Vehicle lighting device and vehicle lamp

Abstract

To provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that are capable of improving the visibility of light emitted from the vehicle lighting device.SOLUTION: A vehicle lighting device includes: a socket; a first light-emitting element that is provided at one end portion of the socket and emits light of a first color; a second light-emitting element that is provided at the one end portion of the socket and emits light of a second color; a control unit to which the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are electrically connected; and an optical sensor that is electrically connected to the control unit and detects at least one of the illuminance of light in an external environment of a vehicle and the color of the light. The control unit changes at least one of an amount of light of the first color emitted from the first light-emitting element and an amount of light of the second color emitted from the second light-emitting element based on a signal from the optical sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art From the standpoint 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, replacing vehicle lighting devices equipped with lamps having filaments.

[0003] Here, a vehicle equipped with a vehicle lighting device is mainly used outdoors, and therefore, depending on the time of day, the external environment such as a tunnel or weather, and the color of the illuminated object, it may be difficult for the driver or the like to see the light illuminated from the vehicle lighting device. Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of technology that can improve the visibility of light emitted from a vehicle lighting device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-195099 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp capable of improving the visibility of light emitted from the vehicle lighting device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment includes a socket, a first light-emitting element provided at one end of the socket and emitting light of a first color, a second light-emitting element provided at the one end of the socket and emitting light of a second color, a control unit to which the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are electrically connected, and an optical sensor electrically connected to the control unit and detecting at least one of the illuminance of light in the external environment of the vehicle and the color of the light. The control unit changes at least one of the amount of light of the first color emitted from the first light-emitting element and the amount of light of the second color emitted from the second light-emitting element based on a signal from the optical sensor. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can improve the visibility of light emitted from the vehicle lighting device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic plan view of the light-emitting module as viewed from a direction along the central axis of the vehicle lighting device. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating a light emitting circuit provided in a light emitting module. [Figure 4] 11A to 11C are schematic diagrams illustrating other arrangements of the control unit and the optical sensor. [Diagram 5] 2 is an XY chromaticity diagram illustrating the colors of light emitted from a vehicle lighting device. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle lamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 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.

[0010] (Vehicle lighting device) The vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment can be installed in, for example, an automobile or a railcar. Examples of the vehicle lighting device 1 installed in an automobile include those used as headlights, front combination lights (for example, a combination of daytime running lamps (DRLs), position lamps, turn signal lamps, etc.) and rear combination lights (for example, a combination of stop lamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps, back lamps, fog lamps, etc.). However, the uses of the vehicle lighting device 1 are not limited to these. In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment is used in a headlight of an automobile.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a vehicle lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the light emitting module 20 as viewed from a direction along the central axis 1a of the vehicle lighting device 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating the light-emitting circuit 20a provided in the light-emitting module 20. As shown in FIG.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle lighting device 1 includes a socket 10, a light emitting module 20, a power supply unit 30, and a heat transfer unit 40, for example.

[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 and the power supply unit 30, 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 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 11a1 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 to 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 may be changed as appropriate.

[0021] As described above, it is preferable that the socket 10 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity. However, materials having high thermal conductivity may have electrical conductivity. For example, metals such as aluminum alloys and highly thermally conductive resins containing a filler using carbon have electrical conductivity. Therefore, the holding portion 32 is provided to insulate the multiple power supply terminals 31 from the socket 10 having electrical conductivity. The holding portion 32 also has a function of holding the multiple power supply terminals 31. If the socket 10 is made of a highly thermally conductive resin having electrical insulation (for example, a highly thermally conductive resin containing a filler using aluminum oxide), the holding portion 32 can be omitted. The holding portion 32 is made of, for example, a resin having electrical insulation. The holding portion 32 can be, for example, pressed into a hole provided in the socket 10 or adhered to the inner wall of the hole.

[0022] The heat transfer section 40 has a plate shape and is provided between the socket 10 and the light emitting module 20 (substrate 21). For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the heat transfer section 40 can be adhered to the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a. In addition, the heat transfer section 40 can be adhered to the inside of a recess provided in the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a, the heat transfer section 40 can be attached to the inside of the recess via thermally conductive grease, or the heat transfer section 40 can be embedded in the inside of the recess by using an insert molding method.

