Vehicle lighting

Abstract

To provide a vehicle lighting device capable of emitting light that can meet the regulations regarding the illumination area of ​​vehicle lighting devices. [Solution] The vehicle light fixture includes a light source unit including a plurality of light-emitting parts arranged in a line in a first direction, and an optical system including a first lens and a second lens that are separated from the light source unit and transmit light emitted from the light source unit, wherein the first lens and the second lens are arranged in a line in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the optical system has one focal point capable of focusing light in the first direction, and two focal points arranged in a line in the second direction, each capable of focusing light in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle lamps.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, vehicle lamps having a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle lamp including an aspherical lens formed in the center and cylindrical lenses formed on both sides in the horizontal direction of the aspherical lens, and a light source.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the lower limit or upper limit of the required light amount for each irradiation area of a vehicle lamp is determined by regulations, control of the light distribution angle is necessary. An embodiment according to the present disclosure aims to provide a vehicle lamp capable of irradiating light that satisfies regulations regarding the irradiation area of the vehicle lamp.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a light source unit including a plurality of light-emitting parts arranged side by side in a first direction, and an optical system including a first lens and a second lens that are separated from the light source unit and transmit light emitted from the light source unit. The first lens and the second lens are arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the optical system has one focal point capable of focusing light in the first direction, and two focal points capable of focusing light in a third direction intersecting each of the first direction and the second direction, respectively, and arranged side by side in the second direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the embodiments described herein, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device that can emit light that can satisfy the regulations concerning the illumination area of ​​vehicle lighting devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing the overall configuration of a vehicle lighting device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic top view showing the overall configuration of a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side view showing the overall configuration of a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic front view showing the light source portion of a vehicle lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged view of area A in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a schematic front view showing the first light distribution pattern illuminated through the convex surface of the second lens by a vehicle light fixture according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic front view showing a second light distribution pattern illuminated through the asymmetrical surface of the second lens by a vehicle lamp according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic front view showing a composite light distribution pattern obtained by superimposing the first light distribution pattern in Figure 6 and the second light distribution pattern in Figure 7. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) function of a vehicle lighting fixture according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Vehicle lighting devices according to embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are illustrative of vehicle lighting devices that embody the technical concept of this disclosure and are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure to those described therein, unless otherwise stated, but are merely illustrative examples. Note that the size, positional relationships, etc. of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Also, in the following description, the same name and reference numeral indicate the same or similar members, and detailed explanations will be omitted as appropriate. In some cases, end view diagrams showing only the cut surface will be used as cross-sectional views.

[0009] In each drawing, a Cartesian coordinate system with X, Y, and Z axes is used to represent direction. The X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. The X direction along the X axis corresponds to the first direction. The Z direction along the Z axis corresponds to the second direction. The Y direction along the Y axis corresponds to the third direction, which intersects both the first and second directions. Hereafter, the X direction will be denoted as the first direction X, the Z direction as the second direction Z, and the Y direction as the third direction Y.

[0010] In the X direction, the direction the arrow is pointing is denoted as the +X side, and the opposite side is denoted as the -X side. In the Y direction, the direction the arrow is pointing is denoted as the +Y side, and the opposite side is denoted as the -Y side. In the Z direction, the direction the arrow is pointing is denoted as the +Z side, and the opposite side is denoted as the -Z side. A view of the object from the +Y side is called a top view. A view of the object from the -X side is called a side view. A view of the object from the +Z side is called a front view. In the examples shown herein, the vehicle lighting fixture according to the embodiment emits light in the +Z direction.

[0011] In this specification, "along the X, Y, and Z axes" includes the object having an inclination within ±20° of these axes. "To position" is not limited to direct contact, but also includes indirect positioning, for example, via other members.

[0012] In this specification or in the claims, when there are multiple components and each is to be expressed separately, the components may be distinguished by adding "1st," "2nd," etc., to their names. Furthermore, the objects being distinguished may differ between this specification and the claims. Therefore, even if a component with the same designation as in this specification is described in the claims, the objects identified by this component may not be the same in this specification and the claims.

