Vehicle lamp

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle lamp capable of partially adjusting light distribution. This vehicle lamp is provided with: a light source unit (20) having a plurality of light-emitting elements (22); a lens (30) disposed in front of the light source unit (20); and a reflection surface (41) disposed below the plurality of light emitting elements (22) and between the light source unit (20) and the lens (30), in which a first reflection surface (41a), which is a partial region of the reflection surface (41) in the vehicle width direction, has a smaller inclination angle ([theta] 1) with respect to the optical axis (a) of the lens than an adjacent region adjacent to the first reflection surface (41a) in the vehicle width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle lamp. Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, a traveling headlamp that irradiates an adaptive driving beam (ADB) in front of a vehicle is disclosed. The light distribution of the ADB is automatically controlled to change according to the conditions in front of the vehicle (presence or absence of a preceding vehicle, oncoming vehicle, distance to the preceding vehicle, oncoming vehicle, etc.). The components of the traveling headlamp are a radiator, a light source unit, a unit structure, and a projection lens. A pedestal portion is provided on the front surface of the radiator, and the light source unit and the unit structure that controls the light from the light source unit are mounted on the pedestal portion. In the unit structure, left and right reflectors are provided that reflect the light from the light source unit to the outside in the vehicle width direction forward to the projection lens and reflect the light from the light source unit to the inside in the vehicle width direction forward to the projection lens.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-115641 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the traveling headlamp (vehicle lamp) described in Patent Document 1, the left and right reflectors reflect the light from the light source unit to the outside in the vehicle width direction and the light to the inside in the vehicle width direction forward to the projection lens. However, the left and right reflectors have the same shape, and it is difficult to locally adjust the light distribution.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle lamp that can partially adjust the light distribution.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] To solve the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lamp mounted on the front part of a vehicle, comprising: a light source unit having a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged horizontally in the vehicle width direction; a lens disposed in front of the light source unit; and a reflecting surface disposed below the plurality of light-emitting elements and between the light source unit and the lens, reflecting downward light that does not enter the lens as direct light from the plurality of light-emitting elements and entering the lens as reflected light, and an inclination angle of a partial region in the vehicle width direction of the reflecting surface with respect to the lens optical axis being smaller than that of an adjacent region adjacent to the partial region in the vehicle width direction.

[0011] The second aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lamp according to the first aspect above, where the reverse optical path that extends the optical path of the reflected light from the partial area of the reflecting surface backward intersects the vertical axis included in the plane passing through the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element and orthogonal to the lens optical axis at a point located below the point in the case where the inclination angle of the partial area is set to be the same as that of the adjacent area, and the lens emits the reflected light from the partial area of the reflecting surface upward more than in the case where the inclination angle of the partial area is set to be the same as that of the adjacent area.

[0012] The third aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lamp according to the first aspect above, where the partial area of the reflecting surface is arranged at a position closer to the inner side in the vehicle width direction than the lens optical axis.

[0013] The fourth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lamp according to the first aspect above, where the partial area of the reflecting surface is arranged at the upper end portion of the reflecting surface.

[0014] The fifth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lamp according to the fourth aspect above, where a recessed portion that is recessed downward is formed at the upper end portion of the reflecting surface, and the partial area of the reflecting surface is the bottom surface of the recessed portion.

[0015] The sixth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lamp according to the fourth aspect above, where a strip-shaped convex portion that protrudes upward and extends from the upper end to the lower end of the reflecting surface is formed on the reflecting surface, and the partial area of the reflecting surface is the upper surface of the upper end portion of the convex portion.

[0016] The seventh aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lamp according to the second aspect above, where in the vertical cross-section including the straight line passing through the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element and parallel to the lens optical axis, the reflecting surface is arranged at a position below the straight line connecting the lower end of the incident surface of the lens where the direct light from the light-emitting element is incident and the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element.

[0017] Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp capable of partially adjusting the light distribution. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a top view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of the lamp unit on the right side.

[0021] Figure 3 is Figure 2Schematic III-III cross-sectional view of the lamp unit.

[0022] Figure 4 Is a front view of the right lamp unit with the lens removed.

[0023] Figure 5 Is a perspective view of the reflector of the right lamp unit.

[0024] Figure 6 Is Figure 5 VI-VI cross-sectional view of

[0025] Figure 7 Is an explanatory diagram of the reflected light reflected by the reflecting surface.

[0026] Figure 8 Is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern of the right lamp unit projected onto the screen. (a) shows the state without the recess, (b) shows the state with the recess, and (c) shows the increase in light in (b) relative to (a).

[0027] Figure 9 Is a diagram showing the change in the light distribution pattern and illuminance of a vehicle in a lane. (a) shows the light distribution pattern in the state without the recess, (b) shows the light distribution pattern in the state with the recess, and (c) shows the change in the vertical illuminance on the sidewalk.

[0028] Figure 10 Is a perspective view showing a modified example of the reflector.

