JP5525406B2 - Lighting fixtures for vehicles - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular illumination lamp configured to form a variable light distribution pattern for a high beam.

  Conventionally, the light distribution pattern shape can be changed as a high beam light distribution pattern or as an additional light distribution pattern added to the low beam light distribution pattern when forming the high beam light distribution pattern. There is known a vehicular illumination lamp configured to form a variable light distribution pattern.

  For example, in “Patent Document 1”, a pair of light distribution patterns formed by irradiation light from a pair of lamp units is synthesized to form an additional light distribution pattern, and then each lamp unit is swiveled. Accordingly, there is described a vehicular lamp that is configured so that the additional light distribution pattern becomes a variable light distribution pattern.

JP 2010-140661 A

  By adopting the vehicular illumination lamp described in the above-mentioned “Patent Document 1”, the variable light distribution pattern can be formed as a light distribution pattern in which a part of a predetermined region is missing. Then, by moving the position of the predetermined area in the left-right direction according to the position of the preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle, the driver of the own vehicle can visually recognize the front without giving glare to the driver of the preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle. It becomes possible to improve the nature.

  Instead of adopting such a configuration, in the projector-type lamp unit, a movable shade is arranged on the optical path between the reflector and the projection lens, and this movable shade is used as a variable light distribution among the reflected light from the reflector. If the lamp unit is moved in the left-right direction between the light shielding position for shielding the light for forming the predetermined area of the pattern and the light shielding releasing position for releasing the shielding, the front running can be performed without swiveling each lamp unit. It becomes possible to improve the forward visibility of the driver of the vehicle without giving glare to the driver of the vehicle or the oncoming vehicle.

  However, in this case, when the movable shade moves from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position, a dark portion that moves from the left and right ends to the opposite side is formed in the variable light distribution pattern. As a result, the driver of the vehicle is uncomfortable.

  Therefore, in this case, if the moving direction of the movable shade from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position is set to the left and right reverse direction between the pair of lamp units, one variable light distribution pattern is obtained. The formed dark portion can be made inconspicuous by the other variable light distribution pattern.

  However, even in this case, the dark part is not completely eliminated, and there is still room for improvement in order not to give the driver a sense of incongruity.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in a vehicular illumination lamp configured to form a variable light distribution pattern for a high beam, with a simple lamp configuration, A vehicle illumination lamp capable of forming a variable light distribution pattern that can improve the forward visibility of the driver of the vehicle without giving glare to the driver of the vehicle without giving the driver a sense of incongruity. Is intended to provide.

  In the present invention, each of the pair of lamp units is configured to include a movable shade movable in the left-right direction and two sets of light sources and reflectors, and in combination with the movement of each movable shade. The above-described object is achieved by adopting a configuration in which the light source is controlled to be turned off.

That is, the vehicular illumination lamp according to the present invention is:
First and second lamp units for forming a high beam variable light distribution pattern, detection means for detecting a specific object existing in front of the vehicle, and light distribution control for performing light distribution control of each of the lamp units A vehicle illumination lamp comprising:
Each lamp unit includes a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, a light source disposed behind the rear focal point of the projection lens, and light from the light source to the projection lens. A reflector for reflecting the light, a movable shade disposed on an optical path between the reflector and the projection lens, and the movable shade forming a predetermined region of the variable light distribution pattern in the reflected light from the reflector. An actuator that moves in the left-right direction so as to be able to adopt a light shielding position for shielding light and a light shielding release position for releasing the shielding,
Each lamp unit has a configuration in which two sets of the light source and the reflector are arranged on the left and right sides of the optical axis of the lamp unit,
The light shielding cancellation position of the movable shade of the first lamp unit is set on the left side with respect to the optical axis of the lamp unit, while the light shielding cancellation position of the movable shade of the second lamp unit is the light of the lamp unit. Set to the right of the axis,
When the object is detected by the detection means while the vehicle is traveling, the light distribution control means drives the actuator of each lamp unit to move the movable shade of each lamp unit from the light shielding release position. When the movable shade of the first lamp unit is moved from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position, the lamp is moved in the movement section to the vicinity of the optical axis of the lamp unit. While the light source on the left side of the unit is turned off, when the movable shade of the second lamp unit is moved from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position, the right side of the lamp unit is moved in the movement section to the vicinity of the optical axis of the lamp unit. The light source is configured to be turned off.

  The above-mentioned “high beam variable light distribution pattern” is the high beam light distribution pattern itself, which may change the shape of the light distribution pattern, or when forming the high beam light distribution pattern. In addition, an additional light distribution pattern added to the low beam light distribution pattern, which can change the shape of the light distribution pattern.

  The “light source” is arranged on the rear side of the rear focal point of the projection lens. Here, “disposed on the rear side of the rear focal point” is geometrically behind the rear focal point. Not only in the case of being arranged on the side but also in the case of being optically arranged behind the rear focal point (that is, the mirror is arranged on the optical path, and the virtual light source as the mirror image is more than the rear focal point. (When arranged on the rear side).

  The “movable shade” is configured to be movable in the left-right direction between the light shielding position and the light shielding release position. However, the mode of the movement is not particularly limited. A rotation or the like can be employed.

  The above-mentioned “specific object” is not particularly limited as long as it is an object for which it is not preferable to irradiate the object with light. For example, a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, or a walking A person or a bicycle can be employed.

  The specific position of the “predetermined region of the variable light distribution pattern” is not particularly limited.

  The specific position of “near the optical axis” in the “moving section to the vicinity of the optical axis of the lamp unit” is not particularly limited.

