Vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture capable of radiating light with a large light distribution angle that can comply with laws on an irradiation region of the vehicular lighting fixture.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture includes: a light source part including a plurality of light emitting parts arranged aligned in a first direction; a first lens arranged separated from the light source part and transmitting the light emitted from the light source part; and a reflector arranged between the first lens and the light source part and below the plurality of light emitting parts in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, which includes a reflection surface for reflecting the light emitted from the light source part. The first lens includes a first part having positive refractive power in the first direction and the second direction, and a second part whose refractive power in the second direction is smaller than the refractive power in the first direction. The refractive power in the second direction of the first part is larger than the refractive power in the second direction of the second part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, vehicular lamps having light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicular lamp having a semiconductor-type light source unit having a light-emitting chip, a lens disposed in front of the light source unit, and a reflector disposed between the lens and the light source unit and vertically below the light-emitting chip. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-195116 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Vehicle lamps require control of the light distribution angle because the minimum and maximum light intensity required for each illumination area is determined by standards. An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle lamp that can emit light with a large light distribution angle that satisfies regulations regarding the illumination area of ​​vehicle lamps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A vehicle lamp according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a light source unit including a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a line in a first direction, a first lens arranged at a distance from the light source unit and transmitting light emitted from the light source unit, and a reflector between the first lens and the light source unit, arranged below the plurality of light-emitting elements in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the reflector including a reflective surface that reflects the light emitted from the light source unit, wherein the first lens includes a first portion having positive refractive power in the first direction and the second direction, and a second portion whose refractive power in the second direction is smaller than the refractive power in the first direction, and the refractive power of the first portion in the second direction is larger than the refractive power of the second portion in the second direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp that can emit light with a wide light distribution angle that satisfies regulations regarding the illumination area of ​​vehicle lamps. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the overall configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic front view showing the overall configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the periphery of a light source unit provided in a vehicle lamp according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged view of a VI region in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5. [Figure 8]3 is a schematic side view of a first lens and a light source unit, illustrating the positional relationship between the focal points of a first portion and a second portion of the first lens and a light-emitting portion of the light source unit in the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is a schematic front view of a light source unit showing the positional relationship between the focal points of a first portion and a second portion of a first lens and the light-emitting surface of the light source unit in the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 3 is a schematic side view of the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment, showing light that is reflected by a reflector included in the vehicle lamp and then passes through a first portion of a first lens. FIG. [Figure 11] 3 is a schematic front view of a first illumination light that is transmitted through a first portion of a first lens included in the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment and is emitted. FIG. [Figure 12] 3 is a schematic side view of the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment, showing light that is reflected by a reflector included in the vehicle lamp and then passes through a second portion of the first lens. FIG. [Figure 13] 4 is a schematic front view of a second illumination light that is transmitted through a second portion of a first lens included in the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment and is emitted. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic front view showing a first example of light emitted by a vehicle lamp according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing a second example of light emitted by the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a schematic top view showing a second example of light emitted by the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view showing the overall configuration of a vehicle lamp according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view showing a first example of light emitted by a vehicle lamp according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view showing a second example of light emitted by the vehicle lamp according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Vehicle lamps according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are illustrative of vehicle lamps that embody the technical concepts of the present disclosure and are not limited thereto. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but are merely illustrative examples. Note that the size, positional relationship, etc. of components shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity. Furthermore, in the following description, the same names and symbols indicate the same or similar components, and detailed description will be omitted as appropriate. End views showing only the cut surface may be used as cross-sectional views.

[0009] In each drawing, directions are expressed using a Cartesian coordinate system having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are perpendicular to one another. The X direction along the X-axis corresponds to the first direction. The Y direction along the Y-axis corresponds to the second direction. The Z direction along the Z-axis corresponds to the third direction intersecting the first and second directions. Hereinafter, the X direction will be referred to as the first direction X. The Y direction will be referred to as the second direction Y. The Z direction will be referred to as the third direction Z. The direction in which the arrow points in the X direction will be referred to as the side. The direction in which the arrow points in the Y direction will be referred to as the upward direction, and the direction opposite to the upward direction will be referred to as the downward direction. The direction in which the arrow points in the Z direction will be referred to as the forward direction, and the direction opposite to the forward direction will be referred to as the rearward direction. In the examples shown in this specification, the vehicular lamp according to the embodiment emits light forward.

[0010] In this specification, a top view refers to a view of an object viewed from above. A front view refers to a view of an object viewed from the front. A side view refers to a view of an object viewed from the side. In this specification, along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis includes an object tilted within a range of ±20° relative to these axes.

[0011] Furthermore, in this specification or claims, when there are multiple elements of a certain type and they need to be distinguished from one another, the elements may be prefixed with "first," "second," etc. to distinguish them. Furthermore, the objects distinguished between this specification and the claims may differ. Therefore, even if the claims describe elements with the same prefixes as those in this specification, the objects identified by these elements may not coincide between this specification and the claims.

[0012] [First embodiment] <Configuration of the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment> (Overall composition) The overall configuration of a vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of a vehicle lamp 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic front view showing an example of the overall configuration of a vehicle lamp 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 2. In the examples shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 4, light emitted from the light source unit 1 is represented as light L indicated by a white arrow, and irradiated light emitted from the vehicle lamp 100 is represented as irradiated light Ls indicated by a white arrow.