[0029] Figure 11 Is Figure 10 XI-XI cross-sectional view of Detailed implementation mode

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In addition, in each figure, FR represents the front of the vehicle, UP represents the upper side, and IN represents the inner side in the vehicle width direction. In addition, in the following description, the front-rear direction refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the left-right direction refers to the left-right direction in the state facing the front of the vehicle. In addition, the inner side in the vehicle width direction refers to the direction toward the center in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle, and the outer side in the vehicle width direction refers to the direction away from the center in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle. In the drawings, since they are schematic diagrams, main components are shown, the illustration of components other than the main components is omitted, and a part of the hatching is omitted.

[0031] Figure 1 Is a top view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, Figure 1 The arrow from the vehicle headlamp forward in

[0032] As shown Figure 1 In the vehicle 1 equipped with a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention, left and right vehicle headlamps 100L and 100R are provided at the front of the vehicle 1. The left vehicle headlamp 100L is disposed on the left side of the front of the vehicle 1, and the right vehicle headlamp 100R is disposed on the right side of the front of the vehicle 1.

[0033] (Vehicle headlamp)

[0034] The vehicle headlamps 100L and 100R each include: a lamp housing 101L and 101R that open forward; an outer lens 102L and 102R that covers the openings of the lamp housings 101L and 101R; and a lamp unit 10L and 10R disposed in lamp chambers 103L and 103R defined by the lamp housings 101L and 101R and the outer lenses 102L and 102R. The lamp housings 101L and 101R are made of an opaque resin member. The outer lenses 102L and 102R are made of a light-transmissive resin member. In addition, the outer lenses 102L and 102R may be a cover made of a light-transmissive resin member.

[0035] (Lamp unit)

[0036] The left lamp unit 10L irradiates a left high-beam light distribution pattern (not shown) in front of the vehicle 1. On the other hand, the right lamp unit 10R irradiates a right high-beam light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle 1 (see Figure 8 (b)). The left high-beam light distribution pattern and the right high-beam light distribution pattern overlap each other to form an integral high-beam light distribution pattern (see Figure 9 (b)). In this example, the integral high-beam light distribution pattern is a wide high-beam light distribution pattern that irradiates a wide range from the vicinity to the far front of the vehicle 1 with high luminous intensity.

[0037] The lamp units 10L and 10R of the left and right vehicle headlamps 100L and 100R are light distribution variable lamp units, which are so-called ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) type lamp units. When there is no oncoming vehicle or a vehicle in front such as a preceding vehicle, the left and right lamp units 10L and 10R irradiate the integral high-beam light distribution pattern (see Figure 9 (b)). On the other hand, when there is a vehicle in front, the left and right lamp units 10L and 10R are controlled so that the area where the vehicle in front is located is darker than the surrounding area, suppressing glare to the vehicle in front. That is, the left and right lamp units 10L and 10R control the lighting, extinguishing, increasing light, and decreasing light of a plurality of light-emitting elements 22 of a light source unit 20 described later through a control device (not shown), so that the integral high-beam light distribution pattern changes.

[0038] The vehicle lamp according to this embodiment is applied, for example, to the right - hand vehicle headlamp (vehicle lamp) 100R of the vehicle 1. In addition, the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure can be applied to the left - hand vehicle headlamp 100L, or can be applied to both the left - and right - hand vehicle headlamps 100L and 100R.

[0039] Figure 2 It is a schematic horizontal cross - sectional view of the right - hand lamp unit 10R. Figure 3 It is Figure 2 The schematic III - III direction view cross - sectional view of the lamp unit 10R. Figure 4 It is a front view of the right - hand lamp unit 10R in a state where the lens is removed. Figure 2 And Figure 3 The single - dotted line a in and represents the lens optical axis a of the lens 30. In addition, the hatching of a part of the cross - section is omitted.

[0040] As Figures 2 - 4 As shown, the lamp unit 10R of the right - hand vehicle headlamp 100R includes a light source unit 20, a lens 30 disposed in front of the light source unit 20, a reflector 40 disposed between the light source unit 20 and the lens 30, a radiator 50, and a fan unit 60. The reflector 40 has a reflecting surface 41 that reflects the light from the light source unit 20 toward the lens 30. In this way, the vehicle headlamp 100R includes the light source unit 20, the lens 30, and the reflecting surface 41. The lamp unit 10R is mounted on the lamp housing 101R via a frame member and a bracket member (not shown). In addition, the left - and right - hand lamp units 10L and 10R are symmetrically provided on the left and right of the vehicle 1 and have substantially the same structure except for the shape of the reflector 40.