  As shown in the above configuration, the vehicular illumination lamp according to the present invention includes first and second lamp units for forming a high beam variable light distribution pattern. As each of these lamp units, a movable shade is provided. When a specific object existing in front of the vehicle is detected while the vehicle is running, the movable shade is moved from the light-shielding release position to a predetermined area of the variable light distribution pattern. Since it is configured to move in the left-right direction to a light-shielding position that shields light for formation, the following operational effects can be obtained.

  In other words, by moving the position of the predetermined area in the left-right direction according to the position of the preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle, the driver of the own vehicle can visually recognize the front without causing glare to the driver of the preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle. It becomes possible to improve the nature. Moreover, this can be realized without the need to swivel each lamp unit.

  In addition, the vehicular illumination lamp according to the present invention has a configuration in which two sets of light sources and reflectors are arranged on the left and right sides of the optical axis as the configuration of each of the first and second lamp units. The light shielding cancellation position of the movable shade of the first lamp unit is set on the left side with respect to the optical axis, while the light shielding cancellation position of the movable shade of the second lamp unit is set on the right side with respect to the optical axis. The light distribution control means is configured to drive the actuator of each lamp unit to move the movable shade from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position when an object is detected during vehicle travel. In addition, when the movable shade of the first lamp unit is moved from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position, the left light source is turned off in the movement section to the vicinity of the optical axis, while the second lamp unit is turned off. Since in the moving section of the movable shade from shading position to its vicinity of the optical axis when moving into the blocking position is configured to turn off the right side of the light source, it is possible to obtain the following effects.

  That is, in the vehicular illumination lamp according to the present invention, as a combined light distribution pattern of a pair of variable light distribution patterns formed by irradiation light from the first and second lamp units, a variable light distribution pattern as a whole lamp. Will be formed.

  At that time, the variable light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the first lamp unit is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of a pair of left and right light distribution patterns formed by the light from the two sets of light sources and reflectors. However, when the movable shade moves in the right direction from the light shielding release position toward the light shielding position, the right light distribution pattern is not formed by turning off the left light source in the movement section to the vicinity of the optical axis. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a dark portion that moves from the right end portion to the left direction from being formed in the variable light distribution pattern. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that the driver of the vehicle will feel uncomfortable.

  On the other hand, the variable light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the second lamp unit is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of a pair of left and right light distribution patterns formed by light from two sets of light sources and reflectors. When the movable shade moves leftward from the light shielding release position toward the light shielding position, the light distribution pattern on the left side is not formed by turning off the light source on the right side in the movement section to the vicinity of the optical axis. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a dark portion that moves in the right direction from the left end portion of the variable light distribution pattern. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that the driver of the vehicle will feel uncomfortable.

  And in this invention, even when the right side light distribution pattern in the variable light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from a 1st lamp unit is not formed, the variable formed by the irradiation light from a 2nd lamp unit is formed. Even when the right light distribution pattern in the light distribution pattern is formed and the left light distribution pattern in the variable light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the second lamp unit is not formed, the first lamp Since the light distribution pattern on the left side of the variable light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the unit is formed, the overall shape of the variable light distribution pattern can be obtained even during the movement of the movable shade of each lamp unit. Can be formed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in the vehicular illumination lamp configured to form the variable light distribution pattern for high beam, glare is given to the driver of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle with a simple lamp configuration. Thus, a variable light distribution pattern that can improve the forward visibility of the driver of the vehicle without causing the vehicle driver to be uncomfortable can be formed without giving the driver of discomfort to the driver.

  In the above configuration, when the movable shade of each lamp unit is moved from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position as the light distribution control means, if the light shielding position is located on the opposite side of the light shielding cancellation position with respect to the optical axis, If the other light source in the lighting state of the lamp unit is turned off in the movement section beyond the axis, a dark part that moves to the variable light distribution pattern is formed regardless of the set position of the light shielding position. Can be prevented.

  In the above configuration, when the movable shade of each lamp unit is moved from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position as the light distribution control means, the light amount of the light source of the other lamp unit corresponding to the light source in the off state of one lamp unit If it is set as the structure to increase, the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, in each lamp unit, while one (or both) of the light sources is turned off, the variable light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the lamp unit is brighter by the light distribution pattern on one side. Will be reduced (or not formed at all). Therefore, by increasing the light quantity of the light source of the other lamp unit corresponding to the light source in which one of the lamp units is turned off, the brightness of the variable light distribution pattern as a whole lamp can be changed to the normal variable light distribution pattern. It is possible to maintain the brightness close to. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the possibility of giving the driver a sense of incongruity.

  Here, “the light source of the corresponding other lamp unit” means that the light source on the left side is the light source on the left side of one lamp unit, and the light source on the right side is the light source on the right side of one lamp unit. That means.

Front view showing a vehicular illumination lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention II-II sectional view of FIG. Sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. It is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern for high beams formed on the virtual vertical screen arrange | positioned in the position of 25 m ahead of the lamp | ramp by the light irradiated ahead from the said vehicle lighting lamp, Comprising: The movable shade of each lamp unit is the following. (A) is a light shielding release position, and (b) is a diagram when it is in a first light shielding position. It is a figure which shows the said high beam light distribution pattern, Comprising: The said movable shade is a figure when (a) is in the 2nd light-shielding position, (b) is in the 3rd light-shielding position. It is a figure which shows the additional light distribution pattern as a variable light distribution pattern which comprises a part of said light distribution pattern for high beams for every lamp unit, Comprising: (a), (f) is a figure of Fig.4 (a). The additional light distribution patterns in the high beam light distribution pattern, (e) and (j) are the additional light distribution patterns in the high beam light distribution pattern in FIG. 4B, (b) to (d) and (g) to (g). i) is a diagram showing each additional light distribution pattern in the transition process (A) is a timing chart showing a state of control for changing the additional light distribution pattern by the first lamp unit in the process of FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (e), and (b) is a second lamp unit. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a state of control for changing the additional light distribution pattern according to FIG. 6F in the process of FIGS. It is a figure which shows the said additional light distribution pattern for every lamp unit, Comprising: (a), (f) is the additional light distribution pattern in the high beam light distribution pattern of Fig.4 (a), (e), (j ) Is an additional light distribution pattern in the high beam light distribution pattern of FIG. 5 (a), and (b) to (d) and (g) to (i) are diagrams showing the additional light distribution pattern in the transition process, respectively. (A) is a timing chart showing a state of control for changing the additional light distribution pattern by the first lamp unit in the process of FIGS. 8 (a) to (e), and (b) is a second lamp unit. FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the state of control for changing the additional light distribution pattern according to FIG. 8F in the process of FIGS. The figure similar to FIG. 1 which shows the modification of the said embodiment