[0013] The vehicular lamp 100 includes a light source unit 1 including a plurality of light-emitting units 11 arranged side by side in a first direction X, and a first lens 2 arranged at a distance from the light source unit 1 and transmitting light emitted from the light source unit 1. The vehicular lamp 100 also includes a reflector 3 arranged between the first lens 2 and the light source unit 1 and below the plurality of light-emitting units 11 in a second direction Y orthogonal to the first direction X, the reflector 3 including a reflective surface 31 that reflects light L emitted from the light source unit 1. The first lens 2 includes a first portion 21 having positive refractive power in the first direction X and the second direction Y, and a second portion 22 whose refractive power in the second direction Y is smaller than the refractive power in the first direction X. The refractive power of the first portion 21 in the second direction Y is larger than the refractive power of the second portion 22 in the second direction Y.

[0014] The vehicular lamp 100 is a vehicular lamp capable of emitting light forward in directions intersecting with each of a first direction X and a second direction Y. The vehicular lamp 100 is a lamp such as a headlight mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the vehicular lamp 100 can emit light L forward from a light source unit 1, and irradiate irradiated light Ls emitted from a first lens 2 forward. The light source unit 1 emits light L, which is divergent light.

[0015] In the vehicular lamp 100, the refractive power of the second portion 22 in the second direction Y is smaller than the refractive power of the second portion 22 in the first direction X. As a result, the vehicular lamp 100 can widen the irradiated light Ls emitted from the second portion 22 in the second direction Y, among the irradiated light Ls emitted from the first lens 2 that has received divergent light emitted from the light source unit 1. In this embodiment, by widening the irradiated light Ls emitted from the second portion 22 in the second direction Y, the luminous intensity distribution angle of the irradiated light Ls emitted from the first lens 2 in the third direction Z is increased, thereby providing a vehicular lamp 100 that can irradiate light with a wide luminous intensity distribution angle that satisfies regulations regarding the irradiated area of ​​a vehicular lamp. Regulations regarding the irradiated area of ​​a vehicular lamp include, for example, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 or United Nations Regulations (UNR) 149.

[0016] In the vehicular lamp 100, the first portion 21 has positive refractive power in the first direction X and the second direction Y. This makes it possible to prevent the irradiated light Ls emitted from the first portion 21, of the irradiated light Ls emitted from the first lens 2, from spreading in both the first direction X and the second direction Y. Furthermore, in the vehicular lamp 100, the refractive power of the second portion 22 in the first direction X is greater than the refractive power in the second direction Y. This makes it possible to reduce the spread of the irradiated light L in the first direction X compared to the spread of the irradiated light Ls emitted from the second portion 22, of the irradiated light Ls emitted from the first lens 2, in the second direction Y. Because the illumination light Ls emitted from the first portion 21 does not spread in either the first direction X or the second direction Y, and because the spread of the illumination light L in the first direction X is smaller than the spread of the illumination light Ls emitted from the second portion 22 in the second direction Y, the illumination range of the illumination light L in the first direction X can be limited, and therefore the luminous intensity of the illumination light Ls emitted from the first lens 2 can be increased in the vehicular lamp 100. As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to provide a vehicular lamp 100 that can emit light that has a large light distribution angle in the second direction Y, is high in luminous intensity, and satisfies regulations regarding the illumination area of ​​vehicular lamps.

[0017] The vehicular lamp 100 includes a first lens 2 that includes a first portion 21 and a second portion 22. This reduces the volume occupied by the first lens in the vehicular lamp, making it possible to miniaturize the vehicular lamp, compared to when a first lens having the function of the first portion 21 and a first lens having the function of the second portion 22 are separately provided. Furthermore, the reduction in the number of parts shortens the manufacturing cycle time, allowing for reduced manufacturing costs.

[0018] 2 and 4, the second portion 22 of the first lens 2 in the vehicular lamp 100 is located higher than the first portion 21 in the second direction Y. With this configuration, when the vehicular lamp 100 emits light for a high beam distribution that illuminates a distant object, the light for the high beam distribution can pass through the second portion 22. As a result, even in the high beam distribution, the vehicular lamp 100 can spread the irradiated light Ls emitted from the second portion 22 in the second direction Y while making the spread of the irradiated light L in the first direction X smaller than the spread of the irradiated light Ls emitted from the second portion 22 in the second direction Y. Therefore, it is possible to emit light for a high beam distribution that has a large light distribution angle in the second direction Y and high luminous intensity and that satisfies regulations regarding the illumination area of ​​vehicular lamps.

