Vehicle lighting fixtures

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture that can illuminate a desired region with desired brightness without complicating an optical system even if a light source is one multisegment LED array.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture comprises: a light source (multisegment LED array) 3 in which a lot of light emitting elements (minute LEDs 31) are arranged, and which selects them to produce light and thereby emits light of a desired pattern; and a main optical system 2 which projects the light emitted from the light source to form a main light distribution pattern, and further comprises an auxiliary optical system 4 which makes light emitted from the light source 3 and not directly incident to the main optical system 2, incident to the main optical system 2. An auxiliary light distribution pattern is formed in an outside region adjacent to the main light distribution pattern with light made incident to the main optical system 2 by the auxiliary optical system 4 (a lower reflection mirror 41).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp, and more particularly to a vehicle lamp suitable for use as a headlamp for an automobile. [Background technology]

[0002] Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) light distribution control has been proposed as a technology for controlling light distribution in headlamps for automobiles and other vehicles. This ADB light distribution control is a technology that controls light distribution so as not to dazzle other vehicles, such as oncoming vehicles and preceding vehicles, or pedestrians, as detected from images captured by a camera. One headlamp that has been proposed to use this ADB light distribution control is one that uses a multi-segment light-emitting element (multi-segment LED array) in which micro LEDs on the order of μm are arranged in a matrix as the light source.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology that uses a multi-segment LED array as a light source and projects light emitted from this multi-segment LED array using an optical system to form a light distribution pattern. This technology enables ADB light distribution control to form a desired light distribution pattern by selectively controlling the emission of minute LEDs in the multi-segment LED array. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-068513 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When lighting is performed using a single multi-segment LED array, increasing the projection magnification of the optical system to expand the illuminated area reduces the brightness (illuminance) of the illuminated area. In order to achieve the desired brightness in the illuminated area, it is possible to reduce the projection magnification of the optical system, but this results in a trade-off in that the illuminated area is reduced and it becomes impossible to ensure an illuminated area of ​​the desired size.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the illumination from multiple multi-segment LED arrays is combined to illuminate a desired area with the desired brightness, but the cost increases in proportion to the number of multi-segment LED arrays, and the optical system requires a composite projection lens to project each of the multiple multi-segment LED arrays, which also increases the cost.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp that can illuminate a desired area with a desired brightness without complicating the optical system, even when the light source is composed of a single multi-segment LED array. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is characterized by comprising a light source in which a large number of light-emitting elements are arranged and which emits light in a desired pattern by selecting and emitting light from the light elements, a main optical system which projects the light emitted from the light source to form a main light distribution pattern, and an auxiliary optical system which causes light emitted from the light source that does not directly enter the main optical system to enter the main optical system, and which forms an auxiliary light distribution pattern in an external area adjacent to the main light distribution pattern with the light entered by the auxiliary optical system.

[0009] In the present invention, for example, the auxiliary optical system is a reflecting mirror that reflects light emitted from a light source and not directly incident on the main optical system, and makes it incident on the main optical system. Counter The reflecting mirror is disposed to the side of the lens optical axis of the main optical system, and when the reflected light is incident on the main optical system, it forms a right auxiliary light distribution pattern or a left auxiliary light distribution pattern in an external area to the right or left of the main light distribution pattern.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention may include a drive mechanism for moving the reflector, which moves the reflector to a position where light from the light source is incident on the main optical system or a position where it is not incident on the main optical system. For example, the present invention may include a multi-segment LED array in which a large number of micro LEDs are arranged. Furthermore, the present invention may include a control means for selectively controlling the emission of the large number of micro LEDs according to the surrounding conditions of the vehicle. It is preferable that the control means is configured to control the tilting mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the brightness of the main light distribution pattern can be ensured at a desired level by limiting the main light distribution pattern to an area of ​​a required width, while the main light distribution pattern and the auxiliary light distribution pattern can be combined to illuminate an area wider than the required area by forming an auxiliary light distribution pattern adjacent to the main light distribution pattern using light that does not contribute to the formation of the main light distribution pattern. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automobile according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the main lamp unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the main lamp unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Block diagram of the control system for the multi-segment LED array. [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of the main light distribution pattern and the light distribution pattern when ADB is controlled. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic diagram of a main light distribution pattern combined with an upper auxiliary light distribution pattern. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a main part of a main lamp unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the main lamp unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Schematic diagram of a main light distribution pattern formed by combining left and right auxiliary light distribution patterns. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a main part of a main lamp unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the main lamp unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a reflecting mirror. [Figure 14] 10 is a schematic diagram of a main light distribution pattern obtained by combining the upper and left and right auxiliary light distribution patterns. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] (Embodiment 1) An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an automobile headlamp, with left and right headlamps R-HL and L-HL attached to the left and right front portions of the body of an automobile CAR. Each headlamp R-HL and L-HL includes an ADB lamp unit (hereinafter referred to as ADB unit) ALU capable of ADB light distribution control, a clearance lamp unit (hereinafter referred to as clearance unit) CLU, and a turn signal lamp unit (hereinafter referred to as turn unit) TSLU, which are integrally disposed within a lamp housing 100. In the following description, the left and right directions are based on the left and right directions of the automobile.

