Vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture capable of achieving various light distribution patterns while achieving miniaturization.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture which radiates light frontward includes: a first optical system having a first incident part and a first emission part; a second optical system arranged side by side with the first optical system in the direction orthogonal to the frontward / backward direction, and having a second incident part and a second emission part; a first light source part opposing to the first incident part; and a second light source part opposing to the second incident part. The first light source part includes a first main light emitting part and a first sub light emitting part. The second light source part includes a second main light emitting part and a second sub light emitting part. The first main light emitting part is arranged on an optical axis of the first incident part, and the second main light emitting part is arranged on an optical axis of the second incident part. The first sub light emitting part is arranged being deviated to the left with respect to the optical axis of the first incident part, and the second sub light emitting part is arranged being deviated to the right with respect to the optical axis of the second incident part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp. [Background technology]

[0002] A vehicle lamp that combines a light source and a lens body is known. In such a vehicle lamp, the lens body refracts light to form a desired light distribution pattern in front. When forming multiple light distribution patterns with such a vehicle lamp, multiple lens bodies are required, which results in the vehicle lamp becoming larger. Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle lamp that arranges multiple light-emitting elements that make light incident from different directions on the entrance portion of one lens body, and forms high beam and low beam light distribution patterns with a small number of lens bodies. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6690961 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional vehicle lamps could not form both a light distribution pattern that concentrates light in a narrow range, such as for high beams, and a light distribution pattern that irradiates light over a wide range, such as for daytime running lights (DRL), with a small number of lens bodies. In other words, conventional vehicle lamps had limitations in the variety of light distribution patterns that could be formed.

[0005] The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and has as one object to provide a vehicle lamp that can realize a variety of light distribution patterns while being compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means. [1] A vehicular lamp that irradiates light forward, comprising: a first optical system having a first entrance portion and a first exit portion; a second optical system arranged alongside the first optical system in a direction (there are multiple) perpendicular to a front-to-rear direction and having a second entrance portion and a second exit portion; a first light source unit facing the first entrance portion; and a second light source unit facing the second entrance portion, wherein the first light source unit has a first main light-emitting unit and a first sub-light-emitting unit, and the second light source unit has a second main light-emitting unit and a second sub-light-emitting unit, the first main light-emitting unit is arranged on the optical axis of the first entrance portion and the second main light-emitting unit is arranged on the optical axis of the second entrance portion, the first sub-light-emitting unit is arranged shifted to the left with respect to the optical axis of the first entrance portion, and the second sub-light-emitting unit is arranged shifted to the right with respect to the optical axis of the second entrance portion. [2] The vehicular lamp according to [1], wherein the first sub-light-emitting unit is arranged so as to be shifted upward with respect to the optical axis of the first incident portion, and the second sub-light-emitting unit is arranged so as to be shifted downward with respect to the optical axis of the second incident portion. [3] The vehicular lamp according to [1], wherein a distance between an optical axis of the first incident portion and a center of the first sub-light-emitting portion is equal to a distance between an optical axis of the second incident portion and a center of the second sub-light-emitting portion. [4] The vehicular lamp according to [1], wherein the first main light-emitting unit, the first sub light-emitting unit, the second main light-emitting unit, and the second sub light-emitting unit are mounted on a same circuit board. [5] The vehicular lamp according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising a control unit for controlling the first light source unit and the second light source unit, the control unit being capable of switching between a first mode in which the first main light-emitting unit and the second main light-emitting unit are turned on and the first sub light-emitting unit and the second sub light-emitting unit are turned off to form a first light distribution pattern ahead, and a second mode in which the first sub light-emitting unit and the second sub light-emitting unit are turned on and the first main light-emitting unit and the second main light-emitting unit are turned off to form a second light distribution pattern ahead. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp that can realize a variety of light distribution patterns while being compact. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle lamp 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp taken along line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp taken along line III-III in FIG. 1, showing the optical path of light emitted in the first mode. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp taken along line III-III in FIG. 1, showing the optical path of light emitted in the second mode. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the first light source unit according to the embodiment as seen from the rear. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the second light source unit according to one embodiment as viewed from the rear. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first light distribution pattern projected by a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second light distribution pattern projected by the vehicular lamp of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, in order to make each component easier to see, the dimensions of the components may be shown on different scales, and the dimensional ratios of each component may not necessarily be the same as in reality.

