Vehicle lighting fixtures and vehicles

Abstract

To provide vehicle lighting fixtures that can reduce temperature rise. [Solution] The vehicle lighting fixture comprises three or more lighting units arranged vertically, and a support member that supports the three or more lighting units, wherein the amount of heat generated by the lighting units located at the top and bottom of the vertical direction is greater than the amount of heat generated by the lighting unit located in the center of the vertical direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, vehicle lighting fixtures and vehicles having light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle lighting fixture in which a lighting unit having a relatively large heat-generating element is arranged below a lighting unit having a relatively small heat-generating element. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-335328 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The embodiments described herein aim to provide a vehicle lighting device capable of reducing temperature rise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A vehicle lighting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises three or more lighting units arranged in the vertical direction, and a support member that supports the three or more lighting units, wherein the amount of heat generated by the lighting units located at the top and bottom of the vertical direction is greater than the amount of heat generated by the lighting unit located in the center of the vertical direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the embodiments described herein, it is possible to provide a vehicle lighting device that can reduce temperature rise. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic front view showing the overall configuration of a vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic front view showing an example of the overall configuration of a vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first lighting unit of a vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second lighting unit of a vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5A] This is a schematic top view showing the first light-emitting portion of the first wide-angle lighting unit of the vehicle lighting fixture according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5B] This is a schematic cross-sectional view along the VB-VB line in Figure 5A. [Figure 6A] This is a schematic top view showing the first light-emitting section of the first narrow-angle lamp unit of the vehicle lamp according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6B] Figure 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view along the VIB-VIB line. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing the first wide-angle illumination light from the first wide-angle lighting unit of the vehicle lighting fixture according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the first narrow-angle illumination light from the first narrow-angle lighting unit of the vehicle lighting fixture according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing the second wide-angle illumination light from the second wide-angle lighting unit of the vehicle lighting fixture according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing the second narrow-angle illumination light from the second narrow-angle lighting unit of the vehicle lighting fixture according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the overall configuration of a vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic front view showing the overall configuration of a vehicle lighting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a schematic top view showing a vehicle according to the fourth embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] A vehicle lamp and a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are examples of the vehicle lamp and the vehicle for embodying the technical idea of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated to be limited, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements and the like of components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure thereto, but are merely illustrative examples. Note that the sizes and positional relationships of members shown in the respective drawings may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. In the following description, the same names and reference numerals denote the same or homogeneous members, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] In each drawing, orthogonal coordinates having an X-axis, a Y-axis and a Z-axis are used for direction expression. The X-axis, the Y-axis and the Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The X-direction along the X-axis corresponds to the left-right direction. The Y-direction along the Y-axis corresponds to the front-rear direction. The Z-direction along the Z-axis corresponds to the up-down direction. In the present specification, the X-direction is referred to as the left-right direction X. The Y-direction is referred to as the front-rear direction Y. The Z-direction is referred to as the up-down direction Z.

[0010] The direction in which the arrow points in the X-direction is referred to as the +X side, and the direction opposite to the +X side is referred to as the -X side. The direction in which the arrow points in the Y-direction is referred to as the +Y side, and the direction opposite to the +Y side is referred to as the -Y side. The direction in which the arrow points in the Z-direction is referred to as the +Z side, and the direction opposite to the +Z side is referred to as the -Z side. The +Y side corresponds to the front direction.

[0011] In the present specification, the term "disposed" is not limited to the case of direct contact, and also includes the case of indirect disposition via another member, for example. In the drawings, an end view showing only a cut surface may be used as a sectional view. In addition, in the drawings, in order to show that one constituent element includes another constituent element, reference numerals of the one constituent element and the another constituent element may be described together.

[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 "First," "Second," etc., to their names. Furthermore, the objects being distinguished may differ between this specification and the claims.

[0013] [First Embodiment] <Configuration of a vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment> Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing the overall configuration of the vehicle lighting device 10 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0014] The vehicle light fixture 10 is, for example, a vehicle light fixture used as a headlight for an automobile. In the example shown in Figure 1, the vehicle light fixture 10 can emit light on the +Y side.

[0015] (Overall structure) As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle lighting fixture 10 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure includes three or more lighting units 1 arranged in the vertical direction Z, and support members 2 that support the three or more lighting units 1. In the example shown in Figure 1, the vehicle lighting fixture 10 also includes a heat dissipation member 3 that dissipates heat from the three or more lighting units 1.

[0016] Three or more luminaire units 1 can emit light individually or in groups. In the example shown in Figure 1, three or more luminaire units 1 refer to three luminaire units 1. The three luminaire units 1 include a luminaire unit 1u located at the top, a luminaire unit 1d located at the bottom, and a luminaire unit 1m located in the center in the vertical direction Z.

[0017] The three light fixture units 1 are positioned on the +Y side of the support member 2, which is the side from which the three light fixture units 1 emit light. The heat dissipation member 3 is positioned on the -Y side of the support member 2, which is the side opposite to the side from which the three light fixture units 1 emit light.

[0018] In vehicle lighting fixtures, air flows from bottom to top in the vertical direction Z. In vehicle lighting fixtures having three or more lighting units 1 arranged in the vertical direction Z, the lighting unit 1 sandwiched between the upper and lower lighting units 1 may experience poor heat dissipation due to the airflow being obstructed by the upper and lower lighting units 1, which can cause the temperature of the vehicle lighting fixture to rise.

