JP7666294B2 - Vehicle lighting fixtures - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to vehicle lighting.

An example of a vehicle lamp that uses secondary light (luminescence, photoluminescence) emitted by excitation light irradiated from an excitation light source is shown in Patent Document 1.

The vehicle lamp of Patent Document 1 includes an excitation light source that irradiates excitation light, a light-emitting layer that emits secondary light (red light) by the excitation light (blue light) irradiated from the excitation light source, a holding member that holds the light-emitting layer, and a lamp lens (lens member) through which the secondary light is emitted to the outside.

The vehicle lamp of Patent Document 1 achieves surface emission from the secondary light emitted from the light-emitting layer. Moreover, since the vehicle lamp of Patent Document 1 uses a light-emitting layer that does not require electrical energy as a surface emission light source, the reliability of the surface emission light source is improved compared to organic light-emitting diodes that require electrical energy as a surface emission light source.

International Publication No. 2019/245030

In such vehicle lighting fixtures, it is important that the light emitted from the lamp lens to the outside (mainly secondary light) satisfies vehicle regulations.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a vehicle lamp in which the light emitted from the lamp lens to the outside satisfies vehicle regulations.

The vehicle lamp of the present invention comprises a lamp housing and a lamp lens that form a lamp chamber, and an excitation light irradiation unit and a light conversion unit that are arranged within the lamp chamber. The excitation light irradiation unit has an excitation light source that emits excitation light, and an excitation light final irradiation surface that finally irradiates the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source to the light conversion unit. The light conversion unit has a light emitting film that emits secondary light by the excitation light irradiated from the excitation light final irradiation surface, a reflection film that reflects the secondary light emitted from the light emitting film toward the light emitting film, and a secondary light emission surface that emits the secondary light toward the lamp lens. The excitation light has a dominant wavelength shorter than 500 nm, the secondary light has a dominant wavelength longer than 500 nm, and the lamp lens is composed of a red lens.

In the vehicle lamp of this invention, it is preferable that the lamp lens is composed of a red lens having a transmittance of excitation light of 10% or less in the wavelength region of the excitation light and a transmittance of secondary light of 80% or more in the wavelength region of the secondary light.

In the vehicle lamp of this invention, it is preferable that the lamp lens is composed of a red lens having a transmittance of 10% or less for excitation light with a wavelength of 500 nm and a transmittance of 80% or more for secondary light with a wavelength of 650 nm.

In the vehicle lamp of this invention, it is preferable that the reflective film is made of a reflective material with a reflectance of 20% or more in the visible light wavelength range.

In the vehicle lamp of this invention, it is preferable that the final excitation light irradiation surface is disposed on the lamp lens side relative to the secondary light emission surface.

In the vehicle lamp of this invention, it is preferable that the excitation light source is disposed on the opposite side of the lamp lens from the secondary light emission surface, an optical component is disposed on the lamp lens side from the secondary light emission surface, and the optical component is provided with a final excitation light irradiation surface.

In the vehicle lamp of this invention, it is preferable that the excitation light source is disposed on the opposite side of the lamp lens with respect to the secondary light emission surface, an optical component is disposed between the lamp lens side with respect to the secondary light emission surface and the excitation light source, and the optical component is provided with a final excitation light irradiation surface.

The vehicle lamp of this invention allows the light emitted from the lamp lens to the outside to comply with vehicle regulations.

FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the light conversion unit. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged explanatory diagram showing the optical path of the excitation light and the optical path of the secondary light in the optical conversion unit. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the dominant wavelengths of white light, yellow-orange light (amber light), and red light, in which the vertical axis indicates relative luminous intensity (a.u.) and the horizontal axis indicates wavelength (nm). 5 is a diagram illustrating the reflectance of different reflective film materials, where the vertical axis represents the reflectance (%) and the horizontal axis represents the wavelength (nm). 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the spectral transmittance of a lamp lens (red lens), where the vertical axis represents the transmittance (%) and the horizontal axis represents the wavelength (nm). FIG. 7 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a front view of a vehicle lamp according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention when the vehicle lamp is not lit. FIG. 10 is a front view of the vehicle lamp showing a state in which the light-emitting panel is emitting light when turned on. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp showing the main components (cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 9 and cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 10). FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a part of a light emitting device of a vehicle lamp. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a light emitting device of a vehicle lamp. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the light-emitting design of a light-emitting panel, which shows different light-emitting patterns in the same light-emitting shape. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing different light emitting patterns and different light emitting shapes as light emitting designs of light emitting panels arranged within a predetermined light distribution. FIG. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 11) showing a modified example of the excitation light control member of the light emitting device of the vehicle lamp. FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIGS. 11 and 16) showing a modified example of an excitation light control member of a light emitting device of a vehicle lamp. FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIGS. 11, 16 and 17) showing a modified example of the light conversion unit of the light emitting device of the vehicle lamp. 19A and 19B show modified examples of a light-emitting panel of a light-emitting device for a vehicle lamp. Fig. 19A is a partially enlarged schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the light-emitting panel. Fig. 19B is a partially enlarged explanatory view showing the optical path of excitation light and the optical path of secondary light in the light-emitting panel.

Below, four examples of embodiments (embodiments) of the vehicle lamp according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification, front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right refer to the front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right when the vehicle lamp according to the present invention is installed on a vehicle. In Figs. 11 to 13 and Figs. 16 to 18, the symbols "F" and "B" refer to the front, "B" and "rear", "U" and "DE" refer to the top, "DE" and "bottom", "L" and "R" refer to the right. Here, the front refers to the rear surface of the vehicle, and the back refers to the front surface of the vehicle. Note that the drawings are schematic diagrams, so main parts are shown, and parts other than the main parts are omitted. Also, hatching of some parts is omitted.

(Description of the configuration of the first embodiment)
1 to 6 show a first embodiment of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention. The configuration of the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment will be described below.

(Description of Vehicle Lamp 1)
In Fig. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment. In this example, the vehicle lamp 1 is a tail lamp constituting a rear combination lamp. The vehicle lamp 1 may be a stop lamp, a tail/stop lamp, or a turn signal lamp, in addition to a tail lamp. The vehicle lamp 1 is attached to each of the left and right sides of the rear of a vehicle (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle lamp 1 includes a lamp housing 2, a lamp lens 3, an excitation light irradiation unit 4, and a light conversion unit 5.

(Explanation of Lamp Housing 2)
The lamp housing 2 is made of a light-impermeable material (such as a resin material). In this example, the lamp housing 2 is black. Note that it is sufficient that the inner surface of the lamp housing 2 (the surface facing the lamp chamber 23) is black. The lamp housing 2 may be a color other than black.

(Explanation of Lamp Lens 3)
The lamp lens 3 is made of a light-transmitting resin material such as PMMA or PC. The lamp lens 3 is a transparent outer cover, outer lens, etc. The lamp lens 3 is attached to the lamp housing 2. As a result, the lamp housing 2 and the lamp lens 3 form a lamp chamber 23 as shown in FIG.

(Explanation of Excitation Light Irradiation Unit 4)
1, the excitation light irradiation unit 4 is disposed in the lamp chamber 23. The excitation light irradiation unit 4 has an excitation light source 40 and an excitation light final irradiation surface 41.

The excitation light source 40 is one or more blue LEDs, and uses a blue LED with a dominant wavelength of 450 nm. Note that the excitation light source 40 may be a light source other than a blue LED, such as an LD (semiconductor laser).

The excitation light source 40 emits excitation light L1 (see the solid arrows in Figures 1 and 3). The excitation light L1 emitted from the blue LED excitation light source 40 is blue light with a dominant wavelength of 450 nm. Note that the excitation light L1 may be violet or ultraviolet light with a wavelength shorter than that of blue light.