[0013] <Configuration of a vehicle lighting device according to this embodiment> (Overall structure) The overall configuration of the vehicle lighting device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of the vehicle lighting device 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic top view showing an example of the overall configuration of the vehicle lighting device 100. Figure 3 is a schematic side view showing an example of the overall configuration of the vehicle lighting device 100. Figure 4 is a schematic front view showing an example of the light source unit 1 of the vehicle lighting device 100. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of area A in Figure 4. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, for the sake of explanation, a portion of the light L1 irradiated through the asymmetric surface 221 of the second lens 22 of the vehicle lighting device 100 is represented by multiple dashed lines, and a portion of the light L2 irradiated through the convex surface 222 of the second lens 22 is represented by multiple solid lines.

[0014] The vehicle lighting device 100 is a vehicle lighting device such as a car's headlight. For example, the vehicle lighting device 100 can emit a high beam light distribution pattern that illuminates distant objects. In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 4, the vehicle lighting device 100 can illuminate the +Z side through the optical system 2 with light L emitted from the light source unit 1.

[0015] The vehicle light fixture 100 includes a light source unit 1 which includes a plurality of light-emitting units 11 arranged in a first direction X, and an optical system 2 which is separated from the light source unit 1 and includes a first lens 21 and a second lens 22 which transmit light L emitted from the light source unit 1. The first lens 21 and the second lens 22 are arranged in a second direction Z which intersects the first direction X.

[0016] In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the second lens 22 is disposed between the first lens 21 and the light source unit 1. Further, the light source unit 1 is disposed between the focal point Fy corresponding to the focal point of the first lens 21 and the second lens 22. The plurality of light emitting units 11 in the light source unit 1 can be individually controlled for lighting. Here, individually controlling the lighting means individually controlling the brightness including the lighting and extinguishing of each of the plurality of light emitting units 11.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the optical system 2 has one focal point F capable of focusing the light L in the first direction X. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the optical system 2 has two focal points F and Fy that are capable of focusing the light L in the third direction Y and are arranged side by side in the second direction Z. For example, when parallel light traveling from the +Z side to the -Z side is incident on the optical system 2, the parallel light transmitted through the optical system 2 is focused on the focal point F in the first direction X and focused on each of the focal points F and Fy in the third direction Y. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the focal point F where the light L can be focused in the first direction X and the focal point F where the light L can be focused in the third direction Y are the same focal point.

[0018] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the focal point F is located closer to the optical system 2 than the focal point Fy. The one focal point F capable of focusing light in the first direction X includes the combined focal point of the first lens 21 and the second lens 22. The two focal points F and Fy each capable of focusing light in the third direction Y include the focal point of the first lens 21 and the combined focal point of the first lens 21 and the second lens 22. For example, the focal point F capable of focusing light in the third direction Y coincides with the combined focal point of the first lens 21 and the second lens 22.

[0019] The first lens 21 has a positive refractive power in each of the first direction X and the third direction Y. Here, the "refractive power" means the degree to which the traveling direction of the incident light bends. The "positive refractive power" is a refractive power that focuses light. The "negative refractive power" is a refractive power that diverges light. Note that the degree to which the traveling direction of the incident light bends is not limited to that due to refraction, and may be due to optical phenomena other than refraction such as diffraction or reflection.

[0020] The second lens 22 includes a portion of an asymmetric surface 221 on the side opposite to the side where the light source 1 is located, where the curvature differs in the first direction X and the third direction Y. The second lens 22 also includes a portion of an asymmetric surface 223 on the side where the light source 1 is located, where the curvature differs in the first direction X and the third direction Y. In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 3, the asymmetric surface 221 and the asymmetric surface 223 are cylindrical surfaces that have curvature in the first direction X and no curvature in the third direction Y. Therefore, the asymmetric surface 221 and the asymmetric surface 223 do not have refractive power in the third direction Y.

[0021] The second lens 22 includes a convex surface 222 on the side opposite to the side where the light source 1 is located, with equal curvature in the first direction X and the third direction Y. The second lens 22 also includes a convex surface 224 on the side where the light source 1 is located, with equal curvature in the first direction X and the third direction Y. In the example shown in Figure 3, the convex surface 222 is located on both sides of the asymmetric surface 221 in the third direction Y. The convex surface 224 is located on both sides of the asymmetric surface 223 in the third direction Y. Furthermore, in the third direction Y, the center 221C of the asymmetric surface 221 is positioned at a different location from the optical axis 2C that extends in the second direction Z through the center 21C of the first lens 21. In the example shown in Figure 3, the third direction Y is the vertical direction. The center 221C of the asymmetric surface 221 is positioned vertically upward from the optical axis 2C, in other words, towards the +Y side.

