Vehicle lighting fixtures

Abstract

The present invention comprises light sources (31, 32), reflecting surfaces (41, 42) that reflect light emitted from the light sources (31, 32), a projection lens (21) which transmits the light reflected by the reflecting surfaces (41, 42) to project the transmitted light toward the front side of a vehicle, and a shade (50) disposed between the light sources (31, 32) and the projection lens (21) to form a cut-off line for each light distribution pattern. The light sources (31, 32) are disposed at positions spaced apart from the optical axis of the projection lens (21), and the reflecting surfaces (41, 42) are disposed to cover the light sources from an upper side or from a lower side such that the light emitted from the light sources (31, 32) can be reflected toward the projection lens (21), thereby forming a low beam light distribution pattern or a high beam light distribution pattern.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a projector-type vehicle lamp. [Background technology]

[0002] A projector-type vehicle lamp comprises a light source, a reflector having a reflective surface that reflects the light emitted from the light source, a projection lens that transmits the light reflected by the reflective surface of the reflector and projects it forward of the vehicle, and a shade that is positioned near the rear focus of the projection lens and forms a low beam cutoff line. The reflecting surface is composed of a curved surface based on an ellipsoid, and the basic configuration is that the light source is placed near one of the two foci on the ellipsoid (called the first focus), and the other focus (called the second focus) is placed near the rear focus of the projection lens, which is based on an aspherical shape.

[0003] The arrangement differs between low beam and high beam, and Patent Document 1 describes the arrangement of a typical light source, reflector, projection lens, and shade for low beam, while Patent Document 2 describes the arrangement of a typical light source, reflector, and projection lens for high beam.

[0004] In the above-mentioned projector-type vehicle lamp, light passing near the rear focal point of the projection lens is transmitted through the projection lens and projected, so the luminous intensity distribution near the rear focal point of the projection lens affects the light distribution performance of the vehicle lamp. Therefore, the general luminous intensity distribution near the rear focal point of the projection lens is a distribution in which the area around the rear focal point of the projection lens is brightest near the center in a spatial region with the rear focal point of the projection lens as the center, and the brightness decreases as the distance from the center is taken into consideration, in order to ensure compliance with regulations as the light distribution performance of the vehicle lamp and comfortable visibility for the vehicle driver. To form this luminous intensity distribution, the shape of the reflector's reflective surface is generally close to an ellipsoid near the first focal point, and is gradually deformed to a shape that deviates from the ellipsoid as it moves from the light source to the rear focal point of the projection lens. In other words, light reflected from a reflecting surface close to the light source near the first focal point forms a luminous intensity distribution near the center of a spatial region with the rear focal point of the projection lens at its center, and light reflected from reflecting surfaces successively farther from the light source forms a luminous intensity distribution away from the center. If the entire area of ​​the reflective surface were an ellipsoid, the light reflected by the reflective surface would be blocked by the reflective surface near the rear focal point of the projection lens and would not be able to enter the projection lens. Even if the reflective surface near the rear focal point of the projection lens were removed, the light reflected by the reflective surface would only be able to pass through the narrow removed area near the rear focal point of the projection lens, so in forming the luminous intensity distribution near the rear focal point of the projection lens, it would be impossible to achieve legal compliance as the light distribution performance of the vehicle lamp and ensure comfortable visibility for the vehicle driver. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the reflecting surface near the rear focal point of the projection lens and to significantly deform the shape of the reflecting surface from an elliptical curved surface. Patent Documents 3 and 4 describe a reflecting surface that has already been cut off and the deformation of the shape of the reflecting surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-235836 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-80606 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-198168 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-216520 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the low beams of typical projector-type vehicle lamps such as those described above, the image of light reflected by a reflecting surface near the light source is larger than the image of light reflected by a reflecting surface farther from the light source. Therefore, when forming a luminous intensity distribution near the center of a spatial region with the rear focus of the projection lens at the center, it is not possible to increase the luminous intensity in the extremely small central range, making it difficult to form an ideal luminous intensity distribution. Furthermore, the light that forms the luminous intensity distribution near the center and near the cutoff line is formed by light reflected from a reflecting surface located above the horizontal plane containing the optical axis of the projection lens, and since the light enters the projection lens at a relatively large angle with respect to the horizontal plane passing through the optical axis of the projection lens, it is likely to generate spectral colors near the cutoff line after passing through the projection lens. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the reflecting surface is partially removed and its shape gradually deviates from an ellipsoidal surface from the light source toward the projection lens, which poses the problem that much of the light emitted from the light source is not reflected by the reflecting surface and cannot be used effectively. Furthermore, in the high beams of typical projector-type vehicle lamps such as those described above, the image of light reflected by a reflecting surface near the light source is larger than the image of light reflected by a reflecting surface farther from the light source. Therefore, when forming a luminous intensity distribution near the center of a spatial region with the rear focus of the projection lens at the center, it is not possible to brighten the extremely small range in the center, making it difficult to form an ideal luminous intensity distribution. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the reflecting surface is partially removed and its shape gradually deviates from an ellipsoidal surface from the light source toward the projection lens, which poses the problem that much of the light emitted from the light source is not reflected by the reflecting surface and cannot be used effectively.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle lamp that can improve long-distance visibility by enabling an increase in luminous intensity in an extremely small range of central luminous intensity, and that can form a light distribution pattern that can improve overall visibility by effectively utilizing the light emitted from the light source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve this problem, the invention according to claim 1 provides a light source, a reflecting surface that reflects light emitted from the light source, a shade having reflective properties; a projection lens that transmits the light reflected by the reflecting surface and projects it forward of the vehicle, The light source is a first light source for low beams arranged at a position spaced apart from the optical axis of the projection lens so that the emitted light is irradiated downward; and a second light source for high beams arranged at a position spaced apart from the optical axis of the projection lens so that the emitted light is irradiated upward. and The reflective surface is a first reflective surface for low beam having a three-dimensional shape, the first reflective surface having a concave shape based on an ellipsoidal surface, the first reflective surface being formed so as to cover the first light source from below, and the light emitted downward from the first light source being reflected toward the projection lens; and a second reflective surface for high beam having a three-dimensional shape, the second reflective surface having a concave shape based on an ellipsoidal surface, the second reflective surface being formed so as to cover the second light source from above, and the light emitted upward from the second light source being reflected toward the projection lens, The shade is provided between the first low beam reflecting surface and the second high beam reflecting surface, and is formed so as to extend horizontally along a horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens or to be inclined upward or downward with respect to the horizontal plane from the vicinity of a front edge of the first low beam reflecting surface and the vicinity of a front edge of the second high beam reflecting surface toward the vicinity of a rear focal point of the projection lens. , a low-beam light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the first light source, and a high-beam light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the second light source; and at least one of the following is formed, The invention according to claim 2 comprises a light source, a reflecting surface that reflects light emitted from the light source, a shade having reflective properties; a projection lens that transmits the light reflected by the reflecting surface and projects it forward of the vehicle, the light source is disposed at a position spaced apart from the optical axis of the projection lens so that the emitted light is irradiated downward; The reflecting surface has a concave shape based on an ellipsoidal surface, a first reflective surface for low beam having a three-dimensional shape that is formed so as to cover the light source from below and that reflects the light emitted downward from the light source toward the projection lens; and the shade is formed so as to be inclined horizontally along a horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens or upward or downward with respect to the horizontal plane from a vicinity of a front edge of the first reflecting surface for low beam toward a vicinity of a rear focal point of the projection lens, A low beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the light source, The invention according to claim 3 provides a light source, a reflecting surface that reflects light emitted from the light source, a shade having reflective properties; a projection lens that transmits the light reflected by the reflecting surface and projects it forward of the vehicle, the light source is disposed at a position spaced apart from the optical axis of the projection lens so that the emitted light is irradiated upward; the reflecting surface has a concave shape based on an ellipsoidal surface, is formed so as to cover the light source from above, and has a three-dimensional second reflecting surface for high beam that reflects the light emitted upward from the light source toward the projection lens, the shade is formed so as to be inclined horizontally along a horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens or upward or downward with respect to the horizontal plane from a vicinity of a front edge of the second high beam reflecting surface toward a vicinity of a rear focal point of the projection lens, A high beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the light source. It is characterized by:

