Vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture which enables miniaturization of a light guide body and improvement in distant visibility by clarifying a cutoff line.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture includes: a low-beam light source 21; and a light guide body arranged on the vehicle front side of the light source 21. In the light guide body, an incident part 112 which is a portion where light emitted from the light source 21 enters and which includes a lens 112B for condensing the light which has entered, a light shielding part 115A which is arranged on the vehicle front side of the lens 112B, and which shields part of the light condensed in the lens 112B, and a projection lens 111 which is arranged on the vehicle front side of the light shielding part 115A, and which emits the light which has passed above the light shielding part 115A to the vehicle front are formed integrally. The light source 21 is arranged above the light shielding part 115A, and an optical axis AX1 of the lens 112B is inclined toward the vicinity of the light shielding part 115A from the light source 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A known vehicle lamp includes a projection lens composed of a first lens (light guide) and a second lens that are separated from each other, in which the first lens has a light entrance portion into which light emitted from a light source enters, a reflective surface that reflects a portion of the light incident from the light entrance portion, and a light exit surface that exits the light incident from the light entrance portion, all of which are arranged along a reference axis that extends horizontally, and the second lens has a light entrance surface into which light exiting the light exit surface of the first lens enters and a light exit surface that exits the light incident from the light entrance surface, all of which are arranged along the reference axis (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, the front end of the reflective surface defines the cutoff line of the low-beam light distribution pattern. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-153024 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There are needs for miniaturization of projection lenses and light guides, and for improving long-distance visibility by clarifying cutoff lines. In the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, the projection lens is composed of two components, a first lens and a second lens, which are separated from each other, so the need for miniaturization of the projection lens and light guide is not met. Furthermore, in the first lens, the reference axis passing through the light source, the light entrance portion, and the light exit surface is set horizontally, and no consideration is given to the light concentration at the front end of the reflective surface, so the need for improving long-distance visibility by clarifying the cutoff line is not met.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp that enables a light guide to be made smaller and that improves long-distance visibility by making the cut-off line clearer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle lamp according to the present invention comprises a low beam light source and a light guide arranged on the vehicle front side of the light source, the light guide being a portion where light emitted from the light source is incident, and comprising a light entrance portion having a focusing optical system that focuses the incident light, a shading portion arranged on the vehicle front side of the focusing optical system and blocking a portion of the light focused by the focusing optical system, and a projection lens arranged on the vehicle front side of the shading portion and emitting light that has passed above the shading portion toward the vehicle, the light source being arranged above the shading portion, and the optical axis of the focusing optical system being inclined from the light source toward the vicinity of the shading portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the light guide and improve the distant visibility by making the cut-off line clearer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a light guide and a light source unit of a vehicle lamp according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the light guide shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the light guide shown in FIGS. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the light guide shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, viewed obliquely from below and rearward of the vehicle. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a low beam light distribution pattern and an overhead light distribution pattern projected onto a virtual screen in front of a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention will be described below in accordance with preferred embodiments. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, in the embodiments shown below, some components are omitted from illustration and description, but for the details of the omitted technologies, publicly known or well-known technologies are applied as appropriate within the scope of the content described below.

[0010] 1 is a plan view showing a light guide 10 and a light source unit 2 of a vehicle lamp 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment is a headlamp that irradiates a low beam light distribution pattern and a high beam light distribution pattern ahead of the vehicle, and is a headlamp for a vehicle that drives on the left side of the road. Note that the fact that it is a headlamp for a vehicle that drives on the left side of the road is merely an example and is not essential, and the present invention is also applicable to headlamps for vehicles that drive on the right side of the road, and is also applicable to both left and right headlamps.

[0011] The vehicle lamp 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a light source unit 2, a light guide 10, a frame, a heat dissipation member, a housing, an outer lens, etc. (not shown). The frame holds the light source unit 2, the light guide 10, the heat dissipation member, etc. The heat dissipation member includes fins and the like that dissipate heat generated in the light source unit 2 to the outside. The light source unit 2, the light guide 10, the frame, the heat dissipation member, etc. are housed in a lamp chamber surrounded by the housing and the outer lens. The heat dissipation member and the frame may be formed integrally.

[0012] The light source unit 2 includes four light sources 21, 22, 23, and 24 and a substrate (not shown). The four light sources 21, 22, 23, and 24 are LEDs mounted on the substrate. The light sources 21 and 22 are light sources for low beam, and the light sources 23 and 24 are light sources for high beam. The four light sources 21, 22, 23, and 24 are arranged in the order of light source 23, light source 24, light source 21, and light source 22 from the inside to the outside in the vehicle width direction. The light emitting surfaces of the light sources 21, 22, 23, and 24 are directed forward of the vehicle.

