U.S. patent application number 15/502039 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-10 for vehicle lamp.
This patent application is currently assigned to KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Takahiko HONDA, Hiroyuki ISHIDA, Takayoshi ISHIZUKA, Tatsuma KITAZAWA.
Application Number | 20170227184 15/502039 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55263955 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170227184 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ISHIDA; Hiroyuki ; et
al. |
August 10, 2017 |
VEHICLE LAMP
Abstract
A vehicle lamp forms an additional high-beam light distribution
pattern with light emitted though a projection lens from a
plurality of light emitting elements. The plurality of light
emitting elements are disposed to be aligned in a transverse
direction below a rear focal point of the projection lens and can
be lit individually. The vehicle lamp forms an additional light
distribution pattern by lighting the plurality of light emitting
elements at the same time to form a high-beam light distribution
pattern. In addition, the vehicle lamp forms another additional
light distribution pattern where a part of the additional light
distribution pattern is omitted by selectively lighting a part of
the plurality of light emitting elements so as to form an
intermediate light distribution pattern.
Inventors: |
ISHIDA; Hiroyuki;
(Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, JP) ; KITAZAWA; Tatsuma;
(Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, JP) ; HONDA; Takahiko;
(Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, JP) ; ISHIZUKA; Takayoshi;
(Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
KOITO MANUFACTURING CO.,
LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
55263955 |
Appl. No.: |
15/502039 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
August 6, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2015/072415 |
371 Date: |
February 6, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S 41/365 20180101;
F21S 41/36 20180101; F21S 41/663 20180101; F21S 41/151 20180101;
F21S 41/30 20180101; F21S 41/148 20180101; F21S 41/00 20180101;
F21S 41/43 20180101; B60Q 1/04 20130101; F21S 41/27 20180101; F21S
41/60 20180101; F21S 41/147 20180101; F21S 41/40 20180101; F21S
41/255 20180101 |
International
Class: |
F21S 8/10 20060101
F21S008/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 7, 2014 |
JP |
2014-161154 |
Aug 7, 2014 |
JP |
2014-161155 |
Claims
1. A vehicle lamp configured to selectively perform low beam
illumination and high beam illumination, wherein the vehicle lamp
comprises a projection lens, and a light source which is disposed
behind the projection lens and is configured to emit light forwards
through the projection lens, wherein a shade and a plurality of
light emitting elements are disposed behind the projection lens,
the shade being configured to cut off a part of light which is
emitted from the light source to be directed towards the projection
lens to form a low-beam light distribution pattern, the plurality
of light emitting elements being configured to emit light which
enters the projection lens to form an additional high-beam light
distribution pattern to be added to the low-beam light distribution
pattern, and wherein the plurality of light emitting elements are
disposed to be aligned in a transverse direction below a rear focal
point of the projecting lens and are configured to be lit
individually.
2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the shade is
formed to extend obliquely upwards and rearwards from a vicinity of
a rear focal plane of the projection lens, and wherein the
plurality of light emitting elements are disposed behind a front
end edge of the shade.
3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein a first reflector
configured to reflect a part of light emitted from the light
emitting elements towards the projection lens is disposed behind an
upper area of the projection lens.
4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein a second
reflector is disposed behind a lower area of the projection lens,
and a third reflector is disposed behind an upper area of the
projection lens, and wherein a part of light emitted from the light
emitting elements is reflected sequentially on the second reflector
and the third reflector to be incident on the projection lens.
5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the projection
lens is formed such that a rear focal point of an upper area of the
projection lens is positioned below a rear focal point of a general
area of the projection lens which is an area other than the upper
area.
6. A vehicle lamp configured to selectively perform low beam
illumination and high beam illumination, wherein the vehicle lamp
comprises a projection lens, and a light source which is disposed
behind the projection lens and is configured to emit light forwards
through the projection lens, wherein a shade and a plurality of
light emitting units are disposed behind the projection lens, the
shade being configured to cut off a part of light which is emitted
from the light source to be directed towards the projection lens to
form a low-beam light distribution pattern, the plurality of light
emitting units being configured to emit light which enters the
projection lens to form an additional high-beam light distribution
pattern to be added to the low-beam light distribution pattern, and
wherein the plurality of light emitting units are disposed to be
aligned in a transverse direction below a rear focal point of the
projecting lens and are configured to be lit individually.
7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 6, wherein each of the light
emitting units includes a light emitting element and a reflector
which reflects light emitted from the light emitting element
towards the projection lens.
8. The vehicle lamp according to claim 7, wherein the reflector
includes a first reflecting surface which extends obliquely
downwards and rearwards from a vicinity of a rear focal plane of
the projection lens, and a second reflecting surface which reflects
light emitted from the light emitting element towards the first
reflecting surface.
9. The vehicle lamp according to claim 8, wherein the first
reflecting surface is formed such that a position of a front end
edge of the first reflecting surface coincides with a position of a
front end edge of the shade.
10. The vehicle lamp according to claim 6, wherein the projection
lens is formed such that a rear focal point of an upper area of the
projection lens is positioned below a rear focal point of a general
area of the projection lens which is an area other than the upper
area.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a projector-type vehicle
lamp.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] There is known a projector-type vehicle lamp which emits
light forwards from a light source disposed behind a projection
lens, through the projection lens.
[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle lamp which includes a
lamp unit for forming an additional high-beam light distribution
pattern to be added to a low-beam light distribution pattern. The
lamp unit includes a plurality of light emitting elements which are
disposed along a rear focal plane of a projection lens, and the
shape of the additional light distribution pattern can be changed
as required by individually lighting the plurality of light
emitting elements.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENT
Patent Document
[0004] Patent Document 1: JP-A-2011-249080
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problem to be Solved
[0005] In the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, the
above-described lamp unit is disposed separately from a lamp unit
for forming the low-beam light distribution pattern, so that the
vehicle lamp becomes larger in size.
[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above
circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide
a vehicle lamp configured to selectively perform high beam
illumination and low beam illumination where an additional
high-beam light distribution pattern can be formed by a plurality
of types of illumination patterns with a compact configuration.
Means for Solving the Problem
[0007] The present invention achieves the above object by devising
a configuration where low beam illumination and high beam
illumination are selectively performed by a projector-type optical
system using a single projection lens.
[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is
provided a vehicle lamp configured to selectively perform low beam
illumination and high beam illumination,
[0009] wherein the vehicle lamp comprises a projection lens, and a
light source which is disposed behind the projection lens and is
configured to emit light forwards through the projection lens,
[0010] wherein a shade and a plurality of light emitting elements
are disposed behind the projection lens, the shade being configured
to cut off a part of light which is emitted from the light source
to be directed towards the projection lens to form a low-beam light
distribution pattern, the plurality of light emitting elements
being configured to emit light which enters the projection lens to
form an additional high-beam light distribution pattern to be added
to the low-beam light distribution pattern, and
[0011] wherein the plurality of light emitting elements are
disposed to be aligned in a transverse direction below a rear focal
point of the projecting lens and are configured to be lit
individually.
[0012] The vehicle lamp according to the first aspect of the
present invention may be configured such that light from the light
source is incident on the projection lens as direct light or light
from the light source is reflected to be incident on the projection
lens.
[0013] The type of "light source" is not limited. For example,
light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes or laser
diodes or light source bulbs may be adopted.
[0014] The specific configuration and arrangement of the "light
emitting elements" is not particularly limited as long as the light
emitting elements disposed to be aligned in the transverse
direction below the focal point of the projection lens and are
configured to be lit individually.
[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a vehicle lamp configured to selectively perform low
beam illumination and high beam illumination,
[0016] wherein the vehicle lamp comprises a projection lens, and a
light source which is disposed behind the projection lens and is
configured to emit light forwards through the projection lens,
[0017] wherein a shade and a plurality of light emitting units are
disposed behind the projection lens, the shade being configured to
cut off a part of light which is emitted from the light source to
be directed towards the projection lens to form a low-beam light
distribution pattern, the plurality of light emitting units being
configured to emit light which enters the projection lens to form
an additional high-beam light distribution pattern to be added to
the low-beam light distribution pattern, and
[0018] wherein the plurality of light emitting units are disposed
to be aligned in a transverse direction below a rear focal point of
the projecting lens and are configured to be lit individually.
[0019] The specific configuration and arrangement of the "light
emitting units" is not particularly limited as long as the light
emitting units are disposed to be aligned in the transverse
direction below the focal point of the projection lens and
configured to be lit individually. For example, a configuration
including a light source and a reflector or a configuration
including a light source and a lens may be adopted.
[0020] The description reading that the "light emitting units" are
disposed below the "rear focal point of the projection lens" means
that light emitted from the "light emitting units" passes the rear
focal plane of the projection lens below the rear focal point of
the projection lens.
Advantages of the Invention
[0021] The vehicle lamp according to the first aspect of the
present invention is configured as the projector-type lamp which
selectively performs low beam illumination and high beam
illumination and forms the additional high-beam light distribution
pattern by allowing light from the plurality of light emitting
elements to be incident on the projection lens. The plurality of
light emitting elements are disposed to be aligned in the
left-right direction below the rear focal point of the projection
lens and is configured to be lit individually. Hence, the following
operational effects can be obtained.
[0022] That is, the high-beam light distribution pattern can be
formed by forming the additional light distribution pattern by
lighting the plurality of light emitting elements at the same time.
An additional light distribution pattern where a part of the
additional light distribution pattern is omitted can be formed by
selectively lighting a part of the plurality of light emitting
elements so as to form an intermediate light distribution pattern
can be formed which has an intermediate shape between the low-beam
light distribution pattern and the high-beam light distribution
pattern.
[0023] Moreover, the intermediate light distribution pattern can be
realized by the projector-type optical system using the single
projection lens.
[0024] According to the present invention, in the vehicle lamp
configured to selectively perform low beam illumination and high
beam illumination, the additional high-beam light distribution
pattern can be formed by the plurality of types of illumination
patterns with the compact configuration.
[0025] In the above-described configuration, by disposing the
plurality of light emitting elements while being displaced in a
front-rear direction from the rear focal plane of the projection
lens, light distribution patterns formed by the individual light
emitting elements can be formed such that the adjacent light
distribution patterns are partially overlapped with each other.
Additionally, the discontinuity of the low-beam light distribution
pattern from the additional light distribution pattern can be
prevented at the portion of the low-beam light distribution pattern
where a cut-off line is formed.
[0026] In the above-described configuration, the following
operational effects can be obtained by forming the shade so as to
extend obliquely upwards and rearwards from the vicinity of the
rear focal plane of the projection lens and additionally disposing
the plurality of light emitting elements behind a front end edge
thereof.
[0027] That is, the plurality of light emitting elements can be
disposed in the position which is nearly as high as an optical axis
of the projection lens, and therefore, the additional light
distribution pattern can be formed as the light distribution
pattern which is relatively bright in a lower end area thereof.
[0028] In the above-described configuration, the following
operational effects can be obtained by disposing a first reflector
configured to reflect a part of light emitted from the light
emitting elements towards the projection lens behind an upper area
of the projection lens.