[0041] (Light source unit)

[0042] The light source unit 20 has a substrate 21 and a plurality of light - emitting elements 22 arranged horizontally in the vehicle width direction on one surface (front surface) of the substrate 21. The other surface (rear surface) of the substrate 21 is mounted on the radiator 50. In the light source unit 20 of this embodiment, 12 light - emitting elements 22 are provided. The 12 light - emitting elements 22 are an LED (Light Emitting Diode) array, arranged in the horizontal direction on the substrate 21, and 12 light - distribution patterns are formed by the light from each light - emitting element 22. These 12 light - distribution patterns are arranged in the horizontal direction in such a way that at least a part thereof overlaps with the adjacent light - distribution patterns to form an overall light - distribution pattern. In this embodiment, among the light - emitting elements 22 arranged in the horizontal direction, the fifth light - emitting element 22 from the outside in the vehicle width direction is located on the lens optical axis a of the lens 30. In addition, the position of the lens optical axis a is not limited to the position overlapping with the fifth light - emitting element 22 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. For example, the lens optical axis a can also be located between two adjacent light - emitting elements 22.

[0043] The light radiated (emitted) from the light-emitting surfaces of the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 is Lambertian. As a result, the light radiates from the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 in a wide range covering up, down, left, and right directions toward the front of the vehicle 1. Most of the light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 enters the incident surface 31 (effective incident surface) of the lens 30 as direct light. In addition, the downward light that does not enter the lens 30 as direct light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 is reflected by the reflecting surface 41 of the reflector 40 described later and enters the incident surface 31 of the lens 30 as reflected light.

[0044] In addition, in the present embodiment, a plurality of light-emitting elements 22 are provided on one substrate 21, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of substrates each provided with one light-emitting element 22 may be arranged in the horizontal direction to form a light source unit. In addition, in the present embodiment, the light-emitting element 22 is an LED (light-emitting diode), but it is not limited thereto. For example, the light-emitting element 22 may be an LD (laser diode). In addition, the shape of the light-emitting element 22 is not particularly limited and may be square or rectangular. In addition, in the present embodiment, the number of light-emitting elements 22 provided is 12, but it is not limited thereto, and it may be 11 or less, or may be 13 or more.

[0045] (Reflector)

[0046] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the reflector 40 of the right lamp unit. Figure 6 is Figure 5 a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the reflected light reflected by the reflecting surface. In addition, Figure 7 the straight lines T1 and T2 shown indicate the upper end and the lower end of the range where the light from the light-emitting element 22 enters the incident surface 31 of the lens 30 as direct light.

[0047] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the reflector 40 has a reflector main body 42 and left and right fixing portions 43L and 43R integrally provided on the left and right sides of the reflector main body 42.

[0048] The left fixing portion 43L is located on the left side (inside in the vehicle width direction) of the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 and is fixed to the radiator 50 (refer to Figures 2 - 4 ). In addition, the right fixing portion 43R is located on the right side (outside in the vehicle width direction) of the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 and is fixed to the radiator 50 (refer to Figures 2 - 4)。Thus, the mirror 40 is fixed relative to the radiator 50. The mirror body 42 is disposed below the lower end of the range where the light from the light-emitting element 22 enters the incident surface 31 of the lens 30 as direct light in the vertical cross-section including the straight line passing through the light-emitting center O of the light-emitting element 22 and parallel to the lens optical axis a ( Figure 7 the position indicated by the straight line T2 in

[0049] (reflective surface)

[0050] The mirror body 42 has an upper surface (reflective surface 41) extending forward and downward from the radiator 50 side (rear side). The upper surface of the mirror body 42 functions as a reflective surface 41 that makes the light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 enter the lens 30 as reflected light. The reflective surface 41 of the mirror body 42 is disposed below the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 and between the light source unit 20 and the lens 30. In the vertical cross-section including the straight line passing through the light-emitting center O of the light-emitting element 22 and parallel to the lens optical axis a, the reflective surface 41 is disposed below the lower end of the range where the light from the light-emitting element 22 enters the incident surface 31 of the lens 30 as direct light ( Figure 7 the position indicated by the straight line T2 in

[0051] The reflective surface 41 of the mirror body 42 reflects the downward light that does not enter the lens 30 as direct light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 (the light radiating downward compared with the Figure 7 straight line T2 shown), and enters the incident surface 31 of the lens 30 as reflected light. The reflective surface 41 of the mirror body 42 performs light distribution control so as to irradiate the light from the area below the lens optical axis a in the light-emitting surface 32 of the lens 30. More specifically, the reflective surface 41 is formed to reflect the light toward the area (predetermined area of the incident surface 31) that irradiates the light from the light-emitting surface 32 below the lens optical axis a in the incident surface 31 of the lens 30. In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned predetermined area of the incident surface 31 is the area below the lens optical axis a in the incident surface 31. The light reflected by the reflective surface 41 is irradiated from the light-emitting surface 32 of the lens 30 as upward light (refer to Figure 7 ). The light reflected by the reflective surface 41 is the light that does not originally enter the incident surface 31 of the lens 30 and is not used for forming the light distribution pattern. Since the upward light is formed by using such light that is not originally used for forming the light distribution pattern through the reflective surface 41 of the mirror 40, the utilization efficiency of the light can be improved.