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing a vehicular illumination lamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the vehicular illumination lamp 10 according to the present embodiment includes a lamp body 12, a control unit 50, and an in-vehicle camera 52 for capturing a scene in front of the vehicle. .

  In this vehicular illumination lamp 10, a beam from the beam changeover switch 54 for switching the beam of the image data picked up by the in-vehicle camera 52 and the low beam and the high beam to the control unit 50. A switching signal is input.

  The lamp body 12 has a configuration in which three lamp units 18, 20F, and 20S are accommodated in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body 14 and a transparent light-transmitting cover 16 attached to the front end opening. ing.

  The lamp unit 18 is a lamp unit for forming a low beam light distribution pattern, and is configured as a projector-type lamp unit.

  The lamp units 20F and 20S are first and second lamp units for forming an additional light distribution pattern added to the low beam light distribution pattern when forming a high beam light distribution pattern. It is configured as a lamp unit.

  The first and second lamp units 20F and 20S have a symmetrical configuration. Therefore, in the following, the second lamp unit 20S will be described.

  2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG.

  As shown in these drawings, the second lamp unit 20S includes a projection lens 22, a pair of left and right light sources 24La and 24Ra, a pair of left and right reflectors 26L and 26R, a movable shade 28, an actuator 30, It is the structure provided with the holder 32 which supports these.

  The projection lens 22 is a plano-convex aspheric lens having a convex front surface and a flat rear surface, and is disposed on an optical axis Ax extending in the vehicle front-rear direction. The projection lens 22 projects a light source image formed on the rear focal plane on the virtual vertical screen in front of the lamp as a reverse image.

  Each of the pair of left and right light sources 24La and 24Ra is a light emitting chip of white light emitting diodes 24L and 24R, and is rearward from the rear focal point F of the projection lens 22 and obliquely upward and leftward from the optical axis Ax. In terms of position, they are arranged substantially downward in a symmetrical relationship.

  Each of the pair of left and right reflectors 26L and 26R is disposed in a symmetrical relationship so as to cover each of the pair of left and right light sources 24La and 24Ra in a substantially semi-dome shape from the lower side. At this time, the pair of left and right reflectors 26L and 26R are formed integrally with each other.

  The reflecting surfaces 26La and 26Ra of the reflectors 26L and 26R have a long axis on the axis Ax1 extending obliquely downward toward the front of the lamp, and are substantially elliptical surfaces having the light emission centers of the light sources 24La and 24Ra as the first focal points, respectively. The eccentricity is set so as to gradually increase from the vertical section toward the horizontal section. As a result, each of the reflectors 26L and 26R substantially converges the light from the light sources 24La and 24Ra slightly in front of the rear focal point F in the vertical section, and sets the convergence position in the horizontal section. It is designed to move considerably forward.

  At this time, the pair of left and right reflectors 26L and 26R are arranged so that the axis Ax1 serving as the central axis intersects the optical axis Ax in the vicinity of the rear focal point F in plan view. The light condensing property to the rear focal point F of the reflected light from 26L and 26R is enhanced.

  The movable shade 28 is composed of a rectangular parallelepiped block having a vertically long rectangular outer shape when viewed from the front of the lamp, and is arranged so as to be movable in the left-right direction (that is, in the vehicle width direction) in the vicinity of the rear focal plane of the projection lens 22. Yes.

  The movable shade 28 is screwed with a shaft 34 extending in the left-right direction below the optical axis Ax and is slidably engaged with a guide pin 36. At this time, the shaft 34 is disposed on the horizontal axis Ax2 extending in the left-right direction so as to pass substantially directly below the rear focal point F, and the guide pin 36 is disposed in the vicinity thereof.

  The shaft 34 is connected to the actuator 30 at one end thereof. The actuator 30 is fixedly supported by a bracket 38 that is placed and fixed on a notch portion of the holder 32. Further, the shaft 34 is rotatably supported at the other end by a bracket 40 that is placed and fixed on the notch of the holder 32. The guide pin 36 is fixedly supported by brackets 38 and 40 at both ends thereof.

  The actuator 30 is constituted by a stepping motor or the like, and rotates the shaft 34 by driving the actuator 30 so as to move the movable shade 28 screwed with the shaft 34 in the left-right direction along the horizontal axis Ax2. .

  By driving the actuator 30, the movable shade 28 can adopt a light shielding release position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2 and a light shielding position indicated by a two-dot chain line, for example.

  At that time, the light shielding release position is set to the right end position (the left end position in the front view of the lamp) where the reflected light from the pair of left and right reflectors 26L and 26R is not shielded by the movable shade 28. A position where a part of the reflected light from the pair of left and right reflectors 26L and 26R is shielded by the movable shade 28 (for example, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, the reflected light passes through the vicinity of the rear focal point F. (Position on the optical axis Ax that shields light).

