Vehicle lighting

Abstract

In a vehicle lamp configured to form a light distribution pattern by irradiating direct light from multiple light-emitting elements toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member, the occurrence of uneven light distribution is suppressed. [Solution] The light from six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F is directed toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member 20 equipped with six projection lens sections 22A to 22F arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction, thereby forming a lamp light distribution pattern. Furthermore, the light-transmitting member 20 is configured to include an additional projection lens section 24 arranged in line with the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F in the vehicle width direction, and a second light-emitting element 40 is additionally positioned on the rear side of the lamp of this additional projection lens section 24. By additionally illuminating this second light-emitting element 40, an additional horizontally elongated additional light distribution pattern that overlaps with the above lamp light distribution pattern is formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp provided with a light-transmitting member.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a configuration of a vehicle lamp, there is known a configuration in which direct light from a plurality of light-emitting elements is irradiated forward of the lamp through a light-transmitting member to form a lamp light distribution pattern.

[0003] In "Patent Document 1", in such a direct-type vehicle lamp, as a configuration of the light-transmitting member, there is described a configuration including a plurality of projection lens portions arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction.

[0004] The lamp light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the vehicle lamp described in this "Patent Document 1" is configured as a combined light distribution pattern of a plurality of small light distribution patterns formed by light-transmitting control of the emitted light from a plurality of light-emitting elements by a plurality of projection lens portions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the vehicle lamp described in the above "Patent Document 1", since the lamp light distribution pattern is configured to form a light distribution pattern in which a plurality of small light distribution patterns are chained in a partially overlapping state, there are the following problems.

[0007] In other words, in such a light distribution pattern, uneven light distribution is likely to occur because the small light distribution patterns partially overlap, and the brightness decreases significantly as you move away from the front of the light fixture in the left and right directions, making the uneven light distribution particularly noticeable in the edge regions.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp that can suppress the occurrence of uneven light distribution in a vehicle lamp configured to form a light distribution pattern by irradiating direct light from multiple light-emitting elements toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention aims to achieve the above objective by providing a configuration that includes a predetermined additional projection lens section and a second light-emitting element.

[0010] In other words, the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention is In a vehicle lamp configured to form a light distribution pattern by irradiating direct light from multiple light-emitting elements toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member, The above light-transmitting member comprises a plurality of projection lens sections arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction. The above-mentioned multiple light-emitting elements are arranged on the rear side of the above-mentioned multiple projection lens sections of the light fixture. The above-mentioned plurality of projection lens sections are configured to control the transmission of light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements, thereby forming a light distribution pattern in which a plurality of small light distribution patterns are chained together in a partially overlapping state, as the light distribution pattern of the lamp. The above light-transmitting member includes an additional projection lens portion arranged in line with the above-mentioned plurality of projection lens portions in the vehicle width direction, A second light-emitting element is additionally positioned on the rear side of the lamp in the above-mentioned additional projection lens section. The above-mentioned additional projection lens section is characterized in that it is configured to form a horizontally elongated additional light distribution pattern that overlaps with the light distribution pattern of the above-mentioned luminaire by controlling the transmission of light emitted from the above-mentioned second light-emitting element.

[0011] The "multiple projection lens sections" mentioned above are not particularly limited in number or specific shape, as long as they are arranged in parallel when viewed from the front of the light fixture.

[0012] The "multiple light-emitting elements" mentioned above are not particularly limited in their specific arrangement or the specific shape of each light-emitting surface, as long as they are positioned on the rear side of the light fixture with multiple projection lenses.

[0013] The "second light-emitting element" described above is not particularly limited in its specific arrangement or the specific shape of its light-emitting surface, as long as it is additionally positioned on the rear side of the additional projection lens section of the lamp.

[0014] The specific shape of the "additional projection lens section" described above is not particularly limited, as long as it is configured to form an additional light distribution pattern as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that overlaps with the light distribution pattern of the luminaire.

[0015] The "additional light distribution pattern" described above is a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that overlaps with the light distribution pattern of the luminaire. Its specific shape is not particularly limited, and it may be formed to partially overlap with the light distribution pattern of the luminaire, or it may be formed to cover the entire light distribution pattern of the luminaire.

[0016] The types of "light distribution patterns" mentioned above are not particularly limited. For example, light distribution patterns for low beams or patterns that form part of them, light distribution patterns for high beams or patterns that form part of them, light distribution patterns for daytime running lamps, light distribution patterns for fog lamps, etc., can be used. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The vehicle lamp according to the present invention is configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern by irradiating direct light from multiple light-emitting elements toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member. The light-transmitting member is equipped with multiple projection lens sections arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction, and the multiple light-emitting elements are arranged on the rear side of the multiple projection lens sections. Furthermore, the light-transmitting member is equipped with an additional projection lens section arranged in line with the multiple projection lens sections in the vehicle width direction, and a second light-emitting element is additionally arranged on the rear side of this additional projection lens section, so that an additional light distribution pattern can be formed in addition to the lamp light distribution pattern.

