JP4235992B2 - Vehicle lighting - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp such as a tail lamp and a stop lamp, and particularly relates to a configuration that enables an increase in light emission area and further improvement in efficiency of the vehicular lamp.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of a conventional vehicle lamp 90 of this type when an LED lamp is used as the light source 91, and the LED lamp has a main irradiation angle of about 40 to 60 °. In order to shine the entire surface of the lens 92, a plurality of lenses are employed.
[0003]
The light source 91 is arranged in a matrix on the printed circuit board 93, and the light from the light source 91 is applied to the surface of the lens 92 as a tail lamp corresponding to each position where the light source 91 is provided. The lens cuts 92a that provide the light distribution characteristics are respectively provided.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the vehicular lamp 90 having the conventional configuration described above, when setting the number of the light sources 91, the entire surface of the lens 92 is made to shine more than the surface of the brightness necessary for a tail lamp or the like, as is apparent from the above description. This gives priority to the setting of the number, and an excessive number is adopted in terms of illuminance, which causes a problem of consuming more power than necessary, that is, reducing efficiency. Further, the light other than the main irradiation angle is not controlled at all, and even if it is a minute amount, it is not effectively used.
[0005]
Further, the lens cut 92a corresponds to the position where the light source 91 is disposed. Since the light source 91 is disposed on the printed circuit board 93, the lens cut 92a is restricted by the arrangement such as a matrix. Become. Accordingly, the arrangement of the lens cut 92a is also limited, and the variation is poor, and the design of the surface of the lens 92 becomes monotonous, resulting in inferior design.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides, as specific means for solving the above-described conventional problems, a light source provided with an optical axis substantially matched with an irradiation axis of a vehicular lamp, the light source as a first focal point, and the light source from the light source. Light emitted from the light source facing the light source having an elliptical surface formed by rotating an elliptical line orthogonal to the optical axis and having a second focal point at a predetermined distance from the optical axis. And a spheroid reflecting surface that reflects light on the side opposite to the irradiation direction of the vehicular lamp, and a spheroid reflecting surface facing the spheroid reflecting surface. A first reflecting surface that reflects light from the light source in the irradiation direction, and a second reflection surface that is provided outside the first reflecting surface with the optical axis as a center, and that reflects direct light from the light source in the irradiation direction. A vehicular lamp characterized by comprising a reflective surface It solves the problem by providing.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, the present invention will be described in detail based on the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 is a first embodiment of a vehicular lamp according to the present invention. In this first embodiment as well, the light source 2 is a light-emitting diode lamp (hereinafter referred to as an LED lamp) having a relatively narrow main illumination angle. This will be described using an example when is adopted.
[0008]
Also in the present invention, the light source 2 is installed such that the optical axis X, which is the main light emission direction, coincides with the irradiation axis Z of the vehicular lamp 1, but the irradiation direction is the spheroid reflection surface 3a. The light from the light source 2 is not directly emitted in the irradiation direction of the vehicular lamp 1. Note that the irradiation axis Z of the vehicular lamp 1 indicates the direction of light emitted by the vehicular lamp 1.
[0009]
In the cross section that coincides with the optical axis X, the spheroid reflecting surface 3a has the light source 2 as a first focal point, is perpendicular to the optical axis X from the light source 2, and is separated from the second focal point 5 by a predetermined distance. An elliptical line having
[0010]
Then, the elliptical line is rotated around the optical axis X of the light source 2 as a rotation axis to form a spheroidal surface. At this time, the spheroid is opposed to the light source 2 and a range covering a predetermined radiation angle of light emitted from the light source 2 is a spheroid reflecting surface 3a. In the first embodiment, the range on the extension line of the second focal point parallel to the optical axis X is the spheroid reflecting surface 3a. At this time, the spheroid reflecting surface 3 a faces the light source 2, that is, reflects light from the light source 2 to the side opposite to the irradiation direction of the vehicular lamp 1 (light source 2 side).
[0011]
The spheroid reflection surface 3a is formed on the back surface (light source 2 side) of the front lens 3 provided on the front surface of the vehicular lamp 1, and is formed by performing a reflection process by a known method such as aluminum vapor deposition. is there. Then, the other part is a light transmission part 3b, and a lens cut is performed as necessary to perform light distribution control.
[0012]
By setting the spheroid reflection surface 3a as described above, after a part of the light from the light source 2 is reflected by the spheroid reflection surface 3a, the light is directed in a direction opposite to the irradiation direction of the vehicular lamp 1. Focusing on the second focal point 5. At this time, since the spheroid reflecting surface 3a is rotated about the optical axis X, the second focal point 5 is located in a ring shape centered on the optical axis X, and the light source 2 The light is controlled in all directions.