  The movable shade 28 is formed so that its upper end surface 28a is positioned slightly above the optical axis Ax in a state of being screwed with the shaft 34. The movable shade 28 is always kept upright by the engagement with the guide pin 36 even when the shaft 34 rotates.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the actuator 30 is driven by a drive control signal from the control unit 50 based on input signals from the beam changeover switch 54 and the in-vehicle camera 52. Further, the control unit 50 also controls the lighting of the light sources 24La and 24Ra of the first lamp unit 20F and the light sources 24La and 24Ra of the second lamp unit 20S based on the input signal from the beam changeover switch 54. It has become. Further, the control unit 50 also performs the light increase control of the light sources 24La and 24Ra of the first lamp unit 20F and the light sources 24La and 24Ra of the second lamp unit 20S based on the input signal from the in-vehicle camera 52. ing.

  4 and 5 are perspective views of a high-beam light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen arranged at a position 25 m ahead of the vehicle by light emitted forward from the vehicular illumination lamp 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG.

  The high beam light distribution pattern PH0 shown in FIG. 4A is a normal high beam light distribution pattern, and is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of the low beam light distribution pattern PL and the additional light distribution pattern PA0. It has become.

  The low-beam light distribution pattern PL is a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the lamp unit 18, and is a left-light distribution low-beam light distribution pattern having horizontal cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 having different left and right steps on the upper edge. Is formed.

  The horizontal cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 extend in a horizontal direction with a difference in left and right steps from the VV line which is a vertical line passing through HV which is a vanishing point in the front direction of the lamp, and are on the right side of the VV line. Is formed so as to extend in the horizontal direction as the horizontal cut-off line CL1 on the opposite lane side, and the left side of the VV line is stepped up from the horizontal cut-off line CL1 as the horizontal cut-off line CL2 on the own lane side. It is formed so as to extend in the horizontal direction. However, the end near the VV line in the horizontal cut-off line CL2 is formed as an oblique cut-off line extending at an inclination angle of 15 ° obliquely left upward from the intersection of the horizontal cut-off line CL1 and the V-V line. .

  In this low beam light distribution pattern PL, the elbow point, which is the intersection of the horizontal cutoff line CL1 and the VV line, is located about 0.5 to 0.6 ° below HV.

  The additional light distribution pattern PA0 overlaps the additional light distribution patterns PAF0 and PAS0 (see FIGS. 6A and 6F) having the same shape formed by the light emitted from the first and second lamp units 20F and 20S. It has a light distribution pattern.

  At this time, the additional light distribution pattern PA0 is formed when the pair of left and right light sources 24La and 24Ra are turned on in the state where the movable shade 28 is in the light shielding release position in each of the lamp units 20F and 20S. It is a pattern.

  This additional light distribution pattern PA0 is a combined light distribution pattern of a pair of left and right light distribution patterns PAL and PAR that partially overlap with each other in a symmetrical relationship with respect to the VV line, and is centered on the VV line. Thus, it is formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern extending elongated on both the left and right sides.

  The left light distribution pattern PAL is a light distribution pattern formed by light from the right light source 24Ra reflected by the right reflector 26R, and the right light distribution pattern PAR is the left light source reflected by the left reflector 26L. It is a light distribution pattern formed by light from 24La.

  Each of the light distribution patterns PAL and PAR has a lower end edge extending in a substantially horizontal direction below the HH line, which is a horizontal line passing through HV, and the upper end edge from the left and right end positions of the lower end edge. It is formed so as to swell in the shape of a horizontally elongated ellipse upward. At that time, the lower end edge of each of the light distribution patterns PAL and PAR intersects with the VV line about 2 to 3 ° below HV, and the upper end edge is 3 to 5 ° of HV. It is formed so as to intersect with the VV line approximately upward.

  In this additional light distribution pattern PA0, the hot zone that is a high luminous intensity region is located in the vicinity of HV where the pair of left and right light distribution patterns PAL and PAR overlap.

  The high beam light distribution pattern PH1 shown in FIG. 4B is a high beam light distribution pattern having a shape lacking in part from the high beam light distribution pattern PH0 shown in FIG.

  The high beam light distribution pattern PH1 is a combined distribution of the low beam light distribution pattern PL and the additional light distribution pattern PA1 having a part of the additional light distribution pattern PA0 shown in FIG. It is formed as a light pattern.

  The additional light distribution pattern PA1 is formed when the pair of left and right light sources 24La and 24Ra are turned on in a state where the movable shade 28 of each lamp unit 20F and 20S is in the first light-shielding position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. It is an additional light distribution pattern.

  This additional light distribution pattern PA1 is formed as a light distribution pattern in which a rectangular notch PA1a is formed in the upper region at the center in the left-right direction with respect to the additional light distribution pattern PA0 shown in FIG. Has been.

  This notch PA1a is formed as a shadow of the movable shade 28 at the first light shielding position. At this time, the lower end edge of the notch PA1a extends horizontally in the vicinity of the lower part of the HH line because the upper end surface 28a of the movable shade 28 is formed as a horizontal plane in the vicinity of the upper part of the optical axis Ax. Yes. The left and right side edges of the notch PA1a extend in the vertical direction on both sides of the VV line because the left and right side surfaces of the movable shade 28 are formed as vertical surfaces.

  Specifically, the notch PA1a is formed with a lateral width of about 4 to 5 ° with respect to the VV line, and the lower end edge thereof is a horizontal cut-off line CL1 of the low beam light distribution pattern PL. It is approximately the same height as or slightly above.

  In the high beam light distribution pattern PH1 having the additional light distribution pattern PA1 in which such a notch PA1a is formed, the forward visibility of the driver of the own vehicle is improved without giving glare to the driver of the preceding vehicle 2. It becomes possible.

  The high beam distribution patterns PH2 and PH3 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are also part of the high beam distribution pattern PH0 shown in FIG. Light pattern.

