Vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a constitution which can properly perform light distribution control by irradiation light, in a vehicular lighting fixture which is constituted so as to form a laterally long light distribution pattern by radiating emission light from a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in parallel in a left-to-right direction toward the lighting fixture front via a projection lens.SOLUTION: As a plurality of light emitting elements 22, a vehicular lighting fixture includes light emitting surfaces 22a having the same size, and the light emitting elements are arranged in parallel at intervals in a left-to-right direction in a state where the light emitting surfaces 22a are directed in the same direction. Also, as a projection lens 30, the vehicular lighting fixture includes: a first projection lens part 30L with a first point F1 being a rear side focal point; and a second projection lens part 30R with a second point F2 which is separated from the first point F1 in the left-to-right direction being the rear side focal point. Then, a gap G between the first point F1 and the second point F2 is set to be the same value as lateral width W of the light emitting surface 22a and a gap S between the light emitting surfaces 22a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, projector-type vehicle lamps have been known that are configured to form a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern by irradiating light emitted from multiple light-emitting elements arranged in parallel in the left-right direction toward the front of the lamp through a projection lens.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a configuration of a projection lens in such a vehicle lamp, in which a plurality of diffusion lens elements are formed in vertical stripes on the front surface of the projection lens.

[0004] The vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1 is configured to form a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern by simultaneously lighting up multiple light-emitting elements, and then to eliminate part of the light distribution pattern by turning off some of the multiple light-emitting elements, thereby enabling efficient forward illumination without causing glare to drivers of oncoming vehicles, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-75232 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] By adopting the configuration described in the above-mentioned "Patent Document 1," even if there are some gaps between multiple light-emitting elements, it is possible to form a continuous horizontally elongated light distribution pattern as a collection of light source images by simultaneously lighting up multiple light-emitting elements.

[0007] However, when such a configuration is adopted, the contours of both side edges of each of the multiple light source images become blurred, and therefore, when part of the light distribution pattern is missing by turning off some of the multiple light-emitting elements, the contours of both side edges of the missing part also become blurred.

[0008] For this reason, it is desirable to have a configuration that can perform appropriate light distribution control even when some of the multiple light-emitting elements are turned off, from the perspective of efficiently illuminating the road ahead without causing glare to drivers of oncoming vehicles, etc.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp that is configured to form a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern by irradiating light emitted from multiple light-emitting elements arranged in parallel in the left-right direction toward the front of the lamp via a projection lens, and that is capable of appropriately controlling the light distribution using the irradiated light. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention is intended to achieve the above object by devising a projection lens configuration.

[0011] That is, the vehicle lamp according to the present invention is A vehicle lamp including a plurality of light-emitting elements and a projection lens, the vehicle lamp being configured to form a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern by irradiating light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements forward through the projection lens, The plurality of light-emitting elements have light-emitting surfaces of the same size, and are arranged in parallel at intervals in the left-right direction with the light-emitting surfaces facing the same direction, The projection lens is characterized in that it comprises a first projection lens section having a first point as its rear focal point and a second projection lens section having a second point spaced laterally from the first point as its rear focal point, and the distance between the first point and the second point is set to a value less than the left-right width of the light-emitting surface.

[0012] The above-mentioned "multiple light-emitting elements" are arranged in parallel at intervals in the left-right direction with light-emitting surfaces of the same size facing the same direction, and the specific size and shape of the light-emitting surfaces are not particularly limited, nor are the specific intervals or number of elements arranged particularly limited.

[0013] In the above-mentioned "projection lens," the first point, which is the rear focus of the first projection lens unit, and the second point, which is the rear focus of the second projection lens unit, are separated in the left-right direction, and the distance between them is set to a value less than the left-right width of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element, so long as these points are separated in the left-right direction, the specific arrangement of the first and second points is not particularly limited, and the specific shapes of the first and second projection lens units are not particularly limited either. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The vehicle lamp of the present invention is configured such that a plurality of light-emitting elements, each having the same size light-emitting surface, are arranged in parallel at intervals in the left-right direction with their light-emitting surfaces facing the same direction, and the projection lens for irradiating the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements toward the front of the lamp comprises a first projection lens section having a first point as its rear focus and a second projection lens section having a second point separated from the first point in the left-right direction as its rear focus, and the distance between the first point and the second point is set to a value less than or equal to the left-right width of the light-emitting surface, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0015] In other words, multiple first light source images with clear contours are formed by light emitted from multiple light-emitting elements and then irradiated toward the front of the lamp through the first projection lens portion of the projection lens, and multiple second light source images with clear contours are formed by light irradiated toward the front of the lamp through the second projection lens portion of the projection lens.

