Vehicle lamp unit, vehicle headlight

Abstract

The objective is to provide a vehicle lamp unit and a vehicle headlight that can improve the maximum luminous intensity of the light distribution pattern. [Solution] This invention comprises a light source 41, a reflector 51, and a lens 61. The focal line FL2 of the reflector 51 and the focal line FL3 of the lens 61 are inclined with respect to the optical axis Z, following or approximating the shape of the lens 61. As a result, this invention can improve the luminous intensity of the maximum luminous intensity band MAX in the central part of the high beam light distribution pattern HP.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle lamp unit. This invention relates to a vehicle headlamp.

Background Art

[0002] As vehicle lamp units or vehicle headlamps using a cylindrical lens or a lens approximating a cylindrical lens, there are, for example, those disclosed in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3. Hereinafter, the vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 1, the vehicle lamp of Patent Document 2, and the vehicle lamp of Patent Document 3 will be described.

[0003] The vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 1, the vehicle lamp of Patent Document 2, and the vehicle lamp of Patent Document 3 each include a light source, a reflector that reflects light from the light source as reflected light, and a lens that irradiates the reflected light in a predetermined light distribution pattern forward of the vehicle. The lens has a shape that slopes or curves from the inner side in the vehicle width direction toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction from the front side to the rear side of the vehicle when viewed from the upper side to the lower side of the vehicle, and is composed of a so-called cylindrical lens or a lens approximating a cylindrical lens.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In vehicle lamp units and vehicle headlights that use cylindrical lenses or lenses similar to cylindrical lenses, it is important to improve the luminous intensity of the maximum luminous intensity band in the central part of the light distribution pattern.

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a vehicle lamp unit and a vehicle headlight that can improve the maximum luminous intensity of the light distribution pattern. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, the vehicle lamp unit of this invention comprises a light source, a reflector that reflects light from the light source as reflected light, and a lens that irradiates the reflected light in a predetermined light distribution pattern toward the front of the vehicle, wherein the lens, when viewed from above the vehicle, has a shape that slopes from the front to the rear of the vehicle from the inside in the vehicle width direction toward the outside in the vehicle width direction, and has a focal line, the reflector focuses the reflected light near the focal line of the lens, and the focal line of the lens follows or approximates the shape of the lens.

[0008] In the vehicle lamp unit of this invention, the reflector preferably has a first focal point and a focal line formed by the combination of the second focal points, and the focal line of the reflector preferably follows or approximates the shape of the lens.

[0009] In the vehicle lamp unit of this invention, it is preferable that the distance between the focal line of the lens and the lens on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and the distance between the focal line of the lens and the lens on the outer side in the vehicle width direction are equal.

[0010] In the vehicle lamp unit of this invention, it is preferable that the distance between the focal line of the reflector and the lens on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and the distance between the focal line of the reflector and the lens on the outer side in the vehicle width direction are equal.

[0011] In the vehicle lamp unit of this invention, it is preferable that the distance between the light source and the focal line of the lens on the inside in the vehicle width direction is longer than the distance between the light source and the focal line of the lens on the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0012] In the vehicle lamp unit of this invention, it is preferable that the distance between the light source and the focal line of the reflector on the inner side in the vehicle width direction is longer than the distance between the light source and the focal line of the reflector on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0013] In the vehicle lamp unit of this invention, the reflector preferably has a reflective surface that reflects the light from the light source, and the reflective surface has a central area close to the light source and other end areas, wherein the central area forms a diffuse light distribution pattern and the end areas form a concentrated light distribution pattern.

[0014] In the vehicle lamp unit of this invention, it is preferable that the light distribution pattern is a high beam light distribution pattern.