  At that time, the additional light distribution pattern PA2 shown in FIG. 5 (a) is obtained when the movable shade 28 of each of the lamp units 20F and 20S is in the second light-shielding position displaced to the left of the first light-shielding position. It is an additional light distribution pattern formed when the pair of light sources 24La and 24Ra are turned on.

  In the additional light distribution pattern PA2, the notch PA2a is located on the right side of the VV line. For this reason, it becomes possible to improve the forward visibility of the own vehicle driver without giving glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 4. At this time, the notch PA2a is displaced in the right direction in accordance with the position change information of the oncoming vehicle 4 input from the in-vehicle camera 52.

  On the other hand, the additional light distribution pattern PA3 shown in FIG. 5B has a left and right 1 in a state where the movable shade 28 of each lamp unit 20F, 20S is located at the third light shielding position displaced to the right of the first light shielding position. It is an additional light distribution pattern formed when the pair of light sources 24La and 24Ra are turned on.

  In this additional light distribution pattern PA3, since the notch PA3a is on the left side of the VV line, the forward visibility of the driver of the vehicle is improved without giving glare to the pedestrian 6 on the shoulder side. Is possible. At this time, the notch PA3a is displaced in the left direction according to the information on the relative position change of the pedestrian 6 input from the in-vehicle camera 52.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an additional light distribution pattern as a variable light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from each of the first and second lamp units 20F and 20S.

  Specifically, FIGS. 6A and 6F are additional light distribution patterns PAF0 and PAS0 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH0 shown in FIG. 4A, and FIGS. These are additional light distribution patterns PAF1 and PAS1 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH1 shown in FIG. FIGS. 6B to 6D are diagrams showing the additional light distribution patterns PAF11, PAF12, and PAF13 in the transition process from the additional light distribution pattern PAF0 to the additional light distribution pattern PAF1, respectively. (I) is a figure which shows the additional light distribution patterns PAS11, PAS12, and PAS13 in the transition process from the additional light distribution pattern PAS0 to the additional light distribution pattern PAS1, respectively.

  At that time, the transition from the additional light distribution pattern PAF0 shown in FIG. 6 (a) to the additional light distribution pattern PAF1 shown in FIG. 6 (e) causes the movable shade 28 of the first lamp unit 20F to move from the left light-blocking release position to the first. This is done by moving it to the right toward the light-shielding position. On the other hand, the transition from the additional light distribution pattern PAS0 shown in FIG. 5 (f) to the additional light distribution pattern PAS1 shown in FIG. 5 (j) moves the movable shade 28 of the second lamp unit 20S from the right light shielding release position to the first. This is performed by moving leftward toward the light shielding position.

  In the additional light distribution patterns PAF0 and PAS0 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6F, the shadow S of the movable shade 28 at the light shielding release position is at a position deviated to the right side or the left side from the additional light distribution patterns PAF0 and PAS0. Therefore, the pair of left and right light distribution patterns PAL and PAR are formed without any loss.

  On the other hand, in the additional light distribution patterns PAF1 and PAS1 shown in FIGS. 6E and 6J, the shadow S of the movable shade 28 at the first light-shielding position is located on the VV line. The notches PAF1a and PAS1a are formed in the part.

  When shifting from the additional light distribution pattern PAF0 shown in FIG. 6A to the additional light distribution pattern PAF1 shown in FIG. 6E, it is assumed that the additional light distribution pattern PAF0 remains as it is (that is, a pair of right and left light distributions). If the pattern PAL and PAR remain formed), the shadow S of the movable shade 28 moves to the left in the right light distribution pattern PAR, which gives the driver a sense of incongruity. There is a fear.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the additional light distribution pattern PAF0 is shifted to the additional light distribution pattern PAF1 via the additional light distribution patterns PAF11, PAF12, and PAF13.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 6B, the left light source 24La is turned off so that the right light distribution pattern PAR is not formed as the additional light distribution pattern PAF11, and then the movable shade 28 is moved in the right direction. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 6D, after the movable shade 28 reaches the first light shielding position, the left light source 24Ra is turned on to form the right light distribution pattern PAR. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6C, the additional light distribution pattern PAF12 in which the movable shade 28 is moving from the light shielding release position toward the first light shielding position is replaced with the shadow S of the movable shade 28. Is supposed not to occur.

  Note that immediately before the movable shade 28 reaches the first light shielding position, the right light distribution pattern PAL on the left side of the additional light distribution pattern PAF13 shown in FIG. Since the position is close to the V-V line, there is no possibility that the driver will feel uncomfortable.

  On the other hand, in the transition from the additional light distribution pattern PAS0 shown in FIG. 6 (f) to the additional light distribution pattern PAS1 shown in FIG. 6 (j), the moving direction of the movable shade 28 is reversed left and right. By turning off the right light source 24Ra, the light distribution patterns PAS11, PAS12, and PAS13 in which the left light distribution pattern PAL is not formed are routed.

  FIG. 7 (a) shows a first example performed in the control unit 50 in order to change the additional light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the first lamp unit 20F in the process of FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (e). It is a timing chart which shows the mode of the current control with respect to each light source 24La and 24Ra of 1 lamp unit 20F. FIG. 7B is a timing chart showing a state of current control similarly performed on the light sources 24La and 24Ra of the second lamp unit 20S.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, with respect to the first lamp unit 20F, in a state where the movable shade 28 is in the light shielding release position, the left light source 24La is turned off, and then the actuator 30 is driven to move the movable shade. 28 is moved from the light shielding release position to the first light shielding position, and then the left light source 24La is turned on. On the other hand, the light amount of the right light source 24Ra is increased by about 20 to 100% (for example, about 80%) while the left light source 24La is turned off.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, for the second lamp unit 20S, the light source 24Ra on the right side is turned off and the actuator 30 is driven in a state where the movable shade 28 is in the light shielding release position. The movable shade 28 is moved from the light shielding release position to the first light shielding position, and then the right light source 24Ra is turned on. On the other hand, the light amount of the left light source 24La is increased by about 20 to 100% (for example, about 80%) while the right light source 24Ra is turned off.