[0013]
Next, the first reflecting surface 4a will be described. The first reflecting surface 4a has a function of reflecting the light reflected by the spheroid reflecting surface 3a in the irradiation direction of the vehicular lamp 1. is there. In the first embodiment, the first reflecting surface 4a is such that a parabola having a central axis in a direction parallel to the optical axis X and having a focal point at the second focal point 5 appears on the same plane as the optical axis. By rotating this parabola around the optical axis X, a paraboloid can be obtained.
[0014]
The light emitted from the light source 2 is reflected by the spheroid reflecting surface 3a, converges at the second focal point, and receives all the light spreading from the second focal point. The range is set to be the first reflecting surface 4a. Accordingly, the first reflecting surface 4a is provided in a ring shape having the optical axis X as a center and having a predetermined radius, and the light reflected by the first reflecting surface 4a is parallel to the optical axis X and is in a ring shape. Will be emitted.
[0015]
The first reflecting surface 4a is set to have a light source at the second focal point 5, and the second focal point 5 is on the same plane perpendicular to the light source 2 and the optical axis X. Therefore, the first reflecting surface 4a is located behind the light source 2 (on the opposite side to the irradiation direction).
[0016]
Next, the second reflecting surface 4b will be described. The second reflecting surface 4b is focused on the light source 2, and a parabola whose center axis is the same as the optical axis X is centered on the optical axis X. It is provided on the basis of a rotating paraboloid obtained by rotation, and this rotating paraboloid receives light emitted from the light source 2 and is a part of the first parabolic reflecting surface with respect to the light source 2. Are provided on the outer side.
[0017]
At this time, the second reflecting surface 4b receives light other than light emitted from the light source 2 and irradiates the rotating ellipsoidal reflecting surface 3a and emits substantially parallel light rays in the irradiation direction of the vehicular lamp 1. The light from the light source 2 is irradiated on the spheroid reflecting surface 3a and the second reflecting surface 4b, and is not directly irradiated in the irradiation direction.
[0018]
The first reflecting surface 4a and the second reflecting surface 4b provided in this way are formed by forming the housing 4 in a predetermined shape as shown in FIG. 1 and performing a well-known reflecting process such as aluminum vapor deposition. A central portion 4c in which the light source 2 is provided substantially at the center of the housing 4, a first reflecting surface 4a which is convex outward from the central portion 4c on the outer side, that is, opposite to the irradiation direction of the vehicular lamp 1; The second reflection surface 4b is provided outside the first reflection surface 4a.
[0019]
At this time, the joining of the respective reflecting surfaces causes a positional deviation in the front and rear directions. In this case, the reflected light on each reflecting surface is blocked by providing and joining the joining portion 4d substantially parallel to the optical axis 2. It can be formed without any problems.
[0020]
Next, the operation and effect of the vehicular lamp 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. According to the present invention, the light from the light source 2 is focused to the second focal point separated by a predetermined distance by the spheroid reflecting surface 3a, so that the light from the LED lamp as a point light source is apparently directed to the ring-shaped second focal point. Therefore, the emission area can be increased.
[0021]
This means that the number of light sources arranged in the vehicular lamp 1 can be freely set, and the power consumption is brighter than necessary in order to cause the entire light emitting surface of the vehicular lamp 1 generated in the conventional example to emit light. It is possible to prevent consumption. In addition, since the number of light sources can be reduced and no special front lens setting is required for the light sources, the lens can be freely designed and is not restricted in design.
[0022]
In the first embodiment, the first reflecting surface 4a and the second reflecting surface 4b are used as rotary parabolic reflecting surfaces, and light from the light source 2 is emitted as light rays substantially parallel to the optical axis. When a parallel light beam is not required or when a predetermined light distribution characteristic is required, the cross-sectional shape on the same plane as the optical axis can be a flat surface or a free curved surface.
[0023]
In addition, the light source 2 has been described with an example using an LED lamp. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an incandescent bulb or the like can also be used, and the light emitting area can be increased. The effect is more remarkable when the narrower one is used.
[0024]
Next, what is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a second embodiment according to the present invention. In the second embodiment, the spheroid 6 is formed separately from the front lens.
[0025]
The spheroidal surface 6 is attached to a central portion 4c where the light source 2 is provided by a leg portion 6b so as to cover the irradiation direction side of the light source 2. At this time, the leg portion 6b is provided in a column shape so as not to shield the light from the light source 2 as much as possible, and is preferably made of a transparent member and capable of transmitting light.
[0026]
The spheroidal surface 6 is made of a transparent member in the second embodiment, but its shape is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and a description thereof will be omitted. Then, the spheroid reflecting surface 6a is formed by subjecting the spheroid 6 made of the transparent member to a reflection process by a known method such as aluminum vapor deposition. The spheroid reflection surface 6a is provided partially with respect to the spheroid surface 6 such as a mesh shape, and transmits light from the light source 2 except for the spheroid reflection surface 6a. .
