Vehicle lamp

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle lamp capable of effectively and appropriately expanding a light distribution pattern. The vehicle lamp includes: a light source; a reflecting mirror having a reflecting surface that reflects light from the light source; and a projection lens that forms a light distribution pattern by irradiating the light reflected from the reflection surface toward the front of the vehicle, the reflection surface having a main reflection region and an expansion region in this order from the light source side toward the projection lens. The main reflection region has a first focal point located at the light source or near the light source, and a second focal point located closer to the projection lens than the first focal point, and a rear-side focal point of the projection lens is located closer to the light source than the second focal point. The expanded region is a region in which light from the light source is reflected in the direction of the projection lens through a position closer to the light source than the second focal point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp, and more particularly to a projection-type vehicle lamp. Background Art

[0002] A typical projection-type vehicle lamp includes a projection lens, a light source positioned farther rearward of the vehicle than the rear focal point of the projection lens, a reflector that reflects light from the light source, and a lampshade that partially blocks the reflected light (e.g., Patent Document 1). When the light source is turned on, light emitted from the light source is reflected by the reflector, and the reflected light is incident on the projection lens, where it is irradiated to form a predetermined light distribution pattern.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-123473 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In addition, as conventional vehicle lamps, there are also known Figure 10 The vehicle lamp shown.

[0008] Figure 10 The vehicle lamp 100 includes a light source 200, a reflector 300 that reflects light from the light source 200, a projection lens 400, and a lampshade 500 that blocks a portion of the reflected light from the reflector 300. The first and second focal points F1, F2 of the reflector 300 are located on the optical axis Z of the projection lens 400. The light source 200 is arranged so as to coincide with the first focal point F1 of the reflector 300. The second focal point F2 of the reflector 300 coincides with or is located near the rear focal point F3 of the projection lens 400. The reflecting surface of the reflector 300 is formed of an ellipsoid of revolution whose rotation axis is the optical axis Z of the projection lens 400.

[0009] In the vehicle lamp 100, if the light source 200 is turned on, the outgoing light L0 from the light source 200 is reflected by the reflector 300 and then focused on the second focal point F2. The second focal point F2 of the reflector 300 coincides with or is located near the rear side focal point F3 of the projection lens 400, so the reflected lights L1, L2, and L3 reflected by the reflector 300 pass through the rear side focal point F3 of the projection lens 400 or its vicinity. In other words, the reflected lights L1, L2, and L3 reflected by the reflector 300 pass through the second focal point F2 of the reflector 300 or its vicinity. In addition, at this time, a portion of the reflected light is blocked by the lampshade 500. Then, the reflected lights L1, L2, and L3 are incident on the projection lens 400, as shown in FIG. Figure 11As shown, the predetermined light distribution pattern P100 is irradiated to a position above the HL-HR line of the screen (VU side).

[0010] Figure 11 The area indicated by the dotted line represents the area that the reflected light blocked by the lampshade 500 should illuminate in the absence of the lampshade 500 .

[0011] However, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 and Figure 10 The vehicle lamp shown is generally widely used as a vehicle lamp. However, in such a vehicle lamp, there is a need to expand the light distribution pattern in order to increase the visible area as needed.

[0012] Therefore, as a vehicle lamp capable of expanding the light distribution pattern, there is known Figure 12 A vehicle lamp 110 is shown.

[0013] Figure 12 The vehicle lamp 110 will Figure 10 The light distribution pattern of the vehicle lamp 100 ( Figure 11 ) extends upward. The vehicle lamp 110 has the same structure as the vehicle lamp 100 except that the shape of the reflector 301 is different from the reflector 300 of the vehicle lamp 100. Figure 12 The reflector 301, Figure 11 The reflecting surface of the reflector 300 is composed of a rotating ellipsoid. Figure 12 The reflecting surface of the reflector 301 is composed of a free-form surface based on a rotational ellipse. Figure 11 The shape of the reflector 300 is different.

[0014] The reflecting surface of the reflector 301 is gradually changed so that the light reflected on the side closer to the light source 200 passes closer to the second focus F2, and the light reflected on the side farther away from the light source passes closer to the projection lens 400 (the front side of the vehicle) than the second focus F2 on the optical axis Z of the projection lens 400.