[0018] In this configuration, the multiple projection lens sections are configured to control the transmission of light emitted from multiple light-emitting elements, thereby forming a light distribution pattern in which multiple small light distribution patterns are linked together in a partially overlapping state, and the additional projection lens section is configured to control the transmission of light emitted from the second light-emitting element, thereby forming a horizontally elongated additional light distribution pattern that overlaps with the light distribution pattern of the luminaire. As a result, the following effects can be obtained.

[0019] In other words, with only the luminaire's light distribution pattern, uneven light distribution is likely to occur due to partial overlap of small light distribution patterns, and the brightness decreases significantly as you move away from the front of the luminaire to the left and right. As a result, uneven light distribution is particularly noticeable in the edge regions of the luminaire's light distribution pattern. However, by adding an additional light distribution pattern to this luminaire's light distribution pattern, the unevenness of the light distribution can be made less noticeable.

[0020] Thus, according to the present invention, in a vehicle lamp configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern by irradiating direct light from multiple light-emitting elements toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member, the occurrence of uneven light distribution can be suppressed.

[0021] In the above configuration, further, as the configuration of a plurality of light-emitting elements, after adopting a configuration in which only some of the light-emitting elements can be selectively lit, as the configuration of the second light-emitting element, a configuration in which it lights only when all of the plurality of light-emitting elements are lit is adopted, and the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0022] That is, in a lamp for ADB (i.e., Adaptive Driving Beam), a plurality of small light distribution patterns can be formed in parallel at positions overlapping the cut-off line of the low beam light distribution pattern. When the vehicle lamp according to the present invention is configured as such an ADB lamp, when some of the plurality of light-emitting elements are turned off, ADB control can be appropriately performed by adopting a configuration in which an additional light distribution pattern is not formed.

[0023] In the above configuration, further, if the additional projection lens unit is configured to form an additional light distribution pattern as a light distribution pattern covering the entire lamp light distribution pattern, unevenness in the light distribution of the lamp light distribution pattern can be made less prominent.

[0024] In the above configuration, further, if the plurality of projection lens units are configured to form a plurality of small light distribution patterns as light distribution patterns that are more horizontally long as the small light distribution patterns formed at positions farther from the front direction of the lamp, the lamp light distribution pattern can be formed as a light distribution pattern that spreads to a position far from the front direction of the lamp. On the other hand, in such a case, unevenness in the light distribution tends to be prominent in the end region of the lamp light distribution pattern. Therefore, it is particularly effective to make the unevenness in the light distribution of the lamp light distribution pattern less prominent by additionally forming an additional light distribution pattern.

[0025] In the above configuration, further, if the plurality of light-emitting elements and the second light-emitting element are mounted on a common substrate, the lamp structure can be simplified and the above-described operational effects can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] Plane cross-sectional view showing a vehicle light fixture according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Plane section showing the main components of the above vehicle lighting fixture. [Figure 3] Partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the main components described above. [Figure 4] (a) is a diagram showing a perspective view of an additional light distribution pattern for high beams, which is formed as a composite light distribution pattern of the light distribution pattern and additional light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the above-mentioned vehicle light fixture and the light distribution pattern and additional light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from a vehicle light fixture that is paired with the above-mentioned vehicle light fixture. (b) is a diagram showing the above-mentioned additional light distribution pattern with a portion of it missing. [Figure 5] (a) is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern and additional light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the above-mentioned vehicle light fixture, and (b) is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern and additional light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from a vehicle light fixture that is to be paired with the above-mentioned vehicle light fixture. [Figure 6] A figure similar to Figure 1 shows a modified example of the above embodiment. [Figure 7] The diagrams show the operation of the above modified example, where (a) is the same as Figure 4(a), (b) is the same as Figure 5(a), and (c) is the same as Figure 5(b). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 is a plan cross-sectional view showing a vehicle lighting device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2 and 3 are a plan cross-sectional view and a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the main components of the vehicle lighting device 10.