[0019] In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the second portion 22 of the first lens 2 in the vehicular lamp 100 is a cylinder having positive refractive power in the first direction X but no refractive power in the second direction Y. Because the second portion 22 has no refractive power in the second direction Y, the divergent light L emitted from the light source unit 1 passes through the first lens 2, and the emitted light Ls from the second portion 22 can be spread in the second direction Y. This makes it possible for the vehicular lamp 100 to increase the light distribution angle in the second direction Y of the emitted light Ls from the first lens 2, thereby emitting light with a large light distribution angle. Furthermore, because the second portion 22 has positive refractive power in the first direction X, the vehicular lamp 100 makes it possible to prevent the emitted light Ls from the second portion 22 from spreading in the first direction X, among the emitted light Ls from the first lens 2. Because the irradiated light Ls emitted from the second portion 22 does not spread in the first direction X, the luminous intensity of the irradiated light Ls emitted from the first lens 2 in the vehicle lamp 100 can be increased. As a result, the vehicle lamp 100 can emit light that has a large light distribution angle in the second direction Y and high luminous intensity, and that satisfies regulations regarding the illumination area of ​​vehicle lamps. Furthermore, because the second portion 22 is cylindrical, it is easier to form the second portion 22, and therefore easier to manufacture the first lens 2 and the vehicle lamp 100, compared to when the second portion 22 has refractive power in both the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0020] 2 and 4, the second portion 22 of the first lens 2 in the vehicle lamp 100 includes a portion 220 that is located in the second direction Y below the optical axis 2c of the first lens 2 in the first direction X. In the vehicle lamp 100, since the second portion 22 includes the portion 220, it is possible to spread light in the second direction Y below the optical axis 2c of the first lens 2 in the first direction X, and it is possible to increase the light distribution angle of the vehicle lamp 100.

[0021] In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the first portion 21 of the first lens 2 in the vehicular lamp 100 is located below the optical axis 2c of the first lens 2 in the first direction X in the second direction Y. This configuration reduces the downward spread of the irradiated light Ls that has passed through the first portion 21 in the second direction Y. Compared to the irradiated light Ls that has passed through the second portion 22, the irradiated light Ls that has passed through the first portion 21 does not spread in either the first direction X or the second direction Y and is therefore brighter. Therefore, for example, if the irradiated light Ls that has passed through the first portion 21 spreads downward in the second direction Y, the irradiated light Ls may be reflected by the road surface and dazzle the driver of an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle. In the vehicular lamp 100, the downward spread of the irradiated light Ls that has passed through the first portion 21 in the second direction Y is reduced, thereby reducing the amount of irradiated light Ls reflected by the road surface and preventing the driver of an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle from being dazzled by the road surface.

[0022] 1 and 4, the reflecting surface 31 of the reflector 3 is a cylindrical surface that has a curvature in the second direction Y and no curvature in the first direction X. Because the reflecting surface 31 of the reflector 3 has a curvature in the second direction Y, in the vehicle lamp 100, the light L that is incident on the second portion 22 of the first lens 2 can be further spread in the second direction Y, and the light distribution angle in the second direction Y of the irradiated light Ls that is emitted from the first lens 2 can be further increased. In addition, because the function of increasing the light distribution angle in the second direction Y of the irradiated light Ls can be distributed between the first lens 2 and the reflector 3, the load of the deflection function or aberration reduction function, etc., that is performed by the first lens 2 can be reduced, and the design and manufacture of the first lens 2 can be facilitated.

[0023] Each component of the vehicle lamp 100 will be described in detail below.

[0024] (Light source part 1) The light source section 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7. Fig. 5 is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration around the light source section 1 provided in the vehicle lamp 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a schematic enlarged view of area VI in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 5.

[0025] The light source unit 1 shown in Figures 5 to 7 is, for example, an LED. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the light source unit 1 has a package 16, a resin member 17, and a plurality of light emitting units 11 arranged side by side in the first direction X. Each of the plurality of light emitting units 11 includes a light emitting surface 12. The light emitting unit 11 can emit light from the light emitting surface 12.

[0026] The package 16 is a wiring board in which wiring connected to the light emitting unit 11 is provided on a base material made of a sintered body such as aluminum nitride or silicon carbide. Alternatively, the package 16 may be a wiring board in which an insulating layer is formed on the surface of a metal and a wiring pattern is further provided. The metal is copper, aluminum, or the like. The resin member 17 is arranged to surround the periphery of the light emitting unit 11. The resin member 17 is a member having light blocking properties and preferably has light reflectivity. Thermosetting resin, thermoplastic resin, or the like can be used as the resin constituting the resin member 17. Specifically, the resin member 17 may be a resin containing particles of a light reflective material.

[0027] The light-emitting unit 11 includes a light-emitting element, a wavelength conversion member, and the like, and emits light L of a desired color. The light-emitting element is, for example, a semiconductor light-emitting element. A semiconductor light-emitting element containing a nitride semiconductor can be used for the light-emitting element that emits blue light, the light-emitting element that emits green light, or the light-emitting element that emits ultraviolet light. For the nitride semiconductor, for example, a GaN-based semiconductor such as GaN, InGaN, or AlGaN can be used. For the LED that emits red light, an InAlGaP-based, GaInP-based, or GaAs-based semiconductor such as GaAs or AlGaAs can be used. When the vehicular lamp 100 is used as a headlight, the light-emitting unit 11 may emit white light by using a semiconductor light-emitting element that emits blue light and a wavelength conversion member that converts the wavelength of the blue light to yellow light.

[0028] The plurality of light-emitting units 11 are arranged in a row in the first direction X. By arranging the plurality of light-emitting units 11 in a row in the first direction X, the number of light-emitting units 11 can be reduced compared to a case where the plurality of light-emitting units 11 includes a plurality of rows of light-emitting units 11 arranged in the first direction X. This reduces the cost of the light source unit 1 in the vehicular lamp 100, and reduces the cost of the vehicular lamp 100 as a whole.

