Vehicle lighting

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture which includes a lighting fixture unit that radiates emission light from a light emitting element toward the front of the lighting fixture via a translucent member, which has a constitution in which a light distribution pattern is formed which has a cut-off line at an upper end part by irradiation light from the lighting fixture unit, and which effectively suppresses imparting glare to a driver of an oncoming vehicle and the like.SOLUTION: As a lighting fixture unit 20, a direct light control part 24A and a total reflection control part 24B positioned around it are provided, and in a lower end part region at an emission region 44Aa of the direct light control part 24A, an upward deflection part 24Ca is formed for deflecting and emitting the emission light from a light emitting element 22 which has entered the direct light control part 24A. Thereby, it is prevented that the emission light from the direct light control part 24A reaches an inner peripheral surface 24Bc of the total reflection control part 24B, and that it is surface-reflected on the inner peripheral surface 24Bc, and radiated as upward light which is not controlled toward the front of the lighting fixture.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp including a light-emitting element and a translucent member.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a configuration of a vehicle lamp, it is known that the emitted light from a light-emitting element is irradiated forward of the lamp through a translucent member to form a light distribution pattern having a cut-off line at the upper end.

[0003] In "Patent Document 1", as a configuration of the translucent member in such a vehicle lamp, a direct light control part that directly emits the emitted light from the light-emitting element forward of the lamp after the emitted light is incident, and around this direct light control part, the emitted light from the light-emitting element is incident and then total-reflected and then emitted forward of the lamp. A configuration including a total reflection control unit is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By adopting a configuration including a direct light control part and a total reflection control part as the translucent member as in the vehicle lamp described in the above "Patent Document 1", most of the emitted light from the light-emitting element can be emitted from the translucent member forward of the lamp, and thereby it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the light source luminous flux.

[0006] In such vehicle lighting fixtures, the total reflection control unit, acting as a light-transmitting member, has an inner surface that extends cylindrically from the front of the direct light control unit toward the front of the lamp. However, depending on the shape of the light-transmitting member, the light emitted from the direct light control unit may reach the inner surface of the total reflection control unit. When the light emitted from the direct light control unit reaches the inner surface of the total reflection control unit in this way, some of it is reflected from the inner surface and emitted as uncontrolled upward light toward the front of the lamp, causing glare to oncoming drivers.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp equipped with a light-emitting element and a light-transmitting member, which is configured to form a light distribution pattern having a cutoff line at the upper end by irradiating the light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the front of the lamp through the light-transmitting member, thereby effectively suppressing glare to oncoming vehicle drivers and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention aims to achieve the above objective by modifying the structure of the light-transmitting member.

[0009] In other words, the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention is A vehicle lamp comprising a light-emitting element and a light-transmitting member, configured to form a light distribution pattern having a cutoff line at the upper end by irradiating the light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the front of the lamp through the light-transmitting member, The light-transmitting member comprises a direct light control unit that directs the light emitted from the light-emitting element towards the front of the lamp after it has been incident on it, and a total reflection control unit that directs the light emitted from the light-emitting element towards the front of the lamp after it has been incident on it around the direct light control unit and has been subjected to total internal reflection. The above total reflection control unit has an inner circumferential surface that extends cylindrically from the front of the direct light control unit toward the front of the lamp, An upward deflection portion is formed in the lower end region of the front surface of the direct light control unit, which deflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element that is incident on the direct light control unit upward toward the front of the lamp. Occasionally, The upward deflection section described above is configured to diffuse the light emitted from the light-emitting element in the left-right direction towards the front of the lamp. It is characterized by being present.

[0010] The type of "light-emitting element" mentioned above is not particularly limited; for example, light-emitting diodes and laser diodes can be used.

[0011] The above-mentioned "light distribution pattern" is not limited to a specific pattern as long as it has a cutoff line at the upper end; for example, a light distribution pattern for low beams, a part thereof, or a light distribution pattern for fog lamps can be used.

[0012] The "upward deflection section" described above is not particularly limited in shape, as long as it is configured to deflect the light emitted from the light-emitting element upwards toward the front of the lamp. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The vehicle lamp according to the present invention is configured to form a light distribution pattern having a cutoff line at the upper end by irradiating the light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the front of the lamp through a light-transmitting member. Since the light-transmitting member comprises a direct light control unit and a total reflection control unit located around it, it is possible to emit a large portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the front of the lamp through the light-transmitting member, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the light source flux.

[0014] Furthermore, the light-transmitting member has a configuration in which the total reflection control unit has an inner circumferential surface that extends cylindrically from the front of the direct light control unit toward the front of the lamp. However, an upward deflection portion is formed in the lower end region on the front of the direct light control unit, which deflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element that enters the direct light control unit upward toward the front of the lamp, thus providing the following effects.

[0015] In other words, even if the direct light control unit and the total reflection control unit are positioned such that the light emitted from the direct light control unit reaches the inner surface of the total reflection control unit, the upward deflection portion formed in the lower end region of the front surface of the direct light control unit deflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element upward toward the front of the lamp, thereby preventing the light emitted from the direct light control unit from reaching the inner surface of the total reflection control unit. This prevents a portion of the light emitted from the direct light control unit from being directed toward the front of the lamp as uncontrolled upward light due to surface reflection on the inner surface of the total reflection control unit.

