Vehicular lighting tool

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting tool capable of performing heat release from a sensor chamber.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting tool includes a housing, an outer lens mounted to the housing to form a lighting chamber between the housing and itself, a lighting tool unit arranged in the lighting chamber, a distance measurement sensor unit including a sensor chamber, a distance measurement sensor provided in the sensor chamber, and an air fan provided in the sensor chamber, the housing being provided with a through hole communicating with the lighting chamber, the distance measurement sensor unit being mounted to the housing in the state that the sensor chamber is arranged via the through hole in the lighting chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A vehicle lamp is known in which the space between the outer lens and the housing is divided by a partition wall that is part of the housing into a lamp chamber in which the lamp unit is placed and a sensor chamber in which the distance measuring sensor is placed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-20336 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, heat dissipation from the sensor chamber is not taken into consideration, so the heat generated by the distance measurement sensor will cause the temperature inside the sensor chamber to rise, which may make it impossible to maintain the quality of the distance measurement sensor inside the sensor chamber, and there is room for improvement in this regard.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and has an object to provide a vehicle lamp that can dissipate heat from a sensor chamber. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure comprises a housing, an outer lens attached to the housing and forming a lamp chamber between the housing and the outer lens, a lamp unit arranged in the lamp chamber, a distance measuring sensor unit with a sensor chamber, a distance measuring sensor provided in the sensor chamber, and a blower provided in the sensor chamber, wherein the housing has a through hole formed therein communicating with the lamp chamber, and the distance measuring sensor unit is attached to the housing with the sensor chamber arranged in the lamp chamber via the through hole.

[0007] With this configuration, heat can be dissipated from the sensor chamber.

[0008] In addition, the above-mentioned vehicle lighting fixture may further include a sensor cover and a bracket to which the distance measurement sensor, the blower and the sensor cover are attached, the sensor cover and the bracket constituting the sensor chamber, and the sensor cover may face the outer lens across a space when the distance measurement sensor unit is attached to the housing.

[0009] In the vehicle lamp, the blower may blow air toward a gap between the distance measuring sensor and the sensor cover.

[0010] In the above vehicle lamp, the blower may blow air toward the distance measuring sensor.

[0011] In addition, the above-mentioned vehicle lamp may further include a sensor cover arranged close to the outer lens, a heat sink arranged far from the outer lens, and a bracket to which the distance measurement sensor, the blower, the sensor cover, and the heat sink are attached, and the sensor cover, the heat sink, and the bracket may form the sensor chamber, and a gap may be provided between the distance measurement sensor and the heat sink.

[0012] The above-described vehicle lamp may further include an air flow control unit that controls the flow of air generated by the blower.

[0013] The above-described vehicle lamp may further include a heat shield plate disposed between the blower and the heat source.

[0014] In the above vehicle lamp, the sensor chamber may be provided with a ventilation hole.

[0015] In the above vehicle lamp, the bracket may be made of a material with low thermal conductivity.

[0016] The vehicle lamp may further include a heat insulating material that covers the sensor chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a vehicle lamp capable of dissipating heat from a sensor chamber. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle lamp 10. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 1 shows a first modified example of the vehicle lamp 10. [Figure 4] 10 is a second modified example of the vehicle lamp 10. [Figure 5] 10 is a third modified example of the vehicle lamp 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] A vehicle lamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding components in the various drawings are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0020] The vehicle lamp 10 of this embodiment is a vehicle lamp that functions as a headlamp and is mounted on both the left and right sides of the front end of a vehicle (not shown) such as an automobile. Since the vehicle lamps 10 mounted on both the left and right sides have a symmetrical configuration, the following description will be directed to the vehicle lamp 10 mounted on the left side of the front end of the vehicle (the left side as viewed from the front of the vehicle) as a representative.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle lamp 10, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle lamp 10 includes a housing 20, an outer lens 30, a lamp unit 40, a distance measurement sensor unit 50, and an extension 60.

[0023] The housing 20 is made of, for example, polypropylene, but may be made of a synthetic resin other than polypropylene.

[0024] The outer lens 30 is made of, for example, polycarbonate. However, the outer lens 30 may be made of a transparent resin other than polycarbonate. The outer lens 30 is attached to the housing 20 while covering the opening of the housing 20, and forms a lamp chamber S1 between the outer lens 30 and the housing 20. The entire periphery of the outer lens 30 is welded to the housing 20 (opening). A lamp unit 40 is disposed in the lamp chamber S1.