[0010] In the following description, the positions of each part of the vehicle lamp will be described based on the vehicle lamp mounted on a vehicle located on a horizontal road surface. In addition, in the drawings, an XYZ coordinate system is appropriately shown as a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. In each drawing, the Z axis direction is the vertical direction, the +Z side is the vertical upper side, and the -Z side is the vertical lower side. In this specification, the +X side is simply called "upper", and the vertical lower side is simply called "lower". The X axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the Z axis direction, and is the front-rear direction of the vehicle on which the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment is mounted. In addition, the +X side is the front of the vehicle, and the -X side is the rear of the vehicle. In this specification, the +X side is simply called "forward", and the -X side is simply called "rear". The Y axis direction is a direction perpendicular to both the X axis direction and the Z axis direction, and is the left-right direction of the vehicle, that is, the vehicle width direction. The +Y side is the left side of the vehicle, and the -Y side is the right side of the vehicle. In this specification, the +Y side is simply referred to as the "left" side, and the -Y side is simply referred to as the "right" side.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle lamp 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 1 taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Figs. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the vehicle lamp 1 taken along line III-III in Fig. 1.

[0012] The vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment constitutes a vehicle headlamp (headlight) that switchably irradiates a high beam and a daytime running light (DRL) beam toward the vehicle front (+X). In this specification, the direction of each part is defined with the light irradiation direction of the vehicle lamp 1 being the forward direction. That is, the vehicle lamp 1 irradiates light toward the forward (+X) side.

[0013] 1, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment includes a control unit 2, a light source unit 5, a first optical system 10, and a second optical system 20. The light source unit 5 includes a first light source unit 30, a second light source unit 40, and a circuit board 50. Furthermore, the first light source unit 30 includes a first main light-emitting unit 31 and a first sub-light-emitting unit 32, and the second light source unit 40 includes a second main light-emitting unit 41 and a second sub-light-emitting unit 42.

[0014] The first optical system 10 and the second optical system 20 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The first optical system 10 extends along a first reference axis (optical axis) AX1 that is substantially parallel to the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The first optical system 10 has a first rear lens portion 11 and a first front lens portion 15. The first rear lens portion 11 and the first front lens portion 15 are arranged side by side along the first reference axis AX1. Similarly, the second optical system 20 extends along a second reference axis (optical axis) AX2 that is substantially parallel to the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The second optical system 20 has a second rear lens portion 21 and a second front lens portion 25. The second rear lens portion 21 and the second front lens portion 25 are arranged side by side along the second reference axis AX2.

[0015] In this embodiment, the first rear lens portion 11 and the second rear lens portion 21 are integrally formed to constitute the rear lens body 3. Similarly, the first front lens portion 15 and the second front lens portion 25 are integrally formed to constitute the front lens body 4. The rear lens body 3 and the front lens body 4 are each a polyhedral lens body. The front lens body 4 is located in front of the rear lens body 3. The rear lens body 3 and the front lens body 4 are made of a transparent resin material having a higher refractive index than air, such as polycarbonate or acrylic (PMMA). The rear lens body 3 and the front lens body 4 are each molded by injection molding using a mold. The rear lens body 3 and the front lens body 4 may be made of a glass material.

[0016] (1st optical system) The first optical system 10 has a first entrance portion 12 and a first exit portion 19. The first exit portion 19 has a first intermediate exit surface 13, a first intermediate entrance surface 16, and a first exit surface 17. In this embodiment, the first entrance portion 12 and the first intermediate exit surface 13 are formed on the surface of the first rear lens portion 11. On the other hand, the first intermediate entrance surface 16 and the first exit surface 17 are formed on the surface of the first front lens portion 15. The first entrance portion 12, the first intermediate exit surface 13, the first intermediate entrance surface 16, and the first exit surface 17 are arranged in this order along the first reference axis AX1.

[0017] In this embodiment, the first reference axis AX1 constitutes the optical axis of the first entrance portion 12 and the first exit portion 19. Light that enters the first entrance portion 12 along the first reference axis AX1 passes through the inside of the first optical system 10 along the first reference axis AX1 and is emitted forward from the first exit portion 19 along the first reference axis AX1.

[0018] 2, first incident portion 12 is located on the rear end (rear surface) side of first rear lens portion 11. First incident portion 12 faces light source unit 5 in the front-rear direction. First incident portion 12 has a front incident surface 12a, a side incident surface 12b, and an inner reflecting surface 12c.

