JP5874901B2 - Vehicle lamp unit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp unit, and more particularly to a vehicular lamp unit capable of coexisting a plurality of lamps having different functions (for example, a low beam headlamp and a daytime running lamp).

  Conventionally, in the field of vehicular lamps, as shown in FIG. 7, a vehicular lamp in which various lamps such as a low beam headlamp A and a daytime running lamp T used to indicate the presence of a vehicle forward in the daytime are arranged. 200 is known (see Non-Patent Document 1).

Bosch Automotive Handbook (7th edition) P968

  However, in Non-Patent Document 1, the lamps having different functions (for example, the low beam headlamp A and the daytime running lamp T) are configured as separate lamps and are arranged at different locations in the front part of the vehicle ( In view of the configuration, there is a problem in that it is difficult to arrange a plurality of lamps having different functions (for example, a low beam headlamp A and a daytime running lamp T) in a limited space.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a vehicular lamp unit capable of coexisting a plurality of lamps having different functions (for example, a low beam headlamp and a daytime running lamp). Objective.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a first lamp component that constitutes a first lamp in combination with the projection lens. And a second lamp component that constitutes a second lamp in combination with the projection lens, wherein the first lamp component is behind the focal point on the vehicle rear side of the projection lens and the optical axis. A first semiconductor light emitting element disposed in the vicinity so as to emit light substantially upward, a first focal point is set in the vicinity of the first semiconductor light emitting element, and a second focal point is in the vicinity of the vehicle rear side focal point of the projection lens A first reflecting surface disposed above the first semiconductor light emitting element so that light from the first semiconductor light emitting element is incident thereon; and From semiconductor light emitting devices A first shade disposed between the projection lens and the first semiconductor light-emitting element so as to shield a part of the first lamp, and the second lamp component includes the first semiconductor light-emitting element A second semiconductor light emitting element and a second reflection element arranged so as not to block light transmitted through the projection lens in a space between the first shade and a light path of the light transmitted through the projection lens. The second semiconductor light emitting element is located between the focal position of the projection lens and the projection lens and in the vicinity of the focal point of the second reflecting surface, and emits light substantially upward. The projection lens is disposed below the optical axis of the space so as to radiate, and the second reflecting surface is arranged so that light from the second semiconductor light emitting element is incident on the focal position of the projection lens and the projection. between the lens and the While being disposed above the second semiconductor light emitting element, diffuses vertically and horizontally extending forward obliquely upward to the vicinity of the optical axis of the second semiconductor light-emitting rear side of the vehicle the second semiconductor light emitting element from the side of the element A parabolic reflecting surface, the light from the second semiconductor light emitting element reflected by the second reflecting surface is diffusely reflected in the vertical and horizontal directions, and transmitted through a portion below the optical axis of the projection lens. Then, it is arranged below the optical axis of the space so as to form a light distribution pattern extending horizontally above and below the horizontal line HH on the virtual vertical screen .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the light emitted from the first semiconductor light emitting element and incident on the first reflecting surface is reflected by the first reflecting surface and collected near the vehicle rear side focal point of the projection lens. Therefore, a space is formed between the light path of the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element that passes through the projection lens and the shade so that the light that passes through the projection lens does not pass. It becomes possible to arrange | position the 2nd lamp component (for example, 2nd semiconductor light-emitting device, a 2nd reflective surface) for implement | achieving another lamp function in space.

  That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the second lamp component (for example, the second semiconductor light emitting element, the second semiconductor light emitting element, the second semiconductor light emitting element, etc.) for realizing another lamp function in the dead space of the projector-type vehicle lamp unit. (Reflecting surface) can be arranged, so that one projector-type vehicular lamp unit can be compatible with a plurality of lamps having different functions without enlarging the size (or almost without enlarging). Is possible.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicular lamp unit capable of coexisting a plurality of lamps having different functions (for example, a low beam headlamp and a daytime running lamp).

It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view which cut | disconnected the vehicle lamp unit 10 of this embodiment by the vertical surface containing the optical axis AX. 2A is a perspective view of a first semiconductor light emitting element 12, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a second semiconductor light emitting element 15. FIG. 3 is an example of directivity characteristics of the first semiconductor light emitting element 12. It is an example of the light distribution pattern P1 for low beams. It is an example of the light distribution pattern P2 for DRL. It is a modification of the lens 11 used for the vehicle lamp unit 10 of this embodiment. It is a front view of the conventional vehicle lamp 200.