[0029] That is, light emitted from the individual light emitting
elements and reflected on the first reflector to be incident on the
projection lens is emitted forwards from the projection lens as
light directed downwards, and therefore, the low-beam light
distribution pattern and the additional light distribution pattern
can be partially overlapped with each other at the portion where
the cut-off line of the low-beam light distribution pattern is
formed. This can enhance the continuousness of the low-beam light
distribution pattern with the additional light distribution
pattern.
[0030] In place of adopting this configuration, a second reflector
may disposed behind a lower area of the projection lens and a third
reflector is disposed behind the upper area of the projection lens,
so that a part of light emitted from the individual light emitting
elements can be reflected sequentially by the second and third
reflectors to be incident on the projection lens.
[0031] According to this configuration, the quantity of light which
is reflected by the third reflector to be incident on the
projection lens can be increased, so that it is possible to enhance
the brightness of the portion of the additional light distribution
pattern which is overlapped with the low-beam light pattern.
[0032] In the above-described configuration, as a configuration of
the projection lens, a configuration may be adopted in which a rear
focal point in the upper area thereof is positioned below a rear
focal point in a general area other than the upper area.
[0033] According to this configuration, the low-beam light
distribution pattern can be partially overlapped with the
additional light distribution pattern at the portion of the
low-beam light distribution pattern where the cut-off line is
formed, so that it is possible to enhance the continuousness of the
low-beam light distribution pattern with the additional light
distribution pattern.
[0034] In addition, the vehicle lamp according to the second aspect
of the present invention is configured as the projector-type lamp
which selectively perform low beam illumination and high beam
illumination and forms the additional high-beam light distribution
pattern by allowing light from the plurality of light emitting
units to be incident on the projection lens. The plurality of light
emitting units are disposed to be aligned in the left-right
direction below the rear focal point of the projection lens and
configured to be lit individually, so that the following
operational effects can be obtained.
[0035] That is, the high-beam light distribution pattern can be
formed by forming the additional light distribution pattern by
lighting the plurality of light emitting units at the same time. In
addition, an additional light distribution pattern where a part of
the additional light distribution pattern is omitted can be formed
by selectively lighting a part of the plurality of light emitting
units, so that an intermediate light distribution pattern can be
formed which has an intermediate shape between the low-beam light
distribution pattern and the high-beam light distribution
pattern.
[0036] Moreover, this intermediate light distribution pattern can
be realized by the projector-type optical system using the single
projection lens.
[0037] According to the second aspect of the invention, in the
vehicle lamp configured to selectively perform low beam
illumination and high beam illumination, the additional high-beam
light distribution pattern can be formed by the plurality of types
of illumination patterns with the compact configuration.
[0038] In the above-described configuration, the configuration of
each light emitting unit can be made simple by configuring each
light emitting unit to include a light emitting element and a
reflector which reflects light emitted from the light emitting
element towards the projection lens.
[0039] In this case, as a configuration of the reflector, by
allowing the reflector to include a first reflection plane which
extends obliquely downwards and rearwards from the vicinity of the
rear focal plane of the projection lens and a second reflection
plane which reflects light emitted from the light emitting element
towards the first reflection plane, the light emitted from the
light emitting element is allowed to be incident on the projection
lens with higher efficiency.
[0040] In this case, by adopting a configuration in which the first
reflection plane is formed such that the position of the front end
edge thereof coincides with the position of the front end edge of
the shade, it is possible to prevent the discontinuous of the
low-beam light distribution pattern from the additional light
distribution pattern at the portion where the cut-off line of the
low-beam light distribution pattern is formed.
[0041] In the above-described configuration, as a configuration of
the projection lens, by adopting a configuration in which a rear
focal point of the upper area thereof is positioned below a rear
focal point of a general area other than the upper area, the
low-beam light distribution pattern is allowed to be partially
overlapped with the additional light distribution pattern at the
portion where the cut-off line of the low-beam light distribution
pattern is formed, so that it is possible to enhance the
continuousness of the low-beam light distribution pattern with the
additional light distribution pattern.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0042] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a vehicle lamp according to a
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along a line II-II in FIG.
1.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing main constituent
elements of the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing light distribution patterns in a
perspective manner which are formed on an imaginary vertical screen
disposed in a position at 25 meters ahead of the vehicle lamp
according to the first embodiment by light emitted forwards from
the vehicle lamp.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2, which shows a vehicle
lamp according to a first modified example of the first
embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4, which shows operations
the modified example of the first embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 2, which shows a vehicle
lamp according to a second modified example of the first
embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 2, which shows a vehicle
lamp according to a third modified example of the first
embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 4, which shows operations
of the second and third modified examples.
[0051] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 2, which shows a vehicle
lamp according to a fourth modified example of the first
embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 2, which shows a vehicle
lamp according to a fifth modified example of the first
embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing a vehicle lamp
according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 13 is a view as seen from a direction indicated by an
arrow II in FIG. 12.
[0055] FIG. 14 is a detailed view of a portion denoted as III in
FIG. 12.
[0056] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing main constituent
elements of the vehicle lamp according to the second
embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing light distribution patterns in
a perspective manner which are formed on an imaginary vertical
screen disposed in a position at 25 meters ahead of the vehicle
lamp according to the second embodiment by light emitted forwards
from the lamp.
[0058] FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 12, which shows a vehicle
lamp according to a first modified example of the second
embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 16, which shows operations
of the first modified example.
[0060] FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 14, which shows a main
part of the vehicle lamp according to a second modified example of
the second embodiment.
[0061] FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 16, which shows operations
of the second modified example.
[0062] FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 12, which shows a vehicle
lamp according to a third modified example of the second
embodiment.
[0063] FIG. 22 is a detailed view of a portion denoted as XI in
FIG. 21.
[0064] FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 16, which shows operations
of the third modified example.
[0065] FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 12, which shows a vehicle
lamp according to a fourth modified example of the second
embodiment.
[0066] FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 16, which shows operations
of the fourth modified example.
[0067] FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 12, which shows a vehicle
lamp according to a fifth modified example of the second
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
[0068] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0069] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a vehicle lamp 10 according
to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a
sectional view taken along a line II-II in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a
perspective view showing main constituent elements of the vehicle
lamp 10.
[0070] As shown in these figures, the vehicle lamp 10 according to
this embodiment is a headlamp configured to selectively perform low
beam illumination and high beam illumination and is configured as a
projector-type lamp unit.
[0071] Specifically, the vehicle lamp 10 includes a projection lens
12 having an optical axis Ax which extends in a front-rear or
longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a light emitting element 14
which functions as a light source disposed behind a rear focal
point F of the projection lens 12, and a reflector 16 which is
disposed so as to cover the light emitting element 14 from the
above and which is configured to reflect light from the light
emitting element 14 towards the projection lens 12.
[0072] Further, the vehicle lamp 10 includes a shade 20 which cuts
off a part of light emitted from the light emitting element 14 to
be directed towards the projection lens 12 to form a low-beam light
distribution pattern, and a plurality of light emitting elements 30
which emit light to be incident on the projection lens 12 to form
an additional high-beam light distribution pattern to be added to
the low-beam light distribution pattern.
[0073] In this vehicle lamp 10, the optical axis Ax is inclined
slightly downwards with respect to the longitudinal direction of
the vehicle in a state where an optical axis adjustment is
completed.
[0074] Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the vehicle lamp 10
will be described.
[0075] The projection lens 12 is a piano-convex aspheric lens which
includes a convex front surface and a plane rear surface and
projects a light source image formed on a rear focal plane which is
a focal plane including a rear focal point F thereof as a reverted
image onto a imaginary vertical screen ahead of the lamp.
[0076] The projection lens 12 is supported on a lens holder 18 at
an outer circumferential flange portion thereof. Then, the lens
holder 18 is supported on a base member 22.
[0077] The light emitting element 14 is a white light emitting
diode and has a transversely long rectangular light emitting
surface. The light emitting element 14 is disposed to face upwards
with its light emitting surface lying on a horizontal plane
including the optical axis Ax. This light emitting element 14 is
supported on the base member 22.
[0078] A reflecting surface 16a of the reflector 16 is made up of a
substantially ellipsoidal curved surface having a major axis which
is substantially coaxial with the optical axis Ax and a first focal
point at a light emitting center of the light emitting element 14.
The eccentricity of the reflecting surface 16a is set to increase
gradually from a vertical section to a horizontal section. By
adopting this configuration, the reflector 16 converges light from
the light emitting element 14 to a point which is positioned
slightly ahead of the rear focal point F in the vertical section
and moves the converging position further forwards in the
horizontal section. The reflector 16 is supported on the base
member 22.
[0079] The shade 20 has an upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a
which cuts off a part of light emitted from the light emitting
element 14 and then reflected on the reflector 16, and which then
reflects upwards the light so cut off. Then, the light reflected on
the upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a is incident on the
projection lens 12 and is then emitted from the projection lens 12
as a dipped beam.
[0080] This shade 20 is formed integrally with the base member 22.
The upwardly facing reflecting mirror 20a of the shade 20 is formed
by applying a mirror finish on an upper surface of the base member
22 through aluminum deposition.
[0081] In the upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a, a left area
which is positioned on a left side (a right side in the front view
of the lamp) of the optical axis Ax is made up of a horizontal
surface which includes the optical axis Ax, while a right area
which is positioned on a right side of the optical axis Ax is made
up of a horizontal surface which is lowered from the left area via
a short sloping surface. A front end edge 20a1 of the upwardly
facing reflecting surface 20a is formed to extend both leftwards
and rightwards from the rear focal point F.
[0082] The plurality of light emitting elements 30 are disposed to
be aligned in a left-right or transverse direction below the rear
focal point F of the projection lens 12 and are configured to be
lit individually by an illumination control circuit (not shown). In
this embodiment, eleven light emitting elements 30 each having a
similar configuration are disposed leftwards and rightwards at
equal intervals in the transverse direction from a position
directly below the optical axis Ax as a center of the
arrangement.
[0083] The light emitting elements 30 are white light emitting
diodes and each have a vertically long rectangular light emitting
surface 30a. The light emitting elements 30 are supported on a
front wall surface 22a of the base member 22 in a position which is
spaced away obliquely downwards and rearwards from the front end
edge 20a1 of the upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a of the
shade 20 with their light emitting surfaces 30a facing the front of
the lamp.
[0084] A plane reflecting surface 22b is formed at an upper end
portion of the front wall surface 22a of the base member 22 to
reflect a part of light emitted from the individual light emitting
elements 30 to the front. This reflecting surface 22b is formed to
extend obliquely downwards and rearwards from the front end edge
20a1 of the upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a of the shade 20
to a position on the front wall surface 22a of the base member 22
above the eleven light emitting elements 30.
[0085] Light emitted from the individual light emitting elements 30
to be directed towards the projection lens 12 passes the rear focal
plane while being divergent to some extent, and ranges of fluxes of
light emitted from the adjacent light emitting elements 30 are
slightly overlapped with each other. In this case, a part of light
emitted from the individual light emitting elements 30 is reflected
on the reflecting surface 22b of the base member 22 into light to
be directed towards the projection lens 12.