[0014] The left and right headlamps R-HL and L-HL have a symmetrical configuration, and Fig. 1 shows an enlarged view with a portion of the right headlamp R-HL cut away. The lamp housing 100 is made up of a lamp body 101 that opens toward the front of the vehicle and a light-transmitting cover 102 attached to this opening, and as described above, the ADB unit ALU, clearance unit CLU, and turn unit TSLU are disposed within this lamp housing 100. In areas where these lamp units are not disposed, so-called extensions are disposed to prevent the interior from being exposed.

[0015] As will be described in detail later, the ADB unit ALU incorporates a light source 3, a main optical system 2, and an auxiliary optical system 4 in a unit case 1, and is fixedly supported by the lamp body 101. Because the present invention relates to this ADB unit ALU, detailed explanation of the clearance unit CLU and the turn unit TSLU will be omitted, but both use an LED as a light source, and the white light or amber light emitted from this LED is output through an inner lens made of translucent resin, and further passes through a translucent cover 102 to be irradiated to the outside.

[0016] Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of ADB unit ALU, with unit case 1 shown in chain lines to show the configuration of its main parts. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of ADB unit ALU. As shown in these figures, unit case 1 is equipped with a partially cylindrical lens holder 11 and a light source box 12 integrated with it. Lens holder 11 houses a projection lens 2 that constitutes the main optical system, and light source box 12 houses a multi-segment LED array 3 as a light source and an auxiliary optical system 4.

[0017] The projection lens 2 is composed of a triplet lens consisting of three lenses with positive, negative and positive refractive powers: a convex lens 21, a concave lens 22 and a convex lens 23, and at least one lens surface of each lens is aspherical. This suppresses aberrations in the projection lens 2, and when light from the multi-segment LED array 3 is projected by the projection lens 2, a high-resolution and high-definition ADB light distribution pattern is obtained.

[0018] As shown in Figure 4, the multi-segment LED array 3 serving as a light source is configured with several hundred to several thousand micro-LEDs 31, each measuring on the order of micrometers and having a roughly square light-emitting surface, arranged in a matrix with each light-emitting surface facing the same direction. This multi-segment LED array 3 is connected to a lamp ECU (electronic control unit) 201, which selectively controls the on / off of the micro LEDs 31. When light is controlled, each micro LED 31 emits white light, and its beam angle (the angle at which the light intensity is halved) is approximately ±30° relative to the central axis of the light-emitting surface. Therefore, the overall beam angle of the multi-segment LED array 3, which is an array of multiple micro LEDs 31, is the same angle.

[0019] 2 and 3, the multi-segment LED array 3 is mounted on a light source substrate 30, and is disposed near the focal point of the projection lens 2 such that the array light-emitting surface (the surface connecting the light-emitting surfaces of the multiple micro LEDs 31) is oriented substantially perpendicular to the lens optical axis Lx of the projection lens 2. In this embodiment, the vertical and horizontal positions of the multi-segment LED array 3 are set so that the lens optical axis Lx is located at the horizontal midpoint of the array light-emitting surface, slightly offset upward from the vertical midpoint. By appropriately setting the aperture size of the projection lens 2 and the size of the light-emitting surface of the multi-segment LED array 3, light emitted by the multi-segment LED array 3 and emitted from the array light-emitting surface, within the aforementioned directivity angle, is incident on the projection lens 2. The ADB control unit 5 may be mounted on the light source substrate 30.