[0029] For example, when the plurality of light-emitting units 11 are arranged in a single row in the first direction X, the width of the light source unit 1 in the second direction Y is narrower than when the plurality of light-emitting units 11 includes multiple rows of the plurality of light-emitting units 11 arranged in the first direction X, and therefore the light distribution angle of the vehicular lamp 100 in the second direction Y is smaller. In contrast, the vehicular lamp 100 can emit illumination light Ls with a wide illumination angle in the second direction Y because the first lens 2 includes the second portion 22. Therefore, the vehicular lamp 100 can reduce the cost of the vehicular lamp 100 and can emit illumination light Ls with a wide illumination angle in the second direction Y. Note that the plurality of light-emitting units 11 do not necessarily have to be arranged in a single row in the first direction X, and may include multiple rows of the plurality of light-emitting units 11 arranged in the first direction X.

[0030] 5 includes 24 light emitting units 11. However, the number of light emitting units 11 in the light source unit 1 can be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the vehicle lamp 100 and the like.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows adjacent light-emitting units 11-1 and 11-2 among the multiple light-emitting units 11. The light-emitting unit 11-1 includes a light-emitting surface 12-1. The light-emitting unit 11-2 includes a light-emitting surface 12-2. The light-emitting surface width d is the width of each of the light-emitting surfaces 12-1 and 12-2. The light-emitting surface spacing p is the spacing between the light-emitting surfaces 12 of adjacent light-emitting units 11 among the multiple light-emitting units 11. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the light-emitting surface spacing p is the spacing between the light-emitting surface 12-1 of the light-emitting unit 11-1 and the light-emitting surface 12-2 of the light-emitting unit 11-2. In the example shown in FIG. 6, when viewed from the front, the outer edge shape of each of the light-emitting surfaces 12-1 and 12-2 is approximately square. However, the outer edge shape of the light-emitting surface is not limited to a square. The light-emitting surface width d shown in FIG. 6 is 1.1 mm.

[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the light-emitting surface spacing p is 0.05 mm or less. If the light-emitting surface spacing p is wide, the area of ​​the irradiated light Ls corresponding to the light-emitting surface spacing p on the irradiation surface perpendicular to the optical axis 2c of the first lens 2 will be darkened, which may result in increased illuminance variation in the irradiated light Ls. In the vehicular lamp 100, by setting the light-emitting surface spacing p to 0.05 mm or less, the area of ​​the irradiated light Ls corresponding to the light-emitting surface spacing p can be reduced, thereby reducing illuminance variation in the irradiated light Ls. Furthermore, in the vehicular lamp 100, by setting the light-emitting surface spacing p to 0.05 mm or less, the light source unit 1 can be made smaller, and the vehicular lamp 100 can be made more compact.

[0033] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle lamp 100 has a plurality of wires 13 corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting units 11, respectively. The plurality of wires 13 are arranged in the same direction in the second direction Y, with the light-emitting unit 11 as a reference. The reflector 3 is arranged on the opposite side of the second direction Y from the side on which the plurality of wires 13 are located, with the light-emitting unit 11 as a reference. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of wires 13 are arranged above the light-emitting unit 11. The reflector 3 is arranged below the light-emitting unit 11.

[0034] For example, if multiple wires and a reflector are arranged in the same direction relative to the light-emitting unit in the second direction Y, the reflector must be arranged to avoid the multiple wires, which may result in a distance between the light-emitting unit and the reflector, resulting in an increase in the size of the vehicle lamp. In the second direction Y, the multiple wires 13 are arranged in the same direction relative to the light-emitting unit 11, and the reflector 3 is arranged on the opposite side from the side where the multiple wires 13 are located, thereby eliminating the need to arrange the reflector 3 to avoid the multiple wires 13. This allows the configuration of the vehicle lamp 100 to be made more compact.

[0035] In the example shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of electrode pads 14 are arranged side by side in the first direction X on the surface of the package 16 above the light-emitting unit 11. The electrode pads 14 are electrically connected to the corresponding light-emitting units 11. One ends of the plurality of wires 13 are electrically connected to the corresponding electrode pads 14 by wire bonding, and the other ends of the plurality of wires 13 are connected to electrodes provided on a circuit board (not shown). The light-emitting unit 11 is driven to emit light in response to a drive current or drive voltage supplied from the wires 13 via the electrode pads 14. The wires 13 and the electrode pads 14 can each be made of a material including Al, Au, or the like.

[0036] 5 and 7, in the vehicle lamp 100, when viewed from the third direction Z, a first end 32 on the side of the reflective surface 31 where the light emitting unit 11 is located and a second end 15 on the side of the light emitting surface 12 of the light emitting unit 11 where the reflective surface 31 of the reflector 3 is located overlap with each other. In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the first end 32 and the second end 15 are indicated by the same reference numerals to indicate that the first end 32 and the second end 15 overlap with each other.