[0016] Furthermore, since the distance between the first point, which is the rear focal point of the first projection lens unit, and the second point, which is the rear focal point of the second projection lens unit, is set to a value equal to or less than the left-to-right width of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element, by setting the distance between the plurality of light-emitting elements to an appropriate value close to the distance between the first point and the second point, it is possible to form a plurality of first light source images and a plurality of second light source images shifted by approximately half a pitch in the left-to-right direction. As a result, by simultaneously lighting up a plurality of light-emitting elements, it is possible to form a continuous horizontally elongated light distribution pattern as a collection of a plurality of first and second light source images.

[0017] In this case, each of the multiple first and second light source images is formed as a light source image having a clear outline, so when part of the horizontally elongated light distribution pattern is missing by turning off some of the multiple light-emitting elements, the edges on both sides of the missing part can be formed with a clear outline, thereby enabling efficient forward illumination without causing glare to drivers of oncoming vehicles, etc.

[0018] Thus, according to the present invention, in a vehicle lamp configured to form a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern by irradiating the light emitted from multiple light-emitting elements arranged in parallel in the left-right direction toward the front of the lamp via a projection lens, it is possible to appropriately control the light distribution using the irradiated light.

[0019] In the above configuration, if the projection lens is configured so that the first projection lens section is composed of a plurality of first lens regions and the second projection lens section is composed of a plurality of second lens regions, and these plurality of first lens regions and plurality of second lens regions are arranged alternately, the brightness of each of the plurality of first and second light source images can be made approximately uniform.

[0020] In this case, if the multiple first lens regions and multiple second lens regions are arranged alternately in the left-right direction, even if stray light is emitted from the boundary between the multiple first lens regions and the multiple second lens regions, it is possible to effectively prevent such stray light from being irradiated onto the space above the light distribution pattern or the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0021] Furthermore, in this case, if the projection lens is configured so that multiple first lens areas and multiple second lens areas are arranged in a symmetrical positional relationship with respect to the midpoint between the first point and the second point, each of the multiple first and second light source images can be formed with more uniform brightness.

[0022] In the above configuration, if the projection lens is further configured such that its front surface is formed into a discontinuous convex curved surface to form multiple first and second lens regions, it is possible to precisely control the light transmission of light emitted from multiple light-emitting elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] Cross section of line II-II in Figure 1 [Figure 3] Cross section of line III-III in Figure 1 [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a light source unit of the vehicle lamp as a single unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an additional light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the vehicle lamp; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the formation of the additional light distribution pattern. [Figure 7] A diagram similar to Fig. 5 showing variations of the additional light distribution pattern. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a first modified example of the embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an additional light distribution pattern formed in the first modified example. [Figure 10]FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a second modification of the embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an additional light distribution pattern formed in the second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing a third modification of the embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an additional light distribution pattern formed in the third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a front view showing a vehicle lamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 1.

[0026] 1 to 3, the direction indicated by X is the "forward" direction of the lamp ("forward" also as a vehicle), the direction indicated by Y is the "leftward" direction ("rightward" when viewed from the front of the lamp) perpendicular to the "forward" direction, and the direction indicated by Z is the "upward" direction. This is the same in the other figures.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the vehicle lamp 10 includes a light source unit 20 and a projection lens 30, and is configured to form a horizontally elongated additional light distribution pattern (which will be described later) by irradiating light emitted from the light source unit 20 toward the front of the lamp via the projection lens 30.

[0028] The light source unit 20 includes twelve light emitting elements 22 and a substrate 24 on which these elements are mounted, and is supported by a base member 40 at the substrate 24 .

[0029] The projection lens 30 has a lens shape similar to a plano-convex lens, with a convex front surface 30a and a flat rear surface 30b, and has a horizontally elongated rectangular outer shape when viewed from the front of the lamp. The projection lens 30 has an outer peripheral flange portion 30c extending along the rear surface 30b, and is supported by a lens holder 32 at this outer peripheral flange portion 30c. The lens holder 32 is supported by a base member 40.

[0030] The projection lens 30 includes a first projection lens section 30L and a second projection lens section 30R.

[0031] The first projection lens unit 30L has a rear focus at a first point F1, which is set to the left (right when viewed from the front of the lamp) of a virtual reference axis Ax that extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the lamp and passes through the center of the projection lens 30. The optical axis Ax1 extends parallel to the virtual reference axis Ax. The second projection lens unit 30R has a rear focus at a second point F2, which is set to the right of the virtual reference axis Ax. The optical axis Ax2 extends parallel to the virtual reference axis Ax. The first and second points F1 and F2 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the virtual reference axis Ax on the same plane perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction of the lamp. The specific configurations of the first and second projection lens units 30L and 30R will be described later.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the light source unit 20 alone.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, each of the twelve light emitting elements 22 is made up of a white light emitting diode, and the light emitting surface 22a thereof has an outer shape of a square of the same size (for example, a square of 1 mm on each side).

[0034] The twelve light-emitting elements 22 are arranged in parallel at equal intervals in the left-right direction with their light-emitting surfaces 22a facing the front of the lamp. The twelve light-emitting elements 22 are arranged in a symmetrical positional relationship with respect to the imaginary reference axis Ax, and the upper ends of the light-emitting surfaces 22a are arranged on a horizontal plane including the imaginary reference axis Ax and the pair of left and right optical axes Ax1, Ax2.