Here, the white light W shown in FIG. 4 (see the dashed curve in FIG. 4) is obtained by combining a blue LED excitation light source 40 and a yellow phosphor. That is, the white light W is obtained by mixing the blue light emitted from the blue LED excitation light source 40 and the yellow light excited by the blue light and emitted from the yellow phosphor. The dominant wavelength of this white light W is 450 nm. The dominant wavelength of the blue light excitation light L1 emitted from the blue LED excitation light source 40 is almost the same as the dominant wavelength of the white light W, 450 nm. Thus, the dominant wavelength of the blue light excitation light L1 emitted from the blue LED excitation light source 40 is shorter than 500 nm.

The final excitation light irradiation surface 41 is provided on the surface of the excitation light source 40 that faces the secondary light emission surface 52 of the light conversion unit 5 described below. The final excitation light irradiation surface 41 finally irradiates the excitation light L1 emitted from the excitation light source 40 to the light conversion unit 5.

(Explanation of the Light Conversion Unit 5)
The light conversion unit 5 is disposed in the lamp chamber 23, as shown in Fig. 1. The light conversion unit 5 has a substrate (support substrate) 50, a light emitting film (light emitting layer) 51, a secondary light emission surface 52, a reflection film (reflection layer) 53, a reflection surface 54, and sealing materials 55 and 56, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3.

The substrate 50 is made of a light-transmitting resin material such as PMMA or PC, or light-transmitting glass, which transmits the excitation light L1 and the secondary light L2 described below. The substrate 50 may be flexible or rigid. The substrate 50 has a rectangular, square, or free-form plate shape.

The luminescent film 51 is formed (deposited) on one surface of the substrate 50 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the lamp lens 3). The luminescent film 51 uses an organic material with a dominant wavelength of 630 nm. The material of the luminescent film 51 may be at least one of an organic fluorescent material, an organic phosphorescent material, and an inorganic fluorescent material. The luminescent film 51 emits secondary light (see the dashed arrows in Figures 1 and 3) in all directions (see the circle in Figure 3) by the excitation light L1 irradiated from the final excitation light irradiation surface 41 of the excitation light irradiation unit 4.

The secondary light L2 is yellow-orange light A shown by the dashed-dotted curve in FIG. 4, or red light R shown by the solid curve in FIG. 4. The dominant wavelength of the yellow-orange light A is 590 nm, which is longer than 500 nm. The dominant wavelength of the red light R is 650 nm, which is longer than 500 nm. Thus, the dominant wavelength of the secondary light L2 is longer than 500 nm and longer than the dominant wavelength of 450 nm of the excitation light L1. Note that the secondary light L2 in this example is red light R for a tail lamp. The red light R is used in stop lamps and tail/stop lamps in addition to tail lamps. The yellow-orange light A is used in turn signal lamps.

The luminescent film 51 has a secondary light emission surface 52. The secondary light emission surface 52 is provided on the surface of the luminescent film 51 facing the substrate 50 (the surface facing the lamp lens 3). The secondary light emission surface 52 emits secondary light L2 toward the lamp lens 3. The secondary light emission surface 52 has a rectangular, square, or free-form planar shape that is one size smaller than the substrate 50. The emission direction D of the secondary light L2 emitted from the secondary light emission surface 52 toward the lamp lens 3 (see the dashed arrow of the secondary light L2 in FIG. 1) is perpendicular to the secondary light emission surface 52.

As a result, the vehicle lamp 1 can obtain rectangular, square or free-form surface emission by the secondary light L2 emitted from the rectangular secondary light emission surface 52. The total light emission area of the secondary light emission surface 52 is 10 ^mm2 or more. This satisfies vehicle regulations regarding brightness.

The reflective film 53 is formed (deposited) on one surface of the substrate 50 so as to cover the luminescent film 51. The reflective film 53 is made of a reflective material having a reflectance of 20% or more in the wavelength range of visible light, such as a metallic material such as aluminum, silver, other metals, or alloys of these.

The metal material of the reflective film 53 has the reflectance shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the reflectance of tungsten (W), which has a low reflectance, at 400 nm, the lower limit of the visible light wavelength range, is 28% or more. As a result, even though the metal material of the reflective film 53 is tungsten (W), it has a reflectance of 20% or more in the visible light wavelength range. As a result, even if variations in reflectance occur due to manufacturing tolerances, the reflective film 53 can absorb this variation.

The reflective film 53 has a reflective surface 54. The reflective surface 54 is provided on the surface of the reflective film 53 facing the substrate 50 and the luminescent film 51 (the surface facing the lamp lens 3). The reflective surface 54 reflects the secondary light L2 emitted from the luminescent film 51 toward the luminescent film 51.

The sealing materials 55 and 56 seal the light-emitting film 51 and the reflective film 53 together with the substrate 50. The sealing materials 55 and 56 are composed of a silicone resin, a SiN film, or the like 55, and an aluminum wheel 56. Note that the sealing materials 55 and 56 are not limited to this example.

(Description of Arrangement of Excitation Light Irradiation Unit 4 and Light Conversion Unit 5)
The excitation light irradiation unit 4 and the light conversion unit 5 are both disposed within the lamp chamber 23. The excitation light source 40 is disposed on the lamp lens 3 side with respect to the light conversion unit 5.

As a result, the final excitation light irradiation surface 41 of the excitation light source 40 is disposed on the lamp lens 3 side relative to the secondary light emission surface 52 of the light conversion unit 5. The final excitation light irradiation surface 41 is within a range (up, down, left, right) of an arrangement angle θ1 (approximately 15° in this example) of less than 90° with respect to a normal N drawn from the secondary light emission surface 52 in the emission direction D of the secondary light L2. In other words, the final excitation light irradiation surface 41 and the secondary light emission surface 52 face each other.

(Explanation of red lens lamp lens 3)
The lamp lens 3 is made up of a red lens. The lamp lens 3 made up of a red lens has the spectral transmittance curve characteristics shown in FIG.

In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis indicates the wavelength of light (unit: nm), and the vertical axis indicates the transmittance of light (unit: %). In FIG. 6, the lamp lens 3 having the spectral transmittance curve characteristics shown by the dashed line has a thickness of 2 mm. Moreover, the lamp lens 3 having the spectral transmittance curve characteristics shown by the solid line has a thickness of 3.2 mm. Furthermore, the red density of the lamp lens 3 shown by the dashed line is equivalent to the red density of the lamp lens 3 shown by the solid line. If the thickness or red density of the lamp lens 3 is different, the characteristic curve will also be different. In FIG. 6, the parts where the dashed line and the solid line overlap are shown by the solid line.

The thicknesses of the lamp lens 3, 2 mm and 3.2 mm, are typical lamp lens thicknesses for vehicle lamps 1. The red color density of the lamp lens 3 is also typical lamp lens thickness for vehicle lamps 1. There are no particular limitations on the thickness or red color density of the lamp lens 3.

As shown in Figure 6, the lamp lens 3 has a transmittance of nearly 0% for light with wavelengths of 550 nm or less, so it barely transmits any light with wavelengths of 550 nm or less. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, the lamp lens 3 has a transmittance of nearly 90% for light with wavelengths of 650 nm or more, so it transmits most of the light with wavelengths of 650 nm or more.

Here, we will explain the case where a variation of 10% occurs in the transmittance of the lamp lens 3 due to manufacturing tolerances. In this case, the transmittance of the excitation light L1 at a wavelength of 500 nm is 10% (see the small black circle above the wavelength of 500 nm in Figure 6), and the transmittance of the secondary light L2 at a wavelength of 650 nm is 80% (see the small black circle above the wavelength of 650 nm in Figure 6).

The lamp lens 3, which is made of a red lens, has a transmittance of nearly 0% for light with wavelengths of 550 nm or less and a transmittance of nearly 90% for light with wavelengths of 650 nm or more, so it can absorb variations in transmittance that occur due to manufacturing tolerances.