[0037] When viewed from the third direction Z, the first end 32 and the second end 15 overlap, thereby reducing light loss caused by the light L emitted from the light source unit 1 not being reflected by the reflecting surface 31, and increasing the light extraction efficiency of the vehicle lamp 100. Furthermore, the light distribution in the second direction Y of the irradiated light Ls emitted from the first lens 2 can be controlled based on the position where the first end 32 and the second end 15 overlap. This allows the vehicle lamp 100 to have good controllability over the light distribution of the irradiated light Ls in the second direction Y.

[0038] The light source unit 1 is not limited to a configuration in which one package 16 has multiple light-emitting units 11, but may also be a configuration in which multiple packages 16, each having one light-emitting unit 11, are arranged side by side, for example.

[0039] (1st lens 2) 2, the outer edge shape of the first lens 2 when viewed from the front is a substantially circular shape with the upper and lower arcuate portions cut away. However, the outer edge shape of the first lens 2 when viewed from the front may be a substantially rectangular, circular, elliptical, polygonal, or the like.

[0040] The front surface 211 of the first portion 21 of the first lens 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 has an aspherical shape convex forward. The rear surface 212 of the first portion 21 has an aspherical shape convex backward. The front surface 211 and the rear surface 212 of the first portion 21 differ in at least curvature. However, as long as the first portion 21 has positive refractive power in the first direction X and the second direction Y, the shapes of the front surface 211 and the rear surface 212 of the first portion 21 are not limited to aspherical, and may be spherical, a Fresnel lens surface, a diffractive lens surface, or the like. The front surface 211 and the rear surface 212 of the first portion 21 may have substantially the same shape.

[0041] The front surface 221 of the second portion 22 of the first lens 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is a cylindrical surface convex forward in the first direction X. The rear surface 222 of the second portion 22 is a cylindrical surface convex backward in the first direction X. The front surface 221 and the rear surface 222 of the second portion 22 have different cylindrical surfaces with at least different curvatures. However, as long as the refractive power of the second portion 22 in the second direction Y is smaller than the refractive power in the first direction X, the shapes of the front surface 221 and the rear surface 222 of the second portion 22 are not limited to cylindrical surfaces and may include aspherical surfaces, spherical surfaces, Fresnel lens surfaces, diffractive lens surfaces, etc. The front surface 221 and the rear surface 222 of the second portion 22 may have substantially the same shape.

[0042] The first lens 2 is made of a light-transmitting glass material or resin material. The resin material may be an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, or the like. The first lens 2 can be manufactured by injection molding or the like using a resin or glass material.

[0043] Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the first lens 2 and the light source unit 1, showing an example of the positional relationship between the focal points of the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 of the first lens 2 in the vehicle lamp 100 according to the first embodiment and the light emitting unit 11 of the light source unit 1. Fig. 9 is a schematic front view of the light source unit 1, showing an example of the positional relationship between the focal points of the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 of the first lens 2 in the vehicle lamp 100 according to the first embodiment and the light emitting surface 12 of the light source unit 1. In the example shown in Fig. 8, part of the light emitted from the light source unit 1 is represented as light L1 indicated by a solid line and light L2 indicated by a dashed line.

[0044] In the vehicle lamp 100, the focus F1 of the first portion 21 of the first lens 2 and the focus F2 of the second portion 22 of the first lens 2 are each located on an imaginary plane 18 including the light-emitting surface 12 of the light-emitting section 11, and overlap each other when viewed from the third direction Z.

[0045] In FIG. 8, light L1 indicated by a solid line represents parallel light incident on the first portion 21 and converges at a focal point F1 of the first portion 21. Light L2 indicated by a dashed line represents parallel light incident on the second portion 22 and converges at a focal point F2 of the second portion 22. Because the second portion 22 is a cylinder having refractive power only in the first direction X, light L2 converges only in the first direction X and becomes linear light extending in the first direction X. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the positions of the focal points F1 and F2 in the third direction Z are approximately equal and both are located on the virtual plane 18. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, when viewed from the front, light L1 becomes point-like light converging at the position of the focal point F1. Light L2 converges at the position of the focal point F2 and becomes linear light with the focal point F2 continuing in the first direction X. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the focal points F1 and F2 overlap each other.

[0046] In the vehicle lamp 100, the focal points F1 and F2 are located on the virtual plane 18 and overlap each other when viewed from the third direction Z, so that the light distribution of the vehicle lamp 100 can be controlled based on the position where the focal points F1 and F2 overlap. This improves the controllability of the light distribution of the vehicle lamp 100. In addition, stray light is suppressed, and irradiation light Ls with no illuminance variation can be emitted.

[0047] (Reflector 3) The reflector 3 is produced, for example, by providing a metal film such as aluminum on the surface of a base material containing a resin material. However, the method is not limited to this, and the reflector 3 can also be produced by cutting and polishing a metal material.

[0048] The function of the reflector 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the vehicular lamp 100 showing an example of light L3 that is reflected by the reflector 3 included in the vehicular lamp 100 according to the first embodiment and then passes through the first portion 21 of the first lens 2. FIG. 11 is a schematic front view showing an example of first irradiation light Ls1 that is reflected by the reflector 3 included in the vehicular lamp 100 according to the first embodiment and then passes through the first portion 21 of the first lens 2 to be emitted. FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of the vehicular lamp 100 showing an example of light L4 that is reflected by the reflector 3 included in the vehicular lamp 100 according to the first embodiment and then passes through the second portion 22 of the first lens 2. FIG. 13 is a schematic front view showing an example of second irradiation light Ls2 that is reflected by the reflector 3 included in the vehicular lamp according to the first embodiment and then passes through the second portion 22 of the first lens 2 to be emitted.

