Vehicle lighting

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle lighting device that can reduce the luminous intensity of a specific point in a vehicle lighting pattern (for example, a low beam lighting pattern) to a predetermined value. [Solution] A vehicle lamp that forms a light distribution pattern for a vehicle lamp, comprising a light source 31A, a projection lens 60, and a light guide lens 50 disposed between the light source and the projection lens, wherein the light guide lens includes a light-emitting surface 51b disposed along the image field curvature FP of the projection lens, and is a light guide lens that guides the light RayA emitted by the light source and emits it from the light-emitting surface, and the light-emitting surface includes an optical element 53 disposed at a position corresponding to a specific location in the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp, and the optical element is an optical element that refracts at least a portion of the light emitted from the optical element.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicle lighting equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] A vehicle lighting device has been proposed that includes a projection lens, a separator positioned behind the projection lens, and a substrate on which low-beam light sources and high-beam light sources are mounted, positioned behind the separator (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the vehicle lighting device described in Patent Document 1, the separator includes a low-beam light-receiving section located on the rear side of the vehicle and a low-beam light-emitting surface located on the front side of the vehicle, as well as a high-beam light-receiving section located on the rear side of the vehicle and a high-beam light-emitting surface located on the front side of the vehicle. The light emitted by the low-beam light source enters from the low-beam light-receiving section, exits from the low-beam light-emitting surface, and is projected by a projection lens (the focal point of the projection lens is located between the low-beam light-emitting surface and the high-beam light-emitting surface) to form a low-beam light distribution pattern. On the other hand, the light emitted by the high-beam light source enters from the high-beam light-receiving section, exits from the high-beam light-emitting surface, and is projected by a projection lens to form a high-beam light distribution pattern. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-220404 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, the inventors' investigation revealed that in the vehicle lighting device described in Patent Document 1, the luminous intensity at a specific point in the low beam light distribution pattern exceeds a predetermined value, making it impossible to comply with regulations (e.g., US light distribution standards).

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle lamp capable of making the luminous intensity at a specific position in a light distribution pattern for a vehicle lamp (for example, a light distribution pattern for a low beam) lower than a predetermined value.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure is a vehicle lamp that forms a light distribution pattern for a vehicle lamp, and includes a light source, a projection lens, and a light guide lens disposed between the light source and the projection lens. The light guide lens includes a light emitting surface disposed along the image surface curvature of the projection lens, and is a light guide lens that guides the light emitted from the light source and emits the light from the light emitting surface. The light emitting surface includes an optical element disposed at a position corresponding to a specific position in the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp, and the optical element is an optical element that refracts at least a part of the light emitted from the optical element. The light guided by the light guide lens forms a luminous intensity distribution corresponding to the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp on the light emitting surface including the optical element by emitting from the light emitting surface including the optical element, and the projection lens forms the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp in which the luminous intensity at the specific position is lower than a predetermined value by projecting the luminous intensity distribution.

[0008] With such a configuration, a vehicle lamp capable of making the luminous intensity at a specific position in a light distribution pattern for a vehicle lamp lower than a predetermined value can be provided.

[0009] This is because the optical element in the light emitting surface is configured to refract at least a part of the light emitted from the optical element.

[0010] In the above vehicle lamp, the optical element may be configured such that at least a part of the light emitted from the optical element refracts in a direction other than the specific position.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vehicle lighting device, directions other than the specified location may be directions that do not incident on the projection lens.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vehicle lighting device, the optical element may be configured such that at least a portion of the light emitted from the optical element and directed toward the specific location is diffused.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above vehicle lighting device, the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lighting device is at least one of a low beam light distribution pattern and a high beam light distribution pattern, the light source includes a low beam light source and a high beam light source, the light guide lens includes a low beam light emitting surface arranged along the curvature of the image plane of the projection lens, and the low beam light guide lens includes a high beam light emitting surface arranged along the curvature of the image plane of the projection lens, and guides the low beam light emitted by the high beam light source The system includes a high-beam light guide lens that emits light from the high-beam light-emitting surface, the low-beam light-emitting surface includes a first optical element portion positioned at a location corresponding to a specific location in the low-beam light distribution pattern, the high-beam light-emitting surface includes a second optical element portion positioned adjacent to the first optical element portion, the first optical element portion is an optical element portion that refracts at least a portion of the low-beam light emitted from the first optical element portion, and the second optical element portion may be an optical element portion that emits the high-beam light without total internal reflection at the second optical element portion.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vehicle lighting device, the first optical element portion and the second optical element portion may have a V-shape in their longitudinal cross-section that protrudes in the light irradiation direction from the curvature of the image plane of the projection lens.