[0086] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing light distribution patterns in a
perspective manner which are formed on an imaginary vertical screen
disposed in a position at 25 meters ahead of the vehicle by light
emitted forwards from the vehicle lamp 10. FIG. 4(a) is a view
showing a high-beam light distribution pattern PH1, and FIG. 4(b)
is a view showing an intermediate light distribution pattern
PM1.
[0087] The high-beam light distribution pattern PH1 shown in FIG.
4(a) is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of the
low-beam light distribution pattern PL1 and an additional high-beam
pattern PA.
[0088] The low-beam light distribution pattern PL1 is a low-beam
light distribution pattern for right-hand drive vehicles basically
designed to drive on the left and has cut-off lines CL1, CL2 which
shift in level in the transverse direction along an upper end edge
of the light distribution pattern. These cut-off lines CL1, CL2
extend in a horizontal direction while shifting in level in the
transverse direction from a V-V line as a boundary which passes
vertically an H-V which is a vanishing point in the direction of
the front of the lamp. A portion lying on a right side of the V-V
line which corresponds to an oncoming vehicle's drive lane is
formed as a lower cut-off line CL1, and a portion lying on a left
side of the V-V line which corresponds to the own vehicle's drive
lane is formed as an upper cut-off line CL2 which is raised one
level up from the lower cut-off line CL1 via a sloping portion.
[0089] The low-beam light distribution pattern PL1 is formed by
projecting a light source image of the light emitting element 14
which is formed on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 12
by light emitted from the light emitting element 14 and then
reflected on the reflector 16 on to the imaginary vertical screen
as a reverted projected image by the projection lens 12. The
cut-off lines CL1, CL2 of the low-beam light distribution pattern
PL1 are formed as a reverted projected image of the front end edge
20a1 of the upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a of the shade
20.
[0090] In the low-beam light distribution pattern PL1, an elbow
point E, which is a point of intersection between the lower cut-off
line CL1 and the V-V line, is positioned about 0.5.degree. to
0.6.degree. downwards below the H-V.
[0091] In the high-beam light distribution pattern PH1, the
additional light distribution pattern PA is formed additionally as
a transversely long light distribution pattern which expands
upwards from the cut-off lines CL1, CL2 to thereby illuminate
widely a driving path ahead of the vehicle.
[0092] The additional light distribution pattern PA is formed as a
combined light distribution pattern of eleven light distribution
patterns Pa.
[0093] The light distribution patterns Pa are light distribution
patterns which are formed as reverted projected images of light
source images of the individual light emitting elements 30 which
are formed on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 12 by
light emitted individually from the light emitting elements 30.
[0094] In this case, the individual light distribution patterns Pa
each has a substantially rectangular shape which is slightly longer
in the vertical direction. This is because the light emitting
surface 30a of each light emitting element 30 has a vertically long
rectangular external shape.
[0095] The light distribution patterns Pa are formed such that
adjacent light distribution patterns Pa are slightly overlapped
with each other. This is because the light emitting elements 30 are
disposed further rearwards than the rear focal plane of the
projection lens 12 and ranges of fluxes of light which are emitted
from the adjacent light emitting elements 30 to pass the rear focal
plane of the projection lens 12 are slightly overlapped with each
other.
[0096] Lower end edges of the individual light distribution
patterns Pa coincide in position with the cut-off lines CL1, CL2.
This is because the reflecting surface 22b which reflects forwards
a part of light emitted from the individual light emitting elements
30 is formed to extend obliquely downwards and rearwards from the
front end edge 20a1 of the upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a
of the shade 20.
[0097] The intermediate light distribution pattern PM1 shown in
FIG. 4(b) is a light distribution pattern having an additional
light distribution pattern PAm which is partially not illuminated,
in place of the additional light distribution pattern PA which
forms the high-beam light distribution pattern PH1.
[0098] Specifically, the additional light distribution pattern PAm
represents a light distribution pattern where the third and fourth
light distribution patterns Pa from the right are omitted in the
eleven light distribution patterns Pa. The light distribution
pattern PAm is formed by turning off the third and fourth light
emitting elements 30 from the left in the eleven light emitting
elements 30.
[0099] By forming the intermediate light distribution pattern PM1,
the driving path ahead of the vehicle is attempted to be
illuminated as widely as possible to such an extent that light
emitted from the vehicle lamp 10 is not directed to an oncoming
vehicle 2 to dazzle the driver of the oncoming vehicle 2.
[0100] The shape of the additional light distribution pattern PAm
is controlled to change as the position of the oncoming vehicle 2
changes by sequentially changing the light emitting elements 30 to
be turned off, so that the driving path ahead of the vehicle is
kept illuminated as widely as possible to such an extent that the
driver of the oncoming vehicle 2 is not dazzled.
[0101] The presence of the oncoming vehicle 2 is detected by an
onboard camera (not shown). In addition, if a preceding vehicle
presents on the driving path ahead of the vehicle or a pedestrian
walks on the shoulder of the driving path, the onboard camera
detects them, so that the preceding vehicle or the pedestrian is
prevented from being dazzled by turning off a part of the light
distribution patterns Pa.
[0102] Next, the operational effects of the first embodiment will
be described.
[0103] The vehicle lamp 10 according to the first embodiment is
configured as the projector-type lamp which selectively performs
low beam illumination and high beam illumination, wherein light
emitted from the eleven light emitting elements 30 is incident on
the projection lens 12 to form the additional high-beam light
distribution pattern PA. In this case, the eleven light emitting
elements 30 are disposed to be aligned in the transverse direction
below the rear focal point F of the projection lens 12 and are
configured to be lit individually, so that the following
operational effect can be obtained.
[0104] That is, the high-beam light distribution pattern PH1 can be
formed by forming the additional light distribution pattern PA
while lighting the eleven light emitting elements 30 at the same
time. In addition, by selectively lighting a part of the eleven
light emitting elements 30, the additional light distribution
pattern PAm can be formed where a part of the additional light
distribution pattern PA is omitted, so that the intermediate light
distribution pattern PM1 can be formed which is between the
low-beam light distribution pattern PL1 and the high-beam light
distribution pattern PH1.
[0105] Moreover, this can be realized by the projector-type optical
system using the single projection lens 12.
[0106] Accordingly, in this embodiment, in the vehicle lamp 10
which selectively performs low beam illumination and high beam
illumination, the additional high-beam light distribution patterns
PA, PAm can be formed by the plurality of types of light
distribution patterns with the compact configuration.
[0107] In the embodiment, since the eleven light emitting elements
30 are disposed to be displaced rearwards from the rear focal plane
of the projection lens 12, in the light distribution patterns Pa
which are formed by the individual light emitting elements 30, the
adjacent light distribution patterns Pa can be slightly overlapped
with each other. Further, the low-beam light distribution pattern
PL1 and the additional light distribution pattern PA are not
separated at the portion where the cut-off lines CL1. CL2 are
formed.
[0108] Moreover, in this embodiment, the reflecting surface 22b
which reflects forwards a part of light emitted from the individual
light emitting elements 30 is formed at the upper end portion of
the front wall surface 22a of the base member 22 to extend
obliquely downwards and rearwards from the front end edge 20a1 of
the upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a of the shade 20 to the
position on the front wall surface 22a of the base member 22 above
the eleven light emitting elements 30. This allows the formation of
the light distribution patterns Pa with a luminous intensity
distribution in which the luminous intensity is high at the lower
end areas thereof. Consequently, the additional light distribution
pattern PA which is formed as the combined light distribution of
those light distribution patterns Pa can be formed as the light
distribution pattern in which the areas along the cut-off lines
CL1, CL2 are brightly illuminated, which can be suitable for
formation of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH1.
[0109] It is noted that the reflecting surface 22b may not be
formed.
[0110] In the above-described embodiment, while the vehicle lamp 10
is described as including the eleven light emitting elements 30,
the vehicle lamp 10 may include any other number of light emitting
elements 30.
[0111] In the above-described embodiment, while the individual
light emitting elements 30 are described as being disposed behind
the rear focal point F of the projection lens 12, the light
emitting elements 30 may be disposed ahead of the rear focal point
F.
[0112] Next, modified examples of the first embodiment will be
described.
[0113] Firstly, a first modified example of the first embodiment
will be described.
[0114] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2, which shows a vehicle
lamp 110 according to this modified example.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 5, a basic configuration of the vehicle
lamp 110 is similar to that of the vehicle lamp 10 of the
above-described embodiment but is different in the arrangement of
the light emitting element 14, the reflector 16 and the shade 20,
the reflector 16 and the shade 20 and in the shape of the base
member 122 as well.
[0116] That is, in the shade 20 of this modified example, an
upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a thereof is formed to extend
obliquely upwards and rearwards from the vicinity of the rear focal
plane of the projection lens 12. In this case, an inclination angle
of the upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a from a horizontal
plane is set at a value of about 10 to 30.degree., and the position
of the front end edge 20a1 of the upwardly facing reflecting
surface 20a is set substantially at the same position as the
position of the upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a of the
above-described embodiment.
[0117] The configurations of the light emitting element 14 and the
reflector 16 are similar to those in the above-described
embodiment. However, the light emitting element 14 and the
reflector 16 are disposed to be inclined at an angle corresponding
to the inclination angle of the upwardly facing reflecting surface
20a of the shade 20 from the horizontal plane. It is noted that
with the inclination angle of this magnitude, light emitted from
the light emitting element 14 and then reflected by the reflector
16 passes an area on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 12
which is almost the same as that in the above-described
embodiment.
[0118] In this modified example, the eleven light emitting elements
30 are also disposed to be aligned at equal intervals in the
transverse direction below the rear focal point F of the projection
lens 12, and the eleven light emitting elements 30 are configured
to be lit individually.
[0119] The eleven light emitting elements 30 are supported on a
front wall surface 122a of the base member 122 but are supported in
a higher position (that is, a position closer to an optical axis
Ax) than the corresponding position in the above-described
embodiment.
[0120] In this modified example, a plane reflecting surface 122b is
formed at an upper end portion of the front wall surface 122a of
the base member 122 to reflect forwards a part of light emitted
from the individual light emitting elements 30. This reflecting
surface 122b is formed to extend obliquely downwards and rearwards
from the front end edge 20a1 of the upwardly facing reflecting
surface 20a of the shade 20 to a position on the front wall surface
122a of the base member 122 above the eleven light emitting
elements 30. In this case, an inclination angle of the reflecting
surface 122b is a smaller value than that in the above-described
embodiment.
[0121] FIG. 6 is a view showing light distribution patterns in a
perspective manner which are formed on the imaginary vertical
screen by light emitted forwards from the vehicle lamp 10. FIG.
6(a) shows a high-beam light distribution pattern PH2, and FIG.
6(b) shows an intermediate light distribution pattern PM2.
[0122] The high-beam light distribution pattern PH2 shown in FIG.