[0013] The light guide 10 is a transparent resin molded product and includes a low beam section 10L and a high beam section 10H. The low beam section 10L is provided corresponding to the light sources 21 and 22 and is an optical system that projects a low beam light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle using light emitted from the light sources 21 and 22. The high beam section 10H is provided corresponding to the light sources 23 and 24 and is an optical system that projects a high beam light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle using light emitted from the light sources 23 and 24. The low beam section 10L and the high beam section 10H are integrated and arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the low beam section 10L is arranged outward in the vehicle width direction from the high beam section 10H, but this is just an example and is not essential, and the low beam section 10L may be arranged inward in the vehicle width direction from the high beam section 10H.

[0014] The low beam unit 10L includes a condensing unit 11 and a diffusing unit 12. The condensing unit 11 is provided corresponding to the light source 21 and is an optical system that projects a low beam light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle using light emitted from the light source 21. The diffusing unit 12 is provided corresponding to the light source 22 and is an optical system that projects a low beam light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle using light emitted from the light source 22. The condensing unit 11 and the diffusing unit 12 are integrated and arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the condensing unit 11 is arranged inward in the vehicle width direction from the diffusing unit 12, but this is not essential, and the condensing unit 11 may also be arranged outward in the vehicle width direction from the diffusing unit 12.

[0015] The light collecting unit 11 is an optical system with higher light collecting ability than the diffusion unit 12, and therefore projects a relatively clear low beam light distribution pattern ahead of the vehicle. In contrast, the diffusion unit 12 is an optical system with higher light diffusing ability than the light collecting unit 11, and therefore projects a relatively diffused low beam light distribution pattern ahead of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the relatively clear low beam light distribution pattern projected by the light collecting unit 11 (hereinafter referred to as the low beam collecting pattern) and the relatively diffused low beam light distribution pattern projected by the diffusion unit 12 (hereinafter referred to as the low beam diffusion pattern) are superimposed on each other. The low beam collecting pattern includes a cut-off line. Note that the entire low beam collecting pattern and a part of the low beam diffusion pattern may be superimposed, or a part of the low beam collecting pattern and a part of the low beam diffusion pattern may be superimposed on each other.

[0016] The high beam unit 10H includes a first light collecting unit 13 and a second light collecting unit 14. The first light collecting unit 13 is provided corresponding to the light source 23 and is an optical system that projects a high beam distribution pattern in front of the vehicle using light emitted from the light source 23. The second light collecting unit 14 is provided corresponding to the light source 24 and is an optical system that projects a high beam distribution pattern in front of the vehicle using light emitted from the light source 24. The first light collecting unit 13 and the second light collecting unit 14 are integrated and arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the first light collecting unit 13 is arranged inward in the vehicle width direction from the second light collecting unit 14, but this is not essential, and the first light collecting unit 13 may be arranged outward in the vehicle width direction from the second light collecting unit 14.

[0017] The first light collecting unit 13 and the second light collecting unit 14 are optical systems with higher light collecting ability than the diffusion unit 12 of the low beam unit 10L, and therefore project a relatively clear high beam distribution pattern ahead of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the high beam distribution pattern projected by the first light collecting unit 13 (hereinafter referred to as the first high beam distribution pattern) and the high beam distribution pattern projected by the second light collecting unit 14 (hereinafter referred to as the second high beam distribution pattern) are superimposed on each other. Note that the entire first high beam distribution pattern may be superimposed on a portion of the second high beam distribution pattern, or a portion of the first high beam distribution pattern may be superimposed on a portion of the second high beam distribution pattern. Furthermore, one of the first light collecting unit 13 and the second light collecting unit 14 may be an optical system with relatively high diffusion ability.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the light guide 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in this figure, the light guide 10 is formed into a rectangular shape in a plan view and a rectangular shape with the vehicle width direction as the longitudinal direction in a front view. On the front surface of the light guide 10, a projection lens 111 of the light condensing section 11 of the low beam section 10L, a projection lens 121 of the light diffusing section 12 of the low beam section 10L, a projection lens 131 of the first light condensing section 13 of the high beam section 10H, and a projection lens 141 of the second light condensing section 14 of the high beam section 10H are formed. The light output surfaces of the projection lenses 111, 121, 131, and 141 are ellipsoidal or free-form. The projection lenses 111, 121, 131, and 141 are arranged in the order of the projection lens 131, the projection lens 141, the projection lens 111, and the projection lens 121 from the inside to the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0019] At the light output surface of the low beam unit 10L, the projection lens 111 forms an optical system with higher light concentration than the projection lens 121. In contrast, at the light output surface of the low beam unit 10L, the projection lens 121 forms an optical system with higher light diffusion than the projection lens 111. Here, the projection lens 111 is composed only of a low beam projection unit that projects a low beam concentration pattern ahead of the vehicle, while the projection lens 121 is composed of a low beam projection unit 121A and an overhead projection unit 121B located below the low beam projection unit 121A. The low beam projection unit 121A projects a low beam diffusion pattern ahead of the vehicle, while the overhead projection unit 121B projects an overhead light distribution pattern ahead of the vehicle. The overhead light distribution pattern is an additional light distribution pattern for illuminating overhead signs (overhead signs) and is projected above the low beam diffusion pattern.