[0015] To solve the aforementioned problems, the vehicle headlight of this invention is characterized by comprising a lamp housing and a lamp lens that form a lamp chamber, and a vehicle lamp unit of this invention disposed within the lamp chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The vehicle lamp unit and vehicle headlight of this invention can improve the maximum luminous intensity of the light distribution pattern. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a vehicle lamp unit and vehicle headlight according to this invention in use. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a lamp unit device for a vehicle on the right side, and is an enlarged schematic plan view of part II in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a first lamp unit of a lamp unit device for a vehicle on the right side, that is, a lamp unit for a vehicle according to this invention, and is a high-beam lamp unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plane explanatory view showing an optical path in the high-beam lamp unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plane explanatory view showing a focal line of a lens and a focal line of a reflector in the high-beam lamp unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing an optical path in the high-beam lamp unit. (A) is a cross-sectional explanatory view taken along line VIA-VIA in FIG. 5, and is a cross-sectional view on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. (B) is a cross-sectional explanatory view taken along line VIB-VIB in FIG. 5, and is a cross-sectional view on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plane explanatory view showing a high-beam lamp unit in which a focal line and an optical axis are orthogonal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing an optical path in the high-beam lamp unit shown in FIG. 7. (A) is a cross-sectional explanatory view taken along line VIIIA-VIIIA in FIG. 7, and is a cross-sectional view on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. (B) is a cross-sectional explanatory view taken along line VIIIB-VIIIB in FIG. 7, and is a cross-sectional view on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a high-beam light distribution pattern irradiated from the high-beam lamp unit shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 to the front of the vehicle. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a high-beam light distribution pattern irradiated from the high-beam lamp unit shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 to the front of the vehicle. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view showing a reflector, and is a view taken in the direction of arrow XI-XI in FIG. 4. [Figure 12]Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the light distribution patterns from each area of ​​the reflector. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the light distribution pattern from the first area. (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the light distribution pattern from the second area. (C) is an explanatory diagram showing the light distribution pattern from the third area. (D) is an explanatory diagram showing the light distribution pattern from the fourth area. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment (example) of a vehicle lamp unit and vehicle headlight according to this invention will be described based on the drawings. In this specification and the attached claims, front, rear, up, down, left, and right refer to the front, rear, up, down, left, and right when the vehicle lamp unit and vehicle headlight according to this invention are installed on a vehicle.

[0019] In the drawings, the symbols "F" represent "front," "B" represent "rear," "U" represent "top," "D" represent "bottom," "L" represent "left," and "R" represent "right." Also, in Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 7, the symbol "I" represents the inside in the vehicle width direction, and the symbol "O" represents the outside in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, in Figures 9, 10, and 12, the symbols "VU-VD" indicate the vertical lines of the screen, and the symbols "HL-HR" indicate the horizontal lines of the screen. In addition, since the drawings are schematic diagrams, the main components are shown, the illustration of components other than the main components is omitted, and some hatching is omitted.

[0020] (Description of the configuration of the embodiment) The configuration of the vehicle lamp unit 1, vehicle headlights 100L, and 100R according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the left-side vehicle headlight 100L is mounted on the left side of the front of the vehicle VE, and the right-side vehicle headlight 100R is mounted on the right side of the front of the vehicle VE.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the left and right vehicle headlights 100L and 100R each comprise a lamp housing 101, a lamp lens 102, a left vehicle lamp unit device 10L, and a right vehicle lamp unit device 10R, respectively.

[0023] The lamp housing 101 is made of a light-opaque resin material. The lamp lens 102 is made of a light-transmitting resin material. The lamp lens 102 is an outer lens or outer cover. The lamp lens 102 has a shape that is inclined or curved from the front to the rear of the vehicle VE, from the inside I in the vehicle width direction to the outside O in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] The lamp housing 101 and the lamp lens 102 form a lamp chamber 103. Inside the lamp chamber 103, the left vehicle lamp unit device 10L and the right vehicle lamp unit device 10R are arranged.

[0025] (Description of vehicle lamp unit device 10R) The vehicle lamp unit device 10R on the right side will be described below with reference to Figure 2. The vehicle lamp unit device 10L on the left side has almost the same configuration as the vehicle lamp unit device 10R on the right side, but with the left and right sides reversed. Therefore, the description of the vehicle lamp unit device 10L on the left side will be omitted. In addition, the terms "both left and right sides," "left side," and "right side" will be omitted as appropriate.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle lamp unit device 10R comprises a first lamp unit 1, a second lamp unit 2, and a third lamp unit 3. The vehicle lamp unit device 10R is attached to the lamp housing 101 either via a bracket as a mounting member or directly. Thus, the vehicle lamp unit device 10R is equipped on the vehicle headlight 100R. The vehicle lamp unit device 10R is equipped so that the optical axis can be adjusted via an optical axis adjustment device.

[0027] The first lamp unit 1 is a vehicle lamp unit 1, and in this example, it is a high-beam lamp unit that illuminates the front of the vehicle VE with the high-beam light distribution pattern HP shown in Figure 10. The first lamp unit 1 comprises a first light source 41, a first reflector 51, a first lens 61, an additional reflective surface 71, and a first holding member (not shown). As shown in Figure 10, the high-beam light distribution pattern HP has a maximum luminous intensity band in the central part of the high-beam light distribution pattern HP, that is, in the part including the intersection of the vertical line VU-VD of the screen and the horizontal line HL-HR of the screen.