[0015] As described above, the reflecting surface of the reflector 301 is formed of a free-form surface based on a rotational ellipse. The area of ​​the reflecting surface of the reflector 301 located on the side close to the light source 200 is set with a curvature near the second focal point F2 where the reflected light L1 passes, so that the outgoing light L11 from the projection lens 400 is as follows: Figure 13As shown, the area of ​​the reflective surface of the reflector 301 located farther from the light source 200 is irradiated near the HL-HR line of the screen (primarily with a focused pattern). Meanwhile, the curvature of the reflected light L2 and L3 on the optical axis Z is set so that the reflected light L2 and L3 pass through areas F20 and F21 farther from the second focal point F2 on the optical axis Z, thereby irradiating the area farther from the HL-HR line of the screen (primarily with a diffuse pattern). In other words, the reflective surface is adjusted so that the light reflected farther from the light source 200 passes more forward of the second focal point F2 (in the direction farther from the light source 200 on the optical axis, i.e., toward the projection lens 400). The curvature of the reflective surface is determined to ensure that the reflected light is not blocked by the lampshade 500 and is incident on the projection lens 400.

[0016] In the above-mentioned vehicle lamp 110, when the light source 200 is turned on, the emitted light L0 from the light source 200 is reflected by the reflector 301. The reflected light L1 reflected on the side of the reflector 301 close to the light source 200 passes through the second focal point F2 or its vicinity (i.e., the rear side focal point F3 of the projection lens 400 or its vicinity) and is reflected by the reflector 301. Figure 12 Omitted). The reflected light L2 reflected on the side of the reflector 301 away from the light source 200 passes through a portion F20 that is closer to the projection lens 400 side (the front side of the vehicle) than the second focus F2. The reflected light L3 reflected on the side of the reflector 301 away from the light source 200 passes through a portion F21 that is closer to the projection lens 400 side (the further front side of the vehicle) than the second focus F2. That is, the more the reflected light is reflected on the side of the reflector 301 away from the light source 200, the closer the portions F20 and F21 that intersect with the optical axis Z of the projection lens 400 are to the projection lens 400 side (the front side of the vehicle). Thus, the light distribution pattern P200 irradiated from the projection lens 400 can be extended upward. As shown Figure 13 As shown by the arrow, the obtained light distribution pattern P200 is different from the one shown by the dotted line. Figure 11 Compared with the light distribution pattern P100 , the upper end portion extends further upward.

[0017] According to the above-mentioned vehicle lamp 110, by adjusting the shape of the reflector 301 so that the light reflected on the side farther away from the light source 200 passes through a position closer to the front than the second focus F2 (in the direction away from the light source 200 on the optical axis, that is, on the projection lens 400 side), the upper end of the light distribution pattern can be expanded upward.

[0018] However, such a vehicle lamp sometimes requires a thinner lens in the longitudinal direction depending on the type of vehicle. For thinning, for example, removing the lampshade or changing the position of the rear focus of the projection lens is effective, but as in the above-mentioned patent documents 1 and Figures 10 to 13 As shown, the conventional method of gradually changing the second focal point of the reflecting surface toward the lens side has a problem in that the light distribution pattern cannot be expanded.

[0019] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle lamp capable of effectively and appropriately expanding an appropriate portion of a light distribution pattern.

[0020] Solutions to Problems

[0021] The vehicle lamp involved in the present disclosure is characterized in that it comprises: a light source; a reflector having a reflecting surface that reflects light from the light source; and a projection lens that irradiates the reflected light from the reflecting surface toward the front of the vehicle to form a light distribution pattern, the reflecting surface having a main reflection area and an extended area in sequence from the light source side toward the projection lens direction, the main reflection area having a first focus located at or near the light source and a second focus located closer to the projection lens side than the first focus, the rear side focus of the projection lens being located closer to the light source side than the second focus, and the extended area being an area that causes the light from the light source to be reflected toward the projection lens direction through a position closer to the light source side than the second focus.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp capable of effectively and appropriately expanding a light distribution pattern. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle lamp shown as one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of a vehicle lamp.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at line AA.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle lamp shown as one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of the portion indicated by symbol N.

