Lenses for vehicle lighting fixtures, and vehicle lighting fixtures
The vehicle lamp lens addresses the challenge of unclear illuminated and non-illuminated area boundaries by optimizing lens configurations to ensure clear definition and improved visibility for both distant and nearby mask targets, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STANLEY ELECTRIC CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-08-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle lamps struggle to clearly define the boundary between illuminated and non-illuminated areas for both distant and nearby mask targets, such as preceding and oncoming vehicles, leading to potential visibility issues and increased risk of accidents.
A vehicle lamp lens that projects a light distribution image with clearly defined non-illuminated areas for both distant and nearby mask targets by using a configuration of lenses to project these areas at specific distances and angles, ensuring equal clarity of boundary lines through optimized G-values.
Enhances visibility by clearly defining illuminated and non-illuminated areas for both distant and nearby targets, reducing the risk of accidents by ensuring early detection of pedestrians and other vehicles, and improving light utilization efficiency.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lens for a vehicle lamp and a vehicle lamp, and particularly, not only to the boundary line between light and darkness of a non-irradiation area that masks a mask target (for example, a preceding vehicle) existing at a long distance near the intersection of the horizontal line and the vertical line, but also to the boundary line between light and darkness of a non-irradiation area that masks a mask target (for example, an oncoming vehicle) existing at a short distance away from the intersection of the horizontal line and the vertical line to the side (the boundary line between the non-irradiation area and the irradiation area). The present disclosure relates to a lens for a vehicle lamp and a vehicle lamp that can make the boundary line clear.
Background Art
[0002] In the field of vehicle lamps, there is known a light distribution variable type vehicle lamp that can detect the position (for example, right angle and left angle) of a mask target (for example, a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle), set a non-irradiation area that does not irradiate the mask target portion based on the detected position of the mask target, and form a light distribution pattern including the set non-irradiation area and an irradiation area that irradiates other areas in the high beam area (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] As a result of intensive studies, the present inventor has found that in the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, the boundary line between light and darkness of the non-irradiation area that masks a mask target (for example, a preceding vehicle) existing at a long distance near the intersection of the horizontal line and the vertical line (the boundary line between the non-irradiation area and the irradiation area) becomes clear, while the boundary line between light and darkness of the non-irradiation area that masks a mask target (for example, an oncoming vehicle) existing at a short distance away from the intersection of the horizontal line and the vertical line to the side becomes unclear.
[0005] This disclosure is made to solve these problems and aims to provide a lens for a vehicle lamp and a vehicle lamp that can clarify not only the light and dark boundary of the unilluminated area that masks objects located at a distance near the intersection of the horizontal line and the vertical line (e.g., a preceding vehicle), but also the light and dark boundary of the unilluminated area that masks objects located at a short distance to the side from the intersection of the horizontal line and the vertical line (e.g., an oncoming vehicle) (the light and dark boundary between the unilluminated area and the illuminated area). [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The lens for a vehicle light fixture according to this disclosure is a lens for a vehicle light fixture that projects a light distribution image including a non-illuminated area that does not illuminate an object to be masked and an illuminated area that illuminates the other areas, wherein the lens is configured to clearly project a first non-illuminated area that masks an object to be masked located at a long distance near the intersection of a horizontal line and a vertical line of the light distribution image at a first location at a first distance away in the optical axis direction of the vehicle light fixture lens, and to clearly project a second non-illuminated area that masks an object to be masked located at a short distance laterally from the intersection of a horizontal line and a vertical line of the light distribution image at a second location at a second distance shorter than the first distance, in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis of the vehicle light fixture lens.
[0007] This configuration makes it possible to clearly define not only the light-dark boundary of the unilluminated area that masks objects located at a distance near the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines (e.g., a preceding vehicle), but also the light-dark boundary of the unilluminated area that masks objects located at a short distance to the side from the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines (e.g., an oncoming vehicle) (the light-dark boundary between the unilluminated and illuminated areas).
[0008] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned lens for vehicle lighting, the clarity of the light-dark boundary line between the non-illuminated area and the illuminated area projected at the first location and the clarity of the light-dark boundary line between the non-illuminated area and the illuminated area projected at the second location may be approximately equal.