[0019] In the vehicle lighting device 10 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, the amount of heat generated by the lighting device 1 located at the top and the lighting device 1 located at the bottom of the three or more lighting device units 1 is greater than the amount of heat generated by the lighting device 1 located in the center of the vertical direction Z.

[0020] In the example shown in Figure 1, luminaire unit 1u is a luminaire unit 1 positioned at the top of the vertical direction Z. Luminaire unit 1d is a luminaire unit 1 positioned at the bottom of the vertical direction Z. Luminaire unit 1m is a luminaire unit 1 positioned in the center of the vertical direction Z. The heat generated by luminaire unit 1u and luminaire unit 1d is greater than the heat generated by luminaire unit 1m. Note that heat generated refers to the amount of heat generated per unit time.

[0021] The lighting unit 1u can dissipate heat upwards, making it more efficient at dissipating heat compared to the lighting unit 1m, which cannot dissipate heat upwards. Furthermore, the lighting unit 1d can allow cool air to flow in from below, making it more efficient at dissipating heat compared to the lighting unit 1m, which cannot allow cool air to flow in from below. Therefore, by making the heat generated by the lighting unit 1u and lighting unit 1d greater than that generated by the lighting unit 1m, the vehicle lighting unit 10 can dissipate heat more efficiently compared to the case where the heat generated by either the lighting unit 1u or the lighting unit 1d is less than that generated by the lighting unit 1m. As a result, the first embodiment of this disclosure provides a vehicle lighting unit 10 capable of reducing temperature rise.

[0022] (Lighting unit 1) Any three or more luminaire units 1 can be used, as long as each unit is capable of emitting light. For example, three or more luminaire units 1 can be those having light-emitting elements such as LEDs as described in the second embodiment of this disclosure. However, one or more of the three or more luminaire units 1 may include a light source other than a light-emitting element. The light source other than a light-emitting element is a halogen lamp or a xenon lamp, etc.

[0023] (Support member 2) Any material can be used for the support member 2, as long as it can support three or more light fixture units 1. The support member 2 may individually support each of the three light fixture units 1 using three support members 2 corresponding to three light fixture units 1. Alternatively, one support member 2 may support two or more light fixture units 1. The material of the support member 2 can be resin or metal, etc.

[0024] (Heat dissipation member 3) The heat dissipation member 3 is a member provided to dissipate heat from three or more lighting units 1. The heat dissipation member 3 may include a heat sink made of a material with good heat transfer properties, such as metal. From the viewpoint of increasing heat dissipation efficiency, it is preferable to use a metal with a thermal conductivity of 80 W / mK or more for the metal constituting the heat sink, and it is more preferable to use, for example, aluminum or copper. From the viewpoint of increasing heat dissipation efficiency, it is preferable for the heat sink to have a shape with a large surface area. The heat dissipation member 3 may dissipate heat from each lighting unit 1 individually by using three heat dissipation members 3 corresponding to three lighting units 1. Alternatively, the heat dissipation member 3 may dissipate heat from two or more lighting units 1 with a single heat dissipation member 3.

[0025] In the example shown in Figure 1, the three or more lighting units 1 are positioned on the +Y side of the support member 2, where the three or more lighting units 1 emit light. The heat dissipation member 3 is positioned on the -Y side of the support member 2, opposite to the side where the three or more lighting units 1 emit light. By positioning the heat dissipation member 3 on the -Y side, opposite to the side where the three or more lighting units 1 emit light, the heat dissipation member 3 can be positioned without obstructing the light irradiation by the three or more lighting units 1. Furthermore, by positioning the heat dissipation member 3 on the -Y side, opposite to the side where the three or more lighting units 1 emit light, the heated air can be more easily discharged upward without being obstructed by the lighting units 1, compared to the case where the heat dissipation member 3 is positioned above or below the three or more lighting units 1. In addition, the vehicle lighting fixture 10 can be made smaller in the vertical Z direction compared to the case where the heat dissipation member 3 is positioned above or below the three or more lighting units 1.

[0026] [Second Embodiment] Next, a vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Note that names and reference numerals identical to those used in the previously described embodiments indicate the same or identical components or configurations, and detailed explanations will be omitted as appropriate. This also applies to the embodiments described hereafter.

[0027] <Configuration of a vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment> (Overall structure) Figure 2 is a schematic front view showing the overall configuration of a vehicle lighting device 10a according to the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0028] In the vehicle lighting fixture 10a according to the second embodiment of this disclosure, three or more lighting units 1 include a plurality of first lighting units 1-1 that emit a low-beam light distribution pattern and a plurality of second lighting units 1-2 that emit a high-beam light distribution pattern. This point differs from the vehicle lighting fixture 10 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0029] Multiple first luminaire units 1-1 consist of two first luminaire units 1-1. Each pair of first luminaire units 1-1 includes a first narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-1n and a first wide-angle luminaire unit 1-1w. The first wide-angle luminaire unit 1-1w is positioned above the first narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-1n and has a wider beam angle than the first narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-1n.

[0030] Multiple second luminaire units 1-2 consist of two second luminaire units 1-2. The two second luminaire units 1-2 include a second narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-2n and a second wide-angle luminaire unit 1-2w. The second wide-angle luminaire unit 1-2w is positioned below the second narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-2n and has a wider beam angle than the second narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-2n.