[0035] In this embodiment, the distance S between the twelve light-emitting elements 22 is set to the same value as the left-right width W of the light-emitting surfaces 22a. Furthermore, the distance S and the left-right width W are set to the same value as the distance G between the first point F1 and the second point F2. The twelve light-emitting elements 22 are arranged such that the side edges of the light-emitting surfaces 22a of a pair of light-emitting elements 22 located at the center in the left-right direction, which are closer to the imaginary reference axis Ax, are positioned on the first and second points F1 and F2.

[0036] Next, the specific configuration of the first and second projection lens units 30L and 30R will be described.

[0037] 1 and 3, the first projection lens unit 30L is composed of a plurality of first lens regions 30La, and the second projection lens unit 30R is composed of a plurality of second lens regions 30Ra. These first and second lens regions 30La, 30Ra are arranged alternately in the left-right direction.

[0038] Specifically, six of each of the first and second lens regions 30La, 30Ra are arranged symmetrically about the midpoints of the first and second points F1, F2 (i.e., symmetrically about the virtual reference axis Ax). Each of the first and second lens regions 30La, 30Ra is configured as a vertically elongated rectangular strip region that extends vertically and has the same width in a front view of the lamp.

[0039] The plurality of first and second lens regions 30La and 30Ra are configured by forming the front surface 30a of the projection lens 30 into a discontinuous convex curved surface.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an additional light distribution pattern PA formed on a virtual vertical screen located 25 m ahead of the vehicle by light emitted from the vehicle lamp 10 in a forward direction.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, the additional light distribution pattern PA is a light distribution pattern that is formed in addition to the low beam light distribution pattern PL (light distribution pattern indicated by dashed lines in the figure) formed by light emitted from another lamp unit (not shown) in the high beam illumination mode, and is formed as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern.

[0042] The low-beam light distribution pattern PL is a low-beam light distribution pattern with left-hand light distribution, and has cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 at its upper edge that are staggered on the left and right. These cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 extend horizontally with staggered left and right positions, with the VV line, which passes vertically through the HV vanishing point in front of the lamp, as the boundary. The portion on the oncoming lane side to the right of the VV line is formed as a lower cutoff line CL1, and the portion on the own lane side to the left of the VV line is formed as an upper cutoff line CL2 that is stepped up from the lower cutoff line CL1 via an inclined portion. In this low-beam light distribution pattern PL, elbow point E, which is the intersection of the lower cutoff line CL1 and the VV line, is located approximately 0.5 to 0.6 degrees below the HV line.

[0043] The additional light distribution pattern PA is a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that spreads upward from the vicinity of the cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 and is formed so as to spread evenly to both the left and right sides of the VV line as the center. By forming this additional light distribution pattern PA in addition to the low-beam light distribution pattern PL, the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is formed as a light distribution pattern that illuminates the road ahead as widely as possible.

[0044] The additional light distribution pattern PA is formed as a composite light distribution pattern of a first light distribution pattern PAL formed by light irradiated from the first projection lens unit 30L and a second light distribution pattern PAR formed by light irradiated from the second projection lens unit 30R.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the formation of the additional light distribution pattern PA.

[0046] 6(b), the first light distribution pattern PAL is configured by twelve first light source images PaL arranged in a stepping-stone pattern in the left-right direction. These twelve first light source images PaL are images of the light-emitting surfaces 22a of the twelve light-emitting elements 22 that are inverted and projected onto the virtual vertical screen by the first projection lens unit 30L.

[0047] 6(c), the second light distribution pattern PAR is formed by forming 12 second light source images PaR in a stepping-stone pattern in the left-right direction. These 12 second light source images PaR are images of the light-emitting surfaces 22a of the 12 light-emitting elements 22 that are inverted and projected onto the virtual vertical screen by the second projection lens unit 30R.

[0048] 6(a), the additional light distribution pattern PA is formed by continuously arranging 12 first light source images PaL constituting the first light distribution pattern PAL and 12 second light source images PaR constituting the second light distribution pattern PAR alternately one by one with no gaps between them. Each of the 12 first light source images PaL and the 12 second light source images PaR has a square outer shape and is formed at an equal pitch in a symmetrical positional relationship with respect to the line VV.

[0049] This is because, as shown in Figure 4, the side edges of the light-emitting surfaces 22a of a pair of light-emitting elements 22 located in the center in the left-right direction among the twelve light-emitting elements 22 are positioned so that they are located on the first and second points F1 and F2, and the spacing S between the twelve light-emitting elements 22 and the left-right width W of each of them are set to the same value as the spacing G between the first point F1 and the second point F2.

[0050] Of the 12 first light source images PaL and 12 second light source images PaR, the first and second light source images PaL, PaR adjacent to the VV line are the smallest and brightest, followed by the first and second light source images PaL, PaR adjacent to that on both the left and right sides, and gradually increase in size and decrease in brightness toward the first and second light source images PaL, PaR located at both the left and right ends.