[0009] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned lens for vehicle lighting, the clarity may be the G value.
[0010] Another vehicle lighting lens according to the present disclosure is a vehicle lighting lens that projects a light distribution image including a non-illuminated area that does not illuminate an object to be masked and an illuminated area that illuminates the other areas, wherein the G value of the light-dark boundary line between the non-illuminated area and the illuminated area, projected at a long distance of a first distance from the vehicle lighting lens, decreases as the horizontal angle with respect to the optical axis of the vehicle lighting lens increases, and the G value of the light-dark boundary line between the non-illuminated area and the illuminated area, projected at a short distance of a second distance shorter than the first distance from the vehicle lighting lens, peaks when the horizontal angle with respect to the optical axis of the vehicle lighting lens is a predetermined angle, and decreases as the horizontal angle with respect to the optical axis of the vehicle lighting lens increases beyond the predetermined angle.
[0011] This configuration makes it possible to clearly define not only the light-dark boundary of the unilluminated area that masks objects located at a distance near the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines (e.g., a preceding vehicle), but also the light-dark boundary of the unilluminated area that masks objects located at a short distance to the side from the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines (e.g., an oncoming vehicle) (the light-dark boundary between the unilluminated and illuminated areas).
[0012] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned lens for vehicle lighting, the maximum value of the G-value of the light-dark boundary line between the un-illuminated area and the illuminated area, projected at a long distance of the first distance from the lens for vehicle lighting, and the maximum value of the G-value of the light-dark boundary line between the un-illuminated area and the illuminated area, projected at a short distance of the second distance from the lens for vehicle lighting, may be approximately equal.
[0013] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned lens for vehicle lighting, the lens for vehicle lighting may be composed of one or more lenses.
[0014] The vehicle lighting device according to this disclosure comprises a lens for a vehicle lighting device as described above, and a light distribution image forming means for forming the light distribution image on the image plane of the lens for the vehicle lighting device.
[0015] This configuration makes it possible to clearly define not only the light-dark boundary of the unilluminated area that masks objects located at a distance near the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines (e.g., a preceding vehicle), but also the light-dark boundary of the unilluminated area that masks objects located at a short distance to the side from the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines (e.g., an oncoming vehicle) (the light-dark boundary between the unilluminated and illuminated areas). [Effects of the Invention]
[0016] This disclosure provides a lens for a vehicle light fixture and a vehicle light fixture that can clarify not only the light-dark boundary line of the unilluminated area that masks objects located at a distance near the intersection of the horizontal line and the vertical line (e.g., a preceding vehicle), but also the light-dark boundary line of the unilluminated area that masks objects located at a short distance laterally from the intersection of the horizontal line and the vertical line (e.g., an oncoming vehicle) (the light-dark boundary line between the unilluminated area and the illuminated area). [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0017] [Figure 1] This is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the projection lens 10. [Figure 2] This is an example of a light distribution image projected by the projection lens 10. [Figure 3] This graph (simulation result) shows the relationship between the G value (clarity) of the light-dark boundary projected by the projection lens 10 and the left-right angle. [Figure 4] This graph (simulation result) shows the relationship between the G value (clarity) of the light-dark boundary projected by the comparative projection lens and the left-right angle. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates how the area indicated by the symbol W, where pedestrians are present, appears unclear (blurred). [Figure 6](a) Graph (simulation result) showing the relationship between the left - right angle (lateral angle) and the vehicle - oncoming vehicle travel direction Y distance, (b) Schematic diagram showing the situation of Fig. 6(a).
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0018] Hereinafter, the projection lens 10 which is an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described while referring to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are assigned to corresponding components in each figure, and redundant explanations are omitted.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a horizontal cross - sectional view of the projection lens 10. FIG. 2 is an example of a light distribution image projected by the projection lens 10.
[0020] The projection lens 10 is a lens for a vehicle lamp that projects a light distribution image including a non - irradiation region (for example, refer to the non - irradiation regions A1, A2 in FIG. 2) that does not irradiate the mask target object and an irradiation region (for example, refer to the irradiation region A3 in FIG. 2) that irradiates the other regions. The light distribution image can also be called a light source.
