JP6150792B2 - Lamp unit for vehicle - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a lamp unit equipped in a vehicular lamp.

  There is known a lamp unit that includes both a first light source that emits light for forming a low beam light distribution pattern and a second light source that emits light for forming a high beam light distribution pattern (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, a projection lens is provided in front of the first light source. The light emitted from the first light source is reflected toward the projection lens by the first reflector. The position of the first light source and the shape of the first reflector are determined based on the focal position of the projection lens, and the light passing through the projection lens forms a predetermined light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle at a short distance. The light emitted from the second light source is reflected by the second reflector and irradiates a wide area in front and a distant place.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-216701

  In the lamp unit as described above, part of the light emitted from the second light source is reflected by the first reflector and travels toward the projection lens. Since the position of the second light source is not determined based on the design of the optical system including the first light source, the reflected light cannot be subjected to the orientation control originally assumed by the first reflector. Therefore, the light emitted from the second light source and reflected by the first reflector is incident on a projection lens that is not originally used during high beam irradiation, causing unevenness in the high beam distribution pattern, or holding the projection lens in a predetermined position. Or stray light glare.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a lamp unit having a configuration in which light emitted from one of a plurality of light sources cannot enter an optical system designed for another light source. It aims at providing the technique which can avoid the malfunction which arises by becoming.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is a lamp unit for a vehicle,
A projection lens;
A bracket for holding the projection lens in place;
A first light source disposed behind the rear focal point of the projection lens and emitting light for forming a first light distribution pattern;
A second light source disposed behind the first light source and emitting light for forming a second light distribution pattern;
A first reflector that mainly reflects light emitted from the first light source toward the projection lens;
A second reflector that mainly reflects light emitted from the second light source forward;
A part of the light emitted from the second light source is reflected by the first reflector,
An extension having a shape that covers the bracket from the front and makes the second reflector visible from the front is provided.

  According to such a configuration, the stray light reflected by the bracket is shielded by the inner surface of the extension. Therefore, the stray light is not visually recognized from the outside, and generation of stray light glare can be prevented. On the other hand, since the second reflector is visible from the front, the extension does not hinder the formation of the second light distribution pattern.

  In other words, the extension provided for the purpose of hiding the internal parts such as brackets and the like to improve the appearance can have a function of preventing the occurrence of stray light glare when forming the second light distribution pattern.

  It is good also as a structure further equipped with the shade for 2nd light sources which are arrange | positioned between the said 1st reflector and the said projection lens, and shields at least one part of the light radiate | emitted from the said 2nd light source and the said 1st reflector reflected.

  According to such a configuration, the light that is emitted from the second light source and reflected by the first reflector and is not subjected to orientation control is incident on a projection lens that is not originally used when forming the second light distribution pattern, and uneven light distribution. Can be prevented.

  Here, the second light source shade has a reflection surface that reflects the light emitted from the second light source and reflected by the first reflector toward the first reflector again, and is reflected by the reflection surface. The reflected light may be reflected by the first reflector and incident on the second reflector.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to increase the amount of light that forms the second light distribution pattern using light that is originally stray light.

  The light source further includes a first light source shade that shields a part of the light emitted from the first light source and reflected by the first reflector, and the first light source and the second light source are arranged from an optical axis of the projection lens. The first light source shade may have a surface extending parallel to a line connecting the first light source and the rear focal point of the projection lens.

  According to such a configuration, the amount of light shielded by the lower surface of the first light source shade can be reduced, and the utilization efficiency of light emitted from the first light source can be increased. Moreover, it becomes possible to make a 1st light source and a 1st reflector approach a projection lens, and can reduce the front-back direction dimension of a lamp unit.

  Here, a boundary portion between the first reflector and the second reflector may be located in the same plane as the plane of the first light source shade.

  Even if the first reflector is formed below the plane, the reflected light is shielded by the lower surface of the first light source shade. According to the above configuration, since the first reflector is formed only in the portion that can be used for forming the first light distribution pattern, not only the use efficiency of the reflected light is increased, but also the reflective surface is formed. Cost can be minimized.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the lamp unit which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance which looked at the optical system unit which comprises some lamp units of FIG. 1 from upper direction. It is a side view which shows the external appearance of a part of optical system unit of FIG. It is a front view which shows the assembly state of the lamp unit of FIG. It is a figure corresponding to the longitudinal cross-sectional view which follows the line VV in FIG. 4, and shows the vehicle lamp equipped with the lamp unit of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance which looked at the extension of FIG. 1 from the downward direction. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the modification of the lamp shown in FIG.

  Exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing used in the following description, the scale is appropriately changed to make each member a recognizable size.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a lamp unit 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lamp unit 1 includes an optical system unit 10, a reflector unit 20, and an extension 30.

  The optical system unit 10 includes a projection lens 11, a bracket unit 12, a light source unit 13, a main body unit 14, and a shade unit 15. The projection lens 11 is a plano-convex lens having a convex front surface and a flat rear surface (see FIG. 5).

  A detailed configuration of the optical system unit 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the optical system unit 10 as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the external appearance of the optical system unit 10 with the projection lens 11 and the bracket unit 12 removed.

  The bracket unit 12 includes a lens holder 12a, three holder support portions 12b, and three fixing portions 12c. The outer peripheral edge of the projection lens 11 is supported by an annular lens holder 12a. The three holder support portions 12b extend rearward from the upper and left and right side portions of the lens holder 12a, respectively. Each fixing portion 12c is formed as a portion extending upward or in the left-right direction from the rear end portion of each holder support portion 12b. Each fixing portion 12c has a first insertion hole 12d and a second insertion hole 12e.

  The light source unit 13 includes a bulb 13a and a connector portion 13b. The valve 13a accommodates the first filament 13c and the second filament 13d (see FIG. 5). The connector part 13b incorporates a circuit for supplying electric power to the first filament 13c and the second filament 13d to cause them to emit light.

  The main unit 14 includes a reflector forming portion 14a, a valve support portion 14b, and three support fixing portions 14c. The reflector forming portion 14a has a semi-dome-shaped appearance. The inner surface of the reflector forming portion 14a is a reflective surface, and forms a first reflector 14d (see FIG. 5). The valve support portion 14b has a cylindrical appearance, and a valve insertion hole 14e is formed (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 3, one of the support fixing portions 14c extends upward from the top of the reflector forming portion 14a, and the other two extend in the left-right direction from the left and right front end portions of the reflector forming portion 14a. . Each support fixing portion 14c has an insertion hole 14f (see FIG. 5).

  The shade unit 15 includes a first shade 15a, a second shade 15b, an upper fixing portion 15c, an upper connecting portion 15d, a lower connecting portion 15e, and two side fixing portions 15f. The lower connecting portion 15e connects the front side of the left and right ends of the first shade 15a and the lower end of the second shade 15b. Thus, a gap 15g is defined between the front end of the first shade 15a and the lower end of the second shade 15b (see FIG. 2).

  The upper connecting portion 15d extends rearward from the upper end of the second shade 15b. The upper fixing portion 15c extends upward from the rear end of the upper connection portion 15d. The left and right ends of the first shade 15a are bent and extend upward, and the side fixing portions 15f extend in the left-right direction from the respective rear ends of the portion. A first insertion hole 15h and a second insertion hole 15i are formed in the upper fixing part 15c and the side fixing part 15f, respectively (see FIG. 5).

  The optical system unit 10 is formed by assembling the projection lens 11, the bracket unit 12, the light source unit 13, the main unit 14, and the shade unit 15 so that their positions are fixed.

  First, the upper fixing portion 15c and the side fixing portion 15f of the shade unit 15 are positioned so as to follow the front surface of the support fixing portion 14c of the main body unit 14, respectively. At this time, the first insertion holes 15h formed in the upper fixing portion 15c and the side fixing portions 15f are arranged so as to face the insertion holes 14f formed in the corresponding support fixing portions 14c.

  Next, the fixing portion 12c of the bracket unit 12 that supports the projection lens 11 is positioned so as to be along the front surfaces of the upper fixing portion 15c and the side fixing portion 15f of the shade unit 15, respectively. At this time, the first insertion hole 12d and the second insertion hole 12e formed in each fixing part 12c are respectively the first insertion hole 15h and the second insertion hole formed in the corresponding upper fixing part 15c and side fixing part 15f. It arrange | positions so that it may oppose 15i.

  In this state, by inserting a bolt member or a caulking member so as to pass through the insertion hole 14f, the first insertion hole 15h, and the first insertion hole 12d, and performing screwing or caulking, the bracket unit 12 and the shade unit 15 is fixed to the main unit 14.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the bulb 13 a of the light source unit 13 is inserted from behind into the bulb insertion hole 14 e formed in the bulb support portion 14 b of the main body unit 14, and is provided in the connector portion 13 b of the light source unit 13. The fixing portion 13e is fixed to the valve support portion 14b by appropriate means. Thereby, the light source unit 13 is fixed to the main unit 14.

