be operable from outside the lamp chamber of the vehicle lamp 3100.

[0485] The adjustment mechanism 90 is constituted by screwing a pair of left and right screws 92 supported by the bracket 3040 so as to be rotatable about an axis Ax2 extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp into the pair of left and right flange portions 3074C of the lens holder 3074.

[0486] Specifically, in a state where each screw 92 is inserted through a screw insertion hole (not shown) formed in the bracket 3040, an intermediate portion of its shaft portion is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the bracket 3040. At this time, the front and rear pairs of holding fittings 94 are attached between each screw 92 and the bracket 3040 to perform positioning in the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0487] Moreover, each screw 92 is screwed into the threaded hole 3074Ca formed in each flange portion 3074C of the lens holder 3074 through a threaded portion 92a formed at its end portion (front end portion), and a rotation operation is performed through a head 92b formed at its base end portion (rear end portion).

[0488] In this adjustment mechanism 90, the relative positional relationship between the bracket 3040 and the lens holder 3074 in the front-rear direction of the lamp is adjusted by operating each screw 92, thereby aligning the focal position of the projection lens 3072.

[0489] In order to be able to perform this focal position alignment with high precision, as Fig.41 shown, the pitch of the threaded portion 92a of each screw 92 is set to a value smaller than the pitch of the threaded portions 14a, 16a of the respective alignment screws 14, 16 (for example, a value of about 1 / 4 to 3 / 4).

[0490] In order to perform this focal position alignment from outside the lamp housing in a state independent of the light alignment adjustment of the lamp unit 3010, in the lamp body 102, a pair of left and right openings 102a are formed at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right screws 92.

[0491] Rubber caps 96 for closing the respective openings 102a are attached to the base end portions of the respective screws 92. The respective rubber caps 96 are attached to the lamp body 102 around the respective openings 102a.

[0492] Moreover, thereby, even after performing the focal position alignment of the projection lens 3072 and then performing the light alignment adjustment of the lamp unit 3010, it is possible to absorb the change in the positional relationship between the lamp body 102 and the respective screws 92 caused by the light alignment adjustment by elastically deforming the rubber caps 96. Moreover, thereby, it is possible to avoid interference between the lamp body 102 and the respective screws 92 in advance and maintain the airtightness inside the lamp chamber.

[0493] As described above, the lens holder 3074 is configured to be supported by the vertical surface portion 3040A of the bracket 3040 via a pair of left and right screws 92. However, the lens holder 3074 is placed on the horizontal surface portion 3040B of the bracket 3040 at the end portions of the pair of left and right legs 3074B in a state where it can slide in the front-rear direction of the lamp, so that an excessive load is not applied to the screwed portions of the pair of left and right screws 92 and the pair of flange portions 3074C.

[0494] A diagram showing the light distribution pattern PA formed on an imaginary vertical screen disposed at a position 25 m in front of the vehicle by the irradiation light from the vehicle lamp 3100 according to the present embodiment is the same as Figure 6 the same.

[0495] Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

[0496] In the vehicle lamp 3100 according to the present embodiment, the lamp unit 3010 accommodated in the lamp chamber is configured to irradiate the light from the light source 52 reflected by the spatial light modulator 30 toward the front of the lamp via the projection lens 3072. Therefore, by controlling the spatial distribution of the reflected light using the spatial light modulator 30, it is possible to accurately form various light distribution patterns PA for road surface depiction.

[0497] Moreover, the lamp unit 3010 includes an adjustment mechanism 90 for adjusting the relative positional relationship in the front-rear direction of the lamp between the bracket 3040 that supports the spatial light modulator 30 and the lens holder 3074 that supports the projection lens 3072. The adjustment mechanism 90 is provided so as to be operable from outside the lamp housing, and thus the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0498] That is, the irradiation light from the lamp unit 3010 housed in the lamp chamber is irradiated forward of the lamp via the light-transmitting cover 104. Therefore, even if the focus of the projection optical system (i.e., the projection optical system composed of the light-transmitting cover 3036 and the projection lens 3072) of the lamp unit 3010 alone is at the original position, the focus of the projection optical system of the vehicle lamp 3100 as a whole (i.e., the projection optical system that includes not only the light-transmitting cover 3036 and the projection lens 3072 of the lamp unit 3010 but also the light-transmitting cover 104) may subtly shift in the front-rear direction of the lamp from the original position. However, by operating the adjustment mechanism 90 from outside the lamp chamber, the relative positional relationship between the adjustment bracket 3040 and the lens holder 3074 in the front-rear direction of the lamp can be adjusted, so that the focus of the projection optical system can be aligned with the original position. Therefore, the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction can be formed with high precision accordingly.