  Hereinafter, a vehicle lamp unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The vehicular lamp unit 10 of this embodiment is a combination type vehicular lamp unit that functions as a DRL (daytime running lamp) or a vehicular headlamp (also a position lamp). At least one is arranged on each side. A known aiming mechanism (not shown) is connected to the vehicular lamp unit 10 so that the optical axis can be adjusted.

  FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vehicle lamp unit 10 cut along a vertical plane including the optical axis AX.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicular lamp unit 10 is disposed on the rear side and the vicinity of the optical axis AX from the vehicle rear side focal point F ₁₁ of the lens 11, a lens 11 arranged on an optical axis AX extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle The first semiconductor light emitting element 12, the first reflecting surface 13 disposed above the first semiconductor light emitting element 12, and part of the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 reflected by the first reflecting surface 13 is shielded. As described above, the shade 14 disposed between the lens 11 and the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 and the second semiconductor disposed between the lens 11 and the shade 14 by being screwed to the heat sink 18 with the screw N. A light emitting element 15, a second reflecting surface 16 disposed above the second semiconductor light emitting element 15, a lens holder 17, a heat sink 18, and the like are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the lens 11 is disposed on an optical axis AX that is held by a lens holder 17 formed integrally with the shade 14 and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction.

  The lens 11 is, for example, a plano-convex aspherical projection lens having a convex front surface and a flat rear surface. The lens 11 may be a transparent resin lens formed by injecting a transparent resin (acrylic, polycarbonate, or the like) into a mold, and cooled and solidified, or may be a glass lens. The lens 11 may be circular or elliptical when viewed from the front, or may have a shape whose outer periphery is cut or other shape so as to have an n-gonal shape (n is an integer of 3 or more) when viewed from the front. Also good.

  First, a first lamp component constituting a first lamp (in this embodiment, a headlamp which is a projector-type vehicle lamp unit) that forms a low beam light distribution pattern in combination with the lens 11 will be described.

  The first lamp component includes the first semiconductor light emitting element 12, the reflecting surface 13, the first shade 14, and the like.

  FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the first semiconductor light emitting element 12.

  The first semiconductor light emitting element 12 is, for example, a plurality of chip-type LEDs 12a (for example, 1 mm square blue LED chip × 4). The LED chip of each LED 12a is covered with a phosphor (for example, a YAG phosphor that is a yellow phosphor). The number of LEDs 12a is not limited to four, but may be 1 to 3 or 5 or more. Each LED 12a has a higher luminance than each LED 15a of the second semiconductor light-emitting element 15 in order to form a low-beam light distribution pattern that requires brightness from the DRL light distribution pattern.

Each LED 12a is mounted on the first substrate KA fixed to the upper surface (not shown) of the heat sink so as to emit light substantially upward (in FIG. It is disposed on the rear side and the vicinity of the optical axis AX from the vehicle rear side focal point F _11. Each LED 12a is arranged so that one side thereof is aligned with a horizontal line perpendicular to the optical axis AX in a row at a predetermined interval (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1) and symmetrical with respect to the optical axis AX ( (See FIG. 2 (a)).

The first substrate KA is disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the vehicle front end side KAa is positioned above the vehicle rear end side KAb (see FIG. 1). Thereby, the axis AX12a of each LED _12a is inclined rearward and upward. The first substrate KA may be arranged in a horizontal posture so that the vehicle front end side KAa and the vehicle rear end side KAb are located on the same horizontal plane.

  A lighting circuit (not shown) is electrically connected to the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 via a power cable C. The first semiconductor light emitting element 12 is controlled to be turned on and off by being supplied with a constant current from the lighting circuit. The amount of heat generated from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 is dissipated by the action of the heat sink 18.

  FIG. 3 is an example of directivity characteristics of the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 (LED 12a). The directivity characteristics of the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 (LED 15a) are the same.

The directional characteristics in the case where the axial _{AX 12a} luminous intensity on the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 (LED 12a) is 100%, the proportion of light intensity in a direction inclined a predetermined angle with respect to the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 (LED 12a) This represents the spread of light emitted by the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 (LED 12a). The angle at which the luminous intensity ratio is 50% is the half-value angle. In FIG. 4, ± 60 degrees is the half-value angle.

  The first semiconductor light-emitting element 12 may be an element-like light source having a light-emitting chip that emits light approximately in a spot shape, and is not limited to the chip-type LED 12a. For example, the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 may be a light emitting diode or laser diode other than the chip type.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first reflecting surface 13, a first focal point _{F1 13} is set to the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 near the second focal point _{F2 13} is set to the vehicle rear side focal point _{F 11} near the lens 11 A spheroid reflection surface (a spheroid or similar free-form surface).

