EP2282110B1 - Vehicular lamp - Google Patents
Vehicular lamp Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2282110B1 EP2282110B1 EP10169876.9A EP10169876A EP2282110B1 EP 2282110 B1 EP2282110 B1 EP 2282110B1 EP 10169876 A EP10169876 A EP 10169876A EP 2282110 B1 EP2282110 B1 EP 2282110B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- reflector
- light
- reflector portion
- sub
- moved
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
- F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
- F21S41/68—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on screens
- F21S41/683—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on screens by moving screens
- F21S41/689—Flaps, i.e. screens pivoting around one of their edges
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
- F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
- F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
- F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
- F21S41/147—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device
- F21S41/148—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device the main emission direction of the LED being perpendicular to the optical axis
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
- F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
- F21S41/25—Projection lenses
- F21S41/255—Lenses with a front view of circular or truncated circular outline
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
- F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
- F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
- F21S41/321—Optical layout thereof the reflector being a surface of revolution or a planar surface, e.g. truncated
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
- F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
- F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
- F21S41/33—Multi-surface reflectors, e.g. reflectors with facets or reflectors with portions of different curvature
- F21S41/331—Multi-surface reflectors, e.g. reflectors with facets or reflectors with portions of different curvature the reflector consisting of complete annular areas
- F21S41/333—Multi-surface reflectors, e.g. reflectors with facets or reflectors with portions of different curvature the reflector consisting of complete annular areas with discontinuity at the junction between adjacent areas
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
- F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
- F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
- F21S41/36—Combinations of two or more separate reflectors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
- F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
- F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
- F21S41/67—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on reflectors
- F21S41/675—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on reflectors by moving reflectors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
- F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
- F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
- F21S41/36—Combinations of two or more separate reflectors
- F21S41/365—Combinations of two or more separate reflectors successively reflecting the light
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a vehicular lamp that can change between different light distributions with one lamp, and more specifically relates to a vehicular lamp that is suitable for application to a headlamp that can change between a high beam distribution and a low beam distribution, for example.
- LED light emitting diode
- 2007 -323839 proposes a projector type headlamp that is constituted by an LED light source, a main reflector with an elliptical shape for condensing light radiated from the LED light source, a shade for blocking a portion of light reflected by the main reflector, and a projection lens for projecting forward light transmitted through the shade.
- This lamp can be configured as a lamp with a desired low beam distribution by suitably setting the shape of the shade.
- This lamp can also be configured as a lamp with a high beam distribution by not providing a shade in its configuration.
- a four-lamp type headlamp can be configured by arranging the lamps with low beam and high beam distributions.
- a two-lamp type of headlamp has also been proposed, wherein a headlamp that is capable of changing between a high beam distribution and a low beam distribution with one lamp is provided on the left and right sides of the automobile, which effectively contributes to reducing the automobile weight and size.
- the four-lamp type headlamp has many lamps and is not preferable in terms of reducing the automobile weight and size.
- the two-lamp type headlamp has an advantage with its fewer number of lamps, this type of headlamp has a complicated structure because of the system for changing the shade or changing the light source provided within the lamp, and it is also difficult to control the low beam distribution to a desired light distribution.
- a projector type lamp having an LED as a light source such as that in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) No. 2007-323839 , it is difficult to provide a plurality of light sources due to space restrictions in terms of disposing the light source at a focal point of the main reflector.
- the shade is provided as a fixed structure, switching the light distribution through positioning is difficult. Therefore, the two-lamp type headlamp as described above that uses a projector type headlamp having an LED as a light source has yet to be realized.
- the above problems are also found in a small two-lamp type headlamp having a bulb as a light source.
- a vehicular lamp of the present invention comprises: a light source; a main reflector that reflects light radiated from the light source in a condensed state; a shade that blocks a portion of light condensed by the main reflector; a lens that irradiates light not blocked by the shade in a predetermined direction of a vehicle; and a sub reflector that is disposed so as to cover the main reflector.
- the main reflector is configured as divided into a first reflector portion that reflects light in a vicinity area that includes a lamp optical axis, and a second reflector portion that reflects light in areas other than the vicinity area and that can be moved from a normal position to a different position by moving means.
- the sub-reflector is disposed above the main reflector so as to cover the main reflector.
- the second reflector portion reflects light in areas other than the vicinity area.
- the main reflector is disposed so as to cover over the light source.
- the second reflector portion is more forward than the first reflector in the direction of the lamp optical axis.
- the shade may be moved together with the second reflector portion, and does not block light in the vicinity of the lamp optical axis when moved.
- the second reflector portion may be translated in a lamp optical axis direction or pivoted so as to change an angle with respect to the lamp optical axis.
- the sub reflector may be configured from a first sub reflector portion and a second sub reflector portion, wherein light from the light source when the second reflector portion is moved a predetermined amount is reflected by the first sub reflector portion, and light from the light source when the second reflector portion is moved more than the predetermined amount is also reflected by the second sub reflector portion.
- the present invention may be configured as a two-lamp type headlamp capable of changing between a low beam distribution and a high beam distribution, for example.
- a low beam distribution is formed when the second reflector portion is not moved
- a low beam distribution having additional area illumination is formed when the second reflector portion is moved the predetermined amount
- a high beam distribution is formed when the second reflector portion is moved more than the predetermined amount.
- a vehicular lamp having different light distributions with one lamp can be realized by configuring a main reflector as divided into first and second reflector portions, configuring the second reflector portion so as to be movable by a reflector moving portion, and providing a sub reflector. Therefore, even in the case of a two-lamp type headlamp configuration that changes between a low beam distribution and a high beam distribution, for example, there is no need to provide a plurality of light sources and the lamp configuration does not increase in size. In addition, the light distribution is not changed by positioning a shade. Therefore, the lamp configuration is not overly complex.
- movement positions of the second reflector portion may be set in steps and the sub reflector configured as divided into first and second sub reflector portions.
- an illumination area can be added by light reflected by the first sub reflector, whereby a diversified low beam distribution can also be obtained.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded exterior perspective view of a sub reflector described later according to a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a two-lamp type headlamp respectively provided on the left and right sides of an automobile.
- FIG. 2 is a right side view with a portion of the first embodiment cut away.
- the left and right headlamps have the same configuration, and each headlamp includes an LED 1 as a light source, a main reflector 2 that condenses light radiated from the LED 1, a shade 3 that blocks a portion of the condensed light to obtain a low beam distribution, and a condenser lens 4 for irradiating light not blocked by the shade 3 forward of the automobile.
- a sub reflector 5 for obtaining a high beam distribution is also provided at a position over the main reflector 2.
