Lamp used for vehicle and vehicle equipped with said lamp

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to improve the degree of freedom in design of light distribution with a small number of light sources while achieving a smaller size and a simpler structure in a lamp that is used for a vehicle. This lamp comprises: a light source; and a light distribution control device that is configured to form a light distribution by emitting light from the light source, and to be capable of changing the light distribution. The light distribution control device includes at least one lens layer, and is configured so that, by changing a voltage that is applied to the at least one lens layer, the light distribution control device is capable of exhibiting a plurality of mutually different lens characteristics in the same portion as viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light outputted from the light source extends. The plurality of lens characteristics are configured so that the directions in which light from the light source is diffused are different from each other.

Description

Lamp for vehicle and vehicle equipped with the lamp

[0006] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a lamp for a vehicle and a vehicle equipped with the lamp, and more particularly, to a lamp configured to be able to change the light distribution, and a vehicle equipped with the lamp.

[0002] Conventionally, lamps used for vehicles are known. Among these lamps, for example, there are those configured to be able to change the light distribution. For example, in the lamps described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 below, the light distribution is configured to change according to the situation of the vehicle.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-64723 International Publication No. 2018 / 168249

[0004] In the lamps described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 above, a light source is required for each light distribution. Therefore, for example, the number of mechanisms for adjusting the optical axis of the light output from the light source increases. Or the structure of the mechanism becomes complicated. As a result, the structure of the lamp becomes complicated and the size of the lamp increases. In addition, in the lamps described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 above, the light distribution selected from a plurality of light distributions is formed according to the situation of the vehicle. Therefore, the variations in the light distribution are limited. If an attempt is made to increase the variations in the light distribution, the number of light sources further increases. Therefore, the structure of the lamp becomes even more complicated and the size of the lamp becomes even larger.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the design freedom of the light distribution with a small number of light sources while achieving miniaturization and simplification of the structure in a lamp for a vehicle.

[0006] The inventors considered measures to achieve the above objectives. First, they considered miniaturizing the lighting equipment used in vehicles and simplifying the structure of said lighting equipment. As a result, they found that reducing the number of light sources used in the lighting equipment would be beneficial. However, reducing the number of light sources would reduce the variety of light distribution patterns, decreasing the design freedom for light distribution. Therefore, they further investigated how to improve the design freedom for light distribution with fewer light sources. As a result, they found that a light distribution control device configured to produce multiple different lens characteristics in the same part would be beneficial. Based on the above findings, the inventors completed the present invention. The present invention employs the following configuration.

[0007] (1) A lighting device for use in a vehicle, comprising a light source and a light distribution control device configured to form a light distribution by emitting light from the light source and to change the light distribution, wherein the light distribution control device includes at least one lens layer and is configured to produce a plurality of lens characteristics that are different from each other in the same portion when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends by changing the voltage applied to the at least one lens layer, wherein the plurality of lens characteristics are configured to diffuse the light from the light source in different directions from each other.

[0008] The lighting device in (1) allows for miniaturization and simplification of the structure while improving the design flexibility of the light distribution with fewer light sources. More specifically, it is as follows: In the lighting device in (1), when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, the light incident on the same part of the light distribution control device can be diffused in different directions from each other. Even with fewer light sources, the variety of light distributions can be increased. By reducing the number of light sources, the lighting device can be miniaturized and its structure can be simplified, and even with fewer light sources, the variety of light distributions can be increased, improving the design flexibility of the light distribution.