[0021] The projection lens 10 clearly projects a first non - irradiation region A1 (including the light - dark boundary lines E1, E2 between the first non - irradiation region A1 and the irradiation region A3; refer to FIG. 2) that masks a mask target object (for example, a preceding vehicle) existing at a long distance near at least the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V in the light distribution image to a first location at a first distance (for example, 200 m ahead or infinity) away in the direction of the optical axis AX of the projection lens 10, and clearly projects a second non - irradiation region A2 (including the light - dark boundary lines E3, E4 between the second non - irradiation region A2 and the irradiation region A3; refer to FIG. 2) that masks a mask target object (for example, an oncoming vehicle) existing at a short distance away from the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V to the side in the light distribution image to a second location at a second distance (for example, 25 m) shorter than the first distance in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle (for example, 5 degrees) with respect to the optical axis AX of the projection lens 10.
[0022] Hereinafter, the projection lens 10 will be described in detail.
[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the projection lens 10 is composed of three lenses L1, L2, and L3 to correct aberrations (such as field curvature). The configuration of the three lenses L1, L2, and L3 will be described later. Note that the projection lens 10 is not limited to three lenses; it may be composed of one, two, or four or more lenses.
[0024] The projection lens 10 projects a light distribution image formed on the image plane 20 (a flat surface) from which aberrations (such as field curvature) have been corrected. The light distribution image includes non-illuminated areas that do not illuminate the object to be masked (e.g., oncoming vehicles, preceding vehicles) (see, for example, non-illuminated areas A1 and A2 in Figure 2) and illuminated areas that illuminate the other areas (see, for example, illuminated area A3 in Figure 2).
[0025] The light distribution image may be formed on a wavelength conversion member (yellow phosphor plate) by excitation light (e.g., laser light) scanned in two dimensions by a MEMS (MEMS mirror) (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-140936), by a matrix light source including a group of semiconductor light-emitting elements arranged in a matrix (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-191270), by an LCD (liquid crystal display) (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. Hei 1-244934 and 2005-183327), or by a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2016-34785 and 2004-210125). The above are examples of the light distribution image forming means of this disclosure.
[0026] Although not shown in the diagram, the light distribution image is composed of multiple pixels arranged in a grid pattern in the vertical and horizontal directions (for example, 640 pixels vertically x 360 pixels horizontally).
[0027] The light distribution image includes non-illuminated areas (see, for example, non-illuminated areas A1 and A2 in Figure 2) that do not illuminate the object to be masked (e.g., oncoming vehicle, preceding vehicle) and illuminated areas (see, for example, illuminated area A3 in Figure 2) that illuminate the other areas. The non-illuminated areas are, as in Patent Document 1 above, non-illuminated areas (areas that are turned off or dimmed) that do not illuminate the part to be masked, which is set based on the position (e.g., right angle and left angle) of the object to be masked (e.g., preceding vehicle, oncoming vehicle).
[0028] Light emitted from each pixel of the light distribution image and transmitted through the projection lens 10 is projected in an angular direction (angular range) corresponding to the position of each pixel with respect to the optical axis AX of the projection lens 10 (extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; see Figure 1).
[0029] For example, light Ray1 (see Figure 1) that originates from the reference position of the light distribution image (e.g., the center position of the light distribution image) and passes through the projection lens 10 is directed in a direction parallel to the optical axis AX (the direction with a left-right angle of 0 degrees) and heads toward the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V. Similarly, light Ray2 (see Figure 1) that originates from a pixel shifted 5 degrees to the left (left when facing the front of the vehicle) from the reference position and passes through the projection lens 10 is directed in a direction 5 degrees to the right of the optical axis AX. Although not shown, similarly, light that originates from a pixel shifted 5 degrees to the right (right when facing the front of the vehicle) from the reference position and passes through the projection lens 10 is directed in a direction 5 degrees to the left of the optical axis AX. Although not shown, the same applies to light that originates from other pixels of the light distribution image and passes through the projection lens 10, and is directed in an angle direction corresponding to each pixel position.
[0030] In Figure 2, the symbols A1 and A2 represent unilluminated areas. Hereafter, these will be referred to as the first unilluminated area A1 and the second unilluminated area A2. In Figure 2, the rectangle B(s) correspond to each pixel that makes up the light distribution image.