[0016] In this case, the light deflected upwards from the upward deflection section towards the front of the lamp becomes controlled light, so it can be directed in a direction that does not cause glare to oncoming drivers, etc.

[0017] Thus, according to the present invention, in a vehicle lamp equipped with a light-emitting element and a light-transmitting member, the light emitted from the light-emitting element is directed forward of the lamp through the light-transmitting member, thereby forming a light distribution pattern with a cutoff line at the upper end, and effectively suppressing glare to oncoming vehicle drivers, etc.

[0018] In this configuration, by setting the upward deflection angle of the light deflected upward from the upward deflection section toward the front of the lamp to an appropriate value, it becomes easy to create a configuration in which the light emitted from the upward deflection section forms an OHS illumination pattern for illuminating overhead markers (OHS) installed above the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0019] In the above configuration, further, if the inner peripheral surface of the total reflection control unit is formed at a position overlapping in the front view of the luminaire with respect to the incident surface for making the light emitted from the light emitting element incident on the total reflection control unit, more of the light emitted from the light emitting element incident on the total reflection control unit can be emitted from the front surface of the total reflection control unit toward the front of the luminaire, and thereby the luminaire efficiency can be increased. On the other hand, when such a configuration is adopted, the light emitted from the front surface of the direct light control unit is likely to be specularly reflected on the inner peripheral surface of the total reflection control unit, so it is particularly effective to adopt a configuration in which an upward deflection portion is formed in the lower end region thereof.

[0020] In this case, the above-mentioned "position overlapping in the front view of the luminaire" may be a position where the inner peripheral surface of the total reflection control unit and the incident surface of the total reflection control unit completely overlap, or may be a position where they partially overlap.

[0021] In the above configuration, further, if the upward deflection portion is configured to diffusely emit the light emitted from the light emitting element toward the front of the luminaire in the left and right directions, it becomes even easier to prevent the light emitted from the upward deflection portion from causing glare. Also, when the light emitted from the upward deflection portion is used to form a light distribution pattern for OHS irradiation, this can be formed as a light distribution pattern extending in the left and right directions, and thereby it becomes possible to efficiently irradiate an overhead sign.

[0022] In the above configuration, further, if the upward deflection portion is configured such that its upper edge extends in a concave curve shape in the front view of the luminaire, it becomes possible to efficiently remove only the light that causes glare to an oncoming vehicle driver or the like, and thereby it becomes easily possible to maintain the brightness of the light distribution pattern having a cut-off line at the upper end portion.

[0023] In the above configuration, further, as the configuration of the light-emitting element, if it is arranged in a state where the lower end edge of its light-emitting surface extends in the horizontal direction, it becomes possible to easily form a light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line at the upper end portion. Also, when configured to form a light distribution pattern for OHS irradiation, it becomes possible to sufficiently secure the light and dark ratio of the lower end edge.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] Front view showing a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1 [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1 [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1 [Figure 5] Partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the lamp unit of the above vehicle lamp as a single item [Figure 6] A view perspectively showing a light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the above vehicle lamp, where (a) is a view showing a light distribution pattern for low beam and (b) is a view showing a light distribution pattern for high beam [Figure 7] A view for explaining a part of the establishment process of a light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the above vehicle lamp [Figure 8] A view similar to FIG. 1 showing the first modification of the above embodiment [Figure 9] A view similar to FIG. 2 showing the second modification of the above embodiment

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a vehicle lamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Also, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1.

[0027] In Figures 1-4, the direction indicated by X is the "forward" direction for the vehicle light fixture 10 (also the "forward" direction for the vehicle), the direction indicated by Y is the "leftward" direction perpendicular to the "forward" direction (although it is the "leftward" direction for the vehicle, it is the "rightward" direction when viewed from the front of the light fixture), and the direction indicated by Z is the "upward" direction. The same applies to figures other than Figures 1-4.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle lamp 10 according to this embodiment is a headlamp provided at the front end of a vehicle, and has a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 12 and a transparent light-transmitting cover 14 attached to the front end opening of the lamp body, in which three lamp units 20, 40, and 60 are incorporated. The vehicle lamp 10 is configured to form a low-beam light distribution pattern with the light emitted from lamp units 20 and 40, and to form a high-beam light distribution pattern by adding the light emitted from lamp unit 60.

[0029] First, let me explain the configuration of the lighting unit 20.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the luminaire unit 20 is configured to direct the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 toward the front of the luminaire through the light-transmitting member 24.

[0031] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the lighting unit 20 as a single component.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, the light-emitting element 22 is a white light-emitting diode having a rectangular (for example, square) light-emitting surface 22a, and is mounted on a substrate 26 and positioned facing forward of the lamp (forward of the vehicle). This substrate 26 is supported by the lamp body 12.

[0033] The light-emitting element 22 is positioned near the upper part of the axis Ax extending in the front-to-back direction of the light fixture, such that the lower edge of its light-emitting surface 22a extends horizontally.

[0034] The light-transmitting member 24 is made of a transparent synthetic resin molded product such as acrylic resin. This light-transmitting member 24 is positioned in front of the light-emitting element 22 and is supported by the lamp body 12 via a support structure (not shown).