As a result, the lamp lens 3 may be composed of a red lens that has a transmittance of 10% or less for the excitation light L1 in the wavelength region of the excitation light L1 whose dominant wavelength is shorter than 500 nm, and a transmittance of 80% or more for the secondary light L2 in the wavelength region of the secondary light L2 whose dominant wavelength is longer than 500 nm.

As described above, the lamp lens 3 absorbs excitation light L1 with a dominant wavelength shorter than 500 nm and transmits secondary light L2 with a dominant wavelength longer than 500 nm. As a result, the lamp lens 3 does not absorb excitation light L1 with a dominant wavelength shorter than 500 nm, such as blue light, and does not emit it from inside the lamp chamber 23 to the outside, while it transmits secondary light L2 with a dominant wavelength longer than 500 nm, such as red light R, and allows it to be emitted from inside the lamp chamber 23 to the outside.

(Description of the Function of the First Embodiment)
The vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be described below.

First, the excitation light source 40 of the excitation light irradiation unit 4 is turned on. Then, excitation light L1 is emitted from the excitation light source 40. The excitation light L1 is irradiated from the final excitation light irradiation surface 41 of the excitation light irradiation unit 4 toward the light conversion unit 5. The excitation light L1 passes through the substrate 50 of the light conversion unit 5 and is irradiated to the light emitting film 51.

As shown in FIG. 3, the light-emitting film 51 emits secondary light L2 in all directions in response to excitation light L1.

A portion of the secondary light L2 passes through the luminescent film 51 and is reflected by the reflecting surface 54 toward the luminescent film 51. The reflected secondary light L2 passes through the luminescent film 51 again and is emitted from the secondary light emission surface 52 toward the lamp lens 3. The remainder of the secondary light L2 is not reflected by the reflecting surface 54 and is emitted from the secondary light emission surface 52 toward the lamp lens 3.

The excitation light L1 that passes through the luminescent film 51 and reaches the reflecting surface 54 is reflected by the reflecting surface 54 toward the luminescent film 51, and excites secondary light L2 in the luminescent film 51. The secondary light L2 excited by the excitation light L1 is emitted from the luminescent film 51 and is emitted from the secondary light emission surface 52 toward the lamp lens 3.

The secondary light L2 (red light R) emitted from the secondary light emission surface 52 toward the lamp lens 3 passes through the substrate 50, passes through the lamp chamber 23, and passes through the lamp lens 3 to be irradiated to the outside of the vehicle lamp 1 with a predetermined tail lamp light distribution pattern. At this time, the vehicle lamp 1 can emit light in a rectangular, square, or free-form surface.

(Explanation of Effects of First Embodiment)
The vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration and functions, and the effects thereof will be described below.

In the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment, the excitation light L1 emitted from the excitation light source 40 is blue light having a dominant wavelength shorter than 500 nm, the secondary light L2 emitted from the luminescent film 51 is red light R having a dominant wavelength longer than 500 nm, and the lamp lens 3 is composed of a red lens. As a result, in the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment, the blue excitation light L1 is absorbed by the lamp lens 3 and is not emitted from the lamp chamber 23 to the outside, and the secondary light L2 of red light R passes through the lamp lens 3 and is emitted from the lamp chamber 23 to the outside. As a result, the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment can satisfy vehicle regulations because the majority of the emitted light from the lamp lens 3 to the outside is the red light R of the secondary light L2.

In the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment, the lamp lens 3 is composed of a red lens in which the transmittance of the excitation light L1 is 10% or less in the wavelength region of the blue excitation light L1 having a dominant wavelength shorter than 500 nm, and the transmittance of the secondary light L2 is 80% or more in the wavelength region of the red secondary light L2 having a dominant wavelength longer than 500 nm. As a result, in the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment, most of the blue excitation light L1 is absorbed by the lamp lens 3 of the red lens, while most of the secondary light L2 of the red light R is emitted to the outside from the lamp lens 3 of the red lens. As a result, the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment satisfies vehicle regulations because most of the emitted light from the lamp lens 3 to the outside is the red secondary light R.

In the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment, the lamp lens 3 is composed of a red lens having a transmittance of 10% or less for blue excitation light L1 at a wavelength of 500 nm and a transmittance of 80% or more for secondary light L2 of red light R at a wavelength of 650 nm. As a result, even if there is variation in the transmittance of the red lens lamp lens 3 due to manufacturing tolerances, the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment can absorb this variation, so that the red lens lamp lens 3 can block the emission of blue excitation light L1 to the outside and does not prevent the emission of secondary light L2 of red light R to the outside. As a result, the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment can satisfy vehicle regulations because the majority of the light emitted to the outside from the lamp lens 3 is secondary red light R.

In the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment, the reflective film 53 is made of a reflective material with a reflectance of 20% or more in the visible light wavelength range. As a result, even if there is variation in the reflectance of the reflective film 53 due to manufacturing tolerances, the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment can absorb this variation, and the reflective surface 54 can efficiently reflect the secondary light L2 and the excitation light L1 toward the light-emitting film 51 without any variation. As a result, the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment can increase the amount of secondary light L2 of red light R emitted to the outside without any variation, and can satisfy vehicle regulations.

In the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment 1, the final excitation light irradiation surface 41 is disposed on the lamp lens 3 side relative to the secondary light emission surface 52. The vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment 1 can efficiently emit the excitation light L1 emitted by the excitation light source 40 from the final excitation light irradiation surface 41 to the light conversion unit 5. As a result, the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment 1 satisfies vehicle regulations because the secondary light L2 is efficiently excited by the excitation light L1 efficiently emitted to the light conversion unit 5 and is emitted to the outside from the lamp lens 3.

(Description of the configuration, operation, and effects of the second embodiment)
7 shows a second embodiment of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention. The configuration, operation, and effects of a vehicle lamp 1A according to the second embodiment will be described below. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 6 denote the same parts.

The vehicle lamp 1A according to this second embodiment is a modified example 4A of the excitation light irradiation unit 4 of the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment.

That is, the excitation light source 40 of the excitation light irradiation unit 4A is disposed on the opposite side of the lamp lens 3 with respect to the secondary light emission surface 52 of the light conversion unit 5. The excitation light source 40 is disposed at an angle θ2 (110° in this example) of 90° or more with respect to a normal N drawn from the secondary light emission surface 52 in the emission direction D. The excitation light emission surface 42 is provided on the surface of the excitation light source 40 facing the lamp lens 3.

A reflector 43 is disposed on the lamp lens 3 side relative to the secondary light exit surface 52 as an optical component. The reflector 43 is provided with an excitation light final irradiation surface 41, which is a reflective surface. The excitation light final irradiation surface 41, which is the reflective surface of the reflector 43, faces the excitation light exit surface 42 and the light conversion unit 5, respectively. In other words, the excitation light final irradiation surface 41, which is the reflective surface of the reflector 43, is disposed on the lamp lens 3 side relative to the secondary light exit surface 52, and is disposed at an angle θ1 of less than 90° with respect to a normal N drawn from the secondary light exit surface 52 in the exit direction D.

When the excitation light source 40 is turned on, the excitation light L1 is emitted from the excitation light emission surface 42 to the reflector 43, reflected by the excitation light final irradiation surface 41 of the reflector 43, and finally irradiated from the excitation light final irradiation surface 41 to the light conversion unit 5.

The vehicle lamp 1A according to the second embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration and action, and therefore can achieve the same effects as the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment.

(Description of the configuration, operation, and effects of the third embodiment)
8 shows a third embodiment of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention. The configuration, operation, and effects of a vehicle lamp 1B according to the third embodiment will be described below. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 7 denote the same parts.

The vehicle lamp 1B according to the third embodiment is a modified example 4B of the excitation light irradiation unit 4 of the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment.