[0049] In the example shown in Fig. 10, a portion of the light emitted from the light source unit 1 is represented as light L3 shown by a solid line. In the example shown in Fig. 12, a portion of the light emitted from the light source unit 1 is represented as light L41 shown by a solid line and light L42 shown by a dashed line. Fig. 11 is an image diagram of the first irradiation light Ls1 calculated by simulation. Fig. 13 is an image diagram of the second irradiation light Ls2 calculated by simulation.

[0050] In Figure 10, of the light L emitted from the light source unit 1, light L3 reflected by the reflecting surface 31 of the reflector 3 is incident on the first portion 21 of the first lens 2, passes through the first portion 21, and is then irradiated onto the irradiation surface as first irradiation light Ls1.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 11, the first irradiation light Ls1 is irradiated upward from the irradiation surface 200. In Fig. 11, the density of the first irradiation light Ls1 represents the luminous intensity. The higher the density of the image, the higher the luminous intensity. This also applies to the schematic front views of the irradiation light shown below.

[0052] 12, light L41, of the light L emitted from the light source unit 1, is reflected by a front region within the reflecting surface 31 of the reflector 3 and spreads upward by reflection on the reflecting surface 31. The light L41 is incident on the second portion 22 of the first lens 2, passes through the second portion 22, and is then irradiated onto the irradiation surface as second irradiation light Ls21. As shown in FIG. 13, the second irradiation light Ls21 is irradiated upward onto the irradiation surface 200.

[0053] 12, light L42, of the light L emitted from the light source unit 1, is reflected by a rear region within the reflecting surface 31 of the reflector 3 and spreads downward by reflection on the reflecting surface 31. The light L42 is incident on the second portion 22 of the first lens 2, passes through the second portion 22, and is then irradiated onto the irradiation surface as second irradiation light Ls22. As shown in FIG. 13, the second irradiation light Ls22 is irradiated downward onto the irradiation surface 200.

[0054] <Light irradiated by the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment> The light irradiated by the vehicular lamp 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 14 and 15. Fig. 14 is a schematic front view showing a first example of the light Ls irradiated by the vehicular lamp 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 14 is an image diagram of the light irradiated by the light Ls calculated by simulation. Fig. 14 is a combination of the first irradiated light Ls1 of Fig. 11 and the second irradiated light Ls2 of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a schematic front view showing a second example of the light irradiated by the vehicular lamp 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 16 is a schematic top view showing the second example of the light irradiated by the vehicular lamp 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 14, the vehicle lamp 100 can irradiate the illumination surface 200 with illumination light Ls that has a large light distribution angle in the second direction Y and high luminous intensity.

[0056] (ADB function) The vehicular lamp 100 is capable of individually controlling the lighting of the plurality of light-emitting units 11 in the light source unit 1. The vehicular lamp 100 can realize an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) function by individually controlling the lighting of the plurality of light-emitting units 11. Here, the ADB function refers to a function that prevents part of the light emitted from the vehicular lamp 100 from being emitted in order to avoid dazzling the driver of a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle on which the vehicular lamp 100 is installed, or pedestrians, etc. present around the vehicle on which the vehicular lamp 100 is installed. For example, the vehicular lamp 100 uses the ADB function to turn off the light-emitting unit 11 that illuminates the driver of a preceding vehicle and / or an oncoming vehicle, pedestrians, etc. This reduces the light irradiated to the driver of an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle, or pedestrians, etc., and prevents dazzling the driver or pedestrian.

[0057] 15 and 16, the irradiated light Ls includes a first lit region Ap1, a second lit region Ap2, and an unlit region An. The first lit region Ap1 and the second lit region Ap2 are light that is partially irradiated onto the irradiated surface 200 by turning on some of the multiple light-emitting units 11. The unlit region An located between the first lit region Ap1 and the second lit region Ap2 is a region on the irradiated surface 200 where no light is irradiated by turning off some of the multiple light-emitting units 11. The vehicular lamp 100 can prevent light from being irradiated onto a driver of an oncoming vehicle and / or a preceding vehicle by using the ADB function to turn off the light-emitting unit 11 that corresponds to the position of the driver.

[0058] [Second embodiment] Next, a vehicle lamp according to a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same names and symbols as those in the already described embodiments indicate the same or similar members or configurations, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. This also applies to the following embodiments.

[0059] <Overall configuration of vehicle lamp according to second embodiment> The configuration of a vehicular lamp according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 17 and 18. Fig. 17 is a schematic front view showing an example of the overall configuration of a vehicular lamp 110 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a schematic front view showing an example of light Ls emitted by the vehicular lamp 110 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 20 is a schematic front view showing an example of light Ls emitted by the vehicular lamp 110 according to the second embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 18, part of the light emitted from the light source unit 1 is represented by light L1 indicated by a solid line and light L2 indicated by a dashed line. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 18, the light emitted from the vehicular lamp 110 is represented by light Ls indicated by an outline arrow.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it has a second lens 4 disposed in front of the first lens 2 in the third direction Z.