[0051] Furthermore, the pair of first and second light source images PaL, PaR adjacent to the VV line are formed with their side edges on the VV line side roughly aligned, but there is a slight overlap between the first and second light source images PaL, PaR adjacent to them on both the left and right sides, and the largest overlap is formed between the first and second light source images PaL, PaR located at the left and right ends and the first and second light source images PaL, PaR adjacent to them on the VV line side.

[0052] The 12 first light source images PaL and the 12 second light source images PaR are formed so that their lower ends protrude downward from the HH line that passes horizontally through HV. This is because, as shown in Figure 4, the upper ends of the light-emitting surfaces 22a of the 12 light-emitting elements 22 are located on a horizontal plane that includes the virtual reference axis Ax and a pair of left and right optical axes Ax1 and Ax2.

[0053] 7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams similar to FIG. 5, showing an additional light distribution pattern PAm in which a part of the additional light distribution pattern PA shown in FIG. 5 is missing.

[0054] These additional light distribution patterns PAm are light distribution patterns formed in place of the additional light distribution pattern PA in an intermediate light distribution pattern PM formed as a light distribution pattern intermediate between the high beam light distribution pattern PH and the low beam light distribution pattern PL.

[0055] The additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in Fig. 7(a) is obtained by removing the two adjacent first and second light source images PaL and PaR on the right side of line VV from the additional light distribution pattern PA shown in Fig. 5. This additional light distribution pattern PAm is a light distribution pattern formed by turning off the sixth light-emitting element 22 from the left in Fig. 4 (sixth from the right when viewed from the front of the lamp).

[0056] By forming such an additional light distribution pattern PAm, the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 10 is prevented from hitting an oncoming vehicle 2 located in a distant area of ​​the road ahead, thereby illuminating as widely as possible the road ahead without causing glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 2.

[0057] The additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in Fig. 7(b) is obtained by restoring the two first and second light source images PaL and PaR that were missing from the additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in Fig. 7(a) in response to an oncoming vehicle 2 approaching from the front side, while removing the two first and second light source images PaL and PaR adjacent to the right thereof. This additional light distribution pattern PAm is a light distribution pattern formed by turning off the fifth light-emitting element 22 from the left in Fig. 4 (fifth from the right when viewed from the front of the lamp).

[0058] In this embodiment, as the position of the oncoming vehicle 2 changes, the shape of the additional light distribution pattern PAm is changed by sequentially switching the light-emitting elements 22 to be turned off, thereby maintaining a state in which the road ahead is illuminated as widely as possible without causing glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 2.

[0059] In this case, since each of the multiple first and second light source images PaL and PaR is formed as a light source image having a clear outline, the additional light distribution pattern PAm formed when part of the additional light distribution pattern PA is removed by turning off some of the light-emitting elements 22 has clear outlines on both side edges of the removed part. This makes it possible to efficiently illuminate the front without causing glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 2, etc.

[0060] The presence of the oncoming vehicle 2 is detected by an on-board camera (not shown) or the like. When there is a vehicle ahead on the road ahead or a pedestrian on the shoulder of the road, this is detected and part of the first and second light source images PaL, PaR is omitted to prevent glare.

[0061] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0062] The vehicle lamp 10 of this embodiment is configured so that a plurality of light-emitting elements 22, each having the same size light-emitting surface 22a, are arranged in parallel at intervals in the left-right direction with the light-emitting surface 22a facing toward the front of the lamp, and the projection lens 30 for irradiating the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 toward the front of the lamp comprises a first projection lens section 30L having a first point F1 as its rear focus and a second projection lens section 30R having a second point F2 separated in the left-right direction from the first point F1 as its rear focus, and the distance G between the first point F1 and the second point F2 is set to the same value as the left-right width W of the light-emitting surface 22a and the distance S between the light-emitting surfaces 22a, so that the following effects can be obtained.

[0063] That is, after being emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 22, the light is irradiated toward the front of the lamp through the first projection lens portion 30L of the projection lens 30, thereby forming a plurality of first light source images PaL with clear contours, and the light is irradiated toward the front of the lamp through the second projection lens portion 30R of the projection lens 30, thereby forming a plurality of second light source images PaR with clear contours.

[0064] Furthermore, in the projection lens 30, the distance G between the first point F1, which is the rear focal point of the first projection lens unit 30L, and the second point F2, which is the rear focal point of the second projection lens unit 30R, is set to the same value as the left-right width W of the light-emitting surface 22a of the light-emitting element 22 and the distance S between the light-emitting surfaces 22a, so that the multiple first light source images PaL and the multiple second light source images PaR can be formed with a half-pitch shift in the left-right direction. As a result, by simultaneously lighting up the multiple light-emitting elements 22, a continuous horizontally elongated additional light distribution pattern PA (light distribution pattern) can be formed as a collection of the multiple first and second light source images PaL and PaR.

