Vehicular lamp

The vehicle lighting device addresses glare issues by incorporating a dual optical system with a dimming component to adjust luminous intensity, enhancing visibility and reducing glare for oncoming vehicles.

WO2026070808A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-04-02STANLEY ELECTRIC CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-24
Publication Date
2026-04-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional vehicle lighting devices cause glare for oncoming vehicles due to high luminous intensity in certain areas of the high beam light distribution pattern, particularly when driving near oncoming vehicles.

Method used

A vehicle lighting device with a dual optical system comprising a base-low optical system and a dimming optical system, where the dimming optical system reduces luminous intensity in specific areas of the light distribution pattern using a dimming light source and reflective surface, positioned further rearward than the base-low light source, to form a dimming light distribution pattern near the rear focal plane of the projection lens.

Benefits of technology

The solution effectively reduces glare to oncoming vehicles by adjusting the luminous intensity of the light distribution pattern, ensuring good visibility for the vehicle's driver while minimizing glare, and maintaining consistent cut-off lines across different light distribution patterns.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Provided is a vehicular lamp capable of lowering the luminous intensity of part of a vehicular lamp light distribution pattern. This vehicular lamp comprises a projection lens (70) and forms a vehicular lamp light distribution pattern by projecting a luminous intensity distribution formed in the vicinity of a rear focal plane of the projection lens, the vehicular lamp comprising: a first optical system that forms a luminous intensity distribution corresponding to a first light distribution pattern, which is part of the vehicular lamp light distribution pattern, in the vicinity of the rear focal plane of the projection lens; and a second optical system that forms a luminous intensity distribution corresponding to a second light distribution pattern, which is another part of the vehicular lamp light distribution pattern, in the vicinity of the rear focal plane of the projection lens.
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Description

Vehicle lighting

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicle lighting equipment.

[0002] A vehicle lighting device has been proposed that turns off (or dims) a portion of the high beam light distribution pattern corresponding to an object to be masked in front of the vehicle (for example, an oncoming vehicle) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 131044

[0004] As shown in Figure 10, when a portion of the high beam light distribution pattern HB (NB) is turned off (or dimmed) (especially when driving on a right curve), the position of the eyes of the driver of the oncoming vehicle, which is the object being masked, is indicated by the symbol P. In the conventional vehicle lighting equipment described above, the luminous intensity at this position P is about 2500 to 3000 cd, which presents the problem of glare being generated for oncoming vehicles.

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve these problems and aims to provide a vehicle lighting device that can reduce the luminous intensity of a portion of the light distribution pattern for vehicle lighting devices (for example, a light distribution pattern for low beams).

[0006] The vehicle lamp according to this disclosure is a vehicle lamp that includes a projection lens and forms a light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp by projecting a light intensity distribution formed near the rear focal plane of the projection lens, comprising: a first optical system that forms a light intensity distribution corresponding to a first light distribution pattern which is a part of the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp near the rear focal plane of the projection lens; and a second optical system that forms a light intensity distribution corresponding to a second light distribution pattern which is another part of the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp near the rear focal plane of the projection lens.

[0007] This configuration makes it possible to provide a vehicle lighting device that can reduce the luminous intensity of a portion of the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lighting device.

[0008] In the above-described vehicle lighting device, the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lighting device is a light distribution pattern for low beam, the first light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern for base low beam, and the second light distribution pattern may be a dimming light distribution pattern formed near the cutoff line of the base low beam light distribution pattern.

[0009] Furthermore, the above-mentioned vehicle lighting fixture may further include an optical system for ADB that forms a light intensity distribution corresponding to the ADB light distribution pattern near the rear focal plane of the projection lens.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vehicle lighting device, the ADB optical system includes an ADB light source, the first optical system, which is a base-row optical system, includes a base-row light source, and the second optical system, which is a dimming optical system, includes a dimming light source, the dimming light source is positioned further rearward than the ADB light source, and the base-row light source may be positioned further rearward than the dimming light source.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vehicle lighting device, the base light source and the dimming light source may be mounted on the same circuit board.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vehicle lighting device, the base-low optical system further includes a base-low reflective surface, the dimming optical system further includes a dimming reflective surface, the base-low reflective surface reflects the base-low light emitted by the base-low light source so as to focus it toward the focal point of the projection lens, and forms a luminous intensity distribution corresponding to the base-low light distribution pattern near the rear focal plane of the projection lens, and the dimming reflective surface reflects the dimming light emitted by the dimming light source so as to focus it toward the focal point of the projection lens, and forms a luminous intensity distribution corresponding to the dimming light distribution pattern near the rear focal plane of the projection lens.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vehicle lighting device, the dimming reflective surface may be positioned on the optical path of the base low light such that it blocks a portion of the base low light, which is the reflected light from the base low reflective surface.