  The additional light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the lamp main body 12 is the additional light distribution formed by the light emitted from the first lamp unit 20F during the transition from the additional light distribution pattern PA0 to the additional light distribution pattern PA1. The light distribution pattern is a superposition of the light patterns PAF11, PAF12, and PAF13 and the additional light distribution patterns PAS11, PAS12, and PAS13 formed by the irradiation light from the second lamp unit 20S. At this time, the additional light distribution patterns PAF11, PAF12, and PAF13 are not formed with the right light distribution pattern PAR, while the left light distribution pattern PAL is brighter, while the additional light distribution patterns PAS11, PAS12, and PAS13. The left side light distribution pattern PAL is not formed, but the right side light distribution pattern PAR is bright. Therefore, the additional light distribution pattern obtained by superimposing the light distribution patterns PAR is brighter than the additional light distribution patterns PA0 and PA1. It will have.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram similar to FIG. 6, and from the additional light distribution patterns PAF <b> 0 and PAS <b> 0 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH <b> 0 shown in FIG. 4A, the high beam light distribution pattern PH <b> 2 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing additional light distribution patterns PAF21, PAF22, PAF23 and PAS21, PAS22, PAS23 in the transition process to additional light distribution patterns PAF2 and PAS2, respectively.

  At that time, the movable shade 28 of the first lamp unit 20F has a short movement distance from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position, but the movable shade 28 of the second lamp unit 20S has a movement distance from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position. It has been long.

  FIG. 9 (a) shows a first operation performed in the control unit 50 in order to change the additional light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the first lamp unit 20F in the process of FIGS. 8 (a) to 8 (e). It is a timing chart which shows the mode of the current control with respect to 1 pair of light sources 24La and 24Ra of right and left of 1 lamp unit 20F. FIG. 9B is a timing chart showing a state of current control similarly performed on the light sources 24La and 24Ra of the second lamp unit 20S.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, with respect to the first lamp unit 20F, in a state where the movable shade 28 is at the light shielding release position, after the left light source 24La is turned off, the actuator 30 is driven to move the movable shade. 28 is moved from the light shielding release position to the second light shielding position, and then the left light source 24La is lit up for a predetermined time and then returned to the normal lighting. On the other hand, the right light source 24Ra is lit brightly while the left light source 24La is turned off and the left light source 24La is lit brightly, and then returns to normal lighting. At this time, the light amount is increased by about 20 to 100% (for example, about 80%) at the time of bright lighting.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, for the second lamp unit 20S, the light source 24Ra on the right side is turned off and the actuator 30 is driven in a state where the movable shade 28 is at the light shielding release position. The movable shade 28 is moved from the light shielding release position to the second light shielding position, and then the right light source 24Ra is maintained in the extinguished state until the movable shade 28 reaches the second light shielding position. On the other hand, the left light source 24La is turned on at the same time as the right light source 24Ra is turned off, and then turned off when the movable shade 28 reaches a position near the optical axis Ax. Then, after the movable shade 28 reaches the second light shielding position, both the left light source 24La and the right light source 24Ra are returned to normal lighting. At this time, the light amount is increased by about 20 to 100% (for example, about 80%) at the time of bright lighting.

  In this case, the bright lighting of the left light source 24La in the first lamp unit 20F is started simultaneously with the turning off of the left light source 24La in the second lamp unit 20S, and is finished simultaneously with the return of the left light source 24La to the normal lighting. It is like that.

  When shifting from the additional light distribution pattern PAF0, PAS0 to the additional light distribution pattern PAF2, PAS2, the light distribution pattern PAR on the right side of the additional light distribution patterns PAF21, PAF22 and the light distribution pattern PAL on the left side of the additional light distribution patterns PAS21, PAS22 are On the other hand, since the light distribution pattern PAL on the left side of the additional light distribution patterns PAF21 and PAF22 and the light distribution pattern PAR on the right side of the additional light distribution patterns PAS21 and PAS22 are formed brightly and brightly, the additional light distribution pattern PAF22 is formed. As the additional light distribution pattern on which the PAS 22 is superimposed, the shadow S of the moving movable shade 28 is not formed, and the brightness is maintained close to the additional light distribution pattern PA0. .

  Further, when shifting from the additional light distribution pattern PAF0, PAS0 to the additional light distribution pattern PAF2, PAS2, the additional light distribution pattern PAS23 is not formed with the light distribution patterns PAL and PAR on both sides, whereas the additional light distribution pattern PAF23 is on both sides. Since the light distribution patterns PAL and PAR are brightly formed, the additional light distribution pattern obtained by superimposing the additional light distribution patterns PAF23 and PAS23 does not form the shadow S of the movable shade 28 that is moving. The brightness is maintained close to the additional light distribution pattern PA2.

  In the high beam light distribution pattern PH3 shown in FIG. 5B, the cutout portion PA3a is opposite to the cutout portion PA2a of the high beam light distribution pattern PH2 shown in FIG. Therefore, the transition from the high beam light distribution pattern PH0 to the high beam light distribution pattern PH3 is performed by controlling the movable shade 28 and the light sources 24La and 24Ra of the first and second lamp units 20F and 20S. This is performed in the opposite direction to the case of shifting to the light distribution pattern PH2.

  Next, the effect of this embodiment is demonstrated.