[0020] On the light output surface of the high beam unit 10H, the projection lenses 131 and 141 form an optical system with higher light collection capability than the projection lens 121. Note that one of the projection lenses 131 and 141 may be configured to form an optical system with relatively higher diffusion capability.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the light guide 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the light guide 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, viewed obliquely from below and rearward of the vehicle. As shown in these figures, the rear surface of the light guide 10 is formed in a rectangular shape. On the rear surface of the light guide 10, a light entrance portion 112 of the light collecting portion 11 of the low beam section 10L, a light entrance portion 122 of the diffusion portion 12 of the low beam section 10L, a light entrance portion 132 of the first light collecting portion 13 of the high beam section 10H, and a light entrance portion 142 of the second light collecting portion 14 of the high beam section 10H are formed. The light entrance portions 112, 122, 132, and 142 are arranged in the order of light entrance portion 132, light entrance portion 142, light entrance portion 112, and light entrance portion 122, from the inside to the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0022] On the back side of the light collecting section 11 of the low beam section 10L, a light entrance section 112 is arranged facing the light source 21. Light emitted from the light source 21 enters the light collecting section 11 of the low beam section 10L through the light entrance section 112. Furthermore, on the back side of the diffusion section 12 of the low beam section 10L, a light entrance section 122 is arranged facing the light source 22. Light emitted from the light source 22 enters the diffusion section 12 of the low beam section 10L through the light entrance section 122.

[0023] On the back surface of first light collecting portion 13 of high beam section 10H, light entrance portion 132 is arranged facing light source 23. Light emitted from light source 23 enters first light collecting portion 13 of high beam section 10H through light entrance portion 132. Furthermore, on the back surface of second light collecting portion 14 of high beam section 10H, light entrance portion 142 is arranged facing light source 24. Light emitted from light source 24 enters second light collecting portion 14 of high beam section 10H through light entrance portion 142.

[0024] Low beam unit 10L is formed with horizontal reflecting surface 113 extending toward the front of the vehicle from the lower end of the rear end of light entrance unit 112, and horizontal reflecting surface 123 extending toward the front of the vehicle from the lower end of the rear end of light entrance unit 122. A step is formed at the boundary between reflecting surface 113 and reflecting surface 123, and the height position of reflecting surface 123 is higher than the height position of reflecting surface 113.

[0025] A groove 114 is formed in the reflecting surface 113 of the light collecting unit 11. The groove 114 is formed from the rear end to the front end of the reflecting surface 113. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 114 (the shape of a cross section that is vertical and parallel to the vehicle width direction) is uniformly trapezoidal from the rear end to the front end. The depth of the groove 114 is equal to the height of the step between the reflecting surface 113 and the reflecting surface 123. The front end of the groove 114 forms part of a light-shielding unit 115A (see FIG. 5) for forming a cutoff line.

[0026] The light entrance portions 112, 122, 132, and 142 protrude from the rear of the light guide 10 toward the rear of the vehicle. The outer shape of the light entrance portions 132 and 142 is a generally truncated cone shape that widens from the rear of the vehicle toward the front of the vehicle. However, the cross-sectional shape of the outer peripheral surface of the light entrance portions 132 and 142 (the shape of a cross section perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction) is an elliptical arc. In contrast, the light entrance portions 112 and 122 are configured such that a generally truncated cone-shaped structure similar to the light entrance portions 132 and 142 is cut at a part of the reflecting surfaces 113 and 123. The cross-sectional shape of the curved outer peripheral surface of the light entrance portions 112 and 122 (the shape of a cross section perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction) is an elliptical arc, similar to the light entrance portions 132 and 142.

[0027] The maximum diameter of the light entrance portions 132, 142 of the high beam portion 10H is larger than the maximum diameter of the light entrance portions 112, 122 of the low beam portion 10L, and so the light entrance portions 132, 142 of the high beam portion 10H have larger outer dimensions than the light entrance portions 112, 122 of the low beam portion 10L.

[0028] The light entrance unit 112 includes an incident surface 112A, a lens 112B, and a reflecting surface 112C. The incident surface 112A is formed in a truncated cone shape that is concave toward the front of the vehicle. The lens 112B is a lens that is convex toward the rear of the vehicle, and is formed at the back of the recess formed by the incident surface 112A. The lens 112B faces the light source 21 in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. As a result, light emitted from the light source 21 passes through the incident surface 112A and the lens 112B. The lens 112B constitutes a focusing optical system that focuses the transmitted light.

[0029] Reflecting surface 112C is formed on the outer peripheral surface of light entrance portion 112 and constitutes an internal reflecting surface having an elliptical arc cross section. Reflecting surface 112C is arranged on the outer peripheral side of incident surface 112A. In addition, a portion of reflecting surface 113 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of incident surface 112A. As a result, light emitted from light source 21 and transmitted through incident surface 112A is internally reflected by reflecting surface 112C or reflecting surface 113 toward the front of the vehicle.