[0015] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vehicle lighting device, the light for the low beam is guided by the low beam light guide lens, totally reflected by a part of the low beam light guide lens, and emitted from the low beam light-emitting surface including the first optical element portion, thereby forming a low beam luminous intensity distribution corresponding to the low beam light distribution pattern on the light-emitting surface including the first optical element portion, and the projection lens may project the low beam luminous intensity distribution to form the low beam light distribution pattern in which the luminous intensity at the specific location is lower than a predetermined value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] This disclosure makes it possible to provide a vehicle lighting device that can lower the luminous intensity of a specific location in a light distribution pattern for vehicle lighting devices (for example, a light distribution pattern for low beams) to a predetermined value. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle lighting fixture 10, cut along a vertical plane that includes the optical axis AX60 (reference axis) of the projection lens 60. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the circuit board 30. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) of the substrate 30 and separator 50, with the optical path of the low-beam light RayA drawn on it. [Figure 4] This is a top view of separator 50. [Figure 5] This is an example (schematic diagram) of the PLo light distribution pattern for low beams. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of separator 50. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) of the substrate 30 and separator 50, with the optical path of RayB for the high beam drawn on it. [Figure 8] This is an example (schematic diagram) of a light distribution pattern PHi for high beams. [Figure 9] This is a bottom view of separator 50. [Figure 10] This is a magnified view of the vicinity of the light-receiving section 52a7 for the high beam. [Figure 11] This is a front view of separator 50 (light guide lens). [Figure 12] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of AA with the optical path of the low-beam light RayA drawn on it. [Figure 13] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of beam BB with the optical path of RayA for the low beam drawn on it. [Figure 14] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the beam bridge (BB) with the optical path of the RayB light used for the high beam drawn on it. [Figure 15] This diagram shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) of the substrate 30 and separator 50 (modified example), with the optical path of the low-beam light RayA drawn on it. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, a vehicle lighting device 10, which is one embodiment of the present disclosure, will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each figure, corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0019] Figure 1 shows the optical axis AX of the projection lens 60 for the vehicle light fixture 10. 60 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along a vertical plane that includes the (reference axis).

[0020] The vehicle lighting fixture 10 of this embodiment is a vehicle headlight that functions as a low-beam or high-beam headlamp, and is mounted on both the left and right sides of the front end of a vehicle (not shown), such as an automobile. Since the vehicle lighting fixtures 10 mounted on both the left and right sides have a symmetrical configuration, the vehicle lighting fixture 10 mounted on the right side of the front end of the vehicle (right side when facing forward) will be described below as a representative example.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle lighting fixture 10 comprises a heat sink 20, a circuit board 30 on which low-beam light sources 31A and high-beam light sources 31B are mounted, a holder 40, a separator 50 (light guide lens), and a projection lens 60. For the sake of explanation below, the X, Y, and Z axes are defined. The X axis extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the Y axis extends in the width direction of the vehicle, and the Z axis extends in the vertical direction.

[0022] The heat sink 20 includes a substrate fixing surface 20a to which the substrate 30 is fixed. The substrate fixing surface 20a is inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to the Z axis. The angle θ1 is, for example, 50°. As the material for the heat sink 20, metals with high thermal conductivity such as aluminum or copper, or alloys thereof, or alloys with low specific gravity such as magnesium are used. The heat sink 20 is manufactured by methods such as cutting, extrusion, insert, brazing, or die casting.

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the substrate 30.

[0024] The substrate 30 is a metal substrate such as aluminum, and includes low-beam light sources 31A1 to 31A6 and high-beam light sources 31B1 to 31B 12 This includes the light source mounting surface 30a on which the light source is mounted and the back surface 30b on the opposite side. Hereinafter, the light sources for low beam 31A1 to 31A6 and the light sources for high beam 31B1 to 31B 12 Unless otherwise specified, they are referred to as low-beam light source 31A and high-beam light source 31B.

[0025] The low-beam light source 31A and the high-beam light source 31B are semiconductor light-emitting elements such as LEDs. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, six low-beam light sources 31A1 to 31A6 are mounted on the substrate 30 (light source mounting surface 30a) in an upper row, spaced apart from each other and arranged in a line along the Y-axis, and twelve high-beam light sources 31B1 to 31B are mounted on the lower row. 12 These are implemented with a spacing between them, arranged in a line along the Y-axis.