[0019] The front entrance surface 12a is disposed on the first reference axis AX1. The front entrance surface 12a is formed of a free-form surface (aspheric surface) that is convex toward the rear (-X) with the first reference axis AX1 as the center. The front entrance surface 12a forms a lens surface. The side entrance surface 12b extends from the outer edge of the front entrance surface 12a toward the rear (-X). The side entrance surface 12b is formed of a conical inner peripheral surface. The side entrance surface 12b is inclined so as to move away from the first reference axis AX1 as it moves from the front to the rear. As a result, the opening area opened toward the rear by the side entrance surface 12b becomes larger toward the rear (-X), and the side entrance surface 12b can efficiently capture the light irradiated from the light source unit 5. The inner reflection surface 12c extends toward the front from the rear end of the side entrance surface 12b. The inner reflection surface 12c has a substantially parabolic shape with a central axis along the front-rear direction. The inner reflecting surface 12c surrounds the front incidence surface 12a and the side incidence surface 12b from the outside in the radial direction.

[0020] Among the light emitted from the first main light-emitting portion 31 of the light source unit 5, the light LA1 having a relatively small emission angle is incident on the front incidence surface 12a. This light LA1 is refracted at the front incidence surface 12a and guided to the inside of the first optical system 10. The front incidence surface 12a focuses the light LA1 emitted from the first main light-emitting portion 31 at a first focal point F1 on the first reference axis AX1. On the other hand, among the light emitted from the first main light-emitting portion 31, the light L2 having a relatively large emission angle is incident on the side incidence surface 12b. This light L2 is refracted at the side incidence surface 12b and guided to the inside of the first optical system 10, and is internally reflected (total reflected) forward by the internal reflection surface 12c. That is, the internal reflection surface 12c internally reflects the light L2 incident from the side incidence surface 12b forward. The side entrance surface 12b and the internal reflection surface 12c may be configured to focus the light L2 incident from the first main light-emitting portion 31 onto a first focal point F1.

[0021] First intermediate emission surface 13 is located on the front end (front surface) side of first rear lens portion 11. Light passing through the inside of first rear lens portion 11 is emitted from first intermediate emission surface 13. As shown in Fig. 1, first intermediate emission surface 13 is configured of a free curved surface (aspheric surface) that is convex forward (+X) so as to condense the emitted light in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and horizontal directions.

[0022] First intermediate entrance surface 16 is located on the rear end (rear surface) side of first front lens portion 15. First intermediate entrance surface 16 faces rear (-X) and faces first intermediate exit surface 13 in the front-rear direction. Light emitted from first intermediate exit surface 13 is incident on first intermediate entrance surface 16. First intermediate entrance surface 16 in this embodiment is a cylindrical lens surface that is convex rearward about a cylindrical axis extending in the horizontal direction.

[0023] First exit surface 17 is located at the front end (front surface) of first front lens portion 15. First exit surface 17 faces the forward (+X) side. First exit surface 17 emits light passing through the inside of first front lens portion 15 toward the front. First exit surface 17 functions as the final exit surface of first optical system 10. First exit surface 17 in this embodiment is a cylindrical lens surface that is convex backward about a cylindrical axis extending in the horizontal direction.

[0024] In this embodiment, the first intermediate exit surface 13, the first intermediate entrance surface 16, and the first exit surface 17 form a composite lens that connects the first focal point F1. Therefore, among the light that enters the first optical system 10 from the first entrance unit 12, the light that passes through the first focal point F1 is emitted forward from the first exit surface 17 as substantially parallel light. Note that the configurations of the first intermediate exit surface 13, the first intermediate entrance surface 16, and the first exit surface 17 in this embodiment are merely examples, and the shapes and arrangements of the respective surfaces are not limited to those in this embodiment as long as they can form one composite lens as a whole.

[0025] (Second optical system) The second optical system 20 has a second entrance portion 22 and a second exit portion 29, similar to the first optical system 10. The second exit portion 29 has a second intermediate exit surface 23, a second intermediate entrance surface 26, and a second exit surface 27. The second entrance portion 22 and the second intermediate exit surface 23 are formed on the surface of the second rear lens portion 21. The second intermediate entrance surface 26 and the second exit surface 27 are formed on the surface of the second front lens portion 25. The second entrance portion 22, the second intermediate exit surface 23, the second intermediate entrance surface 26, and the second exit surface 27 are arranged in this order along the second reference axis AX2.