  In this state, the bracket unit 12 (an example of a bracket) holds the projection lens 11 at a predetermined position. The first filament 13 c is disposed behind the rear focal point of the projection lens 11. The first reflector 14 d of the main body unit 14 is disposed so as to reflect the light emitted from the first filament 13 c toward the projection lens 11. The second filament 13d is disposed behind the first filament 13c.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the reflector unit 20 includes an outer peripheral wall portion 21, a flange portion 22, an insertion hole 23, three attachment fixing portions 24 (only two of which are shown), and a second reflector 25. The flange portion 22 is provided so as to form a groove 22 a along the outer peripheral edge of the outer peripheral wall portion 21. The outer peripheral wall portion 21 is greatly opened forward to define an inner space. The insertion hole 23, the attachment fixing part 24, and the second reflector 25 are disposed in the inner space. Each mounting and fixing portion 24 is formed as a bottomed cylindrical member. The surface of the second reflector 25 is a reflecting surface.

  The optical system unit 10 is attached to the reflector unit 20 from the front. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the valve support portion 14 b of the main unit 14 is disposed in the insertion hole 23. In addition, the second insertion hole 15 i of the shade unit 15 and the second insertion hole 12 e of the bracket unit 12 that are in an opposed state are disposed so as to face the corresponding attachment fixing portions 24.

  In this state, a bolt member or a caulking member is inserted into the mounting fixing portion 24 while passing through the second insertion holes 12e and 15i, and screwing or caulking is performed, so that the optical system unit 10 is attached to the reflector unit 20. It is fixed against.

  In this state, the second reflector 25 is disposed so as to reflect the light emitted from the second filament 13d of the optical system unit 10 forward.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the extension 30 includes an upper cover part 31, a lower cover part 32, and a lens surrounding part 33. The annular lens surrounding part 33 defines a circular opening 34 inside.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the extension 30 as viewed from below. The upper portion of the lens surrounding portion 33 is provided on the front surface 31 a of the upper cover portion 31. A lower portion of the lens surrounding portion 33 forms a front surface 32 a of the lower cover portion 32. The side wall 31 b extends rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the front surface 31 a of the upper cover portion 31. The side wall 32 b extends rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the front surface 32 a of the lower cover portion 32.

  A part 31 c facing downward of the side wall 31 b of the upper cover part 31 is continuous with the side wall 32 b of the lower cover part 32. A knurling process is applied to a part 31c of the side wall 31b and the surface of the side wall 32b. The stray light reflected by the bracket unit 12 or the like may be unintentionally reflected by the second reflector 25 and may enter the portion facing the lower side of the extension 30. However, such reflected light is diffused by the knurled portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent uneven illuminance from occurring in the high beam light distribution pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the extension 30 is attached to the optical system unit 10 from the front, and is engaged with and fixed to the lens holder 12 a of the bracket unit 12. At this time, the upper cover portion 31 and the lower cover portion 32 cover part of the lens holder 12a and the holder support portion 12b of the bracket unit 12.

  The lamp unit 1 according to this embodiment is assembled by mounting the optical system unit 10 to the reflector unit 20 and mounting the extension 30 to the optical system unit 10 as described above. FIG. 4 shows the appearance of this state as viewed from the front. A part of the front surface of the projection lens 11 and the lens holder 12 a is exposed through the opening 34 of the extension 30. The extension 30 covers the bracket unit 12 from the front and makes the second reflector 25 visible from the front.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, first, the optical system unit 10 that requires high positioning accuracy between the component parts is assembled. Next, the optical system unit 10 is mounted on the reflector unit 20 from the front. That is, the projection lens 11, the bracket unit 12, the light source unit 13, the main unit 14, and the shade unit 15 are mounted from the front on the front side of the reflector unit 20 in a state where the positions are fixed to each other. Next, the extension 30 is attached to the optical system unit 10 from the front, and the lamp unit 1 is completed.

  That is, once the optical system unit 10 is formed, the lamp unit 1 can be assembled by a very simple operation. In addition, since the front surface of the reflector unit 20 is greatly opened, the mounting operation of the optical system unit 10 and the extension 30 can be performed smoothly. Therefore, it is possible to improve the assembly workability while ensuring the positioning accuracy between the component parts constituting the optical system unit 10.

  Next, a case where power is supplied to the light source unit 13 to emit light will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the bulb 13a of the light source unit 13 contains the first filament 13c (an example of the first light source) and the second filament 13d (an example of the second light source). The first filament 13c emits light for forming a low beam light distribution pattern (an example of a first light distribution pattern). The second filament 13d emits light for forming a high beam light distribution pattern (an example of a second light distribution pattern). One of the filaments is turned on depending on the situation.