[0009] A vehicle is a device for transportation. A vehicle is configured to operate in a manned or unmanned (automated) form. A vehicle can be a personal transport vehicle. For example, it may also be a public transport vehicle such as a bus. Examples of personal transport vehicles include automobiles and saddle-type vehicles. A vehicle may or may not have wheels. Examples of vehicles without wheels include ships with propellers, drones and helicopters with propellers, snowmobiles, and watercraft. A vehicle may or may not have a cabin. Examples of vehicles with a cabin include automobiles and helicopters. An example of a vehicle is a small vehicle that seats one or two people. Another example of a vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle. A saddle-type vehicle is a vehicle equipped with a saddle-type seat. A saddle-type vehicle is a vehicle configured so that the occupant rides in a position as if straddling a saddle. Saddle-type vehicles are not limited to scooter-type, moped-type, off-road-type, or on-road-type motorcycles, but also include snowmobiles, watercraft, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Saddle-type vehicles may have at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. Saddle-type vehicles are not limited to motorcycles, but may also be three-wheeled vehicles with a pair of left and right wheels for the front or rear, or four-wheeled vehicles with a pair of left and right wheels for the front and rear. Saddle-type vehicles may be configured to turn in a leaning position toward the inside of a curve. The vehicle may be, for example, a tilting vehicle whose body tilts when turning. In a tilting vehicle, for example, the wheels may tilt together with the body when turning. A tilting vehicle may be configured, for example, so that the rider does not ride in a saddle-like position. Other examples of vehicles include golf carts, caterpillar-type snow vehicles, and snowplows. The lighting device is configured, for example, to maintain the physical light distribution setting of the lighting device. The lighting device is configured to illuminate, for example, an area present around the vehicle with light from a light source. This area is, for example, present in front of the vehicle.In other words, the lighting device may be a headlight configured to illuminate an area in front of the vehicle with light from a light source. This area includes, for example, an upper area. The upper area is located, for example, partially or entirely above a horizontal reference line when the vehicle is upright. The horizontal reference line is, for example, a cutoff line defining the upper end of the low beam. The lighting device is configured to illuminate the upper area with light from a light source when the vehicle is turning. The lighting device is configured to illuminate the upper area with light from a light source not only when the vehicle is turning, but also when the vehicle is upright. The lighting device is configured to illuminate the upper area with light from a light source by, for example, a light distribution control device changing the light distribution. The light source receives power from an external source and outputs light to the outside. The power supplied to the light source is stored in, for example, a battery installed in the vehicle. In other words, the light source receives power from a battery installed in the vehicle and outputs light. Light sources include, for example, light-emitting diodes, semiconductor lasers, SLD (Super Luminescent Diode) light sources, HID (High-Intensity Discharge) bulbs, halogen bulbs, incandescent bulbs, etc. "Forming a light distribution" includes, for example, shaping a light distribution so that light from the light source illuminates an area surrounding a vehicle. "Forming a light distribution" includes, for example, illuminating an area surrounding a vehicle with light from the light source. The formed light distribution can be projected, for example, onto a screen placed around the vehicle. "Changing the light distribution" includes, for example, changing the light distribution so that the area illuminated by light from the light source is changed. "Changing the light distribution" includes, for example, changing the area illuminated by light from the light source. "Changing the light distribution" includes, for example, deforming the area illuminated by light from the light source. The light distribution changed by the light distribution control device is formed, for example, to illuminate an upward area. The light distribution controlled by the light distribution control device is shaped, for example, so as not to illuminate the upper area when the vehicle is turning.The light distribution controlled by the light distribution control device is formed to illuminate, for example, an area located in front of the vehicle in the direction of turning when the vehicle is turning. The light distribution control device includes, for example, at least one variable-characteristic lens section. The variable-characteristic lens section is configured to exhibit multiple lens characteristics that are different from each other in the same portion when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends. The variable-characteristic lens section includes, for example, at least one lens layer or a corresponding portion of said at least one lens layer. The variable-characteristic lens section includes, for example, multiple lens layers or corresponding portions of said multiple lens layers. The multiple lens layers are aligned, for example, in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends. The variable-characteristic lens section includes, for example, a first lens layer and a second lens layer different from the first lens layer. The first lens layer and the second lens layer are aligned in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends. At least one variable-characteristic lens section is composed of, for example, multiple variable-characteristic lens sections. Multiple variable-characteristic lens sections are arranged, for example, on a virtual plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the light output from the light source. Multiple variable-characteristic lens sections are arranged, for example, at different positions relative to each other when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends. The lens layer only needs to be configured to exhibit at least one lens characteristic. The lens layer does not need to always exhibit a lens characteristic. At least one lens layer is composed of, for example, multiple lens layers aligned in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends. At least one lens layer may be composed of, for example, a single lens layer. In this case, for example, multiple transparent electrode combinations configured to correspond to each of the multiple lens characteristics are provided at different positions relative to each other in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends. Multiple transparent electrode combinations are provided, for example, via an insulating layer at different positions relative to each other in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends. The light distribution control device further includes, for example, multiple transparent substrates arranged to overlap in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends. Each of the transparent substrates may be a colorless transparent substrate or a colored transparent substrate.The lens layer is provided, for example, between two transparent substrates that are adjacent to each other in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends. For example, if at least one lens layer includes a first lens layer and a second lens layer, the first lens layer is provided between two transparent substrates that are adjacent to each other in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, and the second lens layer is provided between two transparent substrates that are a different combination from the first two transparent substrates. The two transparent substrates that are a different combination from the first two transparent substrates include, for example, the case where one of the two transparent substrates between which the first lens layer is provided is common to one of the two transparent substrates between which the second lens layer is provided. The lens layer is configured to exhibit lens characteristics by, for example, applying a voltage. Here, applying a voltage does not include applying a voltage of zero. The lens layer is configured to change the exhibited lens characteristics by, for example, changing the applied voltage. Here, changing the applied voltage does not include the applied voltage being zero either before or after the change. The lens layer includes, for example, molecules configured to change orientation when a voltage is applied. The lens layer is configured to exhibit desired lens properties by changing the orientation of the molecules in response to the applied voltage. The molecules are, for example, liquid crystal molecules. "Changing the applied voltage" includes, for example, not only changing the magnitude of the applied voltage, but also changing the electrode to which the voltage is applied. "Changing the electrode to which the voltage is applied" includes, for example, changing the combination of electrodes to which the voltage is applied. The optical axis of light output from a light source is, for example, a virtual ray indicating the path of light output from the light source. The optical axis of light output from a light source is, for example, a virtual ray indicating the path of light output from the light source and incident on at least one lens layer of the light distribution control device. The virtual ray indicates, for example, the portion of light output from the light source with the highest luminous intensity. The optical axis of light output from a light source extends, for example, in the direction in which the light output from the light source travels. The optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, for example, in the direction in which the light output from the light source and incident on at least one lens layer of the light distribution control device travels.Viewing in the direction in which the optical axis extends means, for example, viewing in the direction from upstream to downstream of the optical axis. Viewing in the direction in which the optical axis extends means, for example, viewing in the direction in which light emitted from a light source travels. Viewing in the direction in which the optical axis extends means, for example, viewing in the direction in which light emitted from a light source and incident on at least one lens layer of the light distribution control device travels. The same part refers to the same part in the light distribution control device. The same part refers to, for example, the same part in at least one lens layer of the light distribution control device. The same part refers to, for example, a part composed of a variable lens section. "Exhibiting multiple lens characteristics that are different from each other in the same part when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light emitted from a light source extends" includes, for example, a part that exhibits a certain lens characteristic and a part that exhibits a different lens characteristic when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light emitted from a light source extends, either partially or entirely. "When viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source extends, the portion exhibiting a certain lens characteristic and the portion exhibiting a different lens characteristic partially or completely overlap" includes, for example, the case where, when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source extends, there are multiple portions exhibiting lens characteristics different from that certain lens characteristic within the portion exhibiting a certain lens characteristic. The portion exhibiting a certain lens characteristic may be located at a different position from the portion exhibiting a different lens characteristic in the direction in which the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source extends. "The directions in which the light emitted from the light source extends are different from each other" includes, for example, the case where the direction corresponding to a certain lens characteristic intersects with the direction corresponding to a different lens characteristic. "The directions in which the light emitted from the light source extends are different from each other" does not include, for example, the case where the direction corresponding to a certain lens characteristic is opposite to the direction corresponding to a different lens characteristic. The timing and triggers for exhibiting lens properties are not particularly limited. The timing and triggers for changing the exhibited lens properties are not particularly limited.In other words, the timing of changing from one lens characteristic to another lens characteristic different from that one is not particularly limited. The lens characteristic to be manifested may be, for example, one lens characteristic or a lens characteristic that is a combination of two or more lens characteristics. The lens characteristic manifests, for example, according to the vehicle's situation. The light distribution control device is configured, for example, to manifest the lens characteristic according to the vehicle's situation. The lens characteristic manifests, for example, when the vehicle starts turning or is turning. The light distribution control device is configured, for example, to manifest the lens characteristic when the vehicle starts turning or is turning. The lens characteristic changes, for example, according to the vehicle's situation. The light distribution according to the lens characteristic is formed, for example, according to the vehicle's situation. The light distribution formed according to the lens characteristic may be used, for example, for adjusting the optical axis of a light fixture. In other words, the light distribution according to the lens characteristic may be formed over the entire period while the vehicle is moving. The light distribution according to the lens characteristics only needs to be formed for at least a portion of the time while the vehicle is moving. The light distribution according to the lens characteristics is formed, for example, according to the situation when the vehicle is moving. The light distribution according to the lens characteristics is formed, for example, to illuminate the direction in which the vehicle is moving or the area located in that direction. The light distribution according to the lens characteristics is formed, for example, to illuminate the direction in which the vehicle is turning or the area located in that direction when the vehicle is turning. In other words, the lighter may have functions as a cornering light or a bending light in addition to the function of a headlight, for example. Each of the multiple lens characteristics is configured to be manifested, for example, by applying a voltage to at least one lens layer. Thereafter, the multiple lens characteristics are configured such that the directions in which they diffuse light from a light source are different from each other.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lighting device can adopt the following configuration: (2) The lighting device according to (1), wherein the light distribution control device includes at least one variable lens, which includes at least one lens layer and is configured to produce a plurality of lens characteristics that are different from each other in the same portion when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, by changing the voltage applied to the at least one lens layer, and a lens characteristic control device configured to control the lens characteristics produced in the at least one variable lens, wherein the lens characteristic control device is configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer in a manner corresponding to the selected lens characteristic, such that the at least one variable lens emits light from the light source in a manner corresponding to the selected lens characteristic.

