Vehicular illumination device and vehicular lighting

Abstract

To provide a vehicular illumination device and a vehicular lighting capable of maintaining the versatility of a light-emitting module and providing light distribution characteristics having light intensity distribution asymmetrical between a horizontal direction and a perpendicular direction.SOLUTION: A vehicular illumination device according to an embodiment includes: a socket; a light-emitting module that is provided on one end side of the socket and has a plurality of light-emitting elements; and an optical element that is provided on the one end side of the socket and controls light distribution characteristics of light radiated from the plurality of light-emitting elements. The plurality of light-emitting elements are provided at positions of rotation symmetry on a circumference centering around a center axis of the vehicular illumination device. Light intensity distribution of light emitted from the optical elements in a first direction orthogonal to the center axis is different from light intensity distribution in a second direction orthogonal to the center axis and the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp. [Background technology]

[0002] From the viewpoint of energy saving and long life, vehicle lighting devices equipped with light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes are becoming more and more popular instead of vehicle lighting devices equipped with lamps having filaments, etc. Such vehicle lighting devices include a socket and a light emitting module provided on one end side of the socket and having a plurality of light emitting elements.

[0003] Here, in the case of a vehicle lighting device, the light distribution characteristic required may differ depending on the application of the vehicle lighting device. For example, in the case of a rear fog lamp, a light distribution characteristic is required in which the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution of the vehicle lighting device in the horizontal direction is wider than the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution in the vertical direction (direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction). Such a light distribution characteristic having a luminous intensity distribution that is asymmetric in the horizontal and vertical directions can be obtained, for example, by the arrangement and number of multiple light-emitting elements provided in the light-emitting module. For example, a light distribution characteristic having a luminous intensity distribution that is asymmetric in the horizontal and vertical directions can be obtained by changing the distance between the optical axis of the vehicle lighting device and the center of the light-emitting element in the horizontal and vertical directions, or by changing the number of light-emitting elements.

[0004] However, this requires changing the arrangement and number of the light-emitting elements for each application of the vehicle lighting device, which makes inventory management of the vehicle lighting device complicated and increases the manufacturing cost of the vehicle lighting device. Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of technology that can maintain the versatility of the light-emitting module and obtain light distribution characteristics having a luminous intensity distribution that is asymmetric in the horizontal and vertical directions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-171277 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can maintain the versatility of the light-emitting module and can obtain a light distribution characteristic having a luminous intensity distribution that is asymmetric in the horizontal and vertical directions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment includes a socket, a light-emitting module provided on one end of the socket and having a plurality of light-emitting elements, and an optical element provided on the one end of the socket for controlling the light distribution characteristics of light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements. The plurality of light-emitting elements are provided at positions that are rotationally symmetric on a circumference centered on a central axis of the vehicle lighting device. The luminous intensity distribution of the light emitted from the optical element in a first direction perpendicular to the central axis is different from the luminous intensity distribution in a second direction perpendicular to the central axis and the first direction. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can maintain the versatility of the light-emitting module and obtain a light distribution characteristic having a luminous intensity distribution that is asymmetric in the horizontal and vertical directions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3]1 is a schematic side view of the optical portion when viewed from a vertical direction VV. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the optical portion when viewed from the horizontal direction HH. [Diagram 5] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical portion in the direction of line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating an example of light distribution characteristics of an optical element. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic perspective view for illustrating an incident surface. FIG. [Figure 8] 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams illustrating lenses provided on the exit surface. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] (Vehicle lighting device) The vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment can be installed in, for example, automobiles and railroad cars. The vehicle lighting device 1 can be used in lamps that require light distribution characteristics having a luminous intensity distribution (asymmetric luminous intensity distribution) with different light irradiation angles of the luminous intensity distribution in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction (direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction), such as rear fog lamps. However, the use of the vehicle lighting device 1 is not limited to rear fog lamps.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle lighting device 1 includes, for example, a socket 10, a light emitting module 20, a power supply unit 30, a heat transfer unit 40, and an optical unit 50.

[0013] The socket 10 has, for example, a mounting portion 11, a bayonet 12, a flange 13, heat dissipation fins 14, and a connector holder 15. The mounting portion 11 is provided on the surface of the flange 13 opposite to the side on which the heat dissipation fins 14 are provided. The outer shape of the mounting portion 11 may be columnar. The outer shape of the mounting portion 11 is, for example, cylindrical. The mounting portion 11 has, for example, a recess 11a that opens at the end opposite to the flange 13 side.

[0014] The bayonet 12 is provided, for example, on a side surface of the mounting portion 11. The bayonet 12 protrudes toward the outside of the vehicle lighting device 1. The bayonet 12 faces the flange 13. A plurality of bayonets 12 may be provided. The bayonet 12 is used when mounting the vehicle lighting device 1, for example, to a housing 101 of a vehicle lamp 100 described later. The bayonet 12 may be used for a twist lock.

[0015] The flange 13 has a plate shape. The flange 13 has, for example, a substantially circular plate shape. A side surface of the flange 13 is located outward of the vehicle lighting device 1 from a side surface of the bayonet 12.