[0499] Thus, according to the present embodiment, in the vehicle lamp 3100 in which the lamp unit 3010 including the spatial light modulator 30 and the projection lens 3072 is housed in the lamp chamber, the light distribution pattern PA for road surface depiction can be formed with high precision.

[0500] In particular, in the vehicle lamp 3100 according to the present embodiment, the lamp unit 3010 is configured to be supported relative to the lamp body 102 so as to be capable of optical alignment in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. Therefore, due to this optical alignment, the focus of the projection optical system also subtly shifts in the front-rear direction of the lamp from the original position. Therefore, adopting the structure of the present embodiment is particularly effective.

[0501] In addition, in the present embodiment, the lens holder 3074 is supported relative to the bracket 3040 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction of the lamp. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the relative positional relationship between the spatial light modulator 30 and the projection lens 3072 in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp from inadvertently deviating, and in addition, an excessive load can be prevented from acting on the adjustment mechanism 90.

[0502] Moreover, the adjustment mechanism 90 of the present embodiment is constituted by screwing a screw 92 supported by the bracket 3040 so as to be rotatable about an axis Ax2 extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp into the lens holder 3074. Therefore, with the position of the screw 92 maintained substantially constant, the focus of the projection optical system can be aligned with the original position, and on the basis of simplifying the lamp structure, the focus of the projection optical system can be aligned with the original position.

[0503] At this time, in the present embodiment, since the screws 92 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the lens holder 3074, the lens holder 3074 can be stably supported.

[0504] Moreover, in the present embodiment, since the pitch of the threaded portion 92a of each screw 92 is set to a value smaller than the pitch of the threaded portions 14a and 16a of the alignment screws 14 and 16, it is possible to easily align the focus accuracy of the projection optical system with the original position with good accuracy.

[0505] In the present embodiment, a structure in which a pair of left and right screws 92 are directly screwed into a pair of left and right flange portions 3074C of the lens holder 3074 has been described. However, the structure may be configured such that the pair of left and right screws 92 are screwed into the pair of left and right flange portions 3074C via an adjustment nut made of resin or the like. In addition, the holder 92 may be configured to be screwed to the lens holder via a nut or the like.

[0506] In the present embodiment, as the adjustment mechanism 90, a structure in which a screw 92 supported by the bracket 3040 so as to be rotatable about an axis Ax2 extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp is screwed into the lens holder 3074 has been described. However, the structure may be configured such that a screw 92 screwed into the bracket 3040 in a state of being arranged to extend in the front-rear direction of the lamp is connected to the lens holder 3074.

[0507] <First Modification of the Fourth Embodiment>

[0508] Next, a first modification of the fourth embodiment will be described. Fig.44 is a view showing the vehicle lamp 3200 according to this modification and Fig.41 the same figure.

[0509] The basic structure of this modification is the same as that of the fourth embodiment. However, the structure of the adjustment mechanism 190 for adjusting the relative positional relationship in the front-rear direction of the lamp between the holder 3140 in the lamp unit 3110 and the lens holder 174 of the lens side sub-assembly 170 is partially different from that of the fourth embodiment. Accordingly, the structure of the lamp body 202 is also partially different from that of the fourth embodiment.

[0510] That is, the adjustment mechanism 190 of this modification is configured by screwing a pair of left and right screws 192 supported by the lamp body 202 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp into the lens holder 174.