[0011] According to the lighting device in (2), the lens characteristic control device controls at least one variable characteristic lens, so that the light incident on the same part of at least one variable characteristic lens, when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, can be diffused in different directions from each other. Even with a small number of light sources, the variations in light distribution can be increased.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lighting device can adopt the following configuration: (3) The lighting device according to (2), wherein the at least one variable-characteristic lens includes at least one liquid crystal layer as the at least one lens layer, and is configured such that at least one of the plurality of lens characteristics is expressed in the same portion when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, by applying a voltage to the at least one liquid crystal layer such that the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the at least one liquid crystal layer is changed from an initial state in which no voltage is applied, and the lens characteristic control device is configured to apply a voltage to the at least one liquid crystal layer in a manner corresponding to the selected lens characteristic such that the at least one liquid crystal lens emits light from the light source in a manner corresponding to the selected lens characteristic.

[0013] According to the lighting device in (3), the lens characteristic control device controls at least one liquid crystal lens, so that the light incident on the same part of at least one liquid crystal lens, when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, can be diffused in different directions from each other. Even with a small number of light sources, the variations in light distribution can be increased.

[0014] Light incident on the liquid crystal lens does not pass through the polarizer. In other words, the lighter in (3) does not have a polarizer. To put it another way, at least one variable lens is at least one liquid crystal lens configured so that light from the light source does not pass through the polarizer.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lighting device can adopt the following configuration: (4) The lighting device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the light distribution control device includes a plurality of variable characteristic lens portions, each of the plurality of variable characteristic lens portions includes a corresponding portion of the at least one lens layer, and is configured to exhibit the plurality of lens characteristics which are different from each other in the same portion when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends.

[0016] According to the lighting device in (4), each of the multiple variable-characteristic lens sections can exhibit multiple lens characteristics. This increases the variations in light distribution. It also improves the design flexibility of the light distribution.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lighting device can adopt the following configuration: (5) The lighting device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the light distribution control device further includes a plurality of transparent electrodes configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer, the plurality of transparent electrodes include a plurality of transparent electrode combinations provided in correspondence to each of the plurality of lens characteristics so that a voltage can be applied to the at least one lens layer in a manner corresponding to each of the plurality of lens characteristics, and the light distribution control device is configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer via the transparent electrodes included in the selected transparent electrode combination so that a lens characteristic corresponding to a selected transparent electrode combination from among the plurality of transparent electrode combinations is expressed.

[0018] According to the lighting device of (5), a combination of transparent electrodes corresponding to the desired lens characteristics can be selected, and a voltage can be applied to at least one lens layer through the combination of transparent electrodes. When viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, the light incident on the same part of the light distribution control device can be diffused in different directions from each other. Even with a small number of light sources, the variations in light distribution can be increased.

[0019] The transparent electrodes are formed, for example, in a comb shape. When the lens layer is provided between a pair of transparent substrates, the transparent electrodes are provided, for example, on the side surface of the transparent substrate that is closer to the lens layer. When the lens layer is provided between a pair of transparent substrates, the multiple transparent electrodes constituting the transparent electrode combination are provided, for example, dispersed on each of the pair of transparent substrates.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lamp can adopt the following configuration: The lamp according to (6) (5), wherein the plurality of lens characteristics include a first lens characteristic and a second lens characteristic different from the first lens characteristic, and the plurality of transparent electrode combinations include a first transparent electrode combination configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer in a manner corresponding to the first lens characteristic and a second transparent electrode combination configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer in a manner corresponding to the second lens characteristic and provided at a position different from the first transparent electrode combination in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends.

[0021] According to the lighting device in (6), for example, the first transparent electrode combination and the second transparent electrode combination can be arranged so as to overlap when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends. When viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, the light incident on the same part of the light distribution control device can be diffused in different directions from each other. Even with a small number of light sources, the variations in light distribution can be increased.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lighting device can adopt the following configuration: The lighting device according to (7), (5), or (6), wherein the light distribution control device is configured such that, when applying a voltage to the at least one lens layer via a transparent electrode included in a transparent electrode combination selected from the plurality of transparent electrode combinations to produce lens characteristics corresponding to the selected transparent electrode combination, the magnitude of the voltage applied to the at least one lens layer via the transparent electrode included in the selected transparent electrode combination can be changed to change the light diffusion range in the light diffusion direction of the lens characteristics corresponding to the selected transparent electrode combination.

[0023] According to the lighting device in (7), even with the same lens characteristics, the range of light diffusion in the direction of light diffusion can be changed by changing the magnitude of the applied voltage. This increases the variations in light distribution. It also improves the design flexibility of light distribution.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lighting device may adopt the following configuration: (8) A lighting device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the lighting device is installed on the vehicle such that the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends downward from a horizontal reference line when no voltage is applied to the at least one lens layer.