[0023] The heat transfer section 40 is provided to facilitate the transfer of heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 to the socket 10. For this reason, the heat transfer section 40 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the heat transfer section 40 is made of a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy. Note that, for example, when the amount of heat generated in the light-emitting module 20 is relatively small or when the socket 10 is made of metal, the heat transfer section 40 can be omitted. When the heat transfer section 40 is omitted, the light-emitting module 20 (substrate 21) is bonded to the bottom surface 11a1 of the recess 11a or the like.

[0024] 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 adhered onto the heat transfer section 40. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light emitting module 20 includes, for example, a substrate 21, a light emitting element 22, a frame portion 23, a sealing portion 24, a circuit element 25, and an optical sensor 26.

[0025] 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 is formed of, 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 have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0026] Moreover, a wiring pattern 21a is provided on the surface of the substrate 21. The wiring pattern 21a is formed, for example, from a material mainly composed of silver or a material mainly composed of copper. A covering portion may also be provided to cover the wiring pattern 21a and a film resistor, which will be described later. The covering portion may include, for example, a glass material.

[0027] A plurality of light emitting elements 22 are provided on the substrate 21 (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. In this case, at least two types of light emitting elements that irradiate light with different peak wavelengths can be provided. Furthermore, at least one light emitting element can be provided for each of the plurality of types.

[0028] For example, it is possible to provide a light-emitting element 22g (corresponding to an example of a first light-emitting element) that emits green light (e.g., light having a peak wavelength of 513 nm to 545 nm: corresponding to an example of light of a first color), a light-emitting element 22b (corresponding to an example of a second light-emitting element) that emits blue light (e.g., light having a peak wavelength of 450 nm to 480 nm: corresponding to an example of light of a second color), and a light-emitting element 22r (corresponding to an example of a third light-emitting element) that emits red light (e.g., light having a peak wavelength of 627 nm to 638 nm: corresponding to an example of light of a third color).

[0029] However, the color of the light emitted from the light-emitting element is not limited to this. As described above, since the vehicle lighting device 1 is a vehicle lighting device provided in a headlamp, it is sufficient that white light is emitted from the light-emitting module 20 and the color tone (color temperature) of the white light can be changed.

[0030] For example, a light-emitting element 22w (corresponding to an example of a first light-emitting element) that irradiates white light (corresponding to an example of light of a first color) and a light-emitting element 22b that irradiates blue light can be provided. For example, a light-emitting element 22w that irradiates white light and a light-emitting element 22y that irradiates yellow light (for example, light with a peak wavelength of 550 nm to 590 nm: corresponding to an example of light of a second color) can be provided. In addition, for example, the light-emitting element 22w, the light-emitting element 22b, and the light-emitting element 22y can be provided. The number and arrangement of the light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, 22r, 22w, and 22y can be changed as appropriate.

[0031] In the following, as an example, a case where one each of the light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r is provided will be described.

[0032] The light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r are connected in parallel. Light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r can be, for example, light emitting diodes, organic light emitting diodes, laser diodes, and the like.

[0033] The light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r may be chip-shaped light emitting elements, surface mount type light emitting elements such as PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type, or light emitting elements having leads such as bullet type. The light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r illustrated in FIG. 2 are chip-shaped light emitting elements. 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 chip-shaped light emitting elements. In the following, as an example, a case where the light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r are chip-shaped light emitting elements will be described.

[0034] The chip-shaped light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r can be mounted on the wiring pattern 21a by COB (Chip On Board). The chip-shaped light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r 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.

[0035] 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 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r. 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. When the frame portion 23 is omitted, for example, a dome-shaped sealing portion 24 is provided on the substrate 21.

[0036] 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 22g, the light-emitting element 22b, and the light-emitting element 22r. The sealing portion 24 contains a resin having light-transmitting properties. The resin is, for example, a silicone resin.

[0037] In addition, if the light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r are surface-mounted light-emitting elements or light-emitting elements having lead wires such as a bullet-type light-emitting element, the frame portion 23 and the sealing portion 24 can be omitted.