[0065] In this case, each of the plurality of first and second light source images PaL, PaR is formed as a light source image having a clear outline, so when an additional light distribution pattern PAm is formed by turning off some of the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 and thereby missing a part of the additional light distribution pattern PA, the edges on both sides of the missing part can be formed with a clear outline, thereby enabling efficient forward illumination without causing glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 2, etc.

[0066] Thus, according to this embodiment, the light emitted from a plurality of light-emitting elements 22 arranged in parallel in the left-right direction is irradiated toward the front of the lamp via the projection lens 30, and in the vehicle lamp 10 configured to form additional light distribution patterns PA, PAm, it is possible to appropriately control the light distribution using the irradiated light.

[0067] Furthermore, in the projection lens 30 of this embodiment, the first projection lens section 30L is composed of a plurality of first lens regions 30La, and the second projection lens section 30R is composed of a plurality of second lens regions 30Ra, and these plurality of first lens regions 30La and the plurality of second lens regions 30Ra are arranged alternately, so that the brightness of each of the plurality of first and second light source images PaL, PaR can be made approximately uniform.

[0068] In this case, since the first and second projection lens units 30L, 30R are configured such that the plurality of first lens regions 30La and the plurality of second lens regions 30Ra are alternately arranged in the left-right direction, even if stray light were to be emitted from the boundary between the plurality of first lens regions 30La and the plurality of second lens regions 30Ra, it is possible to effectively prevent such stray light from being irradiated onto the space above the additional light distribution pattern PA or the road surface ahead of the vehicle. This makes it possible to effectively prevent the driver of the own vehicle from feeling unnecessarily uncomfortable and to prevent the driver of an oncoming vehicle from being inadvertently subjected to glare.

[0069] Furthermore, the projection lens 30 of this embodiment is configured such that the multiple first lens regions 30La and the multiple second lens regions 30Ra are arranged in a symmetrical positional relationship with respect to the midpoint between the first point F1 and the second point F2, so that each of the multiple first and second light source images PaL, PaR can be formed with more uniform brightness.

[0070] Furthermore, the projection lens 30 of this embodiment has a front surface 30a formed as a discontinuous convex curved surface, which forms a plurality of first and second lens regions 30L, 30Ra, thereby enabling precise light transmission control of the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 22.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the configuration of each of the multiple light-emitting elements 22 has been described as the light-emitting surface 22a having a square outer shape, but it is also possible to configure it to have an outer shape other than this (for example, a vertically elongated rectangle or a horizontally elongated rectangle, etc.).

[0072] In the above embodiment, the twelve light emitting elements 22 are provided, but it is also possible to provide a configuration in which a number of light emitting elements 22 other than this is provided.

[0073] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the additional light distribution pattern PAm is formed by turning off one light-emitting element 22, but it is also possible to configure the additional light distribution pattern PAm to be formed by turning off two or more light-emitting elements 22 as needed.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the twelve light-emitting elements 22 are described as being arranged with their light-emitting surfaces 22a facing toward the front of the lamp, but other configurations (for example, a configuration in which the twelve light-emitting elements 22 are arranged with their light-emitting surfaces 22a facing upward, and the emitted light is specularly reflected toward the front of the lamp by a mirror) can also be adopted.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the projection lens 30 has been described as having a horizontally elongated rectangular outer shape when viewed from the front of the lamp, but it is also possible to configure it to have an outer shape other than this (for example, a circle or a shape with part of it cut off, etc.).

[0076] In the above embodiment, the projection lens 30 has been described as having a lens shape similar to a plano-convex lens with a convex front surface 30a and a flat rear surface 30b, but it is also possible to have a configuration with other lens shapes (for example, a lens shape similar to a biconvex lens with convex front and rear surfaces, or a lens shape similar to a plano-convex lens with a flat front surface and a convex rear surface).

[0077] In the above embodiment, the first and second projection lens sections 30L, 30R of the projection lens 30 are described as being configured such that a plurality of first lens areas 30La and a plurality of second lens areas 30Ra are arranged alternately in the left-right direction, but other configurations (for example, a configuration in which they are arranged alternately in the up-down direction or in a vertical and horizontal grid pattern, etc.) can also be adopted.

[0078] Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0079] First, a first modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0080] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a light source unit 120 of a vehicle lamp according to this modified example.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 8, the light source unit 120 of this modified example has the same basic configuration as the light source unit 20 of the above embodiment, but the arrangement of the 12 light emitting elements 22 differs from that of the above embodiment.

[0082] That is, in this modified example, the 12 light-emitting elements 22 are also arranged in parallel at equal intervals in the left-right direction with their light-emitting surfaces 22a facing toward the front of the lamp, but differ from the above embodiment in that the spacing S between them is set to a value smaller than the left-right width W of the light-emitting surface 22a (specifically, a value of approximately S = 0.6 × W).