[0061] The second lens 4 is a lens having a nearly rotationally symmetric surface with the central axis 4c of the second lens 4, which is aligned with the direction in which the second lens 4 emits light, for example, the third direction Z, as the axis of rotation. The second lens 4 is made of a light-transmitting glass material or resin material. Examples of the resin material that can be used include acrylic resin and polycarbonate resin. The second lens 4 can be manufactured by injection molding using a resin material or glass material.

[0062] 17, the outer edge shape of the second lens 4 when viewed from the front is a substantially circular shape with the upper and lower arcuate portions cut away. However, the outer edge shape of the second lens 4 when viewed from the front may be a substantially rectangular, circular, elliptical, polygonal, or the like.

[0063] The front surface 41 of the second lens 4 shown in FIG. 18 has a spherical shape that is convex forward. Furthermore, the rear surface 42 of the second lens 4 has a spherical shape that is convex backward. The front surface 41 and the rear surface 42 of the second lens 4 at least have different curvatures. However, as long as the second lens 4 has a surface that is approximately rotationally symmetric about the central axis 4c, the shapes of the front surface 41 and the rear surface 42 are not limited to spherical, and may be aspherical, a Fresnel lens surface, a diffractive lens surface, or the like. Furthermore, the front surface 41 and the rear surface 42 may have approximately the same shape.

[0064] 18, light L1 emitted from the light source unit 1 is incident on the first portion 21 of the first lens 2, passes through the first portion 21, and then exits from the first portion 21. The light L1 emitted from the first portion 21 is incident on the second lens 4, passes through the second lens 4, and then exits from the second lens 4, and is irradiated by the vehicular lamp 110 as part of the illumination light Ls.

[0065] 18, light L2 emitted from the light source unit 1 is incident on the second portion 22 of the first lens 2, passes through the second portion 22, and then exits from the second portion 22. The light L2 emitted from the second portion 22 is incident on the second lens 4, passes through the second lens 4, and then exits from the second lens 4, and is irradiated by the vehicular lamp 110 as part of the illumination light Ls.

[0066] <Light irradiated by the vehicle lamp according to the second embodiment> The light irradiated by the vehicular lamp 110 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19 and Fig. 20. Fig. 19 is a schematic front view showing a first example of the light Ls irradiated by the vehicular lamp 110 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 20 is a schematic front view showing a second example of the light Ls irradiated by the vehicular lamp 110 according to the second embodiment. Figs. 19 and 20 are conceptual diagrams of the irradiated light Ls calculated by simulation.

[0067] In contrast to the illumination light Ls according to the first example shown in Fig. 19, the illumination light Ls according to the second example shown in Fig. 20 includes an unlit region An on the illumination surface 200. The illumination light Ls shown in Fig. 20 includes a first illuminated region Ap1 and a second illuminated region Ap2 on both sides of the unlit region An in the first direction X. The first illuminated region Ap1 and the second illuminated region Ap2 are light that is partially illuminated on the illumination surface 200 by turning on some of the multiple light-emitting units 11. The unlit region An located between the first illuminated region Ap1 and the second illuminated region Ap2 is a region on the illumination surface 200 where no light is illuminated by light, by turning off some of the multiple light-emitting units 11.

[0068] In this embodiment, by disposing the second lens 4 in front of the first lens 2 in the third direction Z, the curvature per lens surface of the first lens 2 and the second lens 4 can be made gentler than when only the first lens 2 is provided. By making the curvature per lens surface gentler, lens aberration can be easily reduced, and the contrast between the illuminated areas, such as the first illuminated area Ap1 and the second illuminated area Ap2, and the unlit area An in the irradiated light Ls can be increased. As a result, in this embodiment, the amount of light irradiated onto drivers of oncoming vehicles and / or vehicles ahead, or pedestrians, can be reduced, preventing dazzling of the drivers or pedestrians.

[0069] Although the preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0070] All ordinal numbers, quantitative numbers, and other figures used in the description of the embodiments are provided as examples to specifically explain the technology of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated figures. Furthermore, the connection relationships between components are provided as examples to specifically explain the technology of the present disclosure, and do not limit the connection relationships that realize the functions of the present disclosure.

[0071] The vehicle lamp of the present disclosure is capable of emitting light with a wide beam distribution angle, and therefore is particularly suitable for use as a lamp for automobiles. Although the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure has been described as a headlight in the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle lamp can be used for various purposes, such as a communication lamp or a daytime running lamp. Furthermore, the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure is not limited to being used in automobiles. The vehicle lamp of the present disclosure may also be used, for example, as a lamp for an air vehicle such as a helicopter or a drone.