[0026] In this embodiment, the second reference axis AX2 constitutes the optical axis of the second entrance portion 22 and the second exit portion 29. Light that enters the second entrance portion 22 along the second reference axis AX2 passes through the inside of the second optical system 20 along the second reference axis AX2 and is emitted forward from the second exit portion 29 along the second reference axis AX2.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the first optical system 10 and the second optical system 20 have a surface symmetric shape with a virtual boundary surface VP parallel to the first reference axis AX1 and the second reference axis AX2 as a reference surface. Therefore, the second optical system 20 has each part that is surface symmetric with each part of the first optical system 10. More specifically, the first entrance part 12 and the second entrance part 22 have a mutually symmetric shape, the first intermediate exit surface 13 and the second intermediate exit surface 23 have a mutually symmetric shape, the first intermediate entrance surface 16 and the second intermediate entrance surface 26 have a mutually symmetric shape, and the first exit surface 17 and the second exit surface 27 have a mutually symmetric shape. For this reason, in this specification, each part of the second optical system 20 will be briefly described below and detailed description will be omitted.

[0028] 2, the second incident portion 22 is located on the rear end (rear surface) side of the second rear lens portion 21. The second incident portion 22 faces the light source unit 5 in the front-rear direction. Similar to the first optical system 10, the second incident portion 22 has a front incident surface 22a, a side incident surface 22b, and an internal reflection surface 22c. Of the light incident on the second incident portion 22, at least the light incident on the front incident surface 22a is condensed at a second focal point F2 on the second reference axis AX2.

[0029] The second intermediate exit surface 23 is located on the front end (front surface) side of the second rear lens portion 21. The second intermediate entrance surface 26 is located on the rear end (rear surface) side of the second front lens portion 25. The second exit surface 27 is located on the front end (front surface) of the second front lens portion 25. In this embodiment, the second intermediate exit surface 23, the second intermediate entrance surface 26, and the second exit surface 27 form a composite lens that connects the second focal point F2. Therefore, among the light that enters the second optical system 20 from the second entrance portion 22, the light that passes through the second focal point F2 is emitted forward from the second exit surface 27 as parallel light.

[0030] (Light source unit) The circuit board 50 of the light source unit 5 is a rectangular flat printed wiring board extending along a plane perpendicular to the first reference axis AX1 and the second reference axis AX2. A wiring pattern (not shown) is provided on the mounting surface of the circuit board 50. The first main light-emitting unit 31 and the first sub light-emitting unit 32 of the first light source unit 30, and the second main light-emitting unit 41 and the second sub light-emitting unit 42 of the second light source unit 40 are mounted on the front-facing surface of the circuit board 50. A control unit 2 that controls the first light source unit 30 and the second light source unit 40 is connected to the circuit board 50. The control unit 2 may be composed of a plurality of electronic components mounted on the circuit board 50.

[0031] The first main light-emitting unit 31 and the first sub light-emitting unit 32 face the first entrance unit 12 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The second main light-emitting unit 41 and the second sub light-emitting unit 42 face the first entrance unit 12 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The first main light-emitting unit 31, the first sub light-emitting unit 32, the second main light-emitting unit 41, and the second sub light-emitting unit 42 are each composed of an LED that emits white light. In addition, the LEDs used are of a high-output type for vehicle lighting. The type of each light-emitting unit is not particularly limited, and a light source other than the above-mentioned light-emitting elements may be used.