[0020] The auxiliary optical system 4 comprises a downward reflecting mirror 41 disposed in front of and below the light-emitting surface of the multi-segment LED array 3. The downward reflecting mirror 41 is configured as a cylindrical concave mirror with a gentle curvature and is fixedly supported within the light source box 12 with its reflective surface facing upward. The downward reflecting mirror 41 is disposed outside the beam angle of the multi-segment LED array 3 so as not to prevent light emitted from the multi-segment LED array 3 within the beam angle from entering the projection lens 2. On the other hand, the downward reflecting mirror 41 is disposed in a position where light emitted downward at an angle larger than the beam angle enters the downward reflecting mirror 41. The downward reflecting mirror 41 reflects light incident from the multi-segment LED array 3 below the beam angle in a somewhat convergent direction and allows it to enter the projection lens 2. At this time, the downward reflecting mirror 41 is configured to direct the light at a required angle of incidence into an area below the optical axis Lx of the projection lens 2.

[0021] 4, a control switch 203 is connected to the lamp ECU 201, and the ADB unit ALU is turned on and off by operating this control switch 203, and when it is turned on, ADB light distribution control is executed. Also, this control switch 203 can switch the auxiliary light distribution control in the ADB unit ALU between fixed mode, automatic mode, and manual mode, but in this embodiment 1, only the fixed mode is possible.

[0022] The lamp ECU 201 is connected to the vehicle ECU 202 and is capable of performing ADB light distribution control based on a signal from the vehicle ECU 202. The vehicle ECU 202 outputs an ADB control signal to the lamp ECU 201 based on an image of the surroundings of the vehicle, particularly an image of the forward area, captured by the on-board camera 204. While detailed description of the vehicle ECU 202 is omitted, the vehicle ECU 202 analyzes the image captured by the on-board camera 204 to detect objects such as other vehicles, pedestrians, and signs present in front of or to the sides of the vehicle. The vehicle ECU 202 also outputs information on a light distribution pattern to be controlled based on the detected objects as an ADB control signal to the lamp ECU 201. In response to this ADB control signal, the lamp ECU 201 selects and emits light from the micro LEDs 31 of the multi-segment LED array 3. The lamp ECU 201 and the vehicle ECU 202 may be configured as either hardware or software.

[0023] The left headlamp L-HL shown in FIG. 1 has a left-right symmetrical configuration with the right headlamp R-HL described above, but the ADB unit ALU, clearance lamp unit CLU, and turn signal lamp unit TSLU that make up the left and right headlamps are basically identical in configuration except for the fact that they include symmetrical configurations in some areas, such as the light distribution direction and light distribution pattern.

[0024] In the ADB unit ALU of this embodiment 1, the control switch 203 is set to the fixed mode, and normal ADB light distribution control is performed. That is, when the control switch 203 is turned on, the lamp ECU 201 causes the micro LEDs 31 of the multi-segment LED array 3 to emit light. As shown in Fig. 3 , part of the light path is shown, and the light emitted from the multi-segment LED array 3 is incident on the projection lens 2, which then projects the light in front of the automobile to form a desired light distribution pattern.

[0025] When almost all of the micro LEDs 31 of the multi-segment LED array 3 are illuminated, a main light distribution pattern MP is formed by combining the unit illumination cells illuminated by the micro LEDs 31, as shown in FIG. 5( a). In FIG. 5( a), V is a vertical line passing through the optical axis Lx of the projection lens 2, and H is a horizontal line. That is, a light distribution pattern is formed in which the unit illumination cells corresponding to the micro LEDs 31 constituting the multi-segment LED array 3 are arranged in a matrix. The projection magnification of the projection lens 2 is set in accordance with the luminous intensity (brightness) of the multi-segment LED array 3 so that each unit illumination cell has the required brightness for light distribution. Therefore, this main light distribution pattern MP is a high-beam light distribution pattern that illuminates the minimum area required for normal driving, such as an area including the current lane and the oncoming lane of the road, but the brightness of the illuminated area is sufficient.

[0026] When the vehicle ECU 202 detects another vehicle or the like in the area ahead of the vehicle during illumination with this main light distribution pattern MP, it outputs an ADB control signal to the lamp ECU 201 to prevent dazzling the detected other vehicle. Based on this ADB control signal, the lamp ECU 201 turns off the micro LEDs corresponding to the unit illumination cell in which the detected object Ob is located, as shown schematically in Fig. 5(b), thereby preventing dazzling the object Ob.