6(a) is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of a
low-beam light distribution pattern PL2 and an additional high-beam
light distribution pattern PB.
[0123] The low-beam light distribution pattern PL2 has
substantially the same shape as that of the low-beam light
distribution pattern PL1 of the above-described embodiment.
[0124] The additional light distribution pattern PB is formed as a
combined light distribution patter of eleven light distribution
patterns Pb.
[0125] The light distribution patterns Pb are light distribution
patterns which are formed as reverted projected images of light
source images of the light emitting elements 30 which are formed on
the rear focal plane of the projection lens 12 by light emitted
from the individual light emitting elements 30.
[0126] The additional light distribution pattern PB represents a
light distribution pattern whose lower end area is brighter than
that of the additional light distribution pattern PA of the
above-described embodiment. This is because the light emitting
elements 30 are positioned in the higher position than the
corresponding position in the above-described embodiment and
because the reflecting surface 122b which extends obliquely
downwards and rearwards from the front end edge 20a1 of the
upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a of the shade 20 is formed to
be inclined at the smaller inclination angle than that in the
above-described embodiment.
[0127] The intermediate light distribution pattern PM2 shown in
FIG. 6(b) is a light distribution pattern having an additional
light distribution pattern PBm which is partially not illuminated,
in place of the additional light distribution pattern PB which
forms the high-beam light distribution pattern PH2.
[0128] In this modified example, the additional high-beam light
distribution patterns PB, PBm can be also formed by the plurality
of types of light distribution patterns with the compact
configuration.
[0129] In addition, by adopting the configuration of this modified
example, the additional light distribution pattern PB can represent
the light distribution pattern whose end area is bright, so that
the continuity of the additional light distribution pattern PB with
the low-beam light distribution pattern PL2 can be enhanced.
[0130] Next, a second modified example of the first embodiment will
be described.
[0131] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 2, which shows a vehicle
lamp 210 according to this modified example.
[0132] As shown in FIG. 7, a basic configuration of the vehicle
lamp 210 is similar to that of the vehicle lamp 10 of the
above-described embodiment but is different in that a first
reflector 232 is additionally disposed.
[0133] The first reflector 232 is disposed behind an upper area of
the projection lens 12 and is supported on the lens holder 18. The
first reflector 232 has a plane reflecting surface 232a which
extends obliquely downwards and rearwards. The first reflector 232
reflects a part of light emitted from individual light emitting
elements 30 towards the projection lens 12 on the reflecting
surface 232a.
[0134] In this case, an inclination angle of the reflecting surface
232a is set such that light emitted from the light emitting
elements 30 and then reflected on the reflecting surface 232a is
incident on the projection lens 12 as light which passes the rear
focal plane of the projection lens 12 in a height position of a
point A which is positioned above the optical axis Ax. Then, the
reflected light from the reflecting surface 232a which enters the
projection lens 12 in the above-described manner is emitted from
the projection lens 12 to the front as light which is directed
slightly downwards.
[0135] FIG. 9(a) is a view showing in a high-beam light
distribution pattern H3 in a perspective manner which is formed on
the imaginary vertical screen by light emitted ahead of the vehicle
lamp 210.
[0136] This high-beam light distribution pattern PH3 is formed as a
combined light distribution pattern of the low-beam light
distribution pattern PL3 and an additional high-beam light
distribution pattern PC.
[0137] The low-beam light distribution pattern PL3 has a similar
shape to that of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL1 of the
above-described embodiment.
[0138] The additional light distribution pattern PC is formed as a
combined light distribution pattern of eleven light distribution
patterns Pc.
[0139] The light distribution patterns Pc are light distribution
patterns which are formed as reverted projected images of light
source images of the light emitting elements 30 which are formed on
the rear focal plane of the projection lens 12 by light emitted
from the individual light emitting elements 30.
[0140] In this case, the light distribution patterns Pc are formed
in the same shape and arrangement as those of the light
distribution patterns Pa of the above-described embodiment.
However, the lower end edges extend to a position slightly further
downwards than cut-off lines CL1, CL2. This is because light
emitted from the individual light emitting elements 30 and then
reflected on the first reflector 232 which is disposed behind the
upper area of the projection lens 12 is emitted from the projection
lens 12 as light directed slightly downwards.
[0141] In this modified example, an intermediate light distribution
pattern can be formed such that a part of the additional light
distribution pattern PC is omitted from the high-beam light
distribution pattern PH3 by lighting individually the light
emitting elements 30.
[0142] In this modified example, the operational effects similar to
that of the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0143] By adopting the configuration of this modified example, in
the high-beam light distribution pattern PH3, the low-beam light
distribution pattern PL3 and the additional light distribution
pattern PC can be partially overlapped with each other at the
portion where the cut-off lines CL1, CL2 are formed, so that the
continuity between the low-beam light distribution pattern PL3 and
the additional light distribution pattern PC can be enhanced
further. This is also true in relation to the intermediate light
distribution pattern.
[0144] Next, a third modified example of the first embodiment will
be described.
[0145] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 2, which shows a vehicle
lamp 310 according to this modified example.
[0146] As shown in FIG. 8, a basic configuration of the vehicle
lamp 310 is similar to that of the vehicle lamp 10 of the
above-described embodiment but is different in that second and
third reflectors 334, 336 are additionally disposed.
[0147] The second reflector 334 is disposed behind a lower area of
the projection lens 12 and is supported on the base member 22. The
third reflector 336 is disposed behind an upper area of the
projection lens 12 and is supported on the lens holder 18.
[0148] In this modified example, a part of light emitted from
individual light emitting elements 30 is sequentially reflected on
the second and third reflectors 334, 336 to be then incident on the
projection lens 12.
[0149] The second reflector 334 reflects a part of light emitted
obliquely downwards and forwards from the individual light emitting
elements 30 towards the third reflector 336. In this case, a
reflecting surface 334a of the second reflector 334 is formed into
a plane surface so as to extend rearwards while being directed
slightly downwards.
[0150] The third reflector 336 reflects the reflected light from
the second reflector 334 towards the projection lens 12. In this
case, a reflecting surface 336a of the third reflector 336 is
formed into a plane surface so as to extend rearwards while being
directed downwards.
[0151] In this case, an inclination angle of the reflecting surface
334a is set such that the reflected light reflected on the
reflecting surface 334a is incident on the projection lens 12 as
light which passes the rear focal plane of the projection lens 12
in a position indicated as a point B in FIG. 8 (a position which is
substantially the same as the point A in the second modified
example).
[0152] An incident angle at which the reflected light from the
second reflector 334 is incident on the third reflector 336 is
smaller than an incident angle at which the light emitted from the
individual light emitting elements 30 is incident on the first
reflector 232 in the second modified example. This ensures a
greater quantity of light which is emitted slightly downwards from
the projection lens 12.
[0153] FIG. 9(b) is a view showing a high-beam light distribution
pattern PH4 in a perspective manner which is formed on the
imaginary vertical screen by light emitted forwards from the
vehicle lamp 310.
[0154] The high-beam light distribution pattern PH4 is formed as a
combined light distribution pattern of a low-beam light
distribution pattern PL4 and an additional high-beam light
distribution pattern PD.
[0155] The low-beam light distribution pattern PL4 has a similar
shape to that of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL1 of the
above-described embodiment.
[0156] The additional light distribution pattern PD is made up of
eleven light distribution patterns Pd.
[0157] These light distribution patterns Pd are light distribution
patterns which are formed as reverted projected images of light
source images of the light emitting elements 30 which are formed on
the rear focal plane of the projection lens 12 by light emitted
from the individual light emitting elements 30.
[0158] In this case, the light distribution patterns Pd are formed
in the same shape and arrangement as those of the light
distribution patterns Pa of the above-described embodiment.
However, the lower end edges extend to a position slightly further
downwards than cut-off lines CL1, CL2. This is because the light
reflected sequentially by the second and third reflectors 334, 336
is emitted from the projection lens 12 as light directed slightly
downwards.
[0159] The additional light distribution pattern PD represents a
light distribution pattern whose lower end area is brighter than
that of the additional light distribution pattern PC of the second
modified example. This is because a greater quantity of light which
is emitted slightly downwards from the projection lens 12 than that
of the second modified example can be ensured.
[0160] In this modified example, an intermediate light distribution
pattern can be formed such that a part of the light distribution
pattern PD is omitted from the high-beam light distribution pattern
PH4 by lighting individually the light emitting elements 30.
[0161] In this modified example, the operational effects similar to
that of the second modified example can be obtained.
[0162] By adopting the configuration of this modified example, the
additional light distribution pattern PD can be formed as the light
distribution pattern whose lower end area is brighter than that of
the additional light distribution pattern PC of the second modified
example, which is more suitable for forming the high-beam light
distribution pattern PH4.
[0163] Next, a fourth modified example of the first embodiment will
be described.
[0164] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 2, which shows a vehicle
lamp 410 according to this modified example.
[0165] As shown in FIG. 10, a basic configuration of the vehicle
lamp 410 is similar to that of the vehicle lamp 10 of the
above-described embodiment but is different in that a projection
lens 412 has a different configuration from that of the projection
lens 12 of the above-described embodiment and in that a fourth
reflector 438 is additionally disposed.
[0166] That is, the projection lens 412 of this modified example is
formed such that a rear focal point Fa of an upper area 412A of the
projection lens 412 which is positioned upper than an optical axis
Ax is positioned below a rear focal point F of a general area other
than the upper area 412A.
[0167] Specifically, the projection lens 412 of this modified
example is formed such that a front surface 412a thereof is curved
largely further rearwards than the front surface of the projection
lens 12 of the above-described embodiment which is indicated by a
chain double-dashed line in FIG. 10 in the area above the optical
axis Ax. Therefore, the rear focal point F of the general area is
positioned on the optical axis Ax while the rear focal point Fa of
the upper area 412A is displaced downwards relative to the rear
focal point F.
[0168] In this modified example, by adopting the above-described
configuration, reflected light from the reflector 16 which is
reflected by the upwardly facing surface 20a of the shade 20 to be
incident on the upper area 412A of the projection lens 412 and
light emitted from individual light emitting elements 30 to be
incident on the upper area 412A of the projection lens 412 are
emitted forwards from the projection lens 412 as light directed
slightly further downwards than the light emitted from the
projection lens 12 in the above-described embodiment.
[0169] The fourth reflector 438 is disposed below the eleven light
emitting elements 30 and is supported on the base member 22. The
fourth reflector 438 reflects a part of light emitted obliquely
downwards and forwards from the individual light emitting elements
30 towards the upper area 412A of the projection lens 412. In this
case, a reflecting surface 438a of the fourth reflector 438 is
formed into a plane surface and extends along a horizontal
plane.
[0170] In this modified example, an additional light distribution
pattern which is similar to the additional light distribution
pattern PC of the second modified example shown in FIG. 9(a) is
formed by lighting the individual light emitting elements 30 at the
same time, so that a high-beam light distribution pattern similar
to the high-beam light distribution pattern PH3 of the second
modified example is formed.