- Each headlamp further includes a reflector moving portion 6 that integrally rotates the shade 3 and a second reflector portion 22 of the main reflector 2 that will be described later in order to change the positions of the shade 3 and the second reflector
- the LED 1 is fixedly supported on a fixed plate 7. Light emitted by a light emitting portion, which serves as a light emitting point of the LED 1, is radiated from vertically above the light emitting portion toward a surrounding area.
- a portion of the fixed plate 7 is provided with a base portion 71 that is formed protruding upward in a raised plateau-like manner, and the LED 1 is fixedly supported by the base portion 71.
- the main reflector 2 has a container-like shape in which a rotational ellipsoid having the light emitting portion of the LED 1 as a focal point F1 is respectively cut in half in the vertical and horizontal directions.
- the main reflector 2 is disposed so as to cover over the LED 1, and condenses light radiated from the LED 1 at a second focal point F2 that is arranged more forward toward a lamp optical axis Lx than the first focal point F1. Further, the main reflector 2 is divided into a first reflector portion 21 with a relatively narrow surface area that accounts for an elliptical vertex side of the main reflector 2, and a second reflector portion 22 with a wide surface area that accounts for a side of the main reflector 2 that is more forward than the first reflector portion 21 in the direction of the lamp optical axis Lx.
- the first reflector portion 21 is integratedly fixed to the base portion 71 of the fixed plate 7, and the second reflector portion 22 is movable due to the reflector moving portion 6.
- the shade 3 is integrated with the second reflector portion 22 at both left and right ends thereof. Alternatively, even if the shade 3 is formed as a separate body, the shade 3 is formed so as to integrally move with the second reflector portion 22.
- the shade 3 is formed as a flat plate, with a center area of a front edge portion 31 thereof receding backward in a curved manner toward a rearward direction of the lamp optical axis Lx.
- the shade 3 is also configured such that a portion of light to be condensed at the second focal point F2 is blocked at the front edge portion 31.
- the condenser lens 4 is constituted by a convex lens whose rear-side focal point is disposed at a position in the vicinity of the second focal point F2, and which irradiates light not blocked by the shade 3 forward in a condensed state.
- the condenser lens 4 is fixedly supported by a front end support portion 72 of the fixed plate 7.
- the sub reflector 5 is configured by a portion of the rotational ellipsoid having the light emitting portion of the LED 1, that is, the first focal point F1 and a vicinity position thereof, as a focal point.
- the sub reflector 5 is arranged so as to cover an overhead area of the main reflector 2, that is, an overhead area of the LED 1.
- the sub reflector 5 is fixedly supported on the fixed plate 7 by a plurality of support arms 53 that extend downward from a lower edge portion of the sub reflector 5.
- the main reflector 2 further includes a pair of pivot arms 23 that extend downward from both left and right side edges of the second reflector portion 22.
- a lower end portion of the pivot arm 23 is connected by a rotation shaft, not shown in the drawing, to a support tab 73 provided in a standing condition on a portion of the fixed plate 7, and using the rotation axis as a fulcrum, the pivot arm 23 can be pivoted on a vertical plane.
- the pivot arm 23 on the right side is pivoted by the reflector moving portion 6.
- an oblong hole 24 provided in the pivot arm 23 is connected to a distal end of a plunger 62 of a solenoid mechanism 61 that is supported by a support tab 74 on the fixed plate 7.
- the pivot arm 23, the second reflector portion 22 connected thereto, and the shade 3 pivot in accordance with advancing and retracting movement of the plunger 62 so as to be moved and set at a different pivot position.
- the advancement/retraction position of the plunger 62 is controlled by a control signal from a light distribution control portion not shown in the drawings.
- the shade 3 is subject to mirror surface processing by aluminum deposition or the like, for example, such that a surface of the shade 3 facing upward is a light reflective surface in this embodiment.
- the plunger 62 of the solenoid mechanism 61 is retracted rearward by a control of the light distribution control portion as shown by a schematic vertical cross section in FIG. 3(a) . Therefore, the pivot arm 23 is at a rearward pivot position, and the second reflector portion 22 and the shade 3 are also set at pivot positions on the rearward side. These pivot positions on the rearward side are positions at which the focal point of the second reflector portion 22 coincides with the first focal point F1, and the shade 3 faces in the horizontal direction along the lamp optical axis Lx.
- the horizontal cut-off line of the right-side area can be displaced lower than the cut-off line of the left-side area so as to obtain a low beam distribution suited for driving on the left side of the road.
- a portion of light reflected by the reflector 2 is further reflected by the mirror surface on the upper-side surface of the shade 3 to pass through the lens 4 and irradiate forward.
- Such light can be used as a portion of the low beam distribution to enable an increase in irradiation efficiency.
- the plunger 62 of the solenoid mechanism 61 is advanced forward by the light distribution control portion as shown by a schematic vertical cross section in FIG. 4(a) . Therefore, the pivot arm 23 is pivoted forward, and the second reflector portion 22 and the shade 3 are also set at pivot positions on the forward side. These pivot positions on the forward side are positions at which the second reflector portion 22 is displaced forward from the area directly over the LED 1, and the shade 3 is withdrawn below the lamp optical axis Lx.
- the LED 1 emits light in this state, light radiated upward from the LED 1 passes through a gap created by moving the second reflector portion 22.
- Such light is then radiated to an area above the main reflector 2 and projected on the sub reflector 5 that is present thereabove.
- Light reflected by the sub reflector 5 is irradiated forward in a direction along the lamp optical axis Lx, and also irradiated in a direction over the lamp optical axis Lx as well as toward the left and right outer sides.
- Light radiated rearward from the LED 1 is reflected by the first reflector portion 21 and condensed at the second focal point F2, and then passes through the lens 4 to radiate forward. At such time, almost no light is blocked by the shade 3 and the light is irradiated to areas near the lamp optical axis Lx.
- an irradiation area formed by reflecting of the first reflector portion 21 overlaps with an irradiation area formed by reflecting of the sub reflector 5.
- a high beam distribution can be obtained with an especially high luminosity in an area along the lamp optical axis Lx.
- the headlamp according to the first embodiment is realized by configuring a main reflector of a lamp such as that described in Patent Document 1 as divided into the first and second reflector portions 21, 22, configuring the second reflector portion 22 so as to be movable by the reflector moving portion 6, and newly adding the sub reflector 5. Therefore, even in the case of a two-lamp type headlamp configuration, there is no need to provide a plurality of LEDs, that is, light sources, and the headlamp configuration does not increase in size.