[0035] The light-transmitting member 24 includes a direct light control unit 24A that directs the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 towards the front of the lamp after it has been incident on it, and a total reflection control unit 24B that directs the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 towards the front of the lamp after it has been incident on it around the direct light control unit 24A and has been subjected to total internal reflection before being directed towards the front of the lamp.

[0036] The direct light control unit 24A is set as a circular area centered on the axis Ax when viewed from the front of the luminaire.

[0037] The rear surface 24Ab of the direct light control unit 24A is composed of a convex curved surface of rotation centered on the axis Ax.

[0038] Furthermore, the direct light control unit 24A directs the light emitted from the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element 22 onto its rear surface 24Ab as parallel light that is slightly downward.

[0039] The total reflection control unit 24B is set as an annular region centered on the axis Ax when viewed from the front of the luminaire.

[0040] The rear surface 24Bb of the total reflection control unit 24B includes an incident surface 24Bb1 that causes the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 to be incident in a direction away from the axis Ax, and a total reflection surface 24Bb2 that causes the incident light from the incident surface 24Bb1 to be totally reflected toward the front of the lamp. The incident surface 24Bb1 is composed of a conical surface that is close to a cylindrical surface centered on the axis Ax. The total reflection surface 24Bb2 is composed of a convex curved surface of rotation centered on the axis Ax.

[0041] The total reflection control unit 24B is configured to reflect the light emitted from the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element 22, which is incident from the incident surface 24Bb1, as slightly downward parallel light at the total reflection surface 24Bb2.

[0042] The light-transmitting member 24's emission surface 24a is composed of two emission regions 24Aa and 24Ba, which are concentrically divided when viewed from the front of the luminaire. Specifically, the front of the direct light control unit 24A is configured as emission region 24Aa, and the front of the total reflection control unit 24B is configured as emission region 24Ba.

[0043] The total reflection control unit 24B has an inner circumferential surface 24Bc that extends cylindrically from the front surface (i.e., the emission area 24Aa) of the direct light control unit 24A toward the front of the lamp. This inner circumferential surface 24Bc is composed of a conical surface that is close to a cylindrical surface centered on the axis Ax, and is formed in a position that overlaps with the incident surface 24Bb1 of the total reflection control unit 24B when viewed from the front of the lamp.

[0044] In other words, the central emission region 24Aa is a circular region centered on the axis Ax when viewed from the front of the luminaire, and its outer diameter is set to approximately the same value as the diameter of the front edge of the incident surface 24Bb1 of the total reflection control unit 24B. The emission region 24Ba, located on the outer periphery of this emission region 24Aa, is an annular region displaced forward of the luminaire relative to the emission region 24Aa, and its inner diameter is set to approximately the same value as the diameter of the rear edge of the incident surface 24Bb1 of the total reflection control unit 24B.

[0045] Each emission region 24Aa and 24Ba is formed to extend along a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the luminaire, and is designed to direct the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22, which arrives as slightly downward-facing light, towards the front of the luminaire as even more downward-facing light.

[0046] Each emission region 24Aa, 24Ba has multiple diffusion lens elements 24As, 24Bs extending in the vertical direction, which causes the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 that reaches each emission region 24Aa, 24Ba to be emitted as light that is diffused horizontally toward the front of the lamp.

[0047] Each diffusion lens element 24As and 24Bs is configured as a convex cylindrical lens that diffuses the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 equally to the left and right. In this configuration, each diffusion lens element 24As is formed to emit the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 at a smaller diffusion angle than each diffusion lens element 24Bs.

[0048] An upward deflection section 24Ca is formed in the lower end region of the front surface (i.e., the emission area 24Aa) of the direct light control unit 24A, which deflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 that is incident on the direct light control unit 24A upward toward the front of the lamp.

[0049] The upward deflection section 24Ca has a configuration in which multiple diffusion lens elements 24Cs are formed on an inclined surface that is tilted forward with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the lamp. The light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 that reaches this upward deflection section 24Ca is emitted as upward light that diffuses horizontally toward the front of the lamp. Each diffusion lens element 24Cs is configured as a convex cylindrical lens that diffuses the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 equally to the left and right. In this case, each diffusion lens element 24Cs is formed to emit the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 at a smaller diffusion angle than each diffusion lens element 24As.

[0050] Next, the configuration of the lighting unit 40 will be described.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the luminaire unit 40 is also configured to direct the light emitted from the light-emitting element 42 toward the front of the luminaire via the light-transmitting member 44.

[0052] However, as shown in Figure 1, the luminaire unit 40 is formed by rotating the luminaire unit 20 clockwise (counterclockwise when viewed from the front of the luminaire) by a predetermined angle (specifically 15°) around the axis Ax extending in the front-to-back direction of the luminaire, and then configuring the light-emitting surface 44a of its light-transmitting member 44 in a slightly different manner from that of the luminaire unit 20.