[0014] This disclosure makes it possible to provide a vehicle lighting device that can reduce the luminous intensity of a portion of the light distribution pattern for vehicle lighting devices.

[0015] The vehicle light fixture 10 is projected onto the optical axis AX of the projection lens 70. 70 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along a vertical plane including the (reference axis). This is an example of a composite light distribution pattern P formed by the vehicle lamp 10. This is an example of a composite light distribution pattern P formed by the vehicle lamp 10. This is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle lamp 10. This is a perspective view of the vehicle lamp 10 (first reflector 40 and projection lens 70 omitted). This is a top view of the vehicle lamp 10 (first reflector 40 and projection lens 70 omitted). This is a front view of the vehicle lamp 10. Base low light distribution pattern P BLo This is the simulation result (maximum luminous intensity 14,000 cd, luminous flux 710 lm). Dimming light distribution pattern P D This is the simulation result (maximum luminous intensity 38,000 cd, luminous flux 185 lm, dimming 100%). Base low beam pattern P BLo and dimming light distribution pattern P D This is the simulation result of the combined light distribution pattern (maximum luminous intensity 45,000 cd, luminous flux 895 lm). It shows the luminous intensity of the VII-VII section (vertical section) in Figure 2B. This is a schematic configuration diagram of the vehicle lamp 10A, which is a modified example 1. This is a schematic configuration diagram (top view) of the vehicle lamp 10 of the embodiment. This is a schematic configuration diagram (top view) of the vehicle lamp 10A, which is a modified example 2. This is a diagram to explain the problems of the prior art.

[0016] Hereinafter, a vehicle lighting device 10, which is one embodiment of the present disclosure, will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each figure, corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0017] Figure 1 shows the vehicle light fixture 10 along the optical axis AX of the projection lens 70. 70 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along a vertical plane containing the (reference axis). Figures 2A and 2B show an example of a composite light distribution pattern P formed by the vehicle lighting fixture 10.

[0018] The vehicle lamp 10 is mounted on the left and right sides of the front end of a vehicle (not shown) such as an automobile. The vehicle lamp 10 has an ADB optical system that forms an ADB light distribution pattern P ADB and a base low optical system that forms a base low light distribution pattern P BLo . For a vehicle lamp provided with an ADB optical system and a base low optical system that forms a base low light distribution pattern P D , a dimming optical system (dimming light source 32 and dimming reflecting surface 33a) that forms a dimming light distribution pattern P ADB is added. The dimming optical system is an example of the second optical system of the present disclosure. The vehicle lamp 10 forms a combined light distribution pattern P (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) by combining the ADB light distribution pattern P BLo (an example of the first light distribution pattern of the present disclosure), and the dimming light distribution pattern P D (an example of the second light distribution pattern of the present disclosure). The combined light distribution pattern P is formed, for example, on a virtual vertical screen (arranged approximately 25 m in front of the vehicle front) facing the vehicle front.

[0019] The ADB light distribution pattern P ADB is mainly formed in the region A1 (see FIG. 2A) above the horizontal line H. The ADB light distribution pattern P ADB includes a cut-off line defined by the light-shielding portion 62 of the separator 60 at its lower edge. On the other hand, the base low light distribution pattern P BLo is mainly formed in the region A2 (see FIG. 2A) below the horizontal line H. Further, the dimming light distribution pattern P D is formed in a partial region of the base low light distribution pattern P BLo , for example, in the region A3 (see FIG. 2A) near the cut-off line of the base low light distribution pattern P BLo (for example, in the range of ±5 degrees to the left and right with respect to the vertical line V). Note that the dimming light distribution pattern P D may be configured to have a spread similar to that of the base low light distribution pattern P BLo near the cut-off line and in the left-right direction. That is, the left-right width of the dimming light distribution pattern P D may be shorter than the left-right width of the base low light distribution pattern P BLo , or may be the same as the left-right width of the base low light distribution pattern P BLoIt may be about the same width as the left and right sides.