- the shade 3 is fixed to the second reflector portion 22 and moves together with the second reflector portion 22.
- the constitution of the reflector moving portion 6 for pivoting the second reflector portion 22 can be configured by the solenoid mechanism 61 alone.
- a simple configuration can therefore be used so that the headlamp constitution does not become overly complex.
- FIG. 5 is a partially exploded exterior perspective view of a headlamp according to a second embodiment
- FIG. 6 is a right side view thereof.
- Like reference numerals are used for portions equivalent to those of the first embodiment.
- the main reflector 2 is divided into the first reflector portion 21 and the second reflector portion 22.
- the second reflector portion 22 and the shade 3 are independent from one another.
- the shade 3 is fixed such that both ends thereof are supported by a portion of the fixed plate 7, in this case, portions of guide pieces 75 that will be described later.
- the second reflector portion 22 is configured such that both left and right side edge portions 22a extend somewhat downward and are accommodated in guide grooves 75a, which have a recessed shape in the lamp optical axis direction and are provided on upper surfaces of a pair guide pieces 75 that are provided facing each other in the left-right direction on the fixed plate 7.
- the left and right side edge portions 22a are guided by the guide grooves 75a and translated back and forth in the direction of the lamp optical axis Lx.
- a connection piece 25 having a reverse L shape is provided on a right-side surface of the second reflector portion 22.
- the plunger 62 of the solenoid mechanism 61 of the reflector moving portion 6, which is fixedly supported by the guide piece 75, is connected to the connection piece 25. Advancing and retracting operations in the forward and backward directions of the plunger 62 cause the second reflector portion 22 to move integrally in the forward and backward directions such that the position of the second reflector portion 22 changes.
- the second reflector portion 22 is at a retracted position as shown by a schematic vertical cross section in FIG. 7(a) , and constitutes the main reflector 2 together with the first reflector portion 21.
- This state is the same as that in the first embodiment; therefore, as shown in FIG. 6(b) , the same low beam distribution as that in the first embodiment is obtained.
- the second reflector portion 22 is moved forward in the direction of the lamp optical axis Lx by the plunger 62 of the solenoid mechanism 61 and withdrawn from directly above the LED 1.
- the LED 1 emits light in this state, similar to the first embodiment, light radiated upward passes through a gap between the first and second reflector portions 21, 22 and is radiated to an area above the main reflector 2. Such light is then reflected by the sub reflector 5 that is present thereabove and irradiated forward. Light radiated rearward from the LED 1 is reflected by the first reflector portion 21 and condensed at the second focal point F2.
- the shade 3 is fixed.
- the condensed light is partially blocked by the shade 3 and the light not blocked passes through the lens 4 and is irradiated forward.
- an area that includes the lamp optical axis Lx is illuminated at a relatively high luminosity, while areas to the left, right, and below this area have illumination areas with relatively low luminosity where the horizontal cut-off line caused by the shade 3 remains. A high beam distribution is obtained by the overlapping of these areas.
- the headlamp according to the second embodiment is realized by configuring the main reflector 2 of the lamp as divided into the first and second reflector portions 21, 22, configuring the second reflector portion 22 so as to be movable by the reflector moving portion 6, and newly adding the sub reflector 5. Therefore, even in the case of a two-lamp type headlamp configuration, there is no need to provide a plurality of LEDs, that is, light sources, and the lamp configuration does not increase in size.
- the shade 3 is also fixed, so a configuration for positioning the shade 3 is not needed and the lamp configuration does not become complex. Further, since the second reflector portion 22 is translated, the configuration of the reflector moving portion 6 and the positioning operation can be made even more simple and straightforward.
- FIG. 9(a) is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view along the lamp optical axis Lx of a headlamp according to a third embodiment.
- Like reference numerals are used for portions equivalent to those of the first and second embodiments.
- the second reflector portion 22 and the shade 3 that constitute the main reflector 2 are independent from one another, and the shade 3 is fixedly supported as in the second embodiment.
- the second reflector portion 22 is configured so as to be translated back and forth in the direction of the lamp optical axis Lx by the reflector moving portion 6, which is not shown in the drawing, as in the second embodiment.
- the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the sub reflector 5 is formed as defined or divided into a first sub reflector portion 51 in a rear-side area near the lamp optical axis Lx, and a second sub reflector portion 52 in an area more forward than the first sub reflector portion 51.
- An example is illustrated here in which the first sub reflector portion 51 and the second sub reflector portion 52 are integrated.
- the first sub reflector portion 51 is configured such that light radiated from the LED 1 is reflected in the direction of the lamp optical axis Lx and also reflected toward an area leftward of the lamp optical axis Lx.
- the second sub reflector portion 52 is configured such that light radiated from the LED 1 is reflected in the direction of the lamp optical axis Lx and also reflected slightly over the lamp optical axis Lx in the left and right directions.
- the second reflector portion 22 is at a retracted position. This state is the same as that in the first embodiment; therefore, as shown in FIG. 9(b) , the same low beam distribution as that in the first embodiment is obtained.
- the second reflector portion 22 can also be moved forward by a minute predetermined dimension. If the second reflector portion 22 is moved forward by the predetermined dimension, a minute gap is created between the first and second reflector portions 21, 22 directly over the LED 1.
- the second reflector portion 22 is moved to a forward position that is almost completely withdrawn from directly over the LED 1, similar to the second embodiment.
- the LED 1 emits light in this state, similar to the first and second embodiments, light radiated upward passes through a gap between the first and second reflector portions 21, 22 and is radiated to an area above the main reflector 2.
- Such light is then reflected by the sub reflector 5 that is present thereabove and irradiated forward.
- the first sub reflector potion 51 and the second sub reflector portion 52 in the sub reflector 5 each reflect such light, different areas are illuminated.
- an area that includes the lamp optical axis Lx is illuminated at a high luminosity, while an area to the left of this area is illuminated at a somewhat high luminosity, and an area below these areas has an illumination area with a relatively low luminosity where the horizontal cut-off line remains.
- a high beam distribution is obtained by the overlapping of these areas.
- the headlamp according to the third embodiment is realized by configuring the main reflector 2 of the lamp as divided into the first and second reflector portions 21, 22, configuring the second reflector portion 22 so as to be movable by the reflector moving portion, and newly configuring the sub reflector 5 from the first and second sub reflector portions 51, 52. Therefore, similar to the first and second embodiments, even in the case of a two-lamp type headlamp configuration, there is no need to provide a plurality of LEDs, that is, light sources, and the lamp configuration does not increase in size. In addition, the shade is not moved for positioning, so the lamp configuration does not become complex.