[0053] In other words, the light-emitting element 42 of the luminaire unit 40 has the same configuration as the light-emitting element 22 of the luminaire unit 20, and is mounted on the substrate 46 near the upper part of the axis Ax and positioned facing forward of the luminaire, but the lower edge of its light-emitting surface 42a extends in an oblique direction at an angle of 15° with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0054] Furthermore, the light-transmitting member 44 of the luminaire unit 40 also includes a direct light control unit 44A that directs the emitted light from the light-emitting element 42 towards the front of the luminaire after it has been incident on it, and a total reflection control unit 44B that directs the emitted light from the light-emitting element 42 towards the front of the luminaire after it has been incident on it around the direct light control unit 44A and has been subjected to total internal reflection.

[0055] The configuration of the rear surface 44Ab of the direct light control unit 44A and the rear surface 44Bb of the total reflection control unit 44Bb is the same as in the case of the luminaire unit 20.

[0056] The light-transmitting member 44's emission surface 44a, similar to that of the luminaire unit 20, is composed of two emission regions 44Aa and 44Ba that are concentrically divided when viewed from the front of the luminaire. Each emission region 44Aa and 44Ba has multiple diffusion lens elements 44As and 44Bs formed therein, which diffuse the light emitted from the light-transmitting member 44 in an oblique direction tilted at 15° with respect to the horizontal. Each diffusion lens element 44As and 44Bs is composed of a convex cylindrical lens extending in a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned oblique direction, thereby diffusing the light emitted from the light-emitting element 42 evenly to the left and right in the aforementioned oblique direction.

[0057] However, the diffusion angles of each diffusion lens element 44As and 44Bs are set to a smaller value (for example, about half the value) than the diffusion angles of each diffusion lens element 24As and 24Bs of the luminaire unit 20.

[0058] Next, the configuration of the lighting unit 60 will be described.

[0059] As shown in Figure 1, the luminaire unit 60 is also configured to direct the light emitted from the light-emitting element 62 toward the front of the luminaire via the light-transmitting member 64.

[0060] However, the arrangement of the light-emitting elements 62 and the configuration of the light-transmitting members 64 of the luminaire unit 60 differ in part from those of the luminaire unit 20.

[0061] In other words, the light-emitting element 62 of the luminaire unit 60 has the same configuration as that of the luminaire unit 20, but its light-emitting center (i.e., the center of the light-emitting surface 62a) is positioned on the axis Ax that extends in the front-to-back direction of the luminaire.

[0062] The light-transmitting member 64 of the luminaire unit 60 also includes a direct light control unit 64A that directs the light emitted from the light-emitting element 62 towards the front of the luminaire after it has been incident on it, and a total reflection control unit 64B that directs the light emitted from the light-emitting element 62 towards the front of the luminaire after it has been incident on it around the direct light control unit 64A and has been subjected to total internal reflection.

[0063] In this case, the configuration of the rear surface 64Ab of the direct light control unit 64A and the rear surface 64Bb of the total reflection control unit 64B is the same as in the case of the luminaire unit 20. Also, the light-transmitting member 64's emission surface 64a is composed of two emission regions 64Aa and 64Ba that are concentrically divided when viewed from the front of the luminaire, similar to the case of the luminaire unit 20, and each emission region 64Aa and 64Ba has multiple diffusion lens elements 64As and 64Bs formed therein to diffuse the light emitted from the light-transmitting member 64 in the horizontal direction. Each diffusion lens element 64As and 64Bs is composed of a convex cylindrical lens that extends in the vertical direction, thereby diffusing the light emitted from the light-emitting element 62 horizontally and evenly to the left and right.

[0064] The diffusion angles of each diffusion lens element 64As and 64Bs are set to a value slightly smaller (for example, about 80%) than the diffusion angles of each diffusion lens element 24As and 24Bs in the luminaire unit 20.

[0065] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen located 25 m in front of the vehicle by light emitted from the vehicle lamp 10 toward the front of the lamp, where Figure (a) shows the light distribution pattern PL for the low beam and Figure (b) shows the light distribution pattern PH for the high beam.

[0066] The low beam light distribution pattern PL shown in Figure 6(a) is a left-facing low beam light distribution pattern, and has horizontal and diagonal cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 at its upper edge. The portion of these cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 that is to the right of the VV line, which passes vertically through the vanishing point HV in the direction of the front of the lamp, on the opposing lane side, is formed as the horizontal cutoff line CL1, and the portion that is to the left of the VV line, on the in-lane side, is formed as the diagonal cutoff line CL2. The elbow point E, which is the intersection of the two, is located approximately 0.5 to 0.6° below HV.

[0067] This low-beam light distribution pattern PL is formed as a composite light distribution pattern of a light distribution pattern P1 formed by the light emitted from the luminaire unit 20 and a light distribution pattern P2 formed by the light emitted from the luminaire unit 40.

[0068] The light distribution pattern P1 is a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that spreads horizontally from the VV line, and its upper edge forms the horizontal cutoff line CL1 of the low beam light distribution pattern PL. This light distribution pattern P1 is formed as a composite light distribution pattern of light distribution pattern P1A formed by the light emitted from the direct light control unit 24A and light distribution pattern P1B formed by the light emitted from the total reflection control unit 24B, and the horizontal cutoff line CL1 is formed by the upper edge of light distribution pattern P1A.