[0032] The light emitted from the first main light-emitting unit 31 and the second main light-emitting unit 41 is used as high beam light. On the other hand, the first sub light-emitting unit 32 and the second sub light-emitting unit 42 are used as daytime running lights (DRL) beam light. The first main light-emitting unit 31 and the second main light-emitting unit 41 emit light with an equal amount of light. Also, the first sub light-emitting unit 32 and the second sub light-emitting unit 42 emit light with an equal amount of light. In this embodiment, the amount of light emitted by the first main light-emitting unit 31 and the second main light-emitting unit 41 and the amount of light emitted by the first sub light-emitting unit 32 and the second sub light-emitting unit 42 are equal to each other, but they may be different from each other.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a front view of the first light source unit 30 of this embodiment as seen from the rear. As shown in FIG. 5, the first main light emitting unit 31 and the first sub light emitting unit 32 of the first light source unit 30 are arranged to be shifted from each other. The first main light emitting unit 31 is arranged on a first reference axis AX1. The first reference axis AX1 is located at the center of the first main light emitting unit 31 and is perpendicular to the main surface of the first main light emitting unit 31. The brightest light emitted from the first main light emitting unit 31 passes through the first reference axis AX1 and enters the first incident unit 12. On the other hand, the first sub light emitting unit 32 is arranged to be shifted leftward (+Y) and upward (+Z) with respect to the first reference axis AX1. In this embodiment, the direction in which the first sub light emitting unit 32 is shifted from the first reference axis AX1 (upper left direction) is defined as a first direction D1. The first reference axis AX1 and the center of the first sub light-emitting portion 32 are separated by a first left-right distance d1 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and a first vertical distance h1 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0034] FIG. 6 is a front view of the second light source unit 40 of this embodiment as seen from the rear. As shown in FIG. 6, the second main light emitting unit 41 and the second sub light emitting unit 42 of the second light source unit 40 are arranged to be shifted from each other. The second main light emitting unit 41 is arranged on the second reference axis AX2. The second reference axis AX2 is located at the center of the second main light emitting unit 41 and is perpendicular to the main surface of the second main light emitting unit 41. The brightest light beam emitted from the second main light emitting unit 41 passes through the second reference axis AX2 and enters the second entrance unit 22. On the other hand, the second sub light emitting unit 42 is arranged to be shifted to the right (-Y) and downward (-Z) with respect to the second reference axis AX2. In this embodiment, the direction in which the second sub light emitting unit 42 is shifted from the second reference axis AX2 (downward and to the right) is defined as the second direction D2. The second reference axis AX2 and the center of the second main light-emitting portion 41 are separated by a second left-right distance d2 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and a second vertical distance h2 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0035] 5 and 6, the first sub light-emitting unit 32 is offset upward and leftward with respect to the first reference axis AX1, and the second sub light-emitting unit 42 is offset downward and rightward with respect to the second reference axis AX2. Therefore, the direction in which the first sub light-emitting unit 32 is offset from the first reference axis AX1 (first direction D1) and the direction in which the second sub light-emitting unit 42 is offset from the second reference axis AX2 (second direction D2) are symmetrical to each other. Here, "mutually symmetrical directions" refers to directions that are substantially parallel to each other and face in opposite directions. Furthermore, "substantially parallel" does not necessarily mean "parallel" in the strict sense, but rather means that one is generally parallel to the other within a range of ±30°.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first left-right distance d1 and the second left-right distance d2 are equal to each other. In addition, the first vertical distance h1 and the second vertical distance h2 are equal to each other. In other words, the distance between the first reference axis AX1 and the center of the first sub-light-emitting unit 32 and the distance between the second reference axis AX2 and the center of the second sub-light-emitting unit 42 are equal to each other.

[0037] (Control unit) The control unit 2 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 controls each light-emitting portion of the light source unit 5 to switch the mode of the vehicle lamp 1 between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode in which a high beam is emitted forward from the vehicle lamp 1. On the other hand, the second mode is a mode in which a daytime running light beam is emitted forward from the vehicle lamp 1. The first mode is selected mainly at night, and the second mode is selected mainly during the day.

[0038] In the first mode, the control unit 2 turns on the first main light-emitting unit 31 and the second main light-emitting unit 41 and turns off the first sub light-emitting unit 32 and the second sub light-emitting unit 42 to form a first light distribution pattern P1 in front. In the second mode, the control unit 2 turns on the first sub light-emitting unit 32 and the second sub light-emitting unit 42 and turns off the first main light-emitting unit 31 and the second main light-emitting unit 41 to form a second light distribution pattern P2 in front.

[0039] (Light distribution pattern) As shown in FIG. 3, in the first mode, light is emitted from the first main light-emitting unit 31 and the second main light-emitting unit 41. The light LA1 emitted from the first main light-emitting unit 31 passes through the first focal point F1 inside the first rear lens unit 11 and is emitted forward from the first emission unit 19 as substantially parallel parallel light. Similarly, the light LA2 emitted from the second main light-emitting unit 41 passes through the second focal point F2 inside the second rear lens unit 21 and is emitted forward from the second emission unit 29 as substantially parallel parallel light. Note that, as shown in FIG. 2, the light LA1 emitted from the first main light-emitting unit 31 also passes through the first focal point F1 in the vertical direction (Z) and is emitted forward from the first emission unit 19 as substantially parallel parallel light. Although not shown, the light LA2 emitted from the second main light-emitting unit 41 is also emitted forward as parallel light in the vertical direction.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first light distribution pattern P1 that the vehicle lamp 1 projects onto a virtual screen in front in the first mode. In the first mode, the light emitted from the first optical system 10 and the light emitted from the second optical system 20 overlap each other on the screen in front to form the first light distribution pattern P1 for high beam. In the first mode, the first optical system 10 and the second optical system 20 each emit approximately parallel light toward the front (+X). Therefore, in the first light distribution pattern P1, the light irradiation is concentrated near the center of the screen, and the screen is brightest near the center. On the other hand, in the first light distribution pattern P1, the light is diffused to the top, bottom, left, and right of the screen, and less light is irradiated.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, in the second mode, light is emitted from the first sub-light-emitting unit 32 and the second sub-light-emitting unit 42. The light LB1 emitted from the first sub-light-emitting unit 32 is emitted from the first emission unit 19 in a diffused manner in a direction tilted leftward (+Y) with respect to the forward direction (+X). Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the light LB1 emitted from the first sub-light-emitting unit 32 is emitted from the first emission unit 19 in a diffused manner in a direction tilted upward (+Z) with respect to the forward direction (+X). The light LB2 emitted from the second sub-light-emitting unit 42 is emitted from the second emission unit 29 in a diffused manner in a direction tilted rightward (-Y) with respect to the forward direction (+X). Also, although not shown, the light LB1 emitted from the second sub-light-emitting unit 42 is emitted from the second emission unit 29 in a diffused manner in a direction tilted downward (-Z) with respect to the forward direction (+X). At least a part of the light LB1, LB2 emitted from the first sub light emitting portion 32 and the second sub light emitting portion 42 intersects with each other in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) in front of the vehicle lamp 1 (+X).