[0016] The heat dissipating fin 14 is provided on the side of the flange 13 opposite to the mounting portion 11. At least one heat dissipating fin 14 can be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the socket 10 can be provided with a plurality of heat dissipating fins 14. The plurality of heat dissipating fins 14 can be arranged side by side in a predetermined direction. The heat dissipating fin 14 has, for example, a plate or cylinder shape.

[0017] The connector holder 15 is provided on the opposite side of the flange 13 to the mounting portion 11. The connector holder 15 can be provided alongside the heat dissipation fins 14. The connector holder 15 has a cylindrical shape, and a connector 105 having a seal member 105a therein is inserted into the connector holder 15.

[0018] The socket 10 has a function of holding the light-emitting module 20, the power supply unit 30, and the optical unit 50, and a function of transferring heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 to the outside. Therefore, the socket 10 is preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The socket 10 can be made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy, for example.

[0019] The socket 10 can also be made of, for example, a highly thermally conductive resin. The highly thermally conductive resin is, for example, a resin such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or Nylon mixed with a filler using carbon or aluminum oxide. If the socket 10 contains a highly thermally conductive resin, the heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 can be efficiently dissipated. Also, the weight of the socket 10 can be reduced.

[0020] The light emitting module 20 (substrate 21) is provided on one end side of the socket 10. For example, the light emitting module 20 is provided on a heat transfer section 40. As shown in FIG. 1, a light emitting module 20 includes, for example, a substrate 21, a light emitting element 22, a frame portion 23, a sealing portion 24, and a circuit element 25.

[0021] The substrate 21 is, for example, adhered onto the heat transfer section 40. As described below, the heat transfer section 40 may be omitted. When the heat transfer section 40 is omitted, for example, the substrate 21 is adhered to the bottom surface of the recess 11a. The adhesive for adhering the substrate 21 is preferably an adhesive with high thermal conductivity. For example, the adhesive may be an adhesive mixed with a filler using a conductive material or an inorganic material.

[0022] The substrate 21 has a plate shape. The planar shape of the substrate 21 (the shape when viewed from a direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1) is, for example, substantially rectangular. The substrate 21 can be formed from, for example, an inorganic material such as ceramics (for example, aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride), or an organic material such as paper phenol or glass epoxy. The substrate 21 may also be a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is covered with an insulating material. The substrate 21 may also have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0023] Moreover, a wiring pattern 21a is provided on the surface of the substrate 21. The wiring pattern 21a is formed from, for example, a material containing silver as a main component or a material containing copper as a main component. In addition, a covering portion may be provided to cover the wiring pattern 21a, a film resistor described later, etc. The covering portion may include, for example, a glass material.

[0024] A plurality of light emitting elements 22 are provided. The plurality of light emitting elements 22 are provided on the substrate 21 (on the surface of the substrate 21 opposite to the socket 10 side). The plurality of light emitting elements 22 are electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. The plurality of light emitting elements 22 are connected in series.

[0025] The plurality of light emitting elements 22 can be provided at positions that are rotationally symmetric on a circumference centered on the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. Five light emitting elements 22 are provided in the vehicle lighting device 1 (light emitting module 20) illustrated in FIG. 1. In this case, one light emitting element 22 can be provided at the position of the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1, and four light emitting elements 22 can be provided at positions that are rotationally symmetric on a circumference centered on the central axis 1a. In this way, it is possible to obtain a light distribution characteristic having a luminous intensity distribution (symmetrical luminous intensity distribution) in which the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution is substantially the same in the horizontal direction HH (corresponding to an example of the second direction) and the vertical direction VV (corresponding to an example of the first direction). Therefore, it is possible to improve the versatility of the light emitting module 20. If the versatility of the light emitting module 20 is improved, it is possible to facilitate inventory management of the light emitting module 20 and reduce the manufacturing cost of the light emitting module 20.

[0026] In this specification, the horizontal direction HH and the vertical direction VV are directions when the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the housing 101 of the vehicle lamp 100. In this case, the horizontal direction HH and the vertical direction VV may not only be a completely horizontal direction HH and a completely vertical direction VV, but may also have errors due to manufacturing errors or installation errors of the vehicle lighting device 1 and the optical unit 50. In other words, the horizontal direction HH may deviate slightly from the completely horizontal direction HH. The vertical direction VV may deviate slightly from the completely vertical direction VV.

[0027] The light emitting elements 22 may be, for example, light emitting diodes, organic light emitting diodes, laser diodes, or the like.

[0028] The light emitting element 22 may be a chip-shaped light emitting element, a surface mount type light emitting element such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type, or a light emitting element having a lead wire such as a bullet type. The light emitting element 22 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a chip-shaped light emitting element. In this case, in consideration of miniaturization of the light emitting module 20 and thus miniaturization of the vehicle lighting device 1, it is preferable to use a chip-shaped light emitting element. In the following, as an example, a case where the light emitting element 22 is a chip-shaped light emitting element will be described.