[0022] In this embodiment, the optical system 2 has one focal point F capable of focusing light in a first direction X, and two focal points F and Fy, each capable of focusing light in a third direction Y. This makes it possible to make the beam angle of the light L emitted from the optical system 2 different in the first direction X and the third direction Y. Because the beam angle of the light L is different in the first direction X and the third direction Y, this embodiment provides a vehicle lamp 100 that can emit light that satisfies regulations regarding the illumination area of ​​vehicle lamps.

[0023] Regulations concerning the illumination area of ​​vehicle lighting fixtures include, for example, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 or United Nations Regulations (UNR) 149. Vehicle lighting fixture 100 can, for example, emit light in a third direction Y that satisfies FMVSS or UNR while limiting the beam angle in a first direction X.

[0024] In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, one focal point F capable of focusing light in the first direction X includes the combined focal point of the first lens 21 and the second lens 22. Two focal points, each capable of focusing light in the third direction Y, include the focal point of the first lens 21 and the combined focal point of the first lens 21 and the second lens 22. With this configuration, the vehicle lamp 100 can make the beam angle of the light L emitted from the optical system 2 different in the first direction X and the third direction Y. By making the beam angle of the light L different in the first direction X and the third direction Y, the vehicle lamp 100 can limit the beam angle in the first direction X while emitting light in the third direction Y that satisfies, for example, FMVSS or UNR.

[0025] In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the light source unit 1 is positioned between the focal point of the first lens 21 and the second lens 22. With this arrangement, of the light L emitted from the light source unit 1, the light L1 that passes through the asymmetric surface 221 of the second lens 22 diverges and spreads in the third direction Y after passing through the first lens 21. In the third direction Y, the beam angle of the light L1 that passes through the asymmetric surface 221 is larger than the beam angle of the light L2 that passes through the convex surface 222 of the second lens 22. As a result, the vehicle lamp 100 can emit light in the third direction Y that satisfies, for example, FMVSS or UNR, while limiting the beam angle in the first direction X.

[0026] The first lens 21 has positive refractive power in both the first direction X and the third direction Y. The second lens 22 includes a portion of an asymmetric surface 221 with different curvatures in the first direction X and the third direction Y. This configuration simplifies the shapes of both the first lens 21 and the second lens 22 compared to a case where the functions of the optical system 2 are realized by a single lens. As a result, the design and manufacture of the optical system 2 become easier.

[0027] The asymmetric surface 221 of the second lens 22 is a cylindrical surface that has curvature in the first direction X and no curvature in the third direction Y. This simplifies the shape of the asymmetric surface 221 compared to the case where the second lens 22 constituting the optical system 2 uses a surface with a complex shape such as an aspherical surface. As a result, the design and manufacture of the second lens 22 become easier.

[0028] The second lens 22 includes a convex surface 222 with equal curvature in the first direction X and the third direction Y, and the convex surface 222 is positioned on both sides of the asymmetric surface 221 in the third direction Y. With this configuration, the vehicle lighting device 100 can provide the function of the convex surface 222 to the portion of the second lens 22 other than the asymmetric surface 221 on the surface including the asymmetric surface 221. As a result, the vehicle lighting device 100 can effectively utilize the portion of the second lens 22 other than the asymmetric surface 221 without waste. For example, by using the shape of the convex surface 222 as a control factor, the design freedom of the optical system 2 is increased. Also, compared to the case where the functions of the convex surface 222 and the asymmetric surface 221 are realized separately by two lenses, the volume of one lens is reduced, allowing for miniaturization of the optical system 2. Furthermore, compared to the case where the functions of the convex surface 222 and the asymmetric surface 221 are realized separately by two lenses, the manufacturing cycle time is shortened in accordance with the reduction in the number of parts, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the vehicle lighting device 100.

[0029] In the third direction Y, if asymmetrical surfaces 221 are arranged on both sides of the convex surface 222, the step difference at the boundary between the convex surface 222 and the asymmetrical surface 221 may become large. When the step difference becomes large, shadows or images of the step may appear in the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 100, and the illumination may become uneven. In the vehicle lamp 100, by arranging the convex surface 222 on both sides of the asymmetrical surface 221 in the third direction Y, a large step difference is less likely to occur at the boundary between the convex surface 222 and the asymmetrical surface 221, and the illumination unevenness of the emitted light is reduced.