[0020] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle light fixture 10. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle light fixture 10 (first reflector 40 and projection lens 70 omitted). Figure 5A is a top view of the vehicle light fixture 10 (first reflector 40 and projection lens 70 omitted), and Figure 5B is a front view.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1, 3 to 5A, and 5B, the vehicle lighting fixture 10 includes a heat sink 20, a first substrate 30 (base-low light source 31 and dimming light source 32), a first reflector 40 (base-low reflective surface 41), a second reflector 33 (dimming reflective surface 33a), a second substrate 50 (ADB light source 51), a separator 60, and a projection lens 70. For the sake of explanation, the X, Y, and Z axes are defined below. The X axis extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the Y axis extends in the vehicle's width direction, and the Z axis extends in the vertical direction.

[0022] The heat sink 20 includes a first substrate fixing surface 21 to which the first substrate 30 is fixed, and a second substrate fixing surface 22 to which the second substrate 50 is fixed. The first substrate fixing surface 21 is a surface parallel to the XY plane. The second substrate fixing surface 22 is a surface inclined at an angle θ1 (see Figure 1) with respect to the YZ plane. The angle θ1 is, for example, 10 degrees. As the material for the heat sink 20, metals with high thermal conductivity such as aluminum or copper, or alloys thereof, or alloys with low specific gravity such as magnesium are used. The heat sink 20 is manufactured by methods such as cutting, extrusion, insert, brazing, or die casting.

[0023] The first substrate 30 is a metal substrate such as aluminum. The first substrate 30 includes a light source mounting surface (top surface) on which the base-low light source 31 and the dimming light source 32 are mounted, and a back surface (bottom surface) on the opposite side. By mounting the base-low light source 31 and the dimming light source 32 on the same first substrate 30 in this way, the number of components can be reduced.

[0024] The first substrate 30 is fixed to the heat sink 20. Specifically, the first substrate 30 is fixed to the heat sink 20 (first substrate fixing surface 21) with screws N1, with the back surface (bottom surface) opposite to the light source mounting surface (top surface) facing the first substrate fixing surface 21 of the heat sink 20. At this time, a TIM 80 (Thermal Interface Materials) such as thermal grease, thermal conductive sheet, or thermal conductive adhesive is provided between the heat sink 20 (first substrate fixing surface 21) and the first substrate 30 (back surface) to improve the adhesion between the two and reduce contact thermal resistance (see Figure 3).

[0025] With the first substrate 30 fixed to the heat sink 20 (see Figure 1), the dimming light source 32 is located further rearward than the ADB light source 51 mounted on the second substrate 50 and on the optical axis AX of the projection lens 70. 70 It is positioned below. In this embodiment, multiple (3) dimming light sources 32 are arranged in a line in the Y-axis direction with spacing between them (see Figure 5A).

[0026] On the other hand, with the first substrate 30 fixed to the heat sink 20 (see Figure 1), the base low light source 31 is located further rearward than the dimming light source 32 and on the optical axis AX of the projection lens 70. 70 It is positioned below the base row. In this embodiment, multiple (five) base row light sources 31 are arranged in a line in the Y-axis direction with spacing between them (see Figure 5A).

[0027] The base-row light source 31 and the dimming light source 32 are semiconductor light-emitting elements such as LEDs. The base-row light source 31 and the dimming light source 32 are equipped with light-emitting surfaces. The light-emitting surface is, for example, a rectangular light-emitting surface with dimensions of 1 mm on each side. The light-emitting surface is parallel to the XY plane.

[0028] Optical axis AX of base low light source 31 31 (See Figure 1) The optical axis AX of the dimming light source 32 passes through the center of the light-emitting surface of the base-low light source 31 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the base-low light source 31. 32 (See Figure 1) It passes through the center of the light-emitting surface of the dimming light source 32 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the dimming light source 32.

[0029] The base-low reflective surface 41 is above the base-low light source 31 and along the optical axis AX of the projection lens 70. 70 It is positioned higher up (see Figure 1). The base-row reflecting surface 41 is the base-row light ray emitted by the base-row light source 31. 31 (See Figure 1) Focal point F of projection lens 70 70 The light is reflected in a way that concentrates it toward the projection lens 70, and a base-low light distribution pattern P is formed near the rear focal plane of the projection lens 70. BLo To achieve this, the baselow reflective surface 41 is, for example, the first focal spot F1 41 The base low light source 31 is set near the second focus F2 41 The focal point F of projection lens 70 70 It is configured as an elliptical reflective surface set in the vicinity. The base row reflective surface 41 is provided, for example, on the first reflector 40 which is fixed to the heat sink 20 with screws N2.