- any kind of additional illumination area such as an overhead light distribution is possible during a low beam distribution. Consequently, various light distributions can be achieved.
- the second reflector portion of the main reflector may be configured so as to rotationally move such that an angle with respect to the lamp optical axis changes, similar to the first embodiment.
- the shade remains fixed as in the second and third embodiments.
- the configuration of the reflector moving portion for moving the second reflector portion is not limited to the solenoid mechanism described in each embodiment; various types of moving mechanisms may be employed.
- the first to third embodiments illustrate examples in which the present invention is applied to a headlamp capable of changing between a low beam distribution and a high beam distribution.
- the present invention may be similarly applied to any vehicular lamp in which changing between different light distributions is required.
- the light source is not limited to an LED, and the present invention may also be applied to a vehicular lamp that uses another light emitting body, such as a bulb, as its light source.
- the sub reflector is configured from a rotational paraboloid.
- the sub reflector is not limited to this shape, and the configuration of the sub reflector may be modified as appropriate depending on the light distribution required.
- the first sub reflector portion of the third embodiment illuminates a left-side forward area of the host vehicle during a low beam distribution.
- the first sub reflector portion may be configured so as to reflect light toward these areas.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp that can change between different light distributions with one lamp, and more specifically relates to a vehicular lamp that is suitable for application to a headlamp that can change between a high beam distribution and a low beam distribution, for example.
- An automobile lamp, especially a headlamp, must be able to illuminate in a high beam distribution that is known as a so-called driving beam, and illuminate in a low beam distribution that is known as a so-called dipped beam. Therefore, a so-called four-lamp type of headlamp has been proposed in the past, wherein a lamp with a high beam distribution and a lamp with a low beam distribution are each provided independently on the left and right sides of an automobile. For example, in recent years, a lamp having a light emitting diode (LED) as a light source has been proposed. As such a lamp, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) No.
2007 -323839 - The four-lamp type headlamp has many lamps and is not preferable in terms of reducing the automobile weight and size. Although the two-lamp type headlamp has an advantage with its fewer number of lamps, this type of headlamp has a complicated structure because of the system for changing the shade or changing the light source provided within the lamp, and it is also difficult to control the low beam distribution to a desired light distribution. Especially in a projector type lamp having an LED as a light source such as that in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) No.
2007-323839 - In each of
EP 1219887 andUS 2006/0062011 , there is disclosed a vehicular lamp of the type set forth in the preamble of the accompanyingclaim 1. - It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicular lamp that can change between different light distributions with one lamp, and in particular, a vehicular lamp with a small and simple configuration capable of configuring a two-lamp type headlamp that can change between a high beam distribution and a low beam distribution.
- A vehicular lamp of the present invention comprises: a light source; a main reflector that reflects light radiated from the light source in a condensed state; a shade that blocks a portion of light condensed by the main reflector; a lens that irradiates light not blocked by the shade in a predetermined direction of a vehicle; and a sub reflector that is disposed so as to cover the main reflector. The main reflector is configured as divided into a first reflector portion that reflects light in a vicinity area that includes a lamp optical axis, and a second reflector portion that reflects light in areas other than the vicinity area and that can be moved from a normal position to a different position by moving means. When the second reflector portion is moved, light no longer reflected by the second reflector portion is reflected by the sub reflector in a predetermined direction. The sub-reflector is disposed above the main reflector so as to cover the main reflector. The second reflector portion reflects light in areas other than the vicinity area. The main reflector is disposed so as to cover over the light source. The second reflector portion is more forward than the first reflector in the direction of the lamp optical axis.
- In the present invention, the shade may be moved together with the second reflector portion, and does not block light in the vicinity of the lamp optical axis when moved. In addition, the second reflector portion may be translated in a lamp optical axis direction or pivoted so as to change an angle with respect to the lamp optical axis.
- Further, in the present invention, the sub reflector may be configured from a first sub reflector portion and a second sub reflector portion, wherein light from the light source when the second reflector portion is moved a predetermined amount is reflected by the first sub reflector portion, and light from the light source when the second reflector portion is moved more than the predetermined amount is also reflected by the second sub reflector portion.
- The present invention may be configured as a two-lamp type headlamp capable of changing between a low beam distribution and a high beam distribution, for example. In such case, a low beam distribution is formed when the second reflector portion is not moved, a low beam distribution having additional area illumination is formed when the second reflector portion is moved the predetermined amount, and a high beam distribution is formed when the second reflector portion is moved more than the predetermined amount.
- According to the present invention, a vehicular lamp having different light distributions with one lamp can be realized by configuring a main reflector as divided into first and second reflector portions, configuring the second reflector portion so as to be movable by a reflector moving portion, and providing a sub reflector. Therefore, even in the case of a two-lamp type headlamp configuration that changes between a low beam distribution and a high beam distribution, for example, there is no need to provide a plurality of light sources and the lamp configuration does not increase in size. In addition, the light distribution is not changed by positioning a shade. Therefore, the lamp configuration is not overly complex.
- Further, in the present invention, movement positions of the second reflector portion may be set in steps and the sub reflector configured as divided into first and second sub reflector portions. Thus, during a low beam distribution, for example, an illumination area can be added by light reflected by the first sub reflector, whereby a diversified low beam distribution can also be obtained.