[0029] In Figures 1-3, the direction indicated by X is the "forward" direction for the vehicle light fixture 10 (also the "forward" direction for the vehicle), the direction indicated by Y is the "leftward" direction perpendicular to the "forward" direction (also the "leftward" direction for the vehicle, but the "rightward" direction when viewed from the front of the light fixture), and the direction indicated by Z is the "upward" direction. The same applies to figures other than Figures 1-3.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle lamp 10 is a lamp positioned at the right front end of the vehicle. It has a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 12 and a transparent light-transmitting cover 14 attached to the front end opening of the lamp body, which houses a light-transmitting member 20, six light-emitting elements 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, and 30F, and a second light-emitting element 40. The vehicle lamp 10 is configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern and an additional light distribution pattern (which will be described later) by irradiating direct light from the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F and the second light-emitting element 40 toward the front of the lamp through the light-transmitting member 20.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the light-transmitting member 20 has a configuration in which six projection lens sections 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, and 22F are arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction, and an additional projection lens section 24 is also arranged. Specifically, the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F are arranged in this order from the outside in the vehicle width direction at approximately equal intervals, and the additional projection lens section 24 is arranged on the outside in the vehicle width direction of these six projection lens sections 22A to 22F.

[0032] The front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20 is composed of a convex cylindrical curved surface extending in the vehicle width direction. On the other hand, the rear surface 20b of the light-transmitting member 20 is composed of a convex cylindrical curved surface extending in the vertical direction in the portions located at each of the six projection lens portions 22A to 22F and the additional projection lens portion 24.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the light-transmitting member 20 is supported by the lamp body 12 at a pair of left and right flange portions 20c formed on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the six projection lens portions 22A to 22F and the additional projection lens portion 24.

[0034] Furthermore, an extension panel 16 is positioned inside the lamp chamber to cover the periphery of the light-transmitting member 20 from the front side of the lamp. This extension panel 16 has a horizontally elongated rectangular opening 16a that surrounds the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F and the additional projection lens section 24. This extension panel 16 is supported by the lamp body 12 around the light-transmitting cover 14.

[0035] The six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F and the second light-emitting element 40 are mounted on a common substrate 50, positioned on the rear side of the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F and the additional projection lens section 24 of the lamp. This substrate 50 is positioned to extend in the vehicle width direction along a vertical plane perpendicular to the front direction of the lamp, and is supported by the lamp body 12 at both its left and right ends.

[0036] The six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are all white light-emitting diodes, and their light-emitting surfaces 30a have the same rectangular (for example, square) external shape. These six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are arranged with their light-emitting surfaces 30a facing the front of the lamp.

[0037] The second light-emitting element 40 is also a white light-emitting diode, and its light-emitting surface 40a has a rectangular (for example, square) outer shape that is slightly larger than the light-emitting surface 30a. The second light-emitting element 40 is also positioned with its light-emitting surface 40a facing the front of the lamp.

[0038] The vehicle light fixture 10 is configured to form six small light distribution patterns by irradiating the light emitted from six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F toward the front of the light fixture through six projection lenses 22A to 22F, and to form the light distribution pattern of the light fixture as a composite light distribution pattern. In addition, the vehicle light fixture 10 is configured to form the additional light distribution pattern by irradiating the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 40 toward the front of the light fixture through an additional projection lens section 24.

[0039] Of the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F, the second projection lens section 22B from the right (second from the left when viewed from the front of the lamp) has a convex curved surface that forms its rear surface 22Bb, which has a symmetrical surface shape. Also, of the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F, the second light-emitting element 30B from the right is positioned directly behind the projection lens section 22B in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the curvature of the convex curved surface that forms the rear surface 22Bb of the projection lens section 22B is set so that the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22B is emitted as parallel light from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20 toward approximately the front of the lamp.

[0040] In other words, the projection lens portion 22B has an optical axis Axb extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp, and the light-emitting element 30B is positioned such that its light-emitting center is located at the rear focal point Fb of the projection lens portion 22B in a plan view.

[0041] The projection lens portion 22A, located at the rightmost end, has a surface shape in which the convex curved surface constituting its rear surface 22Ab is slightly inclined to the right toward the rear of the lamp. The light-emitting element 30A, also located at the rightmost end, is positioned slightly to the right of directly behind the projection lens portion 22A. The curvature of the convex curved surface constituting the rear surface 22Ab of the projection lens portion 22A is set so that the light emitted from the light-emitting element 30A is emitted from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20 as light that is slightly diffused to the left and right in a direction slightly inclined to the left with respect to the front of the lamp.

[0042] In other words, the projection lens section 22A has an optical axis Axa that is tilted at an angle θa to the left with respect to a virtual axis L extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp, and the rear focal point Fa is located further back than the rear focal point Fb.