[0030] In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 3, the second lens 22 is positioned between the first lens 21 and the light source 1. For example, in a vehicle light fixture, if the second lens 22 is positioned on the opposite side of the light source 1 of the first lens 21, the asymmetrical surface 221 of the second lens 22 and the boundary between the asymmetrical surface 221 and the convex surface 222 will be visible when the vehicle light fixture is viewed from the front. This may impair the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle light fixture 100. By positioning the second lens 22 between the first lens 21 and the light source 1, the asymmetrical surface 221 and the boundary between the asymmetrical surface 221 and the convex surface 222 become less noticeable when the vehicle light fixture 100 is viewed from the front. This improves the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle light fixture 100.

[0031] In the third direction Y, the center 221C of the asymmetrical surface 221 is positioned at a different location from the optical axis 2C. The third direction Y is the vertical direction, and the center 221C of the asymmetrical surface 221 is positioned vertically above the optical axis 2C. This configuration reduces the downward vertical spread of light L1 transmitted through the asymmetrical surface 221. For example, if light L1 transmitted through the asymmetrical surface 221 spreads vertically downward, the reflected light L from the road surface may dazzle the drivers of oncoming or preceding vehicles. In the vehicle lighting device 100, by reducing the downward vertical spread of light L1 transmitted through the asymmetrical surface 221, the reflected light L1 from the road surface is reduced, and the dazzling of drivers of oncoming or preceding vehicles by the reflected light from the road surface can be suppressed.

[0032] In the vehicle lighting device 100, since the multiple light-emitting units 11 can be individually controlled, a light distribution pattern can be obtained in the illumination area of ​​the vehicle lighting device 100 that allows for selection of the area to be illuminated. For example, the vehicle lighting device 100 can realize an ADB (Adaptive Dynamic Control) function by individually controlling the lighting of the multiple light-emitting units 11. This ADB function will be described in detail separately with reference to Figure 9.

[0033] The following provides a detailed explanation of each component of the vehicle lighting device 100.

[0034] (Light source part 1) The light source unit 1 includes, for example, an LED. In the example shown in Figure 4, the light source unit 1 includes a light-shielding member 12 that holds a plurality of light-emitting units 11 together, and a package 13 that includes wiring 131 that electrically connects to the plurality of light-emitting units 11. Each of the plurality of light-emitting units 11 includes a light-emitting surface 110. The light-emitting units 11 can emit light from the light-emitting surface 110. A portion of the wiring 131 is exposed from the light-shielding member 12 on the upper surface of the package 13, and this exposed area becomes an electrode pad 14 for connection to the outside. Note that in a top view, the light-emitting units 11 and the light-emitting surface 110 overlap, so in Figure 4, the reference numerals for the light-emitting units 11 and the light-emitting surface 110 are shown together. In subsequent figures, reference numerals may also be shown together for the same purpose.

[0035] Package 13 is a wiring board in which wiring 131 connected to the light-emitting part 11 is provided on a base material made of a sintered body such as aluminum nitride or silicon carbide. Package 13 may be a wiring board in which an insulating layer is formed on the surface of a metal and a wiring pattern is provided on it. The metal may be copper, aluminum, etc. The light-shielding member 12 is arranged to surround the light-emitting part 11. The light-shielding member 12 is a member that has light-shielding properties and preferably has light reflectivity. Thermosetting resins, thermoplastic resins, etc. can be used as the resin constituting the light-shielding member 12. Specifically, the light-shielding member 12 may be a resin containing particles of a light-reflective substance.

[0036] The light-emitting unit 11 is composed of a light-emitting element and a wavelength conversion member, etc., and emits light L of a desired color. The light-emitting element is, for example, a semiconductor light-emitting element. For light-emitting elements that emit blue light, green light, or ultraviolet light, semiconductor light-emitting elements containing nitride semiconductors can be used. For nitride semiconductors, for example, GaN-based semiconductors such as GaN, InGaN, and AlGaN can be used. For LEDs that emit red light, GaAs-based semiconductors such as InAlGaP, GaInP, GaAs, and AlGaAs can be used. When the vehicle light fixture 100 is used as a headlight, the light-emitting unit 11 may emit white light by using a semiconductor light-emitting element that emits blue light and a wavelength conversion member that converts the blue light to yellow light.