[0009] According to the present invention, by arranging the light source at a position away from the optical axis of the projection lens and arranging the reflective surface so as to cover the light emitted from the light source from above or below, it is possible to reflect the light reflected at a position on the reflective surface relatively far from the light source toward the center of the luminous intensity distribution near the rear focal point of the projection lens. Therefore, when forming the luminous intensity distribution near the rear focal point of the projection lens, it is possible to brighten an extremely small range near the center.

[0010] Furthermore, it is possible to maintain the curvature of the ellipsoid not only near the first focal point of the reflecting surface, which is composed of a concave surface based on the ellipsoid, but also between the first and second focal points and near the second focal point.Since much of the light emitted from the light source is reflected by the reflecting surface and heads toward the projection lens, it is possible to brighten the overall luminous intensity distribution near the rear focal point of the projection lens. Therefore, by enabling an increase in luminous intensity within an extremely small range of central luminous intensity, it is possible to improve distant visibility, and it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp that can form a light distribution pattern that can improve overall visibility by effectively utilizing the light emitted from the light source.

[0011] The vehicle lamp of the present invention may be characterized by comprising: a first light source as a light source arranged so that emitted light is irradiated downward; a first reflecting surface as a reflective surface arranged so as to cover from below the light irradiated downward from the first light source so as to be able to reflect the light toward the projection lens; and a shade arranged between the first light source and the projection lens and forming a cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern, and forming a low beam light distribution pattern by the light emitted from the first light source.

[0012] With this configuration, similar to the above, it is possible to improve distant visibility by increasing the luminous intensity in an extremely small range of the central luminous intensity, and it is possible to form a low beam distribution pattern that can improve overall visibility by effectively utilizing the light emitted from the light source.In addition, the light that forms the luminous intensity distribution near the center and near the cut-off line can be formed using light reflected by a reflective surface close to the horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens, and since the light reflected by these first reflective surfaces enters the projection lens at a relatively small angle with respect to the horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens, it is possible to suppress the generation of spectral colors near the cut-off line after passing through the projection lens.

[0013] The vehicle lighting fixture of the present invention may be characterized in that it comprises a second light source as a light source arranged so that emitted light is irradiated upward, and a second reflecting surface as a reflecting surface arranged so as to cover from above the light irradiated upward from the second light source so as to be able to reflect it toward a projection lens, and forms a high beam light distribution pattern using the light emitted from the second light source. With this configuration, similar to the above, it is possible to improve distant visibility by increasing the luminous intensity in an extremely small range of the central luminous intensity, and it is possible to form a high beam distribution pattern that can improve overall visibility by effectively utilizing the light emitted from the light source.

[0018] The invention according to claim 4 is as follows: A vehicle lamp including a light source, a reflecting surface that reflects light emitted from the light source, and a projection lens that transmits the light reflected by the reflecting surface and projects it forward of the vehicle, the light source is disposed at a position spaced apart from the optical axis of the projection lens so that the emitted light is irradiated upward or downward; the reflecting surface is formed by a concave surface based on an ellipsoidal surface, and is arranged to cover the light emitted from the light source from above or below so as to be able to reflect the light toward the projection lens, At least one of a low beam light distribution pattern and a high beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the light source, a first light source as the light source arranged so that the emitted light is irradiated downward; a first reflecting surface as the reflecting surface arranged to cover the light emitted downward from the first light source from a lower side so as to be able to reflect the light toward the projection lens; a shade disposed between the first light source and the projection lens and forming a cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern, The low beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the first light source. , a seventh reflecting surface provided forward of a leading edge of the first reflecting surface, which reflects the light from the first light source toward a flat area along the shade below the shade, thereby projecting the light from the projection lens onto an overhead sign area; The shade is characterized by having a shading portion that is provided on the shade and blocks the light from the seventh reflecting surface between the lower end of the overhead sign area and the cutoff line. In this configuration, a portion of the light emitted from the first light source forward of the leading edge of the first reflecting surface is reflected by the seventh reflecting surface onto a flat area along the lower side of the shade. Of the light reflected onto this flat area, the light reflected onto an area adjacent to the shade is blocked by the light-blocking portion, and the remaining light reaches the projection lens and is projected. This allows light to be emitted above the road surface with a light-blocked gap above the cut-off line, thereby illuminating the overhead sign area while minimizing dazzling to oncoming vehicles.

[0019] The invention according to claim 5 is as follows: A vehicle lamp including a light source, a reflecting surface that reflects light emitted from the light source, and a projection lens that transmits the light reflected by the reflecting surface and projects it forward of the vehicle, the light source is disposed at a position spaced apart from the optical axis of the projection lens so that the emitted light is irradiated upward or downward; the reflecting surface is formed by a concave surface based on an ellipsoidal surface, and is arranged to cover the light emitted from the light source from above or below so as to be able to reflect the light toward the projection lens, At least one of a low beam light distribution pattern and a high beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the light source, a first light source as the light source arranged so that the emitted light is irradiated downward; a first reflecting surface as the reflecting surface arranged to cover the light emitted downward from the first light source from a lower side so as to be able to reflect the light toward the projection lens; a shade disposed between the first light source and the projection lens and forming a cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern, the low-beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the first light source, a second light source as the light source arranged so that the emitted light is irradiated upward, and a second reflecting surface as the reflecting surface arranged so as to cover from above the light irradiated upward from the second light source so as to be able to reflect the light toward the projection lens, on the lower side of the shade; a high beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the second light source, The present invention is characterized by the provision of an eighth reflecting surface that is provided forward of the leading edge of the second reflecting surface and that reflects the light from the second light source toward a flat area along the upper side of the shade, thereby illuminating an adjacent position directly below the cutoff line from the projection lens.