[0171] In this modified example, an intermediate light distribution
pattern similar to that of the second modified example can be
formed by lighting individually the light emitting elements 30.
[0172] The same operational effects as that of the second modified
example can also be obtained by adopting the configuration of this
modified example.
[0173] Since light emitted from the individual light emitting
elements 30 is incident on the upper area 412A of the projection
lens 412 with higher efficiency by adopting the configuration of
this modified example, the additional light distribution pattern
can be formed as a brighter light distribution pattern.
[0174] In the fourth modified example, while the area of the
projection lens 412 which is positioned above the optical axis Ax
is described as being the upper area 412A, a lower end edge of the
upper area 412A does not necessarily have to coincide with the
optical axis Ax.
[0175] Next, a fifth modified example of the first embodiment will
be described.
[0176] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 2, which shows a vehicle
lamp 510 according this modified example.
[0177] As shown in FIG. 11, a basic configuration of the vehicle
lamp 510 is similar to that of the vehicle lamp 410 of the fourth
modified example but is different in that individual light emitting
elements 30 are disposed differently from the fourth modified
example and in that the fourth reflector 438 is not disposed below
the eleven light emitting elements 30, but a lens 540 is disposed
ahead of the light emitting elements 30. Additionally, in
association with the differences described above, the configuration
of a base member 522 is different from that of the base member 22
of the fourth modified example.
[0178] In this modified example, the light emitting elements 30 are
supported on the base member 522 in a position which is spaced
obliquely downwards and rearwards away from the front end edge 20a1
of the upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a of the shade 20. In
this case, the light emitting elements 30 are disposed further
downwards than the position where the light emitting elements 30
are disposed in the fourth modified example with their light
emitting surfaces directed obliquely upwards with respect to the
direction of the front of the lamp.
[0179] The lens 540 is a convex cylindrical lens which extends in
the transverse direction. A front surface of the lens 540 is a
single convexly curved surface, while a rear surface thereof is a
stepped convexly curved surface.
[0180] The lens 540 is disposed obliquely upwards and forwards of
the light emitting elements 30 with its optical axis directed
obliquely upwards and forwards. In this case, the lens 540 performs
a direct deflection control on light emitted from the individual
light emitting elements 30 at a central portion thereof, while at
an upper portion and a lower portion thereof, the lens 540 performs
a deflection control on light emitted from the light emitting
elements 30 after totally reflecting the light on a rear surface
thereof.
[0181] The lens 540 deflects and transmits light emitted from the
light emitting elements 30 towards the upper area 412A of the
projection lens 412 as a flux of light which is close to parallel
light within a vertical plane. In this case, the flux of light
directed from the lens 540 towards the upper area 412A of the
projection lens 412 contains therein the rear focal point Fa of the
upper area 412A of the projection lens 412.
[0182] In this modified example, a reflecting surface like the
reflecting surface 22b of the fourth modified example is not formed
at an upper end portion of a front wall surface 522a of the base
member 522. Instead, a recess portion 522b is formed to support the
individual light emitting elements 30 and the lens 540. A front
upper end portion 522c which is positioned above the recess portion
522b which is positioned at an upper end portion of the front wall
surface 522a of the base member 522 is formed in a constant
thickness so as to extend rearwards from the front end edge 20a1 of
the upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a of the shade 20.
[0183] In this modified example, an additional light distribution
pattern which is similar to the additional light distribution
pattern PC of the second modified example shown in FIG. 9(a) is
formed by lighting the individual light emitting elements 30 at the
same time, so that a high-beam light distribution pattern similar
to the high-beam light distribution pattern PH3 of the second
modified example is formed.
[0184] In this modified example, an intermediate light distribution
pattern similar to that of the second modified example can be
formed by lighting individually the light emitting elements 30.
[0185] In this modified example, the operational effects similar to
that of the second modified example can be obtained.
[0186] In this modified example, since light emitted from the
individual light emitting elements 30 is incident on the upper area
412A of the projection lens 412 with higher efficiency, the
additional light distribution pattern can be formed as a brighter
light distribution pattern.
[0187] Further, since the front upper end portion 522c of the base
member 522 can be formed in the constant thickness in this modified
example, it is possible to facilitate the manufacture of the base
member 522.
Second Embodiment
[0188] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be
described. Similar reference numerals will be given to similar
members to those described in the first embodiment and the modified
examples thereof, and the description thereof will be omitted for
convenience in description.
[0189] FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing a vehicle lamp 610
according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
13 is a view as seen from a direction indicated by an arrow II in
FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a detailed view of a portion denoted as III in
FIG. 12. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing main constituent
elements of the vehicle lamp 610 according to the second
embodiment.
[0190] As shown in these drawings, a basic configuration of the
vehicle lamp 610 of the second embodiment is similar to that of the
vehicle lamp 10 according to the first embodiment but is different
from the vehicle lamp 10 according to the first embodiment in that
a plurality of light emitting units 130 are provided.
[0191] The plurality of light emitting units 130 are disposed to be
aligned in the transverse direction below the rear focal point F of
the projection lens 12 and are configured to be lit individually by
an illumination control circuit (not shown). In this embodiment,
eleven light emitting units 130 each having a similar configuration
are disposed leftwards and rightwards at equal intervals in the
transverse direction from a position directly below an optical axis
Ax as a center of the arrangement.
[0192] As shown in detail in FIG. 14, the light emitting units 130
each include a light emitting element 32 and a reflector 34 which
reflects light emitted from the light emitting element 32 towards
the projection lens 12.
[0193] The reflector 34 includes a first reflecting surface 34a
which extends obliquely downwards and rearwards from the front end
edge 20a1 of the upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a of the
shade 20 (that is, from the vicinity of the rear focal plane of the
projection lens 12) and a second reflecting surface 34b which
reflects light emitted from the light emitting element 32 towards
the first reflecting surface 34a.
[0194] A part of the reflector 34 is formed integrally with the
base member 22. That is, the first reflecting surface 34a is
configured as a part of a front end face of the base member 22, and
the second reflecting surface 34b is configured as a part of a
cover member 36 which is attached to the base member 22.
[0195] The light emitting element 32 is a white light emitting
diode and is supported on the first reflecting surface 34a in a
position which is spaced away obliquely downwards and rearwards
from the front end edge 20a1 of the upwardly facing reflecting
surface 20a. That is, this light emitting element 32 is disposed
such that its light emitting surface is directed obliquely
downwards and forwards in a direction which is at right angles to
the first reflecting surface 34a.
[0196] The second reflecting surface 34b is disposed to cover the
light emitting element 32 from therebelow. This second reflecting
surface 34b is a substantially ellipsoidal curved surface and
reflects light from the light emitting element 32 towards an area
of the first reflecting surface 34a which is near a front end edge
thereof.
[0197] The cover member 36 is formed transversely long so as to
extend across the eleven light emitting units 130. The cover member
36 includes partition portions 36a which are formed in both left
and right end positions and boundary positions between the second
reflecting surfaces 34b so as to extend in a vertical direction
which is parallel to the optical axis Ax. In this case, the side
surface of each partition portion 36a is configured as a reflecting
surface.
[0198] The partition portions 36a are formed to extend to the first
reflecting surfaces 34a to thereby divide the second reflecting
surfaces 34b individually for each light emitting unit 130. In this
case, front end positions of the second reflecting surfaces 34b and
the partition portions 36a are positioned slightly further
rearwards than the rear focal plane of the projection lens 12.
[0199] In each light emitting unit 130, a part of light emitted
from the light emitting element 32 is reflected on the second
reflecting surface 34b and is thereafter reflected again on the
first reflecting surface 34a to be incident on the projection lens
12, another part of the emitted light is reflected directly on the
first reflecting surface 34a to be incident on the projection lens
12, and a further part of the emitted light is incident on the
projection lens 12 as direct light. At this time, in any one of the
cases, the part of the emitted light is reflected on the left and
right side surfaces of the partition portion 36a and is then
incident on the projection lens 12.
[0200] That is, light directed from each light emitting unit 130
towards the projection lens 12 is caused to converge into an open
range surrounded by the first and second reflecting surfaces 34a,
34b and the pair of left and right partition portions 36a at a
front end edge of the cover member 36 and then passes the rear
focal plane of the projection lens 12. Consequently, in the light
emitting units 130 which are disposed adjacent to each other,
ranges of fluxes of light passing the rear focal plane of the
projection lens 12 are slightly overlapped with each other.
[0201] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing light distribution patterns in
a perspective manner which are formed on an imaginary vertical
screen disposed in a position 25 meters ahead of the vehicle by
light emitted forwards from the vehicle lamp 610. FIG. 16(a) is a
view showing a high-beam light distribution pattern PH9, and FIG.
16(b) is a view showing an intermediate light distribution pattern
PM5.
[0202] The high-beam light distribution pattern PH9 shown in FIG.
16(a) is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of a
low-beam light distribution pattern PL5 and an additional high-beam
light distribution pattern PE.
[0203] In the high-beam light distribution pattern PH9, the
additional light distribution pattern PE is formed additionally as
a transversely long light distribution pattern which expands
upwards from cut-off lines CL1, CL2, so that a driving path ahead
of the vehicle is illuminated widely.
[0204] The additional light distribution pattern PE is formed as a
combined light distribution pattern of eleven light distribution
pattern Pe.
[0205] The light distribution patterns Pe are light distribution
patterns which are formed as reverted projected images of light
source images of the individual light emitting elements 32 which
are formed on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 12 by
light emitted individually from the light emitting units 130.
[0206] In this case, each light distribution pattern Pe has a
substantially rectangular shape which is slightly longer in a
vertical direction. This corresponds to the configuration in which
a flux of light emitted from each light emitting unit 130 is
converged into the open range surrounded by the first and second
reflecting surfaces 34a, 34b and the pair of left and right
partition portions 36a.
[0207] Additionally, the light distribution patterns Pe are formed
such that the adjacent light distribution patterns Pe are slightly
overlapped with each other. This is because the ranges of fluxes of
light emitted from the adjacent light emitting units 130 and
passing the rear focal plane of the projection lens 12 are slightly
overlapped with each other.
[0208] Further, lower end edges of the light distribution patterns
Pe coincide with the positions of the cut-offlines CL1, CL2. This
is because the first reflecting surface 34a is formed to extend
obliquely downwards and rearwards from the front end edge 20a1 of
the upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a of the shade 20.
[0209] In light which forms each light distribution pattern Pe,
light emitted from the light emitting element 32 and reflected on
the second reflecting surface 34b is reflected on an area of the
first reflecting surface 34a which is near a front end edge
thereof, and therefore, each light distribution pattern Pe is
formed with a luminous intensity distribution in which the luminous
intensity is high at the lower end area thereof. Consequently, the
additional light distribution pattern PE which is formed as the
combined light distribution pattern of those light distribution
patterns Pe can be formed as the light distribution pattern in
which the areas along the cut-off lines CL1, CL2 are brightly
illuminated, which can be suitable for formation of the high-beam
light distribution pattern PH9.