[0031] In Figure 2, the first unilluminated area A1 represents an unilluminated area that masks an object to be masked (in this case, a preceding vehicle) located at a distance near the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V. On the other hand, the second unilluminated area A2 represents an unilluminated area that masks an object to be masked (for example, an oncoming vehicle) located at a short distance to the side from the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V. Also, the symbols E1 and E2 in Figure 2 represent the light / dark boundary line, which is the boundary line between the first unilluminated area A1 and the illuminated area A3. Hereafter, these will be referred to as the light / dark boundary line E1 and E2. On the other hand, the symbols E3 and E4 in Figure 2 represent the light / dark boundary line, which is the boundary line between the second unilluminated area A2 and the illuminated area A3. Hereafter, these will be referred to as the light / dark boundary line E3 and E4.
[0032] Here, the projection lens 10 is configured to clearly project a first non-illuminated area A1 (including light / dark boundary lines E1 and E2 between the first non-illuminated area A1 and the illuminated area A3; see Figure 2) that masks objects to be masked that are at a distance near the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V in the light distribution image (e.g., a preceding vehicle) at a first location at a first distance (e.g., 200m forward or infinity) in the direction of the optical axis AX of the projection lens 10, and to clearly project a second non-illuminated area A2 (including light / dark boundary lines E3 and E4 between the second non-illuminated area A2 and the illuminated area A3; see Figure 2) that masks objects to be masked that are at a short distance to the side of the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V in the light distribution image (e.g., an oncoming vehicle) at a second location at a second distance (e.g., 25m) shorter than the first distance, in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle (e.g., 5 degrees) with respect to the optical axis AX of the projection lens 10.
[0033] Therefore, the first unirradiated region A1 (including the light-dark boundary lines E1 and E2) and the second unirradiated region A2 (including the light-dark boundary lines E3 and E4) become clearly defined. This point will be explained with reference to Figure 3.
[0034] Figure 3 is a graph (simulation result) showing the relationship between the G value (clarity) of the light-dark boundary projected by the projection lens 10 and the left-right angle. In Figure 3, the symbols P1 and P2 represent pedestrians.
[0035] In Figure 3, the vertical axis represents the maximum G value, while the horizontal axis represents the left-right angle with respect to the optical axis AX. In Figure 3, the solid line "10m" represents the maximum G value of the light-dark boundary projected 10m away in each left-right angular direction. Similarly, in Figure 3, the small dotted line "25m" represents the maximum G value of the light-dark boundary projected 25m away in each left-right angular direction. Similarly, in Figure 3, the large dotted line "200m" represents the maximum G value of the light-dark boundary projected 200m away in each left-right angular direction.
[0036] The G-value is an indicator of the clarity of the boundary between light and dark areas. A higher G-value indicates greater clarity (i.e., greater clarity). The G-value is calculated using the following formula, where E β This represents the luminosity (cd) at angle β (see Figure 2).
[0037]
number
[0038] Thus, the projection lens 10 is configured such that the G values of the light-dark boundary lines E1 and E2 between the first unilluminated area A1 and the illuminated area A3, which are projected at a long distance (e.g., 200 m) away from the projection lens 10, decrease as the left-right angle of the projection lens 10 with respect to the optical axis AX (an example of the horizontal angle in this disclosure) increases (see Figure 3). Furthermore, the projection lens 10 is configured such that the G values of the light-dark boundary lines E3 and E4 between the second unilluminated area A2 and the illuminated area A3, which are projected at a short distance (e.g., 25 m) away from the projection lens 10, peak when the left-right angle of the projection lens 10 with respect to the optical axis AX (an example of the horizontal angle in this disclosure) is a predetermined angle (e.g., 5 degrees), and decrease as the left-right angle of the projection lens with respect to the optical axis AX (an example of the horizontal angle in this disclosure) increases beyond the predetermined angle (e.g., 5 degrees) (see Figure 3).
[0039] Next, we will explain an example configuration (simulation result) of a projection lens 10 (three lenses L1, L2, L3; see Figure 1) that can clearly project the unilluminated areas A1 and A2 (light-dark boundary E1 to E4) as described above.
