Vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To achieve improvement in lighting fixture efficiency and to allow a lighting fixture light distribution pattern which has a horizontal cutoff line at an upper end part to be formed, in a vehicular lighting fixture which has a projection lens.SOLUTION: By performing transmission control on emission light from a light emitting element 20 going toward a projection lens 30, by a light transmission member 40, a light source image for projection is formed which becomes the origin of a lighting fixture light distribution pattern on a rear side focal surface of the projection lens 30. At that time, the light transmission member 40 includes: a direct light control part 42; and a total reflection light control part 44 which has a plurality of reflection control parts 44R1, 44R4 and the like partitioned in the circumferential direction in the periphery. Thereby, a plurality of second light distribution patterns formed by emission light from the plurality of reflection control parts 44R1, 44R4 and the like is formed as a light distribution pattern in which upper end edge is aligned in a range that does not protrude to the upper side from the upper end edge of a first light distribution pattern formed by emission light from the direct light control part 42, and also, this is achieved without using a shade and the like.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp equipped with a projection lens. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in a vehicle lamp equipped with a projection lens, a configuration for forming a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end has been known in which the light emitted from the light-emitting element and reflected by the reflector is irradiated toward the front of the lamp via the projection lens, and a shade is disposed between the reflector and the projection lens to block a portion of the light reflected from the reflector, thereby forming the horizontal cut-off line.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle lamp having a convex lens disposed between a light-emitting element and a shade, which converges light emitted from the light-emitting element near the upper edge of the shade. Furthermore, Figures 7 and 8 of Patent Document 1 describe a reflector integrally formed with the convex lens as a translucent member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-288010 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] By configuring a vehicle lamp equipped with a projection lens in such a manner that a translucent member as described in the above-mentioned "Patent Document 1" is arranged, it is possible to increase the luminous flux utilization rate of the light emitted from the light-emitting element.

[0006] However, in the vehicle lamp described in the above-mentioned "Patent Document 1," the shade disposed between the light-transmitting member and the projection lens blocks a significant amount of light emitted from the light-transmitting member, so further improvements are desired in order to increase the efficiency of the lamp.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp equipped with a projection lens that is capable of forming a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end while improving lamp efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is intended to achieve the above object by improving the configuration of the light-transmitting member.

[0009] That is, the vehicle lamp according to the present invention is A vehicle lamp configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at an upper end by irradiating light emitted from a light-emitting element toward a front of the lamp through a projection lens, a light-transmitting member is disposed between the light-emitting element and the projection lens, the light-transmitting member being configured to form a projection light source image on a rear focal plane of the projection lens by controlling the transmission of light emitted from the light-emitting element; The light-emitting element has a rectangular light-emitting surface when viewed from the front of the lamp, and is disposed so that an upper edge of the light-emitting surface extends along a horizontal plane, the light-transmitting member includes a direct light control section that causes the light emitted from the light-emitting element to be incident thereon and then emits the light directly toward the front of the lamp, and a total reflection light control section that causes the light emitted from the light-emitting element to be incident thereon and then totally reflects the light and then emits the light toward the front of the lamp, The total reflection control section is composed of a plurality of reflection control sections that are divided in a circumferential direction around the direct light control section, The translucent member is characterized in that it is configured such that, by the light emitted from the direct light control unit, a first light source image whose lower edge extends along a first horizontal plane is formed as part of the light source image for projection, and, by the light emitted from the multiple reflection control units, a multiple number of second light source images whose lower edges are located on a second horizontal plane that is the same as or parallel to the first horizontal plane are formed as part of the light source image for projection.

[0010] As long as the above-mentioned "light-emitting element" has a rectangular light-emitting surface when viewed from the front of the lamp and the upper edge of the light-emitting surface is arranged to extend along a horizontal plane, the specific position of the upper edge of the light-emitting surface is not particularly limited, and it is possible to adopt, for example, a position on a horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens or a position on a horizontal plane passing near the optical axis.

[0011] The specific position of the above-mentioned "first horizontal plane" is not particularly limited, and for example, a horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens or a horizontal plane passing near the optical axis can be used.

[0012] The specific configuration of the "direct light control section" is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to form a first light source image whose lower edge extends along a first horizontal plane by the emitted light.

[0013] The above-mentioned "total reflection control section" is composed of a plurality of reflection control sections that are divided in the circumferential direction around the direct light control section, but the specific division positions and the number of divisions are not particularly limited.

[0014] The above-mentioned "multiple reflection control sections" are configured to form multiple second light source images whose lower edges are located on the second horizontal plane by the emitted light, where "the lower edges are located on the second horizontal plane" means that the lower edges extend along the second horizontal plane or that part of the lower edges is in contact with the second horizontal plane.

[0015] The above-mentioned "second horizontal plane" is a horizontal plane that is the same as or parallel to the first horizontal plane, but when it is a parallel horizontal plane, its specific position is not particularly limited. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The vehicle lamp of the present invention is configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end by irradiating the light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the front of the lamp through a projection lens, and by controlling the transmission of the light emitted from the light-emitting element using a translucent member arranged between the light-emitting element and the projection lens, it is possible to form a projection light source image that is the basis of the above-mentioned lamp light distribution pattern on the rear focal plane of the projection lens.

[0017] In this case, the light-emitting element has a rectangular light-emitting surface when viewed from the front of the lamp, and is arranged so that the upper edge of the light-emitting surface extends along a horizontal plane, and the translucent member is equipped with a direct light control section which receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element and then emits it directly toward the front of the lamp, and a total reflection light control section which receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element, then totally reflects it and then emits it toward the front of the lamp, and the total reflection light control section is composed of a plurality of reflection control sections which are divided circumferentially around the direct light control section, so that the following effects can be obtained.

[0018] That is, the light emitted from the direct light control unit can form a first light source image whose lower edge extends along the first horizontal plane as a part of the light source image for projection, and the light emitted from the multiple reflection control units can form multiple second light source images whose lower edges are located on a second horizontal plane that is the same as or parallel to the first horizontal plane as a part of the light source image for projection. At this time, since the multiple reflection control units are divided in the circumferential direction around the direct light control unit, each of the multiple second light source images can be formed as a light source image whose lower edge extends approximately along the second horizontal plane.

[0019] The lamp light distribution pattern formed by inverting and projecting this projection light source image in front of the lamp by the projection lens can be a composite light distribution pattern of a first light distribution pattern formed as an inverted projection image of the first light source image and a plurality of second light distribution patterns formed as inverted projection images of a plurality of second light source images, and can be a light distribution pattern having a horizontal cutoff line at the upper end.