[0020] With this configuration, a portion of the light emitted from the second light source forward from the leading edge of the second reflecting surface is reflected by the eighth reflecting surface onto a flat area along the upper side of the shade. The light reflected onto this flat area along the upper side of the shade reaches the projection lens together with the light from the first reflecting surface and is projected forward. As a result, when a high-beam light distribution pattern is projected forward from the projection lens, the position immediately below and adjacent to the cutoff line of the low-beam light distribution pattern can be illuminated and brightened. As a result, when a high-beam light distribution pattern is projected, the difference in brightness between the upper and lower sides of the cutoff line can be reduced, preventing the driver from feeling uncomfortable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a lighting unit of a vehicle lamp according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, in which the x and y directions indicate the width and height directions of a vehicle when the vehicle lamp is attached to the vehicle, respectively. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the optical path of light emitted from a low beam light source in the AA cross section of the vehicle lamp shown in Figure 1. The y and z directions in the diagram indicate the height direction and the front-rear direction of the vehicle when the vehicle lamp is attached to the vehicle, respectively. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp shown in FIG. 1 taken along line AA, showing a schematic diagram of the optical path of light emitted from a high beam light source. [Figure 4] This figure shows the reflection position on the reflecting surface and the size of the reflected light source image in comparison with FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a road projection diagram of a light distribution pattern of a low beam emitted from the vehicle lamp shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a road projection view of a light distribution pattern of a high beam emitted from the vehicle lamp shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle lamp according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle lamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]10A and 10B show a vehicle lamp according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a front view seen from the front. [Figure 10] 9A and 9B show a vehicle lamp according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. 9B, and (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view for explaining a low beam reflecting surface. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B show a main part of a vehicle lamp according to a modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a perspective view, (b) is an enlarged perspective view for explaining a low beam reflecting surface and an optical path, and (c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B show a vehicle lamp according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and its modified example, in which FIG. 10A is a perspective view and FIG. 10B is a schematic perspective view of a low beam light source thereof. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a low beam light source in a vehicle lamp of embodiment 4, in which (a) is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the low beam light source and the low beam reflecting surface, (b) is a light distribution curve showing a part of the low beam light distribution pattern projected from the projection lens, and (c) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the center of (b). [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a low beam light source in a vehicle lamp according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment, in which (a) is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the low beam light source and the low beam reflecting surface, (b) is a light distribution curve showing a part of the low beam light distribution pattern projected from the projection lens, and (c) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the center of (b). [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a low beam light source of another modified example of embodiment 4, where FIG. 10A is a schematic perspective view of the low beam light source, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the low beam light source is tilted toward the projection lens. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a vehicle lamp according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10(a) is a plan view showing a vehicle lamp according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10(b) is a plan view showing a state in which the sixth reflecting surface is not disposed. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B show a vehicle lamp according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view, (b) is a partially enlarged vertical cross-sectional view, and (c) is a diagram illustrating a state in which a low-beam light distribution pattern is projected onto a road surface. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B show a vehicle lamp according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view, (b) is a partially enlarged vertical cross-sectional view, and (c) is a diagram illustrating a state in which a high-beam light distribution pattern is projected onto a road surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. [Embodiment 1] 1 to 6 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a lighting unit 10 of a vehicle lamp of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1 and showing the optical path of a low beam. FIG. 3 shows a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. 1 and the optical path of the high beam.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle lamp 10 according to the present invention is composed of a projection lens 21, a low beam light source 31 arranged behind the projection lens, a low beam reflecting surface 41 as a first reflecting surface for reflecting light emitted from the low beam light source 31 downward toward the optical axis Lx of the projection lens toward the projection lens, and a shade 50 arranged near the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens and forming a cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern, thereby forming the low beam light distribution pattern JG shown in FIG. 5.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the high beam light source 32 is provided below the low beam reflecting surface 41, and the high beam reflecting surface 42 serves as a second reflecting surface for reflecting light emitted from the high beam light source 32 upward toward the projection lens optical axis Lx toward the projection lens, thereby forming the high beam light distribution pattern YG shown in FIG. 6.

[0025] The low beam light source 31 and the high beam light source 32 are light emitting elements such as LEDs, and have a rectangular, horizontally elongated rectangular, and vertically elongated rectangular shape. The low beam light source 31 is disposed behind the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens and above a horizontal plane including the projection lens optical axis Lx so as to emit light downward, while the high beam light source 32 is disposed behind the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens so as to emit light upward. These low beam light source 31 and high beam light source 32 may be disposed so that the light emission direction faces the projection lens optical axis Lx, but they do not have to be disposed so that the light emission direction faces the projection lens optical axis Lx.

[0026] The low beam reflecting surface 41 of the reflector 40 is composed of a curved surface based on an ellipsoid, and has a major axis along the straight line L1 connecting the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens and the light emitting center of the low beam light source 31, with the first focal point being near the light emitting center of the low beam light source 31 and the second focal point being near the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens.

[0027] The long axis of the low beam reflecting surface 41 may be parallel to the projection lens optical axis Lx, but in this embodiment, it is inclined upward toward the rear. The inclination of the long axis with respect to the projection lens optical axis Lx may be, for example, within a range of 30 degrees or less with respect to the projection lens optical axis Lx. If the inclination is excessively large, spectral colors are likely to occur near the cutoff lines COL1 and COL2.

[0028] In addition, the high beam reflecting surface 42 is composed of a curved surface based on an ellipsoid, and has a major axis coaxial with a straight line L2 connecting a position 0 to 1.0 mm below the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens and the light emitting center of the high beam light source 32, with the first focal point being near the light emitting center of the high beam light source 32 and the second focal point being approximately 0 to 1.0 mm below the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens.

[0029] The shade 50 is positioned adjacent to the low beam reflecting surface 41 and the high beam reflecting surface 42 at least forward of the leading edge of the low beam reflecting surface 41, and is made of a metal or other material with a mirror-like surface, or a resin or metal material with a mirror-like surface made by aluminum vapor deposition, etc., and both the top and bottom surfaces of the shade 50 have reflective properties. In addition, a cutoff line forming portion is provided near the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens of the shade 50. The shape of the cutoff line forming portion is shaped to form the cutoff lines COL1 and COL2 of the low beam light distribution pattern JG.

[0030] The shade 50 may be disposed along the optical axis Lx of the projection lens, but in this embodiment, it is inclined so that the rear side is downward relative to the optical axis Lx of the projection lens. If the rear side is upward, the light reflected by the low beam reflecting surface 41 may be reduced by the shade 50, resulting in a decrease in efficiency.

[0031] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the optical path of light emitted from the low beam light source 31 is such that after being reflected by the low beam reflecting surface 41, the light passes near the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens, and then passes through the projection lens 21, forming the low beam light distribution pattern JG shown in FIG. 5.

[0033] In this optical path, there are no parts other than the shade 50 between the low beam reflecting surface 41 and the projection lens 21 that block the optical path, so the low beam reflecting surface 41 can be freely deformed from its ellipsoidal shape, making it easy to form the luminous intensity distribution near the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens into the intended distribution.