[0031] Here, for example, when the vehicle light fixture 10a illuminates the road surface in front of the vehicle on which it is mounted, the light fixture unit 1 located vertically downward, parallel to the vertical direction Z, is located closer to the road surface compared to the light fixture unit 1 located above. Because it is located closer to the road surface, the illuminated light reaches the road surface before it can spread, so the illuminated light does not spread easily. Because the illuminated light does not spread, the range of illumination of the road surface by the lower light fixture unit 1 may be narrower.

[0032] In the vehicle lighting fixture 10a according to the second embodiment of this disclosure, the first lighting unit 1-1 is positioned above the second lighting unit 1-2. Since the second lighting unit 1-2 emits a high-beam light distribution pattern, it is easier for it to emit light above the first lighting unit 1-1, which emits a low-beam light distribution pattern. As a result, even if the second lighting unit 1-2 is positioned close to the road surface, the illuminated area of ​​the road surface is less likely to be narrowed compared to when the first lighting unit 1-1 is positioned close to the road surface. In the second embodiment of this disclosure, by positioning the first lighting unit 1-1 above the second lighting unit 1-2, the illuminated area of ​​the road surface by the second lighting unit 1-2 is less likely to be narrowed, and the illuminated area of ​​the vehicle lighting fixture 10a can be widened.

[0033] The first lamp unit 1-1 emits a low-beam light distribution pattern. The first wide-angle lamp unit 1-1w has a wider light distribution angle than the first narrow-angle lamp unit 1-1n, making it easier to illuminate downwards compared to the first narrow-angle lamp unit 1-1n, and thus the illuminated area of ​​the road surface tends to be narrower. In the vehicle lamp 10a, by positioning the first wide-angle lamp unit 1-1w above the first narrow-angle lamp unit 1-1n, the illuminated area of ​​the road surface by the first wide-angle lamp unit 1-1w is less likely to be narrowed.

[0034] The second lamp unit 1-2 emits a high-beam light distribution pattern. The second narrow-angle lamp unit 1-2n has a narrower light distribution angle than the first wide-angle lamp unit 1-1w, making it easier to illuminate downwards compared to the first wide-angle lamp unit 1-1w, and thus the illuminated area of ​​the road surface tends to be narrower. In the vehicle lamp 10a, by positioning the second narrow-angle lamp unit 1-2n above the second wide-angle lamp unit 1-2w, the illuminated area of ​​the road surface by the second narrow-angle lamp unit 1-2n is less likely to be narrowed.

[0035] Accordingly, in the second embodiment of this disclosure, by positioning the first wide-angle luminaire unit 1-1w above the first narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-1n and the second narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-2n above the second wide-angle luminaire unit 1-2w, the illumination range of the road surface is less likely to become narrower, and the illumination range of the vehicle luminaire 10a can be widened.

[0036] The first wide-angle luminaire unit 1-1w is located above the first narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-1n, and is able to dissipate heat upwards more easily than the first narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-1n. Therefore, even if the heat generated by the first wide-angle luminaire unit 1-1w is greater than that generated by the first narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-1n, the vehicle luminaire 10a can dissipate heat more easily compared to the case where the heat generated by the first narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-1n is greater than that generated by the first wide-angle luminaire unit 1-1w.

[0037] The second wide-angle luminaire unit 1-2w is located below the second narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-2n, making it easier for cooler air to flow in from below. Therefore, even if the heat generated by the second wide-angle luminaire unit 1-2w is greater than that generated by the second narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-2n, the vehicle luminaire 10a can dissipate heat more easily compared to the case where the heat generated by the second narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-2n is greater than that generated by the second wide-angle luminaire unit 1-2w.

[0038] Accordingly, in the second embodiment of this disclosure, the amount of heat generated by the first wide-angle lamp unit 1-1w is greater than that generated by the first narrow-angle lamp unit 1-1n, and the amount of heat generated by the second wide-angle lamp unit 1-2w is greater than that generated by the second narrow-angle lamp unit 1-2n, making it easier to dissipate heat from the vehicle lamp 10a. This makes it easier to reduce the temperature rise of the vehicle lamp 10a.

[0039] It is preferable that the heat generated by the first wide-angle lighting unit 1-1w and the heat generated by the second wide-angle lighting unit 1-2w are equivalent. By making the heat generated by the first wide-angle lighting unit 1-1w, which easily dissipates heat upward, and the heat generated by the second wide-angle lighting unit 1-2w, which easily receives air that has not yet risen in temperature from below, equivalent, the unevenness in temperature rise in the vehicle lighting unit 10a in the vertical direction Z is easily reduced. This makes it easier to reduce the temperature rise of the vehicle lighting unit 10a.

[0040] It is preferable that the heat generated by the first narrow-angle lamp unit 1-1n and the second narrow-angle lamp unit 1-2n are equivalent. By making the heat generated by the first narrow-angle lamp unit 1-1n and the second narrow-angle lamp unit 1-2n, which are located in the center in the vertical direction Z and are therefore less efficient at dissipating heat, the unevenness in temperature rise in the vehicle lamp 10a in the vertical direction Z is reduced. This makes it easier to reduce the temperature rise of the vehicle lamp 10a.

[0041] It is preferable that the first wide-angle lighting unit 1-1w and the second wide-angle lighting unit 1-2w receive the highest power input among the three or more lighting units 1. The higher the power input, the greater the amount of heat generated. The first wide-angle lighting unit 1-1w is easily able to dissipate heat upwards, thus dissipating heat easily. The second wide-angle lighting unit 1-2w is easily able to dissipate heat because it is easily able to receive cool air from below. By giving the highest power input to the first wide-angle lighting unit 1-1w and the second wide-angle lighting unit 1-2w, which are easily able to dissipate heat among the three or more lighting units 1, the temperature rise of the vehicle lighting unit 10a can be reduced.