[0069] The reason why the light distribution patterns P1A and P1B are formed as horizontally elongated light distribution patterns that spread in the left-right direction is that multiple diffusion lens elements 24As and 24Bs extending in the vertical direction are formed in the emission regions 24Aa and 24Ba of the direct light control unit 24A and the total reflection control unit 24B. In this case, the reason why the light distribution pattern P1A is formed with a smaller left-right diffusion angle than the light distribution pattern P1B is that each diffusion lens element 24As is formed to emit the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 at a smaller diffusion angle than each diffusion lens element 24Bs.

[0070] The light distribution pattern P2 is a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that spreads diagonally at a 15° clockwise angle with respect to the horizontal direction, centered on the VV line, and its upper edge forms the diagonal cutoff line CL2 of the low beam light distribution pattern PL. This light distribution pattern P2 is formed as a composite light distribution pattern of the light distribution pattern P2A formed by the light emitted from the direct light control unit 44A and the light distribution pattern P2B formed by the light emitted from the total reflection control unit 44B, and the diagonal cutoff line CL2 is formed by the upper edge of the light distribution pattern P2A.

[0071] The reason why the light distribution patterns P2A and P2B are formed as horizontally elongated light distribution patterns that spread in the diagonal direction is that multiple diffusion lens elements 44As and 44Bs extending in a direction perpendicular to the diagonal direction are formed in the emission regions 44Aa and 44Ba of the direct light control unit 44A and the total reflection control unit 44B. In this case, the reason why the light distribution pattern P2A is formed with a smaller left-right diffusion angle than the light distribution pattern P2B is that each diffusion lens element 44As is formed to emit the light emitted from the light-emitting element 42 at a smaller diffusion angle than each diffusion lens element 44Bs.

[0072] As shown in Figure 6(a), in the low beam light distribution pattern PL, an OHS illumination light distribution pattern P1C is formed in the space above the cutoff lines CL1 and CL2, together with the light distribution patterns P1 and P2, for illuminating the overhead sign OHS installed above the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0073] The OHS irradiation light distribution pattern P1C is formed by light deflected upward from an upward deflection section 24Ca formed in the lower end region of the emission area 24Aa of the direct light control unit 24A. This OHS irradiation light distribution pattern P1C is formed as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that spreads horizontally from the VV line centered on the upper side of the HH line.

[0074] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 2, if an upward deflection portion 24Ca were not formed in the lower end region of the emission region 24Aa, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 that reaches the lower end region of the emission region 24Aa would be emitted downward toward the front of the lamp, and a portion of it would reach the inner surface 24Bc of the total reflection control unit 24B. Of the light that reaches this inner surface 24Bc, a portion is surface-reflected by the inner surface 24Bc and emitted upward toward the front of the lamp, while the remainder is re-incident from the inner surface 24Bc to the total reflection control unit 24B, and then emitted considerably downward toward the front of the lamp from its emission region 24Ab.

[0075] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the process by which the light distribution pattern P1A and the OHS irradiation light distribution pattern P1C are established.

[0076] The light distribution pattern P1A shown in Figure 7(c) is a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern formed by extending the light distribution pattern P1Ao shown in Figure 7(b) to both the left and right sides.

[0077] The light distribution pattern P1Ao is the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the direct light control unit 24A in the light-transmitting member 24 shown in Figure 7(a), assuming that multiple diffusion lens elements 24As are not formed in the emission region 24Aa of the direct light control unit 24A.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7(b), the light distribution pattern P1Ao is formed as a light distribution pattern having a substantially square outer shape below the HH line passing horizontally through HV, and a clear light / dark boundary line Lao extending horizontally is formed at its upper edge. This is because the lower edge of the light-emitting surface 22a of the light-emitting element 22 extends horizontally near the upper part of the axis Ax, and the direct light control unit 24A of the light-transmitting member 24 is configured to direct the light emitted from the light-emitting center of the light-emitting element 22 as slightly downward parallel light on its rear surface 24Ab.

[0079] In practice, since multiple diffusion lens elements 24As are formed in the light-transmitting member 24's emission region 24Aa, the light distribution pattern P1A formed by the light emitted from the direct light control unit 24A is formed as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern as shown in Figure 7(c), and a clear light-dark boundary line La extending horizontally is formed at its upper edge, and this light-dark boundary line La forms the horizontal cutoff line CL1 of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL.

[0080] Furthermore, in each light distribution pattern P1Ao and P1A, the multiple curves formed within them indicate that the area enclosed by these curves is relatively brighter.

[0081] In the light-transmitting member 24 shown in Figure 7(a), if an upward deflection portion 24Ca is not formed in the lower end region of the emission region 24Aa of the direct light control unit 24A, then, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 7(b), stray light patterns Ps1 and Ps2 will be formed above and below the light distribution pattern P1Ao.

[0082] The upper stray light pattern Ps1 is formed by light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 that reaches the lower end region of the emission region 24Aa, which is emitted downward toward the front of the luminaire and reaches the inner surface 24Bc of the total reflection control unit 24B. After surface reflection from this inner surface 24Bc, the light is emitted upward toward the front of the luminaire and is formed in a state that partially overlaps with the light distribution pattern P1Ao, straddling the HH line vertically.