[0025] The lighting unit 40 is a lighting unit for a headlamp. The lighting unit 40 may be any of a projector type lighting unit, a reflector type lighting unit, a direct projection type lighting unit, a lighting unit using a light guide (light guide rod, light guide plate), or other lighting units. When a headlamp light source (not shown) is turned on, light emitted by the headlamp light source is transmitted through the outer lens 30 and irradiated. This achieves a headlamp.

[0026] The housing 20 has a through hole H communicating with the lamp chamber S1.20 The distance measurement sensor unit 50 is formed through this through hole H 20 The sensor chamber S2 is inserted into the lamp chamber S1 via the sensor chamber S2 and is detachably attached to the housing 20 with the sensor chamber S2 disposed inside the lamp chamber S1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0027] The distance measurement sensor unit 50 includes a bracket 51, a distance measurement sensor 52, a blower 53, a sensor cover 54, a heat sink 55, and a heat insulator 56. The distance measurement sensor 52, the blower 53, the sensor cover 54, the heat sink 55, and the heat insulator 56 are attached to the bracket 51.

[0028] The bracket 51 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin. The bracket 51 is preferably made of a material with low thermal conductivity, similar to the heat insulating material 56. The bracket 51 includes a peripheral wall portion 51a surrounding the sensor chamber S2 from above, below, left and right, a heat sink mounting portion 51b to which the heat sink 55 is mounted, and a housing 20 (through hole H 20 The flange portion 51c is fixed to the surrounding portion.

[0029] The opening of the peripheral wall 51a on the vehicle front side (left side in FIG. 2) is covered by a sensor cover 54. On the other hand, the opening of the peripheral wall 51a on the vehicle rear side (right side in FIG. 2) is mainly covered by a heat sink 55 (base portion 55a). This forms a sensor chamber S2 that is enclosed and sealed by the bracket 51 (peripheral wall 51a), sensor cover 54, and heat sink 55 (base portion 55a). A distance measurement sensor 52 and a blower 53 are provided in the sensor chamber S2.

[0030] The distance measurement sensor 52 is, for example, a millimeter-wave radar unit (radar device) that transmits electromagnetic waves (millimeter waves). The distance measurement sensor 52 includes a case 52a, a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna (neither of which are shown), and the like, housed within the case 52a. The distance measurement sensor 52 is attached to a bracket 51 with a screw N1 (see FIG. 1). The distance measurement sensor 52 may also be attached to the bracket 51 via an aiming mechanism (not shown). A gap L1 (see FIG. 2) is provided between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the sensor cover 54. A gap L2 (see FIG. 2) is also provided between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the heat sink 55 (base portion 55a). The gaps L1 and L2 allow the distance measurement sensor 52 to tilt (swing around a horizontal axis and a vertical axis) using the aiming mechanism (not shown). Various shapes of distance measurement sensors 52 may be used. That is, even if distance measuring sensors 52 of various shapes are used, the configuration of the vehicle lamp 10 (and distance measuring sensor unit 50, etc.) does not need to be changed.

[0031] The electromagnetic waves (millimeter waves) transmitted by the distance measurement sensor 52 (transmitting antenna) pass through the sensor cover 54 and spread at a vertical angle θ V (See Figure 2), horizontal spread angle θ H (See FIG. 1). The distance measurement sensor 52 then receives, via a receiving antenna, the reflected waves that are reflected by an object present within the transmission range and pass through the sensor cover 54. The received signals are processed by a control device, such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (not shown), to detect the object (the distance, angle, and speed to the object). The distance measurement sensor 52 uses millimeter waves in the 76-81 GHz band, for example, and particularly millimeter waves in the 79 GHz band, but is not limited to this frequency band. When the distance measurement sensor 52 operates as described above, heat is generated mainly on the front surface side (left side in FIG. 2).

[0032] The radar system of the distance measurement sensor 52 may be a pulse system, a CW (Continuous Wave) system, or another system. The antenna system of the distance measurement sensor 52 may be a mechanical scanning system, a beam switching system, a phased array system, a digital forming system, or another system.

[0033] The blower 53 is, for example, an axial fan. The blower 53 is disposed below the distance measurement sensor 52. The blower 53 draws in air from below in FIG. 2 and expels it from above. This generates air flows from below to above, in this case, an air flow AR1 passing between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the sensor cover 54 and an air flow AR2 passing between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the heat sink 55 (base portion 55a). There may also be an air flow blown directly from the blower 53 to the distance measurement sensor 52. The blower 53 may be, for example, a sirocco fan other than an axial fan.