[0042] Because the first sub light-emitting unit 32 is disposed to the left and above the first reference axis AX1, the light LB1 emitted from the first sub light-emitting unit 32 is diffused to the left and above in front of the vehicle lamp 1. Because the second sub light-emitting unit 42 is disposed to the right and below the second reference axis AX2, the light LB2 emitted from the second sub light-emitting unit 42 is diffused to the right and below in front of the vehicle lamp 1. That is, in the second mode of this embodiment, the direction of the diffused light emitted from the first optical system 10 and the second optical system 20 coincides with the direction in which the sub light-emitting unit in each light source unit is shifted from the reference axis (the first direction D1 and the second direction D2).

[0043] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second light distribution pattern P2 that the vehicle lamp 1 projects onto a virtual screen in front in the second mode. In the second mode, the light emitted from the first optical system 10 and the light emitted from the second optical system 20 overlap each other on the screen in front to form a second light distribution pattern P2 for daytime running light beams. In the second mode, the first optical system 10 diffuses light to the left and upward, and the second optical system 20 diffuses light to the right and downward. Therefore, in the second mode, the second light distribution pattern P2 is formed in which light is widely distributed in the upper left and lower right directions of the screen. On the other hand, in the second light distribution pattern P2, the light irradiation is less likely to be concentrated near the center of the screen, and the center of the screen is darker than in the first light distribution pattern P1.

[0044] (summary) The vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment irradiates light forward. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle lamp 1 includes a first optical system 10, a second optical system 20, a first light source unit 30, and a second light source unit 40. The first optical system 10 has a first entrance unit 12 and a first exit unit 19. The second optical system 20 is arranged side by side with the first optical system 10 in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The second optical system 20 has a second entrance unit 22 and a second exit unit 29. The first light source unit 30 faces the first entrance unit 12. The second light source unit 40 faces the second entrance unit 22. The first light source unit 30 has a first main light-emitting unit 31 and a first sub-light-emitting unit 32. The second light source unit 40 has a second main light-emitting unit 41 and a second sub-light-emitting unit 42. As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the first main light-emitting unit 31 is disposed on the optical axis (first reference axis AX1) of the first incident portion 12. The second main light-emitting unit 41 is disposed on the optical axis (second reference axis AX2) of the second incident portion 22. The first sub light-emitting unit 32 is disposed offset to the left (+Y) with respect to the optical axis (first reference axis AX1) of the first incident portion 12. The second sub light-emitting unit 42 is disposed offset to the right (-Y) with respect to the optical axis (second reference axis AX2) of the second incident portion 22.

[0045] According to the above-mentioned configuration, since the first light source unit 30 has the first main light-emitting unit 31 and the first sub-light-emitting unit 32 facing the first entrance unit 12, different light distribution patterns can be formed by the light emitted from the first main light-emitting unit 31 and the light emitted from the first sub-light-emitting unit 32. Similarly, since the second light source unit 40 has the second main light-emitting unit 41 and the second sub-light-emitting unit 42 facing the second entrance unit 22, different light distribution patterns can be formed by the light emitted from the second main light-emitting unit 41 and the light emitted from the second sub-light-emitting unit 42. In other words, according to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to form a plurality of light distribution patterns while saving on the number of optical systems, and the vehicle lamp 1 can be made smaller in size.