[0083] The downward stray light pattern Ps2 is formed by light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 that reaches the lower end region of the emission region 24Aa, which is emitted downward toward the front of the luminaire and reaches the inner surface 24Bc of the total reflection control unit 24B. After being re-incident to the total reflection control unit 24Bc from this inner surface 24Bc, the light is emitted downward toward the front of the luminaire from the emission region 24Ab, and is formed below the light distribution pattern P1Ao.

[0084] In reality, as shown by the solid line in Figure 2, an upward deflection section 24Ca is formed in the lower end region of the emission area 24Aa. This upward deflection section 24Ca is configured with multiple diffusion lens elements 24Cs. Therefore, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 that reaches this upward deflection section 24Ca is emitted as upward light that diffuses horizontally toward the front of the lamp. This forms a horizontally elongated OHS irradiation light distribution pattern P1C that spreads horizontally from the VV line to the upper side of the HH line.

[0085] Furthermore, because the upward deflection portion 24Ca is formed in the lower end region of the emission region 24Aa, the light emitted from the lower end region of the emission region 24Aa does not reach the inner surface 24Bc of the total reflection control unit 24B, thereby preventing the formation of stray light patterns Ps1 and Ps2.

[0086] The high-beam light distribution pattern PH shown in Figure 6(b) is formed by adding the light distribution pattern P3 to the low-beam light distribution pattern PL.

[0087] The light distribution pattern P3 is formed by the light emitted from the luminaire unit 60, and is formed as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern that spreads horizontally from the VV line. This light distribution pattern P3 is formed as a composite light distribution pattern of light distribution pattern P3A formed by the light emitted from the direct light control unit 64A and light distribution pattern P3B formed by the light emitted from the total reflection control unit 64B, in which case light distribution pattern P3A is formed with a smaller horizontal diffusion angle than light distribution pattern P3B.

[0088] This light distribution pattern P3 is a light distribution pattern that has a slightly smaller left-right diffusion angle than light distribution pattern P1, and is formed in a state that partially overlaps with light distribution patterns P1 and P2, spreading evenly on both the upper and lower sides of the HH line.

[0089] Furthermore, by forming this high-beam light distribution pattern PH, sufficient long-distance visibility of the road ahead of the vehicle is ensured.

[0090] Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be described.

[0091] In this embodiment, the vehicle lamp 10 is configured to form a low-beam light distribution pattern PL by irradiating the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 22 and 42 in the two lamp units 20 and 40 toward the front of the lamp through the light-transmitting members 24 and 44. Since the light-transmitting members 24 and 44 are equipped with direct light control units 24A and 44A and total reflection control units 24B and 44B located around them, it is possible to emit a large portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 22 and 42 toward the front of the lamp through the light-transmitting members 24 and 44, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the light source luminous flux.

[0092] In this case, the light-transmitting member 24 of the luminaire unit 20 has an upward deflection portion 24Ca formed in the lower end region of the emission region 24Aa (i.e., the front) of the direct light control unit 24A, which deflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 that is incident on the direct light control unit 24A upward toward the front of the luminaire, thereby providing the following effects.

[0093] In other words, even though the direct light control unit 24A and the total reflection control unit 24B are positioned such that the light emitted from the direct light control unit 24A reaches the inner surface 24Bc of the total reflection control unit 24B, the upward deflection portion 24Ca deflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 upward toward the front of the lamp, thereby preventing the light emitted from the direct light control unit 24A from reaching the inner surface 24Bc of the total reflection control unit 24B. This prevents a portion of the light emitted from the direct light control unit 24A from being directed forward as uncontrolled upward light toward the front of the lamp due to surface reflection at the inner surface 24Bc of the total reflection control unit 24B.

[0094] In this case, the light deflected upward from the upward deflection section 24Ca toward the front of the lamp becomes controlled light, so it can be directed in a direction that does not cause glare to oncoming drivers, etc.

[0095] As described above, in this embodiment, in a lamp unit 20 equipped with a light-emitting element 22 and a light-transmitting member 24, by irradiating the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 toward the front of the lamp through the light-transmitting member 24, a light distribution pattern P1A having a light / dark boundary line La at the upper end is formed as shown in Figure 7(c), and glare can be effectively suppressed for oncoming vehicle drivers, etc.

[0096] In this embodiment, the light emitted from the upward deflection section 24Ca forms an OHS illumination light distribution pattern P1C for illuminating the overhead marker OHS installed above the road surface in front of the vehicle, as shown in Figure 6(a). Therefore, the light emitted from the upward deflection section 24Ca can be effectively utilized.