[0038] In addition, other optical elements and the like can be provided as necessary. The optical elements are, for example, convex lenses, concave lenses, light guides, etc. The optical elements can be provided on the sealing portion 24, for example.

[0039] The circuit element 25 may be a passive element or an active element used to configure the light-emitting circuit 20a having the light-emitting elements 22 (light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r). The circuit element 25 may be 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 elements 22g, 22b, and 22r via the wiring pattern 21a.

[0040] 1 to 3, the circuit element 25 may be, for example, a protective element 25a, a resistor 25b, a capacitor 25c, and a control unit 25d. However, the type of the circuit element 25 is not limited to the illustrated ones, and may be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the light-emitting circuit. For example, the circuit element 25 may be 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 the above-mentioned ones.

[0041] The protective element 25a is provided, for example, to prevent a reverse voltage from being applied to the light-emitting elements 22 (light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r) and to prevent pulse noise from the reverse direction from being applied to the light-emitting elements 22 (light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r). The protective element 25a is, for example, a diode. The protective element 25a illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 is a surface-mounted diode.

[0042] 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 and Fig. 2 is a surface mount resistor. The resistor 25b is electrically connected to each of the light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r.

[0043] Here, since there is variation in the forward voltage characteristics of light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r, if the voltage applied between the anode and cathode sides of light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r is kept constant, variation will occur in the brightness (luminous flux, luminance, luminous intensity, illuminance) of the light irradiated from light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r.

[0044] Therefore, in order to keep the brightness of the light emitted from the light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r within a predetermined range, the resistors 25b connected in series to the light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r respectively control the value of the current flowing through the light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r to be within a predetermined range. In this case, the resistance value of each of the resistors 25b is changed to keep the value of the current flowing through the light emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r within the predetermined range.

[0045] 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 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r. 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 the film resistor with laser light, a part of the film resistor can be easily removed. The number, arrangement, size, etc. of the resistor 25b are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed according to the number and specifications of the light emitting elements 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r.

[0046] The capacitor 25c can be provided to smooth the voltage applied to the light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r and as a countermeasure against noise. The capacitor 25c illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is a surface mount type capacitor.

[0047] The control unit 25d may have, for example, a storage unit and a calculation unit. The storage unit may store, for example, a control program and data related to the color tone (color temperature) of white light, which will be described later. The control unit 25d controls the current flowing through the light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r based on the data and control program stored in the storage unit and a signal from the optical sensor 26. The control of the white light by the control unit 25d will be described in detail later.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the input side of the control unit 25d is electrically connected to the optical sensor 26. The output side of the control unit 25d is electrically connected to each of the light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r. As described above, since the vehicle lighting device 1 is a vehicle lighting device provided in a headlamp, the control unit 25d causes the vehicle lighting device 1 (light emitting module 20) to emit white light. For example, the control unit 25d causes each of the light emitting element 22g, the light emitting element 22b, and the light emitting element 22r to emit light, and the irradiated green light, blue light, and red light are mixed together so that white light is irradiated from the vehicle lighting device 1 (light emitting module 20). In addition, the control unit 25d changes at least one of the amount of green light irradiated from the light emitting element 22g, the amount of blue light irradiated from the light emitting element 22b, and the amount of red light irradiated from the light emitting element 22r based on a signal from the optical sensor 26. That is, the control unit 25d changes at least one of the amount of white light and the color tone (color temperature) of the white light based on the signal from the optical sensor 26. For example, the control unit 25d controls the current flowing through the light-emitting elements 22g, 22b, and 22r based on the signal from the optical sensor 26 to change at least one of the amount of white light and the color tone (color temperature) of the white light.

[0049] As described above, when the light-emitting module 20 is provided with the light-emitting element 22w that emits white light and the light-emitting element 22b that emits blue light, the control unit 25d changes the amount of white light emitted from the light-emitting element 22w. The control unit 25d also changes at least one of the amount of white light emitted from the light-emitting element 22w and the amount of blue light emitted from the light-emitting element 22b to change the color tone (color temperature) of the white light. In this case, the control unit 25d controls the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22w and the light-emitting element 22b based on a signal from the optical sensor 26 to change at least one of the amount of white light and the color tone (color temperature) of the white light.