[0030] On the other hand, the dimming reflective surface 33a is above the dimming light source 32, and along the optical axis AX of the dimming light source 32. 32 Further towards the rear of the vehicle, and the optical axis AX of the projection lens 70 70 It is positioned higher up (see Figure 1). The dimming reflective surface 33a is mainly the optical axis AX of the light emitted by the dimming light source 32. 32 Light directed further towards the rear of the vehicle (the dimming light Ray shown in Figure 1) 32 (Reference) Focal F of projection lens 70 70 The light is reflected in a way that concentrates it toward the projection lens 70, and a light distribution pattern P for dimming is formed near the rear focal plane of the projection lens 70. D To achieve this, the light-adjusting reflective surface 33a is, for example, the first focal spot F1 33a The dimming light source 32 is set near the second focal point F2 33a The focal point F of projection lens 70 70 It is configured as an elliptical reflective surface set in the vicinity. The dimming reflective surface 33a is provided, for example, on a second reflector 33 fixed to the light source mounting surface (upper surface) of the first substrate 30 with screws N3. Of the light emitted by the dimming light source 32, mainly its optical axis AX 32To prevent stray light from being directed further forward on the vehicle, the first substrate 30 (light source mounting surface) is configured to primarily show the light emitted by the dimming light source 32 along its optical axis AX. 32 A light-shielding section 34 is fixed in place to block light directed towards the front of the vehicle.

[0031] As described above, the base low beam pattern P BLo A base-row optical system (base-row light source 31 and base-row reflective surface 41), which is an example of the first optical system of the present disclosure, forms a dimming light distribution pattern P D It is positioned behind the vehicle, and is an example of the second optical system of the present disclosure, which is a dimming optical system (dimming light source 32 and dimming reflective surface 33a) that forms the dimming light distribution pattern P. D It is possible to form a wide base low light distribution pattern P in the left-right direction. BLo It is possible to form this.

[0032] The second substrate 50 is a metal substrate such as aluminum. The second substrate 50 includes a light source mounting surface (vehicle front side) on which the ADB light source 51 is mounted and a back surface on the opposite side (vehicle rear side).

[0033] The second substrate 50 is fixed to the heat sink 20. Specifically, the back surface (rear surface of the vehicle) of the second substrate 50, opposite to the light source mounting surface (front surface of the vehicle), faces the second substrate fixing surface 22 of the heat sink 20, and is fixed to the heat sink 20 (second substrate fixing surface 22) with screws N4 at an angle θ1 (see Figure 1) with respect to the YZ plane. At this time, a TIM 80 (Thermal Interface Materials) such as thermal grease, thermal conductive sheet, or thermal conductive adhesive is provided between the heat sink 20 (second substrate fixing surface 22) and the second substrate 50 (back surface) to improve the adhesion between the two and reduce contact thermal resistance.

[0034] With the second substrate 50 fixed to the heat sink 20 (see Figure 1), the ADB light source 51 is located further forward of the vehicle than the dimming light source 32 and along the optical axis AX of the projection lens 70. 70It is positioned below the above. In this embodiment, multiple (13) ADB light sources 51 are arranged in a line in the Y-axis direction with spacing between them (see Figures 3 and 5B).

[0035] The ADB light source 51 is a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED. The ADB light source 51 has a light-emitting surface. The light-emitting surface is, for example, a rectangular light-emitting surface with dimensions of 1 mm on each side. The light-emitting surface is tilted at an angle θ1 (see Figure 1) with respect to the XY plane. By tilting it at an angle θ1 in this way, the optical axis AX of the ADB light source 51 is 51 (See Figure 1) This is the focal point F of the projection lens 70. 70 It approaches. The ADB light source 51 (LED light source) emits light in a Lambertsian pattern, so its optical axis AX 51 The luminosity at the top is relatively high. Therefore, by tilting it at an angle θ1, an ADB light distribution pattern P with a relatively high central luminosity is achieved. ADB This can be achieved. Note that the optical axis AX of the ADB light source 51 51 (See Figure 1) It passes through the center of the light-emitting surface of the ADB light source 51 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the ADB light source 51.

[0036] The separator 60 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The separator 60 includes a separator body 61 and a light-shielding portion 62.

[0037] The separator 60 is fixed to the heat sink 20. Specifically, the separator 60 is fixed to the heat sink 20 (second substrate fixing surface 22) together with the second substrate 50 with screws N4, with the back surface opposite the front surface of the separator body 61 facing the second substrate fixing surface 22 of the heat sink 20.