[0029] Figure 6 Yes Figure 4 The diagram shows the light distribution pattern emitted by the vehicle lamp.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle lamp in which the extended area Y does not exist on the reflecting surface of the reflector.

[0031] Figure 81 and 2 are diagrams showing light distribution patterns emitted by a vehicle lamp when no extended region Y exists on the reflecting surface of the reflector.

[0032] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 Conceptual diagram of the A-direction view in the .

[0033] Figure 10 This is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional projection-type vehicle lamp.

[0034] Figure 11 Yes Figure 10 The diagram shows the light distribution pattern emitted by the vehicle lamp.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional vehicle lamp in which a light distribution pattern is expanded.

[0036] Figure 13 It means in Figure 12 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an expanded light distribution pattern in a vehicle lamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 13 In the specification, the symbols "VU-VD" represent the vertical lines at the top and bottom of the screen. The symbols "HL-HR" represent the horizontal lines at the left and right of the screen. In this specification, the terms "front," "rear," "up," "down," "left," and "right" refer to the front, rear, up, down, left, and right when the vehicle lamp is installed on a vehicle.

[0038] The following is based on Figures 1 to 9 The structure and function of the vehicle lamp in this embodiment will be described. As an example, the headlamp of an automobile headlamp, specifically the lamp that illuminates the high-beam (driving beam) light distribution pattern, will be described. The low-beam (oncoming beam) lamp has a structure that is reversed from the high-beam light distribution pattern lamp.

[0039] (Vehicle lamp 1)

[0040] exist Figures 1 to 4 In FIG. 1 , reference numeral 1 denotes a vehicle lamp in this embodiment. The vehicle lamp 1 is mounted on both left and right sides of the front portion of the vehicle. The vehicle lamp 1 includes a light source 2, a reflector 3, and a projection lens 4. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In FIG, symbol 5 is a heat dissipation component 5, which is equipped with a light source 2, a reflector 3, and a projection lens 4. Figure 1 、 Figure 2, a configuration example is shown in which a plurality of sets of light sources 2, reflectors 3, and projection lenses 4 are provided in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0041] The light source 2, the reflector 3, the projection lens 4 and the heat dissipation component 5 constitute a structure that produces a predetermined light distribution pattern (in this example, Figure 6 A projection-type lamp unit that illuminates the exterior, i.e., the front of the vehicle, with a high-beam distribution pattern (shown in the figure). A light source 2, reflector 3, projection lens 4, and heat sink 5 are located within the lamp chamber and mounted to the lamp housing via vertical and horizontal optical axis adjustment mechanisms (not shown).

[0042] In addition, lamp units other than the light source 2, reflector 3, projection lens 4, and heat sink 5 may be arranged in the lamp chamber, such as a low-beam pattern illumination lamp unit, a position lamp unit, a turn signal lamp unit, a daytime running lamp unit, etc. In addition, an inner panel (not shown), an inner housing (not shown), an inner lens (not shown), etc. may also be arranged in the lamp chamber.

[0043] (Heat dissipation component 5)

[0044] The heat dissipation member 5 is a member used as needed and is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal die casting (aluminum die casting). The light source 2, the reflector 3, and the projection lens 4 are mounted on the heat dissipation member 5. The heat dissipation member 5 serves as both a heat dissipation member and a mounting member.

[0045] The heat dissipating member 5 includes a plate portion 51 as a mounting portion and a plurality of fins 52 as a heat dissipating portion. The plurality of fins 52 are integrally provided perpendicular to the upper surface of the plate portion 51 and parallel or substantially parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0046] (Light Source 2)

[0047] Light source 2 is a semiconductor light source, such as a self-luminous semiconductor light source such as an LED, OEL, or OLED (organic electroluminescent). In this embodiment, light source 2 is mounted to heat sink 5 via a plate-shaped substrate 20. The upper surface of substrate 20 is mounted to the lower surface of plate portion 51 of heat sink 5. Light source 2 is mounted on the lower surface of substrate 20 at a position opposing reflective surface R of reflector 3. Light source 2 is supplied with current from a lighting circuit (not shown).