[0030] Light entrance unit 122 includes incident surface 122A, lens 122B, and reflecting surface 122C. Incident surface 122A has the same configuration as incident surface 112A, lens 122B has the same configuration as lens 112B, and reflecting surface 122C has the same configuration as reflecting surface 112C.

[0031] Lens 122B faces light source 22 in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. As a result, light emitted from light source 22 passes through incident surface 122A and lens 122B. Lens 122B constitutes a focusing optical system that focuses the transmitted light. Furthermore, light emitted from light source 22 and transmitted through incident surface 122A is internally reflected by reflecting surface 122C or reflecting surface 123 toward the front of the vehicle.

[0032] The light entrance section 132 includes an incident surface 132A, a lens 132B, and a reflecting surface 132C. The incident surface 132A is formed in a truncated cone shape that is concave toward the front of the vehicle. The lens 132B is a lens that is convex toward the rear of the vehicle, and is formed at the back of the recess formed by the incident surface 132A. The lens 132B faces the light source 23 in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. As a result, the light emitted from the light source 23 passes through the incident surface 132A and the lens 132B.

[0033] Reflecting surface 132C is an internal reflecting surface formed on the outer peripheral surface of light entrance portion 132 and has an elliptical arc cross section. Reflecting surface 132C is disposed on the outer peripheral side of incident surface 132A. As a result, light emitted from light source 23 and transmitted through incident surface 132A is internally reflected by reflecting surface 132C toward the front of the vehicle.

[0034] The light entrance unit 142 includes an incident surface 142A, a lens 142B, and a reflecting surface 142C. The incident surface 142A has a similar configuration to the incident surface 132A, the lens 142B has a similar configuration to the lens 132B, and the reflecting surface 142C has a similar configuration to the reflecting surface 132C.

[0035] Lens 142B faces light source 24 in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. As a result, light emitted from light source 24 passes through incident surface 142A and lens 142B. Furthermore, light emitted from light source 24 and transmitted through incident surface 142A is internally reflected by reflecting surface 142C toward the front of the vehicle.

[0036] 5 is a VV cross-sectional view of FIG. 1. This figure shows a cross section of the light collecting portion 11 of the low beam unit 10L cut vertically along the optical axis AX1. As shown in this cross-sectional view, the light collecting portion 11 of the low beam unit 10L is configured such that a projection lens 111, a light entrance portion 112, a reflecting surface 113, a groove portion 114, a light-shielding wall 115, etc. are integrally formed. There is no projection lens between the projection lens 111 and the outer lens, and light emitted from the projection lens 111 passes through the outer lens and reaches the front of the vehicle.

[0037] The light-shielding wall 115 is an inclined surface that extends obliquely downward from the front end of the reflecting surface 113 toward the front of the vehicle. The front end of the groove 114 and the upper end of the light-shielding wall 115 are formed continuously, constituting a light-shielding portion 115A for forming a cutoff line. A portion of the light that enters through the light-receiving portion 112 and travels toward the front of the vehicle is blocked by the light-shielding portion 115A.

[0038] The optical axis AX1 is a straight line connecting the rear focal point F11 of the lens 112B and the front focal point F12 of the lens 112B. The rear focal point F11 of the lens 112B is set near the light-shielding portion 115A, and the front focal point F12 of the lens 112B is set near the light-emitting surface of the light source 21. The elliptical arc of the reflecting surface 112C of the light-entering portion 112 is set so as to condense a portion of the reflected light from the reflecting surface 112C at the rear focal point F11. The rear focal point F13 of the projection lens 111, which is convex toward the front side of the vehicle, is set near the light-shielding portion 115A.

[0039] Here, the rear focal point F11 of the lens 112B and the rear focal point F13 of the projection lens 111 are both set near the shading portion 115A, and their positions in the height direction are the same, but their positions in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle are different. Specifically, the height directions of the rear focal points F11 of the lens 112B and the rear focal points F13 of the projection lens 111 are both set to positions lower than the shading portion 115A. In contrast, the position of the rear focal point F11 of the lens 112B in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle is set to a position further forward of the shading portion 115A, and the position of the rear focal point F13 of the projection lens 111 in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle is set to a position further rearward of the shading portion 115A.

[0040] The height direction position of the front focal point F12 of lens 112B is set to a position higher than the height direction position of light blocking portion 115A, and the height direction position of the light emitting surface of light source 21 is also set to a position higher than the height direction position of light blocking portion 115A. In contrast, the height direction position of the rear focal point F11 of lens 112B is set to a position lower than the height direction position of the front focal point F12 of lens 112B. In other words, the optical axis AX1, which is a straight line connecting the light emitting surface of light source 21 and the vicinity of light blocking portion 115A, is inclined downward toward the front of the vehicle.