[0034] The sensor cover 54 is a decorative member (extension) that conceals the internal structure of the sensor chamber S2 so that it cannot be seen from the outside. The sensor cover 54 is made of a material that is opaque to visible light, such as a black synthetic resin. The sensor cover 54 is detachably attached to the bracket 51 while covering the opening of the peripheral wall 51a of the bracket 51 on the vehicle front side (left side in FIG. 2).

[0035] The heat sink 55 includes a base portion 55a and heat dissipation fins 55b. The heat sink 55 is made of, for example, aluminum die-cast. The heat sink 55 is attached to the bracket 51 with the base portion 55a covering the opening of the peripheral wall portion 51a of the bracket 51 on the vehicle rear side. The base portion 55a is arranged in an exposed state within the lamp chamber S1. On the other hand, the heat dissipation fins 55b are arranged outside the sensor chamber S2. The heat sink 55 may be omitted.

[0036] The heat insulating material 56 is attached to the bracket 51 while covering the peripheral wall portion 51a of the bracket 51. The heat insulating material 56 is provided mainly to prevent heat generated in the lighting unit 40 from being transmitted to the sensor chamber S2 (distance measuring sensor 52).

[0037] The distance measuring sensor unit 50 having the above-described configuration is detachably attached to the vehicle lamp 10 (housing 20).

[0038] Specifically, a through hole H formed in the housing 20 20 The distance measuring sensor unit 50 is inserted into the lamp chamber S1 through the through hole H, and the sensor chamber S2 is disposed in the lamp chamber S1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). 20 Then, in this state, the flange portion 51c of the bracket 51 is brought into contact with the housing 20 (through hole H 20 The distance measurement sensor unit 50 is then fastened with a screw to the flange portion 51c of the bracket 51. In this manner, the distance measurement sensor unit 50 is detachably attached to the vehicle lamp 10 (housing 20). When attached in this manner, the distance measurement sensor 52 and the sensor cover 54 are positioned closer to the outer lens 30. From the viewpoint of promoting heat dissipation from the sensor chamber S2 through heat exchange, it is preferable that the distance between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the sensor cover 54 and the outer lens 30 is short.

[0039] In the vehicle lamp 10 configured as described above, the distance measurement sensor 52 operates as described above, and as a result, heat is generated (for example, at about 100 degrees) mainly on the surface side (left side in FIG. 2) of the distance measurement sensor 52. In response to this, the blower 53 draws air from below in FIG. 2 and expels it from above, generating air flows from below to above; in this case, an air flow AR1 passing between the distance measurement sensor 52 (the surface side that generates heat) and the sensor cover 54, and an air flow AR2 passing between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the heat sink 55 (base portion 55a).

[0040] This forms a first and second heat dissipation path for dissipating heat from the sensor chamber S2. The first heat dissipation path is a path that dissipates heat from the distance measurement sensor 52 → air flow AR1 generated by the blower 53 passing between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the sensor cover 54 → sensor cover 54 → space (air) between the sensor cover 54 and the outer lens 30 → outer lens 30 → to the outside of the lamp chamber S1. On the other hand, the second heat dissipation path is a path that dissipates heat from the distance measurement sensor 52 → air flow AR2 generated by the blower 53 passing between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the heat sink 55 (base portion 55a) → heat sink 55 (base portion 55a) → heat sink 55 (heat dissipation fins 55b) → to the outside of the sensor chamber S2.

[0041] The first heat dissipation path will be further described.

[0042] The air flow AR1 passes between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the sensor cover 54, thereby cooling the space between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the sensor cover 54. This facilitates heat transfer of the heat generated by the distance measurement sensor 52 (on the heat-generating surface side) to the air between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the sensor cover 54. This also increases the amount of heat passing through from the outer lens 30. This makes it possible to suppress increases in the air temperature inside the sensor chamber S2 (around the distance measurement sensor 52) and in the temperature of the distance measurement sensor 52 itself.

[0043] The first heat dissipation path will now be described in more detail.

[0044] As the airflow AR1 passes between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the sensor cover 54, heat generated by the distance measurement sensor 52 (the heat-generating surface side) is transferred (heat transferred) to the sensor cover 54, causing the sensor cover 54 itself to heat up. The sensor cover 54 is cooled by the air on the outer lens 30 side, which is at a lower temperature within the lamp chamber S1. Generally, within the lamp chamber S1, the temperature on the outer lens 30 side, which comes into contact with the outside air while driving, is lower than the temperature on the housing 20 side, where the headlamp light source and other components are located. As a result, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the air temperature in the lamp chamber S1 or the temperature of the distance measurement sensor 52 itself, which would have risen due to the heat generated by the distance measurement sensor 52.