[0048] The light source 2 has a light emitting surface S that emits light. In this example, Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the light-emitting surface S faces downward and is in a square shape. Alternatively, the light-emitting surface can also be rectangular. The center point of the light-emitting surface S coincides or approximately coincides with the first focus F1 of the main reflection area X of the reflection surface R of the reflector 3. When the light-emitting surface S is rectangular, the long side direction of the light-emitting surface S is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the left and right directions relative to the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4. Figure 4 In the example of FIG, the light emitting surface S is located above the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4.

[0049] (Mirror 3)

[0050] The reflector 3 is made of a highly heat-resistant, opaque material, such as a resin component. In this embodiment, the reflector 3 is mounted on a heat dissipation component 5. The reflector 3 has a hollow shape with an open front and upper portion and closed rear, lower, and left and right side portions. The reflector 3 has a reflecting surface R that reflects light from the light source 2. The reflecting surface R is a converging reflecting surface that extends from the vicinity of the light source 2 toward the projection lens 4. The reflecting surface R is opposite the light-emitting surface S of the light source 2.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the reflecting surface R has a main reflecting area X and an extended area Y in sequence from the light source 2 side toward the projection lens 4. The main reflecting area X is composed of a rotating ellipsoidal surface with the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4 as the rotation axis or a surface based on the rotating ellipsoidal surface, and the extended area Y is composed of a free-form surface. The main reflecting area X is a reflecting surface formed in such a way that the radius of curvature gradually increases from the light source 2 side toward the projection lens 4, and the extended area Y is a reflecting surface with a smaller radius of curvature than the front end T of the main reflecting area X on the projection lens 4 side. Under this structure, the radius of curvature of the main reflecting area X gradually increases (the curvature becomes smaller, that is, the curve becomes gentler) as it moves from the light source 2 side toward the projection lens 4, and then when it reaches the extended area Y on the projection lens 4 side located in front of it, it becomes a curved surface with a smaller radius of curvature than the radius of curvature of the main reflecting area X (the curvature becomes larger, that is, the curve becomes steeper). The main reflecting area X and the extended area Y are smoothly continuous surfaces. That is, the surface of the reflecting surface R including the extended region Y is formed of a continuous surface with no step from the projection lens 4 toward the light source 2 .

[0052] (Projection lens 4)

[0053] The projection lens 4 is a lens made of resin such as PC material, PMMA material, etc. In this embodiment, the projection lens 4 is mounted on the heat dissipation member 5 directly or via a separate bracket (not shown).

[0054] The projection lens 4 is an aspherical projection lens and is composed of an incident surface E1 on the rear surface and an exit surface E2 on the front surface.

[0055] The incident surface E1 faces the reflector 3. The incident surface E1 is a plane or forms a convex surface or a concave surface relative to the reflector 3. The exit surface E2 forms an aspherical convex surface.

[0056] (Explanation of the optical system of light source, reflector and projection lens)

[0057] In the description here, a light source is determined, and based on the light emitted from the light source, reference is made to Figure 4 Provide explanation.

[0058] In the vehicle lamp 1, the light source 2 irradiates the outgoing light L0 downward. The rear side focus of the projection lens 4 (the focus constituting the lens image surface M) is located at the position indicated by the symbol F3 near the light source 2. As described above, the light source 2 is consistent or approximately consistent with the first focus F1 of the main reflection area X of the reflection surface R of the reflector 3, so the rear side focus F3 of the projection lens 4 is located closer to the light source 2 side (the rear side) than the front end U of the extension area Y (the end of the reflector 3 on the projection lens 4 side). In addition, a portion of the lens image surface M of the projection lens 4 intersects with a portion of the reflector 3. That is, a portion of the lens image surface M of the projection lens 4 crosses a portion of the reflector 3. In addition, in Figure 4 In FIG. 4 , the extension region Y is provided in front of the lens image plane M (on the projection lens 4 side).