[0050] Furthermore, as described above, when the light-emitting module 20 is provided with the light-emitting element 22w that emits white light and the light-emitting element 22y that emits yellow light, the control unit 25d changes the amount of white light emitted from the light-emitting element 22w. The control unit 25d also changes at least one of the amount of white light emitted from the light-emitting element 22w and the amount of yellow light emitted from the light-emitting element 22y to change the color tone (color temperature) of the white light. In this case, the control unit 25d controls the current flowing through the light-emitting element 22w and the light-emitting element 22y based on a signal from the optical sensor 26 to change at least one of the amount of white light and the color tone (color temperature) of the white light.

[0051] In addition, in the case where light-emitting elements 22w, 22b, and 22y are provided, control unit 25d can similarly change the amount of white light and change the color tone (color temperature) of the white light. The change in the color tone (color temperature) of white light will be described in detail later.

[0052] The optical sensor 26 detects at least one of the illuminance and color of light in the external environment of the vehicle, and converts the detected illuminance and color of light into an electrical signal. The converted electrical signal is input to the control unit 25d. The optical sensor 26 may be, for example, a color sensor, an illuminance sensor, a color camera, or the like. For example, if a color sensor and an illuminance sensor are used as the optical sensor 26, the illuminance and color of light in the external environment of the vehicle can be detected. If a color camera is used as the optical sensor 26, the color of light in the external environment of the vehicle can be detected, and the illuminance can be obtained from the illuminance distribution image.

[0053] In addition, although the control unit 25d and the optical sensor 26 are provided on the light-emitting module 20 (substrate 21) in the example shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the locations where the control unit 25d and the optical sensor 26 are provided are not limited to this.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another arrangement of the control unit 25d and the optical sensor . The vehicle lighting device 1b may be obtained by omitting the control unit 25d and the optical sensor 26 from the vehicle lighting device 1 described above.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, a vehicle lighting device 1b can be provided in a headlamp, similar to the vehicle lighting device 1 described above. The control unit 25d can be provided, for example, in a lighting circuit provided in the vehicle. The optical sensor 26 may be provided, for example, in the vicinity of the windshield inside the vehicle cabin. If the vehicle is provided with an on-board camera or the like, the optical sensor 26 may also serve as the on-board camera or the like.

[0056] A signal from the optical sensor 26 is input to a control unit 25d provided in a lighting circuit or the like via wiring, etc. A control current from the control unit 25d is applied to the light-emitting element 22 provided in the vehicle lighting device 1b via wiring, etc. If the control unit 25d and the optical sensor 26 are provided separately from the vehicle lighting device 1b, the vehicle lighting device 1b can be made smaller. Furthermore, if the control unit 25d can be used as a lighting circuit or the optical sensor 26 can be used as an in-vehicle camera, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0057] Furthermore, the relationship between the value of the signal from optical sensor 26 and the color tone (color temperature) of white light with excellent visibility can be found by conducting experiments and simulations in advance. The relationship between the value of the signal from optical sensor 26 and the color tone (color temperature) of white light can be stored in a memory unit or the like provided in control unit 25d. Control unit 25d can change the amount of light and the color tone (color temperature) of the white light based on the data stored in the memory unit and the value of the signal from optical sensor 26.

[0058] Next, the change in the color tone (color temperature) of white light will be further described. Vehicles equipped with the vehicle lighting devices 1 and 1b are mainly used outdoors. Therefore, depending on the time of day, the external environment such as tunnels and weather, and the color of the illuminated object, the driver or the like may have difficulty in viewing the light illuminated from the vehicle lighting device.

[0059] For example, in the evening, the color of the light outside the vehicle is reddish, so if white light is simply irradiated, the driver and others will find it difficult to see the irradiated light. In this case, if bluish white light (for example, light with a color temperature of about 6700K) is irradiated, the driver and others will find it easier to see the irradiated light.

[0060] For example, if white light is simply irradiated in the dark, such as at night, it becomes difficult for the driver to see the irradiated light. In this case, if yellowish white light (for example, light with a color temperature of about 3800K to 4500K) is irradiated, the driver can easily see the irradiated light.