[0029] The chip-shaped light-emitting element 22 can be mounted on the wiring pattern 21a by COB (Chip On Board). The chip-shaped light-emitting element 22 may be any of an upper electrode type light-emitting element, a top and bottom electrode type light-emitting element, and a flip chip type light-emitting element.

[0030] The frame portion 23 is provided on the substrate 21. The frame portion 23 is bonded to the substrate 21. The frame portion 23 has a frame shape and surrounds the light emitting element 22. The frame portion 23 is formed, for example, from a thermoplastic resin. The frame portion 23 can have a function of defining the formation range of the sealing portion 24 and a function of a reflector. The frame portion 23 can be omitted. In the case where the frame portion 23 is omitted, for example, a dome-shaped sealing portion 24 is provided on the substrate 21. The outline of the planar shape of the frame portion 23 is, for example, a circle.

[0031] The sealing portion 24 is provided inside the frame portion 23. The sealing portion 24 is provided so as to cover the area surrounded by the frame portion 23. The sealing portion 24 is provided so as to cover the light-emitting element 22. The sealing portion 24 contains a resin having light-transmitting properties. The resin is, for example, a silicone resin. The sealing portion 24 may also contain a phosphor.

[0032] When the light emitting element 22 is a surface mount type light emitting element or a bullet type light emitting element having a lead wire, the frame portion 23 and the sealing portion 24 can be omitted.

[0033] The circuit element 25 can be a passive element or an active element used to configure a light-emitting circuit having the light-emitting element 22. The circuit element 25 is provided on the substrate 21. The circuit element 25 is provided, for example, on the periphery of the frame portion 23, and is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 21a. The circuit element 25 is electrically connected to the light-emitting element 22 via the wiring pattern 21a.

[0034] The circuit elements 25 illustrated in FIG. 1 include a protection element 25a, a resistor 25b, and a control element 25c. However, the type of the circuit element 25 is not limited to the exemplified ones, and can be changed appropriately depending on the configuration of the light-emitting circuit having the light-emitting element 22. For example, the circuit element 25 may be a capacitor, a positive characteristic thermistor, a negative characteristic thermistor, an inductor, a surge absorber, a varistor, a transistor, an integrated circuit, a computing element, etc., in addition to those mentioned above.

[0035] The protective element 25a is provided, for example, to prevent a reverse voltage from being applied to the light-emitting element 22 and to prevent pulse noise from the reverse direction from being applied to the light-emitting element 22. The protective element 25a may be, for example, a diode. The protective element 25a illustrated in FIG. 1 is a surface-mounted diode.

[0036] The resistor 25b may be, for example, a surface mount resistor, a resistor having leads (metal oxide film resistor), a film resistor formed by using a screen printing method, etc. The resistor 25b illustrated in FIG. 1 is a film resistor.

[0037] Here, since there is variation in the forward voltage characteristics of the light-emitting element 22, if the voltage applied between the anode terminal and the ground terminal is constant, variation occurs in the brightness (luminous flux, luminance, luminous intensity, illuminance) of the light irradiated from the light-emitting element 22. Therefore, in order to keep the brightness of the light irradiated from the light-emitting element 22 within a predetermined range, the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22 is controlled to be within a predetermined range by the resistor 25b connected in series to the light-emitting element 22. In this case, the resistance value of the resistor 25b is changed to keep the value of the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22 within the predetermined range.

[0038] When the resistor 25b is a surface mount resistor or a resistor with leads, the resistor 25b having an appropriate resistance value is selected according to the forward voltage characteristics of the light emitting element 22. When the resistor 25b is a film resistor, the resistance value can be increased by removing a part of the resistor 25b. For example, by irradiating a laser beam onto a film resistor, a part of the film resistor can be easily removed. Note that the number, arrangement, size, etc. of the resistors 25b are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed according to the number and specifications of the light emitting elements 22.

[0039] The control element 25c is provided, for example, to switch the voltage applied to the light-emitting element 22 or to perform temperature derating. However, the functions and uses of the control element 25c are not limited to those exemplified. The control element 25c can be, for example, a transistor or an integrated circuit. The control element 25c exemplified in FIG. 1 is a surface-mounted integrated circuit.

[0040] The power supply unit 30 includes, for example, a plurality of power supply terminals 31 and a holding unit 32 . The power supply terminals 31 may be rod-shaped. One end of each of the power supply terminals 31 protrudes from the bottom surface of the recess 11a. One end of each of the power supply terminals 31 is soldered to the wiring pattern 21a provided on the substrate 21. The other end of each of the power supply terminals 31 is exposed inside the hole of the connector holder 15. The connector 105 is fitted into the power supply terminals 31 exposed inside the hole of the connector holder 15. The power supply terminals 31 are formed of a metal such as a copper alloy. The shape, arrangement, material, and the like of the power supply terminals 31 are not limited to those exemplified, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0041] When the socket 10 is formed using, for example, a highly thermally conductive resin containing a filler using carbon, or a metal, the socket 10 becomes conductive. Therefore, the holding portion 32 is provided to insulate the multiple power supply terminals 31 from the conductive socket 10. Note that when the socket 10 is formed using an insulating highly thermally conductive resin (for example, a highly thermally conductive resin containing a filler using aluminum oxide), the holding portion 32 can be omitted. For example, the holding portion 32 can be pressed into a hole provided in the socket 10 or adhered to the inner wall of the hole.