[0028] The second lamp unit 2 is a first low-beam lamp unit that illuminates a portion of the low-beam light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle VE. The second lamp unit 2 comprises a second light source 42, a second reflector 52, a second lens 62, a second shade 72, and a second holding member (not shown).

[0029] The third lamp unit 3 is a second low-beam lamp unit that illuminates a portion of the low-beam light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle VE. The third lamp unit 3 comprises a third light source 43, a third reflector 53, a third lens 63, a third shade 73, and a third retaining member (not shown).

[0030] The first reflector 51, the second reflector 52, and the third reflector 53 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "reflectors 51, 52, and 53") are integrally formed. The first lens 61, the second lens 62, and the third lens 63 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "lenses 61, 62, and 63") are integrally formed. The additional reflective surface 71, the second shade 72, and the third shade 73 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "additional reflective surface shades, etc. 71, 72, and 73") are integrally formed. The first holding member, the second holding member, and the third holding member (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "holding member") are integrally formed. The first light source 41, the second light source 42, the third light source 43, the reflectors 51, 52, and 53, the lenses 61, 62, and 63, and the additional reflective surface shades, etc. 71, 72, and 73 are each held by the holding member. The holding member includes a heat dissipation section for dissipating heat from the first light source 41, the second light source 42, and the third light source 43, and a positioning section for determining the positions of the first light source 41, the second light source 42, and the third light source 43.

[0031] (Description of the first lamp unit 1 and the high beam lamp unit 1) The first lamp unit 1 is a vehicle lamp unit 1, and in this example, it is a high-beam lamp unit. Hereinafter, the first lamp unit 1 may be referred to as the high-beam lamp unit 1, the first light source 41 as the light source 41, the first reflector 51 as the reflector 51, and the first lens 61 as the lens 61.

[0032] The high-beam lamp unit 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 12. The high-beam lamp unit 1 has an optical axis Z. The optical axis Z is sometimes referred to as the lamp axis Z, and it may also refer to the direction in which light mainly travels from the lens 61 towards the front of the vehicle VE.

[0033] (Explanation of light source 41) In this example, the light source 41 is an LED. The light source 41 is attached to the heat dissipation part of the holding member. As shown in Figures 2 to 8 and 11, the light source 41 has a main body 410 and a light-emitting surface 412.

[0034] The main body 410 has a light-emitting surface 412 on its upper surface. In this example, the light-emitting surface 412 is a rectangle that is long in the left-right direction. The light source 41 emits light L1 from the light-emitting surface 412.

[0035] (Explanation of Reflector 51) As shown in Figures 4, 6, and 8, the reflector 51 is positioned above the light source 41 and reflects the light L1 from the light source 41 as reflected light L2. The reflector 51 has a reflective surface 510 that reflects the light L1 from the light source 41. The reflector 51 projects the image of the light source 41 onto the reflective surface 510 and reflects it towards the lens 61.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the reflector 51 has a first focal point F1 and a focal line FL2 which is the set of second focal points. The first focal point F1 is located at or near the center of the light-emitting surface 412 of the light source 41. The focal line FL2 which is the set of second focal points is located between the light source 41 and the lens 61. The reflective surface 510 of the reflector 51 is an elliptical surface having the first focal point F1 and the second focal point. The reflector 51 focuses the reflected light L2 near the focal line FL3 of the lens 61 described below. The reflector 51 also focuses the reflected light L2 near the focal line FL2.

[0037] As shown in Figure 11, the reflective surface 510 is divided into multiple areas in the left-right direction, in this example, seven areas. The seven areas are referred to as the first area 511, the second area 512, the third area 513, the fourth area 514, the fifth area 515, the sixth area 516, and the seventh area 517, from left to right.

[0038] The reflective surface 510 has a central area close to the light source 41 and other edge areas. In this example, the central area is the third area 513, the fourth area 514, and the fifth area 515, which form the diffuse light distribution patterns WPC and WPD shown in Figures 12(C) and (D) of the high beam light distribution pattern HP shown in Figure 10. In this example, the edge areas are the first area 511, the second area 512, the sixth area 516, and the seventh area 517, which form the concentrated light distribution patterns SPA and SPB shown in Figures 12(A) and (B) of the high beam light distribution pattern HP shown in Figure 10.