[0045] As described above, the heat generated by the distance measurement sensor 52 (the heat-generating surface side) is transferred in the following order: distance measurement sensor 52 → air flow AR1 generated by the blower 53 passing between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the sensor cover 54 → sensor cover 54 → space (air) between the sensor cover 54 and the outer lens 30 → outer lens 30, and finally dissipated from the outer lens 30 to the outside of the lamp chamber S1. This achieves heat dissipation in the sensor chamber S2.

[0046] Next, the second heat dissipation path will be further described.

[0047] When the airflow AR2 passing between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the heat sink 55 (base portion 55a) comes into contact with the heat sink 55 (base portion 55a), heat is transferred in this order to the base portion 55a and the heat dissipation fins 55b, and then dissipated from the heat dissipation fins 55b to the outside of the sensor chamber S2. This also helps prevent an increase in the air temperature inside the sensor chamber S2 (around the distance measurement sensor 52). In this way, heat generated by the distance measurement sensor 52 (the heat-generating surface side) is transferred in the order of the distance measurement sensor 52 → the airflow AR2 passing between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the heat sink 55 (base portion 55a) generated by the blower 53 → the heat sink 55 (base portion 55a) → the heat sink 55 (heat dissipation fins 55b), and finally dissipated from the heat sink 55 (heat dissipation fins 55b) to the outside of the sensor chamber S2. This also achieves heat dissipation in the sensor chamber S2.

[0048] As described above, according to this embodiment, heat can be dissipated from the sensor chamber S2, thereby maintaining the quality of the distance measuring sensor 52 in the sensor chamber S2.

[0049] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the distance measurement sensor 52 is provided in the sensor chamber S2 separated from the lamp chamber S1, so that the influence of heat sources such as the lighting unit 40 in the lamp chamber S1 on the distance measurement sensor 52 can be reduced.

[0050] In addition, according to this embodiment, the air flow AR1 created by the blower 53 installed in the sensor chamber S2 passes between the ranging sensor 52 (the heat-generating surface side) and the sensor cover 54, cooling the area between the ranging sensor 52 (the heat-generating surface side) and the sensor cover 54, thereby making it easier for the heat generated by the ranging sensor 52 (the heat-generating surface side) to be transferred and dissipated.

[0051] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a gap L2 (see FIG. 2) is provided between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the heat sink 55 (base portion 55a), and the heat sink 55 (base portion 55a) is exposed to the interior of the lamp chamber S1, which facilitates heat dissipation from the sensor chamber S2.

[0052] Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the seal that seals the outer lens to the partition wall that separates the lamp chamber from the sensor chamber is visible through the outer lens, whereas in this embodiment, such a seal does not exist (see FIG. 1). Therefore, compared to Patent Document 1, the design and merchantability are improved. That is, according to this embodiment, the distance measuring sensor 52 can be provided in the lamp chamber S1 while ensuring the design and merchantability.

[0053] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the distance measurement sensor 52 can be replaced by removing the distance measurement sensor unit 50 (the bracket 51 to which the distance measurement sensor 52 and the like are attached) from the vehicle lamp 10 (the housing 20). This improves maintainability.

[0054] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the sensor chamber S2 is covered with the heat insulating material 56, which reduces the influence of heat sources such as the lamp unit 40 in the lamp chamber S1. That is, according to this embodiment, the distance measuring sensor 52 can be installed in the lamp chamber S1 in a state where the influence of heat sources such as the lamp unit 40 in the lamp chamber S1 is reduced.

[0055] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a gap L1 (see FIG. 2) is provided between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the sensor cover 54. Furthermore, a gap L2 (see FIG. 2) is provided between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the heat sink 55 (base portion 55a). This allows the use of distance measurement sensors 52 of various shapes. In other words, even if distance measurement sensors 52 of various shapes are used, the configuration of the vehicle lamp 10 (and the distance measurement sensor unit 50, etc.) does not need to be changed.

[0056] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the heat generated by the distance measurement sensor 52 can be dissipated (exhausted) via the heat sink 55 to the outside of the sensor chamber S2.

[0057] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the distance measurement sensor 52 can be forcibly air-cooled by the air blower 53, so that a temperature rise in the sensor chamber S2 due to heat generated by the distance measurement sensor 52 can be suppressed.

[0058] Next, a modified example will be described.

[0059] FIG. 3 shows a first modification of the vehicle lamp 10. In FIG.