[0020] In this case, since the first light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the direct light control portion, it is easy to form this as a bright light distribution pattern. Also, since the multiple second light distribution patterns are formed by the light emitted from the multiple reflection control portions that are divided in the circumferential direction around the direct light control portion, it is easy to form light distribution patterns whose upper edges are aligned within a range that does not protrude upward from the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern.

[0021] Moreover, since this can be achieved without using a shade or the like as in the conventional art, the light emitted from the light emitting element can be effectively utilized, thereby improving the efficiency of the lighting fixture.

[0022] As described above, according to the present invention, in a vehicle lamp equipped with a projection lens, it is possible to form a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end while improving the lamp efficiency.

[0023] In the above configuration, if the light-emitting element is further configured so that the upper edge of its light-emitting surface is arranged to extend along a horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens, and the first horizontal plane is set as the horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens, the clarity of the horizontal cut-off line can be maximized.

[0024] In this case, the configuration of the light-transmitting member is such that after light is emitted from a point on the left edge of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element, the light emitted from among the multiple reflection control units located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis of the projection lens is focused at the rear focal point of the projection lens, and after light is emitted from a point on the right edge of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element, the light emitted from among the multiple reflection control units located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis of the projection lens is focused at the rear focal point of the projection lens, thereby obtaining the following effects.

[0025] In other words, the second light source image formed by the light emitted from the reflection control units located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis of the projection lens is formed so that the left edge of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element is located lower than the right edge, and the second light source image formed by the light emitted from the reflection control units located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis of the projection lens is formed so that the right edge of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element is located lower than the left edge.

[0026] Therefore, by condensing the light emitted from a point on the left edge of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element and then emitting from the reflection control units located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis of the projection lens at the rear focal point of the projection lens, and by condensing the light emitted from a point on the right edge of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element and then emitting from the reflection control units located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis of the projection lens at the rear focal point of the projection lens, it becomes even easier to form multiple second light distribution patterns as light distribution patterns whose upper edges are aligned at a position close to the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern while not extending above the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern.

[0027] When such a configuration is adopted, the configuration of the light-transmitting member is further configured such that the reflection control units located to the upper right and lower left of the optical axis of the projection lens and the reflection control units located to the upper left and lower right are each divided into two in the circumferential direction, and the reflection control units located to the upper right and lower left of the optical axis are configured such that a first region located closer to the horizontal plane including the optical axis focuses light emitted from an upper corner point of the left edge of the light-emitting surface at the rear focal point of the projection lens, and a second region located closer to the vertical plane including the optical axis focuses light emitted from a lower corner point of the left edge of the light-emitting surface at the rear focal point of the projection lens, and the reflection control units located to the upper left and lower right of the optical axis are configured such that a third region located closer to the horizontal plane including the optical axis focuses light emitted from an upper corner point of the right edge of the light-emitting surface at the rear focal point of the projection lens, and a fourth region located closer to the vertical plane including the optical axis focuses light emitted from a lower corner point of the right edge of the light-emitting surface at the rear focal point of the projection lens, thereby obtaining the following advantageous effects.

[0028] That is, the second light source image formed by the light emitted from the first and third regions is formed so that the upper edge of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element is located lower than the lower edge, whereas the second light source image formed by the light emitted from the second and fourth regions is formed so that the lower edge of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element is located lower than the upper edge.

[0029] Therefore, if the first region is configured to focus light emitted from an upper corner point of the left edge of the light-emitting surface at the rear focal point of the projection lens, the second region is configured to focus light emitted from a lower corner point of the left edge of the light-emitting surface at the rear focal point of the projection lens, the third region is configured to focus light emitted from an upper corner point of the right edge of the light-emitting surface at the rear focal point of the projection lens, and the fourth region is configured to focus light emitted from a lower corner point of the right edge of the light-emitting surface at the rear focal point of the projection lens, it becomes even easier to form a plurality of second light distribution patterns as light distribution patterns whose upper edges are aligned close to the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern while not extending above the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern.

[0030] In the above configuration, if each of the multiple reflection control units is configured so that the total reflection surfaces for totally reflecting the light emitted from the light-emitting element that is incident on the total reflection light control unit have different surface shapes, the following effects can be obtained.

[0031] In other words, by configuring each of the multiple reflection control sections so that their total reflection surfaces have different surface shapes, it is possible to precisely control the transmission to form the multiple second light distribution patterns as light distribution patterns whose upper edges are aligned close to the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern while preventing the second light distribution patterns from extending above the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern.

[0032] Instead of adopting such a configuration, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the incident surfaces of each of the multiple reflection control units have different surface shapes, or a configuration in which both the incident surface and the total reflection surface have different surface shapes.

[0033] In the above configuration, if the light-transmitting member is configured to focus light emitted from the left-right midpoint of the upper edge of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element and enter the direct light control unit at the rear focus of the projection lens, the first light distribution pattern can be formed as a bright light distribution pattern that is symmetrical on the left and right.

[0034] In the above configuration, if the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element has a horizontally elongated outer shape, it becomes easy to form a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern.

[0035] Alternatively, even if a configuration is used in which multiple left and right diffusion elements are formed on the exit surface of the translucent member, it is easily possible to form a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern.

[0036] Furthermore, if the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element is configured to have a horizontally elongated outer shape and multiple left and right diffusion elements are formed on the exit surface of the light-transmitting member, it becomes even easier to form a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] Cross-sectional view of line II-II in Figure 1 [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the light-transmitting member of the vehicle lamp as viewed obliquely from above and in front; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the light-transmitting member as viewed obliquely from above and behind; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a view showing the light-transmitting member from the rear of the lamp. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a projection light source image formed by the light emitted from the light-transmitting member as viewed from behind the lamp. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a lamp light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the vehicle lamp; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the direct light control portion of the translucent member, together with a first light source image and a first light distribution pattern formed by the emitted light, as viewed from behind the lamp. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the first and second regions located in the upper right of the optical axis in the translucent member, together with a second light source image and a second light distribution pattern formed by the emitted light, as viewed from behind the lamp. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the third and fourth regions located to the lower right of the optical axis in the translucent member, together with a second light source image and a second light distribution pattern formed by the emitted light, as viewed from behind the lamp. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a rear view illustrating an optical function of the light-transmitting member. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing a first modified example of the embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIGS. 6 and 7, showing the first modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIGS. 6 and 7, showing a second modification of the above embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIGS. 6 and 7, showing a third modified example of the above embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] Fig. 1 is a front view showing a vehicle lamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1.