[0210] The intermediate light distribution pattern PM5 shown in
FIG. 16(b) is a light distribution pattern having an additional
light distribution pattern PEm which is partially not illuminated,
in place of the additional light distribution pattern PE which
forms the high-beam light distribution pattern PH9.
[0211] Specifically, the additional light distribution pattern PEm
represents a light distribution pattern where the third and fourth
light distribution pattern Pe from the right are omitted in the
eleven light distribution patterns Pe. This light distribution
pattern PEm is formed by turning off the third and fourth light
emitting units 130 from the left in the eleven light emitting units
130.
[0212] By forming the intermediate light distribution pattern PM5,
the driving path ahead of the vehicle is attempted to be
illuminated as widely as possible to such an extent that light
emitted from the vehicle lamp 610 is not directed to an oncoming
vehicle 2 to dazzle the driver of the oncoming vehicle 2.
[0213] The shape of the additional light distribution pattern PEm
is controlled to change as the position of the oncoming vehicle 2
changes by sequentially changing the light emitting units 130 to be
turned off, so that the driving path ahead of the vehicle is kept
illuminated as widely as possible to such an extent that the driver
of the oncoming vehicle 2 is not dazzled.
[0214] The presence of the oncoming vehicle 2 is detected by an
onboard camera (not shown). In addition, if a preceding vehicle
presents on the driving path ahead of the vehicle or a pedestrian
walks on the shoulder of the driving path, the onboard camera
detects them, so that the preceding vehicle or the pedestrian is
prevented from being dazzled by turning off a part of the light
distribution patterns Pe.
[0215] Next, the operational effects of the second embodiment will
be described.
[0216] The vehicle lamp 610 according to the second embodiment is
configured as the projector-type lamp which selectively performs
low beam illumination and high beam illumination, wherein light
emitted from the eleven light emitting units 130 is incident on the
projection lens 12 to form the additional high beam light
distribution pattern PE. In this case, the eleven light emitting
units 130 are disposed to be aligned in the transverse direction
below the rear focal point F of the projection lens 12 and are
configured to be lit individually, so that the following
operational effect can be obtained.
[0217] That is, the high-beam light distribution pattern PH9 can be
formed by forming the additional light distribution pattern PE
while lighting the eleven light emitting units 130 at the same
time. In addition, by selectively lighting a part of the eleven
light emitting units 130, the additional light distribution pattern
PEm can be formed where a part of the additional light distribution
pattern PE is omitted, so that the intermediate light distribution
pattern PM5 can be formed which is between the low-beam light
distribution pattern PL5 and the high-beam light distribution
pattern PH9.
[0218] Moreover, this can be realized by the projector-type optical
system using the single projection lens 12.
[0219] Accordingly, in this embodiment, in the vehicle lamp 610
which selectively performs low beam illumination and high beam
illumination, the additional high-beam light distribution patterns
PE, PEm can be formed by the plurality of types of light
distribution patterns with the compact configuration.
[0220] In the embodiment, since each light emitting unit 130
includes the light emitting element 32 and the reflector 34 which
reflects light emitted from the light emitting element 32 towards
the projection lens 12, the configuration of each light emitting
unit 130 can be simple.
[0221] Moreover, since the reflector 34 includes the first
reflecting surface 34a which extends obliquely downwards and
rearwards from the vicinity of the rear focal plane of the
projection lens 12 and the second reflecting surface 34b which
reflects light emitted from the light emitting element 32 towards
the first reflecting surface 34a, light emitted from the light
emitting element 32 is incident on the projection lens 12 with
higher efficiency.
[0222] In this case, since the first reflecting surface 34a is
formed such that the front end edge thereof coincides with the
front end edge 20a1 of the upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a
of the shade 20, the low-beam light distribution pattern PL5 and
the additional light distribution pattern PE are not separated at
the portions where the cut-off lines CL1, CL2 are formed.
[0223] Further, in this embodiment, the light emitting units 130
are divided by the left and right partition portions 36a, so that
the ranges of fluxes of light emitted from the adjacent light
emitting units 130 and passing the rear focal plane of the
projection lens 12 are overlapped with each other. Therefore, the
eleven light distribution patterns Pe which form the additional
light distribution pattern PE can also be formed to be slightly
overlapped with each other. Accordingly, the additional light
distribution pattern PEm where a part of the light distribution
patterns Pe is not illuminated by turning off a part of the light
emitting units 130 can be formed as the light distribution pattern
in which left and right boundary lines of the unilluminated light
distribution patterns become relatively clear.
[0224] In the above-described embodiment, while the vehicle lamp
610 including the eleven light emitting units 130, the vehicle lamp
610 may include any other number of light emitting units 130.
[0225] Next, modified examples of the second embodiment will be
described.
[0226] Firstly, a first modified example of the second embodiment
will be described.
[0227] FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 12, which shows a vehicle
lamp 710 according to this modified example.
[0228] As shown in FIG. 17, a basic configuration of the vehicle
lamp 710 is similar to that of the vehicle lamp 610 of the
above-described second embodiment but is different in that a
projection lens 112 has a different configuration from that of the
projection lens 412 of the second embodiment.
[0229] That is, the projection lens 112 of this modified example is
formed such that a rear focal point Fa of an upper area 112A of the
projection lens 112 is positioned below a rear focal point F of a
general area other than the upper area 112A.
[0230] Specifically, the projection lens 112 of this modified
example is formed such that a front surface 112a thereof is curved
greatly further rearwards than the front surface of the projection
lens 12 of the above-described embodiment which is indicated by a
chain double-dashed line in FIG. 17 in the area above an optical
axis Ax. Because of this, the rear focal point F of the general
area is positioned on the optical axis Ax while the rear focal
point Fa of the upper area 112A is displaced downwards relative to
the rear focal point F.
[0231] In this modified example, by adopting the above-described
configuration, reflected light from the reflector 16 which is
reflected by the upwardly facing reflecting surface 20a of the
shade 20 to be incident on the upper area 112A of the projection
lens 112 and light emitted from individual light emitting units 130
to be incident on the upper area 112A of the projection lens 112
are emitted forwards from the projection lens 112 as light directed
slightly further downwards than the light emitted from the
projection lens 12 in the above-described embodiment.
[0232] FIG. 18 is a view showing light distribution patterns in a
perspective manner which are formed on the imaginary vertical
screen by light emitted forwards from the vehicle lamp 710. FIG.
18(a) shows a high-beam light distribution pattern PH6, and FIG.
18(b) shows an intermediate light distribution pattern PM6.
[0233] The high-beam light distribution pattern PH6 shown in FIG.
18(a) is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of a
low-beam light distribution pattern PL6 and an additional high-beam
light distribution pattern PJ.
[0234] The additional light distribution pattern PJ is formed as a
combined light distribution patter of eleven light distribution
patterns Pj.
[0235] The light distribution patterns Pj are light distribution
patterns which are formed as reverted projected images of light
source images of light emitting elements 32 which are formed on the
rear focal plane of the projection lens 12 by light emitted from
the individual light emitting units 130.
[0236] In this case, these light distribution patterns Pj are
formed in the same shape and arrangement as those of the light
distribution patterns Pe of the above-described embodiment.
However, the lower end edges extend to a position slightly further
downwards than cut-off lines CL1, CL2. This is because the rear
focal point Fa of the upper area 112A of the projection lens 112 is
displaced downwards relative to the rear focal point F of the
general area.
[0237] The low-beam light distribution pattern PL6 has a luminous
intensity distribution which is slightly different from that of the
low-beam light distribution pattern PL5 of the above-described
embodiment. However, an overall shape of the low-beam light
distribution pattern PL6 is similar to that of the low-beam light
distribution pattern PL5.
[0238] The intermediate light distribution pattern PM6 shown in
FIG. 18(b) is a light distribution pattern having an additional
light distribution pattern PJm which is partially not illuminated,
in place of the additional light distribution pattern PJ which
forms the high-beam light distribution pattern PH6.
[0239] In this modified example, the additional high-beam light
distribution patterns PJ, PJm can be formed by the plurality of
types of light illuminating patterns with the compact
configuration.
[0240] In addition, by adopting the configuration of this modified
example, in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH6, the
low-beam light distribution pattern PL6 is overlapped partially
with the additional light distribution pattern PJ at the portions
where the cut-off lines CL1, CL2 are formed, so that the continuity
of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL6 with the additional
light distribution pattern PJ can be enhanced.
[0241] This will be true with the intermediate light distribution
pattern PM6, and the continuity of the low-beam light distribution
pattern PL6 with the additional light distribution pattern PJm can
be enhanced.
[0242] In this first modified example, while the area of the
projection lens 112 which is positioned above the optical axis Ax
is described as being the upper area 112A, the lower end edge of
the upper area 112A does not necessarily have to coincide in
position with the optical axis Ax.
[0243] Next, a second modified example of the second embodiment
will be described.
[0244] FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 14, which shows a main
part of a vehicle lamp 810 according to this modified example.
[0245] As shown in FIG. 19, a basic configuration of this vehicle
lamp 810 is similar to that of the vehicle lamp 610 of the
above-described embodiment but is different in that the
configuration of each light emitting unit 230 is different from
that in the above-described embodiment, and the configurations of a
shade 220 and a base member 222 are partially different as
well.
[0246] That is, in this modified example, the light emitting units
230 each includes a light emitting element 232A and a reflector 234
which reflects light emitted from the light emitting element 232A
towards the projection lens 12.
[0247] The reflector 234 includes a first reflecting surface 234a
which extends obliquely downwards and rearwards from a front end
edge 220a1 of an upwardly facing reflecting surface 220a of the
shade 220 (that is, from the vicinity of the rear focal plane of
the projection lens 12) and a second reflecting surface 234b which
reflects light emitted from the light emitting element 232A towards
the first reflecting surface 234a.
[0248] The first reflecting surface 234a is configured as a part of
the base member 222. The second reflecting surface 234b is
configured as a part of a cover member 236 which is attached to the
base member 222.
[0249] The light emitting element 232A is a white light emitting
diode and is supported on a plane which is at right angles to the
first reflecting surface 234a in a position which is spaced away
obliquely downwards and rearwards from the front end edge 220a1 of
the upwardly facing reflecting surface 220a. That is, this light
emitting element 232A is disposed such that its light emitting
surface is directed obliquely upwards and forwards in a direction
which is parallel to the first reflecting surface 234a.
[0250] The second reflecting surface 234b is disposed to cover the
light emitting element 232A from therebelow. This second reflecting
surface 234b is formed into a plane and reflects light from the
light emitting element 232A towards the first reflecting surface
234a.
[0251] The cover member 236 is formed transversely long so as to
extend across the eleven light emitting units 230. The cover member
236 includes partition portions 236a which are formed in both left
and right end positions and boundary positions between the second
reflecting surfaces 234b so as to extend in a vertical direction
which is parallel to the optical axis Ax. In this case, the side
surface of each partition portion 236a is configured as reflecting
surfaces.