[0072] Aspects of the present disclosure are, for example, as follows. <Item 1> A vehicle lamp including: a light source unit including a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged side by side in a first direction; a first lens arranged at a distance from the light source unit and transmitting light emitted from the light source unit; and a reflector arranged between the first lens and the light source unit and below the plurality of light-emitting elements in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the reflector including a reflective surface that reflects the light emitted from the light source unit, wherein the first lens includes a first portion having positive refractive power in the first direction and the second direction, and a second portion whose refractive power in the second direction is smaller than the refractive power in the first direction, and the refractive power of the first portion in the second direction is larger than the refractive power of the second portion in the second direction. <Item 2> The vehicular lamp according to <Item 1>, wherein the second portion is positioned higher than the first portion in the second direction. <Item 3> The vehicle lamp according to <Item 1> or <Item 2>, wherein the first portion is located below the optical axis of the first lens in the first direction in the second direction. <Item 4> The vehicular lamp according to any one of <Item 1> to <Item 3>, wherein the second portion includes a portion located below the optical axis of the first lens in the second direction. <Item 5> The vehicular lamp according to any one of <Item 1> to <Item 4>, wherein the second portion is a cylindrical body having a positive refractive power in the first direction and no refractive power in the second direction. <Item 6> The vehicle lamp according to any one of <Item 1> to <Item 5>, wherein the reflective surface of the reflector is a cylindrical surface that has a curvature in the second direction and does not have a curvature in the first direction. <Item 7> The vehicle lamp according to any one of <Item 1> to <Item 6>, wherein the plurality of light emitting portions are aligned in a row in the first direction. <Item 8> The vehicle lamp according to <Item 7>, wherein the distance between the light emitting surfaces of adjacent light emitting portions among the plurality of light emitting portions is 0.05 mm or less. <Item 9> A plurality of wires corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting units are provided, and the plurality of wires are arranged in the same direction in the second direction with the light-emitting units as a reference, In the vehicle lamp according to <Item 8>, the reflector is arranged on the opposite side of the light emitting portion in the second direction from the side on which the plurality of wires are located. <Item 10> The vehicle lamp according to any one of <Item 1> to <Item 9>, wherein the plurality of light emitting parts can be individually controlled to be turned on and off. <Item 11> The vehicle lamp according to any one of <Item 1> to <Item 10>, wherein, when viewed from a third direction that intersects with each of the first direction and the second direction, a first end portion of the reflective surface on the side where the light-emitting portion is located and a second end portion of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting portion on the side where the reflective surface is located overlap. <Item 12> The vehicle lamp according to any one of <Item 1> to <Item 11>, wherein the focal point of the first portion and the focal point of the second portion are each located on an imaginary plane including a light-emitting surface of the light-emitting portion, and overlap each other when viewed from a third direction that intersects with each of the first direction and the second direction. <Item 13> The vehicular lamp according to any one of <Item 1> to <Item 12>, further comprising a second lens disposed in front of the first lens in a third direction that intersects with both the first direction and the second direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1 Light source section 11 Light-emitting part 12 Light-emitting surface 13 wires 14 electrode pads 15 Second end 16 packages 17 Resin parts 18 Virtual Plane 2 First lens 2c optical axis 21 First Part 211 Front 212 Rear 22 Second Part 220 parts 221 Front 222 Rear 3 Reflector 31 Reflective surface 32 First end 4 Second lens 4c center axis 100 Vehicle lighting fixtures 110 Vehicle lighting fixtures 200 Irradiation surface An unlit area Ap1 1st lighting area Ap2 2nd lighting area L, L1, L2, L3, L41, L42 light Ls irradiation light Ls1 1st irradiation light Ls2, Ls21, Ls22 2nd irradiation light d Light-emitting surface width F1 Focus of the first part F2 Focus of the second part p Emitting surface spacing

Claims

1. a light source unit including a plurality of light emitting units arranged side by side in a first direction; a first lens disposed apart from the light source unit and transmitting light emitted from the light source unit; a reflector that is disposed between the first lens and the light source unit and below the plurality of light-emitting units in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the reflector including a reflective surface that reflects the light emitted from the light source unit, The first lens is a first portion having positive refractive power in the first direction and the second direction; a second portion having a refractive power in the second direction smaller than a refractive power in the first direction; A vehicular lamp, wherein a refractive power of the first portion in the second direction is greater than a refractive power of the second portion in the second direction.

2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the second portion is positioned higher than the first portion in the second direction.

3. 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the first portion is located below an optical axis of the first lens in the first direction in the second direction.

4. 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second portion includes a portion located below an optical axis of the first lens in the second direction.

5. 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second portion is a cylindrical body having a positive refractive power in the first direction and no refractive power in the second direction.

6. 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflector is a cylindrical surface that has a curvature in the second direction and does not have a curvature in the first direction.

7. 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light emitting portions are aligned in a line in the first direction.

8. The vehicular lamp according to claim 7 , wherein a distance between light emitting surfaces of adjacent light emitting portions of the plurality of light emitting portions is 0.05 mm or less.

9. a plurality of wires corresponding to the plurality of light emitting units, the plurality of wires are arranged in the same direction in the second direction with the light emitting unit as a reference; The vehicular lamp according to claim 8 , wherein the reflector is disposed on an opposite side of the light emitting portion in the second direction from a side on which the plurality of wires are located.

10. 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light emitting elements are individually controllable for lighting.

11. 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from a third direction intersecting each of the first direction and the second direction, a first end portion of the reflective surface on a side where the light-emitting portion is located and a second end portion of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting portion on a side where the reflective surface is located overlap.

12. 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the focal point of the first portion and the focal point of the second portion are each located on an imaginary plane including a light-emitting surface of the light-emitting portion, and overlap each other when viewed from a third direction that intersects with each of the first direction and the second direction.

13. 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, further comprising a second lens disposed at least one of in front of and behind the first lens in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

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