That is, the excitation light source 40 of the excitation light irradiation unit 4B is disposed on the opposite side of the lamp lens 3 with respect to the secondary light emission surface 52 of the light conversion unit 5. The excitation light source 40 is disposed at an angle θ2 (110° in this example) of 90° or more with respect to a normal N drawn from the secondary light emission surface 52 in the emission direction D. The excitation light emission surface 42 is provided on the surface of the excitation light source 40 facing the lamp lens 3.

A light guide 44 is disposed between the lamp lens 3 side and the excitation light source 40 with respect to the secondary light emission surface 52 as an optical component. An incident surface 45 and an excitation light final irradiation surface 41, which is an emission surface, are provided on both end surfaces of the light guide 44. The light guide 44 is bent from the incident surface 45 side to the excitation light final irradiation surface 41 side, which is an emission surface. The incident surface 45 of the light guide 44 faces the excitation light emission surface 42. The excitation light final irradiation surface 41, which is the emission surface of the light guide 44, faces the light conversion unit 5. In other words, the excitation light final irradiation surface 41, which is the emission surface of the light guide 44, is disposed on the lamp lens 3 side with respect to the secondary light emission surface 52, and is disposed at an arrangement angle θ1 of less than 90° with respect to the normal N drawn from the secondary light emission surface 52 in the emission direction D.

When the excitation light source 40 is turned on, the excitation light L1 is emitted from the excitation light emission surface 42, enters the light guide 44 from the entrance surface 45 of the light guide 44, is guided through the light guide 44, and is finally irradiated to the light conversion unit 5 from the excitation light final irradiation surface 41, which is the exit surface of the light guide 44.

The vehicle lamp 1B according to the third embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration and action, and therefore can achieve the same effects as the vehicle lamps 1 and 1A according to the first and second embodiments.

(Description of the configuration of the fourth embodiment)
9 to 15 show a fourth embodiment of the vehicle lamp according to the present invention. The configuration of the vehicle lamp according to the fourth embodiment will be described below.

(Description of Vehicle Lamp 1E)
9 to 11, reference numeral 1E denotes a vehicle lamp according to this embodiment 4. In this example, the vehicle lamp 1E is, as described above, a tail lamp constituting a rear combination lamp.

The vehicle lamp 1E is attached to both the left and right sides of the rear of a vehicle (not shown). The tail lamp light distribution of the vehicle lamp 1E has a light distribution range (illumination range) at a predetermined angle in the left-right and up-down directions with respect to a reference axis Z (see Figures 11 to 13). The reference axis Z is parallel to the traveling direction of the vehicle (front-rear direction of the vehicle).

The vehicle lamp 1E includes a lamp housing 2, an inner panel (inner housing) 20, a lamp lens 3, and a light-emitting device 10 for the vehicle lamp according to this fourth embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as the "light-emitting device 10").

(Explanation of Lamp Housing 2)
As described above, the lamp housing 2 is made of a light-impermeable material (such as a resin material). In this example, the lamp housing 2 is black. Note that it is sufficient that the inner surface of the lamp housing 2 (the surface facing the lamp chamber 23) is black. The lamp housing 2 may also be a color other than black.

(Explanation of Lamp Lens 3)
As described above, the lamp lens 3 is made of a light-transmitting resin material such as PMMA or PC. The lamp lens 3 is a plain outer cover, outer lens, etc. In this example, the lamp lens 3 is made of a red lens. Note that the lamp lens 3 may be made of a colorless lens other than a red lens, or a yellow-orange lens. The lamp lens 3 is attached to the lamp housing 2. As a result, the lamp housing 2 and the lamp lens 3 form a lamp chamber 23, as shown in Figs. 9 to 11 .

(Description of the inner panel 20)
The inner panel 20 is disposed along the lamp lens 3 in a portion from the center to the lower side of the lamp chamber 23. The inner panel 20 is also disposed between the lamp lens 3 and an excitation light irradiation unit 4E (described below) of the light emitting device 10. The inner panel 20 is attached to the lamp housing 2 via an attachment member (not shown).

The inner panel 20 is made of a light-opaque material (such as a resin material). In this example, the inner panel 20 is black, like the lamp housing 2. Note that it is sufficient that the surfaces of the inner panel 20, i.e., the outer surface (the surface facing the lamp lens 3) and the inner surface (the surface facing the lamp chamber 23), are black. The inner panel 20 may be a color other than black, or at least one of the outer surface or the inner surface may be a color other than black or may be metal-vapor-deposited.

(Description of Light Emitting Device 10)
As shown in Fig. 13, in this example, three sets of light-emitting devices 10 are arranged on the left and right sides in the lamp chamber 23. As shown in Figs. 11 to 13, each of the three sets of light-emitting devices 10 includes an excitation light irradiation unit 4E and a light conversion unit 5E.

(Explanation of Excitation Light Irradiation Unit 4E)
11, in this example, the excitation light irradiation unit 4E is disposed in a portion from the center to the lower side of the lamp chamber 23. The excitation light irradiation unit 4E is attached to the lamp housing 2 via an attachment member (not shown). As described above, the inner panel 20 is disposed between the excitation light irradiation unit 4E and the lamp lens 3.

As shown in Figs. 11 to 13, the excitation light irradiation unit 4E has an excitation light source 40E, a reflector member 41E as an excitation light control member, and a bracket 42E. The excitation light source 40E and the reflector member 41E are each attached to the bracket 42E. The excitation light source 40E is disposed on the lamp lens 3 side. The reflector member 41E is disposed on the lamp housing 2 side. The bracket 42E is disposed between the excitation light source 40E and the reflector member 41E. The bracket 42E is attached to the lamp housing 2 side via an attachment member (not shown). As a result, the excitation light irradiation unit 4E is attached to the lamp housing 2 side.

(Explanation of Excitation Light Source 40E)
11 to 13, the excitation light source 40E includes one substrate 400 and left and right light emitting elements 401L and 401R. The substrate 400 is attached to a bracket 42E via an attachment boss portion 420.

The light-emitting elements 401L and 401R are mounted on the back surface of the substrate 400, at two locations on the left and right sides of the surface facing the lamp housing 2. In this example, the light-emitting elements 401L and 401R are blue LEDs, and blue LEDs with a dominant wavelength of 450 nm are used. The left and right light-emitting elements 401L and 401R are composed of one or more blue LEDs. Note that the light-emitting elements 401L and 401R may be other elements than blue LEDs, such as LDs (semiconductor lasers).

The excitation light source 40E emits excitation light L1 (see the solid arrow in FIG. 11) from the light-emitting elements 401L and 401R. The excitation light L1 emitted from the blue LED light-emitting elements 401L and 401R is blue light with a dominant wavelength of 450 nm. Note that the excitation light L1 may be violet or ultraviolet light with a wavelength shorter than that of blue light.

(Description of Reflector Member 41E)
11 to 13, left and right reflective surfaces 410L, 410R are formed on the front surface of the reflector member 41E, which faces the lamp lens 3. The left and right reflective surfaces 410L, 410R face the left and right light emitting elements 401L, 401R.

The left and right reflective surfaces 410L, 410R each have a number of segments divided vertically and horizontally. In a longitudinal section (vertical section, up-down section), the multiple segments of the left and right reflective surfaces 410L, 410R are arranged on a parabola with the left and right light emitting elements 401L, 401R as their focal points, and in a transverse section (horizontal section, left-right section), they are arranged on a convex curved line that protrudes toward the lamp lens 3 (rear side) at the center and slopes downward toward the lamp housing 2 (front side) on both sides.

The multiple segments of the left and right reflecting surfaces 410L and 410R reflect the excitation light L1 emitted from the left and right light emitting elements 401L and 401R in a predetermined direction as excitation reflected light L10 (see the solid arrow in Figure 11). As a result, the excitation reflected light L10 is controlled to a predetermined light distribution DL and irradiated toward the light conversion unit 5E.