  The light emitted from the first filament 13c is reflected toward the projection lens 11 by the first reflector 14d. A part of the light L1 enters the projection lens 11 through a gap 15g formed between the first shade 15a and the second shade 15b. The light L1 that has passed through the projection lens 11 forms a predetermined low beam light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle at a short distance.

  The front edge of the first shade 15a (an example of the first light source shade) is disposed in the vicinity of the rear focal point F of the projection lens 11, and the edge shape corresponds to the cut-off line of the low beam light distribution pattern. The upper surface of the first shade 15a is a reflective surface. A part of the light L2 emitted from the first filament 13c and reflected by the first reflector 14d is reflected by the reflecting surface, passes through the gap 15g, and enters the projection lens 11. The light L2 that has passed through the projection lens 11 forms a part of the low beam light distribution pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a light-shielding paint 13f is applied to the front end of the bulb 13a to prevent light emitted forward from the first filament 13c from directly entering the projection lens 11. A light shielding member 13g is disposed between the first filament 13c and the second filament 13d. Thereby, the light emitted backward and downward from the first filament 13c is prevented from entering the second reflector 25.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first filament 13 c and the second filament 13 d are disposed below the optical axis A of the projection lens 11. The first shade 15 a has an inclined surface 15 j that extends in parallel with a virtual line B that connects the first filament 13 c and the rear focal point F of the projection lens 11. That is, the first shade 15a is inclined so that the front end thereof is positioned above the rear end.

  According to such a configuration, the reflected light from the reflecting surface positioned below the optical axis A of the projection lens 11 in the first reflector 14d can be reflected by the upper surface of the first shade 15a.

  Therefore, the amount of reflected light from the first reflector 14d that reaches the projection lens 11 can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to increase the light use efficiency and increase the illuminance of the low beam light distribution pattern.

  Further, by tilting the first shade 15a, the distance between the bulb 13a and the projection lens 11 (that is, the first reflector 14d and the projection lens 11) can be shortened, and the longitudinal dimension of the optical system unit 10 can be reduced. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the lower end part 14g in the reflector formation part 14a is located in the same surface as the inclined surface 15j of the 1st shade 15a. The lower end portion 14 g is a portion that forms a boundary portion with the second reflector 25 when the optical system unit 10 is mounted on the reflector unit 20. In other words, the first reflector 14d is formed only above the imaginary line B extending along the inclined surface 15j.

  When the first reflector 14d is formed so as to extend below the imaginary line B, part of the light emitted from the first filament 13c is also reflected by the portion, but by the lower surface of the first shade 15a. It is shielded and is not used for forming a light distribution pattern. According to the above configuration, since the first reflector 14d is formed only in a portion that can be used for forming the light distribution pattern, not only the utilization efficiency of the reflected light is increased, but also the cost for forming the reflective surface is minimized. It can be suppressed to the limit.

  A part of the light L3 emitted from the second filament 13d is reflected forward by the second reflector 25 to form a high beam light distribution pattern that irradiates a wide range and a distance in the front.

  A part of the light L4 emitted from the second filament 13d is reflected by the first reflector 14d. Since the position of the second filament 13d is not determined based on the design of the optical system including the first filament 13c, the first reflector 14d, and the projection lens 11, the light L4 is emitted from the first reflector 13d. 14d cannot receive the originally intended orientation control. Generally, such light is incident as a stray light on a projection lens that is not originally used during high beam irradiation, thereby causing unevenness in the high beam light distribution pattern or being reflected by the bracket unit to cause stray light glare.

  In the present embodiment, since the extension 30 covers the front portion of the bracket unit 12, stray light reflected by the bracket unit 12 is shielded by the inner surface of the extension 30. Therefore, the stray light is not visually recognized from the outside, and generation of stray light glare can be prevented.

  On the other hand, since the lower cover portion 32 of the extension 30 has a shape that does not hinder the light distribution by the second reflector 25, the presence of the extension 30 causes the irradiation during the high beam irradiation in which the stray light glare can occur. There is no inhibition.

  In other words, the extension 30 provided for the purpose of concealing the bracket unit 12 and the like which are internal parts to improve the appearance can have a function of preventing the generation of stray light glare when forming the high beam light distribution pattern.

  The second shade 15b (an example of a second light source shade) is provided between the first reflector 14d and the projection lens 11, and emits at least part of the light L4 emitted from the second filament 13d and reflected by the first reflector 14d. It is arranged at a shielding position. The surface of the second shade 15b that faces the first reflector 14d is a reflecting surface 15k.

  The reflecting surface 15k reflects the light L4 emitted from the second filament 13d and reflected by the first reflector 14d toward the first reflector 14d again. The light L5 reflected by the reflecting surface 15k is reflected by the first reflector 14d and enters the second reflector 25. The light L5 is reflected forward by the second reflector and becomes part of the light forming the high beam light distribution pattern.