[0040] 1 and 2, the direction indicated by X is the "front of the lamp," the direction indicated by Y is the "left direction" perpendicular to the "front of the lamp" (the "right direction" when viewed from the front of the lamp), and the direction indicated by Z is the "upward direction." This is the same in other figures besides Figs. 1 and 2.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle lamp 10 is a projector-type lamp that is configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern (which will be described later) having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end by irradiating light emitted from a light-emitting element 20 toward the front of the lamp via a projection lens 30.

[0042] In the vehicle lamp 10 according to this embodiment, a light-transmitting member 40 is disposed between the light-emitting element 20 and the projection lens 30. The light-transmitting member 40 controls the transmission of light emitted from the light-emitting element 20, thereby forming a projection light source image (which will also be described later) on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 30 (i.e., a focal plane including the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30).

[0043] The projection lens 30 is a plano-convex aspheric lens whose front surface 30a is a convex curved surface, and has an optical axis Ax extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp. The projection image is inverted and projected by the projection lens 30 to form the lamp light distribution pattern. The projection lens 30 is made of a colorless and transparent resin member, and is supported by a lens holder 32 at its outer circumferential flange portion 30b. The lens holder 32 is supported by a base member 50.

[0044] The light emitting element 20 is a white light emitting diode having a rectangular light emitting surface 20a, and is mounted on a substrate 22 with the light emitting surface 20a facing toward the front of the lamp.

[0045] In this case, the light emitting element 20 is arranged so that the upper end edge 20a1 of the light emitting surface 20a extends along a horizontal plane. Specifically, the light emitting element 20 has an outer shape of the light emitting surface 20a that is horizontally elongated rectangular (for example, a horizontally elongated rectangular shape with an aspect ratio of about 1:4), and is arranged so that the midpoint in the left-right direction of the upper end edge 20a1 is located on the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30.

[0046] The substrate 22 is supported by a metal heat sink 60. The heat sink 60 includes a main body 62 extending along a vertical plane perpendicular to the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30, and a plurality of heat dissipation fins 64 extending along the vertical plane from the main body 62 toward the rear of the lamp, and supports the substrate 22 on the front surface of the main body 62. The heat sink 60 is supported by the base member 50 at the peripheral portion of the main body 62.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the light-transmitting member 40 includes a direct light control section 42 that receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 and then emits it directly toward the front of the lamp, and a total reflection light control section 44 that receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20, then totally reflects it and then emits it toward the front of the lamp.

[0048] The light-transmitting member 40 has a shape symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane including the optical axis Ax. The light-transmitting member 40 is made of a colorless and transparent resin member, and an outer peripheral flange portion 40a is formed at the front end portion thereof so as to surround the total reflection light control portion 44 in an annular shape. The light-transmitting member 40 is supported by the base member 50 at the outer peripheral flange portion 40a.

[0049] Next, a specific configuration of the light-transmitting member 40 will be described.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the light-transmitting member 40 as viewed diagonally from above the front, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the light-transmitting member 40 as viewed diagonally from above the rear, and FIG. 5 is a view showing the light-transmitting member 40 as viewed from behind the lamp.

[0051] 3 to 5, the direct light control section 42 is an area including the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30, and has a circular outer shape centered on the optical axis Ax when viewed from the rear of the lamp (and when viewed from the front of the lamp). The rear surface 42b of the direct light control section 42 is formed of a convex curved surface centered on the optical axis Ax, and the front surface 42a is formed of a concave curved surface centered on the optical axis Ax. In this case, the rear surface 42b is formed of a convex curved surface with a large curvature, and the front surface 42a is formed of a concave curved surface with a small curvature, so that the direct light control section 42 functions as a convex lens.

[0052] Specifically, the direct light control unit 42 is configured to cause the emitted light from a point located at the center in the left-right direction of the upper edge 20a1 of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 (i.e., a point located on the optical axis Ax) to be incident so as to refract the light from its rear surface 42b in a direction toward the optical axis Ax, and then to concentrate the light from its front surface 42a to the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30.

[0053] The total reflection light control unit 44 includes an incident surface 44b that deflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 in a direction away from the optical axis Ax, a total reflection surface 44c that totally reflects the light incident from this incident surface 44b toward the front of the lamp, and an exit surface 44a that emits the reflected light from this total reflection surface 44c toward the front of the lamp.

[0054] The total reflection light control section 44 is composed of eight reflection control sections 44L1, 44L2, 44L3, 44L4, 44R1, 44R2, 44R3, and 44R4 that are divided in the circumferential direction around the direct light control section 42. These eight reflection control sections 44L1 to 44R4 are divided at equal angular intervals around the optical axis Ax, and have a fan-shaped outer shape when viewed from the rear of the lamp (and when viewed from the front of the lamp).

[0055] The reflection control units 44R1 and 44R2 are regions located to the upper right of the optical axis Ax, and the reflection control unit 44R1 is set as a first region Z1 located closer to the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, and the reflection control unit 44R2 is set as a second region Z2 located closer to the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax.

[0056] The reflection control units 44R3 and 44R4 are regions located to the lower right of the optical axis Ax, with the reflection control unit 44R3 set as a third region Z3 located closer to the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, and the reflection control unit 44R4 set as a fourth region Z4 located closer to the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax.

[0057] The reflection control units 44L1 and 44L2 are areas located to the lower left of the optical axis Ax, and the reflection control unit 44L1 is set as a first area Z1 located closer to the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, and the reflection control unit 44L2 is set as a second area Z2 located closer to the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax.

[0058] The reflection control units 44L3 and 44L4 are regions located to the upper left of the optical axis Ax, with the reflection control unit 44L3 set as a third region Z3 located closer to the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, and the reflection control unit 44L4 set as a fourth region Z4 located closer to the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax.

[0059] The two reflection control units 44R1, 44L1 set as the first region Z1 are configured to focus the light emitted from the upper corner point c of the left edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30.

[0060] The two reflection control units 44R2, 44L2 set as the second region Z2 are configured to focus the light emitted from the lower corner point d of the left edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30.

[0061] The two reflection control units 44R3, 44L3 set as the third region Z3 are configured to focus the light emitted from the upper corner point b of the right edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30.