[0025] According to the lighting device of (8), for example, even when no voltage is applied to at least one lens layer, the light distribution control device can form a light distribution below the horizontal reference line.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lamp can adopt the following configuration: (9) A lamp according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the plurality of lens characteristics include a first lens characteristic and a second lens characteristic different from the first lens characteristic, and the at least one lens layer includes a first lens layer configured to apply a voltage in a manner corresponding to the first lens characteristic and a second lens layer configured to apply a voltage in a manner corresponding to the second lens characteristic and provided at a position different from the first lens layer in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends.

[0027] According to the lighting device in (9), for example, the first lens layer and the second lens layer can be arranged so as to overlap when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends. When viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, the light incident on the same part of the light distribution control device can be diffused in different directions from each other. Even with a small number of light sources, the variations in light distribution can be increased.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lighting device can adopt the following configuration: The lighting device according to any one of (10)(1) to (9), wherein the light distribution control device is configured to apply a voltage to at least one lens layer in a manner corresponding to each of the first lens characteristics and the second lens characteristics, such that a first lens characteristic included in the plurality of lens characteristics is expressed, while a second lens characteristic included in the plurality of lens characteristics but different from the first lens characteristic is expressed.

[0029] According to the lighting device in (10), two different lens characteristics can be expressed simultaneously. The variations in light distribution can be increased. The degree of freedom in light distribution design can be improved.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lighting device can adopt the following configuration: (11) The lighting device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the light distribution control device is configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer in a manner corresponding to a lens characteristic selected from the plurality of lens characteristics according to the conditions of the vehicle.

[0031] According to the lighting device in (11), lens characteristics can be expressed according to the vehicle's condition. A light distribution can be formed according to the vehicle's condition.

[0032] "To exhibit lens characteristics appropriate to the vehicle's situation" includes, for example, exhibiting lens characteristics appropriate to the tilt angle of the vehicle body during turns.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lighting device can adopt the following configuration: The lighting device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the light distribution control device is configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer such that, when changing the light distribution formed by at least one lens characteristic among the plurality of lens characteristics, the light distribution expands in a first direction and contracts in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0034] According to the light source in (12), the light distribution is changed so that it expands in the first direction while contracting in the second direction, thus ensuring sufficient light intensity. The variations in light distribution can also be increased.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lighting device can adopt the following configuration: The lighting device according to any one of (1) to (12), further comprising a reference light distribution forming member configured to form a reference light distribution by receiving light from the light source and emitting the incident light, wherein the light distribution control device is configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer to change at least a part of the reference light distribution formed by the reference light distribution forming member to form a target light distribution.

[0036] According to the lighting device in (13), a standard light distribution is predetermined, making it easier to create the desired light distribution.

[0037] Changing at least a portion of the reference light distribution includes, for example, having a portion of the light distribution control device that transmits the reference light distribution as is, and changing the reference light distribution around that portion.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lamp may adopt the following configuration: The lamp according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the light source includes a first light source and a second light source different from the first light source, the lamp further includes a reference light distribution forming member configured to form a reference light distribution by receiving and emitting light from the second light source, and the light distribution control device is configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer such that it changes at least a portion of the light from the first light source and thereby forms a target light distribution together with the reference light distribution.

[0039] According to the lighting device in (14), a standard light distribution is predetermined, making it easier to create the desired light distribution.

[0040] The first and second light sources may be provided on the same substrate or on separate substrates. The optical axis of the light output from the first light source may be parallel to the optical axis of the light output from the second light source or may be non-parallel to the optical axis of the second light source. Being non-parallel to the optical axis of the light output from the first light source includes, for example, the optical axes of the light output from the first light source and the optical axes of the light output from the second light source being in a skewed position. At least one of the optical axes of the light output from the first light source and the optical axis of the light output from the second light source may extend downward below the horizontal reference line when no voltage is applied to at least one lens layer. For example, the optical axis of the light output from the second light source extends downward below the horizontal reference line when no voltage is applied to at least one lens layer. "To change at least a portion of the light from the first light source, thereby forming a target light distribution together with the reference light distribution" includes, for example, forming a target light distribution by combining a light distribution formed based on light from a second light source, i.e., a reference light distribution, with a light distribution formed based on light from the first light source, i.e., a light distribution formed by the light distribution control device changing at least a portion of the light from the first light source. For example, the light distribution control device is positioned adjacent to the reference light distribution forming member, thereby allowing the light distribution formed based on light from the second light source and the light distribution formed based on light from the first light source to be combined, and as a result, a target light distribution can be formed. Positioning the light distribution control device adjacent to the reference light distribution forming member includes, for example, positioning the light distribution control device adjacent to the reference light distribution forming member when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the first or second light source extends.

[0041] In the lighting device of (13) or (14), the reference light distribution forming member is positioned, for example, in front of the light source or the second light source. The reference light distribution forming member is positioned, for example, between the light source or the second light source and the light distribution control device in the direction in which the light emitted from the light source or the second light source travels. The reference light distribution forming member is, for example, a collimator or a reflector.

[0042] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lighting device can adopt the following configuration. The lighting device according to (15), (13), or (14), wherein the reference light distribution is formed so as to be located below the horizontal reference line when no voltage is applied to the at least one lens layer.

[0043] According to the lighting device of (15), for example, even in a situation where no voltage is applied to the at least one lens layer, the reference light distribution can be formed below the horizontal reference line.

[0044] In the lighting device of (8) or (15), the horizontal reference line is, for example, the cut-off line of the low beam.

[0045] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lighting device can adopt the following configuration. The lighting device according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein the plurality of lens characteristics include a first lens characteristic and a second lens characteristic different from the first lens characteristic, and the light distribution control device is configured such that, when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, a plurality of portions for expressing the second lens characteristic exist within the portion for expressing the first lens characteristic.

[0046] According to the lighting device of (16), when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, the second lens characteristic can be partially expressed within the portion for expressing the first lens characteristic. Further, for example, when the diffusion range of the light in the diffusion direction of the second lens characteristic changes according to the magnitude of the applied voltage, when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, the diffusion range of the light in the diffusion direction of the second lens characteristic can be made different for each portion for expressing the second lens characteristic within the portion for expressing the first lens characteristic. The variations in the light distribution can be increased. The degree of freedom in designing the light distribution can be improved.

[0047] For example, in the lighting device of (16), a plurality of characteristic variable lens portions are provided corresponding to the portions for expressing the second lens characteristic. In this case, a portion for expressing one first lens characteristic is shared by two adjacent characteristic variable lens portions.