[0052] A recess 44 is formed in the upper end portion of the mirror body 42 and recessed downward. The recess 44 is formed in a part of the vehicle width direction at the upper end portion of the mirror body 42. The recess 44 in the present embodiment is disposed at a position inside the vehicle width direction compared with the lens optical axis a (refer toFigure 2 )。The recess 44 of the present embodiment is disposed at a position that is outside the vehicle width direction with respect to the second light-emitting element 22 from the inner side (left side) in the vehicle width direction and inside the vehicle width direction with respect to the fifth light-emitting element 22 from the inner side in the vehicle width direction. That is, the recess 44 of the present embodiment is located diagonally below the third light-emitting element 22 and the fourth light-emitting element 22 from the inner side in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the reflecting surface 41 of the mirror body 42 has a first reflecting surface (a partial area) 41a formed by the bottom surface of the recess 44 and a second reflecting surface 41b located outside the recess 44. The second reflecting surface 41b has an adjacent area 41ba (hereinafter simply referred to as "adjacent area 41ba") that is adjacent to the first reflecting surface 41a in the vehicle width direction. The adjacent area 41ba of the present embodiment is provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the first reflecting surface 41a. The first reflecting surface 41a is located at a position lower than the adjacent area 41ba when viewed from the side (refer to Figure 6 ). In addition, in the present embodiment, the adjacent area 41ba is provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the first reflecting surface 41a, but the adjacent area 41ba may be provided only on either side (for example, the outer side) in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] As Figure 6 shown, the inclination angles of the first reflecting surface 41a and the adjacent area 41ba with respect to the lens optical axis a of the lens 30 are different from each other. The inclination angle θ1 of the first reflecting surface 41a with respect to the lens optical axis a is smaller than the inclination angle θ2 of the adjacent area 41ba with respect to the lens optical axis a (θ1 < θ2). That is, the inclination angle of a partial area in the vehicle width direction of the reflecting surface 41 (the first reflecting surface 41a of the present embodiment) with respect to the lens optical axis a of the lens 30 is smaller than that of the adjacent area (the adjacent area 41ba of the present embodiment) adjacent to the above partial area in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the inclination angle with respect to the lens optical axis a means the inclination angle with respect to the lens optical axis a in a vertical cross section (the cross section shown in Figure 6 ) that includes a straight line passing through the light-emitting center O of the light-emitting element 22 and parallel to the lens optical axis a.

[0054] Next, an explanation will be given of the reflected light from the first reflecting surface 41a. In addition, Figure 7 the straight arrow L1 shown in Figure 7 represents the reflected light L1 reflected by the first reflecting surface 41a of the present embodiment. In addition, the double-dot-and-dash arrow L2 shown in Figure 7 represents a hypothetical reflected light L2 when the inclination angle θ1 of the first reflecting surface 41a is set to the same angle as the inclination angle θ2 of the adjacent area 41ba. In addition, the dotted lines extending backward from the optical paths of the reflected lights L1 and L2 respectively represent the reverse optical paths obtained by extending the optical paths of the respective reflected lights L1 and L2 backward.

[0055] AsFigure 7 As shown, a part of the light traveling downward from a predetermined light-emitting element 22 among the plurality of light-emitting elements 22, which is located rearward and above the concave portion 44 (for example, the third and fourth light-emitting elements 22 from the inner side in the vehicle width direction), is reflected by the first reflecting surface 41a and enters the incident surface 31 of the lens 30 as reflected light L1.

[0056] As Figure 7 shown, the reflected light L1 reflected from the light-emitting center O of the above-mentioned predetermined light-emitting element 22 to the first reflecting surface 41a is irradiated upward compared to the imaginary reflected light L2 in the case where the concave portion 44 is not provided and the inclination angle θ1 of the first reflecting surface 41a is set to the same angle as the inclination angle θ2 of the adjacent region 41ba. That is, the reflected light L1 reflected from the light-emitting center O of the above-mentioned predetermined light-emitting element 22 to the first reflecting surface 41a is irradiated upward compared to the imaginary reflected light L2 in the case where the concave portion 44 is not provided. Further, the lens 30 emits the reflected light L1 from the first reflecting surface 41a upward more than the imaginary reflected light L2 in the case where the inclination angle θ1 of the first reflecting surface 41a is set to the same angle as the inclination angle θ2 of the adjacent region 41ba.