[0037] For example, if multiple light-emitting units 11 are arranged in a single line in the first direction X, the width of the light source unit 1 in the third direction Y becomes narrower compared to a case where there are multiple rows of multiple light-emitting units 11 arranged in the first direction X, resulting in a smaller beam angle of the vehicle lamp 100 in the third direction Y. In contrast, the vehicle lamp 100 can emit light L with a large beam angle in the third direction Y because the second lens 22 includes an asymmetric surface 221. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 100 can reduce the cost of the vehicle lamp 100 by reducing the number of multiple light-emitting units 11, while also emitting light L with a large beam angle in the third direction Y. Note that the multiple light-emitting units 11 do not necessarily have to be arranged in a single line in the first direction X, and may include multiple rows of multiple light-emitting units 11 arranged in the first direction X.

[0038] In this embodiment, the aspect ratio of the multiple light-emitting units 11 is preferably 1:15 to 1:30. Furthermore, in the illumination plane perpendicular to the optical axis 2C of the optical system 2, the aspect ratio of the illumination area of ​​the light L emitted from the vehicle lamp 100 is preferably 1:2 to 1:4. By setting the aspect ratio of the multiple light-emitting units 11 and the illumination area in this way, the vehicle lamp 100 can emit light that satisfies regulations regarding the illumination area of ​​the vehicle lamp using light L emitted from multiple light-emitting units 11 arranged, for example, in the first direction X.

[0039] In the example shown in Figure 4, the light source unit 1 includes 16 light-emitting units 11. However, the number of light-emitting units 11 in the light source unit 1 can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the vehicle lighting fixture 100.

[0040] Figure 5 shows adjacent light-emitting units 11-1 and 11-2 among a plurality of light-emitting units 11. Light-emitting unit 11-1 includes a light-emitting surface 110-1. Light-emitting unit 11-2 includes a light-emitting surface 110-2. When viewed from the front, the outer edge shapes of the light-emitting surfaces 110-1 and 110-2 are approximately square. However, the outer edge shape of the light-emitting surfaces is not limited to a square.

[0041] The light-emitting surface width d is the width of light-emitting surface 110-1 and light-emitting surface 110-2, respectively. The light-emitting surface width d is preferably 1.1 mm. The light-emitting surface spacing p is the distance between the light-emitting surfaces 110 of adjacent light-emitting units 11 among the multiple light-emitting units 11. In the example shown in Figure 5, the light-emitting surface spacing p is the distance between light-emitting surface 110-1 of light-emitting unit 11-1 and light-emitting surface 110-2 of light-emitting unit 11-2.

[0042] The spacing p between light-emitting surfaces is preferably 0.05 mm or less. If the spacing p between light-emitting surfaces is wide, the region corresponding to the spacing p in the light L irradiated onto the illumination surface perpendicular to the optical axis 2C of the optical system 2 will become darker, which may increase the variation in the illuminance of the irradiated light L. In the vehicle lamp 100, by setting the spacing p between light-emitting surfaces to 0.05 mm or less, the region corresponding to the spacing p in the irradiated light L becomes smaller, and the variation in the illuminance of the irradiated light L is reduced. Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 100, by setting the spacing p between light-emitting surfaces to 0.05 mm or less, the light source unit 1 can be miniaturized, and the vehicle lamp 100 can be miniaturized.

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 4, a plurality of electrode pads 14 are arranged on the surface of the package 13 above the light-emitting unit 11, aligned in a first direction X. The plurality of electrode pads 14 are electrically connected to the corresponding plurality of light-emitting units 11. The light-emitting unit 11 is driven to emit light in accordance with the drive current or drive voltage supplied via the electrode pads 14. Each electrode pad 14 can be made up of Al, Au, or the like.

[0044] The light source unit 1 is not limited to a configuration in which a single package 13 comprises multiple light-emitting units 11. For example, it may be a configuration in which multiple packages 13, each comprising one light-emitting unit 11, are arranged in a row.

[0045] (First lens 21) In the example shown in Figure 1, the outer edge shape of the first lens 21, as viewed from the side opposite to where the light source 1 is located, is approximately circular. Hereafter, the side opposite to where the light source 1 is located will be referred to as the "front," and the side where the light source 1 is located will be referred to as the "rear." The outer edge shape of the first lens 21, as viewed from the front, may be approximately rectangular, approximately circular, approximately elliptical, or approximately polygonal, etc.