[0026] The low-beam light source 31A and the high-beam light source 31B are equipped with a light-emitting surface. The light-emitting surface is, for example, a rectangular light-emitting surface with dimensions of 1 mm on each side. The low-beam light source 31A and the high-beam light source 31B are mounted on the substrate 30 (light source mounting surface 30a) with the light-emitting surface parallel to the light source mounting surface 30a. Optical axis AX of the low-beam light source 31A 31A (See Figures 1 and 3) The optical axis AX of the high-beam light source 31B extends in a direction that passes through the center of the light-emitting surface and is perpendicular to the light-emitting surface. 31B(See Figures 1 and 3) The beam extends in a direction perpendicular to the light-emitting surface and passes through the center of the light-emitting surface. Hereinafter, the light emitted by the low-beam light source 31A will be referred to as low-beam light RayA, and the light emitted by the high-beam light source 31B will be referred to as high-beam light RayB.

[0027] The substrate 30 is fixed (for example, by screws) to the heat sink 20 (substrate fixing surface 20a) at an angle θ1 (see Figure 1) with respect to the Z axis. Specifically, the substrate 30 is fixed to the heat sink 20 (substrate fixing surface 20a) at an angle θ1 with respect to the Z axis by the back surface 30b opposite to the light source mounting surface 30a contacting the substrate fixing surface 20a of the heat sink 20. Between the heat sink 20 (substrate fixing surface 20a) and the substrate 30 (back surface 30b), a TIM (Thermal Interface Material) such as thermal grease, thermal conductive sheet, or thermal conductive adhesive is provided to improve the adhesion between the two and reduce contact thermal resistance.

[0028] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the optical path of low-beam light Ray A drawn on a longitudinal cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) of the substrate 30 and separator 50. In Figure 3, the solid line L1 (see "With dimming" in Figure 3) represents the optical path of low-beam light Ray A emitted from the optical element 53. On the other hand, in Figure 3, the dotted line L2 (see "Without dimming" in Figure 3) represents the optical path of low-beam light Ray A when the optical element 53 is not provided, that is, the optical path of low-beam light A emitted from the low-beam light-emitting surface 51b arranged along the image field curvature FP (back focal plane). Figure 4 is a top view of the separator 50.

[0029] The separator 50 (light guide lens) is made of silicone resin and includes a light guide lens 51 for the low beam and a light guide lens 52 for the high beam, as shown in Figure 3. The separator 50 is not limited to silicone resin and may be made of any heat-resistant material. For example, the separator 50 may be made of glass.

[0030] The light guide lens 51 for the low beam is aligned with the optical axis AX of the projection lens 60. 60is disposed above. On the other hand, the high-beam light guide lens 52 is disposed below the optical axis AX of the projection lens 60 60 is disposed below. The optical axis AX of the projection lens 60 60 extends in the X-axis direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the separator 50 is configured symmetrically with respect to the optical axis AX of the projection lens 60 in a top view. 60 is symmetrically configured with respect to the optical axis AX of the projection lens 60 in a top view.

[0031] The low-beam light guide lens 51 and the high-beam light guide lens 52 are integrally formed in a state where the lower end of the low-beam light-emitting surface 51b of the low-beam light guide lens 51 and the upper end of the high-beam light-emitting surface 52b of the high-beam light guide lens 52 are connected (see FIG. 3). Note that the low-beam light guide lens 51 and the high-beam light guide lens 52 may be formed separately.

[0032] The separator 50 is disposed between the light sources (low-beam light source 31A, high-beam light source 31B) and the projection lens 60 by fixing the holder 40 holding the separator 50 to the heat sink 20 (see FIG. 1). In this state, the low-beam light-incident portion 51a (low-beam light-incident surface 51c) and the low-beam light source 31A face each other (see FIG. 3). Similarly, the high-beam light-incident portion 52a (high-beam light-incident surface 52c) and the high-beam light source 31B also face each other.

[0033] The holder 40 includes a light-shielding portion 41 (see FIG. 1). The light-shielding portion 41 is disposed between the low-beam light guide lens 51 and the high-beam light guide lens 52. The light-shielding portion 41 prevents the light from the low-beam light source 31A leaking from the low-beam light guide lens 51 from entering the high-beam light guide lens 52. Also, the light-shielding portion 41 prevents the light from the high-beam light source 31B leaking from the high-beam light guide lens 52 from entering the low-beam light guide lens 51.

[0034] The projection lens 60 is an aspherical lens. The projection lens 60 is positioned in front of the separator 50 by fixing it to the heat sink 20 or the like while the projection lens 60 is positioned relative to the separator 50. The focal point F of the projection lens 60 60 (See Figures 3 and 11) This is located between the lower end of the low-beam light-emitting surface 51b of the low-beam light guide lens 51 and the upper end of the high-beam light-emitting surface 52b of the high-beam light guide lens 52.