[0041] Light emitted from light source 21 passes through incident surface 112A and lens 112B and enters light collecting unit 11 of low beam unit 10L. Light that passes through incident surface 112A is internally reflected by reflecting surface 112C or reflecting surface 113 toward the front of the vehicle. A portion of the light that is internally reflected by reflecting surface 112C is collected at a rear focal point F11 of lens 112B. Furthermore, light that passes through lens 112B is collected at the rear focal point F11 by lens 112B, which is a convex lens. A portion of the light traveling toward the rear focal point F11 is blocked by light blocking unit 115A, and light traveling above the rear focal point F11 reaches projection lens 111. As a result, a low beam collecting pattern including a cutoff line is projected forward of the vehicle.

[0042] Here, the light source 21 is disposed above the light-shielding portion 115A, and the optical axis AX1 is inclined downward toward the front of the vehicle and extends to the vicinity of the light-shielding portion 115A, thereby increasing the concentration of light passing through the vicinity of the light-shielding portion 115A to form the cutoff line. Therefore, the cutoff line of the low-beam light-collection pattern is made clear, and long-distance visibility is improved.

[0043] Furthermore, because the rear focal point F11 of lens 112B is located further forward of the vehicle than light-shielding portion 115A, the light, which has been concentrated at rear focal point F11 and has been made more concentrated, is prevented from being internally reflected by reflecting surface 113 and groove portion 114 in front of light-shielding portion 115A. Therefore, the cutoff line is formed by the light with increased concentration, making the cutoff line clearer and improving long-distance visibility. Furthermore, the proportion of light that contributes to the formation of the low-beam concentration pattern in the concentrated state increases, thereby improving luminous efficiency.

[0044] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 1. This figure shows a cross section of the diffusion section 12 of the low beam unit 10L taken vertically along the optical axis AX2. As shown in this cross-sectional view, the diffusion section 12 of the low beam unit 10L is configured such that a projection lens 121, a light entrance section 122, a reflecting surface 123, a light-shielding wall 125, etc. are integrally formed. There is no projection lens between the projection lens 121 and the outer lens, and light emitted from the projection lens 121 passes through the outer lens and reaches the front of the vehicle.

[0045] The light-shielding wall 125 is an inclined surface that extends obliquely downward toward the front of the vehicle from the front end of the reflecting surface 123. A portion of the light that enters through the light-receiving portion 122 and travels toward the front of the vehicle is blocked by the light-shielding portion 125A at the upper end of the light-shielding wall 125.

[0046] The optical axis AX2 is a straight line connecting the rear focal point F21 of the lens 122B and the front focal point F22 of the lens 112B. The rear focal point F21 of the lens 122B is set near the light-shielding portion 125A, and the front focal point F22 of the lens 122B is set near the light-emitting surface of the light source 22. The elliptical arc of the reflecting surface 122C of the light-entering portion 122 is set so as to condense a portion of the reflected light from the reflecting surface 122C at the rear focal point F21. The rear focal point F23 of the projection lens 121, which is convex toward the front side of the vehicle, is set near the light-shielding portion 125A.

[0047] Here, the rear focal point F21 of the lens 122B and the rear focal point F23 of the projection lens 121 are both set near the shading portion 125A, and their positions in the vehicle longitudinal direction are the same, but their positions in the height direction are different. Specifically, the positions in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the rear focal point F21 of the lens 122B and the rear focal point F23 of the projection lens 121 are both set to positions further forward of the vehicle than the shading portion 125A. In contrast, the position in the height direction of the rear focal point F23 of the projection lens 121 is set to a position lower than the shading portion 125A, and the position in the height direction of the rear focal point F21 of the lens 122B is set to a position higher than the shading portion 125A.

[0048] The height direction position of the front focal point F22 of the lens 122B is set to a position higher than the height of the light-shielding portion 125A, and the height direction position of the light-emitting surface of the light source 22 is also set to a position higher than the height of the light-shielding portion 125A. In contrast, the height direction position of the rear focal point F21 of the lens 122B is set to a position lower than the height direction position of the front focal point F22 of the lens 122B. In other words, the optical axis AX2, which is a straight line connecting the light-emitting surface of the light source 22 and the vicinity of the light-shielding portion 125A, is inclined downward toward the front of the vehicle.

[0049] Light emitted from light source 22 passes through incident surface 122A and lens 122B and enters diffusion section 12 of low beam unit 10L. Light that passes through incident surface 122A is internally reflected toward the front of the vehicle by reflecting surface 122C or reflecting surface 123. A portion of the light that is internally reflected by reflecting surface 122C is focused at rear focal point F21 of lens 122B. Furthermore, light that passes through lens 122B is focused at rear focal point F21 by lens 122B, which is a convex lens. A portion of the light that travels toward rear focal point F21 is blocked by light blocking section 125A, and light that travels above rear focal point F21 reaches projection lens 121.

[0050] Here, the projection lens 121 of the diffusion unit 12 constitutes an optical system with higher diffusivity than the projection lens 111 of the light collecting unit 11. As a result, a low beam diffusion pattern with higher diffusivity than the low beam collecting pattern is projected ahead of the vehicle.