[0042] <Configuration of the first lighting unit 1-1 and the second lighting unit 1-2> The configurations of the first lamp unit 1-1 and the second lamp unit 1-2 will be described with reference to Figures 3, 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first lamp unit 1-1. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the second lamp unit 1-2. Figure 5A is a schematic top view showing the first light-emitting part 12 of the first wide-angle lamp unit 1-1w of the vehicle lamp 10a. Figure 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line VB-VB in Figure 5A. Figure 6A is a schematic top view showing the first light-emitting part 12 of the first narrow-angle lamp unit 1-1n of the vehicle lamp 10a. Figure 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line VIB-VIB in Figure 6A.

[0043] The first wide-angle luminaire unit 1-1w and the first narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-1n, both included in the first luminaire unit 1-1, share the same function of emitting a low-beam light distribution pattern and the same unit components. Figure 3 schematically shows the common components of the first wide-angle luminaire unit 1-1w and the first narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-1n. Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the first luminaire unit 1-1, including the first optical axis 14C of the first lens 14.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the first lighting unit 1-1 includes a first substrate 17, a first light-emitting unit 12, and a first reflector 13. The first light-emitting unit 12 is positioned above the first substrate 17 and emits light at least upward. The first reflector 13 is positioned above the first substrate 17 and reflects the light emitted from the first light-emitting unit 12.

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 3, the first lighting unit 1-1 further includes a first lens 14 and a light-shielding member 15. The first lens 14 transmits a portion of the light emitted from the first light-emitting part 12 and reflected by the first reflector 13. The light-shielding member 15 is positioned in the optical path between the first reflector 13 and the first lens 14 and blocks a portion of the light reflected by the first reflector 13. The first reflector 13 includes a first concave reflective surface 130. The first concave reflective surface 130 is an ellipsoid.

[0046] The first lighting unit 1-1 can project a low-beam light distribution pattern, including a cutoff line, forward through the first lens 14 by shielding a portion of the light reflected by the first reflector 13 with the light-shielding member 15.

[0047] The second wide-angle luminaire unit 1-2w and the second narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-2n, both included in the second luminaire unit 1-2, share the same function of emitting a high-beam light distribution pattern and the same unit components. Figure 4 shows the common components of the second wide-angle luminaire unit 1-2w and the second narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-2n. Figure 4 also shows a cross-section of the second luminaire unit 1-2, including the second optical axis 24C of the second lens 24.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, the second lighting unit 1-2 includes a second substrate 27, a second light-emitting unit 22, and a second reflector 23. The second light-emitting unit 22 is positioned below the second substrate 27 and emits light at least downwards. The second reflector 23 is positioned below the second substrate 27 and reflects the light emitted from the second light-emitting unit 22.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 4, the second lighting unit 1-2 has a second lens 24. The second lens 24 transmits at least a portion of the light emitted from the second light-emitting part 22 and reflected by the second reflector 23. The second reflector 23 includes a second concave reflective surface 230. The second concave reflective surface 230 is a parabolic surface.

[0050] The second lighting unit 1-2 can project a high-beam light distribution pattern, which includes at least a portion of the light reflected by the second reflector 23 and does not include a cutoff line, forward through the second lens 24. In other words, unlike the first lighting unit 1-1, the second lighting unit 1-2 does not have a light-shielding member 15.

[0051] The vehicle lighting fixture 10a has a first lighting unit 1-1 and a second lighting unit 1-2, which enables it to emit both a low-beam and a high-beam light distribution pattern.

[0052] In the vehicle lamp 10a, the first reflector 13 includes a first concave reflective surface 130, and the first concave reflective surface 130 is an ellipsoid. Furthermore, the second reflector 23 includes a second concave reflective surface 230, and the second concave reflective surface 230 is an ellipsoid. With this configuration, the vehicle lamp 10a can improve the light extraction efficiency of both the low beam light distribution pattern and the high beam light distribution pattern.

[0053] In the examples shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the first light-emitting section 12 of the first wide-angle luminaire unit 1-1w has two light-emitting elements, including a light-emitting element 121 and a light-emitting element 122. On the other hand, in the examples shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the first light-emitting section 12 of the first narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-1n has one light-emitting element 123. In other words, in the examples shown in Figures 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, the number of light-emitting elements in the first light-emitting section 12 of the first wide-angle luminaire unit 1-1w is greater than the number of light-emitting elements in the first light-emitting section 12 of the first luminaire unit 1-1 other than the first wide-angle luminaire unit 1-1w. Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting fixture 10a, the number of light-emitting elements in the second light-emitting section 22 of the second wide-angle lighting fixture unit 1-2w is greater than the number of light-emitting elements in the second light-emitting section 22 of the second lighting fixture unit 1-2 other than the second wide-angle lighting fixture unit 1-2w.