[0046] The first lens 21 is a plano-convex lens, with its front surface being a forward-convex sphere and its rear surface being a flat plane. However, the first lens 21 is not limited to a plano-convex lens, but may be a biconvex lens, a plano-concave lens, a biconcave lens, a meniscus lens, etc. The front surface of the first lens 21 is not limited to a sphere, but may be an aspherical surface, a Fresnel lens surface, a diffractive lens surface, etc. The rear surface of the first lens 21 is not limited to a flat plane, but may be a sphere, an aspherical surface, a Fresnel lens surface, a diffractive lens surface, etc.

[0047] The first lens 21 is composed of a light-transmitting glass material or resin material. The resin material can be acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin, etc. The first lens 21 can be manufactured by injection molding or other methods using the resin material or glass material.

[0048] (Second lens 22) In the example shown in Figure 1, the outer edge shape of the second lens 22 as viewed from the front is approximately circular. However, the outer edge shape of the second lens 22 as viewed from the front may be approximately rectangular, approximately circular, approximately elliptical, or approximately polygonal, etc.

[0049] The front surface of the second lens 22 includes an asymmetric surface 221 and a convex surface 222. The rear surface of the second lens 22 includes an asymmetric surface 223 and a convex surface 224. The asymmetric surface 221 is a cylindrical surface that has curvature in the first direction X and no curvature in the third direction Y. The asymmetric surface 223 is a cylindrical surface that has curvature in the first direction X and no curvature in the third direction Y. The asymmetric surface 221 and the asymmetric surface 223 may each be a spherical cylindrical surface or an aspherical cylindrical surface.

[0050] The second lens 22 is composed of a light-transmitting glass material or resin material. The resin material can be acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin, etc. The second lens 22 can be manufactured by injection molding or other methods using the resin material or glass material.

[0051] <Light distribution pattern emitted from vehicle light fixture 100> Referring to Figures 6 to 8, the light distribution patterns emitted from the vehicle lamp 100 will be described. Figure 6 is a schematic front view showing the first light distribution pattern Ls1 emitted by the vehicle lamp 100 through the convex surface 222 of the second lens 22. Figure 7 is a schematic front view showing the second light distribution pattern Ls2 emitted by the vehicle lamp through the asymmetric surface 221 of the second lens 22. Figure 8 is a schematic front view showing a composite light distribution pattern Ls3 obtained by superimposing the first light distribution pattern Ls1 from Figure 6 and the second light distribution pattern Ls2 from Figure 7. Figures 6 to 8 are all conceptual diagrams of light distribution patterns calculated by simulation.

[0052] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the first light distribution pattern Ls1 and the second light distribution pattern Ls2, when viewed from the front, the illuminance was higher on the inside and decreased towards the outside. In the first direction X, the light distribution angles of the first light distribution pattern Ls1 and the second light distribution pattern Ls2 were almost the same. On the other hand, in the third direction Y, i.e., the vertical direction, the light distribution angle of the second light distribution pattern Ls2 was larger than that of the first light distribution pattern Ls1. Also, the second light distribution pattern Ls2 spread out much more in the vertically upward direction compared to the vertically downward direction.

[0053] As shown in Figure 8, in the combined light distribution pattern Ls3, the illuminance was higher in the portion corresponding to the first light distribution pattern Ls1. Also, depending on the light distribution angle of the second light distribution pattern Ls2, the light spread in the vertically upward direction was greater in the combined light distribution pattern Ls3 compared to the light spread in the vertically upward direction.

[0054] Based on the above, it was found that the vehicle light fixture 100 can emit a composite light distribution pattern Ls3 in the third direction Y that satisfies the regulations regarding the illumination area of ​​the vehicle light fixture while limiting the light distribution angle in the first direction X.

[0055] Furthermore, it was found that the vehicle light fixture 100 can increase the spread of the light distribution pattern in the vertically upward direction while reducing the spread in the vertically downward direction. As a result, the road surface reflected light of the composite light distribution pattern Ls3 is reduced, and it is possible to suppress the glare of drivers of oncoming or preceding vehicles caused by road surface reflected light.

[0056] (ADB function) Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of ADB illumination by a vehicle lighting device 100. In the vehicle lighting device 100, multiple light-emitting units 11 in the light source unit 1 can be individually controlled. By individually controlling the lighting of the multiple light-emitting units 11, the vehicle lighting device 100 can realize the ADB function.