[0027] 3, light emitted from the multi-segment LED array 3 that deviates from the directivity angle and does not enter the projection lens 2 does not contribute to the formation of the main light distribution pattern. Of this light, light that deviates downward from the projection lens 2 is incident on the downward reflecting mirror 41, reflected there, and then incident on the projection lens 2. This light is incident on an area below the lens optical axis Lx of the projection lens 2, and is therefore emitted from the projection lens 2 in an upward direction relative to the lens optical axis Lx. As a result, an upper auxiliary light distribution pattern USP is formed by this light in an external area above the main light distribution pattern MP, as schematically shown in FIG.

[0028] The same is true for the ADB unit ALU of the left headlamp L-HL, where the upper auxiliary light distribution pattern USP shown in FIG. 6 is formed, and the light distribution pattern obtained by combining the light distributions of both patterns also becomes a similar light distribution pattern. The formed upper auxiliary light distribution pattern USP is light that is outside the directivity angle of the multi-segment LED array, so its brightness is somewhat reduced, but since it is converged by the downward reflector 41, the brightness can be increased accordingly. As a result, the main light distribution pattern MP and the upper auxiliary light distribution pattern USP are combined, and the overall illumination area of ​​the main light distribution pattern MP is expanded. This makes it possible to control the main light distribution pattern MP to a desired brightness while also expanding the illumination area by combining the upper auxiliary light distribution pattern USP.

[0029] In the first embodiment, when illumination is performed with the main light distribution pattern MP, for example, the upper auxiliary light distribution pattern USP can illuminate road signs and the like located at an overhead position on the road. Note that when the main light distribution pattern MP is controlled to a low beam light distribution, the amount of light that deviates downward from the projection lens 2 is reduced, and therefore the light that enters the lower reflector 41 is also reduced, making it difficult to form the upper auxiliary light distribution pattern USP. In this case, for example, by continuing to emit light from some of the micro LEDs 31 of the multi-segment LED array 3, particularly the micro LEDs that illuminate the upper edge region of the main light distribution pattern MP, the upper auxiliary light distribution pattern USP can be formed by the light emitted by these micro LEDs.

[0030] In this way, in the first embodiment, the main light distribution pattern MP formed by the main optical system 2 is limited to an area of ​​a required width, thereby controlling the main light distribution pattern MP to a desired brightness. On the other hand, by forming an upper auxiliary light distribution pattern USP adjacent to the upper side of the main light distribution pattern MP using light from the light source 3 that does not contribute to the formation of the main light distribution pattern MP, the main light distribution pattern MP and the upper auxiliary light distribution pattern USP are combined, making it possible to illuminate an area wider than the required area. Furthermore, the main optical system may be an existing one and may simply include a reflecting mirror, so the structure does not become complicated.

[0031] (Embodiment 2) Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the ADB unit ALU of the right headlamp R-HL in embodiment 2, and Fig. 8 is its plan cross-sectional view. Parts equivalent to those in the drawings of embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals. In embodiment 2, the auxiliary optical system 4 is provided with a side reflecting mirror 42 that is disposed on the left side (inner side in the vehicle width direction) of the multi-segment LED array 3 and fixedly supported within the light source box 12 with its reflective surface facing rightward (outer side in the vehicle width direction).

[0032] Similar to the downward reflecting mirror 41 of the first embodiment, the side reflecting mirror 42 is disposed at a position outside the beam angle of the multi-segment LED array 3 and does not prevent light emitted from the multi-segment LED array 3 within the beam angle from entering the projection lens 2. On the other hand, the side reflecting mirror 42 is disposed at a position where light emitted from the multi-segment LED array 3 toward the left at an angle larger than the beam angle enters the side reflecting mirror 42, and reflects this incident light in a somewhat converged state in the horizontal direction so that it enters the projection lens 2. At this time, the light reflected by the side reflecting mirror 42 is configured to enter an area inward in the vehicle width direction from the optical axis Lx of the projection lens 2 at a required angle of incidence.