[0043] On the other hand, the projection lens portion 22C, located third from the right, has a surface shape in which the convex curved surface constituting its rear surface 22Cb is slightly inclined to the left toward the rear of the lamp. The light-emitting element 30C, also located third from the right, is positioned slightly to the left of directly behind the projection lens portion 22C. The curvature of the convex curved surface constituting the rear surface 22Cb of the projection lens portion 22C is set so that the light emitted from the light-emitting element 30C is emitted as parallel light from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20 in a direction slightly inclined to the right toward the front of the lamp.

[0044] In other words, the projection lens section 22C has an optical axis Axc that is tilted to the left at an angle θc (θc=θa) with respect to the virtual axis L, and the rear focal point Fc is located further back than the rear focal point Fb.

[0045] The projection lens section 22D, located fourth from the right, has a surface shape in which the convex curved surface constituting its rear surface 22Db is inclined further to the left than the projection lens section 22C toward the rear of the lamp. The light-emitting element 30D, also located fourth from the right, is positioned further to the left of directly behind the projection lens section 22D. The curvature of the convex curved surface constituting the rear surface 22Db of the projection lens section 22D is set so that the light emitted from the light-emitting element 30D is emitted as parallel light from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20 in a direction inclined further to the right relative to the front of the lamp.

[0046] In other words, the projection lens section 22D has an optical axis Axd that is tilted to the left by an angle θd (θd > θc) with respect to the virtual axis L, and the rear focal point Fd is located further rearward than the rear focal point Fc.

[0047] The projection lens section 22E, located fifth from the right, has a surface shape in which the convex curved surface constituting its rear surface 22Eb is inclined further to the left than the projection lens section 22D toward the rear of the lamp. The light-emitting element 30E, also located fifth from the right, is positioned further to the left of directly behind the projection lens section 22E. The curvature of the convex curved surface constituting the rear surface 22Eb of the projection lens section 22E is set so that the light emitted from the light-emitting element 30E is emitted as parallel light from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20 in a direction inclined further to the right relative to the front of the lamp.

[0048] In other words, the projection lens section 22E has an optical axis Axe that is tilted to the left at an angle θe (θe > θd) with respect to the virtual axis L, and the rear focal point Fe is located further rearward than the rear focal point Fd.

[0049] The projection lens portion 22F, located at the left end, has a surface shape in which the convex curved surface constituting its rear surface 22Fb is inclined further to the left than the projection lens portion 22E toward the rear of the lamp. The light-emitting element 30F, also located at the left end, is positioned further to the left of directly behind the projection lens portion 22F. The curvature of the convex curved surface constituting the rear surface 22Fb of the projection lens portion 22F is set so that the light emitted from the light-emitting element 30F is emitted as parallel light from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20 in a direction inclined further to the right relative to the front of the lamp (specifically, in a direction inclined by about 20° from the front of the lamp).

[0050] In other words, the projection lens section 22F has an optical axis Axf that is tilted to the left at an angle θf (θf > θe) with respect to the virtual axis L, and the rear focal point Ff is located further rearward than the rear focal point Fe.

[0051] The additional projection lens section 24 has a convex curved surface that forms its rear surface 24b, which has a symmetrical surface shape. The second light-emitting element 40 is positioned to the left of the projection lens section 24, with respect to the left-right direction. The curvature of the convex curved surface that forms the rear surface 24b of the additional projection lens section 24 is set so that the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 40 is emitted as horizontally diffused light from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20, in a direction slightly to the right of the front of the lamp.

[0052] In other words, the additional projection lens section 24 has an optical axis Ax2 that extends in the front-rear direction of the lamp in a plan view, and the rear focal point F2 is located behind the substrate 50.

[0053] Furthermore, the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F and the second light-emitting element 40 are positioned slightly below and directly behind the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F and the additional projection lens section 24 in the vertical direction, thereby directing the light emitted from the light-transmitting member 20 slightly upward (for example, about 1° upward) relative to the front of the luminaire.

[0054] In the vehicle lighting device 10 according to this embodiment, the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are configured to light up simultaneously or selectively, and the second light-emitting element 40 is configured to light up only when all six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are lit. As a result, the vehicle lighting device 10 can function as a normal vehicle lighting device as well as an ADB (Adaptive Development Bureau) lighting device (this will be described later).

[0055] Figure 4(a) is a perspective view showing an additional high-beam light distribution pattern PA1 formed on a virtual vertical screen located 25m in front of the vehicle lamp, which is a composite light distribution pattern (i.e., a light distribution pattern formed on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis) formed on a virtual vertical screen located 25m in front of the lamp, consisting of the lamp light distribution pattern PAR1 and additional light distribution pattern PBR1 formed by the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 10, and the lamp light distribution pattern PAL1 and additional light distribution pattern PBL1 formed by the light emitted from the vehicle lamp that is paired with the vehicle lamp 10 (i.e., the lamp located at the left front end of the vehicle).