  The vehicular illumination lamp 10 according to the present embodiment includes first and second lamp units 20F and 20S for forming an additional light distribution pattern PA0 as a high beam variable light distribution pattern. When a projector-type lamp unit having a movable shade 28 is adopted as the units 20F and 20S, and a specific object existing in front of the vehicle is detected by the vehicle-mounted camera 52 as a detection unit while the vehicle is running, The control unit 50 as a light distribution control means moves the movable shade 28 in the left-right direction from the light shielding release position to a light shielding position for shielding light for forming a predetermined region of the additional light distribution pattern PA0. Therefore, the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, by moving the position of the predetermined area (that is, the position of the notch PA1a of the additional light distribution pattern PA1) in the left-right direction according to the position of the preceding vehicle 2, the oncoming vehicle 4, or the pedestrian 6, It is possible to improve the forward visibility of the driver of the vehicle without giving glare to the driver of the vehicle 2 or the oncoming vehicle 4 or the pedestrian 6. In addition, this can be realized without requiring each lamp unit 20F, 20S to be swiveled.

  In addition, the vehicular illumination lamp 10 according to the present embodiment includes two sets of light sources 24La and 24Ra and a reflector 26L on the left and right sides of the optical axis Ax as the configurations of the first and second lamp units 20F and 20S. 26R is arranged, and the light shielding release position of the movable shade 28 of the first lamp unit 20F is set on the left side with respect to the optical axis Ax, while the movable shade of the second lamp unit 20S is arranged. 28 is set to the right side with respect to the optical axis Ax, and the control unit 50 drives the actuator 30 of each of the lamp units 20F and 20S when an object is detected while the vehicle is running. The movable shade 28 is configured to move from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position, and the first lamp unit 20F can be moved. When the shade 28 is moved from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position, the light source 24La on the left side is turned off in the movement section to the vicinity of the optical axis Ax, while the movable shade 28 of the second lamp unit 20S is moved from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position. Since the right light source 24Ra is turned off in the moving section up to the vicinity of the optical axis Ax when moving, the following operational effects can be obtained.

  That is, in the vehicular illumination lamp 10 according to the present embodiment, as a combined light distribution pattern of a pair of additional light distribution patterns PAF0 and PAS0 formed by irradiation light from the first and second lamp units 20F and 20S, The additional light distribution pattern PA0 as the whole lamp is formed.

  At this time, the additional light distribution pattern PAF0 formed by the irradiation light from the first lamp unit 20F is a pair of left and right light distribution patterns PAL formed by the light from the two sets of light sources 24La and 24Ra and the reflectors 26L and 26R. PAR is formed as a combined light distribution pattern. When the movable shade 28 moves rightward from the light shielding release position toward the light shielding position, the left light source 24La is turned on in the movement section to the vicinity of the optical axis Ax. Since the light distribution pattern PAR on the right side is not formed by turning off the light, it is possible to prevent the additional light distribution pattern PAF12, PAF22 from forming a dark part that moves from the right end to the left. it can. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that the driver of the vehicle will feel uncomfortable.

  On the other hand, the additional light distribution pattern PAS0 formed by the irradiation light from the second lamp unit 20S is a pair of left and right light distribution patterns PAL formed by light from the two sets of light sources 24La and 24Ra and the reflectors 26L and 26R. Although formed as a combined light distribution pattern of PAR, when the movable shade 28 moves leftward from the light shielding release position toward the light shielding position, the right light source 24Ra is turned off in the movement section to the vicinity of the optical axis Ax. As a result, the left side light distribution pattern PAL is not formed, so that it is possible to prevent the additional light distribution patterns PAF11, PAF12, and PAF13 from forming dark portions that move from the left end to the right. Can do. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that the driver of the vehicle will feel uncomfortable.

  In the present embodiment, when the right light distribution pattern PAR in the additional light distribution pattern PAF0 formed by the irradiation light from the first lamp unit 20F is not formed, the irradiation light from the second lamp unit 20S is used. The right side light distribution pattern PAR in the formed additional light distribution pattern PAS0 is formed, and the left side light distribution in the additional light distribution pattern PAS0 formed by the irradiation light from the second lamp unit 20S. When the pattern PAL is not formed, the left light distribution pattern PAL in the additional light distribution pattern PAF0 formed by the irradiation light from the first lamp unit 20F is formed. Even during movement of the movable shade 28 of each lamp unit 20F, 20S, It is possible to form the overall shape of the light distribution pattern.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the vehicular illumination lamp 10 configured to form the additional light distribution pattern PA0 as the high beam variable light distribution pattern, the preceding vehicle 2 or An additional light distribution pattern that can improve the forward visibility of the driver of the vehicle without giving glare to the driver or the like of the oncoming vehicle 4 can be formed without causing the driver of the vehicle to feel uncomfortable.

  In the present embodiment, when the movable shade 28 of each lamp unit 20F (or 20S) is moved from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position as the control unit 50, the light shielding position is the light of the lamp unit 20F (or 20S). When the axis Ax is located on the opposite side of the light shielding release position, the other light source 24Ra (or 24La) of the lamp unit 20F (or 20S) is also extinguished in the movement section beyond the optical axis Ax. Thus, even when the light shielding position is set at a position away from the optical axis Ax in the left-right direction, a dark portion that moves to the variable light distribution patterns PAF21, PAF22, and PAF23 is prevented from being formed. be able to.

  Moreover, in the present embodiment, when the movable shade 28 of each lamp unit 20F (or 20S) is moved from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position as the control unit 50, the lamp unit 20F (or 20S) is in an extinguished state. The light source of the other lamp unit 20S (or 20F) corresponding to the light source 24La (or 24Ra) is configured to increase the amount of light of the other light source 24La (or 24Ra), so that the following operational effects can be obtained. it can.