As shown in the approximately rectangular shape of FIG. 15, the predetermined light distribution DL has a light distribution range (irradiation range of the excited reflected light L10) that includes at least the light-emitting film 51 of the light-emitting panel 50E described below of the light conversion unit 5E. Furthermore, the predetermined light distribution DL has uniform luminous intensity (illuminance) within the light distribution range. Note that the predetermined light distribution DL may have a difference in luminous intensity (illuminance) within the light distribution range. In other words, the intensity of light within the light-emitting range may change continuously.

(Explanation of bracket 42E)
11 to 13, the bracket 42E is disposed between the excitation light source 40E and the reflector member 41E. The bracket 42E has a left front plate portion 420L, a right front plate portion 420R, a left side plate portion 421L, a right side plate portion 421R, and a middle side plate portion 421C.

The left front plate portion 420L faces the left reflecting surface 410L. The right front plate portion 420R faces the right reflecting surface 410R and the substrate 400 of the excitation light source 40E. As described above, the substrate 400 is attached to the right front plate portion 420R via the mounting boss portion 420.

The left side panel 421L is bent from the left side of the left front panel 420L and is connected to the left side of the left reflecting surface 410L. The right side panel 421R is bent from the right side of the right front panel 420R and is connected to the right side of the right reflecting surface 410R. The middle side panel 421C is bent from the right side of the left front panel 420L and is also bent from the left side of the right front panel 420R. As a result, the left front panel 420L and the right front panel 420R are arranged alternately front to back via the middle side panel 421C.

A left window 422L and a right window 422R are provided at the center of the lower edge of the left front plate 420L and the center of the lower edge of the right front plate 420R. As a result, the excitation light L1 emitted from the left and right light-emitting elements 401L and 401R passes through the left window 422L and the right window 422R and is incident on the left and right reflecting surfaces 410L and 410R.

(Explanation of Light Conversion Unit 5E)
10 to 13, the light conversion unit 5E includes a light emitting panel 50E and a stay 51E as a placement member. In this example, the light conversion unit 5E is placed in a portion from the center to the upper side of the lamp chamber 23, that is, above the excitation light irradiation unit 4E.

(Explanation of the light-emitting panel 50E)
The light-emitting panel 50E emits secondary light L2 (see the solid arrow in Fig. 11) by the excitation reflected light L10 irradiated from the reflector member 41E, and in this example, emits light from the entire surface as shown in the diagonal lattice hatched portion in Fig. 10. The light-emitting panel 50E is similar to the light conversion unit 5 of the first embodiment, and has a substrate (support substrate) 50, a light-emitting film (light-emitting layer) 51, a secondary light emission surface 52, a reflection film (reflection layer) 53, a reflection surface 54, and sealing materials 55 and 56 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

The substrate 50 is as described above, and transmits the reflected excitation light L10 and the secondary light L2 described below. The substrate 50 has a plate shape as shown in Figs. 10 to 13. Note that the substrate 50 may have a rectangular, square, or any other plate shape in addition to the plate shapes shown in Figs. 10 to 13. In this example, glass is used for the substrate 50.

The luminescent film 51 is as described above, and emits secondary light L2 (see dashed arrows in FIG. 11) in all directions due to the excitation reflected light L10 irradiated from the reflector member 41E of the excitation light irradiation unit 4E. As a result, in this example, the luminescent film 51 emits light from its entire surface, as shown in the diagonal lattice hatched area in FIG. 10. Here, the strength of the secondary light L2 can be adjusted by the film thickness of the luminescent film 51. That is, by making the film thickness of the luminescent film 51 thicker, the secondary light L2 can be adjusted to be stronger, and conversely, by making the film thickness of the luminescent film 51 thinner, the secondary light L2 can be adjusted to be weaker.

The luminescent film 51 is formed in an arbitrary design, in this example, a shape slightly smaller than the shape of the substrate 50, as shown in Figures 10 to 13. As a result, the luminescent film 51 forms a luminescent surface in an arbitrary design, as shown in the diagonal lattice hatched area in Figure 10. The secondary light L2 is as described above, and in this example, is red light.

(Explanation of the luminous design of the luminous panel 50E)
The light-emitting design of the light-emitting panel 50E can be changed as desired by changing the design (pattern, shape, graphics, outline, etc.) of the light-emitting film 51 as desired.

For example, the light-emitting panel 50E can form different light-emitting patterns in the same light-emitting shape, as shown in Figures 10 to 13 and Figures 14 (A), (B), (C), and (D). Figure 14 (A) is a full-surface light-emitting pattern. Figure 14 (B) is a basket weave pattern. Figure 14 (C) is an hemp leaf pattern. Figure 14 (D) is a horizontal stripe pattern (a horizontal stripe pattern in which the vertical width of the horizontal stripes is large in the center and gradually decreases toward the top and bottom). Note that Figure 14 is illustrated in grayscale, and the areas shown in dark gray are the light-emitting areas.

The light-emitting panel 50E can form different light-emitting designs (light-emitting shapes and light-emitting patterns) within a specified light distribution DL, as shown in Figs. 15(A), (B), (C), and (D). Figs. 15(A) and (B) show the same light-emitting shape, with Fig. 15(A) being a full-surface light-emitting pattern and Fig. 15(B) being a horizontally elongated light-emitting pattern of a group of rods. Fig. 15(C) is a horizontally elongated light-emitting design with three rods on the top and bottom. Fig. 15(D) is a horizontally elongated light-emitting design with three horizontal Vs on the left and right. In Fig. 15, the area within the specified light distribution DL is blue, which is the excited reflected light L10, and the area with diagonal lattice hatching (black areas in Fig. 15(B)) is red, which is the secondary light L2.

Note that the above-mentioned Figures 14 and 15 are only examples of some of the light-emitting designs of the light-emitting panel 50E, and there are an infinite number of light-emitting designs for the light-emitting panel 50E.

(Explanation of the stay 51E, the first mounting member 511, and the second mounting member 512)
11 and 12, the stay 51E has a rectangular bar shape that is flat on the left and right sides. The light emitting panel 50E is attached to one end of the stay 51E via a first attachment member 511. The other end of the stay 51E is attached to the lamp housing 2 via a second attachment member 512.

At least one of the first mounting member 511 and the second mounting member 512 has a detachable structure. The first mounting member 511 and the second mounting member 512 are, for example, made of bolts and nuts, magnets, screws, or mating types.

The stay 51E positions the light-emitting panel 50E in a predetermined position within the light distribution DL. That is, the stay 51E tilts the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting film 51, which is the surface of the light-emitting panel 50E, with respect to the irradiation direction of the excitation reflected light L10 from the reflector member 41E, and faces the lamp lens 3. In this example, the substrate 50 of the light-emitting panel 50E faces the lamp lens 3. In addition, the sealing materials 55 and 56 of the light-emitting panel 50E are removably attached to the stay 51E via the first attachment member 511.

In this example, the stay 51E, the first mounting member 511, and the second mounting member 512 are black, similar to the lamp housing 2. Note that it is sufficient that the surfaces (surfaces facing the lamp chamber 23) of the stay 51E, the first mounting member 511, and the second mounting member 512 are black. Furthermore, the stay 51E, the first mounting member 511, and the second mounting member 512 may be a color other than black.

(Explanation of the Function of the Fourth Embodiment)
The vehicle lamp 1E according to the fourth embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be described below.

First, when the left and right light emitting elements 401L, 401R of the excitation light source 40E of the excitation light irradiation unit 4E are turned off, the light emitting panel 50E is in a non-light emitting state. Therefore, when looking into the lamp chamber 23 from the lamp lens 3, as shown in FIG. 9, the light emitting panel 50E in a non-light emitting state is not noticeable, and only the black color of the lamp housing 2, stay 51E, first mounting member 511, and second mounting member 512 can be seen. Note that in FIG. 9, the black color of the lamp housing 2, stay 51E, first mounting member 511, and second mounting member 512 is shown without color.