[0048] According to one aspect of the present invention, the light distribution control device used in a lighting fixture can adopt the following configuration. A light distribution control device used in the lighting fixture according to any one of (1) to (16).

[0049] According to the above light distribution control device, when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, the light incident on the same part of the light distribution control device can be diffused in different directions. Even with a small number of light sources, the variations in light distribution can be increased.

[0050] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle equipped with a lighting fixture can adopt the following configuration. A vehicle equipped with the lighting fixture according to any one of (1) to (16).

[0051] According to the above vehicle, when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, the light incident on the same part of the light distribution control device can be diffused in different directions. Even with a small number of light sources, the variations in light distribution can be increased.

[0052] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle equipped with a lighting fixture can adopt the following configuration. The vehicle is a saddle-riding type vehicle or an inclined vehicle.

[0053] According to the above-mentioned vehicle, a saddle-type vehicle or an inclined vehicle has a compact body, making it suitable for the use of the lighting device according to the present invention. More specifically, the following applies: A saddle-type vehicle is driven with the occupant straddling a seat. An inclined vehicle requires the occupant to shift their weight when performing actions such as turning. Therefore, a saddle-type vehicle or an inclined vehicle has a more compact body compared to a typical four-wheeled vehicle with a cabin. Generally, saddle-type vehicles or inclined vehicles require maneuverability, agility, and simplicity. Consequently, there is a very high demand for miniaturization and weight reduction for saddle-type vehicles or inclined vehicles. The lighting device of the present invention achieves miniaturization and structural simplification while improving the design freedom of light distribution with fewer light sources, making it easy to adapt the layout of the lighting device to saddle-type vehicles or inclined vehicles, which have high demands for miniaturization and weight reduction. Therefore, the lighting device of the present invention can be suitably applied to saddle-type vehicles or inclined vehicles. A saddle-type vehicle or an inclined vehicle is suitable as the vehicle of the present invention.

[0054] The above-mentioned and other objectives, features, aspects and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of this invention made in reference to the accompanying drawings. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any or all combination of one or more related enumerated items. As used herein, the use of the terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and their variations specifies the presence of described features, processes, operations, elements, components and / or equivalents thereof, but may include one or more of steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology and this disclosure, and not as ideal or overly formal unless expressly defined herein. It is understood that numerous technologies and processes are disclosed in this description of the invention. Each of these has its own individual benefit, and each can be used in conjunction with one or more, or possibly all, of the other disclosed technologies. Therefore, for clarity, this description refrains from unnecessarily repeating all possible combinations of the individual steps. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that all such combinations are within the scope of the invention and claims. The following description provides numerous specific details for illustrative purposes to provide a complete understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. This disclosure should be considered illustrative of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown in the following drawings or description.

[0055] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the design flexibility of light distribution with fewer light sources while achieving miniaturization and simplification of structure.

[0056] This is a conceptual diagram showing a lighting device and a vehicle equipped with the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (A) conceptually shows an example of a vehicle, (B) conceptually shows an example of a lighting device, and (C) to (F) conceptually show examples of variations in the light distribution formed by the lighting device. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of variations in the lighting device. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example where the light distribution control device includes a plurality of variable-characteristic lens parts. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of variations in the variable-characteristic lens, where (A) conceptually shows an example where each of two variable-characteristic lenses includes a lens layer, (B) conceptually shows an example where one variable-characteristic lens includes two lens layers, and (C) conceptually shows an example where one variable-characteristic lens includes one lens layer. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a configuration in which, when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, there are multiple parts that exhibit a second lens characteristic within the part that exhibits a first lens characteristic. (A) conceptually shows an example of multiple transparent electrodes provided within the part that exhibits the first lens characteristic, and (B) conceptually shows multiple transparent electrodes provided within the part that exhibits the second lens characteristic. This is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the light distribution formed by the lamp and the optical axis. This is an explanatory diagram to explain an example of a variation of a lamp. (A) conceptually shows an example of a variation of a lamp, (B) shows an example of a specific configuration of the lamp shown in (A), and (C) shows an example of a variation of the light distribution formed by the lamp shown in (B). This is a conceptual diagram showing variations in the relationship between a reference light distribution and the light distribution formed by a light distribution control device. (A) conceptually shows an example where a part of the reference light distribution is used as is, and (B) conceptually shows an example where, in addition to the reference light distribution, the light distribution control device forms a light distribution adjacent to the reference light distribution.

[0057] The embodiments described below are merely examples. The present invention is not to be interpreted in any way as being limited by the embodiments described below.

[0058] Referring to Figure 1, a lighting device 10 and a vehicle 100 equipped with the lighting device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Figure 1, (A) is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the vehicle 100, (B) is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the lighting device 10, and (C) to (F) are conceptual diagrams showing examples of variations in the light distribution formed by the lighting device 10. Here, in (C) to (F), the light distribution formed by the light itself output from the light source 20 is shown by a solid line, and the light distribution formed by the lens characteristics exhibited in the light distribution control device 30 is shown by a dashed line. Note that the light distributions shown in (C) to (F) are merely examples. Therefore, the light distributions formed by the light itself output from the light source 20 and the light distributions formed by the lens characteristics exhibited in the light distribution control device 30 are not limited to those shown in (C) to (F).

[0059] Vehicle 100 is, for example, a saddle-type vehicle or an inclined vehicle. The lighting device 10 comprises a light source 20 and a light distribution control device 30. The light distribution control device 30 is configured to form a light distribution by emitting light from the light source 20 and to change the light distribution.

[0060] The light distribution control device 30 includes at least one lens layer 32. The light distribution control device 30 is configured to produce multiple lens characteristics that are different from each other in the same portion when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis L1 of the light output from the light source 20 extends, by changing the voltage applied to the at least one lens layer 32. Here, the multiple lens characteristics are configured such that they diffuse the light from the light source 20 in different directions from each other.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 1, two lens characteristics are exhibited. Specifically, as shown in (D), a lens characteristic configured to extend the light distribution formed by the light itself emitted from the light source 20 in the left-right direction is exhibited, and as shown in (E), a lens characteristic configured to extend the light distribution formed by the light itself emitted from the light source 20 in the up-down direction is exhibited. (F) conceptually shows an example of the light distribution when these two lens characteristics are exhibited simultaneously.