[0059] When the light source 2 is turned on, the outgoing light L0 emitted downward from the light source 2 is reflected by the reflective surface R of the reflector 3. The main reflection area X on the reflective surface R of the reflector 3 has a first focal point F1 located at or near the light source 2 and a second focal point F2 located closer to the projection lens 4 than the first focal point F1. In other words, the first focal point of the main reflection area X is located at the position indicated by the symbol F1 at or near the light source 2. The first focal point of the main reflection area X is located slightly above the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4.

[0060] The second focal point of the main reflection area X is located on the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4 at a position indicated by reference numeral F2 near the projection lens 4. The second focal point F2 is not aligned with the rear focal point F3 of the projection lens 4. Instead, the second focal point F2 is located forward (toward the projection lens 4) of the rear focal point F3 of the projection lens 4. In other words, the second focal point F2 is located between the projection lens 4 and the rear focal point F3.

[0061] As described above, the radius of curvature of the extended area Y is smaller (the curvature is larger) than that of the front end T of the main reflection area X. Therefore, when the extended area Y receives the outgoing light L0 from the light source 2, the reflected light L3b intersects the extended area Y at a portion F20 on the optical axis Z that is closer to the light source 2 than the second focal point F2 of the main reflection area X, and then travels toward the projection lens 4. In other words, the extended area Y causes the outgoing light L0 from the light source 2 to pass through the portion F20 on the light source 2 side than the second focal point F2 of the main reflection area X, and then reflect the reflected light L3b toward the projection lens 4.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the extended area Y is configured such that the portion where the light from the light source 2 intersects the optical axis Z gradually shifts backward (toward the light source 2) from the second focal point F2 of the main reflection area X. Specifically, the extended area Y is configured such that, as the portion reflecting the light from the light source 2 shifts (moves) from the light source 2 side toward the projection lens 4 side, the portion F20 where the light reflected from the extended area Y intersects the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4 gradually shifts from the projection lens 4 side toward the light source 2 side. Furthermore, the distance between the first focal point F1 of the main reflection area X and the portion F20 where the reflected light L3b from the extended area Y intersects the optical axis Z (the inter-focal distance in the extended area Y) is shorter than the inter-focal distance between the first focal point F1 and the second focal point F2 of the main reflection area X (the inter-focal distance in the main reflection area X). Furthermore, the farther away from the light source 2 in the extended area Y, the shorter the distance between the first focal point F1 and the portion F20 where the reflected light L3b reflected from the extended area Y intersects the optical axis Z (the inter-focal distance in the extended area Y).

[0063] (Function of the Vehicle Lamp 1)

[0064] First, in order to deepen the understanding of the contents of the present disclosure, a case where the extended region Y does not exist on the reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror will be described. Figure 7 、 Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining it. Figure 7 The vehicle lamp 10 shown has the same characteristics as the reflector 3 except that the main reflection area is extended instead of the extension area Y (that is, only the main reflection area is used to form the reflection surface R of the reflector 3). Figure 4 The reflecting surface R is composed of a surface based on an ellipsoid or a rotational ellipsoid. The vehicle lamp 10 illuminates Figure 8 Light distribution pattern P1 shown.

[0065] In the vehicle lamp 10, the reflected light L1 reflected from the area of ​​the reflecting surface R of the reflector 3 near the light source 2 is incident on the area near the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4, and is irradiated as the outgoing light L11 toward the HL-HR line of the screen, thereby forming the center of the light distribution pattern P1. The reflected light L2 reflected from the area of ​​the reflecting surface R slightly away from the light source 2 is incident on the area above the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4, and is irradiated as the outgoing light L21 toward the area farther from the HL-HR line, thereby forming a portion above the center of the light distribution pattern P1 (symbol VU side). The reflected light L3a reflected from the area of ​​the reflecting surface R further away from the light source 2 is incident on the area above the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4, and is irradiated as the outgoing light L31 toward the area farther from the HL-HR line, thereby forming Figure 8 The vicinity of the upper end portion of the light distribution pattern P1 shown.