[0054] Furthermore, the area of ​​the first light-emitting part 12 of the first wide-angle lamp unit 1-1w is larger than the area of ​​the first light-emitting part 12 of the first lamp unit 1-1 other than the first wide-angle lamp unit 1-1w. In addition, in the vehicle lamp 10a, the area of ​​the second light-emitting part 22 of the second wide-angle lamp unit 1-2w is larger than the area of ​​the second light-emitting part 22 of the second lamp unit 1-2 other than the second wide-angle lamp unit 1-2w. In the examples of Figures 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, the first light-emitting part 12 is the upper surface of the wavelength conversion member 18 arranged on the light-emitting element, in other words, the light-emitting surface.

[0055] Because the number of light-emitting elements in the first light-emitting section 12 of the first wide-angle lighting unit 1-1w is greater than the number of light-emitting elements in the first light-emitting section 12 of the first lighting unit 1-1 other than the first wide-angle lighting unit 1-1w, the first wide-angle lighting unit 1-1w has a higher power input and is prone to generating heat. Because the number of light-emitting elements in the second light-emitting section 22 of the second wide-angle lighting unit 1-2w is greater than the number of light-emitting elements in the second light-emitting section 22 of the second lighting unit 1-2 other than the second wide-angle lighting unit 1-2w, the second wide-angle lighting unit 1-2w has a higher power input and is prone to generating heat. By placing the first wide-angle lighting unit 1-1w, which is prone to generating heat, at the top where heat can be easily dissipated, and the second wide-angle lighting unit 1-2w, which is prone to generating heat, at the bottom where heat can be easily dissipated, the temperature rise of the vehicle lighting unit 10a can be reduced.

[0056] (Package 1, Item 11) The first package 11 is a component on which a light-emitting element, etc., which serves as a light source, can be mounted or housed. In the examples of Figures 5A and 5B, the first package 11 includes a light-reflecting member 16 and a first substrate 17. The first package 11 preferably uses an insulating material as its base material, and preferably a material having a certain strength. Furthermore, the first package 11 preferably uses a material that does not easily transmit light emitted from the first light-emitting part 12 or ambient light. Specifically, the first package 11 can be constructed using ceramics such as alumina, aluminum nitride, mullite, and silicon nitride, or resins such as phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide resin, BT resin, polyphthalamide, and polyester resin as its base material. Note that the first package 11 can also be constructed using a metallic material such as aluminum or copper, provided that appropriate insulating treatment is applied to prevent short circuits. The second package 21 includes a light-reflecting member 26 and a second substrate 27. Since the second package 21 can have the same configuration as the first package 11, a redundant explanation of the second package 21 is omitted.

[0057] (First light-emitting section 12) The first light-emitting section 12 is, for example, the light-emitting surface of an LED or LD. The first light-emitting section 12 is composed of a light-emitting element 121, a light-emitting element 122, a wavelength conversion member 18, etc., and emits light of a desired color. In the vehicle lighting fixture 10a, the first light-emitting section 12 emits white light by using, for example, a semiconductor light-emitting element that emits blue light and a wavelength conversion member that converts the blue light to yellow light. In the examples shown in Figures 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, the outer edge shape of the first light-emitting section 12 in a top view is rectangular. However, the outer edge shape of the first light-emitting section 12 in a top view may be circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. The second light-emitting section 22 is composed of a light-emitting element 123, a wavelength conversion member 28, etc., and emits light of a desired color. The second light-emitting section 22 has the same configuration as the first light-emitting section 12.

[0058] The light-emitting element of the first light-emitting section 12 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.

[0059] The wavelength conversion member 18 contains, for example, wavelength conversion particles. A phosphor can be used as the wavelength conversion particle. Examples of phosphors include yttrium aluminum garnet-based phosphors (e.g., Y3(Al,Ga)5O 12 Ce), lutetium-aluminum-garnet phosphors (e.g., Lu3(Al,Ga)5O 12 Ce), terbium aluminum garnet phosphors (e.g., Tb3(Al,Ga)5O 12 :Ce), CCA-based phosphors (e.g., Ca 10 (PO4)6C 12 :Eu), SAE-based phosphors (e.g., Sr4Al 14 O 25 :Eu), chlorosilicate phosphors (e.g., Ca8MgSi4O 16Cl2:Eu), β-sialon phosphors (for example, (Si,Al)3(O,N)4:Eu) or α-sialon phosphors (for example, Ca(Si,Al) 12 (O,N) 16 :Eu) and other oxynitride phosphors, SLA phosphors (for example, SrLiAl3N4:Eu), CASN phosphors (for example, CaAlSiN3:Eu) or SCASN phosphors (for example, (Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu) and other nitride phosphors, KSF phosphors (for example, K2SiF6:Mn), KSAF phosphors (for example, K2Si 0.99 Al 0.01 F 5.99 :Mn) or MGF phosphors (for example, 3.5MgO·0.5MgF2·GeO2:Mn) and other fluoride phosphors, phosphors having a perovskite structure (for example, CsPb(F,Cl,Br,I)3), or quantum dot phosphors (for example, CdSe, InP, AgInS2 or AgInSe2) can be used.

[0060] The second light-emitting portion 22 can have the same configuration as the first light-emitting portion 12, and thus a repeated description of the second light-emitting portion 22 is omitted.

[0061] (First reflector 13) The first reflector 13 is produced, for example, by providing a metal film such as aluminum on the surface of a base material configured to contain a resin. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first reflector 13 can also be produced by cutting and polishing a metal or the like. The second reflector 23 can have the same configuration as the first reflector 13, and thus a repeated description of the second reflector 23 is omitted.