[0051] Furthermore, a portion of the light that is internally reflected by reflecting surface 122C and passes above light-shielding portion 125A travels straight to the lower portion of projection lens 121, whereas overhead projection portion 121B for forming an overhead light distribution pattern is formed below projection lens 121. This overhead projection portion 121B is disposed further rearward of the vehicle than low beam projection portion 121A, and projects an overhead light distribution pattern ahead of the vehicle using light that is internally reflected by reflecting surface 122C and travels straight to overhead projection portion 121B.

[0052] Here, light source 22 is positioned above light-shielding unit 125A, reflecting surface 122C focuses a portion of the light reflected internally onto rear focal point F21 of lens 122B, and the light that is internally reflected by reflecting surface 122C and passes through rear focal point F21 travels straight to overhead projection unit 121B. This simplifies the optical system for forming the overhead light distribution pattern.

[0053] Furthermore, the rear focal point F21 of lens 122B is positioned higher than light-shielding portion 125A, which prevents light condensed at the rear focal point F21 from being blocked by light-shielding wall 125. This increases the proportion of light that contributes to the formation of the low beam diffusion pattern without being blocked by light-shielding portion 125A, thereby improving luminous efficiency.

[0054] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 1. This figure shows a cross section of the first light collecting section 13 of the high beam section 10H taken vertically along the optical axis AX3. As shown in this cross-sectional view, the first light collecting section 13 of the high beam section 10H is configured such that a projection lens 131, a light entrance section 132, etc. are integrally formed. There is no projection lens between the projection lens 131 and the outer lens, and light emitted from the projection lens 131 passes through the outer lens and reaches the front of the vehicle.

[0055] The optical axis AX3 is a straight line connecting the rear focal point F31 of the lens 132B and the front focal point F32 of the lens 132B. The rear focal point F31 of the lens 132B is set at the same position as the rear focal point F33 of the projection lens 131, and the front focal point F32 of the lens 132B is set near the light emitting surface of the light source 23. In addition, the elliptical arc of the reflecting surface 132C of the light entrance part 132 is set so as to focus a portion of the reflected light from the reflecting surface 132C at the rear focal point F31.

[0056] Light emitted from the light source 23 passes through the incident surface 132A and the lens 132B and enters the first light collecting section 13 of the high beam section 10H. The light that passes through the incident surface 132A is internally reflected by the reflecting surface 132C toward the front of the vehicle. A portion of the light that is internally reflected by the reflecting surface 132C is collected at the rear focal point F31 of the lens 132B. Furthermore, the light that passes through the lens 132B is collected at the rear focal point F31 by the lens 132B, which is a convex lens. The light that is collected at the rear focal point F31 reaches the projection lens 131.

[0057] Here, the projection lens 131 of the first light collecting unit 13 constitutes an optical system with high light collecting ability, similar to the projection lens 111 of the light collecting unit 11 of the low beam unit 10L. As a result, a first high beam light collecting pattern with high light collecting ability is projected ahead of the vehicle.

[0058] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 1. This figure shows a cross section of the second light collecting section 14 of the high beam section 10H taken vertically along the optical axis AX4. As shown in this cross-sectional view, the second light collecting section 14 of the high beam section 10H is configured such that the projection lens 141, the light entrance section 142, etc. are integrally formed. There is no projection lens between the projection lens 141 and the outer lens, and the light emitted from the projection lens 141 passes through the outer lens and reaches the front of the vehicle.

[0059] The optical axis AX4 is a straight line connecting the rear focal point F41 of the lens 142B and the front focal point F42 of the lens 142B. The rear focal point F41 of the lens 142B is set at the same position as the rear focal point F43 of the projection lens 141, and the front focal point F42 of the lens 142B is set near the light emitting surface of the light source 24. The elliptical arc of the reflecting surface 142C of the light entrance part 142 is set so that part of the reflected light from the reflecting surface 142C is focused at the rear focal point F41.

[0060] Light emitted from the light source 24 passes through the incident surface 142A and the lens 142B and enters the second light collecting section 14 of the high beam section 10H. The light that passes through the incident surface 142A is internally reflected by the reflecting surface 142C toward the front of the vehicle. A portion of the light that is internally reflected by the reflecting surface 142C is collected at the rear focal point F41 of the lens 142B. Furthermore, the light that passes through the lens 142B is collected at the rear focal point F41 by the lens 142B, which is a convex lens. The light that is collected at the rear focal point F41 reaches the projection lens 141.

[0061] Here, the projection lens 141 of the second light collecting unit 14 constitutes an optical system with high light collecting ability, similar to the projection lens 131 of the first light collecting unit 13. As a result, a second high beam collecting pattern with high light collecting ability is projected ahead of the vehicle.