[0040] Lens L3 is a converging lens (meniscus lens). The ratio of the thickness to the width of lens L3 is greater than 0.5. Lens L3 is a solid of revolution around the optical axis AX. As shown in Figure 1, lens L3 includes an incident surface 6 and an exit surface 5. The incident surface 6 is a concave sphere, and the exit surface 5 is a convex sphere (a hemispherical light-emitting and refraction surface). The radius of curvature of the exit surface 5 is more than twice the thickness of lens L3.
[0041] Lens L2 is a converging lens (biconvex lens). The ratio of the thickness to the width of lens L2 is greater than 0.5. Lens L2 is a solid of revolution around the optical axis AX. As shown in Figure 1, lens L2 includes an incident surface 4 and an exit surface 3. The incident surface 4 and the exit surface 3 are both convex spherical surfaces (aspherical refractive surfaces).
[0042] Lens L1 is a divergent lens (meniscus lens). The ratio of the thickness to the width of lens L1 is greater than 0.5. Lens L1 is a solid of revolution around the optical axis AX. As shown in Figure 1, lens L1 includes an incident surface 2 and an exit surface 1. The incident surface 2 is a concave sphere (aspherical refractive surface), and the exit surface 1 is a convex sphere (aspherical refractive surface).
[0043] Table 1 below shows an example of lens data for the projection lens 10 (three lenses L1, L2, and L3).
[0044] [Table 1] The following equation is an example of an aspherical coefficient.
number
[0045] [Table 2] Furthermore, the conditions for the projection lens 10 (three lenses L1, L2, L3) that can clearly project the non-illuminated areas A1 and A2 (brightness boundary E1 to E4) as described above vary depending on the number of lenses constituting the projection lens 10, the shape of the lens surface (incident surface, exit surface) of each lens, the lens thickness, arrangement, etc. Therefore, it is difficult to express the conditions for the projection lens 10 (three lenses L1, L2, L3) in specific numerical values.
[0046] However, by using a specific software (e.g., OpticStudio) to change (adjust) at least one of the conditions of the projection lens 10 (three lenses L1, L2, L3), and checking the G value each time a change is made, the conditions of the projection lens 10 (three lenses L1, L2, L3) can be found (optimization of the projection lens 10).
[0047] Next, we will explain the effect of the projection lens 10 in comparison with the comparative example.
[0048] Figure 4 is a graph (simulation result) showing the relationship between the G value (clarity) of the light-dark boundary projected by the comparative example's projection lens and the left-right angle.
[0049] In Figure 4, the vertical axis represents the maximum G value, while the horizontal axis represents the left-right angle with respect to the optical axis AX. In Figure 4, the solid line "10m" represents the maximum G value of the light-dark boundary projected 10m away in each left-right angular direction. Similarly, in Figure 4, the small dotted line "25m" represents the maximum G value of the light-dark boundary projected 25m away in each left-right angular direction. Similarly, in Figure 4, the large dotted line "200m" represents the maximum G value of the light-dark boundary projected 200m away in each left-right angular direction.
[0050] The comparative example projection lens is a conventional projection lens configured to clearly project a first non-illuminated area A1 (including light / dark boundary lines E1 and E2 between the first non-illuminated area A1 and the illuminated area A3; see Figure 2) at a first location at a first distance (e.g., 200m ahead or infinity) in the optical axis AX direction of the projection lens 10, which masks objects to be masked (e.g., a preceding vehicle) located at a long distance near the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V in the light distribution image. In other words, unlike the projection lens 10 of this embodiment, the comparative example is not configured to clearly project a second non-illuminated area A2 (including the light / dark boundary line E3, E4 between the second non-illuminated area A2 and the illuminated area A3; see Figure 2) that masks objects to be masked (e.g., oncoming vehicles) located at a short distance laterally from at least the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V in the light distribution image, at a second location at a second distance (e.g., 25 m) shorter than the first distance, in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle (e.g., 5 degrees) with respect to the optical axis AX of the projection lens 10.