[0042] The heat transfer section 40 has a plate shape and is provided between the socket 10 and the light emitting module 20 (substrate 21). The heat transfer section 40 can be adhered to the bottom surface of the recess 11a, for example. In addition, the heat transfer section 40 can be adhered to the inside of a recess provided in the bottom surface of the recess 11a, the heat transfer section 40 can be attached to the inside of the recess via thermal conductive grease (heat dissipation grease), or the heat transfer section 40 can be embedded in the inside of the recess by insert molding.

[0043] The heat transfer unit 40 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the heat transfer unit 40 is made of a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy. Note that if the socket 10 is made of a metal or if the amount of heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 is small, the heat transfer unit 40 can be omitted.

[0044] Here, as described above, if the light-emitting module 20 has a light distribution characteristic having a luminous intensity distribution in which the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution is substantially the same in the horizontal direction HH and the vertical direction VV (symmetrical luminous intensity distribution), it is possible to improve the versatility of the light-emitting module 20. However, depending on the application of the vehicle lighting device 1, there are cases where a light distribution characteristic having a luminous intensity distribution in which the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution in the horizontal direction HH is wider than the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution in the vertical direction VV (asymmetrical luminous intensity distribution) is required. Therefore, the vehicle lighting device 1 is provided with an optical unit 50.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the optical unit 50. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the optical unit 50 as viewed from a direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the optical portion 50 when viewed from the vertical direction VV. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the optical section 50 when viewed from the horizontal direction HH. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical portion 50 in FIG. 2 taken along the line AA. 1 and 5, the optical unit 50 is detachably provided, for example, at the end of the socket 10 on the side where the light emitting module 20 is provided. For example, the central axis 50a of the optical unit 50 can be made to overlap with the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. Also, for example, the central axis 50a of the optical unit 50 can be made to overlap with the central axis of an optical element 52 described later. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the optical unit 50 (flange 51a) can be provided so as to close the opening of the recess 11a of the mounting unit 11.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the optical unit 50 has, for example, a mounting portion 51 and an optical element 52. The optical element 52 can be formed from a material capable of transmitting light emitted from the light emitting module 20 (light emitting element 22). The optical element 52 can be formed from, for example, a light-transmitting resin such as polycarbonate, glass, or the like. The material of the mounting portion 51 is not particularly limited as long as it has a certain degree of rigidity. For example, the mounting portion 51 can be formed from a resin, a metal, or the like. The material of the mounting portion 51 may be the same as or different from the material of the optical element 52. When the optical element 52 and the mounting portion 51 are formed from the same material, the optical element 52 and the mounting portion 51 can be integrally molded, for example, by using an injection molding method. When the optical element 52 and the mounting portion 51 are formed from different materials, the optical element 52 and the mounting portion 51 can be integrally molded, for example, by using a two-color molding method or an insert molding method.

[0047] The attachment portion 51 has, for example, a flange 51a, a support portion 51b, and a holding portion 51c. The flange 51a is, for example, plate-shaped and provided on the side of the optical element 52. The flange 51a extends from the side of the optical element 52 in the horizontal direction HH and the vertical direction VV. The flange 51a is, for example, provided near the end of the optical element 52 on the socket 10 (mounting portion 11) side. As shown in FIG. 5, a surface 51aa of the flange 51a on the socket 10 (mounting portion 11) side can be an inclined surface. The surface 51aa is inclined in a direction in which the thickness gradually increases toward the center of the flange 51a. In addition, a plurality of convex portions 51ab can be provided on the surface 51aa. When the optical unit 50 is mounted in the socket 10 (mounting portion 11), the plurality of convex portions 51ab are adapted to come into contact with the end of the socket 10 (mounting portion 11). Therefore, the position of the optical unit 50 in the direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 can be stabilized.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 4, for example, a pair of support parts 51b can be provided. For example, the pair of support parts 51b can be provided side by side in the horizontal direction HH. When the optical part 50 is attached to the socket 10 (mounting part 11), the pair of support parts 51b are inserted into the inside of the recess 11a of the mounting part 11. At this time, the outer surface of the support part 51b is adapted to come into contact with the inner wall of the recess 11a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the position of the optical part 50 in the horizontal direction HH from shifting.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the holding portion 51c may be provided in a pair, for example. The pair of holding portions 51c may be provided side by side in the vertical direction VV, for example. A claw 51ca protruding toward the center of the flange 51a is provided at the tip of the holding portion 51c. As shown in FIG. 5, when the optical portion 50 is attached to the socket 10 (attachment portion 11), the socket 10 (attachment portion 11) is inserted between the pair of holding portions 51c. At this time, the claw 51ca is adapted to enter a hole provided on the side surface of the attachment portion 11. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the position of the optical portion 50 from being shifted in the direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 and in the vertical direction VV.