[0046] According to the above-mentioned configuration, as shown in Fig. 3, the first main light-emitting unit 31 and the second main light-emitting unit 41 are disposed on the optical axes of the entrance portions 12 and 22, respectively. Therefore, the light emitted from the first main light-emitting unit 31 and the second main light-emitting unit 41 is likely to be emitted in parallel from the respective exit portions 19 and 29. As shown in Fig. 7, the vehicle lamp 1 can form a light distribution pattern (first light distribution pattern P1) that concentrates light in a narrow range by turning on the first main light-emitting unit 31 and the second main light-emitting unit 41. Such a first light distribution pattern P1 can be suitably used as a high beam.

[0047] On the other hand, according to the above-mentioned configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, the first sub light emitting section 32 and the second sub light emitting section 42 are arranged so as to be shifted from the optical axes of the incident sections 12 and 22, respectively. As shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle lamp 1 can form a light distribution pattern (second light distribution pattern P2) in which light is widely diffused by turning on the first sub light emitting section 32 and the second sub light emitting section 42. In particular, according to the above-mentioned configuration, the direction (first direction D1) in which the first sub light emitting section 32 is shifted from the optical axis (first reference axis AX1) and the direction (second direction D2) in which the second sub light emitting section 42 is shifted from the optical axis (second reference axis AX2) are opposite in the left-right direction. Therefore, the direction in which the light emitted from the first sub light emitting section 32 diffuses through the first optical system 10 and the direction in which the light emitted from the second sub light emitting section 42 diffuses through the second optical system 20 can be opposite in the left-right direction. By overlapping the light distribution patterns formed by the first sub-light-emitting portion 32 and the second sub-light-emitting portion 42, a composite light distribution pattern (second light distribution pattern P2) that irradiates a wide range in the left-right direction can be formed. In addition, such a second light distribution pattern P2 can be suitably used as a daytime running light (DRL) beam.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first sub-light-emitting section 32 is shifted to the left and upward with respect to the optical axis, and the second sub-light-emitting section 42 is shifted to the right and downward with respect to the optical axis. However, as long as the first sub-light-emitting section 32 and the second sub-light-emitting section 42 are shifted to the opposite sides in the left-right direction with respect to their respective optical axes, they may not be shifted up-down with respect to the optical axis, or may be shifted in the same direction in the up-down direction. Even in these cases, the effect of forming a wide composite light distribution pattern in the left-right direction can be obtained.

[0049] In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, the first sub light-emitting section 32 is disposed offset upward with respect to the optical axis (first reference axis AX1) of the first incident section 12. The second sub light-emitting section 42 is disposed offset downward with respect to the optical axis (second reference axis AX2) of the second incident section 22. With this configuration, in the second light distribution pattern P2 formed by turning on the first sub light-emitting section 32 and the second sub light-emitting section 42, light can be emitted in the vertical direction, thereby emitting light widely in the vertical direction.

[0050] In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, the distance between the optical axis (first reference axis AX1) of the first incident portion 12 and the center of the first sub light-emitting portion 32 is equal to the distance between the optical axis (second reference axis AX2) of the second incident portion 22 and the center of the second sub light-emitting portion 42. With this configuration, the light distribution pattern formed by the first sub light-emitting portion 32 and the light distribution pattern formed by the second sub light-emitting portion 42 can be made to have a substantially symmetrical shape, and a composite light distribution pattern (second light distribution pattern P2) that is as wide as the first sub light-emitting portion 32 and the second sub light-emitting portion 42 can be formed in the direction in which the first sub light-emitting portion 32 and the second sub light-emitting portion 42 are shifted. Therefore, the second light distribution pattern P2 that irradiates light over a wider range can be formed.

[0051] In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, the first main light-emitting unit 31, the first sub light-emitting unit 32, the second main light-emitting unit 41, and the second sub light-emitting unit 42 are mounted on the same circuit board 50. According to this configuration, the number of parts of the vehicle lamp 1 can be reduced and the vehicle lamp 1 can be manufactured at a low cost compared to the case where the parts are mounted on multiple circuit boards. In addition, the vehicle lamp 1 can be made smaller in size compared to the case where multiple circuit boards are provided. Note that the first main light-emitting unit 31 and the second main light-emitting unit 41 of this embodiment are used as light sources for high beams and are turned on at night. On the other hand, the first sub light-emitting unit 32 and the second sub light-emitting unit 42 are used as light sources for daytime running lights and are turned on during the day. Therefore, even if the main light-emitting units 31, 41 and the sub light-emitting units 32, 42 are arranged close to each other on the same circuit board 50, they are unlikely to have a thermal effect on each other. Therefore, even if they are mounted on the same circuit board 50, the light amount of each light-emitting unit is unlikely to decrease.