[0051] Referring to Figure 4, it can be seen that for all three distances, "10m," "25m," and "200m," the maximum G value is highest when the left-right angle is 0 degrees, and decreases as the left-right angle increases beyond 0 degrees. This means that in Figure 2, the light-dark boundary lines E1 and E2 projected in the direction of a 0-degree left-right angle and "200m" forward (i.e., the light-dark boundary lines projected at a long distance near the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V) become clear, and the light-dark boundary lines E3 and E4 projected in the direction of a 5-degree left-right angle and "25m" forward (i.e., the light-dark boundary lines projected at a short distance to the side from the intersection of the horizontal line and the vertical line) become unclear (visually perceived as unclear).
[0052] Thus, when the light-dark boundary lines E3 and E4 (i.e., the light-dark boundary lines projected at a short distance laterally from the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines) become unclear (blurred), it becomes necessary to enlarge the unilluminated area to avoid causing glare to the masked object (e.g., a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle), which darkens the area near the masked object (e.g., a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle) and reduces visibility. As a result, for example, drivers may not notice pedestrians near the masked object (e.g., a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle), which can lead to accidents. Figure 5 shows an example where the area indicated by symbol W, where pedestrians are present, is unclear (blurred). In Figure 5, symbols P1 and P2 represent pedestrians.
[0053] In contrast, the projection lens 10 of this embodiment has the advantage that, in addition to the light and dark boundary lines E1 and E2 projected at a distance of "200m" in the direction with a left-right angle of 0 degrees (i.e., light and dark boundary lines projected at a long distance near the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V), the light and dark boundary lines E3 and E4 projected at a distance of "25m" in the direction with a left-right angle of 5 degrees (i.e., light and dark boundary lines projected at a short distance to the side from the intersection of the horizontal line and the vertical line) become clearer. As a result, the unilluminated area (e.g., first unilluminated area A1, second unilluminated area A2) can be made smaller, which has the advantage of improving the light utilization efficiency when projecting the unilluminated area (e.g., first unilluminated area A1, second unilluminated area A2). Furthermore, since pedestrians near the object to be masked (e.g., preceding vehicle, oncoming vehicle) can be brightly illuminated, early recognition of pedestrians near the object to be masked (e.g., preceding vehicle, oncoming vehicle) becomes possible, which has the advantage of contributing to accident reduction.
[0054] Figure 6(a) is a graph (simulation result) showing the relationship between the left-right angle (lateral angle) and the Y-distance in the direction of travel between the vehicle and the oncoming vehicle. Figure 6(b) is a schematic diagram showing the situation in Figure 6(a).
[0055] In Figure 6(a), the vertical axis represents the left-right angle (lateral angle), while the horizontal axis represents the Y-distance in the direction of travel between the vehicle and the oncoming vehicle. In Figure 6(b), the symbol V0 represents the vehicle itself, and the symbol V1 represents the oncoming vehicle. Hereafter, these will be referred to as vehicle V0 and oncoming vehicle V1. In Figure 6(b), the symbol L1 represents a straight line illuminated by a vehicle light (projection lens 10) mounted on the left front of vehicle V0 and passing through the right rear of oncoming vehicle V1, while the symbol L2 represents a straight line illuminated by a vehicle light (projection lens 10) mounted on the right front of vehicle V0 and passing through the right rear of oncoming vehicle V1.
[0056] In Figure 6(a), the solid line represents the relationship between L3 (Y distance in the direction of travel of the vehicle and the oncoming vehicle) and θ1 (lateral angle) in Figure 6(b). On the other hand, the dotted line represents the relationship between L3 (Y distance in the direction of travel of the vehicle and the oncoming vehicle) and θ2 (lateral angle) in Figure 6(b).
[0057] In this embodiment, when masking the oncoming vehicle V1 with both left and right vehicle lights, the range of the elliptical region C in Figure 6(a), that is, a direction with a left-right angle (lateral angle) of 5 degrees and "25m", is adopted so that the light-dark boundary line (for example, light-dark boundary lines E3, E4; see Figure 2) is clear. By adopting this range, the effect is expected to be smaller than the difference in mounting positions of both left and right vehicle lights (including the projection lens 10), and to be effective when compared over a wide area.