[0039] Here, the first area 511 forms a concentrated light distribution pattern SPA as shown in Figure 12(A). The second area 512 forms a concentrated light distribution pattern SPB as shown in Figure 12(B). The third area 513 forms a diffuse light distribution pattern WPC as shown in Figure 12(C). The fourth area 514 forms a diffuse light distribution pattern WPD as shown in Figure 12(D). The fifth area 515, although not shown, forms a diffuse light distribution pattern WPC as shown in Figure 12(C), which is almost the same as the third area 513. The sixth area 516, although not shown, forms a concentrated light distribution pattern SPB as shown in Figure 12(B), which is almost the same as the second area 512. The seventh area 517, although not shown, forms a concentrated light distribution pattern SPA as shown in Figure 12(A), which is almost the same as the first area 511.

[0040] (Description of Lens 61) The lens 61 projects the reflected light L2 in a predetermined light distribution pattern, in this example, the high beam light distribution pattern HP shown in Figure 10, in front of the vehicle VE. The lens 61 projects the reflected light L2 reflected by the reflective surface 510 of the reflector 51 outwards.

[0041] When viewed from above to below the vehicle VE, the lens 61 has a shape that slopes or curves around from the front to the rear of the vehicle VE, from the inside I in the vehicle width direction to the outside O in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the lens 61 has a slant shape that follows the shape of the lamp lens 102.

[0042] Lens 61 has an incident surface 610, an exit surface 611, and a focal line FL3. The focal line FL3 of lens 61 is the rear focal line. Hereinafter, the focal line FL2 of reflector 51 and the focal line FL3 of lens 61 may be referred to as focal lines FL2 and FL3. Note that focal lines FL2 and FL3 are points in the vertical cross-section, and these points are connected in the left-right direction to form a line.

[0043] The vertical cross-sectional shape of lens 61 is the same or nearly the same from the inner side I in the vehicle width direction to the outer side O in the vehicle width direction. In other words, lens 61 is a cylindrical lens or a lens that approximates a cylindrical lens. By using a cylindrical lens or a lens that approximates a cylindrical lens for lens 61, the configuration makes it easy for reflected light L2 reflected from any part of the reflective surface 510 of the reflector 51 to enter lens 61.

[0044] (Explanation of the additional reflective surface 71) The additional reflective surface 71 can form an additional light distribution pattern on top of the high beam light distribution pattern HP. The additional reflective surface 71 may also be used to block uncontrolled light, such as unwanted light, from emitting to the outside. In the case of the high beam lamp unit 1 in this example, which illuminates with the high beam light distribution pattern HP, there is no need to form a cutoff line, so a shade does not need to be provided.

[0045] (Explanation of the distance between the focal lines FL2 and FL3 and lens 61) As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the focal lines FL2 and FL3 follow or approximate the shape of the lens 61, i.e., its slant shape, and are inclined with respect to the optical axis Z. As a result, the distance between the focal lines FL2 and FL3 and the lens 61, in this example, the emission surface 611 of the lens 61, is constant or approximately constant. That is, as shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6(A)(B), in the cross-section of the light source 41, with respect to a vertical cross-section parallel to the centerline of the vehicle VE, the distance L1I between the focal lines FL2 and FL3 and the emission surface 611 of the lens 61 on the inner side I in the vehicle width direction is equivalent or approximately equivalent to the distance L1O between the focal lines FL2 and FL3 and the emission surface 611 of the lens 61 on the outer side O in the vehicle width direction. Here, "approximate," "constant or approximately constant," and "equivalent or approximately equivalent" mean that the same effect can be achieved, including dimensional errors, design errors, manufacturing errors, etc.

[0046] (Explanation of the distance between light source 41 and focal lines FL2 and FL3) The distances between the light source 41 and the focal lines FL2 and FL3 are related as follows: That is, as shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), with respect to a vertical cross-section parallel to the center line of the vehicle VE, the distance L2I between the light source 41 and the focal lines FL2 and FL3 on the inner side I in the vehicle width direction is greater than the distance L2O between the light source 41 and the focal lines FL2 and FL3 on the outer side O in the vehicle width direction.

[0047] (Description of the operation of the embodiment) The vehicle lamp unit 1 and the vehicle headlights 100L and 100R have the configurations described above, and their operation will be explained below.