[0056] The additional light distribution pattern PA1 is a light distribution pattern that is formed additionally to the low beam light distribution pattern PL when forming the high beam light distribution pattern PH1. Before describing this additional light distribution pattern PA1, the low beam light distribution pattern PL will be described.

[0057] The low beam light distribution pattern PL, as shown by the dashed line in the figure, is a left-facing low beam light distribution pattern, and has staggered cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 at its upper edge. These cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 extend horizontally at staggered levels on the left and right, separated by the VV line which passes vertically through the vanishing point HV in the direction of the front of the lamp. The portion to the right of the VV line, on the opposing lane side, is formed as the lower cutoff line CL1, while the portion to the left of the VV line, on the in-lane side, is formed as the upper cutoff line CL2, which rises from the lower cutoff line CL1 via an inclined section.

[0058] In the low beam light distribution pattern PL, the elbow point E, which is the intersection of the lower cutoff line CL1 and the VV line, is located approximately 0.5 to 0.6° below the HV line.

[0059] The additional light distribution pattern PA1 is a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that extends horizontally along the HH line passing through the HV line. It is formed in a state where the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 and additional light distribution pattern PBR1, which extend to the right from the vicinity of the left side of the VV line, and the luminaire light distribution pattern PAL1 and additional light distribution pattern PBL1, which extend to the left from the vicinity of the right side of the VV line, partially overlap. The lower end region of this additional light distribution pattern PA1 overlaps with the region near the cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern PL, so that the high beam light distribution pattern PH1 is formed as a light distribution pattern with no gap between the low beam light distribution pattern PL and the additional light distribution pattern PA1.

[0060] Figure 5(a) shows the light distribution pattern PAR1 and the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 formed by the light emitted from the vehicle light fixture 10.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5(a), the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 is composed of six sub-light distribution patterns IR1a, IR1b, IR1c, IR1d, IR1e, and IR1f formed by the light emitted from six light-emitting elements 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, and 30F.

[0062] The six small light distribution patterns IR1a to IR1f are roughly rectangular light distribution patterns formed by the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F as inverted projection images of the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F, and are formed with spacing in the left-right direction, partially overlapping each other.

[0063] In this configuration, the six small light distribution patterns IR1a to IR1f are formed such that the smaller the light distribution pattern, the further it is from the front of the luminaire, the more horizontally elongated it is. As a result, the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 is formed as a light distribution pattern that extends to a position far from the front of the luminaire.

[0064] The luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 is formed as a bright light distribution pattern such that the small light distribution pattern IR1b, which is formed second from the left as an inverted projection image of the second light-emitting element 30B from the right, is located on the VV line. This is because the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element 30B is located at the rear focal point Fb of the projection lens section 22B in a plan view. Furthermore, the brightness of this luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 decreases as you move away from the front of the luminaire, and the amount of overlap between the six small light distribution patterns IR1a to IR1f is reduced.

[0065] Furthermore, the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 has its vertical center position slightly upward relative to the HH line. This is because the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are positioned slightly downward from directly behind the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F in the vertical direction, causing the light emitted from the light-transmitting member 20 to be slightly upward relative to the front of the luminaire.

[0066] On the other hand, the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 is a light distribution pattern formed by the additional projection lens section 24 as an inverted projection image of the second light-emitting element 40, and is formed as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that overlaps with the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1. In this case, the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 is formed to extend slightly longer outward in the vehicle width direction (i.e., to the right) so as to cover the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1.

[0067] The reason why the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 is formed as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that covers the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 is that the curvature of the convex curved surface constituting the rear surface 24b of the additional projection lens section 24 and the arrangement of the second light-emitting element 40 are set so that the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 40 is emitted as horizontally diffused light from the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20 toward a direction slightly to the right relative to the front of the luminaire. In this case, the reason why the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 is formed with a larger vertical width than the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 is that the outer shape of the light-emitting surface 40a of the second light-emitting element 40 is slightly larger than the light-emitting surfaces 30a of the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F.

[0068] Figure 5(b) shows the light distribution pattern PAL1 and the additional light distribution pattern PBL1 formed by the light emitted from the vehicle light fixture that is paired with the vehicle light fixture 10.

[0069] As shown in Figure 5(b), the luminaire light distribution pattern PAL1 is formed as a light distribution pattern that is symmetrical to the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 with respect to the VV line.