[0062] The two reflection control units 44R4, 44L4 set as the fourth region Z4 are configured to focus the light emitted from the lower corner point a of the right edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30.

[0063] To achieve this, the eight reflection control sections 44L1 to 44R4 are configured such that their total reflection surfaces 44c have surface shapes different from one another.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a projection light source image IA formed on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 30 by the light emitted from the light-transmitting member 40, as viewed from behind the lamp.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 6, the projection light source image IA is formed as a light source image whose lower edge IAa extends along a horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30.

[0066] Specifically, the projection light source image IA is formed as a light source image obtained by superimposing a first light source image IC formed by the light emitted from the direct light control section 42 of the light-transmitting member 40 and eight second light source images I-L1, I-L2, I-L3, I-L4, I-R1, I-R2, I-R3, and I-R4 formed by the light emitted from the total reflection light control section 44 of the light-transmitting member 40. Note that the small areas finely hatched within the first light source image IC and each of the eight second light source images I-L1 to I-R4 are high luminous intensity areas.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a lamp light distribution pattern PA formed on a virtual vertical screen located at a position 25 m ahead of the vehicle by light emitted from the vehicle lamp 10 toward the front of the lamp.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, the lamp light distribution pattern PA is a light distribution pattern having a horizontal cutoff line CL at its upper end, and the horizontal cutoff line CL is formed to extend along a line HH that passes horizontally through HV, which is the vanishing point in the front direction of the lamp.

[0069] Specifically, the lamp light distribution pattern PA is formed as a composite light distribution pattern of the first light distribution pattern PC and eight second light distribution patterns P-L1, P-L2, P-L3, P-L4, P-R1, P-R2, P-R3, and P-R4. Small areas with fine hatching within the first light distribution pattern PC and the eight second light distribution patterns P-L1 to P-R4 are high luminous intensity areas.

[0070] The first light distribution pattern PC is a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the direct light control unit 42 of the light-transmitting member 40, and the remaining eight second light distribution patterns P-L1 to P-R4 are light distribution patterns formed by light emitted from the total reflection light control unit 44 of the light-transmitting member 40.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the direct light control portion 42 of the light-transmitting member 40, together with the first light source image IC and the first light distribution pattern PC formed by the emitted light from the direct light control portion 42, as viewed from behind the lamp.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8(a), the direct light control unit 42 is arranged so that the upper edge 20a1 of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 extends along a horizontal plane passing through the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30, and therefore, as shown in Figure 8(b), the first light source image IC is formed so that its lower edge I-Ca extends along a horizontal plane passing through the optical axis Ax.

[0073] In this case, the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 has a horizontally elongated rectangular outer shape, and the left-right center of its upper edge 20a1 is located on the optical axis Ax, so that the first light source image IC is formed as a light source image that is left-right symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane passing through the optical axis Ax.

[0074] As shown in Figure 8(c), the first light distribution pattern PC formed as an inverted projection image of the first light source image IC is formed as a substantially horizontally elongated rectangular light distribution pattern centered on the line VV that passes vertically through HV, and its upper edge P-Ca is formed to extend along the line HH.

[0075] Figure 9 shows the reflection control parts 44R1, 44R2 located to the upper right of the optical axis Ax in the total reflection light control part 44 of the translucent member 40, along with the second light source images I-R1, I-R2 and second light distribution patterns P-R1, P-R2 formed by the emitted light, as viewed from behind the lamp.

[0076] As shown in Figure 9(a1), the reflection control unit 44R1, which is set as the first region Z1 located closer to the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, is configured to focus the light emitted from the upper corner point c of the left edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30.Therefore, as shown in Figure 9(b1), the second light source image I-R1 is formed as a light source image whose lower edge I-R1a extends from a position near the left side of the optical axis Ax to the right of the optical axis Ax approximately along the horizontal plane passing through the optical axis Ax.

[0077] At this time, since the reflection control portion 44R1 is located closer to the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, the second light source image I-R1 is formed to extend obliquely upward and left from the lower end edge I-R1a.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9(c1), the second light distribution pattern P-R1 formed as an inverted projection image of the second light source image I-R1 is formed so that its upper edge P-R1a extends approximately along the HH line, and is formed as a light distribution pattern extending diagonally downward to the right from the upper edge P-R1a.

[0079] As shown in Figure 9(a2), the reflection control unit 44R2, which is set as the second region Z2 located closer to the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax, is configured to focus the light emitted from the lower corner point d of the left edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30.Therefore, as shown in Figure 9(b2), the second light source image I-R2 is formed as a horizontally elongated light source image whose lower edge I-R2a extends approximately along the horizontal plane passing through the optical axis Ax from a position near the right side of the optical axis Ax to the left of the optical axis Ax.

[0080] As shown in Figure 9 (c2), the second light distribution pattern P-R2 formed as an inverted projection image of the second light source image I-R2 is formed as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern whose upper edge P-R2a extends long to the right from a position near the left side of the VV line approximately along the HH line.

[0081] Figure 10 shows the reflection control parts 44R3, 44R4 located to the lower right of the optical axis Ax in the total reflection light control part 44 of the translucent member 40, along with the second light source images I-R3, I-R4 and the second light distribution patterns P-R3, P-R4 formed by the emitted light, as viewed from behind the lamp.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10(a3), the reflection control unit 44R3, which is set as the first region Z1 located closer to the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, is configured to focus the light emitted from the upper corner point b of the right edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30.Therefore, as shown in Figure 10(b3), the second light source image I-R3 is formed as a light source image whose lower edge I-R3a extends approximately along the horizontal plane passing through the optical axis Ax from a position near the right side of the optical axis Ax to the left of the optical axis Ax.

[0083] At this time, since the reflection control portion 44R3 is located closer to the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, the second light source image I-R3 is formed to extend obliquely upward to the right from the lower end edge I-R3a.

[0084] Then, as shown in Figure 10 (c3), the second light distribution pattern P-R3 formed as an inverted projection image of the second light source image I-R3 is formed so that its upper edge P-R1a extends approximately along the HH line, and is formed as a light distribution pattern extending diagonally downward to the left from its upper edge P-R3a.

[0085] The second light source image I-R3 and the second light distribution pattern P-R3 are formed as a light source image and light distribution pattern that have a shape obtained by horizontally inverting the second light source image I-R1 and the second light distribution pattern P-R1, and that expands more in the vertical direction than the second light source image I-R1 and the second light distribution pattern P-R1. This is because the reflection control unit 44R1 is configured to collect the light emitted from the upper corner point c of the left edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a at the rear focal point F, whereas the reflection control unit 44R3 is configured to collect the light emitted from the upper corner point b (i.e., a relatively close position) of the right edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a at the rear focal point F.