[0048] The light source 41 of the high beam lamp unit 1 is turned on. The light L1 from the light source 41 is then reflected as reflected light L2 at the reflective surface 510 of the reflector 51. The reflected light L2 passes through the lens 61 and the lamp lens 102 and is projected in front of the vehicle VE as the high beam light distribution pattern HP shown in Figure 10. The central part of this high beam light distribution pattern HP, that is, the part including the intersection of the vertical lines VU-VD of the screen and the horizontal lines HL-HR of the screen, or the part in the vicinity thereof, contains the maximum luminous intensity band MAX.

[0049] When the second light source 42 of the second lamp unit 2 is turned on, a first low beam light distribution pattern, which is part of a low beam light distribution pattern (not shown), is projected from the second lamp unit 2 through the lamp lens 102 towards the front of the vehicle VE. When the third light source 43 of the third lamp unit 3 is turned on, a second low beam light distribution pattern, which is part of a low beam light distribution pattern (not shown), is projected from the third lamp unit 3 through the lamp lens 102 towards the front of the vehicle VE. The first low beam light distribution pattern and the second low beam light distribution pattern are superimposed to form the overall low beam light distribution pattern.

[0050] (Description of the effects of the embodiment) The vehicle lamp unit 1 and the vehicle headlights 100L and 100R have the configuration and operation described above, and their effects will be explained below.

[0051] In the vehicle lamp unit 1, the focal line FL2 of the reflector 51 and the focal line FL3 of the lens 61 are inclined with respect to the optical axis Z, with respect to the shape of the lens 61, or to an approximate shape. As a result, as shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6(A)(B), in the vehicle lamp unit 1, the distance L1I between the focal line FL2 of the reflector 51 and the emission surface 611 of the lens 61 on the inner side I in the vehicle width direction is equal to or approximately equal to the distance L1O between the focal line FL2 of the reflector 51 and the emission surface 611 of the lens 61 on the outer side O in the vehicle width direction, with respect to a vertical cross section parallel to the center line of the vehicle VE. Furthermore, with respect to a vertical cross-section parallel to the centerline of the vehicle VE, the distance L1I between the focal line FL3 of the lens 61 and the emission surface 611 of the lens 61 on the inner side I in the vehicle width direction is equivalent to or approximately equivalent to the distance L1O between the focal line FL3 of the lens 61 and the emission surface 611 of the lens 61 on the outer side O in the vehicle width direction.

[0052] As a result, the vehicle lamp unit 1 can improve the luminous intensity of the maximum luminous intensity band MAX in the central part of the high beam light distribution pattern HP (see Figure 10) compared to the luminous intensity of the maximum luminous intensity band MAXA (see Figure 9) of the high beam light distribution pattern HPA irradiated from the vehicle lamp unit 1A where the focal lines FL2 and FL3 are perpendicular to the optical axis Z, as shown in Figures 7 and 8(A)(B).

[0053] (Description of vehicle lamp unit 1A where the focusing lines FL2 and FL3 are perpendicular to the optical axis Z) Figures 7 and 8(A)(B) show an existing vehicle lamp unit 1A in which the focal lines FL2 and FL3 are perpendicular to the optical axis Z. In this existing vehicle lamp unit 1A, because the focal lines FL2 and FL3 are perpendicular to the optical axis Z, as shown in Figures 7 and 8(A)(B), in the cross-section of the light source 41, with respect to a vertical cross-section parallel to the center line of the vehicle VE, the distance L1IA between the focal lines FL2 and FL3 and the lens 61 on the inner side I in the vehicle width direction is longer than the distance L1OA between the focal lines FL2 and FL3 and the lens 61 on the outer side O in the vehicle width direction.

[0054] As a result, in the existing vehicle lamp unit 1A, the distance L1IA between the focal lines FL2, FL3 and the lens 61 becomes longer on the inner side I in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the image of the light source 41 transmitted through the lens 61 becomes smaller, which contributes to an improvement in the luminosity of the maximum luminosity band MAXA, but as shown in Figure 8(A), a portion of the reflected light L2 that does not enter the lens 61, L2A, is generated.

[0055] Furthermore, in the existing vehicle lamp unit 1A, the distance L10A between the focal lines FL2 and FL3 and the lens 61 becomes shorter on the outer side O in the vehicle width direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 8(B), the problem of some of the reflected light L2A not entering the lens 61 is resolved, but the image of the light source 41 passing through the lens 61 becomes larger, which causes a decrease in luminosity in the maximum luminosity band.