- Examples of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded exterior perspective view of a sub reflector according to a first embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a right side view with a portion of the first embodiment cut away. -
FIG. 3 shows a schematic vertical cross-sectional view and a light distribution diagram for a low beam distribution according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 4 shows a schematic vertical cross-sectional view and a light distribution diagram for a high beam distribution according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is an exterior perspective view similar toFIG. 1 of a second embodiment. -
FIG. 6 is a right side view similar toFIG. 2 of the second embodiment. -
FIG. 7 shows a schematic vertical cross-sectional view and a light distribution diagram for a low beam distribution according to the second embodiment. -
FIG. 8 shows a schematic vertical cross-sectional view and a light distribution diagram for a high beam distribution according to the second embodiment. -
FIG. 9 shows a schematic vertical cross-sectional view and a light distribution diagram for a low beam distribution according to a third embodiment. -
FIG. 10 shows a schematic vertical cross-sectional view and a light distribution diagram for a different low beam distribution according to the third embodiment. -
FIG. 11 shows a schematic vertical cross-sectional view and a light distribution diagram for a high beam distribution according to the third embodiment. -
FIG. 1 is an exploded exterior perspective view of a sub reflector described later according to a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a two-lamp type headlamp respectively provided on the left and right sides of an automobile.FIG. 2 is a right side view with a portion of the first embodiment cut away. The left and right headlamps have the same configuration, and each headlamp includes anLED 1 as a light source, amain reflector 2 that condenses light radiated from theLED 1, ashade 3 that blocks a portion of the condensed light to obtain a low beam distribution, and acondenser lens 4 for irradiating light not blocked by theshade 3 forward of the automobile. Asub reflector 5 for obtaining a high beam distribution is also provided at a position over themain reflector 2. Each headlamp further includes areflector moving portion 6 that integrally rotates theshade 3 and asecond reflector portion 22 of themain reflector 2 that will be described later in order to change the positions of theshade 3 and thesecond reflector portion 22. - The
LED 1 is fixedly supported on afixed plate 7. Light emitted by a light emitting portion, which serves as a light emitting point of theLED 1, is radiated from vertically above the light emitting portion toward a surrounding area. Here, a portion of thefixed plate 7 is provided with abase portion 71 that is formed protruding upward in a raised plateau-like manner, and theLED 1 is fixedly supported by thebase portion 71. Themain reflector 2 has a container-like shape in which a rotational ellipsoid having the light emitting portion of theLED 1 as a focal point F1 is respectively cut in half in the vertical and horizontal directions. Themain reflector 2 is disposed so as to cover over theLED 1, and condenses light radiated from theLED 1 at a second focal point F2 that is arranged more forward toward a lamp optical axis Lx than the first focal point F1. Further, themain reflector 2 is divided into afirst reflector portion 21 with a relatively narrow surface area that accounts for an elliptical vertex side of themain reflector 2, and asecond reflector portion 22 with a wide surface area that accounts for a side of themain reflector 2 that is more forward than thefirst reflector portion 21 in the direction of the lamp optical axis Lx. Thefirst reflector portion 21 is integratedly fixed to thebase portion 71 of thefixed plate 7, and thesecond reflector portion 22 is movable due to thereflector moving portion 6. Theshade 3 is integrated with thesecond reflector portion 22 at both left and right ends thereof. Alternatively, even if theshade 3 is formed as a separate body, theshade 3 is formed so as to integrally move with thesecond reflector portion 22. Theshade 3 is formed as a flat plate, with a center area of afront edge portion 31 thereof receding backward in a curved manner toward a rearward direction of the lamp optical axis Lx. Theshade 3 is also configured such that a portion of light to be condensed at the second focal point F2 is blocked at thefront edge portion 31. Thecondenser lens 4 is constituted by a convex lens whose rear-side focal point is disposed at a position in the vicinity of the second focal point F2, and which irradiates light not blocked by theshade 3 forward in a condensed state. Thecondenser lens 4 is fixedly supported by a frontend support portion 72 of the fixedplate 7. - The
sub reflector 5 is configured by a portion of the rotational ellipsoid having the light emitting portion of theLED 1, that is, the first focal point F1 and a vicinity position thereof, as a focal point. In addition, thesub reflector 5 is arranged so as to cover an overhead area of themain reflector 2, that is, an overhead area of theLED 1. Thesub reflector 5 is fixedly supported on the fixedplate 7 by a plurality ofsupport arms 53 that extend downward from a lower edge portion of thesub reflector 5. - The
main reflector 2 further includes a pair ofpivot arms 23 that extend downward from both left and right side edges of thesecond reflector portion 22. A lower end portion of thepivot arm 23 is connected by a rotation shaft, not shown in the drawing, to asupport tab 73 provided in a standing condition on a portion of the fixedplate 7, and using the rotation axis as a fulcrum, thepivot arm 23 can be pivoted on a vertical plane. Viewed from the front, thepivot arm 23 on the right side is pivoted by thereflector moving portion 6. Here, anoblong hole 24 provided in thepivot arm 23 is connected to a distal end of aplunger 62 of asolenoid mechanism 61 that is supported by asupport tab 74 on the fixedplate 7. Thepivot arm 23, thesecond reflector portion 22 connected thereto, and theshade 3 pivot in accordance with advancing and retracting movement of theplunger 62 so as to be moved and set at a different pivot position. In thesolenoid mechanism 61, the advancement/retraction position of theplunger 62 is controlled by a control signal from a light distribution control portion not shown in the drawings. - The
shade 3 is subject to mirror surface processing by aluminum deposition or the like, for example, such that a surface of theshade 3 facing upward is a light reflective surface in this embodiment. - In the headlamp according to the first embodiment, during a low beam distribution the
plunger 62 of thesolenoid mechanism 61 is retracted rearward by a control of the light distribution control portion as shown by a schematic vertical cross section inFIG. 3(a) . Therefore, thepivot arm 23 is at a rearward pivot position, and thesecond reflector portion 22 and theshade 3 are also set at pivot positions on the rearward side. These pivot positions on the rearward side are positions at which the focal point of thesecond reflector portion 22 coincides with the first focal point F1, and theshade 3 faces in the horizontal direction along the lamp optical axis Lx. When theLED 1 emits light in this state, most of the emitted light is reflected by thefirst reflector portion 21 and thesecond reflector portion 22, and condensed at the second focal point F2. A portion of the condensed light is blocked by theshade 3. Non-blocked light is incident to an area below the lamp optical Lx of thelens 4, and in this case, such light is condensed and irradiated forward to obtain the light distribution as shown inFIG. 3(b) . In other words, such light is irradiated over an area below the lamp optical axis Lx that is wide in the left-right direction, and a horizontal cut-off line is formed by theshade 3 at an upper edge portion of the light distribution. By forming theshade 3 in a suitable shape, the horizontal cut-off line of the right-side area can be displaced lower than the cut-off line of the left-side area so as to obtain a low beam distribution suited for driving on the left side of the road. In this embodiment, a portion of light reflected by thereflector 2 is further reflected by the mirror surface on the upper-side surface of theshade 3 to pass through thelens 4 and irradiate forward. Such light can be used as a portion of the low beam distribution to enable an increase in irradiation efficiency. - Meanwhile, during a high beam distribution the