[0034] Furthermore, since the curved surface of the low beam reflecting surface 41 can be maintained as an ellipsoid up to the vicinity of the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens, much of the light emitted from the low beam light source 31 is reflected by the low beam reflecting surface 41 and can be used to form a luminous intensity distribution near the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens. As a result, the overall brightness of the low-beam light distribution pattern JG formed by the light that has passed through the projection lens 21 can be improved.

[0035] In addition, as shown in Figure 4, the size of the light source image RSB of light emitted from the low beam light source 31 when it is reflected by reflection point 41RPB on the low beam reflecting surface 41, which is relatively far from the light source, and passes near the rear focus 21F of the projection lens is smaller than the size of the light source image RSA of light when it is emitted from the low beam light source 31 when it is reflected by reflection point 41RPA on the low beam reflecting surface 41, which is relatively close to the light source, and passes near the rear focus 21F of the projection lens.Therefore, by reflecting the light reflected by a reflecting surface that is relatively far from the low beam light source 31 toward the center of the luminous intensity distribution near the rear focus 21F of the projection lens, it is possible to brighten an extremely small range of the low beam high luminous intensity area HJG near the center of the low beam light distribution pattern JG, and it is possible to optimize the luminous intensity distribution of HJG.

[0036] Furthermore, light such as RSB, which forms the luminous intensity distribution near the low beam high intensity area HJG and the cutoff lines COL1 and COL2, can be formed by light reflected from a reflective surface close to the horizontal plane including the optical axis Lx of the projection lens, and since the light reflected from these reflective surfaces enters the projection lens at a relatively small angle with respect to the horizontal plane including the optical axis Lx of the projection lens, it is possible to suppress the generation of spectral colors at the upper edges of the cutoff lines COL1 and COL2 after passing through the projection lens.

[0037] Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the optical path of the light emitted from the high beam light source 32 is reflected by the high beam reflecting surface 42, passes near the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens, and passes through the projection lens 21, forming the high beam light distribution pattern YG shown in FIG. 6. In addition, a portion of the light reflected by the high beam reflecting surface 42 is reflected by the shade 50, passes near the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens, and then passes through the projection lens 21, forming the high beam light distribution pattern YG shown in Figure 6. In the situation shown in Figure 3, the light emitted from the high beam light source 32 and reflected directly by the shade 50 also passes through the vicinity of the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens and is transmitted through the projection lens 21, forming the high beam light distribution pattern YG shown in Figure 6.

[0038] In this optical path, there are no parts other than the shade 50 that block the optical path between the high beam reflecting surface 42 and the projection lens 21, so the high beam reflecting surface 42 can be freely deformed from its ellipsoidal shape, making it easy to form the luminous intensity distribution near the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens into the intended distribution.

[0039] Furthermore, because the curved surface of the high beam reflecting surface 42 can be maintained as an ellipsoid up to the vicinity of the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens, much of the light emitted from the high beam light source 32 is reflected by the high beam reflecting surface 42 and the shade 50 and can be used to form the luminous intensity distribution near the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens. Furthermore, light emitted from the high beam light source 32 is reflected directly by the shade 50 and can be used to form the luminous intensity distribution near the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens. As a result, the overall brightness of the high beam light distribution pattern YG formed by the light that has passed through the projection lens 21 can be improved.

[0040] In addition, as shown in Figure 4 above, the size of the light source image RSB of light when light emitted from the low beam light source 31 is reflected at a reflection point 41RPB on the low beam reflecting surface 41, which is relatively far from the light source, and passes near the rear focus 21F of the projection lens is smaller than the size of the light source image RSA of light when light emitted from the low beam light source 31 is reflected at a reflection point 41RPA on the low beam reflecting surface 41, which is relatively close to the light source, and passes near the rear focus 21F of the projection lens. This principle is also applicable to high beams, so by reflecting light reflected by a reflective surface at a relatively long distance from the high beam light source 32 toward the center of the luminous intensity distribution near the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens, it is possible to brighten an extremely small range of the high beam high luminous intensity area HYG near the center of the high beam light distribution pattern YG, thereby optimizing the luminous intensity distribution of HYG.

[0041] [Modification of the first embodiment] 7 shows a modification of embodiment 1. In this modification of the vehicle lamp, a shade 50 is provided along a horizontal plane including the projection lens optical axis Lx, and a low beam light source 31 and a low beam reflecting surface 41 are disposed above the shade 50, while a high beam light source 32 and a high beam reflecting surface 42 are disposed below the shade 50. The rest of the configuration is the same as in embodiment 1. Even with such a vehicle lamp, it is possible to obtain the same effects as in embodiment 1. Furthermore, since the shade 50 is provided horizontally, the area of ​​the low beam reflecting surface 41 is reduced, but most of the light reflected by the low beam reflecting surface 41 and then by the shade 50 enters the projection lens 21, and the degree of freedom in the configuration of the vehicle lamp can be improved by selecting it according to various conditions.

[0042] [Embodiment 2] 8 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to designate parts corresponding to those in the first embodiment, and only the configurations and operations different from those in the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, this is an example in which a plurality of light sources are used, and three low beam light sources 31 are used, and three low beam reflecting surfaces 41 are arranged on a reflector 40.

[0043] By locating the second focal position of each reflecting surface near the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens or a horizontal plane including the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens, the interaction of the light reflected by each reflecting surface makes it possible to finely adjust the luminous intensity distribution near the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens. As a result, compared to the case of a single light source, it is possible to finely adjust the light distribution within the light distribution pattern, which can contribute to improved visibility.

[0044] Furthermore, by dispersing the light source, it is possible to disperse the amount of heat generated from the light source, which is effective in terms of heat resistance as a vehicle lamp. The number of light sources and reflecting surfaces can be either single or multiple for both low beam and high beam. The light sources may be arranged on the same horizontal plane, or the light sources may be arranged non-coincidentally with respect to the same horizontal plane.

[0045] [Embodiment 3] 9(a)(b) and 10(a)(b) show a vehicle lamp according to embodiment 3. The same reference numerals are used to designate parts corresponding to those in embodiment 1 and the modified example. As with the modified example of embodiment 1, this vehicle lamp has a shade 50 arranged along a horizontal plane including the projection lens optical axis Lx, and a low beam light source 31 and a low beam reflecting surface 41 arranged above the shade 50, and a high beam light source 32 and a high beam reflecting surface 42 arranged below the shade 50. In this embodiment, a high beam light source 32 and a high beam reflecting surface 42 are provided on either side of the projection lens optical axis Lx. The high beam light source 32 is arranged so that light from each high beam light source 32 is reflected by each high beam reflecting surface 42 toward the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens 21 and projected from the projection lens 21.

[0046] In addition, a third reflecting surface 43 that reflects light from the low beam light source 31 in a predetermined direction is provided protruding downward from the shade 50 at a position rearward of the cutoff line forming portion of the shade 50 and forward of the leading edge of the low beam reflecting surface 41, and a fourth reflecting surface 44 that reflects light from the third reflecting surface 43 toward the projection lens 21 is provided above the shade 50. Here, the leading edge of the low beam reflecting surface 41 may be a part of the leading edge of the concave surface based on the ellipsoidal surface near the long axis, and may be at least a leading edge that is located rearward of the rear end that forms the cutoff lines COL1 and COL2 in the shade 50.