[0070] In other words, the luminaire light distribution pattern PAL1 is composed of six smaller light distribution patterns IL1a, IL1b, IL1c, IL1d, IL1e, and IL1f, which have a symmetrical image shape with respect to the VV line, relative to the six smaller light distribution patterns IR1a, IR1b, IR1c, IR1d, IR1e, and IR1f that constitute the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1.

[0071] Furthermore, the additional light distribution pattern PBL1 is formed as a light distribution pattern that is symmetrical to the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 with respect to the VV line.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4(a), the additional light distribution pattern PA1 is formed as a light distribution pattern with minimal unevenness, where the central left and right regions near the VV line are the brightest, and the light gradually darkens towards both left and right ends. This is because the pair of left and right luminaire light distribution patterns PAL1 and PAR1 partially overlap in the region near the VV line, and the pair of left and right additional light distribution patterns PBL1 and PBR1 are formed to cover the pair of left and right luminaire light distribution patterns PAL1 and PAR1 while partially overlapping in the region near the VV line.

[0073] Figure 4(b) is a diagram similar to Figure 4(a), showing the additional light distribution pattern PA1 with a portion of it missing.

[0074] In Figure 4(b), the third light-emitting element 30C from the right among the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F in the vehicle lamp 10, and the first light-emitting element from the left among the six light-emitting elements in the vehicle lamp that should be paired with the vehicle lamp 10, are turned off. This results in the absence of the third small light-emitting pattern IR1c from the left that constitutes the light-emitting pattern PAR1 and the first small light-emitting pattern IL1a from the right that constitutes the light-emitting pattern PAL1 and PAR1, which constitute the pair of left and right lamp light-emitting patterns that make up the additional light-emitting pattern PA1.

[0075] Furthermore, since the second light-emitting element 40 is configured to light up only when all six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are lit, when the small light distribution patterns IL1a and IR1c are missing, the pair of additional light distribution patterns PBL1 and PBR1 on the left and right are also not formed.

[0076] By forming the additional light distribution pattern PA1 shown in Figure 4(b), the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 10 is prevented from hitting the oncoming vehicle 2, thereby illuminating as wide an area of ​​the road ahead as possible without causing glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 2.

[0077] Furthermore, as the position of oncoming vehicle 2 changes, the light-emitting elements 30A to 30F, etc. that are to be turned off are sequentially switched, thereby changing the shape of the additional light distribution pattern PA1.

[0078] The presence of oncoming vehicle 2 is detected by an on-board camera (not shown). Furthermore, if there is a vehicle ahead on the road or pedestrians on the shoulder, these are detected, and glare is prevented by omitting parts of the small light distribution patterns IR1a~IR1f and IL1a~IL1f.

[0079] Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be described.

[0080] The vehicle lamp 10 according to this embodiment is configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern PAR1 by irradiating direct light from six light-emitting elements 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, and 30F toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member 20. The light-transmitting member 20 has six projection lens sections 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, and 22F arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction. The six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are arranged on the rear side of the lamp relative to the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F. Furthermore, the light-transmitting member 20 has an additional projection lens section 24 arranged in line with the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F in the vehicle width direction. A second light-emitting element 40 is additionally arranged on the rear side of this additional projection lens section 24, so that an additional light distribution pattern PBR1 can be additionally formed in addition to the lamp light distribution pattern PAR1.

[0081] In this configuration, the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F are configured to transmit light from the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F, thereby forming a light distribution pattern PAR1 in which six small light distribution patterns IR1a, IR1b, IR1c, IR1d, IR1e, and IR1f are linked together in a partially overlapping state. Furthermore, the additional projection lens section 24 is configured to transmit light from the second light-emitting element 40, thereby forming a horizontally elongated additional light distribution pattern PBR1 that overlaps with the light distribution pattern PAR1. Thus, the following effects can be obtained.

[0082] In other words, with only the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1, uneven light distribution is likely to occur because the small light distribution patterns IR1a to IR1f partially overlap, and the brightness decreases significantly as you move away from the front of the luminaire in the left and right directions. As a result, uneven light distribution is particularly noticeable in the end regions of the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1. However, by additionally forming the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 on top of the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1, the uneven light distribution of the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 can be made less noticeable.

[0083] Thus, according to this embodiment, in a vehicle lamp 10 configured to form a lamp light distribution pattern PAR1 by irradiating direct light from six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member 20, the occurrence of uneven light distribution can be suppressed.

[0084] In the vehicle lighting device 10 according to this embodiment, the configuration of the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F is such that only some of the light-emitting elements can be selectively lit, and the configuration of the second light-emitting element 40 is such that it lights up only when all six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are lit, so the following effects can be obtained.