[0066] Next, refer to Figures 4 to 6 , to change the above Figure 7 The following describes the function of forming an extended area Y on the reflective surface of the reflector in accordance with the structure shown in the figure. The extended area Y has the following function: the light from the light source 2 is reflected toward the projection lens 4 through a position closer to the light source 2 than the second focus F2 of the main reflection area X, thereby expanding the appropriate portion (in this example, the upper end) of the light distribution pattern. Figure 6 The light distribution pattern P2 is shown.

[0067] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, among the outgoing light L0 irradiated from the light source 2, the reflected light L1 reflected near the light source 2 in the main reflection area X of the reflection surface R of the reflector 3 passes through the vicinity of the optical axis Z and the first focus of the main reflection area X, and is incident on the area near the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4 (near the center of the projection lens 4), and is irradiated as the outgoing light L11 to the vicinity of the HL-HR line of the screen, thereby forming Figure 6 Near the center of the light distribution pattern P2 shown. The reflected light L2 reflected by the main reflection area X slightly away from the light source 2 is incident on an area slightly above the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4 through the second focal point F2, for example, and is irradiated to an area farther from the HL-HR line as the outgoing light L21, thereby forming a portion slightly above (symbol VU side) the center of the light distribution pattern P2. Furthermore, the reflected light L3b reflected in the extended area Y further away from the light source 2 passes through the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4 at a portion F20 closer to the light source 2 than the second focal point F2 of the main reflection area X, and is incident on an area further above the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4, and is irradiated to an area further above (symbol VU side) the HL-HR line as the outgoing light L31, thereby forming a portion near the upper end of the light distribution pattern P2. At this time, Figure 4 The reflected light L3b shown is Figure 7 Compared with the reflected light L3a in the absence of the extended region Y, the angle of intersection with the optical axis Z is larger. In addition, compared with the reflected light L3a in the absence of the extended region Y, the reflected light L3b enters the projection lens 4 at a position higher than that of the reflected light L3a. Figure 7 The upper end portion (at the Figure 6 The upward direction ( Figure 6 That is, the vehicle lamp 1 can make the upper end of the light distribution pattern P1 of the vehicle lamp 10 further away from the HL-HR line.

[0068] In addition, regarding the vehicle lamp 1, refer to Figure 4 The enlarged view of the symbol N part is Figure 5 Further explain the details of its role. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the dotted line indicated by the symbol K represents an extended region K extending the main reflection region X from the front end portion T further toward the projection lens 4 side. The reflection surface having the extended region K becomes Figure 7 The reflecting surface of the reflector shown in FIG. 1 is the same shape as that of the reflector without the extension region Y. The extension region K is formed following the main reflecting region X so that the radius of curvature gradually increases from the front end portion T toward the projection lens 4. Figure 5 As shown, the emitted light L0 toward the extended area K is reflected at a smaller angle (reflected light L3a) and moves toward the direction of symbol D1. Figure 5 As shown by the white arrow, the radius of curvature becomes smaller than that of the extended area K (a larger curvature), and the projection lens 4 bends upward relative to the extended area K. Light L0 emitted toward the extended area Y is reflected upward (reflected light L3b) at a greater angle than reflected light L3a reflected from the extended area K, traveling in the direction D2, which is above direction D1. Thus, in a configuration including the extended area Y, a light distribution pattern P2 can be emitted in which the upper end of the light distribution pattern emitted from the projection lens 4 extends upward.

[0069] In addition, Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the dotted line indicated by symbol A is a line (reverse light path) that extends the optical path of the reflected light L3b reflected in the extended area Y toward the lens image plane M of the projection lens 4, and the dotted line indicated by symbol B is a line (reverse light path) that extends the optical path of the reflected light L3a reflected in the extended area K toward the lens image plane M. Figure 5 As shown, the location where the reverse light path A of the reflected light L3b reflected in the extended area Y intersects the lens image plane M is farther from the light source than the location where the reverse light path B of the reflected light L3a reflected in the extended area K intersects the lens image plane M. As a result, a light distribution pattern P2 can be emitted that extends upward from the upper end of the light distribution pattern P1 emitted from the projection lens 4.