[0047] The vehicle lamp of this third embodiment is provided with a base body 51 that is disposed behind the projection lens 21 along a plane that includes the projection lens optical axis Lx and is fixed to a bracket or the like (not shown). The shape of the base body 51 is arbitrary and can be set appropriately depending on various conditions of the location where the vehicle lamp is installed, and in this embodiment, the shade 50 is fixed to the base body 51 at both left and right edges. In addition, the low beam reflective surface 41, the high beam reflective surface 42, and the third reflective surface 43 are all fixed to the base body 51. Furthermore, although not shown in detail, a low beam light source support portion 301 on which the low beam light source 31 is provided, and the fourth reflective surface 44 are also fixed to the base body 51.

[0048] As shown by the imaginary lines in Fig. 10(b), the third reflecting surface 43 is configured as a concave surface based on an ellipsoid, or may be a curved surface obtained by deforming the concave surface based on the ellipsoid. The ellipsoid serving as the reference for the third reflecting surface 43 is set so that a first focal point 43A coincides with the low beam light source 31, and a second focal point 43B is set near the fourth reflecting surface 44. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 10(a) and 10(b), the second focal point 43B of the third reflecting surface 43 is set vertically above the projection lens optical axis Lx.

[0049] The fourth reflecting surface 44 is configured with a concave surface based on a paraboloid, an ellipsoid, or a free-form surface, and may be a curved surface deformed based on these concave surfaces. The concave surface of the fourth reflecting surface 44 is disposed vertically above the third reflecting surface 43 so as to face the third reflecting surface 43, and is capable of reflecting light from the third reflecting surface 43 toward the projection lens 21. The rest is the same as the modified example of the first embodiment.

[0050] In the vehicle lamp of this embodiment 3, much of the light emitted from the low beam light source 31 is irradiated onto the low beam reflecting surface 41 and reflected toward the projection lens 21, and is projected as a low beam light distribution pattern JG from the projection lens 21, similar to the vehicle lamp of embodiment 1. A part or all of the remaining light emitted from the low beam light source 31 is directly irradiated onto the third reflecting surface 43, which is located in front of the leading edge of the low beam reflecting surface 41. The third reflecting surface 43 reflects the light in a predetermined direction, i.e., toward the fourth reflecting surface 44. The light that reaches the fourth reflecting surface 44 is reflected toward the projection lens 21 and projected from the projection lens 21. Therefore, the light from the low beam reflecting surface 41 is superimposed on the light from the fourth reflecting surface 44, and is projected forward from the projection lens 21 as a low beam light distribution pattern JG.

[0051] According to the vehicle lamp of the third embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment, the curved surfaces of the low-beam reflective surface 41 and the high-beam reflective surface 42 can each maintain an elliptical shape up to the vicinity of the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens, thereby improving the overall brightness of the low-beam light distribution pattern JG and the high-beam light distribution pattern YG. Furthermore, since light emitted from the low-beam light source 31 and the high-beam light source 32 is reflected at a relatively distant position on the low-beam reflective surface 41 and the high-beam reflective surface 42 and irradiated toward the center of the luminous intensity distribution near the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens, the luminous intensity distribution can be optimized by brightening an extremely small range near the center. Furthermore, since the light can enter the projection lens 21 at a small angle with respect to the optical axis Lx of the projection lens, the generation of spectral colors at the upper edges of the cutoff lines COL1 and COL2 can be prevented.

[0052] Moreover, this vehicle lamp includes a third reflecting surface 43 that is provided forward of the leading edge of the low beam reflecting surface 41 and is configured as a concave surface based on an ellipsoid, and that reflects light from the low beam light source 31 in a predetermined direction, and a fourth reflecting surface 44 that reflects light from the third reflecting surface 43 toward the projection lens 21. Therefore, light from the low beam light source 31 that does not enter the low beam reflecting surface 41 can be reflected by the third reflecting surface 43 and the fourth reflecting surface 44 and used as part of the low beam pattern. Therefore, the low beam light distribution pattern JG can be efficiently formed by the light emitted from the low beam light source 31.

[0053] [Modification of the third embodiment] 11(a) to (c) show a modification of the third embodiment. In this modification, the projection lens 21 has a thin cylindrical lens shape and is configured to be thin in the vertical direction. The third reflecting surface 43 has a shape that is a combination of two concave surfaces that use an ellipsoid as a reference, and the ellipsoids that serve as the reference for each concave surface are formed symmetrically with respect to the optical axis Lx of the projection lens. The first focal point 43A of each concave surface of the third reflecting surface 43 coincides with the common low beam light source 31, and the second focal point 43B of each concave surface is set on the opposite side of the projection lens optical axis Lx, to the side of the low beam reflecting surface 41 at a position outside the first reflecting surface, and reflects light from the low beam light source 31 toward the left and right outside of the low beam reflecting surface 41, respectively.

[0054] A plurality of fourth reflecting surfaces 44 are provided corresponding to the respective concave surfaces of the third reflecting surface 43, and are respectively disposed near the second focal points 43B of the respective concave surfaces of the third reflecting surface 43. Each fourth reflecting surface 44 is configured as a concave surface based on a parabolic surface, an ellipsoidal surface, or a free-form surface, and is disposed so as to be able to reflect light from each third reflecting surface 43 toward the projection lens 21. In this embodiment, each fourth reflecting surface 44 is disposed at a height from a horizontal plane including the projection lens optical axis Lx equal to that of the low beam reflecting surface 41.

[0055] Furthermore, the shade 50 fixed to the base body 51 is provided with openings 52 at positions corresponding to the concave surfaces of the third reflecting surface 43 so that light reflected by the concave surfaces reaches the fourth reflecting surfaces 44. The openings 52 can be formed between the shade 50 and the reflector 40, or can be formed by drilling a hole in another component. Other than that, it is the same as the vehicle lamp of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b). In this modified example, in addition to obtaining the same effects as the vehicle lamp of embodiment 3 shown in Figures 9(a) and (b), it is possible to significantly reduce the vertical thickness of the low beam unit.

[0056] [Embodiment 4] 12(a) and 12(b) and 13(a) to 13(c) show a vehicle lamp according to a fourth embodiment. In the vehicle lamp of the fourth embodiment, the projection lens 21 has a thin cylindrical lens shape, and as the low beam light source 31, a light emitting element having a light emitting surface 33 on one side is used, as shown in Fig. 12(b). The light emitting element is fixed to a substrate, but detailed illustration is omitted. The rest is the same as the modified example of the first embodiment. 13(a), the light-emitting surface 33 has a major axis La and a minor axis Lb that are perpendicular to each other, and the light-emitting element is supported by the low beam light source support part 301 with the light-emitting surface 33 facing downward and is disposed above the low beam reflecting surface 41. Here, the major axis La of the low beam light source 31 is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the projection lens optical axis Lx.