[0252] The partition portions 236a are formed to extend to first
reflecting surfaces 234a to thereby divide the second reflecting
surfaces 234b individually for each light emitting unit 230. In
this case, front end positions of the second reflecting surfaces
234b and the partition portions 236a are positioned slightly
further rearwards than the rear focal plane of the projection lens
12.
[0253] In each light emitting unit 230, a part of light emitted
from the light emitting element 232A is reflected on the second
reflecting surface 234b and is thereafter reflected again on the
first reflecting surface 234a to be incident on the projection lens
12, another part of the emitted light is reflected directly on the
first reflecting surface 234a to be incident on the projection lens
12, and a further part of the emitted light is incident on the
projection lens 12 as direct light. At this time, in any one of the
cases, the part of the emitted light is reflected on the left and
right side surfaces of the partition portion 236a and is then
incident on the projection lens 12.
[0254] That is, light directed from each light emitting unit 230
towards the projection lens 12 is caused to converge into an open
range surrounded by the first and second reflecting surfaces 234a,
234b and the pair of left and right partition portions 236a at a
front end edge of the cover member 230 and then passes the rear
focal plane of the projection lens 12. Consequently, in the light
emitting units 230 which are disposed adjacent to each other,
ranges of fluxes of light passing the rear focal plane of the
projection lens 12 are slightly overlapped with each other.
[0255] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing light distribution patterns in
a perspective manner which are formed on the imaginary vertical
screen by light emitted forwards from the vehicle lamp 810. FIG.
20(a) is a view showing a high-beam light distribution pattern PH7,
and FIG. 20(b) is a view showing a low-beam light distribution
pattern PL7.
[0256] The high-beam light distribution pattern PH7 shown in FIG.
20(a) is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of a
low-beam basic light distribution pattern PL0 and an additional
high-beam light distribution pattern PG.
[0257] The low-beam basic light distribution pattern PL0 is similar
to the low-beam light distribution pattern PL5 of the
above-described embodiment.
[0258] The additional light distribution pattern PG is formed as a
combined light distribution pattern of eleven light distribution
patterns Pg.
[0259] The light distribution patterns Pg are light distribution
patterns which are formed as reverted projected images of light
source images of the individual light emitting elements 232A which
are formed on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 12 by
light emitted individually from the light emitting units 230.
[0260] In this case, these light distribution patterns Pg are
formed in the same shape and arrangement as those of the light
distribution patterns Pe of the above-described embodiment but have
a different luminous intensity distribution.
[0261] That is, these light distribution patterns Pg are formed
with a luminous intensity distribution in which a central portion
is the brightest and the luminous intensity is gradually reduced
towards a circumferential edge portion. This is because the second
reflecting surface 234b is formed into the plane.
[0262] The low-beam light distribution pattern PL7 shown in FIG.
20(b) represents a light distribution pattern in which an OHS
illuminating light distribution pattern PH for illuminating an
overhead sign OHS which is set on the driving path ahead of the
vehicle is added to the basic light distribution pattern PL0.
[0263] The OHS illuminating light distribution pattern PH is formed
as a combined light distribution patter of seven light emitting
units 230 out of the eleven light emitting units 230. The seven
light emitting units 230 which are obtained by turning off four
light emitting units 230 at each end of the array of the eleven
light emitting units 230, and the luminous intensity of the seven
light emitting units 230 are reduced.
[0264] In this case, since each light distribution pattern Pg has
the luminous intensity distribution in which the central portion is
the brightest and the luminous intensity is gradually reduced
towards the circumferential edge portion, in each of the light
distribution patterns Ph which are less bright as a whole by the
reduction of the luminous intensity, an outer circumferential edge
area thereof becomes dark. Consequently, the OHS illuminating light
distribution pattern PH represents the light distribution pattern
in which the central area is bright appropriately and the area near
the cut-off lines CL1, CL2 becomes dark, which is suitable for
illuminating the overhead sign OHS.
[0265] In this modified example, in the high-beam light
distribution pattern PH7 shown in FIG. 20(a), it is possible to
form an intermediate light distribution pattern similar to the
intermediate light distribution pattern PM5 of the above-described
embodiment by omitting a part of the eleven light distribution
patterns Pg which form the additional light distribution pattern
PG.
[0266] In this modified example, the additional high-beam light
distribution pattern PG can be formed by the plurality of types of
illumination patterns with the compact configuration.
[0267] In addition, by adopting the configuration of this modified
example, the light distribution pattern having the OHS illuminating
light distribution pattern PH can be formed as the low-beam light
distribution pattern PL7.
[0268] In particular, in the case of the plurality of light
emitting units 230 being disposed to be aligned in parallel in the
transverse direction below the rear focal point F of the projection
lens 12 as in this modified example, since it becomes difficult to
dispose the reflecting member for forming the OHS illuminating
light distribution pattern PH by reflecting the reflected light
from the reflector 16 ahead of the shade 20 as in the conventional
technique, it is effective to adopt the configuration of this
modified example.
[0269] In the above-described embodiment, it is also possible to
form an OHS illuminating light distribution pattern which is
similar to the OHS illuminating light distribution pattern PH by
adopting an illumination mode similar to that of this modified
example in forming the low-beam light distribution pattern PL5.
[0270] Next, a third modified example of the second embodiment will
be described.
[0271] FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 12, which shows a vehicle
lamp 910 according to this modified example, and FIG. 22 is a
detailed view of a portion of the vehicle lamp 910 which is denoted
as XI in FIG. 21.
[0272] As shown in these drawings, a basic configuration of this
vehicle lamp 910 is similar to that of the vehicle lamp 710 of the
above-described first modified example but is different in that
arrangement of the light emitting element 14 and the reflector 16
and the configuration of the shade 320 and individual light
emitting units 330 are different from those of the corresponding
constituent members of the first modified example and in that the
shape of a base member 322 is different from that of the base
member 322 of the above-described first modified example as
well.
[0273] That is, the shade 320 of this modified example is made of a
thin plate (for example, a metallic plate) whose thickness ranges
from on the order of 0.2 to 0.5 mm, and an upper surface thereof is
configured as an upwardly facing reflecting surface 320a. This
shade 320 is supported on the base member 322 while being disposed
so as to extend obliquely upwards and rearwards from the vicinity
of the rear focal plane of the projection lens 112. In this case,
an inclination angle of the upwardly facing reflecting surface 320a
from a horizontal plane is set at a value of about 10 to
30.degree., and the position of a front end edge 320a1 thereof is
set substantially at the same position as that of the
above-described first modified example.
[0274] The configurations of the light emitting element 14 and the
reflector 16 are similar to those of the first modified example.
However, the light emitting element 14 and the reflector 16 are
disposed to be inclined at an angle corresponding to the
inclination angle of the upwardly facing reflecting surface 320a of
the shade 320 from the horizontal plane. It is noted that with the
inclination angle of this magnitude, light emitted from the light
emitting element 14 and then reflected by the reflector 16 passes
an area on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 112 which is
almost the same as that in the above-described first modified
example.
[0275] In this modified example, eleven light emitting units 330
are also disposed to be aligned in parallel at equal intervals in
the transverse direction below the rear focal point F of the
projection lens 112, and the eleven light emitting units 330 are
configured to be lit individually.
[0276] The light emitting units 330 are disposed below a front end
portion of the shade 320. Then, a unit support portion 322a which
supports the light emitting units 330 is formed at a front end
upper portion of the base member 322.
[0277] Each light emitting unit 330 includes a light emitting
element 332 and a reflector 1334 which reflects light emitted from
the light emitting element 332 towards the projection lens 112.
[0278] The light emitting element 332 is a white light emitting
diode and is supported on the base member 322 with its light
emitting surface disposed to face upwardly.
[0279] The reflector 1334 is disposed to cover the light emitting
element 332 from the rear to top thereof and is supported on the
base member 322.
[0280] The reflector 1334 has an ellipsoidal reflecting surface
1334a with a first focal point at a light emitting center of the
light emitting element 332. The reflector 1334 reflects light from
the light emitting element 332 to the front on a reflecting surface
1334a thereof so as to converge temporarily at the front of the
rear focal plane of the projection lens 112, and then, the light is
eventually incident on the projection lens 112.
[0281] The reflector 1334 is formed such that an upper end edge
thereof extends as near as a lower surface of a front end portion
of the shade 320 (that is, further upwards than the optical axis
Ax), so that the reflecting surface 1334a is attempted to be
ensured over as a wide area as possible.
[0282] As to the eleven light emitting units 330, the reflectors
1334 are formed integrally with one another. A partition wall 1336
is disposed on each side of each reflector 1334 to extend in a
vertical direction which is parallel to the optical axis Ax. The
partition walls 1336 are formed integrally with each reflector
1334.
[0283] Each partition wall 1336 is formed such that its upper end
edge extends as near as the lower surface of the front end portion
of the shade 320, and a front end edge of the partition wall 1336
is positioned slightly behind the rear focal plane of the
projection lens 112. A side surface of each partition wall 1336
which face the reflecting surface 1334a of the corresponding
reflector 1334 is configured as a reflecting surface.
[0284] Light emitted from each light emitting unit 330 to be
incident on the projection lens 122 includes reflected light from
the reflector 1334, direct light emitted directly from the light
emitting element 332 and reflected light reflected from the
partition walls 1336 on both the sides of the light emitting unit
330.
[0285] FIG. 23 is a view showing light distribution patterns in a
perspective manner which are formed on the imaginary vertical
screen by light emitted forwards from the vehicle lamp 910. FIG.
23(a) is a view showing a high-beam light distribution pattern PH8,
and FIG. 23(b) is a view showing an intermediate light distribution
pattern PM8.
[0286] The high-beam light distribution pattern PH8 shown in FIG.
23(a) is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of a
low-beam light distribution pattern PL8 and an additional high-beam
light distribution pattern P1.
[0287] The additional light distribution pattern PI is formed as a
combined light distribution pattern of eleven light distribution
patterns Pi.
[0288] The light distribution patterns Pi are light distribution
patterns which are formed as reverted projected images of light
source images of the individual light emitting elements 332 which
are formed on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 112 by
light emitted individually from the light emitting units 330.
[0289] In this case, the light distribution patterns Pi are formed
in the same shape and arrangement as those of the light
distribution patterns Pj of the above-described first modified
example. However, the light distribution patterns Pi are formed as
the light distribution patterns which are brighter as a whole. This
is because in each light emitting unit 330, more of the reflected
light from the reflector 1334 and the direct light directly emitted
from the light emitting element 332 can be incident on the
projection lens 112.
[0290] The low-beam light distribution pattern PL8 has a
substantially similar shape to that of the low-beam light
distribution pattern PL6 in the above-described first modified
example.
[0291] The intermediate light distribution pattern PM8 shown in
FIG. 23(b) is a light distribution pattern having an additional
light distribution pattern PIm which is partially not illuminated,
in place of the additional light distribution pattern PI which
forms the high-beam light distribution pattern PH8.
[0292] In this modified example, the additional high-beam light
distribution patterns PI, PIm can be formed by the plurality of
types of light distribution patterns with the compact
configuration.