[0061] For example, in a tunnel, depending on the type of lighting device, orange light or white light may be irradiated. Therefore, if white light is simply irradiated in a tunnel, it becomes difficult for the driver and others to see the irradiated light. For example, when orange light is irradiated, if bluish white light (for example, light with a color temperature of about 6700K) is irradiated, it becomes easier for the driver and others to see the irradiated light. For example, when white light is irradiated, if yellowish white light (for example, light with a color temperature of about 3800K to 4500K) is irradiated, it becomes easier for the driver and others to see the irradiated light.

[0062] Also, depending on the weather, such as fog or rain, simply illuminating the white light may make it difficult for the driver to see the illuminated light. For example, in the case of fog or rain, illuminating the yellowish white light (for example, light with a color temperature of about 3800K to 4500K) may make it easier for the driver to see the illuminated light. Note that fog, rain, etc. can be identified by analyzing image data from a color camera (optical sensor 26), for example.

[0063] Also, depending on the color of the object to be illuminated (for example, the color of the body of the vehicle traveling in front), simply illuminating the object with white light may make it difficult for the driver to see the illuminated light. For example, if the object to be illuminated is a dark cool color (receding color) such as blue, illuminating the object with yellowish white light (for example, light with a color temperature of about 3800K to 4500K) may make it easier for the driver to see the illuminated light. For example, if the object to be illuminated is a warm color (advancing color) such as red or yellow, illuminating the object with bluish white light (for example, light with a color temperature of about 6700K) may make it easier for the driver to see the illuminated light.

[0064] Fig. 5 is an XY chromaticity diagram illustrating the colors of light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1. It is preferable that the white light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 has a color in the area surrounded by the line connecting the chromaticity coordinate T1 and the chromaticity coordinate T2, the line connecting the chromaticity coordinate T2 and the chromaticity coordinate T3, the line connecting the chromaticity coordinate T3 and the chromaticity coordinate T4, the line connecting the chromaticity coordinate T4 and the chromaticity coordinate T5, the line connecting the chromaticity coordinate T5 and the chromaticity coordinate T6, and the line connecting the chromaticity coordinate T6 and the chromaticity coordinate T1 in Fig. 5.

[0065] In this case, the chromaticity coordinate T1 can be (0.310, 0.283). The chromaticity coordinate T2 can be (0.310, 0.348). The chromaticity coordinate T3 can be (0.453, 0.440). The chromaticity coordinate T4 can be (0.500, 0.440). The chromaticity coordinate T5 can be (0.500, 0.382). The chromaticity coordinate T6 can be (0.443, 0.382).

[0066] As described above, the control unit 25d changes the amount of white light and changes the color (color temperature) of the white light based on the signal from the optical sensor 26. For example, when the color of the light outside the vehicle is reddish, such as in the evening, the color of the white light is shifted toward the chromaticity coordinate T1 side, as indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 5, so that the color of the irradiated white light becomes bluish. Also, when it is dark outside the vehicle, the color of the white light is shifted toward the chromaticity coordinate T4 side, as indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 5, so that the color of the irradiated white light becomes yellowish. In this way, the driver and others can easily see the irradiated light. Although FIG. 5 illustrates an example of changing the color tone (color temperature) of white light depending on the time of day, the color tone (color temperature) of white light can also be changed in other cases.

[0067] In the above, the vehicle lighting device 1 is described as being used as a headlight of an automobile, but the same applies when the vehicle lighting device 1 is used as a daytime running lamp, a position lamp, a turn signal lamp, a stop lamp, a tail lamp, a back lamp, a fog lamp, etc. In these cases, the color of the light emitted differs depending on the respective applications, and the hue (color temperature) of each color may be changed depending on the time of day, the environment outside the vehicle, etc.

[0068] However, since the white light emitted from the headlights has a wide range on the XY chromaticity diagram as shown in Fig. 5, it is easy to change the color tone (color temperature). Therefore, it is preferable to use the vehicle lighting device 1 in the headlights of an automobile.

[0069] (Vehicle lighting fixtures) In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 100 can be provided that includes the vehicle lighting device 1. The above description of the vehicle lighting device 1 and modified versions of the vehicle lighting device 1 (for example, the vehicle lighting device 1b, or 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.