[0056] In contrast, in the vehicle lamp unit 1, the cross-section of the light source 41, with respect to a vertical cross-section parallel to the center line of the vehicle VE, has a distance L1I between the focal lines FL2, FL3 and the lens 61 on the inner side I in the vehicle width direction and a distance L1O between the focal lines FL2, FL3 and the lens 61 on the outer side O in the vehicle width direction that is equal or approximately equal.

[0057] Therefore, in the vehicle lamp unit 1, there is no issue where a portion of the reflected light L2 does not fail to enter the lens 61 due to an increase in the distance L1IA between the focal lines FL2, FL3 and the lens 61. Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp unit 1, there is no factor that causes a decrease in luminosity in the maximum luminosity band due to a decrease in the distance L1IA between the focal lines FL2, FL3 and the lens 61, which enlarges the image of the light source 41 transmitted through the lens 61.

[0058] As a result, in the high beam light distribution pattern HPA emitted from the existing vehicle lamp unit 1A, the band surrounded by the central isophoton of the 12 isophoton lines shown in Figure 9 is the maximum luminous intensity band MAXA. In contrast, in the vehicle lamp unit 1, the band surrounded by the central isophoton of the 13 isophoton lines shown in Figure 10 is the maximum luminous intensity band MAX. Thus, the vehicle lamp unit 1 can improve the luminous intensity of the maximum luminous intensity band MAX compared to the existing vehicle lamp unit 1A.

[0059] In the vehicle lamp unit 1, the distance L2I between the light source 41 and the focal lines FL2 and FL3 on the inner side I in the vehicle width direction is greater than the distance L2O between the light source 41 and the focal lines FL2 and FL3 on the outer side O in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the vehicle lamp unit 1 can make the image of the light source 41 transmitted through the lens 61 on the inner side I in the vehicle width direction smaller than the image of the light source 41 transmitted through the lens 61 on the outer side O in the vehicle width direction, thereby improving the luminous intensity in the maximum luminous intensity band MAX.

[0060] As a result, the vehicle lamp unit 1 can improve the luminous intensity of the maximum luminous intensity band MAX, even when the lens 61 has a slant shape and the focusing lines FL2 and FL3 follow or approximate the slant shape of the lens 61.

[0061] In the vehicle lamp unit 1, the reflector 51 has a reflective surface 510 that reflects light L1 from the light source 41. The reflective surface 510 has central areas 513, 514, and 515 close to the light source 41, and other edge areas 511, 512, 516, and 517. The central areas 513, 514, and 515 form diffuse light distribution patterns WPC and WPD of the light distribution pattern HP (high beam light distribution pattern HP), and the edge areas form concentrated light distribution patterns SPA and SPB of the same light distribution pattern HP (high beam light distribution pattern HP).

[0062] In other words, in the vehicle lamp unit 1, the image of the light source 41 projected in the central areas 513, 514, and 515 is an image that spreads up, down, left, and right, making it suitable for forming diffuse light distribution patterns WPC and WPD. On the other hand, the image of the light source 41 projected in the edge areas 511, 512, 516, and 517 is an image that narrows from up, down, left, and right towards the center, making it suitable for forming concentrated light distribution patterns SPA and SPB.

[0063] Furthermore, since the vehicle lamp unit 1 uses a cylindrical lens for the lens 61, it is configured to easily direct reflected light L2 reflected from any part of the reflecting surface 510 of the reflector 51 into the lens 61. In this configuration, if light reflected from a position far from the light source of the reflector, which is commonly used in conventional projector systems with a focal point, is used for diffusion, diffusion cannot be achieved unless the curvature of the reflector is greatly changed, and in some cases, the light may not even enter the lens, leading to a decrease in efficiency. In contrast, in the vehicle lamp unit 1, the central areas 513, 514, and 515 reflect the image of the light source 41 which is originally spread up, down, left, and right, making them suitable for forming diffuse light distribution patterns WPC and WPD.

[0064] Therefore, in the optical system of the vehicle lamp unit 1, which uses a cylindrical lens for the lens 61, the light L1 from the light source 41 can be efficiently spread as a diffuse light distribution pattern WPC, WPD, and efficiently narrowed as a concentrated light distribution pattern SPA, SPB.

[0065] In the vehicle lamp unit 1, the light distribution pattern HP is a high-beam light distribution pattern HP having a maximum luminous intensity band MAX in the central part of the light distribution pattern HP. As a result, the vehicle lamp unit 1 can improve the luminous intensity of the maximum luminous intensity band MAX of the high-beam light distribution pattern HP.