[0057] As Figure 7 shown, on the vertical axis V included in the plane passing through the light-emitting center O of the light-emitting element 22 and orthogonal to the optical axis a of the lens, there is an intersection point F1 of the reverse optical path (hereinafter referred to as the "reverse optical path of the reflected light L1") that extends the optical path of the reflected light L1 from the first reflecting surface 41a backward. This is equivalent to irradiating light from a single virtual light source having the light-emitting center at the intersection point F1 to the incident surface 31 of the lens 30. This intersection point F1 is located below the light-emitting center O. In addition, the intersection point F2 where the reverse optical path (hereinafter referred to as the "reverse optical path of the imaginary reflected light L2") that extends the optical path of the imaginary reflected light L2 in the case where the inclination angle θ1 of the first reflecting surface 41a is set to the same angle as the inclination angle θ2 of the adjacent region 41ba (the case where the concave portion 44 is not provided) intersects the vertical axis V is located below the light-emitting center O and above the intersection point F1. That is, the intersection point F1 where the reverse optical path of the reflected light L1 intersects the vertical axis V passing through the light-emitting center O of the above-mentioned predetermined light-emitting element 22 is located below the intersection point F2 in the case where the inclination angle θ1 of the first reflecting surface 41a is set to the same angle as the inclination angle θ2 of the adjacent region 41ba. The difference in the vertical positions of this intersection point F1 and the intersection point F2 corresponds to the difference in the height positions of the virtual light sources, and is manifested as the difference in the vertical positions of the light distribution patterns described later (see Figure 8)。The focal point of the lens 30 is located at or near the same position as the light-emitting center O of the light-emitting element 22. Further, the vertical axis V refers to an imaginary axis in a vertical cross-section including a line parallel to the optical axis a of the lens, and is not limited to an axis extending in the vertical direction. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the intersection point F1 where the reverse optical path of the reflected light L1 intersects the vertical axis V passing through the light-emitting center O of the above-described predetermined light-emitting element 22 is disposed at a position lower than the intersection point F2 in the case where the inclination angle θ1 of the first reflecting surface 41a is set to be the same as the inclination angle θ2 of the adjacent region 41ba, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] Light directed downward from other light-emitting elements 22 among the plurality of light-emitting elements 22, other than the above-described predetermined light-emitting element 22, which does not enter the lens 30 as direct light, is reflected by the second reflecting surface 41b (including the adjacent region 41ba.) and enters the incident surface 31 of the lens 30 as reflected light.

[0059] Further, in the present embodiment, the reflecting mirror 40 separated from the radiator 50 is fixed to the radiator 50, but is not limited thereto. For example, the reflecting mirror may be integrally formed with the radiator. That is, the reflecting surface 41 is not limited to being provided on a member formed as the reflecting mirror 40.

[0060] (Lens)

[0061] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the lens 30 is, for example, a projection lens and is formed of an aspherical lens. The lens 30 has an incident surface 31, an exit surface 32, and an optical axis a of the lens. The lens 30 is mounted on the radiator 50 via a lens holder (not shown). Further, as Figure 2 shown, the optical axis a of the lens 30 in the present embodiment passes through the fifth light-emitting element 22 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. Additionally, the focal point of the lens 30 is located at or near the same position as the light-emitting center O of the light-emitting element 22.

[0062] The incident surface 31 is formed of an aspherical surface (an aspherical surface close to a plane in the present embodiment) and controls the light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 to enter the lens 30 as incident light. The exit surface 32 is formed of an aspherical surface (an aspherical surface close to a spherical surface in the present embodiment) and controls the incident light incident on the incident surface 31 to exit as exit light to the front of the vehicle 1. In this way, the lens 30 controls the direct light from the plurality of (12 in the present embodiment) light-emitting elements 22 and the reflected light from the reflecting surface 41, and irradiates the front of the vehicle 1 as a plurality of (12 in the present embodiment) partial light distribution patterns. As described above, the lens 30 causes the reflected light L1 from the first reflecting surface 41a to exit upward compared to the imaginary reflected light L2 in the case where the inclination angle θ1 of the first reflecting surface 41a is set to be the same as the inclination angle θ2 of the adjacent region 41ba (refer toFigure 7 )。In addition, in the present embodiment, the lens 30 emits the reflected light L1 from the first reflecting surface 41a upward more than the imaginary reflected light L2 in the case where the inclination angle θ1 of the first reflecting surface 41a is set to be the same as the inclination angle θ2 of the adjacent region 41ba, but it is not limited thereto.

[0063] The front shape of the lens 30 (the front shape of the light emitting surface 32) has a horizontally long shape with a narrow vertical width (up and down width) and a wide horizontal width (left and right width). In addition, the wall thickness (front and back width) of the lens 30 is thicker at the central portion and gradually thins as it goes from the central portion toward the peripheral portion. The lenses 30 of the ADB type lamp units 10L and 10R need to make the light from the plurality of light emitting elements 22 enter from the incident surface 31 and irradiate the front of the vehicle 1 from the light emitting surface 32. Therefore, the radius of curvature of the incident surface 31 is large, and the radius of curvature of the light emitting surface 32 is smaller than the radius of curvature of the incident surface 31.

[0064] (Radiator)

[0065] As Figures 2 - 4 shown, the radiator 50 is a component for cooling the light source unit 20 and is made of a component with high thermal conductivity (for example, a component made of aluminum die casting). The radiator 50 integrally has a plate-shaped mounting portion 51 and a fin-shaped heat radiating portion 52. A plurality of light emitting elements 22 of the light source unit 20 are mounted on the front surface of the mounting portion 51 via the substrate 21. In addition, the left and right fixing portions 43L and 43R of the reflecting mirror 40 are fixed to the front surface of the mounting portion 51. The heat radiating portion 52 of the present embodiment is integrally provided on the rear surface of the mounting portion 51. The plurality of fins of the heat radiating portion 52 of the present embodiment are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other in the vertical direction. The heat generated by the light source unit 20 from the light emitting elements 22 is radiated from the heat radiating portion 52 of the radiator 50.