[0062] The lighting device 10 allows for miniaturization and simplification of the structure while improving the design flexibility of the light distribution with fewer light sources 20. More specifically, it is as follows: In the lighting device 10, when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis L1 of the light output from the light source 20 extends, the light incident on the same part of the light distribution control device 30 can be diffused in different directions. Even with fewer light sources 20, the variety of light distributions can be increased. By reducing the number of light sources 20, the lighting device 10 can be miniaturized and its structure can be simplified, and even with fewer light sources 20, the variety of light distributions can be increased, improving the design flexibility of the light distribution.

[0063] The light distribution control device 30 is configured to apply a voltage to at least one lens layer 32 in a manner corresponding to each of the first and second lens characteristics, such that, for example, it exhibits a first lens characteristic included in the plurality of lens characteristics, while exhibiting a second lens characteristic included in the plurality of lens characteristics but different from the first lens characteristic.

[0064] The light distribution control device 30 is configured to apply a voltage to at least one lens layer 32 in a manner corresponding to a lens characteristic selected from among a plurality of lens characteristics according to the conditions of the vehicle 100.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, the light distribution control device 30 includes, for example, at least one variable-characteristic lens 34 and a lens characteristic control device 36.

[0066] The at least one variable-characteristic lens 34 includes at least one lens layer 32. The at least one variable-characteristic lens 34 is configured to exhibit multiple lens characteristics that are different from each other in the same portion when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source 20 extends, by changing the voltage applied to the at least one lens layer 32.

[0067] The lens characteristic control device 36 is configured to control the lens characteristics exhibited by at least one variable characteristic lens 34. The lens characteristic control device 36 is configured to apply a voltage to at least one lens layer 32 in a manner corresponding to the selected lens characteristic so that at least one variable characteristic lens 34 emits light from the light source 20 in a manner corresponding to the selected lens characteristic.

[0068] Here, the at least one variable-characteristic lens 34 is, for example, at least one liquid crystal lens. The at least one liquid crystal lens includes, for example, at least one liquid crystal layer as at least one lens layer 32. The at least one liquid crystal lens is configured to exhibit at least one of a plurality of lens characteristics in the same portion when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source 20 extends, by applying a voltage to the at least one liquid crystal layer such that the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the at least one liquid crystal layer is changed from an initial state in which no voltage is applied.

[0069] The lens characteristic control device 36 is configured, for example, to apply a voltage to at least one liquid crystal layer in a manner corresponding to the selected lens characteristic, such that at least one liquid crystal lens emits light from the light source 20 in a manner corresponding to the lens characteristic selected from among a plurality of lens characteristics.

[0070] The light distribution control device 30 and the variable lens 34 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0071] The light distribution control device 30 includes, for example, a plurality of variable-characteristic lens sections 38. Each of the plurality of variable-characteristic lens sections 38 includes a corresponding portion of at least one lens layer 32. Each of the plurality of variable-characteristic lens sections 38 is configured to exhibit a plurality of different lens characteristics in the same portion when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source 20 extends.

[0072] The light distribution control device 30 further includes, for example, a plurality of transparent electrodes 31. The plurality of transparent electrodes 31 are configured to apply a voltage to at least one lens layer 32.

[0073] The plurality of transparent electrodes 31 include, for example, a plurality of transparent electrode combinations 33. The plurality of transparent electrode combinations 33 are provided in accordance with each of the plurality of lens characteristics so that a voltage can be applied to at least one lens layer 32 in a manner corresponding to each of the plurality of lens characteristics.

[0074] The light distribution control device 30 is configured to apply a voltage to at least one lens layer 32 via a transparent electrode 31 included in a selected transparent electrode combination 33, for example, so that the lens characteristics corresponding to the selected transparent electrode combination 33 are manifested.

[0075] Multiple lens characteristics include, for example, a first lens characteristic and a second lens characteristic that is different from the first lens characteristic.

[0076] The multiple transparent electrode combinations 33 include, for example, a first transparent electrode combination 331 and a second transparent electrode combination 332. The first transparent electrode combination 331 is configured to apply a voltage to at least one lens layer 32 in a manner corresponding to a first lens characteristic. The second transparent electrode combination 332 is configured to apply a voltage to at least one lens layer 32 in a manner corresponding to a second lens characteristic and is located at a different position from the first transparent electrode combination 331 in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source 20 extends.

[0077] At least one lens layer 32 includes, for example, a first lens layer 321 and a second lens layer 322. The first lens layer 321 is configured to have a voltage applied in a manner corresponding to a first lens characteristic. The second lens layer 322 is configured to have a voltage applied in a manner corresponding to a second lens characteristic and is located at a position different from the first lens layer 321 in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source 20 extends.

[0078] The light distribution control device 30 is configured such that, for example, when applying a voltage to at least one lens layer 32 via a transparent electrode 31 included in a transparent electrode combination 33 selected from among a plurality of transparent electrode combinations 33 to manifest the lens characteristics corresponding to the selected transparent electrode combination 33, the magnitude of the voltage applied to at least one lens layer 32 via the transparent electrode 31 included in the selected transparent electrode combination 33 can be changed to change the light diffusion range in the light diffusion direction of the lens characteristics corresponding to the selected transparent electrode combination 33.

[0079] In the example shown in Figure 3, a plurality of transparent electrodes 31 and a plurality of transparent electrode combinations 33 (a first transparent electrode combination 331 and a second transparent electrode combination 332) are conceptually shown. In the example shown in Figure 3, a plurality of transparent electrodes 31 and a plurality of transparent electrode combinations 33 (a first transparent electrode combination 331 and a second transparent electrode combination 332) are provided to correspond to each of the plurality of variable characteristic lens portions 38.

[0080] The variations of the variable-characteristic lens 34 will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 conceptually shows an example of a configuration in which the variable-characteristic lens 34 includes multiple variable-characteristic lens sections 38.

[0081] In Figure 4, (A) is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a configuration in which each of the two variable-characteristic lenses 34 includes a lens layer 32. In (A), each of the multiple variable-characteristic lens portions 38 includes the lens layer 32 contained in each of the two variable-characteristic lenses 34, that is, the corresponding portion of the two lens layers 32. (A1) conceptually shows an example of a transparent electrode combination 33 (331) configured to apply a voltage to the lens layer 32 of one of the variable-characteristic lenses 34, and (A2) conceptually shows an example of a transparent electrode combination 33 (332) configured to apply a voltage to the lens layer 32 of the other variable-characteristic lens 34. The multiple transparent electrodes constituting each transparent electrode combination 33 are, for example, distributed on each of a pair of transparent substrates with corresponding lens layers 32 provided between them.