[0050] The optical element 52 is provided on one end side of the socket 10 and controls the light distribution characteristic of the light irradiated from the plurality of light emitting elements 22. In this case, the optical element 52 makes the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution in the vertical direction VV perpendicular to the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1, of the light emitted from the optical element 52, different from the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution in the horizontal direction HH perpendicular to the central axis 1a and the vertical direction VV. For example, the optical element 52 converts a light distribution characteristic having a luminous intensity distribution (symmetrical luminous intensity) in which the light irradiation angles of the luminous intensity distribution are substantially the same in the horizontal direction HH and the vertical direction VV, into a light distribution characteristic having a luminous intensity distribution (asymmetrical luminous intensity distribution) in which the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution in the horizontal direction HH is wider than the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution in the vertical direction VV.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the light distribution characteristic of the optical element 52. In FIG. The angular position of the diamond-shaped area shown in FIG. 6 is a light irradiation angle between +10° and −10° in the horizontal direction HH and a light irradiation angle between +5° and −5° in the vertical direction VV. The minimum luminous intensity in the diamond-shaped area is, for example, 75 cd (candela). The minimum luminous intensity on the axis of the horizontal direction HH is, for example, 150 cd (candela). The minimum luminous intensity on the axis of the vertical direction VV is, for example, 150 cd (candela). The luminous intensity in all directions is, for example, less than 300 cd (candela). Such a light distribution characteristic having a luminous intensity distribution with different light irradiation angles in the horizontal direction HH and the vertical direction VV (asymmetric luminous intensity distribution) is suitable for the light distribution characteristic of, for example, a rear fog lamp.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the optical element 52 has, for example, an entrance surface 52a, an entrance surface 52b, a reflecting surface 52c, a reflecting surface 52d, an exit surface 52e, an exit surface 52f, and an exit surface 52g.

[0053] A recess 52h is provided at the end of the optical element 52 on the side of the light emitting element 22. The bottom surface of the recess 52h serves as the incident surface 52a, and the side surface of the recess 52h serves as the incident surface 52b. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view for illustrating the incident surface 52a. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the multiple incident surfaces 52a are provided in a region including the central axis 50a of the optical unit 50. The multiple incident surfaces 52a are provided for each of the multiple light-emitting elements 22 provided at positions that are rotationally symmetric on a circumference centered on the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. For example, in the case of the optical element 52 illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the incident surface 52a is provided for each of four light-emitting elements 22. In this case, one incident surface 52a faces one light-emitting element 22. Note that the light-emitting element 22 provided at the position of the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1 faces the region between the incident surfaces 52a. In the direction along the central axis 50a of the optical unit 50, the incident surface 52a is, for example, a curved surface that protrudes toward the light-emitting element 22 side.

[0054] 5, the incident surface 52b is inclined with respect to the central axis 50a of the optical unit 50. In the direction along the central axis 50a of the optical unit 50, the incident surface 52b is inclined in a direction approaching the central axis 50a with increasing distance from the light-emitting element 22. The incident surface 52b may be, for example, a curved surface such as the side surface of a truncated cone.

[0055] The reflecting surface 52c may be an outer surface of the optical element 52 near the end on the light-emitting element 22 side. The reflecting surface 52c is inclined with respect to the central axis 50a of the optical unit 50. In the direction along the central axis 50a of the optical unit 50, the reflecting surface 52c is inclined in a direction away from the central axis 50a as it moves away from the light-emitting element 22. In other words, the reflecting surface 52c is inclined in the opposite direction to the incident surface 52b. The reflecting surface 52c may be a curved surface such as the side surface of a truncated cone.

[0056] The reflecting surface 52d can be an outer surface of the optical element 52 near the end opposite to the light emitting element 22. The reflecting surface 52d is inclined with respect to the central axis 50a of the optical unit 50. In the direction along the central axis 50a of the optical unit 50, the reflecting surface 52d is inclined in a direction away from the central axis 50a as it moves away from the light emitting element 22. That is, the reflecting surface 52c is inclined in the opposite direction to the incident surface 52b. The reflecting surface 52d can be, for example, a curved surface such as a side surface of a truncated cone. As shown in FIG. 5, a mounting portion 51 (flange 51a) can be provided between the reflecting surface 52c and the reflecting surface 52d. Therefore, the reflecting surface 52c and the reflecting surface 52d can be discontinuous surfaces. The inclination angle of the reflecting surface 52d may be the same as or different from the inclination angle of the reflecting surface 52c.

[0057] 1 and 5, a recess 52i is provided at the end of optical element 52 opposite to light-emitting element 22, and a recess 52j is provided at the bottom of recess 52i. The end of optical element 52 opposite to light-emitting element 22 serves as emission surface 52e. The bottom of recess 52i serves as emission surface 52f. The bottom of recess 52j serves as emission surface 52g.