[0083] This modified example also differs from the above embodiment in that the distance G between the first point F1 and the second point F2 on the projection lens (not shown) is set to a value that is smaller than the left-right width W of the light-emitting surface 22a and larger than the distance S between the light-emitting surfaces 22a (specifically, a value of about G = 0.8 × W). That is, in this modified example, a pair of light-emitting elements 22 located at the center in the left-right direction among the twelve light-emitting elements 22 are arranged so that the side edge of their light-emitting surfaces 22a that is closer to the virtual reference axis Ax is located closer to the virtual reference axis Ax than the first and second points F1 and F2.

[0084] In this modified example, the twelve light-emitting elements 22 are also arranged in a symmetrical positional relationship with respect to the virtual reference axis Ax, so that the upper ends of their light-emitting surfaces 22a are located on a horizontal plane including the virtual reference axis Ax and a pair of left and right optical axes Ax1, Ax2, and the first and second points F1, F2 are also arranged in a symmetrical positional relationship with respect to the virtual reference axis Ax.

[0085] FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing an additional light distribution pattern PA formed when all twelve light-emitting elements 22 are turned on in the vehicle lamp according to this modified example.

[0086] The additional light distribution pattern PA shown in Figure 9(a) is formed by continuously arranging 12 first light source images PaL and 12 second light source images PaR one by one alternately without any gaps, and is formed at an equal pitch in a symmetrical positional relationship centered on the VV line.

[0087] However, in the additional light distribution pattern PA shown in Figure 9(a), the width of the partial overlap between the 12 first light source images PaL and the 12 second light source images PaR is larger than in the additional light distribution pattern PA shown in Figure 5.

[0088] This is because the distance G between the first point F1 and the second point F2 is set to a value smaller than the left-right width W of the light-emitting surface 22a, and the distance S between the light-emitting surfaces 22a is set to a value even smaller than the distance G.

[0089] The additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in Fig. 9(b) is obtained by removing the two adjacent first and second light source images PaL and PaR on the right side of line VV from the additional light distribution pattern PA shown in Fig. 9(a). This additional light distribution pattern PAm is a light distribution pattern formed by turning off the sixth light-emitting element 22 from the left in Fig. 8 (sixth from the right when viewed from the front of the lamp).

[0090] In this case, each of the multiple first and second light source images PaL, PaR is formed as a light source image having a clear contour, so that the additional light distribution pattern PAm formed when part of the additional light distribution pattern PA is missing by turning off some of the multiple light-emitting elements 22 has clear contours on both side edges of the missing part, but the left and right width of this missing part is narrower than in the case of the additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in Figure 7(a).

[0091] The additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in Fig. 9(c) is obtained by restoring the two first and second light source images PaL and PaR that were missing from the additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in Fig. 9(b), while missing the third and fourth first and second light source images PaL and PaR from the right. This additional light distribution pattern PAm is a light distribution pattern formed by turning off the second light-emitting element 22 from the left in Fig. 8 (second from the right when viewed from the front of the lamp).

[0092] In this additional light distribution pattern PAm, both side edges of the missing portion are formed with clear contours, and the left and right width of this missing portion is narrower than the left and right width of the missing portion shown in FIG. 9(b).

[0093] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, substantially the same effects as those in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0094] Furthermore, by adopting the configuration of this modified example, the left and right width of the missing portion formed in the additional light distribution pattern PAm can be narrowed, and by appropriately adjusting the number of light-emitting elements 22 that are turned off, it becomes possible to finely illuminate the front without causing glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 2, etc.

[0095] Next, a second modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0096] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a light source unit 220 of a vehicle lamp according to this modified example.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 10, the basic configuration of a light source unit 220 of this modified example is similar to that of the light source unit 20 of the above embodiment, but the arrangement of the 12 light emitting elements 22 differs from that of the above embodiment.

[0098] That is, in this modified example, the 12 light-emitting elements 22 are also arranged in parallel at intervals in the left-right direction with their light-emitting surfaces 22a facing toward the front of the lamp, but differ from the above embodiment in that the spacing S between them is set to gradually change.

[0099] Specifically, in this modified example, the twelve light-emitting elements 22 are also arranged symmetrically with respect to the virtual reference axis Ax, but a pair of light-emitting elements 22 located at the center in the left-right direction among the twelve light-emitting elements 22 are arranged such that the side edges of their light-emitting surfaces 22a that are closer to the virtual reference axis Ax are located closer to the virtual reference axis Ax than the first and second points F1 and F2. That is, the pair of light-emitting elements 22 located at the center in the left-right direction have a spacing S between their light-emitting surfaces 22a that is smaller than the left-right width W of the light-emitting surfaces 22a (specifically, a value of approximately S = 0.6 × W). On the other hand, the spacing S between the light-emitting elements 22 located at both left and right ends of the twelve light-emitting elements 22 and their adjacent light-emitting elements 22 is set to the same value as the left-right width W of the light-emitting surfaces 22a. The spacing S is set to gradually increase as the position of the light-emitting element 22 increases from the virtual reference axis Ax in the left-right direction.