[0066] The vehicle headlights 100L and 100R comprise a lamp housing 101 and a lamp lens 102 that form a lamp chamber 103, and a vehicle lamp unit 1 disposed within the lamp chamber 103. As a result, the vehicle headlights 100L and 100R can achieve the same effect as the vehicle lamp unit 1.

[0067] (Explanation of examples other than the embodiment) This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0068] [Note] The contents described in some of the embodiments above can be understood, for example, as follows:

[0069] (1) Light source 41 and A reflector 51 that reflects light L1 from the light source 41 as reflected light L2, A lens 61 that projects the reflected light L2 in a predetermined light distribution pattern HP (high beam light distribution pattern HP) in front of the vehicle VE, Equipped with, The lens 61, when viewed from above the vehicle VE, has a shape that slopes from the front to the rear of the vehicle VE, from the inner side I in the vehicle width direction to the outer side O in the vehicle width direction, and has a focal line FL3. The reflector 51 focuses the reflected light L2 near the focal line FL3 of the lens 61, The focal line FL3 of the lens 61 follows or approximates the shape of the lens 61. It is characterized by the following:

[0070] As a result, in the vehicle lamp unit 1 of this invention, the focal line FL3 follows or approximates the shape of the lens 61 and is inclined with respect to the optical axis Z of the high beam lamp unit 1, so as described above, the luminous intensity of the maximum luminous intensity band MAX in the central part of the high beam light distribution pattern HP can be improved.

[0071] (2) The reflector 51 has a first focal point F1 and a focal line FL2 which is the set of the second focal points. The focal line FL2 of the reflector 51 follows or approximates the shape of the lens 61. It is characterized by the following:

[0072] As a result, in the vehicle lamp unit 1 of this invention, the focal line FL2 follows or approximates the shape of the lens 61 and is inclined with respect to the optical axis Z of the high beam lamp unit 1, so as described above, the luminous intensity of the maximum luminous intensity band MAX in the central part of the high beam light distribution pattern HP can be improved.

[0073] (3) The distance L1I between the focal line FL3 of the lens 61 and the lens 61 on the inner side I in the vehicle width direction and the distance L1O between the focal line FL3 of the lens 61 and the lens 61 on the outer side O in the vehicle width direction are equivalent. It is characterized by the following:

[0074] As a result, the vehicle lamp unit 1 of this invention can improve the luminous intensity of the maximum luminous intensity band MAX in the central part of the high beam light distribution pattern HP, as described above.

[0075] (4) The distance L1I between the focal line FL2 of the reflector 51 and the lens 61 on the inner side I in the vehicle width direction and the distance L1O between the focal line FL2 of the reflector 51 and the lens 61 on the outer side O in the vehicle width direction are equivalent. It is characterized by the following:

[0076] As a result, the vehicle lamp unit 1 of this invention can improve the luminous intensity of the maximum luminous intensity band MAX in the central part of the high beam light distribution pattern HP, as described above.

[0077] (5) The distance L2I between the light source 41 and the focal line FL3 of the lens 61 on the inner side I in the vehicle width direction is longer than the distance L2O between the light source 41 and the focal line FL3 of the lens 61 on the outer side O in the vehicle width direction. It is characterized by the following:

[0078] As a result, the vehicle lamp unit 1 of this invention can improve the luminous intensity of the maximum luminous intensity band MAX, even when the lens 61 has a slant shape and the focusing lines FL2 and FL3 follow or approximate the slant shape of the lens 61.

[0079] (6) The distance L2I between the light source 41 and the focal line FL2 of the reflector 51 on the inner side I in the vehicle width direction is longer than the distance L2O between the light source 41 and the focal line FL2 of the reflector 51 on the outer side O in the vehicle width direction. It is characterized by the following:

[0080] As a result, the vehicle lamp unit 1 of this invention can improve the luminous intensity of the maximum luminous intensity band MAX, even when the lens 61 has a slant shape and the focusing lines FL2 and FL3 follow or approximate the slant shape of the lens 61.