plunger 62 of thesolenoid mechanism 61 is advanced forward by the light distribution control portion as shown by a schematic vertical cross section inFIG. 4(a) . Therefore, thepivot arm 23 is pivoted forward, and thesecond reflector portion 22 and theshade 3 are also set at pivot positions on the forward side. These pivot positions on the forward side are positions at which thesecond reflector portion 22 is displaced forward from the area directly over theLED 1, and theshade 3 is withdrawn below the lamp optical axis Lx. When theLED 1 emits light in this state, light radiated upward from theLED 1 passes through a gap created by moving thesecond reflector portion 22. Such light is then radiated to an area above themain reflector 2 and projected on thesub reflector 5 that is present thereabove. Light reflected by thesub reflector 5 is irradiated forward in a direction along the lamp optical axis Lx, and also irradiated in a direction over the lamp optical axis Lx as well as toward the left and right outer sides. Light radiated rearward from theLED 1 is reflected by thefirst reflector portion 21 and condensed at the second focal point F2, and then passes through thelens 4 to radiate forward. At such time, almost no light is blocked by theshade 3 and the light is irradiated to areas near the lamp optical axis Lx. Thus, as shown inFIG. 4(b) , an irradiation area formed by reflecting of thefirst reflector portion 21 overlaps with an irradiation area formed by reflecting of thesub reflector 5. There is relatively little light diffusion in upper, lower, left and right areas including the lamp optical axis Lx and light is irradiated in a light distribution with a high light condensing characteristic. As a consequence, a high beam distribution can be obtained with an especially high luminosity in an area along the lamp optical axis Lx. - As described above, the headlamp according to the first embodiment is realized by configuring a main reflector of a lamp such as that described in
Patent Document 1 as divided into the first andsecond reflector portions second reflector portion 22 so as to be movable by thereflector moving portion 6, and newly adding thesub reflector 5. Therefore, even in the case of a two-lamp type headlamp configuration, there is no need to provide a plurality of LEDs, that is, light sources, and the headlamp configuration does not increase in size. In addition, theshade 3 is fixed to thesecond reflector portion 22 and moves together with thesecond reflector portion 22. There is thus no need for minute positioning of theshade 3, and the constitution of thereflector moving portion 6 for pivoting thesecond reflector portion 22 can be configured by thesolenoid mechanism 61 alone. A simple configuration can therefore be used so that the headlamp constitution does not become overly complex. -
FIG. 5 is a partially exploded exterior perspective view of a headlamp according to a second embodiment, andFIG. 6 is a right side view thereof. Like reference numerals are used for portions equivalent to those of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment as well, themain reflector 2 is divided into thefirst reflector portion 21 and thesecond reflector portion 22. However, in this case, thesecond reflector portion 22 and theshade 3 are independent from one another. Theshade 3 is fixed such that both ends thereof are supported by a portion of the fixedplate 7, in this case, portions ofguide pieces 75 that will be described later. Thesecond reflector portion 22 is configured such that both left and rightside edge portions 22a extend somewhat downward and are accommodated inguide grooves 75a, which have a recessed shape in the lamp optical axis direction and are provided on upper surfaces of apair guide pieces 75 that are provided facing each other in the left-right direction on the fixedplate 7. The left and rightside edge portions 22a are guided by theguide grooves 75a and translated back and forth in the direction of the lamp optical axis Lx. Aconnection piece 25 having a reverse L shape is provided on a right-side surface of thesecond reflector portion 22. Theplunger 62 of thesolenoid mechanism 61 of thereflector moving portion 6, which is fixedly supported by theguide piece 75, is connected to theconnection piece 25. Advancing and retracting operations in the forward and backward directions of theplunger 62 cause thesecond reflector portion 22 to move integrally in the forward and backward directions such that the position of thesecond reflector portion 22 changes. - According to the second embodiment, during a low beam distribution, the
second reflector portion 22 is at a retracted position as shown by a schematic vertical cross section inFIG. 7(a) , and constitutes themain reflector 2 together with thefirst reflector portion 21. This state is the same as that in the first embodiment; therefore, as shown inFIG. 6(b) , the same low beam distribution as that in the first embodiment is obtained. - Meanwhile, during a high beam distribution, as shown by a schematic vertical cross section in
FIG. 8(a) , thesecond reflector portion 22 is moved forward in the direction of the lamp optical axis Lx by theplunger 62 of thesolenoid mechanism 61 and withdrawn from directly above theLED 1. When theLED 1 emits light in this state, similar to the first embodiment, light radiated upward passes through a gap between the first andsecond reflector portions main reflector 2. Such light is then reflected by thesub reflector 5 that is present thereabove and irradiated forward. Light radiated rearward from theLED 1 is reflected by thefirst reflector portion 21 and condensed at the second focal point F2. In the second embodiment, theshade 3 is fixed. Therefore, the condensed light is partially blocked by theshade 3 and the light not blocked passes through thelens 4 and is irradiated forward. Thus, according to the second embodiment, as shown inFIG. 8(b) , similar to the first embodiment, an area that includes the lamp optical axis Lx is illuminated at a relatively high luminosity, while areas to the left, right, and below this area have illumination areas with relatively low luminosity where the horizontal cut-off line caused by theshade 3 remains. A high beam distribution is obtained by the overlapping of these areas. - The headlamp according to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, is realized by configuring the
main reflector 2 of the lamp as divided into the first andsecond reflector portions second reflector portion 22 so as to be movable by thereflector moving portion 6, and newly adding thesub reflector 5. Therefore, even in the case of a two-lamp type headlamp configuration, there is no need to provide a plurality of LEDs, that is, light sources, and the lamp configuration does not increase in size. Theshade 3 is also fixed, so a configuration for positioning theshade 3 is not needed and the lamp configuration does not become complex. Further, since thesecond reflector portion 22 is translated, the configuration of thereflector moving portion 6 and the positioning operation can be made even more simple and straightforward. -
FIG. 9(a) is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view along the lamp optical axis Lx of a headlamp according to a third embodiment. Like reference numerals are used for portions equivalent to those of the first and second embodiments. In the third embodiment, thesecond reflector portion 22 and theshade 3 that constitute themain reflector 2 are independent from one another, and theshade 3 is fixedly supported as in the second embodiment. In addition, thesecond reflector portion 22 is configured so as to be translated back and forth in the direction of the lamp optical axis Lx by thereflector moving portion 6, which is not shown in the drawing, as in the second embodiment. - The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the