[0033] 1 also has a side reflector 42 (not shown), but since it is bilaterally symmetrical to the right headlamp R-HL, the location and direction of the mirror are different. That is, the side reflector 42 is disposed on the right side, which is inward in the vehicle width direction, of the multi-segment LED array 3, and the side reflector 42 reflects light emitted from the multi-segment LED array 3 toward the right at an angle greater than the directivity angle in a somewhat converged horizontal direction, causing the light to enter the projection lens 2. At this time, the light reflected by the side reflector 42 is configured to enter an area inward in the vehicle width direction from the optical axis Lx of the projection lens 2 at a required angle of incidence.

[0034] According to the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9(a) , the ADB unit ALU of the right headlamp R-HL forms a main light distribution pattern MP, and its side reflecting mirror 42 forms a right-side auxiliary light distribution pattern RSP to the right of the main light distribution pattern. That is, in the ADB unit ALU, of the light emitted from the multi-segment LED array 3, light that deviates from the directivity angle to the inside in the vehicle width direction is incident on the side reflecting mirror 42, reflected therefrom, and then incident on the projection lens 2. Then, from the projection lens 2, the light is emitted toward the outside in the vehicle width direction with respect to the lens optical axis Lx, and this light forms a right-side auxiliary light distribution pattern RSP in an external region to the right of the main light distribution pattern MP.

[0035] 9(b), a main light distribution pattern is formed by the ADB unit ALU of the left headlamp L-HL, and a left auxiliary light distribution pattern LSP is formed to the left of the main light distribution pattern MP by its side reflecting mirror 42. That is, although the left and right sides are opposite to those of the ADB unit ALU of the right headlamp R-HL, light emitted from the multi-segment LED array 3 that deviates from the directivity angle to the inside in the vehicle width direction is incident on the side reflecting mirror 42, reflected therefrom, and incident on the projection lens 2, and further irradiated from the projection lens 2 toward the outside in the vehicle width direction with respect to the lens optical axis Lx, and this light forms a left auxiliary light distribution pattern LSP in an external region to the left of the main light distribution pattern MP.

[0036] Since the left and right headlamps R-HL and L-HL are turned on simultaneously, the main light distribution pattern MP of each ADB unit ALU and the left and right auxiliary light distribution patterns RSP and LSP are combined to form a light distribution pattern in which auxiliary light distribution patterns are formed on both sides of the main light distribution pattern, as shown in Figure 9(c).

[0037] In this way, in the second embodiment, the illumination area is limited by setting the main light distribution pattern MP to a required brightness, but the auxiliary light distribution patterns RSP, LSP on the left and right of the main light distribution pattern MP are combined, so the illumination area of ​​the light distribution pattern as a whole is expanded. In other words, it is possible to both increase the illumination brightness of the main light distribution pattern MP and expand the illumination area by combining the main light distribution pattern MP and the auxiliary light distribution patterns RSP, LSP.

[0038] In the second embodiment, even when ADB light distribution control is being performed, the left and right auxiliary light distribution patterns RSP, LSP continue to be illuminated. This allows the left and right auxiliary light distribution patterns RSP, LSP to illuminate areas where no objects exist, such as side road areas or road shoulder areas. For example, when a car changes direction of travel to the left or right, it becomes possible to illuminate the area ahead.

[0039] In the second embodiment, the main light distribution pattern MP formed by the main optical system 2 is limited to an area of ​​a required width, thereby controlling the brightness of the main light distribution pattern MP as desired. On the other hand, a right auxiliary light distribution pattern RSP and a left auxiliary light distribution pattern LSP are formed adjacent to the right and left sides of the main light distribution pattern MP using light from the light source 3 that does not contribute to the formation of the main light distribution pattern MP, thereby illuminating an area wider than the required area.

[0040] (Embodiment 3) FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the ADB unit ALU of the right headlamp R-HL in the third embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view thereof. Parts equivalent to those in the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals. In the third embodiment, the auxiliary optical system includes both the lower reflector of the first embodiment and the side reflector of the second embodiment, and further includes a tilting mechanism 43 for tilting each of the reflectors. This tilting mechanism 43 is, for example, an electromagnetic actuator, and is configured to drive a connecting lever 44 when energized to tilt each of the reflectors 41 and 42. The energization of the tilting mechanism 43v for the lower reflector 41 and the tilting mechanism 43h for tilting the side reflector 42 is controlled by the lamp ECU 201 shown in FIG. 4.