[0511] Specifically, each screw 192 is screwed into a resin adjustment nut 198 provided on each flange portion 174C of the lens holder 174 at a threaded portion 192a formed at its distal end (front end). The adjustment nut 198 is mounted on the flange portion 174C so as to absorb a slight change in the tilt angle of the lens holder 174 relative to the screw 192.

[0512] In addition, each screw 192 is supported by the lamp body 202 at its base end portion (rear end portion) so as to be rotatable, and its screw head 192b is subjected to a rotation operation.

[0513] Insertion holes 3140Ab for inserting a pair of left and right screws 192 are formed in the vertical surface portion 3140A of the bracket 3140, thereby preventing interference between the bracket 3140 and the pair of left and right screws 192.

[0514] In addition, the lens holder 174 of this modification also includes a holder body 174A and a pair of left and right legs 174B similar to the lens holder 3074 of the fourth embodiment. In addition, the bracket 3140 of this modification also has a pair of left and right engaging groove portions 3140Ba formed in the horizontal surface portion 3140B and engaging with the end portions of the pair of left and right legs 174B.

[0515] In the case of adopting the structure of this modification, by operating the adjustment mechanism 190 from outside the lamp chamber, the relative positional relationship between the bracket 3140 and the lens holder 174 in the front-rear direction of the lamp can be adjusted, so that the focus of the projection optical system of the vehicle lamp 3200 in which the lamp unit 3110 is accommodated in the lamp chamber can be aligned with the original position.

[0516] In addition, as in this modification, by adopting a structure in which a pair of left and right screws 192 are supported by the lamp body 202, it is not necessary to form a pair of left and right openings 102a in the lamp body 102 and close them by installing rubber caps 96 as in the fourth embodiment, thereby simplifying the lamp structure.

[0517] And, in this modification, since the screwing of each screw 192 with the lens holder 174 is performed via a resin-made adjustment nut 198, even if some relative displacement occurs between the lamp unit 3110 and the lamp body 202, an excessive load is not applied to the screwed portion.

[0518] On the other hand, in this modification, when the lamp unit 3110 is aligned after the vehicle lamp 3200 is assembled, the lens holder 174 slides relative to the bracket 3140 in the front-rear direction of the lamp, and the relative positional relationship in the front-rear direction of the lamp changes. However, in such a case, it is only necessary to operate the adjustment mechanism 190 from outside the lamp chamber again to adjust the relative positional relationship between the bracket 3140 and the lens holder 174 in the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0519] In addition, in a vehicle lamp that does not have an alignment function, since the lamp unit 3110 is not aligned after its assembly is completed, adopting the structure of this modification is particularly effective.

[0520] It is also possible to use a screw having gimbal joints provided at two positions in the middle part of its shaft portion instead of the screw 192 of the first modification of the fourth embodiment. By adopting such a structure, it is possible to prevent an excessive load from acting on the screwing portion screwed to the lens holder 174.

[0521] <Second Modification of the Fourth Embodiment>

[0522] Next, a second modification of the fourth embodiment will be described. Fig.45 It is a diagram showing the vehicle lamp 3300 according to this modification and Fig.40 the same as the above.

[0523] The basic structure of this modification is the same as that of the fourth embodiment. However, in the lamp unit 3210, the structure for supporting the lens holder 274 relative to the bracket 240 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction of the lamp is different from that of the fourth embodiment.

[0524] That is, the lens holder 274 of this modification includes a holder main body 274A and a pair of left and right flange portions 274C similar to those of the lens holder 3074 of the fourth embodiment, but is configured to include a single leg portion 274B instead of the pair of left and right leg portions 3074B in the lens holder 3074 of the fourth embodiment.

[0525] The leg portion 274B protrudes downward from the holder main body 274A at a position directly below the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 3072, and its end portion is formed to expand toward the left and right sides.

[0526] In addition, the bracket 240 of this modification includes a vertical surface portion 240A and a horizontal surface portion 240B similar to those of the bracket 3040 of the fourth embodiment. However, in the horizontal surface portion 240B, a single engaging groove portion 240Ba is formed instead of the pair of left and right engaging groove portions 40Ba in the bracket 240 of the fourth embodiment.