[0082] In Figure 4, (B) is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a configuration in which one variable lens 34 includes two lens layers 32. In (B), each of the multiple variable lens portions 38 includes a corresponding portion of the two lens layers 32 included in one variable lens 34. (B1) conceptually shows an example of a transparent electrode combination 33 (331) configured to apply a voltage to one lens layer 32, and (B2) conceptually shows an example of a transparent electrode combination 33 (332) configured to apply a voltage to the lens layer 32 of the other variable lens 34. The multiple transparent electrodes constituting each transparent electrode combination 33 are, for example, distributed on each of a pair of transparent substrates with corresponding lens layers 32 provided between them.

[0083] In Figure 4, (C) is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a configuration in which one variable-characteristic lens 34 includes one lens layer 32. In (C), each of the multiple variable-characteristic lens portions 38 includes a corresponding portion of one lens layer 32 included in one variable-characteristic lens 34. (C1) conceptually shows an example of a transparent electrode combination 33 (331) configured to exhibit one lens characteristic by applying a voltage to the lens layer 32, and (C2) conceptually shows an example of a transparent electrode combination 33 (332) configured to exhibit the other lens characteristic by applying a voltage to the lens layer 32. The multiple transparent electrodes constituting each transparent electrode combination 33 are, for example, distributed on each of a pair of transparent substrates with a lens layer 32 provided between them. When the multiple transparent electrodes are arranged so as to overlap on the surface of each transparent substrate closer to the lens layer 32, these transparent electrodes are, for example, provided with an insulating layer between each corresponding transparent electrode combination 33.

[0084] In the examples shown in (A1), (A2), (B1), (B2), (C1), and (C2), the transparent electrode combination 33 has a comb shape. In the examples shown in (A1), (A2), (B1), (B2), (C1), and (C2), the transparent electrode combination 33 conceptually shows an example as viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source 20 extends.

[0085] Referring to Figure 5, we will now explain the case where there are multiple portions that exhibit second lens characteristics within a portion that exhibits first lens characteristics, viewed in the direction in which the optical axis L1 (see Figure 1) of the light output from the light source 20 (see Figure 1) extends. In Figure 5, (A) conceptually shows an example of multiple transparent electrodes 31 provided within a portion 35 that exhibits first lens characteristics. In the example shown in (A), there are four portions 35 that exhibit first lens characteristics. In Figure 5, (B) conceptually shows an example of multiple transparent electrodes 31 provided within a portion 37 that exhibits second lens characteristics. In the example shown in (B), there are eight portions 37 that exhibit second lens characteristics. In the example shown in (B), there are two portions 37 that exhibit second lens characteristics within one portion 35 that exhibits first lens characteristics. In other words, the light distribution control device 30 (see Figures 1 to 3) may be configured such that, when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis L1 (see Figure 1) of the light output from the light source 20 (see Figure 1) extends, there are multiple portions 37 that exhibit a second lens characteristic within a portion 35 that exhibits a first lens characteristic.

[0086] As shown in Figure 6, the lighting device 10 is installed on the vehicle 100 (see Figure 1) such that, for example, the optical axis L1 of the light output from the light source 20 extends downward below the horizontal reference line HL when no voltage is applied to at least one lens layer 32.

[0087] In the example shown in Figure 6, the light distribution formed by the light itself output from the light source 20 is shown by a solid line, and the light distribution formed by the lens characteristics exhibited in the light distribution control device 30 is shown by a dashed line. It should be noted that the light distribution shown in Figure 6 is merely an example. Therefore, the light distribution formed by the light itself output from the light source 20 and the light distribution formed by the lens characteristics exhibited in the light distribution control device 30 are not limited to those shown in Figure 6.

[0088] The variations of the lighting device 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 7. In Figure 7, (A) conceptually shows an example of a variation of the lighting device 10, (B) shows an example of a specific configuration of the lighting device 10 shown in (A), and (C) shows an example of a variation of the light distribution formed by the lighting device 10 shown in (B).

[0089] The lighting device 10 further includes, for example, a reference light distribution forming member 40. The reference light distribution forming member 40 is configured to form a reference light distribution 50 by receiving light from the light source 20 and emitting the received light.

[0090] The light distribution control device 30 is configured to apply a voltage to at least one lens layer 32 in such a way that it changes at least a portion of the reference light distribution 50 formed by the reference light distribution forming member 40 to form a desired light distribution 52.

[0091] The reference light distribution 50 is formed such that, for example, when no voltage is applied to at least one lens layer 32, it is positioned below the horizontal reference line HL.

[0092] The light distribution control device 30 is configured, for example, to apply a voltage to at least one lens layer 32 so as to expand the light distribution formed by at least one lens characteristic among a plurality of lens characteristics in a first direction (to the right in the example shown in Figure 7) and contract it in a second direction intersecting the first direction (up and down in the example shown in Figure 7) when changing the light distribution formed by at least one lens characteristic among a plurality of lens characteristics.

[0093] Referring to Figure 8, variations in the relationship between the reference light distribution and the light distribution formed by the light distribution control device 30 will be explained. In Figure 8, (A) conceptually shows an example where a part of the reference light distribution is used as is, and (B) conceptually shows an example where the light distribution control device 30 forms a light distribution adjacent to the reference light distribution in addition to the reference light distribution.

[0094] In the example shown in (A), the variable-characteristic lens 34 of the light distribution control device 30 has, for example, an aperture 39 that allows the reference light distribution 50 to pass through as is. The reference light distribution 50 is larger than the aperture 39. The portion of the reference light distribution 50 that passes around the aperture 39 can be changed by the variable-characteristic lens 34. Although not shown in the figure, in the example shown in (A), the variable-characteristic lens 34 is arranged to overlap with, for example, the reference light distribution forming member 40 that forms the reference light distribution 50.

[0095] In the example shown in (B), the light source 20 includes, for example, a first light source 21 and a second light source 22 different from the first light source 21. The lamp 10 further includes, for example, a reference light distribution forming member 40. The reference light distribution forming member 40 is configured to form a reference light distribution 50 by receiving light from the second light source 22 and emitting the received light. The light distribution control device 30 is configured to change at least a portion of the light from the first light source 21. Thereafter, the light distribution control device 30 forms a light distribution 51. The light distribution 51, together with the reference light distribution 50, forms a desired light distribution 52. That is, the light distribution control device 30 may be configured to apply a voltage to at least one lens layer 32 so as to change at least a portion of the light from the first light source 21, thereby forming a desired light distribution 52 together with the reference light distribution 50.