[0057] According to the low beam unit of the vehicle lamp of this embodiment 4, as in the modified example of embodiment 1, it is possible to improve distant visibility by increasing the luminous intensity in an extremely small range of central luminous intensity, and it is possible to improve overall visibility by effectively utilizing the light emitted from the low beam light source 31, and also to prevent the occurrence of spectral colors. Also, parts of the light distribution curve when a low beam light distribution pattern is projected by this low beam unit are shown in Figures 13(b) and 13(c).

[0058] [Modification of the fourth embodiment] 12(a) and 12(b) and 14(a) to 14(c) show a low beam unit of a vehicle lamp according to a modification of the fourth embodiment. 14(a), the low beam unit of the vehicle lamp in the modified example of the fourth embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment except that the low beam light source 31 is arranged with the long axis La of the light emitting surface 33 facing the projection lens 21. Here, the long side of the low beam light source 31 may be arranged in the front-to-rear direction, or may be arranged at an angle with respect to the projection lens optical axis Lx.

[0059] This configuration also provides the same effects as the low beam unit of the fourth embodiment, and because the low beam light source 31 is positioned with its major axis La facing the projection lens 21, a low beam light distribution pattern such as that shown in Figures 14(b) and 14(c) can be obtained. That is, when the low beam is turned on, the vertical width of the light projected from the projection lens 21 and illuminating the road surface can be narrowed and the horizontal width can be widened, preventing a portion of the area ahead of the vehicle, for example, within 10 to 20 meters, from becoming too bright. This improves long-distance visibility for the driver.

[0060] [Another Modification of the Fourth Embodiment] 15(a) and 15(b) show a low beam unit of a vehicle lamp in another modified example of the fourth embodiment. In a low beam unit of a vehicle lamp according to another modification of the fourth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 15(a), a low beam light source 31 has a light emitting surface 33 on one side, and is made up of a light emitting element whose light intensity is greatest in the normal direction of the light emitting surface 33. As shown in Fig. 15(b), the low beam light source 31 is tilted so that the intersection of the normal to the light emitting surface 33 and a horizontal plane including the projection lens optical axis Lx is located closer to the projection lens 21 than the light emitting surface 33. For example, the light emitting surface 33 may be tilted within a range of 35 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal. The rest is the same as in the modification of the first embodiment.

[0061] With this configuration, the same effects as the low beam unit of embodiment 4 can be obtained, and furthermore, since the light-emitting surface 33 is inclined so that the intersection of the normal to the light-emitting surface 33 and the horizontal plane including the projection lens optical axis Lx is located closer to the projection lens 21 than the light-emitting surface 33, the normal direction of the light-emitting surface 33, which has the greatest amount of light, can be directed toward the low beam reflecting surface 41 near the projection lens optical axis Lx, making it possible to improve the central luminous intensity and make the area around the center of the low beam distribution pattern JG brighter.

[0062] [Embodiment 5] FIG. 16 shows a vehicle lamp according to the fifth embodiment. The vehicle lamp of the fifth embodiment is similar to the modified example of the first embodiment except that a fifth reflecting surface 45 is arranged above the low beam reflecting surface 41 in front of the light emitting surface 33 of the low beam light source 31. This fifth reflecting surface 45 reflects light from the low beam light source 31 that is reflected by the low beam reflecting surface 41 or the surface of the shade 50 in a direction that cannot be projected from the exit surface of the projection lens 21, in a direction that can be projected. That is, when light from the low beam light source 31 is irradiated onto the low beam reflecting surface 41, some of the light may be reflected upward from the upper edge of the projection lens 21 due to the local unevenness of the low beam reflecting surface 41. Furthermore, when light from the low beam light source 31 is irradiated onto the surface of the shade 50 in front of the edge of the low beam reflecting surface 41, the light may be reflected upward from the upper edge of the projection lens 21 by the shade. The fifth reflecting surface 45 reflects this light inward from the edge of the projection lens 21, allowing it to be projected from the projection lens 21.

[0063] The fifth reflecting surface 45 may be a flat surface, a curved surface, or a combination of a flat surface and a curved surface. Furthermore, various types of uneven shapes may be provided on the surface to form a desired light distribution pattern. The fifth reflecting surface 45 is inclined in the front-to-back direction so that the projection lens 21 side rises, but it may also be inclined in the left-to-right direction, and is appropriately positioned so as to obtain the desired pattern shape.

[0064] According to the vehicle lamp of embodiment 5, a fifth reflecting surface 45 is provided above or below the low beam reflecting surface 41 so as to reflect light from the low beam light source 31 that is emitted in a direction that cannot be projected from the projection lens 21 in a direction that can be projected from the projection lens 21. This reduces the amount of light that cannot be used among the light emitted from the low beam light source 31, thereby efficiently forming the low beam light distribution pattern JG. In addition, in embodiment 5, the fifth reflecting surface 45 is arranged above the low beam reflecting surface 41 in the low beam unit, but the fifth reflecting surface 45 may also be arranged below the high beam reflecting surface 42 in the high beam unit, and the same effect as above can be obtained.

[0065] [Embodiment 6] 17(a) and 17(b) are diagrams illustrating a vehicle lamp according to a sixth embodiment. In the vehicle lamp of the sixth embodiment, the low beam unit includes a plurality of low beam light sources 31 and low beam reflecting surfaces 41, and five low beam light sources 31 are arranged on the reflector 40. The plurality of low beam light sources 31 and low beam reflecting surfaces 41 are arranged on the left and right sides of the projection lens optical axis Lx, and each low beam reflecting surface 41 opens toward the center of the incident surface 21c of the projection lens 21. 17(a), the vehicle lamp of the sixth embodiment is provided with sixth reflecting surfaces 46 on the front side on both the left and right sides of the area where all of the low beam reflecting surfaces 41 are arranged. In this embodiment, the distance between the left and right sixth reflecting surfaces 46 is arranged to become narrower toward the projection lens 21. The sixth reflecting surface 46 may be a flat surface, a curved surface, or a combination of a flat surface and a curved surface. Furthermore, various types of uneven shapes may be provided on the surface. Furthermore, the left and right sixth reflecting surfaces 46 are erected in a direction perpendicular to a horizontal plane including the optical axis Lx of the projection lens, but may be inclined in the front-to-back or left-to-right direction, and are appropriately arranged so as to obtain the desired pattern shape.

[0066] When multiple low beam reflecting surfaces 41 are arranged side by side, light reflected by some of the low beam reflecting surfaces 41 may head in a direction that prevents it from being projected from the projection lens 21. For example, this may occur when light reflected by a low beam reflecting surface 41 that is arranged at a large incline with respect to the projection lens optical axis Lx heads in a direction that prevents it from entering the projection lens 21, or when light can enter the projection lens 21 but is totally reflected because the angle of incidence with respect to the exit surface 21d of the projection lens 21 is large, as shown in Figure 17(b).

[0067] In embodiment 6, light that is reflected by such a low beam reflecting surface 41 and heads in a direction that cannot be projected from the projection lens 21 can be reflected by the sixth reflecting surfaces 46 arranged on the left and right, as shown in Figure 17(a), in a direction that can be projected from the projection lens 21, i.e., in a direction that can enter the projection lens 21 or in a direction that will not be totally reflected by the exit surface of the projection lens 21, and can be projected from the projection lens 21.