[0062] 5 to 8 show parting lines PL when molding the light guide 10. As shown in these figures, the parting lines PL are set at positions between the projection lenses 111, 121, 131, and 141 and the light-shielding walls 115 and 125 so that the mold (not shown) is divided into left and right halves in the figures.

[0063] Here, there is no portion to the right of the parting line PL of the light guide 10 in the figure that will interfere with the mold when the molded product is removed from the mold to the left in the figure. Also, there is no portion to the left of the parting line PL of the light guide 10 in the figure that will interfere with the mold when the molded product is removed from the mold to the right in the figure. Therefore, no nesting mold is required to mold the light guide 10.

[0064] FIG. 9 shows a low-beam light distribution pattern P irradiated onto a virtual screen in front of the vehicle. L and overhead light distribution pattern P OH This figure shows an example of a low beam light distribution pattern P irradiated by a vehicle lamp 1, which is a vehicle headlamp mounted on a vehicle that drives on the left side. L and overhead light distribution pattern P OH In this figure, the lines VV and HH indicate the vertical and horizontal lines of the screen, respectively. The intersection of the lines VV and HH corresponds to the horizontal reference position.

[0065] The light emitted from the light sources 21 and 22 and passing through the low beam portion 10L of the light guide 10 forms a low beam light distribution pattern P L and overhead light distribution pattern P OH The low beam light distribution pattern P L In this case, the low beam condensed pattern P1 and the low beam diffused pattern P2 overlap. OH is the low beam light distribution pattern P L It is formed above.

[0066] The low beam condensed pattern P1 is formed by light emitted from the light source 21 and passing through the condensed portion 11 of the low beam section 10L. The low beam diffused pattern P2 is formed by light emitted from the light source 22 and passing through the diffused portion 12 of the low beam section 10L. OH is formed by light emitted from the light source 22 and passing through the overhead projection unit 121B of the diffusion unit 12.

[0067] The low beam concentrating pattern P1 includes a cutoff line CL formed by the light-shielding portion 115A of the concentrating portion 11. The cutoff line CL includes horizontal cutoff lines CL1 and CL3 and an oblique cutoff line CL2. The horizontal cutoff line CL1 is formed by the horizontal surface of the groove portion 114, and the oblique cutoff line CL2 is formed by one of the inclined surfaces of the groove portion 114. In addition, the horizontal cutoff line CL3 is formed by the upper end of the light-shielding wall 115.

[0068] As described above, the light guide 10 of the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment has an integrated configuration in which the light entrance section 112 (122), the light blocking section 115A (125A), and the projection lens 111 (121) are arranged side by side in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and therefore can meet the demand for miniaturization of the light guide 10.

[0069] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment, the light source 21 (22) is disposed above the light blocking portion 115A (125A), and the optical axis AX1 (AX2) of the lens 112B (122B) provided in the light entrance portion 112 (122) is inclined from the light source 21 (22) toward the vicinity of the light blocking portion 115A (125A). This makes it possible to improve the concentration of light passing near the light blocking portion 115A (125A), clarify the cutoff line CL, and improve the long-distance visibility of the low beam.

[0070] Furthermore, in the light guide 10 of the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment, the light entrance section 112 (122) includes an incident surface 112A (122A) that is recessed toward the front of the vehicle, and a reflecting surface 112C (122C) that internally reflects at least a portion of the light incident from the incident surface 112A (122A) toward the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, a lens 112B (122B) serving as a focusing optical system is disposed at the back of the incident surface 112A (122A). This allows light emitted from the light source 21 (22) to be efficiently incident on the light guide 10 and focused, thereby improving the luminous efficiency of the vehicle lamp 1.

[0071] Furthermore, in the light guide 10 of the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment, the reflecting surface 112C (122C) collects a portion of the light incident from the incident surface 112A (122A) near the light-blocking portion 115A (125A). This increases the light-collecting ability of the light passing near the light-blocking portion 115A (125A), making the cutoff line CL clearer, and improving the long-distance visibility of the low beam.

[0072] In the light guide 10 of the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment, the projection lens 121 in the diffusion section 12 includes a low beam projection section 121A and an overhead projection section 121B disposed below the low beam projection section 121A. In the diffusion section 12, a portion of the light reflected internally by the reflecting surface 122C of the light entrance section 122 travels straight to the overhead projection section 121B. This forms an overhead light distribution pattern P OH This simplifies the configuration of the optical system that projects the light, and facilitates optical design.

[0073] Furthermore, in the light guide 10 of the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment, the light collecting portion 11 of the low beam section 10L and the diffusion portion 12 of the low beam section 10L are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction and integrated. The light collecting portion 11 is formed with a groove portion 114 for forming a cutoff line CL. The diffusion portion 12 is provided with a projection lens 121 having higher diffusion properties than the projection lens 111 of the light collecting portion 11. This projection lens 121 is provided with a low beam projection portion 121A and an overhead projection portion 121B located below the low beam projection portion 121A. This makes it possible to form a low beam light collecting pattern P1 including a highly distinct cutoff line CL, and also to form a low beam diffusion pattern P2 and an overhead light distribution pattern P3 having relatively high diffusion properties. OH can be formed.