[0035] Next, we will describe the low-beam light guide lens 51 that guides the low-beam light RayA (see Figure 3) emitted by the low-beam light source 31A.

[0036] The low-beam light guide lens 51 includes a low-beam light-emitting surface 51b positioned along the image field curvature FP (see Figures 3 and 4) of the projection lens 60, and guides the low-beam light RayA (see Figure 3) emitted by the low-beam light source 31A to emit light from the low-beam light-emitting surface 51b.

[0037] The light RayA for the low beam is emitted from the low beam light-emitting surface 51b, thereby creating a low beam light distribution pattern P on the low beam light-emitting surface 51b. Lo This forms a corresponding low-beam light intensity distribution (not shown). This light intensity distribution is projected forward by the projection lens 60, resulting in the low-beam light distribution pattern P shown in Figure 5. Lo The following is formed. Note that the low beam light distribution pattern P shown in Figure 5 Lo For example, it is formed on a virtual vertical screen (located approximately 25m in front of the vehicle) directly facing the front of the vehicle. Figure 5 shows the light distribution pattern P for low beam. Lo This is an example (a schematic diagram).

[0038] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the separator 50.

[0039] The low-beam light guide lens 51 includes low-beam light-receiving sections 51a1 to 51a7 (see Figures 4 and 6) located on the rear side of the vehicle, and a low-beam light-emitting surface 51b (see Figure 3) located on the front side of the vehicle. Hereafter, unless otherwise distinguished, the low-beam light-receiving sections 51a1 to 51a7 will be referred to as low-beam light-receiving section 51a.

[0040] The low-beam light-receiving sections 51a1 to 51a7 are arranged in a line along the Y-axis (see Figures 4 and 6). In the vehicle lighting device 10 mounted on the right side of the front end of the vehicle (right side when facing forward), as in this embodiment, the low-beam light sources 31A1 to 31A6 are arranged with the low-beam light-receiving sections 51a1 to 51a6 facing each other, as shown in Figure 4. The dotted rectangle in Figure 4 represents the low-beam light sources 31A1 to 31A6 visible through the low-beam light guide lens 51 (low-beam light-receiving sections 51a1 to 51a6).

[0041] On the other hand, although not shown in the diagram, in the vehicle lighting device 10 mounted on the left side of the front end of the vehicle (left side when facing forward), the low beam light sources 31A1 to 31A6 are arranged with the low beam light receiving sections 51a2 to 51a7 facing each other, rather than the low beam light receiving sections 51a1 to 51a6.

[0042] In this way, the number of low-beam light-receiving sections 51a1 to 51a7 is greater than the number of low-beam light sources 31A1 to 31A6, and the optical axis AX of the projection lens 60 of the separator 50 is viewed from above. 60 By configuring it symmetrically (see Figure 4), the separator 50 (low beam light guide lens 51) can be used for both the vehicle lighting fixture 10 mounted on the right side of the front end of the vehicle (right side when facing forward) and the vehicle lighting fixture 10 mounted on the left side of the front end of the vehicle (left side when facing forward).

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the low-beam light-receiving section 51a includes a low-beam light-receiving surface 51c facing the low-beam light source 31A (light-emitting surface), and a low-beam total reflection surface 51d positioned above the low-beam light-receiving surface 51c.

[0044] The low-beam light-receiving surface 51c is, for example, a plane parallel to the light-emitting surface of the low-beam light source 31A. The distance between the low-beam light source 31A (light-emitting surface) and the low-beam light-receiving surface 51c is about 2 mm, and the low-beam light source 31A is positioned close to the low-beam light-receiving surface 51c.

[0045] The total reflection surface 51d for the low beam is at the focal point F of the projection lens 60. 60 The low-beam total reflection surface 51d is a total reflection surface that reflects light from the low-beam light source 31A, which enters from the low-beam light-entering surface 51c and is incident on the low-beam total reflection surface 51d, so as to concentrate the light in the vicinity. In this embodiment, the low-beam total reflection surface 51d is the first focal point F1 51d (See Figure 3) is located near the low-beam light source 31A, and the second focal spot F2 51d (See Figure 3) This is the focal point F of the projection lens 60. 60 It is a pelvic-based total reflection surface located in the vicinity.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, a lower surface 51e is provided between the lower end of the low-beam light-emitting surface 51b and the low-beam light-receiving surface 51c. Furthermore, an upper surface 51f is provided between the upper end of the low-beam light-emitting surface 51b and the low-beam total reflection surface 51d.

[0047] Next, we will describe the high-beam light guide lens 52, which guides the light emitted by the high-beam light source 31B.