Then, the left and right light-emitting elements 401L, 401R of the excitation light source 40E of the excitation light irradiation unit 4E are turned on. Then, excitation light L1 (blue light) is emitted from the left and right light-emitting elements 401L, 401R. The excitation light L1 is reflected in a predetermined direction as excitation reflected light L10 by multiple segments of the left and right reflecting surfaces 410L, 410R of the reflector member 41E of the excitation light irradiation unit 4E. The excitation reflected light L10 is controlled to a predetermined light distribution DL and is irradiated toward the light conversion unit 5E.

The light-emitting film 51 of the light-emitting panel 50E of the light conversion unit 5E emits secondary light L2 (red light) in all directions by irradiation with the excited reflected light L10 controlled to a predetermined light distribution DL.

A portion of the secondary light L2 passes through the luminescent film 51 and is reflected by the reflecting surface 54 toward the luminescent film 51. The reflected secondary light L2 passes through the luminescent film 51 again and is emitted from the secondary light emission surface 52 toward the lamp lens 3. The remainder of the secondary light L2 is not reflected by the reflecting surface 54 and is emitted from the secondary light emission surface 52 toward the lamp lens 3.

The excited reflected light L10 that passes through the luminescent film 51 and reaches the reflecting surface 54 is reflected by the reflecting surface 54 toward the luminescent film 51, and excites the secondary light L2 in the luminescent film 51. The secondary light L2 excited by the excited reflected light L10 is emitted from the luminescent film 51 and is emitted from the secondary light emission surface 52 toward the lamp lens 3.

The secondary light L2 emitted from the secondary light emission surface 52 toward the lamp lens 3 passes through the substrate 50, passes through the lamp chamber 23, and passes through the lamp lens 3 to be irradiated to the outside of the vehicle lamp 1E in a predetermined tail lamp light distribution pattern. At this time, the luminous film 51 emits light from its surface, forming a luminous surface as shown in Figures 10, 14, and 15.

As a result, in the vehicle lamp 1E, as shown in FIG. 10, the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting film 51 can be seen through the lamp lens 3 in the upper half of the lamp chamber 23. Note that in the lower half of the lamp chamber 23, the black color (or a color other than black) of the inner panel 20 is visible.

(Explanation of Effects of the Fourth Embodiment)
The vehicle lamp 1E and the light emitting device 10 of the vehicle lamp 1E according to the fourth embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle lamp 1E and light emitting device 10") have the above-mentioned configuration and function, and the effects thereof will be described below.

The vehicle lamp 1E and the light-emitting device 10 according to this fourth embodiment include an excitation light source 40E that emits excitation light L1, a reflector member 41E as an excitation light control member that controls and irradiates the excitation light L1 emitted from the excitation light source 40E to a predetermined light distribution DL, a light-emitting panel 50E that emits and emits secondary light L2 by the excitation reflected light L10 irradiated from the reflector member 41E, and a stay 51E as a positioning member that positions the light-emitting panel 50E within the light distribution DL.

As a result, the vehicle lamp 1E and light emitting device 10 according to this fourth embodiment can efficiently irradiate the excitation light L1 from the excitation light source 40E of the excitation light irradiation unit 4E to the light conversion unit 5E as the excitation reflected light L10 due to the excitation light control action of the reflector member 41E.

The vehicle lamp 1E and the light-emitting device 10 according to this fourth embodiment include at least one of a first mounting member 511 that replaceably mounts the light-emitting panel 50E to the excitation light source 40E and the reflector member 41E of the excitation light irradiation unit 4E and the stay 51E, or a second mounting member 512 that replaceably mounts the light-emitting panel 50E and the stay 51E of the light conversion unit 5E to the excitation light source 40E and the reflector member 41E of the excitation light irradiation unit 4E.

As a result, the vehicle lamp 1E and light emitting device 10 according to this embodiment 4 can replace the light emitting panel 50E by using the first mounting member 511 having a detachable structure, or can replace the light emitting panel 50E and the stay 51E by using the second mounting member 512 having a detachable structure. This allows the vehicle lamp 1E and light emitting device 10 according to this embodiment 4 to easily change the light emitting design of the light emitting panel 50E, and also to greatly change the appearance.

In addition, the vehicle lamp 1E and light emitting device 10 according to this embodiment 4 can share the lamp housing 2, lamp lens 3, excitation light irradiation unit 4E, and stay 51E by using the first mounting member 511, and can replace the light emitting panel 50E of the light conversion unit 5E, or can share the lamp housing 2, lamp lens 3, and excitation light irradiation unit 4E by using the second mounting member 512, and can replace the light emitting panel 50E and stay 51E of the light conversion unit 5E.

As a result, the vehicle lamp 1E and the light emitting device 10 according to this embodiment 4 can share the lamp housing 2, the lamp lens 3, and the excitation light irradiation unit 4E, or can share the lamp housing 2, the lamp lens 3, the excitation light irradiation unit 4E, and the stay 51E. As a result, when changing the design of the light emitting panel 50E of the vehicle lamp 1E and the light emitting device 10 according to this embodiment 4, it is only necessary to change the light emitting panel 50E, or the light emitting panel 50E and the stay 51E, and there is no need to change many other parts. This eliminates the need to change the design of the molds for many other parts, change the resin material, change the optical design, change the mounting space, change the layout, etc., and therefore reduces manufacturing costs accordingly.

In the vehicle lamp 1E and the light emitting device 10 according to this fourth embodiment, the excitation light control member is composed of a reflector member 41E having reflection surfaces 410L, 410R that control the excitation light L1 as the excitation reflected light L10. As a result, the vehicle lamp 1E and the light emitting device 10 according to this fourth embodiment can efficiently irradiate the excitation light L1 toward the light conversion unit 5E by reflecting it as the excitation reflected light L10 with the reflector member 41E and controlling it to a predetermined light distribution DL.

In the vehicle lamp 1E and light-emitting device 10 according to this embodiment 4, the light-emitting panel 50E has a reflective film 53. As a result, the vehicle lamp 1E and light-emitting device 10 according to this embodiment 41 can reflect the secondary light L2 emitted by the excited reflected light L10 toward the lamp lens 3 by the reflective film 53. This allows the vehicle lamp 1E and light-emitting device 10 according to this embodiment 41 to efficiently emit the secondary light L2 to the outside of the vehicle lamp 1E through the lamp lens 3.

In the vehicle lamp 1E and light-emitting device 10 according to this fourth embodiment, the light-emitting panel 50E has a substrate 50, a light-emitting film 51, a secondary light emission surface 52, a reflective film 53, a reflective surface 54, and sealing materials 55, 56. As a result, the vehicle lamp 1E and light-emitting device 10 according to this fourth embodiment does not require electrical system components such as wiring and connectors in the light-emitting panel 50E, resulting in a thin and lightweight light-emitting panel 50E. Moreover, the thin and lightweight light-emitting panel 50E can be made inconspicuous so that there is nothing around it.

Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1E and light-emitting device 10 according to this fourth embodiment, the stay 51E (including the first mounting member 511 and the second mounting member 512) that positions the light-emitting panel 50E within a specified light distribution DL also does not require electrical system components such as wiring and connectors, resulting in a thin and lightweight stay 51E. Moreover, the thin and lightweight stay 51E makes it possible to make it unnoticeable so that there is nothing around it.

In the vehicle lamp 1E according to this fourth embodiment, at least the surface of the lamp housing 2 facing the lamp chamber 23 is black, so the light-emitting panel 50E and stay 51E (including the first mounting member 511 and the second mounting member 512) inside the lamp chamber 23 are inconspicuous due to the black color inside the lamp chamber 23. As a result, in the vehicle lamp 1E according to this fourth embodiment, when the light-emitting elements 401L and 401R are turned off and the inside of the lamp chamber 23 is viewed through the lamp lens 3, the light-emitting panel 50E and stay 51E are inconspicuous, and the black interior of the lamp chamber 23 can be seen, making the interior of the lamp chamber 23 almost invisible.