[0074] Furthermore, in the light guide 10 of the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment, the rear focal point F11 of the lens 112B in the light collecting section 11 is disposed at a position lower than the height of the upper end of the light blocking section 115A and further forward of the vehicle than the upper end of the light blocking section 115A. This makes it possible to prevent the light that is collected at the rear focal point F11 and has improved light collecting ability from being internally reflected in front of the light blocking section 115A. Therefore, the cutoff line CL can be formed by the light with improved light collecting ability, making the cutoff line CL clearer and improving distant visibility.

[0075] Furthermore, in the light guide 10 of the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment, the rear focal point F21 of the lens 122B in the diffusion section 12 is positioned above the height of the upper end of the light blocking section 125A. This prevents the light condensed at the rear focal point F21 from being blocked by the light blocking section 125A. This increases the proportion of light that forms the low beam diffusion pattern P2 without being blocked by the light blocking section 125A, thereby improving luminous efficiency.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described above based on the above-mentioned embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and techniques from the embodiments or well-known or publicly known techniques may be combined.

[0077] For example, in the above embodiment, the light guide 10 is exemplified as one in which the low beam section 10L and the high beam section 10H are integrated, but the low beam section 10L and the high beam section 10H may be separate. Also, it is not essential to integrate the light collecting section 11 of the low beam section 10L and the light diffusing section 12 of the low beam section 10L, and they may be separate.

[0078] In addition, in the above embodiment, the focusing optical system provided in the light entrance sections 112, 122 is the lenses 112B, 122B, but this is not limited to this, and the focusing optical system may be composed of the lenses 112B, 122B and the reflecting surfaces 112C, 122C, or may be composed of only the reflecting surfaces 112C, 122C, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1: Vehicle lighting fixtures 10: Light guide 11: Light collecting section (one of the light guides) 12: Diffusion section (the other light guide) 21:Light source 22:Light source 111: Projection lens 112: Light receiving part 112A:Incidence surface 112B: Lens (condensing optical system) 112C: Reflective surface 114:Groove (uneven part) 115A: Light shielding part 121: Projection lens 121A: Low beam projection unit 121B: Overhead projection unit 122: Light receiving part 122A:Incidence surface 122B: Lens (condensing optical system) 122C: Reflective surface 125A: Light shielding part AX1: Optical axis AX2: Optical axis CL: Cutoff line F11: Back focus (focal point) F21: Back focus (focal point) P L : Low beam light distribution pattern P OH :Overhead light distribution pattern

Claims

1. A light source for low beam; a light guide disposed on the vehicle front side of the light source; Equipped with The light guide is a light entrance section, which is a section into which light emitted from the light source is incident and which includes a light collection optical system that collects the incident light; a light blocking portion disposed on a vehicle front side of the light collecting optical system and configured to block a portion of the light collected by the light collecting optical system; a projection lens that is disposed on the vehicle front side of the light blocking portion and that outputs the light that has passed over the light blocking portion to the vehicle front; are integrally formed, the light source is disposed above the light blocking portion, The optical axis of the light-collecting optical system is inclined from the light source toward the vicinity of the light-blocking portion. Vehicle lighting fixtures.

2. The light entrance section is an incident surface that is concave toward the front side of the vehicle and onto which light emitted from the light source is incident; a reflecting surface that internally reflects at least a portion of the light incident from the incident surface toward the vicinity of the light blocking portion; Equipped with The focusing optical system is a lens disposed deep inside the incident surface.

2. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1.

3. The reflecting surface condenses the light reflected internally in the vicinity of the light blocking portion.

3. A vehicle lamp according to claim 2.

4. The projection lens is a low beam projection unit that projects a low beam light distribution pattern ahead of the vehicle; an overhead projection unit that is disposed below the low beam projection unit and projects an overhead light distribution pattern forward of the vehicle; Equipped with The reflecting surface directs a portion of the light reflected internally to the overhead projection unit.

4. A vehicle lamp according to claim 2 or 3.

5. A pair of the light guides arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction are integrated together, the light-shielding portion of one of the light guides includes an uneven portion for forming a cutoff line, The projection lens of the other light guide is a low beam projection unit that projects a low beam light distribution pattern ahead of the vehicle; an overhead projection unit that is disposed below the low beam projection unit and projects an overhead light distribution pattern forward of the vehicle; Equipped with In the other light guide, the reflecting surface directs a portion of the light reflected internally to the overhead projection unit.

4. A vehicle lamp according to claim 2 or 3.

6. a focal point of the light collecting optical system of the one of the light guide bodies is disposed at a position lower than the height of an upper end of the light blocking portion and further forward of the vehicle than the upper end of the light blocking portion, The focal point of the light collecting optical system of the other light guide is disposed above the height of the upper end of the light blocking portion.

6. A vehicle lamp according to claim 5.

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