sub reflector 5 is formed as defined or divided into a firstsub reflector portion 51 in a rear-side area near the lamp optical axis Lx, and a secondsub reflector portion 52 in an area more forward than the firstsub reflector portion 51. An example is illustrated here in which the firstsub reflector portion 51 and the secondsub reflector portion 52 are integrated. The firstsub reflector portion 51 is configured such that light radiated from theLED 1 is reflected in the direction of the lamp optical axis Lx and also reflected toward an area leftward of the lamp optical axis Lx. The secondsub reflector portion 52 is configured such that light radiated from theLED 1 is reflected in the direction of the lamp optical axis Lx and also reflected slightly over the lamp optical axis Lx in the left and right directions. - In the third embodiment, during a low beam distribution, as shown in
FIG. 9(a) , thesecond reflector portion 22 is at a retracted position. This state is the same as that in the first embodiment; therefore, as shown inFIG. 9(b) , the same low beam distribution as that in the first embodiment is obtained. During the low beam distribution according to the third embodiment, as shown inFIG. 10(a) , thesecond reflector portion 22 can also be moved forward by a minute predetermined dimension. If thesecond reflector portion 22 is moved forward by the predetermined dimension, a minute gap is created between the first andsecond reflector portions LED 1. Thus, a portion of the light radiated from theLED 1 passes through the minute gap and projects onto the firstsub reflector portion 51, and in this case, is reflected toward a left-side area in the direction of the lamp optical axis Lx. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 10(b) , in addition to the low beam distribution, an illumination area with high luminosity is formed in an upper left-side area to realize a so-called overhead illumination for illuminating road signs and the like. - During a high beam distribution, as shown in
FIG. 11 (a) , thesecond reflector portion 22 is moved to a forward position that is almost completely withdrawn from directly over theLED 1, similar to the second embodiment. When theLED 1 emits light in this state, similar to the first and second embodiments, light radiated upward passes through a gap between the first andsecond reflector portions main reflector 2. Such light is then reflected by thesub reflector 5 that is present thereabove and irradiated forward. At such time, since the firstsub reflector potion 51 and the secondsub reflector portion 52 in thesub reflector 5 each reflect such light, different areas are illuminated. Light reflected by the firstsub reflector portion 51 heads in a leftward direction along the lamp optical axis Lx as shown inFIG. 10(b) , and light reflected by the secondsub reflector portion 52 is directed above the lamp optical axis Lx similar to the first and second embodiments. Light radiated rearward from theLED 1 is reflected by thefirst reflector portion 21 and condensed at the second focal point F2. Therefore, similar to the second embodiment, a portion is blocked by theshade 3. Thus, according to the third embodiment, as shown inFIG. 11(b) , an area that includes the lamp optical axis Lx is illuminated at a high luminosity, while an area to the left of this area is illuminated at a somewhat high luminosity, and an area below these areas has an illumination area with a relatively low luminosity where the horizontal cut-off line remains. A high beam distribution is obtained by the overlapping of these areas. - The headlamp according to the third embodiment is realized by configuring the
main reflector 2 of the lamp as divided into the first andsecond reflector portions second reflector portion 22 so as to be movable by the reflector moving portion, and newly configuring thesub reflector 5 from the first and secondsub reflector portions second reflector portion 22 so as to position thesecond reflector portion 22 at two steps and suitably designing the shapes of each of the first and secondsub reflector portions - Here, in the second and third embodiments as well, the second reflector portion of the main reflector may be configured so as to rotationally move such that an angle with respect to the lamp optical axis changes, similar to the first embodiment. However, the shade remains fixed as in the second and third embodiments. In addition, the configuration of the reflector moving portion for moving the second reflector portion is not limited to the solenoid mechanism described in each embodiment; various types of moving mechanisms may be employed.
- The first to third embodiments illustrate examples in which the present invention is applied to a headlamp capable of changing between a low beam distribution and a high beam distribution. However, the present invention may be similarly applied to any vehicular lamp in which changing between different light distributions is required. In addition, the light source is not limited to an LED, and the present invention may also be applied to a vehicular lamp that uses another light emitting body, such as a bulb, as its light source.
- In the first to third embodiments, the sub reflector is configured from a rotational paraboloid. However, the sub reflector is not limited to this shape, and the configuration of the sub reflector may be modified as appropriate depending on the light distribution required. In particular, the first sub reflector portion of the third embodiment illuminates a left-side forward area of the host vehicle during a low beam distribution. However, when illumination of directly forward and leftward areas of the host vehicle is desired, the first sub reflector portion may be configured so as to reflect light toward these areas.
Claims (6)
- A vehicular lamp comprising:a light source (1);a main reflector (2) that reflects light radiated from the light source (1) in a condensed state;a shade (3) that blocks a portion of light condensed by the main reflector (2);a lens (4) that irradiates light not blocked by the shade (3) in a predetermined direction of a vehicle; anda sub reflector (5);wherein the main reflector (2) is configured as divided into a first reflector portion (21) that reflects light in a vicinity area that includes a lamp optical axis (Lx), and a second reflector portion (22) that can be moved from a normal position to a different position by moving means (6), andwhen the second reflector portion is moved, light no longer reflected by the second reflector portion (22) is reflected by the sub reflector (5) in a predetermined direction; wherein the second reflector portion (22) reflects light in areas other than the vicinity area and the main reflector (2) is disposed so as to cover over the light source (1);characterised in that:the sub-reflector (5) is disposed above the main reflector (2) so as to cover the main reflector; andthe second reflector portion (22) is more forward than the first reflector portion (21) in the direction of the lamp optical axis (Lx).
- The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the shade (3) is moved together with the second reflector portion (22), and does not block light in the vicinity of the lamp optical axis (Lx) when moved.
- The vehicular lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second reflector portion (22) is one of translated in a lamp optical axis direction and pivoted so as to change an angle with respect to the lamp optical axis (Lx).
- The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a low beam distribution is formed when the second reflector portion (22) is not moved, and a high beam distribution is formed when the second reflector portion (22) is moved.
- The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sub reflector (5) is configured from a first sub reflector portion (51) and a second sub reflector portion (52), wherein light from the light source (1) when the second reflector portion (22) is moved a predetermined amount is reflected by the first sub reflector portion (51), and light from the light source (1) when the second reflector portion (22) is moved more than the predetermined amount is also reflected by the second sub reflector portion (52).