[0038] The light-shielding portion 62 is provided at the upper end of the surface side of the separator body 61. With the separator 60 fixed to the heat sink 20 (see Figure 1), the light-shielding portion 62 is positioned from the upper end of the separator body 61 to the optical axis AX of the projection lens 70. 70It extends toward the projection lens 70 along the curve (see Figure 1). The tip of the light-shielding portion 62 is curved along the rear focal plane of the projection lens 70 (see Figure 5A). In addition, a Z-shaped step corresponding to the step of the cutoff line is provided at the center of the tip of the light-shielding portion 62 in the Y-axis direction (see Figure 5B).

[0039] Furthermore, with the separator 60 fixed to the heat sink 20 (see Figure 1), the ADB light sources 51 (multiple) are exposed through through holes 61a (partitions) formed in the separator body 61 (see Figure 5B).

[0040] The projection lens 70 is an aspherical lens. The projection lens 70 is held by a retaining portion 42, which is part of the first reflector 40 and fixed to the heat sink 20 with screws N2. The focal point F of the projection lens 70 70 It is located in the center of the light-shielding portion 62 of the separator 60 in the Y-axis direction (see Figures 5A and 5B).

[0041] According to the vehicle lighting device 10 with the above configuration, the base low light distribution pattern P shown in Figures 2A and 2B BLo It is formed as follows:

[0042] In other words, when the base-row light source 31 is turned on, the base-row light Ray emitted from the base-row light source 31 31 (See Figure 1) The base row reflecting surface 41 adjusts the focal point F of the projection lens 70. 70 The light is reflected in a way that concentrates it toward the second reflector 33 (dimming reflective surface 33a) and partially shielded by the light-shielding portion 62 of the separator 60, and then a base-low light distribution pattern P is formed near the rear focal plane of the projection lens 70. BLo This forms a corresponding luminous intensity distribution. This luminous intensity distribution is projected forward by the projection lens 70, resulting in the base-low light distribution pattern P shown in Figures 2A and 2B. BLo This base low light distribution pattern P is formed. BLo It includes a cutoff line defined by the light-shielding portion 62 of the separator 60 at its upper edge.

[0043] Furthermore, the light ray emitted by the base row light source 31 for the base row 31(See Figure 1) is partially blocked by the dimming reflective surface 33a placed on the optical path, so the base low light distribution pattern P BLo A portion of the area (dimming light distribution pattern P) D The region A3) where the dimming reflective surface 33a is formed becomes darker compared to the case where the dimming reflective surface 33a is not present.

[0044] Figure 6A shows the base low beam pattern P. BLo This is the simulation result (maximum luminous intensity 14,000 cd, luminous flux 710 lm).

[0045] According to the vehicle lighting fixture 10 with the above configuration, the dimming light distribution pattern P shown in Figures 2A and 2B D It is formed as follows:

[0046] In other words, when the dimming light source 32 is turned on, the dimming light Ray emitted from the dimming light source 32 32 (See Figure 1) The light-adjusting reflective surface 33a adjusts the focal point F of the projection lens 70. 70 The light is reflected in a way that concentrates it toward the rear, and after being partially blocked by the light-shielding portion 62 of the separator 60, a light-adjusting light distribution pattern P is formed near the rear focal plane of the projection lens 70. D This forms a corresponding luminous intensity distribution. This luminous intensity distribution is projected forward by the projection lens 70, resulting in the dimming light distribution pattern P shown in Figures 2A and 2B. D This dimming light distribution pattern P is formed. D It includes a cutoff line defined by the light-shielding portion 62 of the separator 60 at its upper edge. A dimming light distribution pattern P is formed in region A3 near the cutoff line (for example, within a range of ±5 degrees to the left and right with respect to the vertical line V). D The brightness can be adjusted by controlling the brightness of the dimming light source 32.

[0047] Figure 6B shows the dimming light distribution pattern P D The simulation results are shown (maximum luminous intensity 38,000 cd, luminous flux 185 lm, dimming 100%). Figure 6C shows the light distribution pattern P for base low. BLo and dimming light distribution pattern P DThis is the simulation result of a combined light distribution pattern (maximum luminous intensity 45,000 cd, luminous flux 895 lm).

[0048] Note: Dimming light distribution pattern P D The region A3 in which the dimming light source 32 and the dimming reflective surface 33a are formed can be adjusted, for example, by shifting them in the Y-axis direction. D The size can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the size of the dimming reflective surface 33a.