The first reflecting surface 13, a relatively high intensity of light emitted to the narrow angle direction with respect to the axis AX _12a of the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 of the light emitted in a substantially upward from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 The lens from the side of the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 (the side on the rear side of the vehicle in FIG. 1) so that light (for example, light from around the half-value angle, light within ± 60 degrees in FIG. 3) enters. 11 extends to the top of the first semiconductor light emitting element 12. Light incident on the first reflecting surface 13 is emitted from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12, after condensed by the vehicle rear-side focal point F ₁₁ near the lens 11 is reflected by the first reflecting surface 13, the lens 11 Transmitted and irradiated forward.

The shade 14 includes a mirror surface 14 a extending from the vehicle rear side focal point F ₁₁ of the lens 11 toward the first semiconductor light emitting element 12. The front edge of the shade 14 is concavely curved along the focal plane of the lens 11 on the vehicle rear side. The light incident on the mirror surface 14a and reflected upward is refracted by the lens 11 and travels in the road surface direction. That is, the light incident on the mirror surface 14a is folded back at the cutoff line and superimposed on the light distribution pattern below the cutoff line.

Light and shape to diffuse after condensed by the vehicle rear-side focal point F ₁₁ near is reflected lens 11 in the first reflecting surface 13 is incident on the first reflecting surface 13 is emitted from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 Therefore, the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 is transmitted through the lens 11 between the optical path of the light transmitted through the lens 11 and the shade 14 (and the lens holder 17 formed integrally therewith). A space S through which light does not pass is formed (see FIG. 1). In this space S, a second lamp component (for example, a daytime running lamp or a position lamp in this embodiment) for realizing another lamp function (for example, a daytime running lamp or a position lamp). The second semiconductor light emitting element 15 and the second reflecting surface 16) can be disposed.

  Next, a second lamp (in this embodiment, a daytime running lamp / position) which is combined with the lens 11 (mainly the lens portion below the optical axis AX) to form a DRL light distribution pattern or a position lamp light distribution pattern. The second lamp component constituting the lamp will be described.

  The second lamp component includes the second semiconductor light emitting element 15, the second reflecting surface 16, and the like. The second semiconductor light emitting element 15 and the second reflecting surface 16 are arranged in the space S so as not to block light from the first reflecting surface 13 that transmits the lens 11.

  FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the second semiconductor light emitting element 15.

  The second semiconductor light emitting element 15 is, for example, a plurality of chip-type LEDs 15a (for example, 1 mm square blue LED chip × 4). The LED chip of each LED 15a is covered with a phosphor (for example, a YAG phosphor that is a yellow phosphor). The number of LEDs 15a is not limited to four, but may be 1 to 3, or 5 or more.

  Each LED 15a is mounted on the second substrate KB fixed on the inner peripheral surface of the lens holder 17 so as to emit light substantially upward (in the example shown in FIG. 14 is arranged in a space S between the two. Each LED 15a is arranged so that one side thereof is symmetric with respect to the optical axis AX in a row (in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1) at a predetermined interval along a horizontal line orthogonal to the optical axis AX.

  The second semiconductor light-emitting element 15 may be an element-shaped light source having a light-emitting chip that emits light in a substantially dot shape, and is not limited to the chip-type LED 15a. For example, the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 may be a light emitting diode or laser diode other than the chip type.

The second reflecting surface 16 is a light having a relatively high luminous intensity emitted in a narrow-angle direction with respect to the axis AX _15a of the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 out of the light emitted substantially upward from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15. (For example, light from the vicinity of the half-value angle; light within ± 60 degrees in FIG. 3) is incident from the side of the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 (side of the vehicle rear side in FIG. 1). It extends forward obliquely upward to the vicinity of the optical axis AX _15a, and covers the upper second semiconductor light emitting element 15.

  The second reflecting surface 16 is disposed so as to be inclined in the space S so that light from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 reflected by the second reflecting surface is transmitted forward through the lens 11. Yes. The inclination angle of the second reflecting surface 16 with respect to the horizontal plane affects the vertical direction of the light distribution pattern formed on the virtual vertical screen. For this reason, the inclination angle of the second reflecting surface 16 with respect to the horizontal plane is set such that the light is irradiated within the range of the required light distribution standard.