[0081] (7) The reflector 51 has a reflective surface 510 that reflects the light L1 from the light source 41, The reflective surface 510 has a central area 513, 514, 515 close to the light source 41, and other edge areas 511, 512, 516, 517. The central areas 513, 514, and 515 form the diffuse light distribution patterns WPC and WPD within the light distribution pattern HP (high beam light distribution pattern HP). The aforementioned end area forms the concentrating light distribution patterns SPA and SPB within the light distribution pattern HP (high beam light distribution pattern HP). It is characterized by the following:

[0082] As a result, the vehicle lamp unit 1 of this invention, as described above, in an optical system using a cylindrical lens for the lens 61, can efficiently spread the light L1 from the light source 41 as diffuse light distribution patterns WPC and WPD, and efficiently narrow it as concentrated light distribution patterns SPA and SPB.

[0083] (8) The aforementioned light distribution pattern HP is a high beam light distribution pattern HP. It is characterized by the following:

[0084] As a result, the vehicle lamp unit 1 of this invention can improve the luminous intensity of the maximum luminous intensity band MAX of the high beam light distribution pattern HP.

[0085] (9) The lamp housing 101 and lamp lens 102 form the lamp chamber 103, A vehicle lamp unit 1 according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is disposed within the lamp chamber 103, Equipped with, It is characterized by the following:

[0086] As a result, the vehicle headlights 100L and 100R of this invention can achieve the same effects as the vehicle lamp unit 1 of this invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1. First lamp unit, high beam lamp unit, vehicle lamp unit 2. Second Lamp Unit 3. Third Lamp Unit 41 1st light source, light source 410 Main body 412 luminescent surfaces 42 Second light source 43 Third light source 51 First reflector, reflector 510 Reflective surface 511 Area 1 512 Area 2 513 Area 3 514 Area 4 515 Area 5 516 Area 6 517 Area 7 52 Second reflector 53 Third reflector 61 First lens, lens 610 Entrance plane 611 Ejection surface 62. Second lens 63 Third Lens 71 Additional reflective surface 72 Second Shade 73 Third Shade 10L, 10R Vehicle Lamp Unit Device 100L, 100R Vehicle Headlights 101 Lamp Housing 102 Lamp Lens 103 Light room After B D bottom Before F F1 1st focal point FL2 burnt line, reflector 51 burnt line FL3 focusing line, lens 61 focusing line, rear focusing line HL-HR Left and right horizontal lines HP high beam light distribution pattern, predetermined light distribution pattern I. Inward in the vehicle width direction L left L1 light L2 reflected light MAX Maximum luminosity band Outer side in the vehicle width direction R right SPA concentrated light distribution pattern SPB Concentrated Beam Pattern U Up VE Vehicle VU-VD vertical vertical line WPC Diffuse Light Distribution Pattern WPD Diffuse Light Distribution Pattern Z optical axis, lamp axis

Claims

1. Light source and A reflector that reflects light from the aforementioned light source as reflected light, A lens that projects the reflected light in a predetermined light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle, Equipped with, The lens, when viewed from above the vehicle, has a shape that slopes from the front to the rear of the vehicle, from the inside in the vehicle width direction to the outside in the vehicle width direction, and has a focal line. The reflector focuses the reflected light near the focal line of the lens, The focal line of the lens follows or approximates the shape of the lens. A vehicle lamp unit characterized by the following features.

2. The reflector has a first focal point and a focal line formed by the set of the second focal points, The focal line of the reflector follows or approximates the shape of the lens. The vehicle lamp unit according to feature 1.

3. The distance between the focal line of the lens and the lens on the inner side in the vehicle width direction is the same as the distance between the focal line of the lens and the lens on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle lamp unit according to feature 1.

4. The distance between the focal line of the reflector and the lens on the inner side in the vehicle width direction is the same as the distance between the focal line of the reflector and the lens on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle lamp unit according to claim 3.

5. The distance between the light source and the focal line of the lens on the inside in the vehicle width direction is longer than the distance between the light source and the focal line of the lens on the outside in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle lamp unit according to feature 1.

6. The distance between the light source and the focal line of the reflector on the inner side in the vehicle width direction is longer than the distance between the light source and the focal line of the reflector on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle lamp unit according to claim 5.

7. The reflector has a reflective surface that reflects the light from the light source, The reflective surface has a central area close to the light source and other edge areas. The central area forms a diffuse light distribution pattern among the light distribution patterns. The aforementioned end area forms a concentrating light distribution pattern among the light distribution patterns. The vehicle lamp unit according to feature 1.

8. The aforementioned light distribution pattern is a high beam light distribution pattern. The vehicle lamp unit according to feature 1.

9. A lamp housing and lamp lens that form the lamp chamber, A vehicle lamp unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, disposed within the lamp chamber, Equipped with, A vehicle headlight characterized by the following features.

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