[0058] The exit surface 52e is provided in a region including the central axis 50a of the optical unit 50. When viewed from a direction along the central axis 50a of the optical unit 50, the exit surface 52e can be provided at a position overlapping with the entrance surface 52a. When viewed from a direction along the central axis 50a of the optical section 50, the exit surface 52f can be provided at a position overlapping with the reflecting surface 52c. When viewed from a direction along the central axis 50a of the optical section 50, the exit surface 52g can be provided at a position overlapping with the reflecting surface 52d.

[0059] 1 and 2, a plurality of lenses 52k (corresponding to an example of a first lens) are arranged on a light emission surface (emission surface 52e, emission surface 52f, and emission surface 52g) of optical element 52. Emission surface 52e, emission surface 52f, and emission surface 52g can be, for example, a lens array.

[0060] 8(a) to (c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the lens 52k provided on the exit surface. FIG. 8(a) is a schematic plan view illustrating the lens 52k when viewed from a direction along the central axis 50a of the optical unit 50. FIG. FIG. 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lens 52k in the direction of line BB in FIG. FIG. 8C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lens 52k in FIG. 8A taken along line CC.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 8(a), the shape of the lens 52k when viewed from a direction along the central axis 50a of the optical unit 50 can be a rhombus. For example, one diagonal 52ka of the lens 52k can be parallel to the vertical direction VV. For example, the other diagonal 52kb of the lens 52k can be parallel to the horizontal direction HH. In this case, the diagonal 52ka can be longer than the diagonal 52kb.

[0062] If the diagonal line 52ka and the diagonal line 52kb have different lengths, the radius of curvature of the light exit surface of the lens 52k can be changed in the vertical direction VV and the horizontal direction HH, as shown in Fig. 8(b) and (c). For example, the radius of curvature of the light exit surface of the lens 52k in the vertical direction VV can be made larger than the radius of curvature of the light exit surface of the lens 52k in the horizontal direction HH. In this way, the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution of the light emitted in the vertical direction VV becomes narrower than the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution of the light emitted in the horizontal direction HH. In other words, a light distribution characteristic having a luminous intensity distribution that is asymmetric between the horizontal direction HH and the vertical direction VV can be obtained.

[0063] 8(b) and (c), the light exit surface of the lens 52k can be a convex curved surface or a concave curved surface. However, if the light exit surface is a convex curved surface, it is possible to prevent water droplets and dust from accumulating. Also, if the light exit surface is a convex curved surface, the optical design becomes easier.

[0064] The luminous intensity distribution of light emitted from lens 52k in vertical direction VV, and the luminous intensity distribution of light emitted from lens 52k in horizontal direction HH can be controlled by the length of diagonal 52ka, the length of diagonal 52kb, and the radius of curvature of the light exit surface of lens 52k. The length of the diagonal 52ka, the length of the diagonal 52kb, and the radius of curvature of the light exit surface of the lens 52k can be appropriately set according to the required luminous intensity distribution. For example, these can be appropriately set by performing experiments or simulations.

[0065] 5, light L1 emitted from the light emitting element 22 and incident on the incident surface 52a is emitted from the exit surface 52e to the outside of the optical unit 50. In this case, the light L1 is irradiated near the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1.

[0066] A part of the light (light L2) that is emitted from the light emitting element 22 and enters the incident surface 52b is reflected by the reflecting surface 52c and emitted from the exit surface 52f to the outside of the optical unit 50. In this case, the light L2 is mainly irradiated to the outside of the area irradiated with the light L1.

[0067] A part of the light (light L3) that is emitted from the light emitting element 22 and enters the incident surface 52b is reflected by the reflecting surface 52d and emitted from the exit surface 52g to the outside of the optical unit 50. In this case, the light L3 is mainly irradiated to the outside of the area irradiated with the light L2.

[0068] That is, incident surface 52a, incident surface 52b, reflecting surface 52c, and reflecting surface 52d distribute the light irradiated from light emitting element 22 toward exit surface 52e, exit surface 52f, and exit surface 52g. Therefore, by changing the radius of curvature of incident surface 52a and the inclination angles of incident surface 52b, reflecting surface 52c, and reflecting surface 52d, it is possible to adjust the luminous intensity distribution of the light incident on exit surface 52e, exit surface 52f, and exit surface 52g.

[0069] In the above, the luminous intensity distribution of the light emitted in the vertical direction VV and the luminous intensity distribution of the light emitted in the horizontal direction HH are controlled by the diamond-shaped lens 52k, but the light emission surface of the optical element 52 may further include a plurality of lenses 52k1 (corresponding to an example of a second lens) having a planar shape different from that of the lens 52k. For example, the shape of the lens 52k1 when viewed from the direction along the central axis 50a of the optical unit 50 may be a square or a rectangle. In this case, for example, one side of the lens 52k1 may be parallel to the vertical direction VV. For example, the other side of the lens 52k1 may be parallel to the horizontal direction HH. Since the lens 52k1 having such a shape has a small difference between the luminous intensity distribution of light emitted in the vertical direction VV and the luminous intensity distribution of light emitted in the horizontal direction HH, it is possible to adjust the control of the luminous intensity distribution by the diamond-shaped lens 52k.