[0100] In this modified example, as in the first modified example described above, the distance G between the first point F1 and the second point F2 on the projection lens (not shown) is set to a value smaller than the left-right width W of the light-emitting surface 22a (specifically, a value of approximately G = 0.8 × W).

[0101] In this modification, the twelve light emitting elements 22 are also arranged so that the upper ends of their light emitting surfaces 22a are positioned on a horizontal plane including the virtual reference axis Ax and the pair of left and right optical axes Ax1, Ax2.

[0102] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing an additional light distribution pattern PA formed when all twelve light-emitting elements 22 are turned on in the vehicle lamp according to this modified example.

[0103] The additional light distribution pattern PA shown in Figure 11(a) is formed by continuously arranging 12 first light source images PaL and 12 second light source images PaR one by one alternately with no gaps, and is formed at approximately equal pitches in a symmetrical positional relationship centered on the VV line.

[0104] However, in the additional light distribution pattern PA shown in Fig. 11(a), the partial overlap width between the twelve first light source images PaL and the twelve second light source images PaR at the center in the left-right direction is approximately the same as that of the additional light distribution pattern PA shown in Fig. 9(a), while at both ends in the left-right direction it is approximately the same as that of the additional light distribution pattern PA shown in Fig. 5. That is, in this modified example, the partial overlap width is approximately constant over the entire additional light distribution pattern PA. This is because the spacing S between the twelve light-emitting elements 22 is set to gradually increase from S = 0.6 × W to S = W as the spacing S increases from the virtual reference axis Ax in the left-right direction.

[0105] The additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in FIG. 11(b) is different from the additional light distribution pattern PA shown in FIG. 11(a) in that the two adjacent first and second light source images PaL and PaR on the right side of the VV line are missing.

[0106] This additional light distribution pattern PAm is a light distribution pattern formed by turning off the sixth light-emitting element 22 from the left in FIG. 10 (sixth from the right when the lamp is viewed from the front).

[0107] In this case, each of the multiple first and second light source images PaL, PaR is formed as a light source image having a clear contour, so that the additional light distribution pattern PAm formed when part of the additional light distribution pattern PA is missing by turning off some of the multiple light-emitting elements 22 has clear contours on both side edges of the missing part, but the left and right width of this missing part is narrower than in the case of the additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in Figure 7(a).

[0108] The additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in Fig. 11(c) is obtained by restoring the two first and second light source images PaL and PaR that were missing from the additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in Fig. 11(b), while missing the third and fourth first and second light source images PaL and PaR from the right. This additional light distribution pattern PAm is a light distribution pattern formed by turning off the second light-emitting element 22 from the left in Fig. 8 (second from the right when viewed from the front of the lamp).

[0109] In this additional light distribution pattern PAm, both side edges of the missing portion are formed with clear contours, and the left-right width of this missing portion is wider than that of the additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in Fig. 9(c). In this case, the left-right width of this missing portion is approximately the same value as the left-right width of the missing portion in the additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in Fig. 11(b). This is because the spacing S between the 12 light-emitting elements 22 is set to gradually increase from S = 0.6 × W to S = W as the distance from the virtual reference axis Ax in the left-right direction increases.

[0110] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, substantially the same effects as those in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0111] Furthermore, by adopting the configuration of this modified example, the left-right width of the missing portion formed in the additional light distribution pattern PAm can be narrowed, and the left-right width of this missing portion can be maintained at a substantially constant value regardless of the extinguishing position of the light-emitting element 22. This allows for even finer forward illumination without causing glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 2, etc.

[0112] Next, a third modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0113] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing a vehicle lamp 310 according to this modified example.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 12, the basic configuration of a vehicle lamp 310 according to this modified example is the same as that of the above embodiment, but the configuration of the projection lens 330 and the arrangement of the light source unit 320 are different from those of the above embodiment.

[0115] That is, like the projection lens 30 of the above embodiment, the projection lens 330 of this modified example is configured to have a first projection lens portion 330L and a second projection lens portion 330R, and these first and second projection lens portions 330L, 330R are configured so that a plurality of first lens regions 330La and a plurality of second lens regions 330Ra are arranged alternately in the left-right direction.

[0116] However, in this modification, the first projection lens unit 330L has a rear focus at a first point F1 located on a virtual reference axis Ax that extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the lamp and passes through the center position of the projection lens 330, and the optical axis Ax1 coincides with the virtual reference axis Ax. On the other hand, the second projection lens unit 330R has a rear focus at a second point F2 set at a position away from the virtual reference axis Ax to the right, and the optical axis Ax2 extends parallel to the virtual reference axis Ax. In this case, the first and second points F1 and F2 are located on the same plane perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction of the lamp, and the distance G between them is set to the same value as the left-right width W of the light-emitting surface 22a, as in the above embodiment.