[0086] As shown in Figure 10 (a4), the reflection control unit 44R4, which is set as the second region Z2 located closer to the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax, is configured to focus the light emitted from the lower corner point a of the right edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30.Therefore, as shown in Figure 10 (b4), the second light source image I-R4 is formed as a slightly horizontally elongated light source image whose lower edge I-R4a extends approximately along the horizontal plane passing through the optical axis Ax from a position near the left side of the optical axis Ax to the right of the optical axis Ax.

[0087] Then, as shown in Figure 10 (c4), the second light distribution pattern P-R4 formed as an inverted projection image of the second light source image I-R4 is formed as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern whose upper edge P-R4a extends long to the left from a position near the right side of the VV line approximately along the HH line.

[0088] The second light source image I-R4 and the second light distribution pattern P-R4 are formed as a light source image and light distribution pattern that has a shape obtained by horizontally inverting the second light source image I-R2 and the second light distribution pattern P-R2, and that expands more in the vertical direction than the second light source image I-R2 and the second light distribution pattern P-R2. This is because the reflection control unit 44R2 is configured to collect the light emitted from the lower corner point d of the left edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a at the rear focal point F, whereas the reflection control unit 44R4 is configured to collect the light emitted from the lower corner point a of the right edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a (i.e., a relatively close position) at the rear focal point F.

[0089] As described above, the light-transmitting member 40 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the second light source images I-L1, I-L2, I-L3, I-L4 and the second light distribution patterns P-L1, P-L2, P-L3, P-L4 formed by the light emitted from each of the four reflection control units 44L1, 44L2, 44L3, 44L4 constituting the left half of the total reflection light control unit 44 have shapes that are symmetrical with the second light source images I-R3, I-R4, I-R1, I-R2 and the second light distribution patterns P-R3, P-R4, P-R1, P-R2 formed by the light emitted from each of the four reflection control units 44R3, 44R4, 44R1, 44R2 constituting the right half.

[0090] FIG. 11 is a rear view for explaining the optical function of the light-transmitting member 44. As shown in FIG.

[0091] 11 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the light-transmitting member 40 from the rear side of the lamp in order to explain the relationship between a light reflection position A on the total reflection surface 44c of the total reflection light control portion 44 and a second light source image Iо formed on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 30 by the total reflection light from this light reflection position A. However, in FIG. 11, the total reflection surface 44c of the total reflection light control portion 44 is illustrated as being composed of a single annular convex curved surface centered on the optical axis Ax, and the second light source image Iо is illustrated at the light reflection position A.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 11, as the light reflecting position A changes in the circumferential direction, the shape of the second light source image Io also changes.

[0093] In other words, the second light source image Iо formed by the total reflected light from light reflection position A, which is located directly to the right of the light-emitting element 20, is a light source image having a horizontally elongated rectangular outer shape, but as the light reflection position A rotates counterclockwise around the optical axis Ax, the second light source image Iо also rotates counterclockwise.

[0094] At this time, when the light reflecting position A rotates by 90°, the second light source image Iо rotates by 180°, and when the light reflecting position A rotates by 180°, the second light source image Iо rotates by 360°.

[0095] Therefore, the second light source image Iо has a horizontally elongated rectangular outer shape at each of the positions directly to the right, directly above, directly to the left, and directly below the light emitting element 20. At this time, the outer shape of the second light source image Iо at each of the positions directly above and directly below is even longer than that at each of the positions directly to the right and directly to the left. At angular positions between these, the second light source image Iо has an outer shape of a parallelogram extending in an oblique direction.

[0096] In addition, in Figure 11, the letters a, b, c, and d written at the four corners of the second light source image Iо are intended to indicate the correspondence with the lower corner point a and upper corner point b of the right edge ab and the upper corner point c and lower corner point d of the left edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20.

[0097] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0098] The vehicle lamp 10 of this embodiment is configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern PA having a horizontal cut-off line CL at its upper end by irradiating the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 toward the front of the lamp via the projection lens 30. By controlling the transmission of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 using a translucent member 40 arranged between the light-emitting element 20 and the projection lens 30, it is possible to form a projection light source image IA, which is the basis of the lamp light distribution pattern PA, on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 30.

[0099] In this case, the light-emitting element 20 has a rectangular light-emitting surface 20a when viewed from the front of the lamp, and the upper edge 20a1 of the light-emitting surface 20a is arranged to extend along a horizontal plane. The light-transmitting member 40 is equipped with a direct light control unit 42 which receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 and then emits it directly toward the front of the lamp, and a total reflection light control unit 44 which receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20, then totally reflects it and then emits it toward the front of the lamp. The total reflection light control unit 44 is composed of eight reflection control units 44L1 to 44R4 which are divided circumferentially around the direct light control unit 42, and therefore the following effects can be obtained.

[0100] That is, the light emitted from the direct light control unit 42 can form a first light source image IC whose lower edge I-Ca extends along a horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax as a "first horizontal plane" as a part of the light source image for projection IA, and the light emitted from the eight reflection control units 44L1-44R4 can form eight second light source images I-L1-I-R4 whose lower edges I-L1a-I-R4a are located on the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax as a "second horizontal plane" as a part of the light source image for projection IA. At this time, the eight reflection control units 44L1-44R4 are divided in the circumferential direction around the direct light control unit 42, so that each of the eight second light source images I-L1-I-R4 can be formed as a light source image whose lower edge I-L1a-I-R4a extends substantially along a horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax.

[0101] The lamp light distribution pattern PA formed by inverting and projecting this projection light source image IA in front of the lamp by the projection lens 30 can be a composite light distribution pattern of the first light distribution pattern IC formed as an inverted projection image of the first light source image IC and eight second light distribution patterns P-L1 to P-R4 formed as inverted projection images of the eight second light source images I-L1 to I-R4, and can be a light distribution pattern having a horizontal cutoff line CL at the upper end.

[0102] At this time, since the first light distribution pattern IC is formed by the light emitted from the direct light control unit 42, it is possible to easily form this as a bright light distribution pattern. Also, since the eight second light distribution patterns P-L1 to P-R4 are formed by the light emitted from the eight reflection control units 44L1 to 44R4 that are partitioned in the circumferential direction around the direct light control unit 42, it is possible to easily form a light distribution pattern in which the upper edges P-L1a to P-R4a are aligned within a range that does not protrude upward from the upper edge I-Ca of the first light distribution pattern IC.