[0062] (First lens 14) The outer edge shape of the first lens 14 as viewed from the +Y side is a substantially rectangular shape including curves at both ends in the left-right direction X. However, the outer edge shape of the first lens 14 as viewed from the +Y side may be substantially circular, substantially elliptical, or substantially polygonal.

[0063] The first lens 14 is, for example, a plano-convex lens in which the +Y side surface is a spherical surface convex to the +Y side and the -Y side surface is a flat surface. However, the first lens 14 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 +Y side surface of the first lens 14 is not limited to a spherical surface, but may be an aspherical surface, a Fresnel lens surface, a diffractive lens surface, etc. The -Y side surface of the first lens 14 is not limited to a flat surface, but may be a spherical surface, an aspherical surface, a Fresnel lens surface, a diffractive lens surface, etc.

[0064] The first lens 14 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 14 can be manufactured by injection molding or other methods using the resin material or glass material.

[0065] Since the second lens 24 can have the same configuration as the first lens 14, a redundant explanation of the second lens 24 will be omitted.

[0066] (Light-shielding member 15) The light-shielding member 15 has light-absorbing properties. "Light absorption" means that the reflectance of the irradiated light is less than 1%. The light-shielding member 15 is preferably dark in color, and more preferably black. The light-shielding member 15 is made of, for example, a metal material and has a black coating on its surface. However, the light-shielding member 15 may be made of, for example, a resin material and has a black coating on its surface. Furthermore, the light-shielding member 15 may be made of a light-absorbing material such as carbon black. Moreover, the light-shielding member 15 is not limited to having light-absorbing properties, but may also have light-reflecting properties.

[0067] <Irradiation light from the first lighting unit 1-1 and the second lighting unit 1-2> Referring to Figures 7 to 10, the illumination light from the first luminaire unit 1-1 and the second luminaire unit 1-2 will be described. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the first wide-angle illumination light S1w from the first wide-angle luminaire unit 1-1w. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the first narrow-angle illumination light S1n from the first narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-1n. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the second wide-angle illumination light S2w from the second wide-angle luminaire unit 1-2w. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the second narrow-angle illumination light S2n from the second narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-2n.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, the first wide-angle illumination light S1w is a low-beam light distribution pattern that includes the first cutoff line CL1. As shown in Figure 8, the first narrow-angle illumination light S1n is a low-beam light distribution pattern that includes the second cutoff line CL2. The first wide-angle illumination light S1w has a wider beam angle compared to the first narrow-angle illumination light S1n.

[0069] As shown in Figure 9, the second wide-angle illumination light S2w has a high-beam light distribution pattern that does not include a cutoff line. As shown in Figure 10, the second narrow-angle illumination light S2n has a high-beam light distribution pattern that does not include a cutoff line. The second wide-angle illumination light S2w has a wider beam angle compared to the second narrow-angle illumination light S2n.

[0070] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the overall configuration of the vehicle lighting fixture 10a according to the second embodiment.

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 11, the multiple first luminaire units 1-1 are four first luminaire units 1-1. The four first luminaire units 1-1 include two first narrow-angle luminaire units 1-1n and two first wide-angle luminaire units 1-1w. The first wide-angle luminaire units 1-1w are positioned above the first narrow-angle luminaire units 1-1n and have a wider beam angle than the first narrow-angle luminaire units 1-1n.

[0072] Multiple second luminaire units 1-2 consist of three second luminaire units 1-2. The three second luminaire units 1-2 include two second narrow-angle luminaire units 1-2n and one second wide-angle luminaire unit 1-2w. The second wide-angle luminaire unit 1-2w is positioned below the second narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-2n and has a wider beam angle than the second narrow-angle luminaire unit 1-2n.

[0073] In other examples of the vehicle lighting fixture 10a shown in Figure 11, the same effects as in the example of the vehicle lighting fixture 10a shown in Figure 2 can be obtained.

[0074] [Third Embodiment] Next, a vehicle lighting device according to the third embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Figure 12 is a schematic front view showing the overall configuration of the vehicle lighting device 10b according to the third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0075] The vehicle lighting device 10b according to the third embodiment of this disclosure differs from the vehicle lighting device 10a according to the second embodiment in that it has three lighting units 1-3. The three lighting units 1-3 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction X and side by side in the up-down direction Z.

[0076] The vehicle lighting device 10b can also achieve the same effects as the vehicle lighting device 10a described in the second embodiment. The number of lighting units 1-3 arranged in the left-right direction X, and the number of lighting units 1-3 arranged in the up-down direction Z, can be changed as appropriate.

[0077] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a vehicle lighting device according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Figure 13 is a schematic top view showing a vehicle 50 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0078] Figure 13 shows vehicle 50 as viewed from the +Z side. As shown in Figure 13, vehicle 50 has vehicle lights 10. In the example shown in Figure 13, vehicle 50 has multiple vehicle lights 10 arranged in the left-right direction X that intersects the up-down direction Z. Vehicle lights 10 can emit light in the forward direction that intersects both the up-down direction Z and the left-right direction X.

[0079] Vehicle 50 has at least one vehicle light fixture 10 positioned on the right front and the left front of the vehicle. The vehicle light fixture 10 positioned on the right front of the vehicle emits light with a beam pattern DR. The vehicle light fixture 10 positioned on the left front of the vehicle emits light with a beam pattern DL. The two vehicle light fixtures 10 may be identical and positioned in the same orientation on the vehicle 50. If they are positioned in the same orientation, the beam patterns DR and DL will be the same. The vehicle light fixtures 10 positioned on the left front and right front of the vehicle 50 may have the same structure. Vehicle 50 may also have one vehicle light fixture 10 positioned on either the right front or the left front of the vehicle.