[0066] (Fan unit)

[0067] As Figures 2 - 4 shown, the fan unit 60 is disposed behind the heat radiating portion 52 of the radiator 50 and is mounted on the radiator 50. The fan unit 60 cools the radiator 50 by blowing air directly onto the radiator 50, thereby improving the cooling effect of the radiator 50 on the light emitting elements 22.

[0068] (Light distribution pattern)

[0069] Next, the light distribution pattern will be described based on Figure 8 and Figure 9 this.

[0070] Figure 8FIG. is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern of the lamp unit on the right side projected onto the screen. (a) shows the state where no recess is provided, (b) shows the state where a recess is provided, and (c) shows the increase in light with respect to (a). Figure 9 FIG. is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern and the change in illuminance of a vehicle in a lane. (a) shows the light distribution pattern in the state where no recess is provided, (b) shows the light distribution pattern in the state where a recess is provided, and (c) shows the change in the vertical illuminance on the sidewalk. In addition, Figure 8 The VU-VD line represents a vertical line passing through the optical axis of the lens of the lamp unit on the right side of the screen, and the HL-HR line represents a horizontal line at the height of the optical axis of the lens of the lamp unit on the right side of the screen.

[0071] Figure 8 (a) and Figure 9 (a) shows the light distribution pattern in the state where no recess (first reflecting surface 41a) is provided as a comparison object with respect to the light distribution pattern of the present embodiment. Figure 8 (b) and Figure 9 (b) shows the light distribution pattern of the present embodiment. In Figure 8 and Figure 9 the light distribution pattern is represented by isophotes. The luminous intensity value of the central isophote is higher, and as it approaches the outside (periphery), the luminous intensity value of the isophote becomes lower. Figure 9 The solid line in (c) represents Figure 9 the change in the vertical illuminance on the sidewalk in the IX(c)-IX(c) cross-section of (b). Figure 9 The dashed line in (c) represents Figure 9 the change in the vertical illuminance on the sidewalk in the IX(c)-IX(c) cross-section of (a). In addition, Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 (b) are the right high beam light distribution patterns formed by overlapping the light distribution pattern formed by the direct light directly incident on the lens 30 from the plurality of light emitting elements 22 and the light distribution pattern formed by the reflected light reflected by the reflecting surface 41.

[0072] As Figure 8 shown, in the right high beam light distribution pattern of the lamp unit 10R of the present embodiment in which the first reflecting surface 41a is provided on the reflecting surface 41 (see Figure 8 (b)), compared with the right high beam light distribution pattern in the case where no recess (first reflecting surface 41a) is provided on the reflecting surface 41 (see Figure 8 (a)), the luminous intensity value locally becomes higher. In the present embodiment, as Figure 8 (c) shows, the luminous intensity value locally becomes higher in a part of the region outside the vehicle width direction center (VU-VD line) of the vehicle 1 and above the horizontal line (HL-HR line). Figure 8The light distribution pattern of the difference shown in (c) is based on the light distribution pattern of the reflected light L1 from the first reflecting surface 41a.

[0073] As Figure 9 shown, the overall high-beam light distribution pattern of the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment (refer to Figure 9 (b)) has a locally higher luminous intensity value on the sidewalk on the oncoming lane side compared to the overall high-beam light distribution pattern (refer to Figure 9 (a)) when the concave portion (first reflecting surface 41a) is not provided on the reflecting surface 41. As a result, the region with a high luminous intensity on the sidewalk on the oncoming lane side in the overall high-beam light distribution pattern extends outward in the vehicle width direction compared to the case where the first reflecting surface 41a is not provided (refer to Figure 9 (a)). In addition, as Figure 9 (c) shows, the illuminance on the sidewalk on the oncoming lane side of the overall high-beam light distribution pattern of the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment (the illuminance indicated by the solid line a in Figure 9 (c)) locally increases compared to the case where the first reflecting surface 41a is not provided (the illuminance indicated by the dashed line b in Figure 9 (c)). These are caused by the reflected light L1 from the first reflecting surface 41a.

[0074] In the vehicle headlight 100R configured as described above, the inclination angle θ1 of the first reflecting surface 41a of the reflecting surface 41 of the reflector 40 with respect to the lens optical axis a is smaller than that of the adjacent region 41ba adjacent to the first reflecting surface 41a in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the intersection point F1 where the reverse optical path of the reflected light L1 intersects the vertical axis V included in the plane passing through the light-emitting center O of the above-mentioned predetermined light-emitting element 22 and orthogonal to the lens optical axis a is located below the intersection point F2 where the reverse optical path of the imaginary reflected light L2 intersects the vertical axis V when the inclination angle θ1 of the first reflecting surface 41a is set to the same angle as the inclination angle θ2 of the adjacent region 41ba. And the lens 30 emits the reflected light L1 from the first reflecting surface 41a upward more than the imaginary reflected light L2 when the inclination angle θ1 of the first reflecting surface 41a is set to the same angle as the inclination angle θ2 of the adjacent region 41ba. In this way, the difference in the vertical position between the intersection point F1 and the intersection point F2 corresponds to the difference in the position of the virtual light source, which is manifested as the difference in the vertical position of the light distribution pattern (refer to Figure 8 ), so that the local light distribution of the overall high-beam light distribution pattern can be adjusted.