[0058] As described above, according to this embodiment, not only can the light and dark boundary lines of the unilluminated region (e.g., first unilluminated region A1) that mask objects located at a distance near the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V (e.g., a preceding vehicle) be made clear (e.g., light and dark boundary lines E1, E2 between the first unilluminated region A1 and the illuminated region A3; see Figure 2), but the light and dark boundary lines of the unilluminated region (e.g., second unilluminated region A2) that mask objects located at a short distance laterally from the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V (e.g., an oncoming vehicle) be made clear (e.g., light and dark boundary lines E3, E4 between the second unilluminated region A2 and the illuminated region A3; see Figure 2).
[0059] Next, I will explain some variations.
[0060] In the above embodiment, a projection lens 10 was described in which the maximum G value is maximized or maximum (0.67) when the left-right angle is 0 degrees at "200m", and the maximum G value is maximized (0.65) when the left-right angle is 5 degrees at "25m", but the invention is not limited to this embodiment.
[0061] In other words, "200m" and "25m" can be other values. Also, the left-right angle is not limited to 5 degrees, but can be other angles. Furthermore, the left-right angle is not limited to just 5 degrees, but can be multiple angles, for example, 5 degrees and 10 degrees. In this case, the multiple angles can be discrete or continuous.
[0062] The numerical values shown in each of the embodiments described above are all examples, and it goes without saying that other appropriate numerical values can be used.
[0063] The embodiments described above are in all respects merely illustrative. The descriptions of the embodiments above should not be construed as limiting the disclosure. The disclosure can be implemented in a variety of other ways without departing from its spirit or main features. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0064] 1… Exit surface 2…Incidence surface 3… Shooting surface 4...Incidence surface 5… Exit surface 6…Incidence plane 10…Projection lens 20...image plane A1, A2...non-irradiated area A3…irradiation area AX…Optical axis B...Rectangle C…Ellipse area E1~E4…Bright / dark boundary line L1~L3...Lens V0... My car V1...oncoming vehicle
Claims
1. A lens for a vehicle light fixture that projects a light distribution image including a non-illuminated area that does not illuminate the object to be masked and an illuminated area that illuminates the other areas, The light distribution image is configured to clearly project a first non-illuminated area that masks objects located at a distance near the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines onto a first location at a first distance away in the optical axis direction of the vehicle lamp lens, and to clearly project a second non-illuminated area that masks objects located at a short distance laterally from the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines onto a second location at a second distance shorter than the first distance, in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis of the vehicle lamp lens. A lens for a vehicle light fixture in which the clarity of the light-dark boundary between the first non-illuminated area and the illuminated area is approximately equal to the clarity of the light-dark boundary between the second non-illuminated area and the illuminated area.
2. The lens for a vehicle light fixture according to claim 1, wherein the clarity is the G value.
3. A lens for a vehicle light fixture that projects a light distribution image including a non-illuminated area that does not illuminate the object to be masked and an illuminated area that illuminates the other areas, The G value of the light-dark boundary line between the un-illuminated area and the illuminated area, projected at a distance of a first distance from the lens for the vehicle light fixture, decreases as the horizontal angle with respect to the optical axis of the lens for the vehicle light fixture increases. A vehicle lighting lens configured such that the G value of the light-dark boundary line between the un-illuminated area and the illuminated area, projected at a short distance shorter than the first distance from the vehicle lighting lens, peaks when the horizontal angle of the vehicle lighting lens with respect to the optical axis is a predetermined angle, and decreases as the horizontal angle of the vehicle lighting lens with respect to the optical axis increases beyond the predetermined angle.
4. The vehicle lighting lens according to claim 3, wherein the maximum value of the G-value of the light-dark boundary line between the un-illuminated area and the illuminated area, projected at a long distance at a first distance from the vehicle lighting lens, and the maximum value of the G-value of the light-dark boundary line between the un-illuminated area and the illuminated area, projected at a short distance at a second distance from the vehicle lighting lens, are approximately equal.
5. The vehicle lighting lens according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle lighting lens is composed of one or more lenses.
6. The vehicle lighting lens according to claim 3, wherein the vehicle lighting lens is composed of one or more lenses.
7. A lens for a vehicle light fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A vehicle lighting fixture comprising: a light distribution image forming means for forming the light distribution image on the image plane of the lens for the vehicle lighting fixture.