[0096] (Other Embodiments) Embodiments and modifications described and illustrated herein are for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of this disclosure and do not limit the spirit of this disclosure. The above embodiments and modifications may be modified and improved without departing from the spirit. This spirit includes equivalent elements, modifications, deletions, combinations (e.g., combinations of features spanning embodiments and modifications), improvements, and changes that can be recognized by a person skilled in the art based on the embodiments disclosed herein. The limitations in the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the terms used in those claims and should not be limited to the embodiments and modifications described herein or in the prosecution of this application. Such embodiments and modifications should be interpreted as non-exclusive. For example, in this specification, the terms “preferred” and “good” are non-exclusive and mean “preferred but not limited to” and “good but not limited to.”

[0097] 10 Lighting device 20 Light source 30 Light distribution control device 32 Lens layer 100 Vehicle L1 Optical axis

Claims

1. A lighting device for use in a vehicle, comprising a light source and a light distribution control device configured to form a light distribution by emitting light from the light source and to change the light distribution, wherein the light distribution control device includes at least one lens layer, and is configured to produce a plurality of lens characteristics that are different from each other in the same portion when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, by changing the voltage applied to the at least one lens layer, and the plurality of lens characteristics are configured to diffuse the light from the light source in different directions from each other.

2. A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light distribution control device includes at least one variable lens, which includes at least one lens layer and is configured to produce a plurality of lens characteristics that are different from each other in the same portion when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, by changing the voltage applied to the at least one lens layer, and a lens characteristic control device configured to control the lens characteristics produced by the at least one variable lens, wherein the lens characteristic control device is configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer in a manner corresponding to the selected lens characteristic, such that the at least one variable lens emits light from the light source in a manner corresponding to the selected lens characteristic.

3. A lighter according to claim 2, wherein the at least one variable-characteristic lens includes at least one liquid crystal layer as the at least one lens layer, and is configured such that at least one of the plurality of lens characteristics is expressed in the same portion when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, by applying a voltage to the at least one liquid crystal layer such that the orientation of liquid crystal molecules contained in the at least one liquid crystal layer is changed from an initial state in which no voltage is applied, and the lens characteristic control device is configured to apply a voltage to the at least one liquid crystal layer in a manner corresponding to the selected lens characteristic such that the at least one liquid crystal lens emits light from the light source in a manner corresponding to the selected lens characteristic.

4. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light distribution control device includes a plurality of variable characteristic lens portions, each of the plurality of variable characteristic lens portions includes a corresponding portion of the at least one lens layer, and is configured to produce the plurality of lens characteristics which are different from each other in the same portion when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends.

5. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light distribution control device further includes a plurality of transparent electrodes configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer, the plurality of transparent electrodes include a plurality of transparent electrode combinations provided in correspondence to each of the plurality of lens characteristics so that a voltage can be applied to the at least one lens layer in a manner corresponding to each of the plurality of lens characteristics, and the light distribution control device is configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer via the transparent electrodes included in the selected transparent electrode combination so that a lens characteristic corresponding to a selected transparent electrode combination from among the plurality of transparent electrode combinations is manifested.

6. A lamp according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of lens characteristics include a first lens characteristic and a second lens characteristic different from the first lens characteristic, and the plurality of transparent electrode combinations include a first transparent electrode combination configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer in a manner corresponding to the first lens characteristic and a second transparent electrode combination configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer in a manner corresponding to the second lens characteristic and provided at a position different from the first transparent electrode combination in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends.

7. A lighting device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the light distribution control device is configured such that, when applying a voltage to the at least one lens layer via a transparent electrode included in a transparent electrode combination selected from the plurality of transparent electrode combinations to produce lens characteristics corresponding to the selected transparent electrode combination, the magnitude of the voltage applied to the at least one lens layer via the transparent electrode included in the selected transparent electrode combination can be changed to change the light diffusion range in the light diffusion direction of the lens characteristics corresponding to the selected transparent electrode combination.

8. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lighting device is installed on the vehicle such that the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends downward below a horizontal reference line when no voltage is applied to the at least one lens layer.

9. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of lens characteristics include a first lens characteristic and a second lens characteristic different from the first lens characteristic, and the at least one lens layer includes a first lens layer configured to apply a voltage in a manner corresponding to the first lens characteristic and a second lens layer configured to apply a voltage in a manner corresponding to the second lens characteristic and provided at a position different from the first lens layer in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends.

10. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light distribution control device is configured to apply a voltage to at least one lens layer in a manner corresponding to each of the first lens characteristics and the second lens characteristics, such that a first lens characteristic included in the plurality of lens characteristics is expressed, while a second lens characteristic included in the plurality of lens characteristics but different from the first lens characteristic is expressed.

11. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the light distribution control device is configured to apply a voltage to at least one lens layer in a manner corresponding to a lens characteristic selected from among the plurality of lens characteristics according to the conditions of the vehicle.

12. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the light distribution control device is configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer such that, when changing the light distribution formed by at least one lens characteristic among the plurality of lens characteristics, the light distribution expands in a first direction and contracts in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

13. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a reference light distribution forming member configured to form a reference light distribution by receiving and emitting light from the light source, wherein the light distribution control device is configured to apply a voltage to at least one lens layer to change at least a portion of the reference light distribution formed by the reference light distribution forming member to form a target light distribution.

14. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the light source includes a first light source and a second light source different from the first light source, the lighting device further includes a reference light distribution forming member configured to form a reference light distribution by receiving and emitting light from the second light source, and the light distribution control device is configured to apply a voltage to the at least one lens layer such that it changes at least a portion of the light from the first light source, thereby forming a target light distribution together with the reference light distribution.

15. A lighting device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the reference light distribution is formed to be located below the horizontal reference line when no voltage is applied to the at least one lens layer.

16. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the plurality of lens characteristics include a first lens characteristic and a second lens characteristic different from the first lens characteristic, and the light distribution control device is configured such that, when viewed in the direction in which the optical axis of the light output from the light source extends, a plurality of portions that exhibit the second lens characteristic exist within a portion that exhibits the first lens characteristic.

17. A light distribution control device used in a lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A vehicle equipped with a lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

19. The vehicle according to claim 18, wherein the vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle or an inclined vehicle.

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