  That is, in each lamp unit 20F (or 20S), while one light source 24La (or 24Ra) is turned off, the additional light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the lamp unit 20F (or 20S) is The brightness is reduced by the light distribution pattern PAR (or PAL) on one side. Therefore, by increasing the light quantity of the light source 24La (or 24Ra) of the other lamp unit 20S (or 20F) corresponding to the light source 24La (or 24Ra) in which the one lamp unit 20F (or 20S) is turned off, the lamp is increased. The brightness of the variable light distribution pattern as a whole can be maintained at a brightness close to that of a normal variable light distribution pattern.

  Further, in each lamp unit 20F (or 20S), while both the light sources 24La and 24Ra are turned off, the additional light distribution pattern formed by the irradiation light from the lamp unit 20F (or 20S) is not formed at all. However, the brightness of the variable light distribution pattern as a whole lamp can be reduced to that of the normal variable light distribution pattern by increasing the light quantity of both the light sources 24La and 24Ra in the other lamp unit 20S (or 20F). It becomes possible to maintain the brightness close to the case. Then, by performing such light increase control, it is possible to further reduce the possibility of giving a sense of discomfort to the vehicle driver.

  In the said embodiment, although the 1st and 2nd lamp unit 20F and 20S demonstrated the case where it was a component of the single lamp main body 12, like the vehicle lighting lamp 110 shown in FIG. Among the pair of left and right lamp bodies 112 and 112R, the first lamp unit 20F is disposed on one lamp body 112L (or 112R), and the second lamp unit 20S is disposed on the other lamp body 112R (or 112L). It is also possible to adopt the configuration described above.

  Even when such a configuration is employed, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the pair of left and right light sources 24La and 24Ra in each lamp unit 20F and 20S has been described as light emitting chips of white light emitting diodes 24L and 24R. Even in the case of using as, it is possible to obtain the same effects as the above-described embodiment and modification.

  In the embodiment and the modification, the lamp unit 18 of the vehicular illumination lamps 10 and 110 is configured to form the low-beam distribution pattern for the left beam distribution as the low-beam distribution pattern PL. Even in the case where the light distribution pattern for right light distribution is formed, a similar effect can be obtained by adopting the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment and modification.

  In addition, the numerical value shown as a specification in the said embodiment and modification is only an example, and of course, you may set these to a different value suitably.

2 Front-running vehicle 4 Oncoming vehicle 6 Pedestrian 10, 110 Vehicle lighting lamp 12, 112L, 112R Lamp body 14 Lamp body 16 Translucent cover 18 Lamp unit 20F First lamp unit 20S Second lamp unit 22 Projection lenses 24L, 24R White light emitting diode 24La, 24Ra Light source 26L, 26R Reflector 26La, 26Ra Reflective surface 28 Movable shade 28a Upper end surface 30 Actuator 32 Holder 34 Shaft 36 Guide pin 38, 40 Bracket 50 Control unit (light distribution control means)
52 On-board camera (detection means)
54 Beam selector switch Ax Optical axis Ax1 Axis line Ax2 Horizontal axis line CL1, CL2 Horizontal cutoff line F Rear focus PAL, PAR Light distribution pattern PA0, PA1, PA2, PA3 Additional light distribution pattern (variable light distribution pattern)
PA1a, PA2a, PA3a, PAF1a, PAF2a, PAS1a, PAS2a Notch PAF0, PAF1, PAF2, PAF11, PAF12, PAF13, PAF21, PAF22, PAF23 Additional light distribution pattern (variable light distribution pattern)
PAS0, PAS1, PAS2, PAS11, PAS12, PAS13, PAS21, PAS22, PAS23 Additional light distribution pattern (variable light distribution pattern)
PH0, PH1, PH2, PH3 Light distribution pattern for high beam PL Light distribution pattern for low beam S Shadow

Claims (3)

First and second lamp units for forming a high beam variable light distribution pattern, detection means for detecting a specific object existing in front of the vehicle, and light distribution control for performing light distribution control of each of the lamp units A vehicle illumination lamp comprising:
Each lamp unit includes a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, a light source disposed behind the rear focal point of the projection lens, and light from the light source to the projection lens. A reflector for reflecting the light, a movable shade disposed on an optical path between the reflector and the projection lens, and the movable shade forming a predetermined region of the variable light distribution pattern in the reflected light from the reflector. An actuator that moves in the left-right direction so as to be able to adopt a light shielding position for shielding light and a light shielding release position for releasing the shielding,
Each lamp unit has a configuration in which two sets of the light source and the reflector are arranged on the left and right sides of the optical axis of the lamp unit,
The light shielding cancellation position of the movable shade of the first lamp unit is set on the left side with respect to the optical axis of the lamp unit, while the light shielding cancellation position of the movable shade of the second lamp unit is the light of the lamp unit. Set to the right of the axis,
When the object is detected by the detection means while the vehicle is traveling, the light distribution control means drives the actuator of each lamp unit to move the movable shade of each lamp unit from the light shielding release position. When the movable shade of the first lamp unit is moved from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position, the lamp is moved in the movement section to the vicinity of the optical axis of the lamp unit. While the light source on the left side of the unit is turned off, when the movable shade of the second lamp unit is moved from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position, the right side of the lamp unit is moved in the movement section to the vicinity of the optical axis of the lamp unit. A vehicle illumination lamp characterized by being configured to turn off the light source.   When the light distribution control means moves the movable shade of each lamp unit from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position, the light shielding position is located on the opposite side of the light shielding release position with respect to the optical axis of the lamp unit. 2. The vehicular illumination lamp according to claim 1, wherein the other light source in the lighting state of the lamp unit is also turned off in the moving section beyond the optical axis.   When the light distribution control means moves the movable shade of each lamp unit from the light shielding release position to the light shielding position, the light amount of the light source of the other lamp unit corresponding to the light source in the off state of one lamp unit is set. The vehicular illumination lamp according to claim 1, wherein the vehicular illumination lamp is configured to increase.

Images