[0070] In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of lenses 52k can be arranged in the central region (exit surface 52e, exit surface 52f) of the light exit surface (exit surface 52e, exit surface 52f, exit surface 52g) of the optical element 52. In the region (exit surface 52g) on ​​the peripheral side of the light exit surface of the optical element 52, a plurality of lenses 52k1 can be arranged in the horizontal direction HH region, and a plurality of lenses 52k can be arranged in the vertical direction VV region.

[0071] The luminous intensity distribution of light emitted from lens 52k1 in the vertical direction VV and the luminous intensity distribution of light emitted from lens 52k1 in the horizontal direction HH can be controlled by the diagonal dimension and radius of curvature, as in the case of lens 52k described above.

[0072] 5, recesses 52i, 52j, and 52j are provided, but at least one of recesses 52i, 52j, and 52j may be omitted. For example, exit surface 52e, exit surface 52f, and exit surface 52g may be continuous in a direction perpendicular to central axis 50a of optical unit 50. Also, entrance surface 52a may be provided at an end of optical element 52 on the light emitting element 22 side.

[0073] However, if at least one of the recesses 52i, 52j, and 52j is provided, the weight of the optical element 52 can be reduced and the material cost can be reduced. Also, as can be seen from Fig. 5, if at least one of the recesses 52i, 52j, and 52j is provided, the difference in thickness can be prevented from increasing. Therefore, when the optical portion 50 is molded by a molding method such as injection molding, two-color molding, and insert molding, the occurrence of defects such as sink marks can be prevented.

[0074] As described above, the light-emitting module 20 has a plurality of light-emitting elements 22 at positions that are rotationally symmetric on a circumference centered on the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1, and therefore can obtain a light distribution characteristic having a luminous intensity distribution (symmetrical luminous intensity distribution) in which the light irradiation angles of the luminous intensity distribution are substantially the same in the horizontal direction HH and the vertical direction VV. Therefore, the versatility of the light-emitting module 20 can be improved. In addition, the optical element 52 has a light distribution characteristic having a luminous intensity distribution (an asymmetric luminous intensity distribution) in which the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution differs between the horizontal direction HH and the vertical direction VV (for example, a light distribution characteristic in which the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution in the horizontal direction HH is wider than the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution in the vertical direction VV). Therefore, with the vehicle lighting device 1 of this embodiment, the versatility of the light-emitting module 20 can be maintained, and a light distribution characteristic can be obtained having a luminous intensity distribution in which the light irradiation angle of the luminous intensity distribution differs between the horizontal direction HH and the vertical direction VV (an asymmetric luminous intensity distribution).

[0075] (Vehicle lighting fixtures) In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 100 can be provided that includes a vehicle lighting device 1. The above-mentioned description of the vehicle lighting device 1 and modified versions of the vehicle lighting device 1 (for example, a device in which a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, deletes, or modifies components and has the features of the present invention) can all be applied to the vehicle lamp 100.

[0076] In the following, as an example, a case where the vehicular lamp 100 is a rear combination light installed in an automobile will be described. However, the vehicular lamp 100 is not limited to a rear combination light installed in an automobile. The vehicular lamp 100 may be any vehicular lamp that is installed in an automobile, a railroad car, or the like.

[0077] FIG. 9 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating the vehicle lamp 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, a vehicle lamp 100 includes, for example, a vehicle lighting device 1, a housing 101, a cover 102, an optical element 103, a seal member 104, and a connector 105.

[0078] The vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the housing 101. The housing 101 holds the mounting portion 11. The housing 101 is box-shaped with one end side open. The housing 101 is formed of, for example, a resin that does not transmit light. The bottom surface of the housing 101 is provided with a mounting hole 101a into which the portion of the mounting portion 11 provided with the bayonet 12 is inserted. A recess is provided around the mounting hole 101a into which the bayonet 12 provided on the mounting portion 11 is inserted. Note that, although the case where the mounting hole 101a is directly provided in the housing 101 has been exemplified, a mounting member having the mounting hole 101a may be provided on the housing 101.

[0079] When mounting the vehicle lighting device 1 to the vehicle lamp 100, the portion of the mounting portion 11 on which the bayonet 12 is provided is inserted into the mounting hole 101a, and the vehicle lighting device 1 is rotated. Then, for example, the bayonet 12 is held in a fitting portion provided on the periphery of the mounting hole 101a. This type of mounting method is called a twist lock.

[0080] The cover 102 is provided so as to cover the opening of the housing 101. The cover 102 is made of a light-transmitting resin or the like. The cover 102 may also have a function such as a lens.

[0081] Light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 (optical unit 50) is incident on the optical element 103. The optical element 103 reflects, diffuses, guides, and collects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 (optical unit 50), and forms a predetermined light distribution pattern. For example, the optical element 103 illustrated in Fig. 9 is a reflector. In this case, the optical element 103 reflects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 (optical unit 50) and forms a predetermined light distribution pattern.

[0082] The seal member 104 is provided between the flange 13 and the housing 101. The seal member 104 has an annular shape and is made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone resin.