[0048] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the optical path of the high-beam light Ray B drawn on a longitudinal cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) of the substrate 30 and separator 50. In Figure 7, the solid line L3 (see "With dimming" in Figure 7) represents the optical path of the high-beam light Ray B emitted from the optical element 53. On the other hand, in Figure 7, the dotted line L4 (see "Without dimming" in Figure 7) represents the optical path of the high-beam light Ray B when the optical element 53 is not provided, that is, the optical path of the high-beam light B emitted from the high-beam light-emitting surface 52b arranged along the curvature FP of the image plane.

[0049] The high-beam light guide lens 52 includes a high-beam light-emitting surface 52b positioned along the image field curvature FP (see Figure 7) of the projection lens 60, and guides the high-beam light RayB (see Figure 7) emitted by the high-beam light source 31B to emit light from the high-beam light-emitting surface 52b.

[0050] The light RayB for the high beam is emitted from the high beam light-emitting surface 52b, thereby creating a high beam light distribution pattern P on the high beam light-emitting surface 52b. Hi This forms a corresponding high-beam light intensity distribution (not shown). This light intensity distribution is projected forward by the projection lens 60, resulting in the high-beam light distribution pattern P shown in Figure 8. Hi The light distribution pattern P for high beams shown in Figure 8 is formed. Hi For example, it is formed on a virtual vertical screen (located approximately 25m in front of the vehicle) directly facing the front of the vehicle. Figure 8 shows the light distribution pattern P for high beams. Hi This is an example (a schematic diagram).

[0051] The high beam light guide lens 52 has high beam light receiving section 52a (52a1~52a) located on the rear side of the vehicle. 13 (See Figure 6), including a high beam light-emitting surface 52b located on the front side of the vehicle. Hereinafter, high beam light-receiving sections 52a1 to 52a 13 Unless otherwise specified, it will be referred to as the light-receiving section 52a for high beams.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, the rear portion of the high-beam light guide lens 52 is divided by a series of dividing grooves 52j that penetrate in the Z-axis direction, resulting in strip-shaped high-beam light-receiving sections 52a1 to 52a 13 It constitutes [something].

[0053] Figure 9 is a bottom view of the separator 50.

[0054] High beam light receiving section 52a1~52a 13These are arranged in a line along the Y-axis. In the vehicle lighting device 10 mounted on the right side of the front end of the vehicle (right side when facing forward), as in this embodiment, the high beam light sources 31B1 to 31B are arranged as shown in Figure 9. 12 The light receiving section 52a1~52a for high beam 12 They are positioned facing each other.

[0055] On the other hand, although not shown in the diagram, the vehicle lighting device 10 mounted on the left side of the front end of the vehicle (left side when facing forward of the vehicle) has high beam light sources 31B1 to 31B 12 The light receiving section 52a1~52a for high beam 12 Instead, the light-receiving section 52a2~52a for high beams 13 They are positioned facing each other.

[0056] Thus, the light sources for high beams 31B1~31B 12 The number of light-receiving sections 52a1 to 52a for high beams 13 The number of these elements is increased, and the optical axis AX of the projection lens 60 is projected onto the separator 50 when viewed from above. 60 By configuring it symmetrically (see Figure 4), the separator 50 (high beam light guide lens 52) can be used for both the vehicle lighting fixture 10 mounted on the right side of the front end of the vehicle (right side when facing forward) and the vehicle lighting fixture 10 mounted on the left side of the front end of the vehicle (left side when facing forward).

[0057] As shown in Figure 7, the high-beam light-receiving section 52a includes a high-beam light-receiving surface 52c facing the high-beam light source 31B (light-emitting surface), and a high-beam total reflection surface 52d positioned above the high-beam light-receiving surface 52c. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the high-beam light-receiving section 52a includes a pair of side surfaces 52g and 52h. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the high-beam light-receiving section 52a7.

[0058] The light-receiving surface 52c for the high beam is, for example, a plane parallel to the light-emitting surface of the high beam light source 31B. The distance between the high beam light source 31B (light-emitting surface) and the light-receiving surface 52c for the high beam is about 2 mm, and the high beam light source 31B is positioned close to the light-receiving surface 52c for the high beam.

[0059] The total reflective surface 52d for the high beam is at the focal point F of the projection lens 60. 60 The high-beam total reflection surface 52d is a total reflection surface that totally reflects light from the high-beam light source 31B that enters from the high-beam light-receiving surface 52c and is incident on the high-beam total reflection surface 52d, so as to concentrate the light in the vicinity. In this embodiment, the high-beam total reflection surface 52d is a curved reflection surface. The high-beam total reflection surface 52d has a first focal point located near the high-beam light source 31B, and a second focal point at the focal point F of the projection lens 60. 60 A nearby elliptical total reflection surface may also be used.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7, a lower surface 52e is provided between the lower end of the high beam light-emitting surface 52b and the high beam light-receiving surface 52c. Furthermore, an upper surface 52f is provided between the upper end of the high beam light-emitting surface 52b and the high beam total reflection surface 52d.