On the other hand, when the light emitting elements 401L and 401R of the vehicle lamp 1E according to the fourth embodiment are turned on, the inconspicuous light emitting panel 50E emits light and becomes conspicuous. As a result, the vehicle lamp 1E according to the fourth embodiment can embody the nearly invisible phenomenon in the black lamp chamber 23 and the light emitting phenomenon of the light emitting panel 50E in the black lamp chamber 23.

The vehicle lamp 1E according to the fourth embodiment has an inner panel 20 disposed between the lamp lens 3 and the excitation light irradiation unit 4E, so that when the interior of the lamp chamber 23 is viewed through the lamp lens 3, the excitation light irradiation unit 4E is covered and hidden by the inner panel 20, improving the appearance of the interior of the lamp chamber 23.

In the vehicle lamp 1E of this fourth embodiment, at least the surface of the lamp housing 2 facing the lamp chamber 23, the surface of the stay 51E (including the first mounting member 511 and the second mounting member 512), and the surface of the inner panel 20 are black, making the interior of the lamp chamber 23 even more invisible.

The vehicle lamp 1E according to this fourth embodiment has three sets of light-emitting devices 10 arranged on the left and right sides within the lamp chamber 23. As a result, the vehicle lamp 1E according to this fourth embodiment can form a light-emitting design of the light-emitting panel 50E that is long in the left-right direction by using the three sets of light-emitting devices 10.

In addition, the vehicle lamp 1E according to this fourth embodiment can form a long light-emitting design in the left-right, up-down or diagonal direction, or a wide light-emitting design in the left-right, up-down or diagonal direction, by arbitrarily arranging multiple sets of light-emitting devices 10 in the lamp chamber 23 in the left-right, up-down or diagonal direction.

(Description of Modified Examples of Excitation Light Control Member)
16 shows a modified example of an excitation light control member of a light emitting device for a vehicle lamp, in which the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 9 to 15 denote the same parts.

The excitation light control member in Figures 9 to 15 is a reflector member 41E having reflecting surfaces 410L and 410R that control the excitation light L1 from the excitation light source 40E. The excitation light control member of this modification example 1 is an inner lens member 43E. The inner lens member 43E has an entrance surface 430 and an exit surface 431 that control the excitation light L1 from the excitation light source 40E.

In this example, the incident surface 430 has multiple prism surfaces (refractive surfaces). In this example, the exit surface 431 is a plane. The incident surface 430 and the exit surface 431 output the excitation light L1 emitted from the excitation light source 40E in a predetermined direction as excitation exit light L11. As a result, the excitation exit light L11 is controlled to a predetermined light distribution DL and irradiated toward the light conversion unit 5E.

The inner lens member 43E, which is a modified version of the excitation light control member, has the above-described configuration and can achieve the same effects as the reflector member 41E.

In FIG. 11, the substrate 400 of the excitation light source 40E is arranged vertically (up and down), the stay 51E is a horizontal (left and right) rectangular bar shape, and the excitation light source 40E and the reflector member 41E are attached to the bracket 42E. In contrast, in FIG. 16, the substrate 400 of the excitation light source 40E is arranged horizontally (left and right), the stay 52E is L-shaped, and the excitation light source 40E, the inner lens member 43E, and the stay 52E are attached to the bracket 44E.

In addition, in this modified example, a prism surface is provided on the entrance surface 430, but a textured finish may be provided instead of the prism surface, or a group of light diffusion elements (ink or paint) may be contained in the inner lens member 43E. In addition, the prism surface or textured finish may be provided on the exit surface 431, or on both the entrance surface 430 and the exit surface 431.

(Description of Modified Examples of Excitation Light Control Member)
17 shows a modified example of an excitation light control member of a light emitting device for a vehicle lamp, in which the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 9 to 16 denote the same parts.

The excitation light control member in Figs. 9 to 15 is a reflector member 41E having reflecting surfaces 410L and 410R that control the excitation light L1 from the excitation light source 40E. The excitation light control member in Fig. 16 is an inner lens member 43E having an entrance surface 430 and an exit surface 431 that control the excitation light L1 from the excitation light source 40E.

In contrast, the excitation light control member of this modified example is a combination of the reflector member 41E shown in Figures 9 to 15 and the inner lens member 43E shown in Figure 16.

The excitation light control member of this modified example has the above-described configuration, and therefore can achieve the same effects as the reflector member 41E of Figures 9 to 15 and the inner lens member 43E of Figure 16.

In FIG. 11, the excitation light source 40E is disposed on the lamp lens 3 side, the reflector member 41E is disposed on the lamp housing 2 side, and the excitation light source 40E and the reflector member 41E are attached to the bracket 42E. In FIG. 16, the excitation light source 40E, the inner lens member 43E, and the stay 52E are attached to the bracket 44E.

In contrast, in FIG. 17, the excitation light source 40E is disposed on the lamp housing 2 side, the reflector member 41E is disposed on the lamp lens 3 side, and the excitation light source 40E, reflector member 41E, inner lens member 43E, and stay 52E are attached to the bracket 45E.

(Description of Modification of Light Conversion Unit 53E)
18 shows a modified example of a light conversion unit 53E of a light emitting device for a vehicle lamp. In FIG. 18, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 9 to FIG. 17 indicate the same parts.

The light conversion unit 5E in Figures 9 to 17 has one light emitting panel 50E, and one end of the square bar-shaped stay 51E and one end of the L-shaped stay 52E are not separated. In contrast, the light conversion unit 53E of this modified example has multiple light emitting panels 50E (two in this example) on the top and bottom, and one end of the stay 54E is separated into multiple parts on the top and bottom (in this example, bifurcated). As a result, the light conversion unit 53E of this modified example is suitable for forming a light emitting design with three horizontally elongated stripes on the top and bottom as shown in Figure 15 (C).

The light conversion unit 53E of this modified example is suitable for forming an illuminated design with three horizontal V patterns on the left and right as shown in Figure 15 (D) by arranging multiple light-emitting panels 50E on the left and right and dividing one end of the stay 54E into multiple parts on the left and right.

Furthermore, since the light conversion unit 53E of this modified example has the configuration described above, it can achieve the same effects as the light conversion unit 5E described above.

In FIG. 11, the light conversion unit 5E is disposed above the excitation light irradiation unit 4E. In contrast, in FIG. 18, the light conversion unit 53E is disposed below the excitation light irradiation unit 4E.

(Description of Modifications of Light-Emitting Panel 50A)
19 shows a modified example of a light emitting panel 50A of a light emitting device for a vehicle lamp. In FIG. 19, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 9 to FIG. 18 indicate the same parts.

The light-emitting panel 50E has a reflective film 53. In contrast, the light-emitting panel 50A of this modified example does not have a reflective film 53. That is, the light-emitting panel 50A of this modified example has a substrate 50, a light-emitting film 51, and a sealing material 57 (such as a light-transmitting aluminum (Al2O3)).

The light-emitting panel 50A of this modified example can achieve substantially the same effects as the light-emitting panel 50E described above. In particular, since the light-emitting panel 50A of this modified example is made of a light-transmitting material, when the light-emitting elements 401L and 401R are not lit, as shown in FIG. 9, when the inside of the lamp chamber 23 is viewed from the lamp lens 3, it is in a transparent and invisible state (invisible state).

Furthermore, if at least the surface of the lamp housing 2 facing the lamp chamber 23, the surfaces of the stays 51E, 52E, and 54E, the surfaces of the first mounting member 511 and the second mounting member 512, and the surface of the inner panel 20 are black, the presence of the light-emitting panel 50A of this modified example becomes even less noticeable, making the interior of the lamp chamber 23 invisible.