[0080] In the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, by having a vehicle lighting fixture 10 capable of reducing temperature rise, malfunctions of the vehicle lighting fixture 10 due to temperature rise can be suppressed.

[0081] Furthermore, the vehicle lighting fixture 10 has a plurality of vehicle lighting fixtures 10 arranged in the left-right direction X, and the plurality of vehicle lighting fixtures 10 emit light in the forward direction. As a result, in the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, the vehicle lighting fixture 10 capable of reducing temperature rise can be used as the headlight of the vehicle 50.

[0082] Other effects of the vehicle 50 are the same as those of the vehicle lighting fixture 10 described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the vehicle 50 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure may have the vehicle lighting fixture 10a according to the second embodiment or the vehicle lighting fixture 10b according to the third embodiment. Also, the vehicle 50 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure may have a combination of the vehicle lighting fixture 10 according to the first embodiment, the vehicle lighting fixture 10a according to the second embodiment, and the vehicle lighting fixture 10b according to the third embodiment.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] The vehicle lighting fixtures of this disclosure can reduce temperature rise and are therefore suitable for use in lighting fixtures mounted on moving objects such as automobiles, trains, aircraft, flying objects, and ships, and are particularly suitable for use in automobiles. In the embodiments of the vehicle lighting fixtures of this disclosure, headlights are given as an example, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle lighting fixtures of this disclosure can be used for various purposes such as communication lamps and daytime running lamps. Furthermore, even if it is a headlight, it does not have to have high beam and low beam as in the embodiments, but may be a bi-beam headlight. In addition, the vehicle lighting fixtures of this disclosure are not limited to automobile applications. For example, the vehicle lighting fixtures of this disclosure may be used as lighting fixtures for flying objects such as helicopters or drones.

[0086] The aspects of this disclosure may include, for example, the following: <Item 1> A vehicle lighting device comprising three or more lighting units arranged in the vertical direction, and a support member for supporting the three or more lighting units, wherein the amount of heat generated by the lighting units located at the top and bottom of the vertical direction is greater than the amount of heat generated by the lighting unit located in the center of the vertical direction. <Item 2> The three or more luminaire units are vehicle luminaires as described in Item 1, comprising a plurality of first luminaire units that emit a low-beam light distribution pattern and a plurality of second luminaire units that emit a high-beam light distribution pattern. <Clause 3> The vehicle lighting fixture according to Clause 2, wherein the plurality of first lighting units include a first narrow-angle lighting unit and a first wide-angle lighting unit positioned above the first narrow-angle lighting unit and having a wider beam angle than the first narrow-angle lighting unit, and the plurality of second lighting units include a second narrow-angle lighting unit and a second wide-angle lighting unit positioned below the second narrow-angle lighting unit and having a wider beam angle than the second narrow-angle lighting unit. <Item 4> The vehicle lighting fixture described in Item 3, wherein the first wide-angle lighting unit generates more heat than the first narrow-angle lighting unit, and the second wide-angle lighting unit generates more heat than the second narrow-angle lighting unit. <Item 5> The vehicle lighting fixture described in item 3 or item 4, wherein the amount of heat generated by the first wide-angle lighting unit and the amount of heat generated by the second wide-angle lighting unit are equivalent. <Item 6> A vehicle lamp according to any one of items 3 to 5, wherein the amount of heat generated by the first narrow-angle lamp unit and the amount of heat generated by the second narrow-angle lamp unit are equivalent. <Clause 7> The first wide-angle luminaire unit and the second wide-angle luminaire unit are vehicle luminaires according to any one of Clauses 3 to 6, among the three or more luminaire units, that have the greatest power input. <Clause 8> The vehicle lamp according to any one of Clauses 2 to 7, wherein the first lamp unit comprises a first substrate, a first light-emitting part positioned above the first substrate and emitting light upward, and a first reflector positioned above the first substrate and reflecting the light emitted from the first light-emitting part, and the second lamp unit comprises a second substrate, a second light-emitting part positioned below the second substrate and emitting light downward, and a second reflector positioned below the second substrate and reflecting the light emitted from the second light-emitting part. <Clause 9> The vehicle lamp according to Clause 8, wherein the first reflector includes a first concave reflective surface, the first concave reflective surface being an ellipsoid, and the second reflector includes a second concave reflective surface, the second concave reflective surface being a parabolic surface. <Clause 10> The vehicle lamp according to Clauses 3 to 9, wherein the first lamp unit comprises a first substrate, a first light-emitting part disposed above the first substrate and emitting light upward, and a first reflector disposed above the first substrate and including a first concave reflective surface that reflects light emitted from the first light-emitting part, and the second lamp unit comprises a second substrate, a second light-emitting part disposed below the second substrate and emitting light downward, and a second reflector disposed below the second substrate and including a second concave reflective surface that reflects light emitted from the second light-emitting part, and the number of light-emitting elements provided by the first light-emitting part of the first wide-angle lamp unit is greater than the number of light-emitting elements provided by the first light-emitting part of the first lamp unit other than the first wide-angle lamp unit, and the number of light-emitting elements provided by the second light-emitting part of the second wide-angle lamp unit is greater than the number of light-emitting elements provided by the second light-emitting part of the second lamp unit other than the second wide-angle lamp unit. <Item 11> A vehicle lamp according to items 1 to 10, having a heat dissipation member for dissipating heat from the three or more lamp units, wherein the three or more lamp units are arranged on the side of the support member that emits light, and the heat dissipation member is arranged on the side of the support member opposite to the side that emits light from the three or more lamp units. <Item 12> A vehicle having a vehicle light fixture as described in any one of the preceding items 1 to 11. <Clause 13> The vehicle according to Clause 12, having a plurality of vehicle lights arranged in a left-right direction intersecting the up-down direction, wherein the vehicle lights emit light in a forward direction intersecting the up-down direction and the left-right direction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1, 1d, 1m, 1u, 1-3 Lighting Unit 1-1 First Lighting Unit 1-1n First Narrow-Angle Luminaire Unit 1-1w First wide-angle lighting unit 1-2 Second Lighting Unit 1-2n Second Narrow-Angle Lighting Unit 1-2W 2nd Wide-Angle Lighting Unit 2 Support members 3 Heat dissipation components 10, 10a, 10b Vehicle lighting fixtures 11. Package 1 12 First light-emitting section 13. First reflector 14. First lens 14C 1st optical axis 15 Light-shielding material 16 Light-reflecting member 17. First circuit board 18 Wavelength conversion component 21. Package 2 22 Second light-emitting section 23. Second reflector 24 Second lens 24C 2nd optical axis 26 Light-reflecting member 27 Second circuit board 28 Wavelength conversion component 50 vehicles 121, 122, 123 Light-emitting element 130 1st concave reflective surface 230 Second concave reflective surface CL1 1st Cut Offline CL2 2nd Cut Offline DL, DR light distribution S1n 1st narrow-angle illumination light S1w First wide-angle illumination S2n Second Narrow-Angle Irradiation S2w Second wide-angle beam X Left / right direction Y (forward / backward direction) Z vertical direction