[0057] Here, the ADB function refers to a function that prevents glare to drivers of preceding or oncoming vehicles traveling in front of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle light 100, or to pedestrians, etc., in the vicinity of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle light 100, by not illuminating a portion of the light emitted from the vehicle light 100. For example, the vehicle light 100, using the ADB function, turns off the light-emitting part 11 that illuminates the drivers of preceding and / or oncoming vehicles, or pedestrians, etc. This reduces the amount of light illuminated to drivers of oncoming or preceding vehicles, or pedestrians, etc., and prevents dazzling drivers or pedestrians.

[0058] In Figure 9, the road 200 includes a driving lane 200-1 on which the vehicle equipped with the vehicle light fixture 100 according to the embodiment travels, and an oncoming lane 200-2 on which the oncoming vehicle 300 travels. The high beam light distribution pattern HB is a high beam light distribution pattern that illuminates a distant area from the vehicle light fixture 100. The low beam light distribution pattern LB is a low beam light distribution pattern that illuminates the vicinity of the vehicle. In the example shown in Figure 9, the vehicle is equipped with the vehicle light fixture 100 and a vehicle light fixture that emits the low beam light distribution pattern LB. The vehicle light fixture that emits the low beam light distribution pattern LB is a different vehicle light fixture from the vehicle light fixture 100. However, the vehicle light fixture 100 may further have the function of emitting the low beam light distribution pattern LB in addition to the function of emitting the high beam light distribution pattern HB, and the vehicle light fixture 100 may emit the low beam light distribution pattern LB. In this case, the vehicle may be equipped only with the vehicle lighting fixture 100.

[0059] In the example shown in Figure 9, the high beam light distribution pattern HB includes an ON lighting area that illuminates areas other than the area where the oncoming vehicle 300 is located, and an OFF lighting area that does not illuminate the area where the oncoming vehicle 300 is located. The ON lighting area is partially illuminated by lighting up some of the multiple light-emitting units 11. The OFF lighting area is a region that is partially not illuminated by light by turning off some of the multiple light-emitting units 11.

[0060] The vehicle light fixture 100 uses the ADB function to turn off the light-emitting section 11 corresponding to the oncoming vehicle 300. This allows the vehicle light fixture 100 to illuminate distant objects with the high beam light distribution pattern HB, while preventing the high beam light distribution pattern HB from shining on the oncoming vehicle 300. As a result, the vehicle light fixture 100 can ensure visibility of distant objects and reduce glare for the driver of the oncoming vehicle 300.

[0061] Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0062] The ordinal numbers, quantities, and other figures used in the description of the embodiments are all illustrative to specifically illustrate the technology of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to the illustrative figures. Furthermore, the connection relationships between the components are illustrative to specifically illustrate the technology of this disclosure, and are not limited to the connection relationships that realize the functions of this disclosure.

[0063] The vehicle lighting fixtures of this disclosure are capable of emitting light that can meet the regulations regarding the illumination area of ​​vehicle lighting fixtures, and are therefore particularly suitable for use as automotive lighting fixtures. Although headlights are given as an example in the embodiments of the vehicle lighting fixtures of this disclosure, they are not limited thereto. For example, vehicle lighting fixtures can be used for various purposes such as communication lamps and daytime running lamps. Furthermore, the vehicle lighting fixtures of this disclosure are not limited to automotive applications. The vehicle lighting fixtures of this disclosure may be used not only as vehicle lighting fixtures, but also, for example, as lighting fixtures for aircraft such as helicopters and drones.