[0103] Moreover, since this can be achieved without using a shade or the like as in the conventional art, the light emitted from the light emitting element 20 can be effectively utilized, thereby improving the efficiency of the lighting fixture.

[0104] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the vehicle lamp 10 equipped with the projection lens 30, it is possible to form a lamp light distribution pattern PA having a horizontal cutoff line CL at the upper end while improving the lamp efficiency.

[0105] In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 20 is configured such that the upper edge 20a1 of its light-emitting surface 20a extends along a horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30, and the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30 is set as the "first horizontal plane," thereby maximizing the clarity of the horizontal cutoff line CL.

[0106] In addition, the light-transmitting member 40 of this embodiment is configured to focus light emitted from a point on the left edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 and then from the reflection control units 44L1, 44L2, 44R1, 44R2 located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis Ax at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30, and to focus light emitted from a point on the right edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 and then from the reflection control units 44L3, 44L4, 44R3, 44R4 located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis Ax at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30, so that the following effects can be obtained.

[0107] That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the second light source image Iо formed by light emitted from points on the total reflection surface 44c of the reflection control units 44L1, 44L2, 44R1, 44R2 located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30 is formed so that the left edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 is located lower than the right edge ab, and the second light source image Iо formed by light emitted from points on the total reflection surface 44c of the reflection control units 44L3, 44L4, 44R3, 44R4 located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30 is formed so that the right edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 is located lower than the left edge cd.

[0108] Therefore, the light emitted from a point on the left edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 and then emitted from the reflection control units 44L1, 44L2, 44R1, 44R2 located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis Ax is condensed at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30, and the light emitted from a point on the right edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 and then emitted from the reflection control units 44L3, 44L4, 44R3, 44R4 located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30 is condensed at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30. This makes it even easier to form the eight second light distribution patterns P-L1 to P-R4 as light distribution patterns in which the upper edges P-L1a to P-R4a are aligned at a position close to the upper edge P-Ca of the first light distribution pattern PC while not extending above the upper edge P-Ca.

[0109] Furthermore, in the light-transmitting member 40 of this embodiment, the reflection control units 44L1, 44L2, 44R1, 44R2 located to the upper right and lower left of the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30 and the reflection control units 44L3, 44L4, 44R3, 44R44 located to the upper left and lower right are each divided into two in the circumferential direction, and the reflection control units 44L1, 44L2, 44R1, 44R2 located to the upper right and lower left of the optical axis Ax focus the light emitted from the upper corner point c of the left edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a to the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30 in the first region 44L1, 44R1 located closer to the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, and focus the light emitted from the upper corner point c of the left edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a to the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30 in the second region 44L2, 44R2 located closer to the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax. The reflection control units 44L3, 44L4, 44R3, 44R4 located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis Ax are configured to focus light emitted from the upper corner point b of the right edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30 in the third region 44L3, 44R3 located closer to the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, and to focus light emitted from the lower corner point a of the right edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30 in the fourth region 44L4, 44R4 located closer to the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax, so that the following effects can be obtained.

[0110] That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the second light source image Iо formed by light emitted from points on the total reflection surface 44c of the first and third regions 44L1, 44R1, 44L3, 44R3 is formed so that the upper edge bc (=20a1) of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 is located below the lower edge da, whereas the second light source image Iо formed by light emitted from points on the total reflection surface 44c of the second and fourth regions 44L2, 44R2, 44L4, 44R4 is formed so that the lower edge ad of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 is located below the upper edge bc.

[0111] Therefore, the first regions 44L1 and 44R1 are configured to focus light emitted from an upper corner point c of the left edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30. The second regions 44L2 and 44R2 are configured to focus light emitted from a lower corner point d of the left edge cd of the light-emitting surface 20a at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30. The third regions 44L3 and 44R3 are configured to focus light emitted from an upper corner point b of the right edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30. If the fourth regions 44L4 and 44R4 are configured to focus light emitted from the lower corner point a of the right edge ab of the light-emitting surface 20a at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 30, it will be even easier to form the eight second light distribution patterns P-L1 to P-R4 as light distribution patterns with their upper edges P-L1a to P-R4a aligned at a position close to the upper edge P-Ca of the first light distribution pattern PC, while not extending above the upper edge P-Ca.

[0112] In the present embodiment, the light-transmitting member 40 has eight reflection control units 44L1 to 44R4 each having a total reflection surface 44c with a different surface shape for totally reflecting the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 and incident on the total reflection light control unit 44, and therefore the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0113] In other words, by configuring each of the eight reflection control units 44L1 to 44R4 so that the total reflection surfaces 44c have different surface shapes, it is possible to precisely control the transmission to form the eight second light distribution patterns P-L1 to P-R4 as light distribution patterns with aligned upper edges P-L1a to P-R4a at a position close to the upper edge P-Ca of the first light distribution pattern PC while preventing the second light distribution patterns P-L1 to P-R4 from extending above the upper edge P-Ca.

[0114] Furthermore, the light-transmitting member 40 of this embodiment is configured to focus the light that is emitted from the left-right midpoint of the upper edge 20a1 of the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 and enters the direct light control unit 42 at the rear focus F of the projection lens 30. Therefore, the first light distribution pattern PC can be formed as a bright light distribution pattern that is symmetrical on the left-right direction. As a result, the lamp light distribution pattern PA can be formed as a light distribution pattern having a high-luminous intensity area in the left-right center near the horizontal cutoff line CL.

[0115] In the vehicle lamp 10 of this embodiment, the light-emitting surface 20a of the light-emitting element 20 has a horizontally elongated outer shape, so that it is easy to form the lamp light distribution pattern PA having a horizontal cut-off line CL at the upper end as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern.