[0049] According to the vehicle lighting device 10 with the above configuration, the ADB light distribution pattern P shown in Figures 2A and 2B ADB It is formed as follows:

[0050] In other words, when the ADB light source 51 is turned on, the ADB light Ray emitted from the ADB light source 51 51 (See Figure 1) The light passes through the through hole 61a (partition) formed in the separator 60 (separator body 61), is partially shielded by the light-shielding portion 62 of the separator 60, and then the ADB light distribution pattern P is projected near the rear focal plane of the projection lens 70. ADB This forms a corresponding luminous intensity distribution. This luminous intensity distribution is projected forward by the projection lens 70, resulting in the ADB light distribution pattern P shown in Figures 2A and 2B. ADB This ADB light distribution pattern P is formed. ADB It includes a cutoff line defined by the light-shielding portion 62 of the separator 60 at its lower edge.

[0051] Although not shown in the figures, if there is an object to be masked (for example, an oncoming vehicle traveling in the opposite lane ahead of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle light fixture 10 (not shown)) in front of the vehicle on which the vehicle light fixture 10 is mounted, the control device controls the lighting state of the ADB light source 51 to create an ADB light distribution pattern P that includes a non-illuminated area B1 (see Figure 2B) that does not illuminate the object to be masked. ADB A non-irradiated area B1 is formed, for example, by turning off (or dimming) the ADB light source 51 corresponding to the mask object.

[0052] Next, a dimming light distribution pattern P is formed by the dimming optical system (dimming light source 32 and dimming reflecting surface 33a) as described above. D The effect of adjusting the brightness (luminance) of the dimming light distribution pattern P D will be described. Although not shown, the brightness (luminance) of the dimming light distribution pattern P D can be adjusted by the control device controlling the lighting state of the dimming light source 32.

[0053] FIG. 7 shows the luminance of the VII-VII cross section (vertical section) of FIG. 2B. In FIG. 7, reference sign b1 represents the luminance when the base low beam light source 31 and the dimming light source 32 are each lit at maximum. On the other hand, in FIG. 7, reference sign b2 represents the luminance when the base low beam light source 31 is lit at maximum and the dimming light source 32 is lit in a dimmed state.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 7 and comparing the luminances at position P1, b2 ≈ 1 / 3 × b1, and it can be seen that by adjusting the brightness (luminance) of the dimming light distribution pattern P D it is possible to suppress the occurrence of glare to oncoming vehicles.

[0055] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a dimming light distribution pattern P is formed by the dimming optical system (dimming light source 32 and dimming reflecting surface 33a) as described above, and by adjusting the brightness (luminance) of the dimming light distribution pattern P D it is possible to suppress the occurrence of glare to oncoming vehicles. D (region A3).

[0056] For example, when the headlamp is lit and in the ADB mode, and there is an oncoming vehicle, which is a masking object, near the center of the vehicle (near the vertical line V), the base low beam light source 31 and the ADB light source 51 are lit, and the dimming light source 32 is lit in a dimmed state. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of glare to oncoming vehicles. On the other hand, when the headlamp is lit and in the ADB mode, in other cases, that is, when there is no oncoming vehicle, which is a masking object, near the center of the vehicle (near the vertical line V), the base low beam light source 31 and the ADB light source 51 are lit, and the dimming light source 32 is lit brighter than in the dimmed state. Thereby, the visibility of the driver of the vehicle on which the vehicle lamp 10 is mounted can be ensured.

[0057] As described above, in the present embodiment, a vehicle lamp 10 that can obtain good visibility under normal conditions and suppress the generation of glare to oncoming vehicles when the ADB functions can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0058] Further, according to the present embodiment, with one vehicle lamp, the luminous intensity of a part of the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp can be reduced. The light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp whose luminous intensity is to be reduced may be the low beam light distribution pattern (base low light distribution pattern P BLo , and the dimming light distribution pattern P D ), or other light distribution patterns.

[0059] Further, according to the present embodiment, the base low optical system that forms the base low light distribution pattern P BLo , and the dimming optical system (dimming light source 32 and dimming reflecting surface 33a) that forms the dimming light distribution pattern P D are provided in one vehicle lamp 10, and since both optical systems use the same light shielding part 62, there is an advantage that the cut-off lines of the base low light distribution pattern P BLo and the cut-off lines of the dimming light distribution pattern P D do not shift.

[0060] Further, according to the present embodiment, the same light shielding part 62 cuts the light near the H line of the base low light distribution pattern P BLo (a part of the base low light Ray 31 , and a part of the dimming light Ray 32 ), so glare is also suppressed thereby.

[0061] Next, a modified example will be described.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle lamp 10A which is a modified example 1.