  The second reflecting surface 16 is formed on the virtual vertical screen by, for example, diffusing light from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 reflected by this and transmitted through the lens 11 and radiating forward in the vertical and horizontal directions. The light distribution pattern has a shape (for example, a concave surface) designed so that the vertical and horizontal widths of the light distribution pattern are the vertical and horizontal widths suitable for the DRL light distribution pattern. The degree of diffusion in the vertical and horizontal directions can be adjusted by adjusting the second reflecting surface 16, for example.

  The second reflecting surface 16 is formed, for example, by subjecting a base material formed by injecting a thermosetting resin into a mold, cooling, and solidifying it to a mirror surface treatment such as aluminum deposition. The reflecting surface may be a multi-reflector including a plurality of small-section reflecting surfaces (not shown), which is a reflecting surface based on an object surface. By adjusting each small section reflecting surface so as to irradiate a necessary area on the virtual vertical screen, it is possible to form a light distribution pattern having an illuminance distribution that is suitable for the DRL light distribution pattern. . In addition, when the 2nd reflective surface 16 is a reflective surface of a paraboloid base tone, it is desirable to arrange | position the 2nd semiconductor light-emitting device 15 in the focus vicinity of the 2nd reflective surface 16. FIG.

  A lighting circuit (not shown) is electrically connected to the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 via a power cable. The second semiconductor light emitting element 15 is controlled to be turned on and off by being supplied with a constant current from the lighting circuit. The light emitted from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 and incident on the second reflecting surface 16 is reflected by the second reflecting surface 16, passes through the lens 11, and is irradiated forward.

  Next, an operation example of the vehicular lamp unit 10 having the above configuration will be described.

  When a low beam is selected by a switch (not shown) connected to a lighting circuit (not shown), the lighting circuit (not shown) supplies a constant current I1 (a constant current during low beam) to the second semiconductor light emitting element 15. A constant current I2) when I1 <DRL is supplied, and a constant current I3 is supplied to the first semiconductor light emitting element 12. As a result, the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 are lit (the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 is lit in a dimmed state compared to when DRL is selected).

  In this case, the light from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 follows the same optical path as when DRL is selected, which will be described later. As a result, a light distribution pattern suitable for the position lamp light distribution pattern extending in the horizontal direction above and below the horizontal line H-H is formed on the virtual vertical screen (located about 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle). The

  On the other hand, the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 follows the next optical path.

That is, light incident on the first reflecting surface 13 is emitted from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12, after condensed by the vehicle rear-side focal point F ₁₁ vicinity of the first reflecting surface 13 is reflected by the lens 11, the lens 11 is irradiated forward. The light reflected by the first reflecting surface 13 and incident on the mirror surface 14a and reflected upward is refracted by the lens 11 and travels in the road surface direction. That is, the light incident on the mirror surface 14a is folded back at the cutoff line and superimposed on the light distribution pattern below the cutoff line.

  As described above, as shown in FIG. 4, the low beam light distribution pattern including the cut-off line CL defined by the shade 14 at the upper edge on the virtual vertical screen (for example, disposed about 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle). A light distribution pattern P1 suitable for the above is formed.

  Next, when DRL is selected by a switch (not shown) connected to a lighting circuit (not shown), the lighting circuit supplies the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 with a constant current I2 (constant current I1 <low beam time). A constant current I2) during DRL is supplied. As a result, the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 is turned on (the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 is not turned on).

  In this case, the light from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 follows the next optical path.

That is, the light emitted from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 and incident on the second reflecting surface 16 is reflected by the second reflecting surface 16, passes through the lens 11, and is irradiated forward. The light from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 that passes through the lens 11 is vertically changed in the vertical and horizontal widths suitable for the DRL light distribution pattern by the action of the lens 11 (mainly the portion of the lens 11 below the optical axis AX). It is diffused so as to have a horizontal width. This is because the shape of the lens 11, light entering from the second reflecting surface 16 to the lens 11 is to diffuse refracted (second semiconductor light emitting element 15 is shifted from the vehicle rear side focal point F ₁₁ of the lens 11 Because it is placed at the position where it spreads).

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, on the virtual vertical screen (located about 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle), above and below the horizontal line HH (for example, 10 degrees above the horizontal line HH and below A second light distribution pattern P2 suitable for the DRL light distribution pattern extending in the horizontal direction in a range of 10 degrees) is formed.

  In addition, by adjusting the second reflecting surface 16 and adjusting the degree of diffusion in the vertical and horizontal directions, the light distribution for DRL that diffuses in the range from 10 degrees above 5 degrees below the horizontal line HH required in Europe It is possible to form a DRL light distribution pattern that diffuses in a range from 5 degrees above to 5 degrees below the horizontal line HH required in North America.