(Description of Examples Other than the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Embodiments and Modifications)
In the above-mentioned first, second, third, fourth and modified examples, the vehicle lamps 1, 1A, 1B, 1E are tail lamps constituting a rear combination lamp, and the secondary light L2 is red light R. However, in the present invention, the vehicle lamps 1, 1A, 1B, 1E may be stop lamps, tail/stop lamps or turn signal lamps other than tail lamps. In the case of a stop lamp or tail/stop lamp, the secondary light L2 is red light R, and in the case of a turn signal lamp, the secondary light L2 is yellow-orange light A.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4 and modified examples, the lamp lens 3 is composed of a red lens in which the transmittance of the excitation light L1 is 10% or less in the wavelength region of the excitation light L1, which is blue light, and the transmittance of the secondary light L2 is 80% or more in the wavelength region of the secondary light L2, which is red light R, and the dominant wavelength of which is longer than 500 nm. However, in this invention, the numerical value of the transmittance of the excitation light L1 and the numerical value of the transmittance of the secondary light L2 are not limited.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4 and modified examples, the lamp lens 3 is composed of a red lens in which the transmittance of the blue excitation light L1 having a wavelength of 500 nm is 10% or less, and the transmittance of the secondary light L2 of red light R having a wavelength of 650 nm is 80% or more. However, in this invention, the numerical values of the wavelength and transmittance of the excitation light L1 and the numerical values of the wavelength and transmittance of the secondary light L2 are not limited.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, and the modified examples, the reflective film 53 is made of a reflective material having a reflectance of 20% or more in the wavelength range of visible light. However, in this invention, the reflectance value and material of the reflective film 53 are not limited.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, and modified examples. For example, the shape of the surface emission is not particularly limited. That is, the secondary light emission surface 52 has a rectangular, square, or free-form planar shape, but may also be a curved surface. In this way, surface emission of any design shape can be obtained.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment and the modified example, the excitation light control member is a reflector member 41E, an inner lens member 43E, or a combination of the reflector member 41E and the inner lens member 43E. However, in this invention, the excitation light control member may be other than the above members, for example, a light guide member (light guide plate, light guide rod) having an entrance surface, an exit surface, and a total reflection surface. In short, it is sufficient that the member controls the excitation light L1 from the excitation light source 40E and irradiates it to the light-emitting panel 50E.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A, 1B Vehicle lamp 2 Lamp housing 23 Lamp chamber 3 Lamp lens 4, 4A, 4B Excitation light irradiation unit 40 Excitation light source 41 Excitation light final irradiation surface (reflecting surface of reflector 43, exit surface of light guide 44)
42 Exit surface 43 Reflector (optical component)
44 Light guide (optical component)
45 Incident surface 5 Light conversion unit 50 Substrate 51 Light emitting film (light emitting layer)
52 Secondary light exit surface 53 Reflective film (reflective layer)
Description of the Reference Signs 54 Reflecting surface 55 Sealing material 56 Sealing material A Yellow-orange light D Emission direction L1 Excitation light L2 Secondary light N Normal R Red light W White light θ1 Arrangement angle θ2 Arrangement angle 1E Vehicle lamp 10 Light-emitting device 4E Excitation light irradiation unit 40E Excitation light source 400 Substrate 401L, 401R Light-emitting element 41E Reflector member 410L, 410R Reflecting surface 42E Bracket 420 Mounting boss portion 420L Left front plate portion 420R Right front plate portion 421C Intermediate side plate portion 421L Left side plate portion 421R Right side plate portion 422L Left window portion 422R Right window portion 43E Inner lens member 430 Incident surface 431 Emission surface 44E bracket 45E bracket 5E light conversion unit 50E light emitting panel 51E stay 511 first mounting member 512 second mounting member 52E stay 53E light conversion unit 54E stay 50A light emitting panel 57 sealing material B rear DE bottom DL light distribution F front L left L10 excited reflected light L11 excited emitted light R right U top Z reference axis

Claims (8)

a lamp housing and a lamp lens forming a lamp chamber;
An excitation light irradiation unit and a light conversion unit arranged in the lamp chamber;
Equipped with
The excitation light irradiation unit includes:
an excitation light source that emits excitation light;
an excitation light final irradiation surface that finally irradiates the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source onto the light conversion unit;
having
The light conversion unit is
a light-emitting film that emits secondary light by the excitation light irradiated from the final excitation light irradiation surface;
a reflective film that reflects the secondary light emitted from the light-emitting film toward the light-emitting film;
A secondary light exit surface that outputs the secondary light toward the lamp lens;
having
The excitation light has a dominant wavelength shorter than 500 nm,
The secondary light has a dominant wavelength longer than 500 nm,
The lamp lens is composed of a red lens ,
the excitation light final irradiation surface is disposed on the lamp lens side with respect to the secondary light exit surface,
The excitation light source is disposed on an opposite side of the lamp lens with respect to the secondary light exit surface,
An optical component is disposed between the lamp lens side and the excitation light source with respect to the secondary light exit surface,
The optical component is provided with the final excitation light irradiation surface .
A vehicle lamp characterized by the above. The lamp lens is
The transmittance of the excitation light is 10% or less in the wavelength region of the excitation light,
In the wavelength region of the secondary light, the transmittance of the secondary light is 80% or more.
It consists of a red lens.
2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1. The lamp lens is
The transmittance of the excitation light at a wavelength of 500 nm is 10% or less,
The transmittance of the secondary light at a wavelength of 650 nm is 80% or more.
It consists of a red lens.
3. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2. The reflective film is
The reflectance in the visible light wavelength region is 20% or more.
It is made of reflective material,
4. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction. a lamp housing and a lamp lens forming a lamp chamber;
An excitation light irradiation unit and a light conversion unit arranged in the lamp chamber;
Equipped with
The excitation light irradiation unit includes:
an excitation light source that emits excitation light;
an excitation light final irradiation surface that finally irradiates the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source onto the light conversion unit;
having
The light conversion unit is
a light-emitting film that emits secondary light by the excitation light irradiated from the final excitation light irradiation surface;
a reflective film that reflects the secondary light emitted from the light-emitting film toward the light-emitting film;
A secondary light exit surface that outputs the secondary light toward the lamp lens in a direction of a reference axis that is parallel to a front-rear direction of the vehicle;
having
The excitation light has a dominant wavelength shorter than 500 nm,
The secondary light has a dominant wavelength longer than 500 nm,
The lamp lens is composed of a red lens,
the excitation light final irradiation surface and the secondary light exit surface are arranged facing each other in an irradiation direction of the excitation light from the excitation light final irradiation surface,
The secondary light exit surface and the lamp lens are arranged facing each other in the direction of the reference axis,
The excitation light final irradiation surface irradiates the excitation light by controlling the excitation light to a predetermined light distribution,
The secondary light exit surface is disposed within the predetermined light distribution and is inclined with respect to the reference axis.
A vehicle lamp characterized by the above. A portion of the secondary light exit surface is located closer to the lamp lens than the final excitation light irradiation surface in the direction of the reference axis, or at least a portion of the final excitation light irradiation surface is located closer to the lamp lens than an end of the secondary light exit surface opposite to the lamp lens in the direction of the reference axis.
6. A vehicle lamp according to claim 5. An optical component is disposed within the lamp chamber,
The optical component is provided with a final irradiation surface for the excitation light,
The excitation light source and the optical component are arranged in a direction of the reference axis,
At least a part of the excitation light source is disposed on the lamp lens side relative to the secondary light exit surface in the direction of the reference axis.
6. A vehicle lamp according to claim 5. An optical component is disposed within the lamp chamber,
The optical component is provided with a final irradiation surface for the excitation light,
The excitation light source, the optical component, and the secondary light exit surface are arranged in a direction intersecting the reference axis.
6. A vehicle lamp according to claim 5.

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