[0070] According to the aforementioned vehicle lamp 1, the reflective surface R of the reflector 3 has an expansion area Y formed at or near the end portion on the side of the projection lens 4. This expansion area Y reflects light from the light source 2 toward the projection lens 4 from a position closer to the light source 2 than the second focal point F2 of the reflective surface R. This allows the upper end of the light distribution pattern to expand upward. Reversing the position of the light source and reflector also allows the downward expansion of the light distribution pattern. Thus, by reflecting light from the light source 2 toward the projection lens 4 from a position closer to the light source 2 than the second focal point F2, the appropriate portion of the light distribution pattern can be effectively and appropriately expanded.

[0071] Furthermore, in the aforementioned vehicle lamp 1, the extension area Y is formed so that the portion where light from light source 2 intersects the optical axis Z gradually shifts rearward (toward light source 2) from the second focal point F2 of the primary reflection area X. Therefore, as the portion of the extension area Y that reflects light from light source 2 moves further away from the projection lens 4, the light is reflected further above the projection lens 4, thereby extending the upper end of the light distribution pattern further upward. The extent of the upward extension can be adjusted appropriately by varying the length and curvature of the extension area Y according to the position and orientation of the object for which improved visibility is desired.

[0072] Furthermore, in the aforementioned vehicle lamp 1, since the rearward focal point F3 of the projection lens 4 is located close to the reflective surface R of the reflector 3, the pattern projected on the reflector 3 closely resembles the irradiated light distribution pattern. This eliminates the need for a lampshade that partially blocks the light reflected from the reflective surface R of the reflector 3 to adjust the shape of the light distribution pattern, thereby enabling a more compact vehicle lamp. Furthermore, since the distance between the light source 2 and the reflector 3 is close, the illuminance incident on the reflector 3 can be increased, thereby enhancing the brightness of the irradiated light.

[0073] Furthermore, in the reflection surface R of the reflector 3 , the main reflection region X and the extended region Y are formed of a continuous surface without steps, so that streaks are less likely to occur in the light distribution pattern.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the second focal point of the main reflection area X constituting the reflection surface R of the reflector 3 is disposed near the projection lens 4. However, its position is not limited and can be appropriately changed to a position closer to the front side (toward the projection lens 4) than the rear-side focal point F3 of the projection lens 4. The first focal point of the main reflection area X is located slightly above the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4, but may also be located on the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4.

[0075] The extended area Y is formed of a free-form surface, but may also be a free-form surface based on an ellipsoidal surface (with the optical axis Z of the projection lens 4 as the rotation axis) having a smaller curvature radius than that of the main reflection area X.

[0076] Furthermore, the light source 2 is mounted on the heat dissipation member 5 via the plate-shaped substrate 20 , but may be mounted on another mounting member instead of the heat dissipation member 5 .

[0077] Furthermore, the rear-side focal point F3 of the projection lens 4 is located near the light source 2 , but may be located in front of the light source 2 (on the projection lens 4 side) or in the rear.

[0078] The vehicle lamp 1 may include a lamp cover that blocks a portion of the reflected light from the reflecting surface R of the reflector 3 , but preferably does not include a lamp cover for forming a light distribution pattern in terms of miniaturization.

[0079] In addition, a portion of the lens image surface M of the projection lens 4 intersects a portion of the reflecting mirror 3 , but may be located on the rear side of the reflecting mirror.

[0080] In the above embodiment, an example of expanding the light distribution pattern in the vertical direction is described, but by forming the expansion area Y to a position close to the horizontal cross section of the optical axis Z, the light distribution pattern can also be expanded in the horizontal direction. Figure 9 In detail, by forming the extension area Y to a height close to the light source 2, the curvature of the extension area Y becomes greater than the curvature of the main reflection area X in the area O close to the light source 2. The light reflected in the extension area Y of the area O is reflected toward the projection lens 4 from a position closer to the light source 2 than the second focal point F2, and can illuminate a larger area than the main reflection area X. Figure 6 The VU-VD line of the screen is positioned closer to the HL side and the HR side. This allows the light distribution pattern to be expanded in the left-right direction.