[0083] When the vehicle lighting device 1 is attached to the vehicle lamp 100, the seal member 104 is sandwiched between the flange 13 and the housing 101. Therefore, the seal member 104 can seal the internal space of the housing 101. In addition, the bayonet 12 is pressed against the housing 101 by the elastic force of the seal member 104. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the vehicle lighting device 1 from coming off the housing 101.

[0084] The connector 105 is fitted to ends of the multiple power supply terminals 31 exposed inside the connector holder 15. A lighting circuit or the like provided outside the vehicle lamp 100 is electrically connected to the connector 105. Therefore, by fitting the connector 105 to ends of the multiple power supply terminals 31, the lighting circuit or the like can be electrically connected to the light-emitting element 22.

[0085] Furthermore, a seal member 105a is provided on the connector 105. When the connector 105 having the seal member 105a is inserted into the inside of the connector holder 15, the inside of the connector holder 15 is sealed so as to be watertight.

[0086] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0087] Below, supplementary notes regarding the above-described embodiment are given.

[0088] (Appendix 1) Socket and; a light emitting module provided on one end side of the socket and having a plurality of light emitting elements; an optical element provided on the one end side of the socket, for controlling a light distribution characteristic of light irradiated from the plurality of light-emitting elements; Equipped with the plurality of light-emitting elements are provided at positions that are rotationally symmetric on a circumference about a central axis of the vehicle lighting device, A vehicle lighting device in which the luminous intensity distribution of the light emitted from the optical element in a first direction perpendicular to the central axis differs from the luminous intensity distribution in a second direction perpendicular to the central axis and the first direction.

[0089] (Appendix 2) A plurality of first lenses are arranged on the light exit surface of the optical element, the first lens has a rhombus shape when viewed from a direction along the central axis, 2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein a length of a diagonal of the first lens in the first direction is longer than a length of a diagonal of the first lens in the second direction.

[0090] (Appendix 3) 3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the light exit surface of the first lens is a convex curved surface or a concave curved surface.

[0091] (Appendix 4) A plurality of second lenses are further provided on the light exit surface of the optical element, the shape of the second lens when viewed from a direction along the central axis is square or rectangular; The plurality of first lenses are arranged in a central region of the light exit surface of the optical element, 4. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the optical element has a peripheral region of the light exit surface, the peripheral region being provided in the second direction, and the optical element has a peripheral region being provided in the first direction.

[0092] (Appendix 5) A plurality of incident surfaces are provided on the light emitting element side of the optical element, Each of the plurality of incident surfaces faces one of the light emitting elements, 5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the entrance surface is a curved surface that protrudes toward the light emitting element.

[0093] (Appendix 6) A vehicle lighting device according to any one of appendix 1 to 5; A housing in which the vehicle lighting device is mounted; Equipped with The first direction is a vertical direction; The second direction is the horizontal direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 Vehicle lighting device, 1a central axis, 10 socket, 11 mounting portion, 20 light emitting module, 21 substrate, 22 light emitting element, 50 optical portion, 50a central axis, 51 mounting portion, 52 optical element, 52a entrance surface, 52b entrance surface, 52c reflecting surface, 52d reflecting surface, 52e exit surface, 52f exit surface, 52g exit surface, 52h recess, 52i recess, 52j recess, 52k lens, 52k1 lens, 52ka diagonal, 52kb diagonal, 100 vehicle lamp, 101 housing, HH horizontal direction, VV vertical direction

Claims

1. A socket; a light-emitting module provided on one end side of the socket and having a plurality of light-emitting elements; an optical element provided on the one end side of the socket for controlling a light distribution characteristic of light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements; Equipped with the plurality of light-emitting elements are provided at positions that are rotationally symmetric on a circumference about a central axis of the vehicle lighting device, A vehicle lighting device in which the luminous intensity distribution of the light emitted from the optical element in a first direction perpendicular to the central axis is different from the luminous intensity distribution in a second direction perpendicular to the central axis and the first direction.

2. a plurality of first lenses are arranged on the light exit surface of the optical element; the first lens has a rhombus shape when viewed from a direction along the central axis, 2 . The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein a length of a diagonal line of the first lens in the first direction is longer than a length of a diagonal line of the first lens in the second direction.

3. 3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the light exit surface of the first lens is a convex curved surface or a concave curved surface.

4. A plurality of second lenses are further provided on the light exit surface of the optical element, the shape of the second lens when viewed from a direction along the central axis is square or rectangular, The plurality of first lenses are arranged in a central region of the light exit surface of the optical element, 4. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the optical element has a peripheral region of the light exit surface, the region in the second direction having the plurality of second lenses, and the region in the first direction having the plurality of first lenses.

5. A plurality of incident surfaces are provided on the light emitting element side of the optical element, Each of the plurality of incident surfaces faces one of the light-emitting elements, 4. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light incidence surface is a curved surface that protrudes toward the light emitting element.

6. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1; A housing in which the vehicle lighting device is mounted; Equipped with The first direction is a vertical direction; The second direction is the horizontal direction.

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