[0064] The aspects of this disclosure are, for example, as follows: <Item 1> A vehicle light fixture comprising: a light source unit including a plurality of light-emitting parts arranged in a line in a first direction; and an optical system including a first lens and a second lens that are separated from the light source unit and transmit light emitted from the light source unit, wherein the first lens and the second lens are arranged in a line in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and the optical system has one focal point capable of focusing light in the first direction, and two focal points arranged in a line in the second direction, each capable of focusing light in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, respectively. <Item 2> The vehicle light fixture according to Item 1, wherein the first lens has a positive refractive power in the first direction and the third direction, and the second lens includes in part an asymmetric surface with different curvatures in the first direction and the third direction. <Item 3> The second lens is a vehicle lamp as described in Item 2, which is positioned between the first lens and the light source. <Clause 4> A vehicle light fixture according to Clause 2 or Clause 3, wherein one focal point capable of focusing light in the first direction includes the combined focal point of the first lens and the second lens, and two focal points, each capable of focusing light in the third direction, include the focal point of the first lens and the combined focal point of the first lens and the second lens. <Clause 5> The light source is a vehicle lamp according to any one of Clauses 2 to 4, which is positioned between the focal point of the first lens and the second lens. <Clause 6> The vehicle light fixture according to any one of Clauses 2 to 5, wherein the asymmetrical surface is a cylindrical surface having curvature in the first direction and not curvature in the third direction. <Clause 7> The vehicle light fixture according to Clause 6, wherein the second lens includes a convex surface with equal curvature in the first direction and the third direction, and the convex surface is located on both sides of the asymmetrical surface in the third direction. <Clause 8> In the third direction, the center of the asymmetrical surface is positioned at a different location from the optical axis extending in the second direction through the center of the first lens, as described in Clause 7. <Clause 9> The vehicle lamp according to Clause 8, wherein the third direction is vertical, and the center of the asymmetrical surface is positioned vertically above the optical axis. <Item 10> The plurality of light-emitting parts are arranged in a line in the first direction and are vehicle lighting devices as described in items 1 to 9. <Item 11> The vehicle lamp according to Item 10, wherein the distance between the light-emitting surfaces of adjacent light-emitting parts is 0.05 mm or less. <Clause 12> The plurality of light-emitting units are vehicle lighting devices according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, and the lighting of each unit can be controlled individually. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1 Light source section 2 Optical system 2C optical axis 11, 11-1, 11-2 Light-emitting part 12 Light-shielding member 13 packages 14 electrode pads 21. First lens 21C center 22. Second lens 100 Vehicle lighting fixtures 110, 110-1, 110-2 Light-emitting surface 131 Wiring 200 road 200-1 Driving lane 200-2 Opposing lane 221 Asymmetrical surface 221C center 222 Convex 223 Asymmetrical surface 224 Convex 300 Oncoming vehicles d. width of the light-emitting surface F, Fy focus HB High Beam Light Distribution Pattern L light LB Low Beam Light Distribution Pattern Light passing through the L1 asymmetrical surface Light passing through the L2 convex surface Ls1 First light distribution pattern Ls2 Second Light Distribution Pattern Ls3 composite light distribution pattern ON lighting area OFF Off area p Spacing between light-emitting surfaces X 1st direction Y Third direction Z 2nd direction

Claims

1. A light source unit including a plurality of light-emitting units arranged in a line in the first direction, The optical system includes a first lens and a second lens that are separated from the light source and transmit light emitted from the light source, The first lens and the second lens are arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The optical system described above is A focal point capable of focusing light in the first direction, A vehicle light fixture having two focal points arranged side by side in the second direction, each capable of focusing light in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, respectively.

2. The first lens has a positive refractive power in the first direction and the third direction, The vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, wherein the second lens includes in part an asymmetrical surface with different curvatures in the first direction and the third direction.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein the second lens is disposed between the first lens and the light source.

4. One focal point capable of focusing light in the first direction includes the combined focal point of the first lens and the second lens, The vehicle light fixture according to claim 2, wherein the two focal points, each capable of focusing light in the third direction, include the focal point of the first lens and the combined focal point of the first lens and the second lens.

5. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 2, wherein the light source is positioned between the focal point of the first lens and the second lens.

6. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 2, wherein the asymmetrical surface is a cylindrical surface having curvature in the first direction and not curvature in the third direction.

7. The second lens includes a convex surface with equal curvature in the first direction and the third direction. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 6, wherein the convex surface is arranged on both sides of the asymmetrical surface in the third direction.

8. The vehicle lamp according to claim 7, wherein in the third direction, the center of the asymmetrical surface is positioned at a different location with respect to the optical axis extending in the second direction through the center of the first lens.

9. The third direction is the vertical direction, The vehicle lamp according to claim 8, wherein the center of the asymmetrical surface is positioned vertically upward from the optical axis.

10. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light-emitting parts are arranged in a line in the first direction.

11. The vehicle lamp according to claim 10, wherein the distance between the light-emitting surfaces of adjacent light-emitting units is 0.05 mm or less.

12. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units can be individually controlled to light up.

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