  According to such a configuration, the light L4, which is emitted from the second filament 13d and reflected by the first reflector 14d and is not subjected to orientation control, is incident on the projection lens 11 that is not originally used when forming the high beam light distribution pattern. It can prevent light distribution unevenness. Furthermore, since the light L5 reflected by the reflecting surface 15k of the second shade 15b is incident on the second reflector 25, the amount of light that forms the high beam light distribution pattern can be increased using light that is originally stray light. .

  Since the above effect can be obtained only by providing the second shade 15b having a relatively simple configuration, it is necessary to prepare a custom light source unit such as a light shielding member dedicated to the second filament 13d in the bulb 13a. Absent. Since the general-purpose light source unit 13 can be used, it contributes to suppression of component costs.

  Next, the configuration of the vehicular lamp 2 equipped with the lamp unit 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When the translucent cover 4 is attached to the groove portion 22a formed in the flange portion 22 of the reflector unit 20 via the waterproof member 3, the lamp chamber 5 is partitioned.

  On the rear side of the reflector unit 20, the connector portion 13 b of the light source unit 13 is exposed from the insertion hole 23. The waterproof member 6 is inserted into the insertion hole 23 from the rear, and is disposed between the reflector unit 20 and the connector portion 13b.

  That is, the reflector unit 20 of this embodiment plays a role of a lamp housing that partitions the lamp chamber 5 together with the translucent cover 4 in the lamp 2. By simply connecting the connector portion 13b of the light source unit 13 to the mating connector portion provided on the vehicle side, the assembly of the lamp 2 to the vehicle is completed.

  According to such a configuration, since it is not necessary to assemble the lamp unit 1 in a separately prepared lamp housing, it is possible to reduce the man-hours required for assembly. In addition, since an independent lamp housing is not required, the lamp 2 can be reduced in size (particularly in the front-rear direction) and reduced in weight, and the component cost can be reduced.

  The above embodiment is for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it is obvious that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

  The light source unit 13 is not limited to a so-called double filament type configuration in which two filaments 13c and 13d are accommodated in a single bulb 13a. The configuration in which one of the two light sources is not determined based on the design of an optical system including the other light source, and the light emitted from the one light source can enter the optical system As a premise, two bulb light sources may be used. The two light sources are not limited to bulb light sources, and at least one of them may be a light emitting diode or a laser diode.

  The formation of the reflecting surface 15k in the second shade 15b is not essential, and the second shade 15b may simply shield the light L4.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a vehicular lamp 2A may be configured. In other words, the lamp chamber 5 may be defined by the independent lamp housing 7 and the translucent cover 4, and the reflector unit 20 </ b> A may be fixed to the lamp housing 7 by an appropriate means. The reflector unit 20A does not have the flange portion 22 in which the groove portion 22a is formed. Instead, the translucent cover 4 is attached to the groove 7 a formed at the front end of the lamp housing 7 via the waterproof member 3. In this case, the waterproof member 6 </ b> A may be arranged between the lamp housing 7 and the back cover 8 instead of the waterproof member 6.

  This application is based on the Japan patent application 2012-091634 filed on April 13, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims (4)

A projection lens;
A bracket for holding the projection lens in place;
A first light source disposed behind the rear focal point of the projection lens and emitting light for forming a first light distribution pattern;
A second light source disposed behind the first light source and emitting light for forming a second light distribution pattern;
A first reflector that mainly reflects light emitted from the first light source toward the projection lens;
A second reflector that mainly reflects light emitted from the second light source forward;
A part of the light emitted from the second light source is reflected by the first reflector,
Covering the bracket from the front, and the second reflector extension shaped to visible is provided from the front,
A vehicular lamp further comprising a second light source shade that is disposed between the first reflector and the projection lens and shields at least a part of light emitted from the second light source and reflected by the first reflector. unit. The shade for the second light source has a reflection surface that reflects the light emitted from the second light source and reflected by the first reflector toward the first reflector again,
The light reflected by the reflecting surface is incident is reflected by the first reflector to said second reflector, lamp unit according to claim 1. A first light source shade that shields a portion of the light emitted from the first light source and reflected by the first reflector;
The first light source and the second light source are disposed below the optical axis of the projection lens, and the first light source shade is parallel to a line connecting a rear focal point of the first light source and the projection lens. the extending surface has, lamp unit according to claim 1 or 2. The lamp unit according to claim 3 , wherein a boundary portion between the first reflector and the second reflector is located in the same plane as the plane of the first light source shade.

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