[0293] In particular, as in this modified example, the shade 320
which is formed of the thin plate is disposed such that the
upwardly facing reflecting surface 320a extends obliquely upwards
and rearwards from the vicinity of the rear focal plane of the
projection lens 112, and then, the light emitting units 330 are
disposed below the front end portion of the shade 320, so that the
additional light distribution patterns PI, PIm can be made
brighter.
[0294] In this modified example, since the rear focal point Fa of
the upper area 112A of the projection lens 112 is positioned below
the rear focal point F of the general area, even though a slight
gap (that is, a gap equal to the thickness of the shade 320) is
generated in the area on the rear focal plane of the projection
lens 112 where light passes by the reflection light from the
reflector 16 and the light emitted from the light emitting units
330, in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH8, the low-beam
light distribution pattern PL8 and the additional light
distribution pattern P1 can be partially overlapped with each
other. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the continuity
between the low-beam light distribution pattern PL8 and the
additional light distribution pattern PI.
[0295] This will be true with the intermediate light distribution
pattern PM8, and the continuity between the low-beam light
distribution pattern PL8 and the additional light distribution
pattern PIm can be enhanced.
[0296] In this modified example, the reflector 1334 of each light
emitting unit 330 extends further upwards than the optical axis Ax
at the upper end edge thereof, and light emitted from each light
emitting unit 330 passes the rear focal plane of the projection
lens 112 below the rear focal point F. Consequently, it can be said
that the light emitting units 330 are positioned below the rear
focal point F of the projection lens 112.
[0297] Next, a fourth modified example of the second embodiment
will be described.
[0298] FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 12, which shows a vehicle
lamp 1010 according to this modified example.
[0299] As shown in FIG. 24, a basic configuration of the vehicle
lamp 1010 is similar to that of the vehicle lamp 610 of the second
embodiment but the configurations of a shade 420 and light emitting
units 430 are different from those in the second embodiment, a base
member 422 is different from that in the above-described second
embodiment as well.
[0300] That is, the shade 420 of this modified example is made of a
thin plate (for example, a metallic plate) whose thickness ranges
from on the order of 0.2 to 0.5 mm, and an upper surface thereof is
configured as an upwardly facing reflecting surface 420a, while a
lower surface thereof is configured as a downwardly facing
reflecting surface 420b.
[0301] This shade 420 is disposed to extend horizontally in the
longitudinal direction, and a front end edge 420a1 of the upwardly
facing reflecting surface 420a is set at the same position as the
position of the above-described embodiment. This shade 420 is
supported on the base member 422.
[0302] In this modified example, eleven light emitting units 430
are disposed to be aligned in parallel at equal intervals in the
transverse direction below the rear focal point F of the projection
lens 12 and are configured to be lit individually.
[0303] Each light emitting unit 430 includes a light emitting
element 432 and a lens 434 which emits light emitted from the light
emitting element 432 towards the projection lens 12 while
deflecting the light.
[0304] The light emitting elements 432 are disposed such that the
light emitting surfaces are directed obliquely upwards relative to
the direction of the front of the lamp below the shade 420 and are
supported on the base member 422.
[0305] Each lens 434 is a convex cylindrical lens which extends
short in the transverse direction. A front surface of the convex
cylindrical lens is formed into a single convex curved surface, and
a rear surface thereof is formed into a stepped convex curved
surface.
[0306] The lenses 434 are disposed obliquely upwards and forwards
of the corresponding light emitting elements 432 such that the
optical axes are directed obliquely upwards and forwards, so that
light emitted from the individual light emitting elements 432 is
transmitted therethrough towards the projection lens 12 while being
deflected. In this case, in each lens 434, a deflection control is
performed directly on light emitted from each light emitting
element 432 at a central portion, and the light on which the
deflection control is performed directly is temporarily converged
to a position near below the rear focal point F of the projection
lens 12. On the other hand, at an upper portion and a lower portion
of the lens 434, light emitted from each light emitting element 432
is totally reflected on a rear surface, and thereafter, the
deflection control is performed on the reflected light.
[0307] In addition, a part of light emitted from each lens 434 is
reflected on the downwardly facing reflecting surface 420b of the
shade 420 and is then incident on the projection lens 12.
[0308] As to the eleven light emitting units 430, a partition wall
436 is disposed on each side of the lens 434 to extend in a
vertical direction which is parallel to the optical axis Ax. The
partition walls 436 are supported on the base member 422.
[0309] The partition walls 436 are positioned slightly behind the
rear focal plane of the projection lens 12 at front end edges
thereof. A side surface of each partition wall 436 which faces the
lens 434 is configured as a reflecting surface.
[0310] FIG. 25 is a view showing light distribution patterns in a
perspective manner which are formed on the imaginary vertical
screen by light emitted forwards from the vehicle lamp 1010. FIG.
25(a) is a view showing a high-beam light distribution pattern PH9,
and FIG. 25(b) is a view showing an intermediate light distribution
pattern PM9.
[0311] The high-beam light distribution pattern PH9 shown in FIG.
25(a) is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of a
low-beam light distribution pattern PL9 and an additional high-beam
light distribution pattern PJ.
[0312] The low-beam light distribution pattern PL9 has a similar
shape to that of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL5 of the
above-described embodiment.
[0313] The additional light distribution pattern PJ is formed as a
combined light distribution pattern of 11 light distribution
patterns Pj.
[0314] The light distribution patterns Pj are light distribution
patterns which are formed as reverted projected images of light
source images of the individual light emitting elements 432 which
are formed on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 12 by
light emitted individually from the light emitting units 430.
[0315] In this case, these light distribution patterns Pj are
formed in the same shape and arrangement as those of the light
distribution patterns Pe of the above-described embodiment.
However, lower end edges thereof are formed in a position which is
spaced away slightly upwards from the cut-off lines CL1, CL2. This
is because the slight gap (that is, the gap equal to the thickness
of the shade 420) is generated in the area of the rear focal plane
of the projection lens 12 where light passes by the reflected light
from the reflector 16 and the emitted light from the light emitting
units 430.
[0316] On the other hand, the light distribution patterns Pj are
formed as the light distribution patterns where portions near above
the cut-off lines CL1, CL2 are bright. This is because a part of
light emitted from the light emitting units 430 converged to the
position near below the rear focal point F of the projection lens
12.
[0317] The intermediate light distribution pattern PM9 shown in
FIG. 25(a) is a light distribution pattern having an additional
light distribution pattern PJm which is partially not illuminated,
in place of the additional light distribution pattern PJ which
forms the high-beam light distribution pattern PH9.
[0318] In this modified example, similar operational effects to
that of the second embodiment can be obtained.
[0319] In this modified example, a part of light emitted from the
light emitting units 430 converge at the position near below the
rear focal point F of the projection lens 12, and therefore, the
light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the
light emitting units 430 can be formed as the light distribution
pattern in which the portions above the cut-off lines CL1, CL2 of
the low-beam light distribution pattern PL9 are bright.
[0320] In the configuration of this modified example, if the
projection lens 112 of the first modified example is used in place
of the projection lens 12, in the high-beam light distribution
pattern PH9, the low-beam light distribution pattern PL9 and the
additional light distribution pattern PJ can be partially
overlapped with each other, so that it is possible to enhance the
continuity therebetween.
[0321] Next, a fifth modified example of the second embodiment will
be described.
[0322] FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 12, which shows a vehicle
lamp 1110 according to this modified example.
[0323] As shown in FIG. 26, a basic configuration of the vehicle
lamp 1110 is similar to that of the vehicle lamp 610 of the second
embodiment but the configurations of a shade 520 and light emitting
units 530 are different from those in the second embodiment, and
the shape of a base member 522A is different from that in the
above-described second embodiment as well.
[0324] That is, the shade 520 of this modified example is made of a
thin plate (for example, a metallic plate) whose thickness ranges
from on the order of 0.2 to 0.5 mm, and an upper surface thereof is
configured as an upwardly facing reflecting surface 520a.
[0325] This shade 520 is disposed to extend horizontally in the
longitudinal direction, and a front end edge 520a1 of the upwardly
facing reflecting surface 520a is set at the same position as the
position of the above-described embodiment. This shade 520 is
supported on the base member 522A.
[0326] In this modified example, eleven light emitting units 530
are disposed to be aligned in parallel at equal intervals in the
transverse direction below the rear focal point F of the projection
lens 12 and are configured to be lit individually.
[0327] Each light emitting unit 530 includes a light emitting
element 532, a lens 534 which emits light emitted from the light
emitting element 532 towards the projection lens 12 while
deflecting the light and a reflector 538 which is disposed behind
the lens 534.
[0328] The light emitting elements 532 are disposed such that the
light emitting surfaces are directed obliquely upwards relative to
the direction of the front of the lamp below the shade 520 and are
supported on the base member 522A.
[0329] Each lens 534 is a convex cylindrical lens which extends
short in the transverse direction. Both a front surface and a rear
surface of the convex cylindrical lens are formed into a single
convex curved surface.
[0330] The lenses 534 are disposed obliquely upwards and forwards
of the corresponding light emitting elements 532 such that the
optical axes are directed obliquely upwards and forwards, so that
light emitted from the individual light emitting elements 532 is
transmitted therethrough towards the projection lens 12 while being
deflected. In this case, each lens 534 temporarily converges light
emitted from each light emitting element 532 to a position near
below the rear focal point F of the projection lens 12.
[0331] Each reflector 538 reflects light emitted from each light
emitting element 532 to the front to be incident on the
corresponding lens 534. The reflectors 538 are supported on the
base member 522A.
[0332] As to the eleven light emitting units 530, a partition wall
536 is disposed on each side of the lens 534 and the reflector 538
to extend in a vertical direction which is parallel to the optical
axis Ax. The partition walls 536 are supported on the base member
522A.
[0333] The partition walls 536 are positioned slightly behind the
rear focal plane of the projection lens 12 at front end edges
thereof. Side surfaces of each partition wall 536 which face the
lens 534 and the reflector 538 are configured as a reflecting
surface.
[0334] In this modified example, it is possible to form an
additional high-beam light distribution pattern similar to that of
the fourth modified example.
[0335] By adopting the configuration of this modified example, more
of light emitted from the light emitting units 530 is allowed to
pass the rear focal plane of the projection lens 12 in the position
near below the rear focal point F of the projection lens 12.
Therefore, it is possible to form the additional light distribution
pattern as the light distribution pattern in which the portions
near above the cut-off lines CL1, CL2 of the low-beam light
distribution pattern are brighter.
[0336] In this modified example, it is possible to use the
projection lens 112 of the first modified example in place of the
projection lens 12.
[0337] The numeric values used as specifications in the embodiments
and the like are mere examples, and these values may, of course, be
set at appropriate different values.
[0338] The present invention is not limited to the configurations
described in the embodiments and the like, and hence, other various
altered or modified configurations than those described
configurations may be adopted.
[0339] This application is based on the Japanese Patent Application
No. 2014-161154 filed on Aug. 7, 2014 and the Japanese Patent
Application No. 2014-161155 filed on Aug. 7, 2014, the contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
* * * * *