[0052] The vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment has a control unit 2 that controls the first light source unit 30 and the second light source unit 40. The control unit 2 can switch between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the first main light-emitting unit 31 and the second main light-emitting unit 41 are turned on, and the first sub-light-emitting unit 32 and the second sub-light-emitting unit 42 are turned off to form a first light distribution pattern P1 in front. In the second mode, the first sub-light-emitting unit 32 and the second sub-light-emitting unit 42 are turned on, and the first main light-emitting unit 31 and the second main light-emitting unit 41 are turned off to form a second light distribution pattern P2 in front. With this configuration, the control unit 2 can easily switch between the first light distribution pattern P1 suitable for high beam and the second light distribution pattern P2 suitable for daytime running light beam.

[0053] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the configurations and combinations thereof in each embodiment are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[0054] For example, in the above embodiment, the first light distribution pattern P1 is used for a high beam, but the first light distribution pattern P1 may be used for other purposes such as a low beam. Similarly, in the above embodiment, the second light distribution pattern P2 is used for a daytime running light, but the second light distribution pattern P2 may be used for other purposes such as a lower intensity vehicle side light (position lamp) or a decorative lamp (accessory lamp).

[0055] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the distance between the first reference axis AX1 and the first sub light-emitting unit 32 is equal to the distance between the second reference axis AX2 and the second sub light-emitting unit 42. However, if the direction in which the first sub light-emitting unit 32 is shifted from the first reference axis AX1 and the direction in which the second sub light-emitting unit 42 is shifted from the second reference axis AX2 are symmetrical to each other, the above-mentioned effect of irradiating light over a wide range can be obtained to a certain extent even if the distances are different.

[0056] The configurations of the shapes of the first optical system 10 and the second optical system 20 in the above-mentioned embodiment are merely examples, and are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment as long as an optical system having similar functions is configured. For example, the first rear lens portion 11 and the second rear lens portion 21 may be separate from each other. Similarly, the first front lens portion 15 and the second front lens portion 25 may be separate from each other. Furthermore, the rear lens body 3 and the front lens body 4 may have an integral shape in which they are connected to each other at a portion that avoids the optical path. Furthermore, the first optical system 10 and the second optical system 20 may each be provided with a reflective surface that forms a cutoff line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1...vehicle lamp, 2...control unit, 10...first optical system, 12...first entrance section, 19...first exit section, 20...second optical system, 22...second entrance section, 29...second exit section, 30...first light source section, 31...first main light-emitting section, 32...first sub-light-emitting section, 40...second light source section, 41...second main light-emitting section, 42...second sub-light-emitting section, 50...circuit board, AX1...first reference axis (optical axis), AX2...second reference axis (optical axis), D1...first direction, D2...second direction, P1...first light distribution pattern, P2...second light distribution pattern

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp that irradiates light forward, a first optical system having a first entrance portion and a first exit portion; a second optical system arranged alongside the first optical system in a direction perpendicular to a front-rear direction, the second optical system having a second entrance portion and a second exit portion; a first light source unit facing the first incident unit; a second light source unit facing the second incident unit, The first light source unit has a first main light emitting unit and a first sub light emitting unit, The second light source unit has a second main light emitting unit and a second sub light emitting unit, the first main light emitting portion is disposed on an optical axis of the first incident portion, the second main light emitting portion is disposed on an optical axis of the second incident portion, The first sub light emitting unit is disposed so as to be shifted leftward with respect to the optical axis of the first incident unit, The second sub-light-emitting unit is disposed to be shifted to the right with respect to the optical axis of the second incident unit. Vehicle lighting fixtures.

2. The first sub light emitting unit is disposed so as to be shifted upward with respect to the optical axis of the first incident unit, The second sub-light-emitting unit is disposed to be shifted downward with respect to the optical axis of the second incident unit.

2. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1.

3. The distance between the optical axis of the first incident portion and the center of the first sub-light-emitting portion is equal to the distance between the optical axis of the second incident portion and the center of the second sub-light-emitting portion.

2. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1.

4. The first main light-emitting unit, the first sub light-emitting unit, the second main light-emitting unit, and the second sub light-emitting unit are mounted on a same circuit board.

2. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1.

5. a control unit for controlling the first light source unit and the second light source unit; The control unit is a first mode in which the first main light-emitting unit and the second main light-emitting unit are turned on and the first sub light-emitting unit and the second sub light-emitting unit are turned off to form a first light distribution pattern in a forward direction; a second mode in which the first sub light-emitting unit and the second sub light-emitting unit are turned on and the first main light-emitting unit and the second main light-emitting unit are turned off to form a second light distribution pattern in the forward direction; The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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