[0068] According to the vehicle lamp of the sixth embodiment, sixth reflecting surfaces 46 are arranged on the left and right sides of the plurality of low beam reflecting surfaces 41 so as to reflect light from the low beam light source 31 that is emitted in a direction that cannot be projected from the projection lens 21 in a direction that can be projected from the projection lens 21. This reduces the amount of unusable light among the light emitted from the plurality of low beam light sources 31, thereby efficiently forming the low beam light distribution pattern JG.

[0069] [Embodiment 7] 18(a) to 18(c) show a vehicle lamp according to a seventh embodiment. In the vehicle lamp of the seventh embodiment, a seventh reflecting surface 47 that reflects light from the low beam light source 31 toward a flat area along the shade 50 below the shade 50 is provided in a position forward of the leading edge of the low beam reflecting surface 41, and further a shading portion 53 that blocks light from the seventh reflecting surface 47 at a position adjacent to the shade 50 is provided protruding from the underside of the shade 50. The seventh reflecting surface 47 is formed in a shape that can reflect light that can be projected onto the entire overhead sign area OSP, and the shape of the shading portion 53 can be set appropriately depending on the intended shading range. The rest is the same as the modified example of the first embodiment.

[0070] In this vehicle lamp, light from the low beam light source 31 is projected forward from the leading edge of the low beam reflecting surface 41, and passes between the rear end of the shade 50, which extends rearward from the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens 21, and the leading edge of the low beam reflecting surface 41, and reaches the seventh reflecting surface 47. At the seventh reflecting surface 47, light from the low beam light source 31 is reflected toward the flat region on the lower side of the shade 50, and this light passes through the lower surface side of the shade 50, passes near the tip of the shade which forms the cutoff line, and reaches the projection lens 21. When the light from this flat region is projected as is from the projection lens 21, it is projected in an area that is narrow in the vertical direction and wide in the horizontal direction directly above the cutoff lines COL1 and COL2. Therefore, the shading portion 53 blocks light reflected from the seventh reflecting surface 47 toward the flat region within an extremely narrow range adjacent to the lower surface of the shade 50, thereby allowing light to be projected from the projection lens 21 onto the overhead sign area OSP while blocking light between the lower end of the overhead sign area OSP and the cutoff line, as shown in Figure 18(c).

[0071] According to the vehicle lamp of embodiment 7, of the light reflected by the seventh reflecting surface 47 onto the flat area along the underside of the shade 50, the light in a narrow range adjacent to the shade 50 is blocked by the shading portion, so that the light can be projected above the road surface with a shaded space above adjacent to the cut-off lines COL1 and COL2, thereby reducing dazzle to oncoming vehicles and illuminating the overhead sign area OSP.

[0072] [Embodiment 8] 19(a) to 19(c) show a vehicle lamp according to an eighth embodiment. In the vehicle lamp of the eighth embodiment, an eighth reflecting surface 48 that reflects light from the high beam light source 32 toward a flat area along the upper surface of the shade 50 is provided at a position forward of the leading edge of the high beam reflecting surface 42. The rest is the same as the modified example of the first embodiment. In this embodiment 8, a portion of the light emitted from the high beam light source 32 forward of the leading edge of the high beam reflecting surface 42 passes between the rear end of the shade 50, which extends rearward from the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens 21, and the leading edge of the high beam reflecting surface 42, and reaches the eighth reflecting surface 48. At the eighth reflecting surface 48, light from the high beam light source 32 is reflected toward a flat area along the upper surface of the shade 50, and this light passes through the upper side of the shade 50 and reaches the projection lens 21 together with light from the low beam reflecting surface 41, where it is projected forward, thereby illuminating the area AHP adjacent to the high beam illumination area in the low beam illumination area.

[0073] According to the vehicle lamp of the eighth embodiment, when the high beam distribution pattern YG is projected forward from the projection lens 21, the position immediately below and adjacent to the cutoff line of the low beam distribution pattern JG can be illuminated and brightened. As a result, when the high beam distribution pattern YG is projected, the difference in brightness between the upper and lower sides of the cutoff line can be reduced, and the sense of discomfort felt by the driver can be alleviated.

[0074] [Other embodiments] The above-described embodiments can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. For example, each of the above-described embodiments can be implemented independently, or multiple embodiments can be combined and implemented. Furthermore, in many of the above-described embodiments, the projection lens is shown to have a circular outer shape when viewed from the front, but it may also be configured to have an outer shape other than a circle, such as a rectangle.

[0075] In each of the above-described embodiments, the rear surface 21b of the projection lens is shown as being flat, but it can also be configured as being convex.

[0076] In each of the above-described embodiments, the shape of the shade 50 is configured so that COL2 is positioned higher than COL1, as shown in FIG. 5 etc., resulting in a low beam light distribution pattern JG with light distribution to the left side, but it is also possible to configure the shape of the shade 50 to have a low beam light distribution pattern with light distribution to the right side.

[0077] In each of the above embodiments, the angle of L1 relative to the optical axis Lx of the projection lens can be changed depending on the size and positional relationship of the aspherical lens, and the angle of L2 relative to the optical axis Lx of the projection lens can be changed depending on the size and positional relationship of the aspherical lens.

[0078] In each of the above embodiments, the low beam reflective surface 41 and the high beam reflective surface 42 of the reflector are shown as single curved reflective surfaces for one light source, but they may also be configured as separate curved surfaces for one light source, and various types of uneven shapes may be provided on the surface to form a desired light distribution pattern.

[0079] In each of the above embodiments, the straight line L1 is shown as connecting the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens and the light-emitting center of the low beam light source 31, but even if the straight line connects a position slightly off from the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens and the light-emitting center of the low beam light source 31, the same effect as in each of the above embodiments can be obtained. Similarly, although the straight line L2 is shown as connecting a position 0 to 1.0 mm below the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens with the light-emitting center of the high beam light source 32, the same effect as in each of the above embodiments can be obtained even in the case of a straight line connecting a position 0 to 1.0 mm below the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens with a position slightly off-center from the light-emitting center of the high beam light source 32.

[0080] In many of the above embodiments, the low beam light source 31 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to L1, but can be tilted depending on the intended light distribution pattern. Similarly, the high beam light source 32 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to L2, but can be tilted depending on the intended light distribution pattern.

[0081] In each of the above embodiments, the shade 50 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane including the optical axis Lx of the projection lens, but it may also be horizontal or inclined in the opposite direction.