[0063] In FIG. 8, the same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 8, the base low light distribution pattern P BLoAs the optical system for the base-row forming the base-row reflective surface 41, a collimating lens 91 positioned in front of the base-row light source 31 may be used instead. Similarly, the light distribution pattern P for dimming D As a photochromic optical system forming the photochromic optical system, a collimating lens 92 positioned in front of the photochromic light source 32 may be used instead of the photochromic reflective surface 33a. It is preferable that the base-row optical system (base-row light source 31 and collimating lens 91) be positioned above the photochromic optical system (photochromic light source 32 and collimating lens 92), but it may also be positioned below the photochromic optical system (photochromic light source 32 and collimating lens 92).

[0065] In this modified example 1, when the base-low light source 31 is turned on, the base-low light emitted from the base-low light source 31 is collimated by the collimating lens 91, partially blocked by the light-shielding portion 62 of the separator 60, and then a base-low light distribution pattern P is formed near the rear focal plane of the projection lens 70. BLo This forms a corresponding luminous intensity distribution. This luminous intensity distribution is projected forward by the projection lens 70, resulting in the base-low light distribution pattern P shown in Figures 2A and 2B. BLo A formation is created.

[0066] On the other hand, when the dimming light source 32 is turned on, the dimming light Ray emitted from the dimming light source 32 32 (See Figure 1) The light is collimated by the collimating lens 92 and partially shielded by the light-shielding portion 62 of the separator 60, and then a light-adjusting light distribution pattern P is formed near the rear focal plane of the projection lens 70. D This forms a corresponding luminous intensity distribution. This luminous intensity distribution is projected forward by the projection lens 70, resulting in the dimming light distribution pattern P shown in Figures 2A and 2B. D A formation is created.

[0067] According to this modified example 1, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0068] Furthermore, according to this modified example 1, the light source substrate can be made common by arranging the base low light source 31 and the dimming light source 32 on the same plane.

[0069] Furthermore, according to this modified example 1, the focal point F of the projection lens 7070 Because there are no optical components that obstruct the concentration of light, the efficiency of light utilization is improved.

[0070] Figure 9A is a schematic configuration diagram (top view) of the vehicle lighting device 10 of the embodiment, and Figure 9B is a schematic configuration diagram (top view) of the vehicle lighting device 10A, which is a modified example 2.

[0071] In Figures 9A and 9B, components similar to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9A, in the above embodiment, the base low light distribution pattern P BLo A base-row light source 31 and a base-row reflective surface 41 were used as the base-row optical system for forming the base-row.

[0073] In contrast, in this modified example 2, as shown in Figure 9B, the base low light distribution pattern P BLo As the base-row optical system that forms the base-row, base-row light sources 31a and 31b and base-row reflective surfaces 41a and 41b are used.

[0074] The base-low reflective surface 41a is located above the base-low light source 31a, along the optical axis AX of the projection lens 70. 70 Looking further up and from above, the optical axis AX of the projection lens 70 70 It is positioned on one side (the lower side in Figure 9B). The base-row reflecting surface 41a reflects the base-row light emitted by the base-row light source 31a to the focal point F of the projection lens 70. 70 The light is reflected in a way that concentrates it toward the projection lens 70, and a base-low light distribution pattern P is formed near the rear focal plane of the projection lens 70. BLo To achieve this, the baselow reflective surface 41a is, for example, the first focal spot F1 41a The base low light source 31a is set near the second focal point F2 41a The focal point F of projection lens 70 70 It is configured as an elliptical reflective surface set in the vicinity.

[0075] Similarly, the base-low reflective surface 41b is above the base-low light source 31b and along the optical axis AX of the projection lens 70. 70 Looking further up and from above, the optical axis AX of the projection lens 70 70It is located on the other side (upper side in Figure 9B). The base-row reflecting surface 41b reflects the base-row light emitted by the base-row light source 31b to the focal point F of the projection lens 70. 70 The light is reflected in a way that concentrates it toward the projection lens 70, and a base-low light distribution pattern P is formed near the rear focal plane of the projection lens 70. BLo To achieve this, the baselow reflective surface 41b is, for example, the first focal spot F1 41b The base low light source 31b is set near the second focus F2 41b The focal point F of projection lens 70 70 It is configured as an elliptical reflective surface set in the vicinity.