[0117] For this reason, the projection lens 330 of this modified example has a surface shape of the multiple first and second lens regions 330La, 330Ra that make up the first and second projection lens portions 330L, 330R that is slightly different from that of the above embodiment.

[0118] The light source unit 320 of this modified example has a configuration similar to that of the light source unit 20 of the above embodiment, but is supported by the base member 40 on its substrate 24 in a state where the center position in the left-right direction of the light-emitting surface 22a of the sixth light-emitting element 22 from the left (sixth from the right when viewed from the front of the lamp) is positioned on the virtual reference axis Ax (i.e., on the optical axis Ax1).

[0119] FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing an additional light distribution pattern PA formed when all twelve light-emitting elements 22 are turned on in a vehicle lamp 310 according to this modified example.

[0120] The additional light distribution pattern PA shown in FIG. 13(a) is formed by continuously arranging 12 first light source images PaL and 12 second light source images PaR alternately one by one with no gaps between them.

[0121] However, the additional light distribution pattern PA shown in Figure 13(a) is formed in a state where the additional light distribution pattern PA shown in Figure 5 is shifted by half a pitch to the left (i.e., the sixth first light source image PaL from the right is located on the VV line).

[0122] The additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in Fig. 13(b) is obtained by removing the first light source image PaL located on line VV and the adjacent second light source image PaR on the right side of the additional light distribution pattern PA shown in Fig. 13(a). This additional light distribution pattern PAm is a light distribution pattern formed by turning off the sixth light-emitting element 22 from the left in Fig. 12 (sixth from the right when viewed from the front of the lamp).

[0123] In this case, each of the multiple first and second light source images PaL, PaR is formed as a light source image having a clear contour, so that the additional light distribution pattern PAm formed when part of the additional light distribution pattern PA is missing by turning off some of the multiple light-emitting elements 22 has clear contours on both side edges of the missing part.

[0124] The additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in Fig. 13(c) is obtained by restoring the two first and second light source images PaL and PaR that were missing from the additional light distribution pattern PAm shown in Fig. 13(b), while removing the two first and second light source images PaL and PaR adjacent to the right of them. This additional light distribution pattern PAm is a light distribution pattern formed by turning off the fifth light-emitting element 22 from the left in Fig. 12 (fifth from the right when viewed from the front of the lamp).

[0125] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, substantially the same effects as those in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0126] Furthermore, by adopting the configuration of this modified example, the formation position of the additional light distribution pattern PA and the formation position of the missing portion of the additional light distribution pattern PAm in which a portion is missing can be set to positions different from those in the above embodiment.

[0127] It should be noted that the numerical values ​​shown as the specifications in the above embodiment and its modified examples are merely examples, and it goes without saying that these may be set to different values ​​as appropriate.

[0128] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiment and its modifications, and various other modified configurations can be adopted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 2 Oncoming vehicles 10, 310 Vehicle lighting fixtures 20, 120, 220, 320 light source unit 22 Light-emitting element 22a Light-emitting surface 24 PCB 30, 330 projection lens 30a front 30b rear 30c Outer flange 30L, 330L First projection lens 30La, 330La First lens area 30R, 330R Second projection lens 30Ra, 330Ra Second lens area 32 Lens holder 40 Base member Ax Virtual reference axis Ax1, Ax2 optical axes CL1 Lower cutoff line CL2 Upper cutoff line E Elbow point F1 First Point F2 Second point G. Distance between the first and second points PA, PAm additional light distribution pattern (horizontal light distribution pattern) PAL 1st light distribution pattern PaL 1st light source image PAR 2nd light distribution pattern PaR second light source image PH high beam light distribution pattern PL low beam light distribution pattern PM Intermediate light distribution pattern S: Distance between light-emitting surfaces W: Width of the light-emitting surface

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp including a plurality of light-emitting elements and a projection lens, the vehicle lamp being configured to form a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern by irradiating light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements forward through the projection lens, The plurality of light-emitting elements have light-emitting surfaces of the same size, and are arranged in parallel at intervals in the left-right direction with the light-emitting surfaces facing the same direction, The projection lens comprises a first projection lens section having a first point as its rear focal point and a second projection lens section having a second point spaced laterally from the first point as its rear focal point, and the distance between the first point and the second point is set to a value equal to or less than the left-right width of the light-emitting surface.

2. 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the projection lens is configured such that the first projection lens portion is composed of a plurality of first lens regions and the second projection lens portion is composed of a plurality of second lens regions, and the plurality of first lens regions and the plurality of second lens regions are arranged alternately.

3. 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of first lens regions and the plurality of second lens regions are arranged alternately in the left-right direction.

4. 4. The vehicular lamp according to claim 3, wherein the projection lens is configured such that the plurality of first lens regions and the plurality of second lens regions are arranged in a symmetrical positional relationship with respect to a midpoint between the first point and the second point.

5. 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first and second lens regions are formed by forming the front surface of the projection lens into a discontinuous convex curved surface.

Images