[0061] Next, the optical elements 53 provided on the light-emitting surfaces (low-beam light-emitting surface 51b and high-beam light-emitting surface 52b) will be described.

[0062] Figure 11 is a front view of the separator 50 (light guide lens). Figure 12 is a diagram showing the optical path of the low beam light Ray A drawn on the AA cross-sectional view of Figure 11. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the optical path of the low beam light Ray A drawn on the BB cross-sectional view of Figure 11.

[0063] As shown in Figure 11, the optical element 53 is provided so as to span both the low-beam light-emitting surface 51b and the high-beam light-emitting surface 52b.

[0064] The optical element 53 is a convex optical element (light diffusion attenuation shape) that protrudes in the direction of light irradiation from the image plane curvature FP (see Figures 12 and 13). The optical element 53 is part of the low beam light-emitting surface 51b with a low beam light distribution pattern P Lo It includes a first optical element portion 53a positioned at a location corresponding to a specific location A1 (see Figure 5) inside, and a second optical element portion 53b positioned adjacent to the lower part of the high-beam light-emitting surface 52b.

[0065] Low beam light distribution pattern P Lo A specific location A1 (see Figure 5) is a location where the luminous intensity must be lower than a predetermined value in order to comply with regulations (e.g., US optical distribution standards). In order to lower the luminous intensity of specific location A1 to a predetermined value, the first optical element portion 53a is configured to refract at least a portion of the low-beam light RayA emitted from the first optical element portion 53a.

[0066] For example, the first optical element portion 53a is configured such that at least a portion of the low-beam light RayA emitted from the first optical element portion 53a is refracted in a direction other than the specific location A1. The direction other than the specific location A1 is, for example, a direction that does not enter the projection lens 60 (see arrow Ar1 in Figure 3). This results in a low-beam light distribution pattern P Lo The luminosity of a specific location A1 inside can be made lower than a predetermined value.

[0067] However, if at least a portion of the low-beam light RayA emitted from the first optical element portion 53a is refracted in a direction other than the specific location A1, the contrast ratio between the specific location A1 and its surroundings B1 (see Figure 5) increases, resulting in reduced visibility (or light distribution feel).

[0068] Therefore, it is preferable that the first optical element portion 53a is configured such that at least a portion of the low-beam light Ray A emitted from the first optical element portion 53a and directed toward a specific location A1 is diffused. For example, it is preferable that the light is diffused such that the ratio of brightness between the specific location A1 and its surroundings B1 gradually decreases (in a gradient) from the surroundings B1 toward the specific location A1. This suppresses a decrease in visibility (or light distribution feeling). The vertical cross-sectional shape of the first optical element portion 53a may be a straight line or a curve. Figure 12 shows an example where the vertical cross-sectional shape of the first optical element portion 53a is a curve that is slightly concave toward the direction of light irradiation. In this case, at least a portion of the low-beam light Ray A directed toward the specific location A1 can be diffused over a wider area compared to the case where the vertical cross-sectional shape of the first optical element portion 53a is a straight line.

[0069] As described above, according to the first optical element portion 53a, the light distribution pattern P for low beam Lo The luminous intensity of a specific location A1 inside can be made lower than a predetermined value, while suppressing a decrease in visibility (or light distribution feeling).

[0070] On the other hand, the second optical element portion 53b is configured such that the high-beam light RayB does not undergo total internal reflection within the second optical element portion 53b and is emitted from the second optical element portion 53b. Specifically, the second optical element portion 53b is positioned at an angle in the direction of light irradiation relative to the image field curvature FP so that the incident angle of the high-beam light RayB is small (see Figure 14). Figure 14 is a diagram in which the optical path of the high-beam light RayB is drawn on the BB cross-sectional view of Figure 11. As a result, the amount of high-beam light RayB emitted from the second optical element portion 53b increases compared to the case where the second optical element portion 53b is positioned along the image field curvature FP, thus improving the light utilization efficiency. This results in a high-beam light distribution pattern P Hi The luminosity of a specific location A2 (see Figure 8) inside can be increased to a predetermined value.