[0097] Furthermore, in the light-transmitting member 24 of this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 24Bc of the total reflection control unit 24B is formed in a position that overlaps with the incident surface 24Bb1 into which the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 is incident in the total reflection control unit 24B when viewed from the front of the luminaire. As a result, more of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 that is incident on the total reflection control unit 24B can be emitted from the emission region 24Aa of the total reflection control unit 24B towards the front of the luminaire, thereby increasing the efficiency of the luminaire. On the other hand, if such a configuration is adopted, the light emitted from the emission region 24Aa of the direct light control unit 24A is more likely to be surface-reflected by the inner circumferential surface 24Bc of the total reflection control unit 24B. Therefore, it is particularly effective to form an upward deflection portion 24Ca in the lower end region of the total reflection control unit 24B.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upward deflection portion 24Ca of the light-transmitting member 24 is configured to diffuse the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 in the left-right direction toward the front of the lamp, making it even easier to prevent the light emitted from the upward deflection portion 24Ca from causing glare. Moreover, this allows the OHS illumination light distribution pattern P1C formed by the light emitted from the upward deflection portion 24Ca to be formed as a light distribution pattern extending in the left-right direction, thereby enabling efficient illumination of the overhead marker OHS.

[0099] Furthermore, since the light-emitting element 22 of the luminaire unit 20 is positioned such that the lower edge of its light-emitting surface 22a extends horizontally, it is easy to form a light distribution pattern P1A having a light / dark boundary line La at its upper end, thereby clearly forming the horizontal cutoff line CL1 of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. In addition, the light distribution pattern P1C for OHS irradiation can also have a sufficient light / dark ratio at its lower edge.

[0100] In the above embodiment, it was described that the inner circumferential surface 24Bc and the incident surface 24Bb1 of the total reflection control unit 24B are arranged to overlap substantially completely, but it is also possible to have a configuration in which they partially overlap.

[0101] In the above embodiment, each diffusion lens element 24As, 24Bs, and 24Cs was described as being formed in the shape of a convex cylindrical lens, but it is also possible to adopt other configurations (for example, a configuration formed in the shape of a concave cylindrical lens).

[0102] In the above embodiment, the total reflection surface 24Bb of the total reflection control unit 24B in the light-transmitting member 24 was described as being composed of a curved surface, but it is also possible to make it composed of other curved surfaces or multiple planes.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the light-emitting surface 24a of the light-transmitting member 24 was described as being divided into concentric circles when viewed from the front of the lamp, but it is also possible to divide it into other shapes (for example, elliptical or rectangular).

[0104] The same applies to the lighting units 40 and 60 as well.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it was explained that the light-transmitting member 24 of the lamp unit 20 has an upward deflection portion 24Ca formed in the lower end region of the emission region 24Aa of the direct light control unit 24A. However, it is also possible to configure the light-transmitting member 44 of the lamp unit 40 to have an upward deflection portion similar to the upward deflection portion 24Ca of the light-transmitting member 24 formed in the lower end region of the emission region 44Aa of the direct light control unit 44A. By adopting such a configuration, the glare suppression effect on oncoming vehicle drivers and the like can be enhanced.

[0106] Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0107] First, a first modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0108] Figure 8 is a diagram similar to Figure 1, showing a vehicle lighting fixture 110 according to this modified example.

[0109] As shown in Figure 8, the basic configuration of this modified example is the same as in the above embodiment, but the configuration of the light-transmitting member 124 of the luminaire unit 120 is slightly different from that of the above embodiment.

[0110] In other words, the light-transmitting member 124 of this modified example also includes a direct light control unit 124A and a total reflection control unit 124B. The configuration of the rear surface 124Ab of the direct light control unit 124A and the rear surface 124Bb of the total reflection control unit 124Bb are the same as in the above embodiment. The emission surface 124a of the light-transmitting member 124 is composed of emission regions 124Aa and 124Ba, similar to the above embodiment. However, the configuration of the upward deflection portion 124Ca formed in the lower end region of the emission region 124Aa is slightly different from that of the above embodiment.

[0111] Specifically, in this modified example as well, the upward deflection section 124Ca has a configuration in which a plurality of diffusion lens elements 124Cs are formed on an inclined surface that is tilted forward with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the lamp, and the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 that reaches this upward deflection section 124Ca is emitted as upward light that diffuses horizontally toward the front of the lamp. However, this differs from the above embodiment in that the upper edge of this upward deflection section 124Ca is formed to extend in a concave curve shape when viewed from the front of the lamp.

[0112] Even when this modified configuration is adopted, the upward deflection unit 124Ca deflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 upward toward the front of the lamp, thereby preventing the light emitted from the direct light control unit 124A from reaching the inner surface 124Bc of the total reflection control unit 124B. This prevents a portion of the light emitted from the direct light control unit 124A from being directed forward as uncontrolled upward light toward the front of the lamp due to surface reflection at the inner surface 124Bc of the total reflection control unit 124B.

[0113] In this case, the light deflected upward from the upward deflection section 124Ca toward the front of the lamp becomes controlled light, so it can be directed in a direction that does not cause glare to oncoming drivers, etc.

[0114] Furthermore, in this modified example, the upper edge of the upward deflection portion 124Ca is formed to extend in a concave curve when viewed from the front of the lamp, making it possible to efficiently remove only the light that causes glare to oncoming drivers, etc. Therefore, it is possible to form a light distribution pattern that is brighter than the light distribution pattern P1A shown in Figure 7(c) by the light emitted from the direct light control unit 124A.

[0115] Next, a second modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0116] Figure 9 is a diagram similar to Figure 2, showing a vehicle lighting fixture 210 according to this modified example.