Claims

1. Three or more lighting units arranged vertically, It has a support member that supports the three or more light fixture units, A vehicle lighting fixture in which, among the three or more lighting units, the amount of heat generated by the lighting unit located at the topmost and bottommost positions in the vertical direction is greater than the amount of heat generated by the lighting unit located in the center position in the vertical direction.

2. The three or more lighting units described above are: Multiple first lamp units that emit a low beam light distribution pattern, A vehicle lamp according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of second lamp units that emit a high beam light distribution pattern.

3. The aforementioned plurality of first lighting units are First narrow-angle luminaire unit, It includes a first wide-angle luminaire unit positioned above the first narrow-angle luminaire unit and having a wider beam angle than the first narrow-angle luminaire unit, The aforementioned plurality of second lighting units are The second narrow-angle luminaire unit, The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, further comprising a second wide-angle lamp unit positioned below the second narrow-angle lamp unit and having a wider beam angle than the second narrow-angle lamp unit.

4. The first wide-angle luminaire unit generates more heat than the first narrow-angle luminaire unit. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 3, wherein the second wide-angle lighting unit generates more heat than the second narrow-angle lighting unit.

5. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 3, wherein the amount of heat generated by the first wide-angle lighting fixture unit and the amount of heat generated by the second wide-angle lighting fixture unit are equivalent.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 3, wherein the amount of heat generated by the first narrow-angle lamp unit and the amount of heat generated by the second narrow-angle lamp unit are equivalent.

7. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 3, wherein the first wide-angle lighting unit and the second wide-angle lighting unit have the greatest power input among the three or more lighting units.

8. The first lighting unit is, First circuit board and A first light-emitting unit is positioned above the first substrate and emits light upward, It includes a first reflector positioned above the first substrate and reflecting light emitted from the first light-emitting part, The second lighting unit is, The second circuit board and A second light-emitting unit is positioned below the second substrate and emits light downwards, The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, further comprising a second reflector disposed below the second substrate and reflecting light emitted from the second light-emitting part.

9. The first reflector includes a first concave reflective surface, The first concave reflective surface is an ellipsoid, The second reflector includes a second concave reflective surface, The vehicle light fixture according to claim 8, wherein the second concave reflective surface is a parabolic surface.

10. The first lighting unit is, First circuit board and A first light-emitting unit is positioned above the first substrate and emits light upward, It includes a first reflector positioned above the first substrate and including a first concave reflective surface that reflects light emitted from the first light-emitting part, The second lighting unit is, The second circuit board and A second light-emitting unit is positioned below the second substrate and emits light downwards, The second reflector is positioned below the second substrate and includes a second concave reflective surface that reflects light emitted from the second light-emitting part, The number of light-emitting elements in the first light-emitting section of the first wide-angle luminaire unit is More than the number of light-emitting elements in the first light-emitting section of the first light-emitting unit other than the first wide-angle light-emitting unit, The number of light-emitting elements in the second light-emitting section of the second wide-angle lighting unit is The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 3, wherein the number of light-emitting elements is greater than the number of light-emitting elements provided in the second light-emitting section of the second lighting fixture unit other than the second wide-angle lighting fixture unit.

11. The lamp unit has three or more heat dissipation members for dissipating heat, The three or more lighting units are arranged on the side of the support member that emits light. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the heat dissipation member is positioned on the support member on the side opposite to the side from which the three or more lamp units emit light.

12. A vehicle having a vehicle light fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The vehicle has a plurality of vehicle lights arranged in a left-right direction that intersects the aforementioned vertical direction, The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the vehicle light fixture emits light in a forward direction that intersects the vertical and horizontal directions.

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