[0071] For example, if the second optical element portion 53b is positioned along the image field curvature FP (back focal plane), the high-beam light Ray B (see, for example, high-beam light Ray B3 in Figure 7) is totally reflected by the second optical element portion 53b and does not emit light from the second optical element portion 53b. As a result, the light utilization efficiency decreases. In contrast, as in this disclosure, if the second optical element portion 53b is positioned at an angle in the direction of light irradiation from the image field curvature FP such that the incident angle of the high-beam light Ray B (see, for example, high-beam light B3 in Figure 7) becomes small (see Figure 14), the high-beam light Ray B (see, for example, high-beam light Ray B3 in Figure 7) is emitted from the second optical element portion 53b without totally reflecting light from the second optical element portion 53b. As a result, the light utilization efficiency improves. This allows for a high-beam light distribution pattern P Hi The luminosity of a specific location A2 inside can be increased to a predetermined value.

[0072] The first optical element portion 53a and the second optical element portion 53b may be continuous via the curved portion 54 (see Figure 12), or they may be continuous without the curved portion 54. Although not shown, the cross-sectional shape of the second optical element portion 53b is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the first optical element portion 53a (see Figure 13).

[0073] As described above, the optical element 53 (first optical element portion 53a, second optical element portion 53b) that controls the light Ray A for the low beam and the light Ray B for the high beam has a roughly V-shape in its longitudinal cross-section, protruding in the direction of light irradiation from the image field curvature FP of the projection lens 60 (see Figures 12 and 14). As described above, the optical element 53 (first optical element portion 53a, second optical element portion 53b) that controls the light Ray A for the low beam and the light Ray B for the high beam can be designed, for example, using predetermined simulation software.

[0074] According to the vehicle lighting device 10 with the above configuration, the low beam light distribution pattern P shown in Figure 5 Lo It is formed as follows:

[0075] In other words, when the low-beam light source 31A is turned on, the low-beam light RayA (see Figure 3) emitted by the low-beam light source 31A enters through the low-beam light-inlet section 51a, is guided by the low-beam light guide lens 51, is totally reflected by a part of the low-beam light guide lens 51 (for example, the low-beam total reflection surface 51d), and is emitted from the low-beam light-emitting surface 51b (including the first optical element portion 53a). As a result, the low-beam light distribution pattern P is formed on the low-beam light-emitting surface 51b (including the first optical element portion 53a). Lo A corresponding luminous intensity distribution for the low beam is formed.

[0076] This luminous intensity distribution is projected forward by the projection lens 60, resulting in a low-beam light distribution pattern P where the luminous intensity at a specific location A1 is lower than a predetermined value, as shown in Figure 5. Lo A luminous field is formed. The reason the luminous intensity of specific location A1 is lower than a predetermined value is that at least a portion of the low-beam light RayA emitted from the first optical element portion 53a is refracted in a direction other than specific location A1 (see arrow Ar1 in Figure 3). Also, at least a portion of the low-beam light RayA emitted from the first optical element portion 53a and directed toward specific location A1 is diffused.

[0077] On the other hand, according to the vehicle lighting device 10 with the above configuration, the high beam light distribution pattern P shown in Figure 8 Hi It is formed as follows:

[0078] In other words, when the high-beam light source 31B is turned on, the high-beam light RayB (see Figure 7) emitted by the high-beam light source 31B is guided by the high-beam light guide lens 52, totally reflected by a part of the high-beam light guide lens 52 (upper surface 52f), and emitted from the high-beam light-emitting surface 52b including the second optical element portion 53b, while the remaining portion of light RayB2 is guided by the high-beam light guide lens 52, directly incident on the first optical element portion 53a, and emitted from the first optical element portion 53a. As a result, a high-beam light distribution pattern P is formed on the light-emitting surface (mainly the high-beam light-emitting surface 52b including the second optical element portion 53b). Hi A corresponding high-beam luminous intensity distribution is formed.

[0079] This luminous intensity distribution is projected forward by the projection lens 60, resulting in a high-beam light distribution pattern P where the luminous intensity at a specific location A2 is higher than a predetermined value, as shown in Figure 8. Hi A formation is created.

[0080] As described above, according to this embodiment, the light distribution pattern P for low beam Lo We can provide a vehicle lighting device 10 that can lower the luminous intensity of a specific location A1 (see Figure 5) inside the device to a predetermined value.

[0081] This is because the optical element 53 (first optical element portion 53a) in the low-beam light-emitting surface 51b is configured to refract at least a portion of the low-beam light RayA emitted from the first optical element portion 53a.

[0082] Next, I will explain some variations.

[0083] Figure 15 is a diagram showing the optical path of RayA for the low beam drawn on a longitudinal cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) of the substrate 30 and separator 50 (modified example).