[0116] The uses of the vehicle lamp 10 of this embodiment are not particularly limited, but since the lamp light distribution pattern PA formed by its irradiated light has a horizontal cut-off line CL at its upper end, it can be used, for example, as a light distribution pattern for fog lamps or a light distribution pattern for ensuring brightness in the central area of ​​a low beam light distribution pattern for headlamps.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the total reflection light control unit 44 has been described as being configured with eight reflection control units 44L1-44R4 divided in the circumferential direction, but other divisions are also possible. For example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the total reflection light control unit 44 is divided into four in the circumferential direction (i.e., a configuration in which the total reflection control units 44L1, 44L2, the reflection control units 44L3, 44L4, the reflection control units 44R1, 44R2, and the reflection control units 44R3, 44R4), or a configuration in which each of the eight reflection control units 44L1-44R4 is further divided into two in the circumferential direction.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the "first horizontal plane" and the "second horizontal plane" are both described as horizontal planes that include the optical axis Ax, but it is also possible to configure the "second horizontal plane" as a horizontal plane that is parallel to the "first horizontal plane."

[0119] Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0120] First, a first modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0121] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing a light-transmitting member 140 of a vehicle lamp according to this modified example.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 12, the basic configuration of this modified example is similar to that of the above embodiment, but differs from the above embodiment in that multiple left and right diffusion elements 140s are formed on the front surface 142a of the direct light control section (not shown) in the translucent member 140 and on the exit surface 144a of the total reflection light control section 144.

[0123] Each of the left and right diffusion elements 140s is formed so as to extend in the vertical direction along the front surface 142a of the direct light control portion and the exit surface 144a of the total reflection light control portion 144 in the shape of a convex cylindrical curved surface.

[0124] Fig. 13(a) is a view similar to Fig. 6, showing a projection light source image IB formed by light emitted from the light-transmitting member 140, as viewed from behind the lamp. Fig. 13(b) is a view similar to Fig. 7, showing a lamp light distribution pattern PB formed by light irradiated from the vehicle lamp according to this modification toward the front of the lamp.

[0125] As shown in Fig. 13(a), the projection light source image IB is formed as a light source image having a shape obtained by expanding the projection light source image IA of the above embodiment in the left-right direction, and its lower edge IBa is formed to extend along a horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 30. As a result, as shown in Fig. 13(b), the lamp light distribution pattern PB is formed as a light distribution pattern having a shape obtained by expanding the lamp light distribution pattern PA of the above embodiment in the left-right direction, and having a horizontal cutoff line CL at its upper end.

[0126] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, substantially the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0127] Furthermore, by configuring the lamp light distribution pattern PB to be a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern as in this modified example, this can be made more suitable for use as, for example, a light distribution pattern for fog lamps or a light distribution pattern for ensuring brightness in the central area of ​​a low beam light distribution pattern for headlamps.

[0128] Next, a second modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0129] FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIGS. 6 and 7, showing this modified example.

[0130] Fig. 14(a) is a view similar to Fig. 6, showing a projection light source image IC formed by light emitted from a light-transmitting member (not shown) of this modified example, as viewed from behind the lamp. Fig. 14(b) is a view similar to Fig. 7, showing a lamp light distribution pattern PC formed as an inverted projection image of the projection light source image IC.

[0131] In this modified example, by appropriately adjusting the orientation of the rear surface 42b of the direct light control unit 42 in the light-transmitting member 40 of the above embodiment and the orientation of the total reflection surface 44c of each of the eight reflection control units 44L1 to 44R4 that constitute the total reflection light control unit 44, the projection light source image IC is formed so that its lower edge ICa is staggered on the left and right sides, as shown in Figure 14(a).

[0132] Specifically, the first light source image IC constituting a part of the projection light source image IC is formed so that its lower edge I-Ca extends along a horizontal plane located above the optical axis Ax.

[0133] Furthermore, of the eight second light source images I-L1 to I-R4 that constitute part of the projection light source image IC, four second light source images I-L2, I-R1, I-R2, I-R3 are formed so that their lower edges I-L2a, I-R1a, I-R2a, I-R3a extend approximately along the same horizontal plane as the lower edge I-Ca of the first light source image IC, and the remaining four second light source images I-L1, I-L3, I-L4, I-R4 are formed so that their lower edges I-L1a, I-L3a, I-L4a, I-R4a extend approximately along a horizontal plane located slightly below the optical axis Ax.

[0134] The lamp light distribution pattern PC formed as an inverted projection image of the projection light source image IC is formed as a light distribution pattern having horizontal cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 that are staggered on the left and right as shown in FIG. 14(b).

[0135] Specifically, the horizontal cutoff lines CL1 and CL2, which are staggered on the left and right sides, are formed as a horizontal cutoff line CL1 in the area to the right of the VV line extending along the horizontal plane below the HH line, and a horizontal cutoff line CL2 in the area to the left of the VV line extending approximately along the horizontal plane slightly above the HH line.

[0136] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, substantially the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0137] Furthermore, by forming the lamp light distribution pattern PC as a light distribution pattern having horizontal cut-off lines CL1, CL2 that are staggered on the left and right, as in this modified example, it is possible to make this suitable as a light distribution pattern for low beam use in headlamps.

[0138] The lamp light distribution pattern PC formed in this modified example is suitable for a low beam light distribution pattern with left-hand light distribution because the horizontal cut-off line CL1 on the left side is stepped up compared to the horizontal cut-off line CL1 on the right side. However, if the projected light source image IC and the lamp light distribution pattern PC are inverted left to right, it can be made suitable for a low beam light distribution pattern with right-hand light distribution.

[0139] In this modified example, the "second horizontal plane" along which the lower edges I-L2a, I-R1a, I-R2a, and I-R3a of the four second light source images I-L2, I-R1, I-R2, and I-R3 extend is set as the same horizontal plane as the "first horizontal plane" along which the lower edge I-Ca of the first light source image IC extends, but the "second horizontal plane" along which the lower edges I-L1a, I-L3a, I-L4a, and I-R4a of the remaining four second light source images I-L1, I-L3, I-L4, and I-R4 extend is set as a horizontal plane parallel to the "first horizontal plane."

[0140] Next, a third modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0141] FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIGS. 6 and 7, showing this modified example.

[0142] Fig. 15(a) is a diagram similar to Fig. 6, showing a projection light source image ID formed by light emitted from a light-transmitting member (not shown) of this modified example, as viewed from behind the lamp. Fig. 15(b) is a diagram similar to Fig. 7, showing a lamp light distribution pattern PD formed as an inverted projection image of the projection light source image ID.

[0143] In this modified example, the translucent member 40 of the above embodiment is modified in the same shape as in the above second modified example, and a shade 370 is additionally disposed on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 30 of the above embodiment.