[0082] In each of the above embodiments, the downward direction of the light emitted from the low beam light source 31 and the upward direction of the light emitted from the high beam light source 32 can be tilted depending on the positional relationship between the reflective surface and the light source according to the intended light distribution pattern, and are therefore not limited to vertically downward or vertically upward. Furthermore, the low beam light source 31 and the high beam light source 32 are not limited to LEDs, but may be, for example, a halogen bulb light source, an HID light source, or the like. [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] The present invention can be widely applied to projector-type vehicle lamps, and can improve the degree of freedom in the light distribution design of projectors, thereby contributing to improved light distribution performance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10 Vehicle lighting fixtures 20 Lens holder 21 Posting Lens 21b Back of projection lens 21F rear focal point of projection lens 21c Incidence plane 21d Output surface 301 Low beam light source support 302 High beam light source support 31 Low beam light source (primary light source) 32 High beam light source (secondary light source) 33 Light-emitting surface La long axis Lb short axis 40 Reflector 41 Low beam reflector (first reflector) 41RPA Reflection point 1 on low beam reflector 41RPB Reflection point 2 on low beam reflector RSA Light source image 1 of light reflected from reflection point 1 on the low beam reflecting surface RSB Light source image 2 of light reflected from reflection point 2 on the low beam reflecting surface 42 High beam reflector (second reflector) 43 Third reflective surface 43A First focus 43B Second focus 44 Fourth reflective surface 45 Fifth reflective surface 46 Sixth reflective surface 47 Seventh reflective surface 48 Eighth reflective surface Lx Projection lens optical axis 50 Shades 51 Base Body 52 Aperture 53 Light blocking section L1: A straight line connecting the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens and the light emitting center of the low beam light source 31 L2: A straight line connecting a position 0 to 1.0 mm below the rear focal point 21F of the projection lens and the light-emitting center of the high beam light source 32 JG low beam light distribution pattern COL1 Cut-off line to the right of the center of the low beam light distribution pattern COL2 Cut-off line to the left of the center of the low beam light distribution pattern HJG Low beam high light area Yellow high beam light distribution pattern HYG High beam high light area OSP overhead sign area AHP High beam illumination area and adjacent areas

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp including a light source, a reflective surface that reflects light emitted from the light source, a shade having reflective properties, and a projection lens that transmits the light reflected by the reflective surface and projects it forward of the vehicle, the light source is composed of a first light source for low beam, which is disposed at a position spaced apart from the optical axis of the projection lens so that the emitted light is irradiated downward, and a second light source for high beam, which is disposed at a position spaced apart from the optical axis of the projection lens so that the emitted light is irradiated upward, the reflecting surface is composed of a first reflecting surface for low beam, which has a concave shape based on an ellipsoid, is formed so as to cover the first light source from below, and has a three-dimensional shape to reflect the light emitted downward from the first light source toward the projection lens; and a second reflecting surface for high beam, which has a concave shape based on an ellipsoid, is formed so as to cover the second light source from above, and has a three-dimensional shape to reflect the light emitted upward from the second light source toward the projection lens, the shade is provided between the first low beam reflecting surface and the second high beam reflecting surface, and is formed so as to be horizontally along a horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens or to be inclined upward or downward with respect to the horizontal plane from the vicinity of a leading edge of the first low beam reflecting surface and the vicinity of a leading edge of the second high beam reflecting surface toward the vicinity of a rear focal point of the projection lens, A vehicular lamp characterized in that at least one of a low-beam light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the first light source and a high-beam light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the second light source is formed.

2. A vehicle lamp including a light source, a reflective surface that reflects light emitted from the light source, a shade having reflective properties, and a projection lens that transmits the light reflected by the reflective surface and projects it forward of the vehicle, the light source is disposed at a position spaced apart from the optical axis of the projection lens so that the emitted light is irradiated downward; the reflecting surface has a concave shape based on an ellipsoidal surface, is formed so as to cover the light source from below, and has a three-dimensional first reflecting surface for low beam that reflects the light emitted downward from the light source toward the projection lens, the shade is formed so as to be inclined horizontally along a horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens or upward or downward with respect to the horizontal plane from a vicinity of a front edge of the first reflecting surface for low beam toward a vicinity of a rear focal point of the projection lens, A vehicle lamp, characterized in that a low beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the light source.

3. A vehicle lamp including a light source, a reflective surface that reflects light emitted from the light source, a shade having reflective properties, and a projection lens that transmits the light reflected by the reflective surface and projects it forward of the vehicle, the light source is disposed at a position spaced apart from the optical axis of the projection lens so that the emitted light is irradiated upward; the reflecting surface has a concave shape based on an ellipsoidal surface, is formed so as to cover the light source from above, and has a three-dimensional second reflecting surface for high beam that reflects the light emitted upward from the light source toward the projection lens, the shade is formed so as to be inclined horizontally along a horizontal plane including the optical axis of the projection lens or upward or downward with respect to the horizontal plane from a vicinity of a front edge of the second high beam reflecting surface toward a vicinity of a rear focal point of the projection lens, A vehicle lamp, characterized in that a high beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the light source.

4. A vehicle lighting fixture comprising a light source, a reflective surface that reflects light emitted from the light source, and a projection lens that transmits the light reflected by the reflective surface and projects it forward of the vehicle, the light source is disposed at a position spaced apart from the optical axis of the projection lens so that the emitted light is irradiated upward or downward; the reflecting surface is formed by a concave surface based on an ellipsoidal surface, and is arranged to cover the light emitted from the light source from above or below so as to be able to reflect the light toward the projection lens, At least one of a low beam light distribution pattern and a high beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the light source, a first light source as the light source arranged so that the emitted light is irradiated downward; a first reflecting surface as the reflecting surface arranged to cover the light emitted downward from the first light source from a lower side so as to be able to reflect the light toward the projection lens; a shade disposed between the first light source and the projection lens and forming a cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern, the low-beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the first light source, a seventh reflecting surface provided forward of a leading edge of the first reflecting surface, which reflects the light from the first light source toward a flat area along the shade below the shade, thereby projecting the light from the projection lens onto an overhead sign area; A vehicle lighting fixture characterized by comprising a shading portion provided on the shade that blocks the light from the seventh reflecting surface between the lower end of the overhead sign area and the cutoff line.

5. A vehicle lighting fixture comprising a light source, a reflective surface that reflects light emitted from the light source, and a projection lens that transmits the light reflected by the reflective surface and projects it forward of the vehicle, the light source is disposed at a position spaced apart from the optical axis of the projection lens so that the emitted light is irradiated upward or downward; the reflecting surface is formed by a concave surface based on an ellipsoidal surface, and is arranged to cover the light emitted from the light source from above or below so as to be able to reflect the light toward the projection lens, At least one of a low beam light distribution pattern and a high beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the light source, a first light source as the light source arranged so that the emitted light is irradiated downward; a first reflecting surface as the reflecting surface arranged to cover the light emitted downward from the first light source from a lower side so as to be able to reflect the light toward the projection lens; a shade disposed between the first light source and the projection lens and forming a cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern, the low-beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the first light source, a second light source as the light source arranged so that the emitted light is irradiated upward, and a second reflecting surface as the reflecting surface arranged so as to cover from above the light irradiated upward from the second light source so as to be able to reflect the light toward the projection lens, on the lower side of the shade; a high beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the second light source, A vehicular lamp characterized by comprising an eighth reflecting surface that is provided forward of the leading edge of the second reflecting surface and that reflects the light from the second light source toward a flat area along the upper side of the shade, thereby illuminating an adjacent position directly below the cutoff line from the projection lens.

Images