- The vehicular lamp according to claim 5, wherein a low beam distribution is formed when the second reflector portion (22) is not moved, a low beam distribution having additional area illumination is formed when the second reflector portion (22) is moved the predetermined amount, and a high beam distribution is formed when the second reflector portion (22) is moved more than the predetermined amount.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2009180359A JP5345014B2 (en) | 2009-08-03 | 2009-08-03 | Vehicle lighting |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2282110A2 EP2282110A2 (en) | 2011-02-09 |
EP2282110A3 EP2282110A3 (en) | 2012-03-28 |
EP2282110B1 true EP2282110B1 (en) | 2016-04-27 |
Family
ID=43013276
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP10169876.9A Not-in-force EP2282110B1 (en) | 2009-08-03 | 2010-07-16 | Vehicular lamp |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2282110B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5345014B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP5953665B2 (en) * | 2011-07-26 | 2016-07-20 | 市光工業株式会社 | Vehicle headlamp |
JP5842435B2 (en) * | 2011-07-26 | 2016-01-13 | 市光工業株式会社 | Vehicle headlamp |
JP5828424B2 (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2015-12-09 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Vehicle headlamp |
DE102011087306A1 (en) * | 2011-11-29 | 2013-05-29 | Osram Gmbh | Lighting device for use as headlight in electric bike, has lens arranged downstream to cup-shaped reflector, where reflector is strongly bent against lens in one operational position differently than in another operational position |
JP6180709B2 (en) * | 2012-06-28 | 2017-08-16 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Lamp unit |
WO2014119980A1 (en) * | 2013-01-30 | 2014-08-07 | Terán Balaguer Luis Fausto | Device for front lighting with adaptive light patterns |
JP6205795B2 (en) * | 2013-04-02 | 2017-10-04 | 市光工業株式会社 | Vehicle headlamp |
CN103511986B (en) * | 2013-09-23 | 2015-07-29 | 宁波凯耀电器制造有限公司 | A kind of bulkhead lamp capable that can change arbitrarily irradiation light area shape and size |
WO2015107480A1 (en) * | 2014-01-17 | 2015-07-23 | Magna International Inc. | Flexible led lamp assembly |
FR3028005B1 (en) * | 2014-10-30 | 2019-08-02 | Aml Systems | SEMI-ELLIPTICAL PROJECTOR WITH MEANS OF MOTION LOCATED BEYOND THE MOBILE OPTICAL ELEMENT |
KR101755841B1 (en) | 2015-09-11 | 2017-07-10 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Lamp apparatus for a vehicle |
FR3046578A1 (en) * | 2016-01-08 | 2017-07-14 | Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa | LUMINOUS LIGHTING DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE WITH ADJUSTMENT OF ORIENTATION |
JP6788391B2 (en) * | 2016-06-22 | 2020-11-25 | スタンレー電気株式会社 | Vehicle lighting |
FR3062706B1 (en) * | 2017-02-09 | 2019-08-09 | Valeo Vision | MULTIFUNCTION REFLECTOR BY DISPLACEMENT |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6796696B2 (en) * | 2000-12-05 | 2004-09-28 | Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. | Vehicle light with movable reflector portion and shutter portion for selectively switching an illuminated area of light incident on a predetermined portion of the vehicle light during driving |
EP1219887B1 (en) * | 2000-12-25 | 2006-09-27 | Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. | Vehicle light capable of changing light distribution pattern between low-beam mode and high-beam mode by a movable shade and a reflecting surface |
JP4272974B2 (en) * | 2003-11-28 | 2009-06-03 | スタンレー電気株式会社 | Vehicle lighting |
JP4261452B2 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2009-04-30 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Vehicle headlamp |
JP4261448B2 (en) * | 2004-09-17 | 2009-04-30 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Vehicle headlamp |
JP4654979B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2011-03-23 | 市光工業株式会社 | Vehicle lighting |
-
2009
- 2009-08-03 JP JP2009180359A patent/JP5345014B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2010
- 2010-07-16 EP EP10169876.9A patent/EP2282110B1/en not_active Not-in-force
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2282110A3 (en) | 2012-03-28 |
JP5345014B2 (en) | 2013-11-20 |
EP2282110A2 (en) | 2011-02-09 |
JP2011034820A (en) | 2011-02-17 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2282110B1 (en) | Vehicular lamp | |
JP4669434B2 (en) | Vehicle headlamp | |
JP5535663B2 (en) | Vehicle headlamp | |
EP2407710B1 (en) | Vehicle lamp | |
US6416210B1 (en) | Headlamp for a vehicle | |
EP2522897B1 (en) | Vehicle headlamp | |
US20070171665A1 (en) | High-intensity zone LED projector | |
US7575353B2 (en) | Drum-type movable light shielding plate and lighting device using the same | |
JP4711836B2 (en) | Optical module for an automotive lighting device designed to obtain at least one main cut-off beam | |
JP6141942B2 (en) | Suitable optical module for forming a low beam type light beam and a selective light beam | |
JP2011124110A (en) | Head lamp for vehicle | |
JP2007194166A (en) | Vehicular lamp | |
US7600904B2 (en) | Vehicle headlamp | |
JP4508168B2 (en) | Vehicle headlamp | |
JP4341536B2 (en) | head lamp | |
JP2006040839A (en) | Projection type headlamp for automobile | |
US9296331B2 (en) | Vehicle headlight | |
JP4341538B2 (en) | head lamp | |
US7213954B2 (en) | Variable adaptive projector system for motor vehicles | |
JP4341537B2 (en) | head lamp | |
EP1104869A2 (en) | Head lamp for automobile | |
JP3223751B2 (en) | Automotive headlights with discharge lamps | |
JP2005019329A (en) | Vehicular luminaire | |
JPH071503U (en) | Vehicle headlights | |
JP2002231018A (en) | Lighting fixture for vehicle |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20100807 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME RS |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME RS |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: F21S 8/12 20060101ALI20120223BHEP Ipc: F21V 7/00 20060101AFI20120223BHEP Ipc: F21Y 101/02 20060101ALN20120223BHEP Ipc: F21V 14/04 20060101ALI20120223BHEP Ipc: F21V 14/08 20060101ALI20120223BHEP Ipc: F21W 101/00 20060101ALN20120223BHEP |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: F21V 7/00 20060101AFI20151217BHEP Ipc: F21V 14/04 20060101ALI20151217BHEP Ipc: F21W 101/00 20060101ALN20151217BHEP Ipc: F21S 8/12 20060101ALI20151217BHEP Ipc: F21V 14/08 20060101ALI20151217BHEP Ipc: F21Y 101/02 00000000ALN20151217BHEP |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20160118 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: F21W 101/00 20060101ALN20160125BHEP Ipc: F21V 7/00 20060101AFI20160125BHEP Ipc: F21V 14/08 20060101ALI20160125BHEP Ipc: F21V 14/04 20060101ALI20160125BHEP Ipc: F21Y 115/10 20160101ALN20160125BHEP Ipc: F21S 8/12 20060101ALI20160125BHEP |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 795227 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20160515 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602010032777 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20160613 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20160427 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 795227 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20160427 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160727 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20160712 Year of fee payment: 7 Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20160713 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160728 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160829 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602010032777 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20170130 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20160731 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20160731 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20160716 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20160716 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 602010032777 Country of ref document: DE |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20170716 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST Effective date: 20180330 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180201 Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20170716 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20170731 Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20100716 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20160731 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160427 |