[0070] In the following, as an example, a case where the vehicular lamp 100 is a headlight installed in an automobile will be described. However, the vehicular lamp 100 is not limited to a headlight 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.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating the vehicle lamp 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle lamp 100 includes, for example, the vehicle lighting device 1, a housing 101, a cover 102, an optical element 103, a seal member 104, and a connector 105.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] Light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 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, and forms a predetermined light distribution pattern. For example, the optical element 103 illustrated in Fig. 6 is a reflector. In this case, the optical element 103 reflects the light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 1 to form a predetermined light distribution pattern.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] The connector 105 is fitted to ends of the multiple power supply terminals 31 exposed inside the connector holder 15. A lighting circuit and the like are electrically connected to the connector 105. Therefore, by fitting the connector 105 to ends of the multiple power supply terminals 31, the lighting circuit and the like can be electrically connected to the light-emitting element 22.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Below, additional notes regarding the above-described embodiment are given.

[0082] (Appendix 1) Socket and; a first light emitting element provided on one end side of the socket and emitting light of a first color; a second light emitting element provided on the one end side of the socket and emitting light of a second color; a control unit to which the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are electrically connected; an optical sensor electrically connected to the control unit, the optical sensor detecting at least one of an illuminance of light in an external environment of the vehicle and a color of the light; Equipped with The control unit changes at least one of the amount of light of the first color emitted from the first light-emitting element and the amount of light of the second color emitted from the second light-emitting element based on a signal from the optical sensor.

[0083] (Appendix 2) a third light-emitting element provided on the one end side of the socket, emitting light of a third color, and electrically connected to the control unit; the first color is green; the second color is blue; the third color is red; The control unit changes at least one of the amount of light of the first color irradiated from the first light-emitting element, the amount of light of the second color irradiated from the second light-emitting element, and the amount of light of the third color irradiated from the third light-emitting element based on a signal from the optical sensor.

[0084] (Appendix 3) a white light is emitted by mixing the first color light, the second color light, and the third color light; The control unit controls current flowing through the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element based on a signal from the optical sensor to change at least one of the amount of light of the white light and the color of the white light.

[0085] (Appendix 4) the first color is white; the second color is blue or yellow; The control unit controls current flowing through the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element based on a signal from the optical sensor to change at least one of the amount of light of the white light and the color of the white light.

[0086] (Appendix 5) A vehicle lighting device according to any one of appendix 1 to 4; A housing in which the vehicle lighting device is mounted; A vehicle lamp equipped with: [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 vehicle lighting device, 1a central axis, 1b vehicle lighting device, 10 socket, 11 mounting portion, 20 light emitting module, 20a light emitting circuit, 21 substrate, 22 light emitting element, 25 circuit element, 25d control portion, 26 optical sensor, 100 vehicle lamp, 101 housing

Claims

1. A socket; a first light emitting element provided on one end side of the socket and emitting light of a first color; a second light emitting element provided on the one end side of the socket and emitting light of a second color; a control unit to which the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are electrically connected; an optical sensor electrically connected to the control unit and configured to detect at least one of an illuminance of light in an external environment of the vehicle and a color of the light; Equipped with The control unit changes at least one of the amount of light of the first color emitted from the first light-emitting element and the amount of light of the second color emitted from the second light-emitting element based on a signal from the optical sensor.

2. a third light-emitting element provided on the one end side of the socket, emitting light of a third color, and electrically connected to the control unit; the first color is green; the second color is blue; the third color is red; 2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes at least one of the amount of light of the first color irradiated from the first light-emitting element, the amount of light of the second color irradiated from the second light-emitting element, and the amount of light of the third color irradiated from the third light-emitting element based on a signal from the optical sensor.

3. a white light is emitted by mixing the first color light, the second color light, and the third color light; 3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls current flowing through the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element based on a signal from the optical sensor to change at least one of the amount of light of the white light and the color of the white light.

4. the first color is white; the second color is blue or yellow; 2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls current flowing through the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element based on a signal from the optical sensor to change at least one of the amount of light of the white light and the color of the white light.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1; A housing in which the vehicle lighting device is mounted; A vehicle lamp equipped with:

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