[0041] 12, the lower reflecting mirror 41 is pivotally supported on the light source box 12 by rotation shafts 41a provided on both the left and right ends, and its reflecting surface is rotatable in the vertical direction. In addition, a tilting mechanism 43v is supported on the light source box 12, and the tip of a connecting lever 44 is connected to a part of the lower reflecting mirror 41. When the tilting mechanism 43v is energized, the connecting lever 44 is driven, and the driving of this connecting lever 44 tilts the lower reflecting mirror 41 with the rotation shaft 41a as a fulcrum so that the vertical angle of the reflecting surface is changed.

[0042] When the tilting mechanism 43v is not energized, as shown in Fig. 13(a), the lower reflecting mirror 41 is tilted to a tilt position that is out of the directivity angle of the multi-segment LED array 3, and almost no light emitted from the multi-segment LED array 3 is incident on the reflecting surface. On the other hand, when the tilting mechanism 43v is energized, as shown in Fig. 13(b), the lower reflecting mirror 41 is in a tilt position where light emitted out of the directivity angle of the multi-segment LED array 3 is incident on the reflecting surface. In other words, it is in the same position as in the first embodiment.

[0043] Although detailed illustration is omitted, the side reflecting mirror 42 also has a similar configuration and is pivotally supported on the light source box 12 by rotation shafts provided at both the top and bottom ends of the side reflecting mirror 42, allowing the reflecting surface to rotate horizontally. Furthermore, the tip of a connecting lever 44 of a tilting mechanism 43h is connected to a part of the side reflecting mirror 42. When the tilting mechanism 43h is not energized, the side reflecting mirror 42 is tilted to a tilted position that is out of the directivity angle of the multi-segment LED array 3, and almost no light emitted from the multi-segment LED array 3 is incident on the reflecting surface. When the tilting mechanism 43h is energized, the side reflecting mirror 42 is in a tilted position where light emitted out of the directivity angle of the multi-segment LED array 3 is incident on the reflecting surface. That is, the position is the same as in the second embodiment.

[0044] Although not shown in the drawings, the ADB unit ALU of the left headlamp L-HL is provided with a side reflecting mirror on the right side, as in the second embodiment, and can be tilted by a tilting mechanism.

[0045] According to the third embodiment, when the driver sets the control switch 203 to the fixed mode, current is applied to the tilting mechanisms 43v, 43h of the downward reflecting mirror 41 and the side reflecting mirror 42, and the reflecting mirrors 41, 42 are in a state where light from the multi-segment LED array 3 is incident thereon, thereby forming auxiliary light distribution patterns similar to those of the first and second embodiments. That is, as shown in the schematic diagram of Fig. 14, auxiliary light distribution patterns are formed on the left, right, and upper sides of the main light distribution pattern, respectively, and these form a combined light distribution pattern.

[0046] When the driver sets the control switch 203 to the manual mode, the driver can control the power supply to the tilting mechanism 43 by operating another switch. Therefore, when the driver deems it necessary, he or she can drive the tilting mechanism 43 to tilt at least one of the lower reflecting mirror 41, the side reflecting mirror 42 of the right main lamp unit, and the reflecting mirror 42 of the left ADB unit ALU, allowing light from the multi-segment LED array 3 to be incident. This makes it possible to arbitrarily form the upper auxiliary light distribution pattern USP, left auxiliary pattern LSP, and right auxiliary pattern RSP shown in FIG. 14 . For example, when traveling rightward, the side reflecting mirror 42 of the right ADB unit ALU is tilted by the tilting mechanism 43h to allow light from the multi-segment LED array 3 to be incident. This forms a right auxiliary light distribution pattern RSP to the right of the main light distribution pattern MP, thereby expanding the illumination area ahead.