[0027]
Further, in the second embodiment, the front lens 3 is provided in a substantially flat shape because it does not have a spheroid reflection surface as in the first embodiment, and a lens cut is applied as necessary. It is something that can be done.
[0028]
The other first reflecting surface 4a, second reflecting surface 4b, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0029]
The operation and effect of the second embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. The spheroid 6 is formed of a transparent member, and the spheroid reflecting surface 6a is partially provided such as a mesh. Therefore, a part of the light from the light source 2 can be transmitted. Even when the vehicular lamp 1 is viewed from the front, the front part of the spheroidal surface 6 does not become a dark part, and light Can be emitted, and the entire surface of the vehicular lamp 1 can be illuminated more uniformly.
[0030]
Further, if a lens cut is provided on the front lens 3 provided on the irradiation direction side of the spheroid 6, the pattern of the mesh-like spheroid reflecting surface 6 a provided on the spheroid 6 will be inconspicuous. be able to.
[0031]
As described above, the present invention has been described with the two embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these. That is, the spheroid reflecting surface 3a of the first embodiment is partially formed, such as a mesh, or separated from the front lens 3a, and the entire surface of the spheroid 6 in the second embodiment is subjected to a reflection process. In addition, it is possible to use the spheroid reflecting surface 6a, and further, the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface of the second embodiment may be flat or free curved in cross section on the same plane as the optical axis X. Of course, these combinations are performed as appropriate, and the present invention includes these.
[0032]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a light source provided with an optical axis substantially coincident with an irradiation axis of a vehicular lamp, the light source as a first focal point, orthogonal to the optical axis from the light source, A range covering a predetermined radiation angle of light emitted from the light source facing the light source having an elliptical surface formed by rotating an elliptical line having a second focal point at a distance away from the light axis. A rotating ellipsoidal reflecting surface that reflects light on the side opposite to the irradiation direction of the vehicular lamp, and an irradiation direction of light from the light source that is opposed to the rotating ellipsoidal reflecting surface and reflected by the rotating ellipsoidal reflecting surface And a second reflecting surface that is provided outside the first reflecting surface with the optical axis as a center and reflects the direct light from the light source in the irradiation direction. First, the light By directing the light from the light to the first reflective surface opposite to the irradiation direction by the elliptical reflective surface, the light emitting area of the vehicle lamp can be expanded, and thus installed in the vehicle lamp By optimizing the number of light sources to be used, there are some effects that are extremely excellent in reducing costs and reducing power consumption.
[0033]
Second, since the light from the light source can be controlled over the entire luminous flux, the light utilization efficiency is excellent. Furthermore, the lens cut of the front lens is also less restricted and can be made freely in terms of design.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a vehicular lamp according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the vehicular lamp shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a second embodiment of the vehicular lamp according to the present invention.
4 is a front view of the vehicular lamp shown in FIG. 3. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional example.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle lamp 2 ... Light source 3 ... Front lens 3a ... Rotating ellipsoidal reflecting surface 3b ... Transparent part 4 ... Housing 4a ... First reflecting surface 4b ... Second reflecting surface 4c ... Center part 4d …… Junction 5 …… Second focal point 6 …… Rotating ellipsoid 6a …… Rotating ellipsoid reflecting surface 6b …… Leg

Claims (7)

A light source provided with its optical axis substantially matched with the illumination axis of the vehicular lamp, and the light source as a first focal point, a position perpendicular to the optical axis from the light source and a predetermined distance away is defined as a second focal point. The range covering the predetermined radiation angle of the light emitted from the light source opposite to the light source of the elliptical surface formed by rotating an elliptic line around the optical axis is opposite to the irradiation direction of the vehicular lamp. A spheroid reflecting surface that reflects light to the side, a first reflecting surface that faces the spheroid reflecting surface and reflects light from the light source reflected by the spheroid reflecting surface in an irradiation direction, and A vehicular lamp, comprising a second reflecting surface that is provided outside the first reflecting surface with the optical axis as a center and reflects direct light from the light source in an irradiation direction. 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the first reflecting surface is a rotating parabolic reflecting surface obtained by rotating a parabola having a focal point at the second focal point about the optical axis. . The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second reflecting surface is a rotary parabolic reflecting surface having a focal point on the light source. The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spheroid reflecting surface is formed by applying a mesh-like reflection treatment to a transparent member. The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spheroid reflection surface is formed by performing a reflection process on a part of a front lens. 6. The vehicular lamp according to claim 5, wherein the reflection treatment applied to a part of the front lens has a mesh shape. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode lamp.

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