[0075] In addition, the first reflecting surface 41a is a region that is a part in the vehicle width direction of the reflecting surface 41 of the reflector 40. Therefore, by appropriately setting the position of the first reflecting surface 41a in the vehicle width direction with respect to the reflecting surface 41, it is possible to adjust the light distribution of a part of the overall high beam light distribution pattern. For example, as in the present embodiment, it is possible to adjust the light distribution of the sidewalk on the oncoming lane side in the overall high beam light distribution pattern. Thereby, it is possible to improve the visual recognition of pedestrians and the like present on the sidewalk and improve safety.

[0076] Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp capable of partially adjusting the light distribution.

[0077] In addition, the first reflecting surface 41a is provided at the upper end portion of the reflecting surface 41 of the reflector 40. If light is incident on the lens 30 from the direction in which it is desired to increase the light ( Figure 8 (the region appearing in (c))), the light is concentrated at the upper end portion of the reflecting surface 41 of the reflector 40 (the reverse light path from the screen). Therefore, by appropriately setting the inclination angle θ1 of the first reflecting surface 41a so that the reflected light at the upper end portion of the reflecting surface 41 of the reflector 40 is reflected along the reverse light path from the screen, it is possible to brighten this part on the screen ( Figure 8 (the region appearing in (c))).

[0078] In addition, since the first reflecting surface 41a is arranged at a position on the inner side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the lens optical axis a, it is possible to adjust the partial light distribution on the outer side in the vehicle width direction in the overall high beam light distribution pattern. Thereby, it is possible to improve the visual recognition of pedestrians and the like present on the sidewalk and improve safety.

[0079] In addition, a concave portion 44 is formed in the reflecting surface 41 of the reflector main body 42, and the bottom surface of the concave portion 44 functions as the first reflecting surface 41a. Therefore, the first reflecting surface 41a can be provided on the reflecting surface 41 with a simple structure.

[0080] In addition, in the vertical section including the straight line passing through the light emitting center O of the light emitting element 22 and parallel to the lens optical axis a, the reflecting surface 41 of the reflector 40 is arranged below the lower end of the range where the light from the light emitting element 22 is incident on the lens 30 as direct light on the incident surface 31 of the lens 30 ( Figure 7 the position indicated by the straight line T2 in the middle). Therefore, the reflecting surface 41 of the reflector 40 does not block the direct light incident from the light emitting element 22 on the lens 30, and it is possible to make the light radiating downward that is not incident on the lens 30 as direct light (the light radiating downward beyond the Figure 7 straight line T2 shown) be incident on the lens 30 as reflected light.

[0081] (Modification example of the reflector)

[0082] In addition, in the present embodiment, a concave portion 44 is provided on the reflecting surface 41 of the reflecting mirror 40, but it is not limited thereto. For example, as Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, a convex portion 440 may also be provided on the reflecting surface 410 of the reflecting mirror 400.

[0083] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the reflecting mirror. Figure 11 is Figure 10 a sectional view taken along the line XI-XI of

[0084] As Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, the reflecting mirror 400 has a reflecting mirror main body 420 and fixing portions 430L, 430R fixed to the left and right of the radiator 50.

[0085] On the reflecting surface 410 (upper surface) of the reflecting mirror main body 420, a strip-shaped convex portion 440 extending in the front-rear direction from the upper end to the lower end of the reflecting surface 410 is formed in a state of protruding upward. The convex portion 440 is formed in a part of the vehicle width direction of the reflecting mirror main body 420. The vehicle width position (position in the vehicle width direction) where the convex portion 440 is disposed is, for example, the same as the concave portion 44 of the above-described reflecting mirror 40, and may also be closer to the inner side in the vehicle width direction than the lens optical axis a. That is, the convex portion 440 may be located in front of and below the third light-emitting element 22 and the fourth light-emitting element 22 from the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

[0086] The upper surface of the upper end portion of the convex portion 440 is smaller in inclination angle with respect to the lens optical axis a than the upper surface of the lower region 410c extending downward from the upper end portion. The upper surface of the upper end portion of the convex portion 440 functions as a first reflecting surface (a part of the region) 410a. Second reflecting surfaces 410b are provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the convex portion 440. That is, the reflecting surface 410 of the reflecting mirror main body 420 has a first reflecting surface (a part of the region) 410a formed by the upper surface of the upper end portion of the convex portion 440, a lower region 410c of the convex portion 440 extending downward from the first reflecting surface 410a, and second reflecting surfaces 410b located on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the convex portion 440. The second reflecting surface 410b includes an adjacent region 410ba adjacent to the first reflecting surface 410a in the vehicle width direction. The adjacent region 410ba is provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the first reflecting surface 410a. The first reflecting surface 410a of the present embodiment is located at a position higher than the adjacent region 410ba in a side view (refer to Figure 11 ).