[0047] When the driver sets the control switch 203 to automatic mode, the lamp ECU 201 controls the supply of electricity to the tilting mechanism 43 based on an ADB control signal from the vehicle ECU 202. Therefore, the tilting mechanism 43 is driven to tilt at least one of the lower reflecting mirror 41 and the left or right side reflecting mirror 42 depending on the situation of an object, such as another vehicle, ahead of the vehicle, allowing light from the multi-segment LED array 3 to be incident. As a result, the upper auxiliary light distribution pattern USP, left auxiliary pattern LSP, and right auxiliary pattern RSP shown in FIG. 14 are automatically formed. For example, when there is no oncoming vehicle, the left or right side reflecting mirror 42 of the left or right ADB unit ALU is tilted by the tilting mechanism 43h to allow light from the multi-segment LED array 3 to be incident. As a result, auxiliary light distribution patterns RSP and LSP are formed on the left and right of the main light distribution pattern MP, expanding the illumination area. In addition, when an oncoming vehicle is present, ADB light distribution control is performed and power is stopped from being supplied to the tilting mechanisms 43h of the side reflectors 42 of the left and right ADB units ALU, thereby preventing the formation of left and right auxiliary light distribution patterns.

[0048] The downward reflecting mirror 41, the left and right side reflecting mirrors 42, and the tilting mechanism 43 described in the embodiment may be changed to other configurations as appropriate. The position and shape of each reflecting mirror may be set according to the light intensity characteristics of the multi-segment LED array 3. For example, the downward reflecting mirror and the side reflecting mirror may be configured as flat mirrors or convex mirrors according to the shape of the auxiliary light distribution pattern to be formed.

[0049] Here, in the first embodiment, the lower reflecting mirror 41 may be configured to be tilted by a tilting mechanism. In the second embodiment, the side reflecting mirror 42 may be configured to be tilted by a tilting mechanism. In the third embodiment, only one of the lower reflecting mirror 41 and the side reflecting mirror 42 may be provided with a tilting mechanism, or both the lower reflecting mirror 41 and the side reflecting mirror 42 may be configured as reflecting mirrors with a fixed structure.

[0050] In embodiment 3 of the present invention, the downward reflecting mirror 41 and the side reflecting mirror 42 need only be configured to change their positions between a position that reflects light from the multi-segment LED array and a position that does not, and therefore do not necessarily need to be tilted by a tilting mechanism, but may be configured as, for example, a driving mechanism that moves in a straight line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1 unit case 2 Main optical system 3 Light source (multi-segment LED array) 4 Auxiliary optical system 21, 22, 23 Lenses 41 Downward reflector 42 Side reflector 43(43v, 43h) Tilting mechanism (drive mechanism) 100 Lamp Housing 201 Lamp ECU 202 Vehicle ECU ALU ADB lamp unit MP main light distribution pattern USP Upper auxiliary light distribution pattern RSP Right side auxiliary light distribution pattern LSP Left auxiliary light distribution pattern Lx Lens optical axis

Claims

1. a light source in which a large number of light-emitting elements are arranged and which emits light of a desired pattern by selecting and emitting light from the light sources; a main optical system which projects the light emitted from the light source to form a main light distribution pattern; and an auxiliary optical system which causes light emitted from the light source that does not directly enter the main optical system to enter the main optical system, the auxiliary optical system is a reflecting mirror capable of reflecting light emitted from the light source and not directly incident on the main optical system, and causing the light to be incident on the main optical system, The reflecting mirrors are arranged on the left or right side of the lens optical axis of the main optical system, and when reflected light is incident on the main optical system, the reflecting mirror arranged on the left forms a right auxiliary light distribution pattern in an external area to the right of the main light distribution pattern, and the reflecting mirror arranged on the right forms a left auxiliary light distribution pattern in an external area to the left of the main light distribution pattern. A vehicle lamp characterized by:

2. A vehicle lighting fixture as described in claim 1, comprising lamps respectively equipped on the left and right sides of a vehicle, and in each of the left and right lamps, the reflector is positioned inside the vehicle width direction with respect to the lens optical axis of the main optical system, and its reflective surface is positioned facing outside the vehicle width direction.

3. 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, further comprising a drive mechanism for moving the reflector, the drive mechanism moving the reflector to a position where light from the light source is incident on the main optical system or a position where light is not incident on the main optical system.

4. 4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 3, wherein the light source is a multi-segment LED array in which a large number of minute LEDs are arranged.

5. 5. A vehicle lamp according to claim 4, further comprising a control means for selectively controlling the emission of said many small LEDs in accordance with the surrounding conditions of the vehicle.

6. 6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 5, wherein the control means controls the drive mechanism.

7. A vehicle lighting fixture as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the main optical system is composed of a triplet lens having a three-group configuration.

8. 8. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1, which is used as a headlamp of an automobile.

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