[0085] In other words, the vehicle lighting device 10 according to this embodiment is configured to form six small light distribution patterns IR1a to IR1f in parallel at positions that overlap with the cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 of the low beam light distribution pattern PL. However, when some of the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F are turned off, the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 is not formed, so that ADB control can be performed appropriately.

[0086] Furthermore, since the additional projection lens section 24 is configured to form the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 as a light distribution pattern that covers the entire luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1, the unevenness of the light distribution of the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 can be made even less noticeable.

[0087] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10 according to this embodiment, the six projection lens sections 22A to 22F are configured to form six small light distribution patterns IR1a to IR1f, with the smaller light distribution patterns formed at positions further from the front of the lamp being more horizontally elongated. Therefore, the lamp light distribution pattern PAR1 can be formed as a light distribution pattern that extends to positions far from the front of the lamp. The same applies to the lamp light distribution pattern PAL1.

[0088] On the other hand, when such a luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 is formed, uneven light distribution tends to be noticeable in its edge regions. Therefore, it is particularly effective to reduce the visibility of uneven light distribution in the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1 by adding an additional light distribution pattern PBR2.

[0089] Furthermore, since the vehicle light fixture 10 according to this embodiment has a configuration in which six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F and a second light-emitting element 40 are mounted on a common substrate 50, the above effects can be obtained while simplifying the light fixture structure.

[0090] In the above embodiment, in order to make the vertical width of the additional light distribution pattern PBR1 larger than the vertical width of the luminaire light distribution pattern PAR1, the light-emitting surface 40a of the second light-emitting element 40 was described as having an outer shape that is slightly larger than the light-emitting surfaces 30a of the six light-emitting elements 30A to 30F. However, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the light-emitting surfaces are the same size.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the light-transmitting member 20 was described as having six projection lens sections 22A to 22F arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction. However, it is also possible to have a configuration with five or fewer projection lens sections or seven or more projection lens sections, and even when such a configuration is adopted, substantially the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the light-transmitting member 20 was described as having a front surface 20a composed of a convex cylindrical curved surface extending in the vehicle width direction, and the portions of the rear surface 20b located at each of the six projection lens portions 22A to 22F and the additional projection lens portion 24 composed of a convex cylindrical curved surface extending in the vertical direction. However, other configurations are also possible (for example, a configuration in which the front surface 20a of the light-transmitting member 20 is formed in a planar shape, and the portions of the rear surface 20b located at each of the six projection lens portions 22A to 22F and the additional projection lens portion 24 are formed in a convex curved shape).

[0093] Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0094] Figure 6 is a diagram similar to Figure 1, showing a vehicle lighting device 110 according to this modified example.

[0095] As shown in Figure 6, the basic configuration of the vehicle light fixture 110 is the same as that of the vehicle light fixture 10 according to the above embodiment, but the configuration of the light-transmitting member 120 is slightly different from that of the above embodiment.

[0096] In other words, the light-transmitting member 120 of this modified example also has a configuration in which six projection lens sections 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E, and 122F arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction and an additional projection lens section 124 are arranged, but the shape of the rear surface 120b is slightly different from that of the above embodiment.

[0097] Specifically, in this modified example of the light-transmitting member 120, the front surface 120a is composed of a convex cylindrical curved surface extending in the vehicle width direction, and the rear surfaces of the six projection lens portions 122A to 122F are composed of convex cylindrical curved surfaces extending vertically with the same curvature as in the above embodiment. However, it differs from the above embodiment in that the rear surface 124b of the additional projection lens portion 124 is composed of a convex cylindrical curved surface extending vertically with a larger curvature than in the above embodiment.

[0098] Furthermore, the additional projection lens portion 124 in this modified example is configured to emit light from the second light-emitting element 40 from the front surface 120a of the light-transmitting member 120 in a direction slightly to the right of the front of the lamp, with a smaller left-right diffusion angle than in the above embodiment.

[0099] Figure 7(a) is a perspective view of the additional high-beam light distribution pattern PA2 formed on the virtual vertical screen as a composite light distribution pattern of the light distribution pattern PAR2 and additional light distribution pattern PBR2 formed by the light emitted from the vehicle light fixture 110, and the light distribution pattern PAL2 and additional light distribution pattern PBL2 formed by the light emitted from a vehicle light fixture that is paired with the vehicle light fixture 110. Figure 7(b) is a diagram similar to Figure 5(a) showing the light distribution pattern PAR2 and additional light distribution pattern PBR2, and Figure 7(c) is a diagram similar to Figure 5(b) showing the light distribution pattern PAL2 and additional light distribution pattern PBL2.