[0087] As Figure 11As shown, the inclination angles of the first reflecting surface 410a and the adjacent region 410ba with respect to the lens optical axis a of the lens 30 are different from each other. The inclination angle θ1 of the first reflecting surface 410a with respect to the lens optical axis a is smaller than the inclination angle θ2 of the adjacent region 410ba with respect to the lens optical axis a (θ1 < θ2). That is, the inclination angle of a partial region in the vehicle width direction of the reflecting surface 410 (the first reflecting surface 410a in the present embodiment) with respect to the lens optical axis a is smaller than that of the adjacent region (the adjacent region 410ba in the present embodiment) adjacent to the above partial region in the vehicle width direction. Even for such a reflecting surface 410, the intersection point F1 where the reverse optical path of the reflected light L1 reflected by the first reflecting surface 410a intersects the vertical axis V is located below the intersection point F2 where the reverse optical path of the imaginary reflected light L2 intersects the vertical axis V when the inclination angle θ1 of the first reflecting surface 410a is set to the same angle as the inclination angle θ2 of the adjacent region 410ba.

[0088] The lower region 410c of the convex portion 440 is arranged at a position higher than the second reflecting surface 410b in the thickness direction. The inclination angle of the lower region 410c of the convex portion 440 in the present embodiment with respect to the lens optical axis a is substantially the same as the inclination angle of the second reflecting surface 410b with respect to the lens optical axis a.

[0089] Even for the vehicle headlamp 100R to which such a reflector 400 is applied, similar to the case where the reflector 40 of the above embodiment is applied, the local light distribution of the overall high beam light distribution pattern can be adjusted. Therefore, a vehicle lamp capable of partially adjusting the light distribution can be provided.

[0090] In addition, by providing the convex portion 440 on the reflecting surface 410, the effect of the first reflecting surface 410a becomes equivalent to that of the first reflecting surface 41a of the above first embodiment, and the vertical angle of the reflected light in the lower region 410c is substantially the same as that of the adjacent region 410ba, so there is almost no influence on the light distribution. That is, by providing the convex portion 440 on the reflecting surface 410 to form the first reflecting surface 410a, the reflected light from the first reflecting surface 410a changes in light distribution, and by adjusting the protruding amount of the convex portion 440, the influence of the lower region 410c on the light distribution can be changed.

[0091] As described above, the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the content of the above embodiment, and can of course be appropriately changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. That is, other embodiments, examples, and application techniques completed by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are of course all included in the scope of the present invention.

[0092] Reference Signs

[0093] 1—Vehicle, 10R—Lamp unit, 20—Light source section, 22—Multiple light-emitting elements, 30—Lens, 40, 400—Mirror, 41, 410—Reflection surface, 41a, 410a—First reflection surface (a partial area), 41ba, 410ba—Adjacent area, 44—Recess, 100R—Vehicle headlamp (vehicle lamp), 440—Protrusion.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp that is installed at the front of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle lamp is characterized by comprising: A light source unit having a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged horizontally in the vehicle width direction; A lens disposed in front of the light source unit; and A reflecting surface disposed below the plurality of light-emitting elements and between the light source unit and the lens, reflecting downward light that does not enter the lens as direct light from the plurality of light-emitting elements and entering the lens as reflected light, An inclination angle of a partial region in the vehicle width direction of the reflecting surface with respect to the lens optical axis of the lens is smaller than that of an adjacent region adjacent to the partial region in the vehicle width direction.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein An intersection point where a reverse optical path extending the optical path of the reflected light from the partial region of the reflecting surface rearward intersects a vertical axis included in a plane passing through the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element and orthogonal to the lens optical axis is located at a position lower than the intersection point when the inclination angle of the partial region is set to be the same as that of the adjacent region, The lens emits the reflected light from the partial region of the reflecting surface upward more than when the inclination angle of the partial region is set to be the same as that of the adjacent region.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein The partial region of the reflecting surface is disposed at a position closer to the inner side in the vehicle width direction than the lens optical axis.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein The partial region of the reflecting surface is disposed at the upper end portion of the reflecting surface.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein A recess is formed in the upper end portion of the reflecting surface and recessed downward, The partial region of the reflecting surface is the bottom surface of the recess.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein A strip-shaped convex portion protruding upward is formed on the reflecting surface and extends from the upper end to the lower end of the reflecting surface, The partial region of the reflecting surface is the upper surface of the upper end portion of the convex portion.

7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein In a vertical cross-section including a straight line passing through the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element and parallel to the lens optical axis, the reflecting surface is disposed at a position lower than a straight line connecting the lower end of the incident surface of the lens where the direct light from the light-emitting element is incident and the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element.

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