[0081] In the above embodiment, a configuration example is shown in which multiple groups of light sources 2, reflectors 3, and projection lenses 4 are provided in the width direction of the vehicle. However, as long as more than one group of light sources 2, reflectors 3, and projection lenses 4 is provided, the number thereof can be appropriately selected in accordance with the vehicle model, etc. In addition, more than one group of light sources 2, reflectors 3, and projection lenses 4 can also be used in combination with different optical systems.

[0082] The structure of the present disclosure is summarized as follows.

[0083] [1] A vehicle lamp, comprising: a light source; a reflector having a reflecting surface for reflecting light from the light source; and a projection lens for irradiating the reflected light from the reflecting surface toward the front of the vehicle to form a light distribution pattern, wherein the reflecting surface has a main reflection area and an extension area in sequence from the light source side toward the projection lens direction, the main reflection area having a first focus located at or near the light source, and a second focus located closer to the projection lens side than the first focus, the rear side focus of the projection lens being located closer to the light source side than the second focus, and the extension area being an area in which the light from the light source is reflected toward the projection lens side by passing through a position closer to the light source side than the second focus.

[0084] [2] The vehicle lamp according to [1], wherein the main reflection area is composed of a rotating ellipsoid or a surface based on a rotating ellipsoid, and the curvature radius of the extended area is set to be smaller than the curvature radius of the end of the main reflection area on the projection lens side.

[0085] [3] The vehicle lamp according to [1] or [2], wherein the extended area is configured such that as the portion reflecting the light from the light source shifts from the light source side toward the projection lens side, the portion where the light reflected in the extended area intersects the optical axis of the projection lens gradually changes from the projection lens side toward the light source side.

[0086] [4] The vehicle lamp according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the surface of the reflecting surface including the extension area is formed by a continuous surface without steps from the projection lens toward the light source.

[0087] [5] The vehicle lamp according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the rear-side focal point of the projection lens is located closer to the light source than the front end of the expansion area.

[0088] [6] The vehicle lamp according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein a portion of the image plane of the projection lens is configured to intersect with the reflector.

[0089] Explanation of symbols

[0090] 1, 10, 100, 110—vehicle lamp, 2, 200—light source, 3, 300, 301—reflector, 4, 400—projection lens, 5—heat dissipation component, 20—substrate, 51—plate portion, 52—heat sink portion, 500—lampshade, E1—incident surface, E2—exit surface, F1—first focal point, F2—second focal point, F3—rear side focal point of projection lens, K—extension area, L0—outgoing light from light source, L1, L2, L3, L3a, L3b—reflected light, L11, L21, 31—outgoing light, M—lens image surface, P1, P2, P100, P200—light distribution pattern, R—reflection surface, S—light emitting surface, T—front end portion, X—main reflection area, Y—extension area, Z—optical axis.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that: have: light source; a reflector having a reflective surface for reflecting light from the light source; as well as a projection lens that irradiates the reflected light from the reflecting surface toward the front of the vehicle to form a light distribution pattern, The reflecting surface has a main reflecting area and an extended area in sequence from the light source side toward the projection lens. The main reflection area has a first focus located at or near the light source and a second focus located closer to the projection lens than the first focus. The rear focal point of the projection lens is located closer to the light source than the second focal point. The expansion region is a region in which light from the light source passes through a position closer to the light source than the second focal point and is reflected toward the projection lens.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein: The main reflection area is composed of a rotational ellipsoid or a surface based on the rotational ellipsoid. The curvature radius of the extension region is set to be smaller than the curvature radius of the end portion of the main reflection region on the projection lens side.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The expansion area is configured such that as the portion reflecting light from the light source shifts from the light source side toward the projection lens side, the portion where the light reflected in the expansion area intersects the optical axis of the projection lens gradually changes from the projection lens side toward the light source side.

4. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The surface of the reflecting surface including the extended region is formed of a continuous surface without a step from the projection lens toward the light source.

5. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The rear-side focal point of the projection lens is located closer to the light source than the front end of the expansion area.

6. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The projection lens is configured such that a portion of the image plane intersects the reflection mirror.

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