[0100] As shown in Figure 7, the left and right pair of luminaire light distribution patterns PAL2 and PAR2 are formed as light distribution patterns similar to those in the above embodiment, but the left and right pair of additional light distribution patterns PBL2 and PBR2 are formed as light distribution patterns with smaller left-right diffusion angles than in the above embodiment.

[0101] These two additional left and right light distribution patterns, PBL2 and PBR2, are formed as light distribution patterns that partially overlap with the two luminaire light distribution patterns, PAL2 and PAR2. Specifically, the two additional left and right light distribution patterns, PBL2 and PBR2, are formed so as to cover the two luminaire light distribution patterns, PAL2 and PAR2, at both ends of the additional light distribution pattern PA2, but not completely cover them in the center of the additional light distribution pattern PA2.

[0102] By adopting the configuration of this modified example, the brightness of the pair of additional light distribution patterns PBL2 and PBR2 on the left and right can be increased, thereby enhancing the effect of suppressing uneven light distribution at both ends of the additional light distribution pattern PA2.

[0103] Even when the pair of additional left and right light distribution patterns PBL2 and PBR2 are formed in such a way that they do not completely cover the pair of left and right luminaire light distribution patterns PAL2 and PAR2 in the center of the additional light distribution pattern PA2, the pair of left and right luminaire light distribution patterns PAL2 and PAR2 partially overlap each other in the center of the additional light distribution pattern PA2, and have sufficient brightness, so this does not reduce the effect of suppressing uneven light distribution.

[0104] It should be noted that the numerical values ​​shown as specifications in the above embodiments and their modified forms are merely examples, and these may be set to different values ​​as appropriate.

[0105] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiments and their modifications, and various other modified configurations can be adopted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 2. Oncoming car 10, 110 Vehicle lighting fixtures 12 Lamp body 14 Translucent cover 16 Extension Panels 16a opening 20, 120 light-transmitting members 20a, 120a front 20b, 22Ab, 22Bb, 22Cb, 22Db, 22Eb, 22Fb, 24b, 124b Rear 20c flange section 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E, 122F Projection lens section 24, 124 Additional projection lens section 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F Light-emitting element 30a, 40a light-emitting surface 40. Second light-emitting element 50 circuit boards Axa, Axb, Axc, Axd, Axe, Axf, Ax2 Optical axis CL1 Lower cutoff CL2 Upper cutoff E Elbow point Fa, Fb, Fc, Fd, Fe, Ff, F2 Back focus IL1a, IL1b, IL1c, IL1d, IL1e, IL1f, IR1a, IR1b, IR1c, IR1d, IR1e, IR1f Small light distribution patterns L virtual axis PAL1, PAL2, PAR1, PAR2 Light distribution patterns for luminaires PA1, PA2 Additional Light Distribution Patterns PBL1, PBL2, PBR1, PBR2 Additional Light Distribution Patterns PH1, PH2 High Beam Light Distribution Pattern PL low beam light distribution pattern θa, θc, θd, θe, θf angle

Claims

1. In a vehicle lamp configured to form a light distribution pattern by irradiating direct light from multiple light-emitting elements toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member, The above light-transmitting member comprises a plurality of projection lens sections arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction. The above-mentioned multiple light-emitting elements are arranged on the rear side of the above-mentioned multiple projection lens sections of the light fixture. The above-mentioned plurality of projection lens sections are configured to control the transmission of light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements, thereby forming a light distribution pattern in which a plurality of small light distribution patterns are chained together in a partially overlapping state, as the light distribution pattern of the lamp. The above light-transmitting member includes an additional projection lens portion arranged in line with the above-mentioned plurality of projection lens portions in the vehicle width direction, A second light-emitting element is additionally positioned on the rear side of the lamp in the above-mentioned additional projection lens section. The vehicle lamp is characterized in that the additional projection lens portion is configured to form a horizontally elongated additional light distribution pattern that overlaps with the lamp's light distribution pattern by controlling the transmission of light emitted from the second light-emitting element.

2. The above-mentioned multiple light-emitting elements are configured such that only some of the light-emitting elements can be selectively lit. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that the second light-emitting element is configured to light up only when all of the above-mentioned plurality of light-emitting elements are lit.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the additional projection lens portion is configured to form the additional light distribution pattern as a light distribution pattern that covers the entire light distribution pattern of the lamp.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plurality of projection lens portions described above are configured to form the plurality of small light distribution patterns as horizontally elongated light distribution patterns the further away the small light distribution pattern is from the front of the lamp.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the above-mentioned plurality of light-emitting elements and the above-mentioned second light-emitting element are mounted on a common substrate.

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