[0144] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 15(a), the lower edge IDa of the projection light source image ID is formed by the upper edge 370a of the shade 370. The upper edge 370a of this shade 370 is formed to extend along the horizontal plane with a staggered left and right portion via an inclined portion, thereby blocking the area near the lower edge ICa (shown by the two-dot chain line in the figure) of the projection light source image IC of the second modified example. As a result, as shown in Fig. 15(b), a light distribution pattern having horizontal cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 with staggered left and right portions is formed as the lamp light distribution pattern PD.

[0145] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, a light distribution pattern having horizontal cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 with different levels on the left and right can be formed as the lamp light distribution pattern PD.

[0146] When the configuration of this modified example is adopted, a new shade 370 is required, but since staggered horizontal cut-off lines CL1, CL2 are formed as an inverted projection image of the upper edge 370a, this can be formed even more clearly than in the case of the second modified example described above.

[0147] Moreover, since the lamp light distribution pattern PC of the second modified example is formed as a light distribution pattern already having horizontal cut-off lines CL1, CL2 (shown by dashed two-dot lines in the figure) that are staggered on the left and right, even in a configuration in which shade 370 is additionally disposed as in this modified example, the amount of light blocked by this shade 370 can be kept to a minimum.

[0148] Therefore, according to this modification, it is possible to form a lamp light distribution pattern PD having clear horizontal cut-off lines CL1, CL2 while maintaining the lamp efficiency.

[0149] In the above embodiment or the above first modified example, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which a shade similar to the shade 370 of this modified example is additionally disposed.

[0150] It should be noted that the numerical values ​​given as the specifications in the above embodiment and its modified examples are merely examples, and it goes without saying that these may be set to different values ​​as appropriate.

[0151] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiment and its modified examples, and various other modified configurations can be adopted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 10 Vehicle lighting fixtures 20 Light emitting element 20a Light emitting surface 20a1 Top edge 22 Substrate 30 Projection Lens 30a front 30b Outer periphery flange 32 Lens holder 40, 140 Light-transmitting member 40a Outer periphery flange 42 Direct light control section 42a, 142a front 42b Rear 44, 144 Total reflection light control section 44a, 144a Output surface 44b Entrance plane 44c Total reflection surface 44L1, 44R1 Reflection control section (first region) 44L2, 44R2 Reflection control section (second region) 44L3, 44R3 Reflection control section (third area) 44L4, 44L4 Reflection control section (fourth region) 50 Base material 60 Heatsink 62 Main body 64 Heat dissipation fin 140s Left and right diffusion elements 370 Shades 370a Top edge A Light reflection position a, d lower corner points ab right edge Ax optical axis b, c Upper corner point bc upper edge cd Left edge CL, CL1, CL2 Horizontal cut-off lines da Lower edge F back focus IA, IB, IC, ID projection light source image IC 1st light source image Iо, I-L1, I-L2, I-L3, I-L4, I-R1, I-R2, I-R3, I-R4 Second light source image IAa, IBa, ICa, IDa, I-Ca, I-L1a, I-L2a, I-L3a, I-L4a, I-R1a, I-R2a, I-R3a, I-R4a Lower edge PA, PB, PC, PD Light distribution pattern PC 1st light distribution pattern P-Ca, P-L1a, P-L2a, P-L3a, P-L4a, P-R1a, P-R2a, P-R3a, P-R4a Upper edge P-L1, P-L2, P-L3, P-L4, P-R1, P-R2, P-R3, P-R4 Second light distribution pattern Z1 1st area Z2 2nd area Z3 3rd area Z4 4th area

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at an upper end by irradiating light emitted from a light-emitting element toward a front of the lamp through a projection lens, a light-transmitting member is disposed between the light-emitting element and the projection lens, the light-transmitting member being configured to form a projection light source image on a rear focal plane of the projection lens by controlling the transmission of light emitted from the light-emitting element; The light-emitting element has a rectangular light-emitting surface when viewed from the front of the lamp, and is disposed so that an upper edge of the light-emitting surface extends along a horizontal plane, the light-transmitting member includes a direct light control section that causes the light emitted from the light-emitting element to be incident thereon and then emits the light directly toward the front of the lamp, and a total reflection light control section that causes the light emitted from the light-emitting element to be incident thereon and then totally reflects the light and then emits the light toward the front of the lamp, The total reflection control section is composed of a plurality of reflection control sections that are divided in a circumferential direction around the direct light control section, the translucent member is configured to form, as part of the light source image for projection, a first light source image whose lower edge extends along a first horizontal plane by the light emitted from the direct light control unit, and to form, as part of the light source image for projection, a plurality of second light source images whose lower edges are located on a second horizontal plane that is the same as or parallel to the first horizontal plane by the light emitted from the plurality of reflection control units.

2. the light emitting element is disposed so that an upper edge of the light emitting surface passes through an optical axis of the projection lens; 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the first horizontal plane is set as a horizontal plane including the optical axis.

3. 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 2, wherein the translucent member is configured to focus light emitted from a point on a left edge of the light-emitting surface and then from reflection control sections located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis among the plurality of reflection control sections, at a rear focal point of the projection lens, and to focus light emitted from a point on a right edge of the light-emitting surface and then from reflection control sections located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis among the plurality of reflection control sections, at a rear focal point of the projection lens.

4. The light-transmitting member is divided into two parts in the circumferential direction, the reflection control parts located at the upper right and lower left of the optical axis, and the reflection control parts located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis, In the reflection control sections located to the upper right and lower left of the optical axis, a first region located closer to a horizontal plane including the optical axis is configured to focus light emitted from an upper corner point of the left edge of the light-emitting surface at a rear focal point of the projection lens, and a second region located closer to a vertical plane including the optical axis is configured to focus light emitted from a lower corner point of the left edge of the light-emitting surface at a rear focal point of the projection lens, 4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 3, wherein in the reflection control parts located at the upper left and lower right of the optical axis, a third region located closer to a horizontal plane including the optical axis is configured to focus light emitted from an upper corner point of the right edge of the light-emitting surface to a rear focal point of the projection lens, and a fourth region located closer to a vertical plane including the optical axis is configured to focus light emitted from a lower corner point of the right edge of the light-emitting surface to a rear focal point of the projection lens.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each of the plurality of reflection control parts has a total reflection surface having a different surface shape that totally reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element that is incident on the total reflection light control part.

6. 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light-transmitting member is configured to focus light that is emitted from a left-right midpoint of an upper edge of the light-emitting surface and enters the direct light control portion at a rear focus of the projection lens.

7. 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting surface has a horizontally elongated outer shape.

8. 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of left and right diffusion elements are formed on the light exit surface of said light transmitting member.

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