  Note that the vehicular lamp unit 10 is optically adjusted by a known aiming mechanism (not shown) so that each of the light distribution patterns P1 and P2 irradiates an appropriate range on the virtual vertical screen.

As described above, according to the vehicle lamp unit 10 of the present embodiment, the light emitted from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 and incident on the first reflecting surface 13 is reflected by the first reflecting surface 13. Since the light is condensed near the vehicle rear side focal point F ₁₁ of the lens 11 and then diffused, the light path of the light transmitted from the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 through the lens 11 and the shade 14 (and the same). A space S through which light passing through the lens 11 does not pass is formed between the lens holder 17) and the lens holder 17) (see FIG. 1). A second lamp for realizing another lamp function is formed in the space S. Lamp components (for example, the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 and the second reflecting surface 16) can be arranged.

  That is, according to the vehicle lamp unit 10 of the present embodiment, the second lamp component (for example, the second semiconductor light emitting element) for realizing another lamp function in the dead space S of the projector-type vehicle lamp unit. 15, the second reflecting surface 16) can be arranged, so that the projector-type vehicular lamp unit can have a plurality of functions different from each other without enlarging the size (or almost without enlarging). It is possible to achieve both lamps (in this embodiment, a headlamp, a daytime running lamp, and a position lamp).

  Next, a modified example will be described.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the low beam is selected, the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 are turned on (the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 is turned on in a dimmed state than when DRL is selected). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the low beam is selected, only the first semiconductor light emitting element 12 may be turned on and the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 may not be turned on.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a DRL lens surface 11a (a diffusing surface, for example, a curved surface) is formed on a part of the lens 11 (a portion through which light from the first reflecting surface 13 does not pass). In 11a, the light from the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 is diffused in the vertical and horizontal directions so that a vertical and horizontal width distribution pattern suitable for the DRL distribution pattern is formed on the virtual vertical screen. May be. In this case, the second reflecting surface 16 is a parabolic reflecting surface so that parallel light enters the DRL lens surface 11 a, and the second semiconductor light emitting element 15 is located near the focal point of the second reflecting surface 16. It is desirable to arrange.

  The above embodiment is merely an example in all respects. The present invention is not construed as being limited to these descriptions. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Vehicle lamp unit, 11 ... Lens, 12 ... 1st semiconductor light-emitting device, 12a ... LED chip, 13 ... 1st reflective surface, 14 ... Shade, 14a ... Mirror surface, 15 ... 2nd semiconductor light-emitting device, 15a ... LED chip, 16 ... second reflecting surface, 17 ... lens holder

Claims (1)

A projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction;
A first lamp component in combination with the projection lens to form a first lamp;
A second lamp component in combination with the projection lens to form a second lamp;
With
The first lamp component is:
A first semiconductor light emitting element disposed so as to emit light substantially upwardly behind the focal point of the rear side of the projection lens and in the vicinity of the optical axis;
The first focal point is set in the vicinity of the first semiconductor light emitting element, and the second focal point is a spheroid reflecting surface set in the vicinity of the vehicle rear side focal point of the projection lens. A first reflecting surface disposed above the first semiconductor light emitting element so that light is incident;
A first shade disposed between the projection lens and the first semiconductor light emitting element so as to block a part of the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element;
With
The second lamp component is:
A second semiconductor disposed in a space between the first shade and the light path of the light transmitted through the projection lens out of the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element so as not to block the light transmitted through the projection lens. A light emitting element and a second reflecting surface,
The second semiconductor light emitting element is located between the focal position of the projection lens and the projection lens and in the vicinity of the focal point of the second reflecting surface, and emits light substantially upward in the space . It is located below the optical axis ,
The second reflecting surface is disposed between a focal position of the projection lens and the projection lens and above the second semiconductor light emitting element so that light from the second semiconductor light emitting element enters. And a parabolic reflecting surface that diffuses in the vertical and horizontal directions extending diagonally forward and upward from the side of the rear side of the second semiconductor light emitting element to the vicinity of the optical axis of the second semiconductor light emitting element. Thus, the light from the second semiconductor light emitting element reflected by the second reflecting surface is diffusely reflected up and down and left and right, passes through the portion below the optical axis of the projection lens , and is applied to the horizontal line H on the virtual vertical screen. A vehicular lamp unit, which is disposed below the optical axis of the space so as to form a light distribution pattern extending horizontally above and below -H .

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