[0084] In the above embodiment, an example using a low-beam light guide lens 51, a high-beam light guide lens 52, a low-beam light source 31A, and a high-beam light source 31B has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 15, the high-beam light guide lens 52 and the high-beam light source 31B may be omitted.

[0085] This modified version can also achieve the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0086] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example where the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lighting is a low-beam light distribution pattern, it is not limited to this. The light distribution pattern for the vehicle lighting may be a light distribution pattern other than a low-beam light distribution pattern.

[0087] The numerical values ​​shown in the above embodiments are all examples, and it goes without saying that other appropriate numerical values ​​can be used.

[0088] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects. The invention is not to be construed as limiting by the description of the embodiments above. The invention can be carried out in various other ways without departing from its spirit or main features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 10… Vehicle lighting equipment 20… Heatsink 20a... Substrate fixing surface 30... Circuit board 30a...Light source mounting surface 30b…Back side 31A...Light source for low beam 31B...Light source for high beams 40... Holder 41... Light-shielding part 50... Separator (light guide lens) 51...Light guide lens for low beam 51a...Light receiving section for low beam 51b...Light-emitting surface for low beam 51c...Light-receiving surface for low beam 51d... Total reflective surface for low beam 51e…Bottom surface 51f…Top surface 52…Light guide lens for high beams 52a...Light receiving section for high beam 52b... High beam light output surface 52c...Light-receiving surface for high beams 52d... Fully reflective surface for high beams 52e…Bottom surface 52f…Top surface 52g, 52h...side 52j…Dividing groove 53…Optical elements 53a...First optical element portion 53b...Second optical element portion 54... Curved section 60…Projection lens RayA...Light for low beam RayB...Light for high beams A1, A2...Specific locations AX 31A AX 31B AX 60 …optical axis F1 51d …first focus F2 51d …Second focus F 60 …focus FP...Image field curvature P Hi ...Light distribution pattern for high beams P Lo ...Light distribution pattern for low beam

Claims

1. A vehicle light fixture that forms a light distribution pattern for vehicle lighting, Light source and Projection lens and The system comprises a light guide lens disposed between the light source and the projection lens, The light guide lens includes a light-emitting surface arranged along the curvature of the image plane of the projection lens, and is a light guide lens that guides the light emitted by the light source and emits it from the light-emitting surface. The light-emitting surface includes an optical element positioned at a location corresponding to a specific location in the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp, The optical element is an optical element that refracts at least a portion of the light emitted from the optical element, The light guided by the light guide lens is emitted from the light-emitting surface including the optical element, thereby forming a luminous intensity distribution on the light-emitting surface including the optical element that corresponds to the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp. The projection lens is a vehicle lamp that projects the luminous intensity distribution to form a light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp in which the luminous intensity at a specific location is lower than a predetermined value.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the optical element is configured such that at least a portion of the light emitted from the optical element is refracted in a direction other than the specified location.

3. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 2, wherein directions other than the specified location are directions that do not come into contact with the projection lens.

4. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, wherein the optical element is configured such that at least a portion of the light emitted from the optical element and directed toward the specific location is diffused.

5. The aforementioned vehicle light distribution pattern is at least one of a low beam light distribution pattern and a high beam light distribution pattern. The light source includes a low-beam light source and a high-beam light source, The light guide lens includes a low-beam light-emitting surface arranged along the curvature of the image plane of the projection lens, which guides the low-beam light emitted by the low-beam light source and emits it from the low-beam light-emitting surface, and a high-beam light guide lens also arranged along the curvature of the image plane of the projection lens, which guides the high-beam light emitted by the high-beam light source and emits it from the high-beam light-emitting surface. The low-beam light-emitting surface includes a first optical element portion positioned at a location corresponding to a specific location in the low-beam light distribution pattern, The high-beam light-emitting surface includes a second optical element portion arranged adjacent to the first optical element portion. The first optical element portion is an optical element portion that refracts at least a portion of the light for the low beam emitted from the first optical element portion, The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second optical element portion is an optical element portion that emits light for the high beam without total internal reflection by the second optical element portion.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 5, wherein the first optical element portion and the second optical element portion have a V-shape in their longitudinal cross-section that protrudes in the light irradiation direction from the curvature of the image plane of the projection lens.

7. The light for the low beam is guided by the low beam light guide lens, totally reflected by a part of the low beam light guide lens, and emitted from the low beam light-emitting surface including the first optical element portion, thereby forming a low beam luminous intensity distribution corresponding to the low beam light distribution pattern on the light-emitting surface including the first optical element portion. The vehicle lamp according to claim 5, wherein the projection lens projects the low beam light intensity distribution to form the low beam light distribution pattern in which the light intensity at the specific location is lower than a predetermined value.

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