[0060] 3, an air flow control unit 70 that controls the flow of air generated by the blower 53 may be provided inside the sensor chamber S2. The air flow control unit 70 may be a ventilation duct or a ventilation guide. In this way, the air flow generated by the blower 53 can be efficiently guided between the distance measurement sensor 52 and the sensor cover 54. The air flow control unit 70 may be a part of the distance measurement sensor unit 50, or may be a separate component from the distance measurement sensor unit 50.

[0061] FIG. 4 shows a second modification of the vehicle lamp 10. In FIG.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, a heat shield 80 may be provided between the blower 53 and the heat source. FIG. 4 shows an example of the arrangement of the heat shield 80 when the heat source is an engine compartment (not shown) at the rear of the vehicle. The heat source may be somewhere other than the engine compartment at the rear of the vehicle. This prevents the blower 53 from drawing in high-temperature air from the heat source, thereby suppressing an increase in the air temperature inside the sensor chamber S2 (around the distance measurement sensor 52). The heat shield 80 may be part of the distance measurement sensor unit 50, or may be a component separate from the distance measurement sensor unit 50.

[0063] FIG. 5 shows a third modification of the vehicle lamp 10. In FIG.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor chamber S2 has a ventilation hole H S2 In this way, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of functional components such as the distance measuring sensor 52 and the lighting unit 40. S2 are preferably provided at locations in sensor chamber S2 corresponding to the air outlet and air inlet of blower 53 (for example, the upper and lower surfaces of peripheral wall portion 51a of bracket 51; see FIG. 5) or on the upper and side surfaces of sensor chamber S2.

[0065] In particular, if the volume outside the sensor chamber S2 is large enough to dissipate heat compared to the heat generated by the lamp unit 40, etc., and if the size of the sensor chamber S2 is small and the heat generated by the distance measuring sensor 52 is large, the temperature inside the sensor chamber S2 may become higher than outside the sensor chamber S2. S2 By providing the sensor chamber S2 with air convection between the sensor chamber S2 and the outside of the sensor chamber S2 using the air blower 53 in the sensor chamber S2, it is possible to suppress a rise in the temperature of the sensor chamber S2.

[0066] All the numerical values ​​shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and it goes without saying that other appropriate numerical values ​​can be used.

[0067] The above-described embodiments are merely examples in all respects. The present disclosure should not be construed as being limited by the description of the above-described embodiments. The present disclosure can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main characteristics thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 10...Vehicle lighting fixtures 20…Housing 30...Outer lens 40...Lighting unit 50...Range measurement sensor unit 51...Bracket 51a...peripheral wall part 51b...Heat sink mounting part 51c...Flange part 52...Range measurement sensor 52a…Case 53...Blower 54...Sensor cover 55...heat sink 55a...base part 55b...heat dissipation fin 56...Insulation material 60...Extension 70...Air flow control section 80...Heat shield H 20 ...Through holes H S2 ...ventilation hole N1...Screw S1…Light room S2: Sensor room θ H …divergence angle θ V …divergence angle

Claims

1. Housing and an outer lens attached to the housing and forming a lamp chamber between the outer lens and the housing; a lamp unit disposed in the lamp chamber; a distance measurement sensor unit having a sensor chamber; a distance measuring sensor provided in the sensor chamber; a blower provided in the sensor chamber, The housing has a through hole formed therein that communicates with the lamp chamber. The distance measuring sensor unit is attached to the housing with the sensor chamber disposed in the lamp chamber via the through hole.

2. A sensor cover; a bracket to which the distance measuring sensor, the blower, and the sensor cover are attached, the sensor cover and the bracket form the sensor chamber, The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor cover faces the outer lens across a space when the distance measuring sensor unit is attached to the housing.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2 , wherein the blower blows air toward a gap between the distance measuring sensor and the sensor cover.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the blower blows air toward the distance measuring sensor.

5. a sensor cover disposed close to the outer lens; a heat sink disposed far from the outer lens; a bracket to which the distance measuring sensor, the blower, the sensor cover, and the heat sink are attached, the sensor cover, the heat sink, and the bracket constitute the sensor chamber, The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 , wherein a gap is provided between the distance measuring sensor and the heat sink.

6. 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, further comprising an air flow control unit that controls the flow of air generated by the blower.

7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 , further comprising a heat shield disposed between the blower and the heat source.

8. 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the sensor chamber is provided with a ventilation hole.

9. 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein the bracket is made of a material with low thermal conductivity.

10. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 , further comprising a heat insulating material covering the sensor chamber.

Images