[0117] As shown in Figure 9, the vehicle lighting fixture 210 according to this modified example has the same basic configuration as the embodiment described above, but the configuration of the light-transmitting member 224 of the lighting unit 220 differs in part from that of the embodiment described above.

[0118] In other words, the light-transmitting member 224 of this modified example also includes a direct light control unit 224A and a total reflection control unit 224B. The configuration of the rear surface 224Ab of the direct light control unit 224A and the rear surface 224Bb of the total reflection control unit 224Bb are the same as in the above embodiment. The emission surface 224a of the light-transmitting member 224 is composed of emission regions 224Aa and 224Ba, similar to the above embodiment. However, the configuration of the upward deflection portion 224Ca formed in the lower end region of the emission region 224Aa is slightly different from that of the above embodiment.

[0119] Specifically, in this modified example, the upward deflection section 224Ca has a configuration in which a plurality of diffusion lens elements 224Cs are formed on an inclined surface that is tilted forward with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the lamp. The light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 that reaches this upward deflection section 224Ca is emitted as upward light that diffuses horizontally toward the front of the lamp. However, this modification differs from the above embodiment in that the forward tilt angle of the upward deflection section 224Ca is set to a larger value than in the above embodiment, and the upward deflection section 224Ca has a convex curved vertical cross-sectional shape.

[0120] Even when this modified configuration is adopted, the upward deflection unit 224Ca deflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 upward toward the front of the lamp, thereby preventing the light emitted from the direct light control unit 224A from reaching the inner surface 224Bc of the total reflection control unit 224B. This prevents a portion of the light emitted from the direct light control unit 224A from being directed forward as uncontrolled upward light toward the front of the lamp due to surface reflection at the inner surface 224Bc of the total reflection control unit 224B.

[0121] Furthermore, in this modified example, the forward tilt angle of the upward deflection portion 224Ca is set to a larger value than in the above embodiment, and the upward deflection portion 224Ca has a convex curved vertical cross-sectional shape. Therefore, the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the upward deflection portion 224Ca can be formed as a light distribution pattern that spreads much further upward than the light distribution pattern P1C shown in Figure 7(c), thereby effectively suppressing the generation of glare light.

[0122] It should be noted that the numerical values ​​shown as specifications in the above embodiments and their modified forms are merely examples, and these may be set to different values ​​as appropriate.

[0123] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiments and their modifications, and various other modified configurations can be adopted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0124] 10, 110, 210 Vehicle lighting fixtures 12 Lamp Body 14 Translucent cover 20, 40, 60, 120, 220 lighting units 22, 42, 62 light-emitting elements 22a, 42a, 62a Light-emitting surface 24, 44, 64, 124, 224 light-transmitting members 24A, 44A, 64A, 124A, 224A Direct Light Control Unit 24a, 44a, 64a, 124a, 224a Output surface 24Aa, 24Ba, 44Aa, 44Ba, 64Aa, 64Ba, 124Aa, 124Ba, 224Aa, 224Ba Output area 24Ab, 24Bb, 44Ab, 44Bb, 64Ab, 64Bb, 124Ab, 124Bb, 224Ab, 224Bb Posterior 24As, 24Bs, 24Cs, 44As, 44Bs, 64As, 64Bs, 124Cs, 224Cs Diffusion lens elements 24B, 44B, 64B, 124B, 224B Total Reflection Control Unit 24Bb1 Incidence plane 24Bb2 Total reflection surface 24Bc, 124Bc, 224Bc Inner surface 24Ca, 124Ca, 224Ca upward deflection part 26, 46 circuit boards Ax axis CL1 Horizontal Cutoff Line CL2 Diagonal Cut Offline E Elbow point La, Laо Light and dark boundary line OHS overhead sign PH High Beam Light Distribution Pattern PL low beam light distribution pattern Ps1, Ps2 stray light patterns P1, P1A, P1Ao, P1B, P2, P2A, P2B, P3, P3A, P3B Light distribution patterns P1C OHS Irradiation Light Distribution Pattern

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp comprising a light-emitting element and a light-transmitting member, configured to form a light distribution pattern having a cutoff line at the upper end by irradiating the light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the front of the lamp through the light-transmitting member, The light-transmitting member comprises a direct light control unit that directs the light emitted from the light-emitting element towards the front of the lamp after it has been incident on it, and a total reflection control unit that directs the light emitted from the light-emitting element towards the front of the lamp after it has been incident on it around the direct light control unit and has been subjected to total internal reflection. The above total reflection control unit has an inner circumferential surface that extends cylindrically from the front of the direct light control unit toward the front of the lamp, An upward deflection section is formed in the lower end region of the front surface of the direct light control unit, which deflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element that enters the direct light control unit upward toward the front of the lamp. The above-mentioned upward deflection section is configured to diffuse and emit light from the above-mentioned light-emitting element in the left-right direction toward the front of the lamp, and is a vehicle lamp characterized by this configuration.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner circumferential surface is formed in a position that overlaps with the incident surface into which the light emitted from the light-emitting element is incident in the total reflection control unit when viewed from the front of the lamp.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper edge of the upward deflection portion is formed to extend in a concave curve shape when viewed from the front of the lamp.

4. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the light-emitting element is arranged such that the lower edge of the light-emitting surface extends horizontally.

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