[0076] In this modified example 2, when the base-low light source 31a is turned on, the light emitted from the base-low light source 31a is directed by the base-low reflecting surface 41a to the focal point F of the projection lens 70. 70 The light is reflected in a way that concentrates it toward the second reflector 33 (dimming reflective surface 33a) and partially shielded by the light-shielding portion 62 of the separator 60, and then a base-low light distribution pattern P is formed near the rear focal plane of the projection lens 70. BLo It forms a corresponding luminous intensity distribution. Similarly, when the base-low light source 31b is turned on, the light emitted by the base-low light source 31b for the base-low is reflected by the base-low reflective surface 41b at the focal point F of the projection lens 70. 70 The light is reflected in a way that concentrates it toward the second reflector 33 (dimming reflective surface 33a) and partially shielded by the light-shielding portion 62 of the separator 60, and then a base-low light distribution pattern P is formed near the rear focal plane of the projection lens 70. BLo This forms a corresponding luminous intensity distribution. The above luminous intensity distribution is projected forward by the projection lens 70, resulting in the base-low light distribution pattern P shown in Figures 2A and 2B. BLo A formation is created.

[0077] According to this modified example 2, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0078] Furthermore, according to this modified example 2, due to the arrangement of the base-low reflective surfaces 41a and 41b, the amount of base-low light (reflected light from the base-low reflective surfaces 41a and 41b) that is blocked by the second reflector 33 (dimming reflective surface 33a) is reduced, thus improving light utilization efficiency.

[0079] Furthermore, according to this modified example 2, by distributing the base-row light sources 31a and 31b, the heat generated by the base-row light sources 31a and 31b is also dispersed, thereby improving the light utilization efficiency.

[0080] The numerical values ​​shown in the above embodiments are all examples, and it goes without saying that other appropriate numerical values ​​can be used.

[0081] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects. The invention is not to be construed as limiting by the description of the embodiments above. The invention can be carried out in various other ways without departing from its spirit or main features.

[0082] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-166895, filed on 26 September 2024, and incorporates all of its disclosures herein.

[0083] 10, 10A... Vehicle lighting fixture 20... Heat sink 21... First substrate fixing surface 22... Second substrate fixing surface 30... First substrate 31, 31a, 31b... Base low light source 32... Dimming light source 33... Second reflector 33a... Dimming reflective surface 34... Light shielding part 40... First reflector 41, 41a, 41b... Base low reflective surface 42... Holding part 50... Second substrate 51... ADB light source 52... Second substrate fixing surface 60... Separator 61... Separator body 61a... Through hole 62... Light shielding part 70... Projection lens 91, 92... Collimating lens AX 31 AX 32 AX 51 AX 70 ...Optical axis B1...Non-irradiation area F1 33a F1 41 F1 41a F1 41b ...First focal point F2 33a F2 41 F2 41a F241b ...Second focal point F 70 ...Focal points N1-N4...Screw P...Composite light distribution pattern P ADB ...ADB light distribution pattern P BLo ...Light distribution pattern for base low P D ...dimmable light distribution pattern

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp that comprises a projection lens and forms a light distribution pattern for a vehicle lamp by projecting a light intensity distribution formed near the rear focal plane of the projection lens, comprising: a first optical system that forms a light intensity distribution corresponding to a first light distribution pattern which is a part of the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp near the rear focal plane of the projection lens; and a second optical system that forms a light intensity distribution corresponding to a second light distribution pattern which is another part of the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp near the rear focal plane of the projection lens.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp is a light distribution pattern for low beam, the first light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern for base low beam, and the second light distribution pattern is a dimming light distribution pattern formed near the cutoff line of the base low beam light distribution pattern.

3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 2, further comprising an optical system for ADB that forms an intensity distribution corresponding to an ADB light distribution pattern near the rear focal plane of the projection lens.

4. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 3, wherein the ADB optical system includes an ADB light source, the first optical system, which is a base-row optical system, includes a base-row light source, the second optical system, which is a dimming optical system, includes a dimming light source, the dimming light source is positioned further rearward than the ADB light source, and the base-row light source is positioned further rearward than the dimming light source.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 4, wherein the base light source and the dimming light source are mounted on the same circuit board.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein the base-low optical system further includes a base-low reflective surface, the dimming optical system further includes a dimming reflective surface, the base-low reflective surface reflects the base-low light emitted by the base-low light source so as to focus it toward the focal point of the projection lens, and forms a luminous intensity distribution corresponding to the base-low light distribution pattern near the rear focal plane of the projection lens, and the dimming reflective surface reflects the dimming light emitted by the dimming light source so as to focus it toward the focal point of the projection lens, and forms a luminous intensity distribution corresponding to the dimming light distribution pattern near the rear focal plane of the projection lens.

7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 6, wherein the dimming reflective surface is arranged on the optical path of the base low light such that it blocks a portion of the base low light, which is the reflected light from the base low reflective surface.

Citation Information

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