[0527] The engaging groove portion 240Ba is formed to extend in the front-rear direction of the lamp with a left-right width wider than the end portion of the leg portion 274B of the lens holder 274. In addition, on the horizontal surface portion 240B of the bracket 240, a pair of left and right protruding portions 240Bb protruding in the horizontal direction are formed so as to cover the end portion of the leg portion 274B from above.

[0528] Moreover, in this modification, the leg portion 274B of the lens holder 274 is inserted into the engaging groove portion 240Ba of the bracket 240 from the front side of the lamp, so that the leg portion 274B is engaged with the engaging groove portion 240Ba in a state where the lens holder 274 is placed on the horizontal surface portion 240B of the bracket 240.

[0529] Even when the structure of this modification is adopted, since the lens holder 274 is supported by the bracket 240 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction of the lamp, it is possible to prevent the relative positional relationship between the spatial light modulator 30 and the projection lens 3072 from accidentally deviating in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the lamp. In addition, an excessive load can be prevented from acting on the adjustment mechanism 90.

[0530] In addition, by adopting the structure of this modification, it is possible to restrict the upward displacement of the holder 274 relative to the bracket 240 by the engagement between the leg portion 274B and the engaging groove portion 240Ba, and thus the durability of the vehicle lamp 3300 against vehicle vibrations and the like can be improved.

[0531] In addition, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the numerical values shown as specifications are merely examples, and of course, they can be appropriately set to different values.

[0532] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the structures described in the above-described embodiments and modifications, and structures with various other changes can be adopted.

[0533] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-040554 filed on March 10, 2020, Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-046155 filed on March 17, 2020, Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-068815 filed on April 7, 2020, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-070773 filed on April 10, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A lighting unit, characterized in that, the lighting unit is configured to irradiate the light from a light source reflected by a spatial light modulator forward of the lighting unit via a projection lens, the spatial light modulator includes a reflection control section formed by arranging a plurality of reflection elements, and the plurality of reflection elements are configured to be able to selectively assume a first angular position and a second angular position. The first angular position is an angular position that reflects the light from the light source toward the projection lens, and the second angular position is an angular position that reflects the light from the light source in a direction deviating from the projection lens, the lighting unit includes a first light source and a second light source as the light source, the first light source is arranged at a position such that the light from the first light source is reflected by each of the reflection elements at the first angular position toward the projection lens, and the light from the first light source is reflected by each of the reflection elements at the second angular position in a direction deviating from the projection lens, the second light source is arranged at a position such that the light from the second light source is reflected by each of the reflection elements at the second angular position toward the projection lens, and the light from the second light source is reflected by each of the reflection elements at the first angular position in a direction deviating from the projection lens, and the second light source is arranged at a position deviating from a plane including the optical axis of the projection lens and the light-emitting center of the first light source, the first light source and the second light source have different emission colors.

2. The lighting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first light source is arranged at a position below the optical axis, the second light source is arranged at a position above the optical axis.

3. The lighting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, the projection lens has an incident surface, and the upper half of the incident surface and the lower half of the incident surface have different shapes.

4. The lighting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, the spatial light modulator is arranged in a state where the central position of the plurality of reflection elements has moved above the optical axis.

5. The lighting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, the lighting unit is configured as a vehicle-mounted lighting unit.

6. The lighting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, it includes: a bracket that supports the spatial light modulator, the first light source, and the second light source, and the bracket can tilt in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction with respect to a lamp body for accommodating the lighting unit.

7. The lighting unit according to any one of claims 1 - 6, characterized in that, the second light source is provided in a pair, and the pair of second light sources are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane including the optical axis.

8. The lighting unit according to any one of claims 1 - 6, characterized in that, the first light source is provided in a pair, and the pair of first light sources are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane including the optical axis.

9. The lighting unit according to any one of claims 1 - 6, Characterized in that, the projection lens has an incident surface, and the lower half of the incident surface is located at a position displaced forward relative to the upper half of the incident surface.

Images