FR3008776B1 - LAMP FOR VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle lamp comprises: a light image forming section (30) forming a light image; an optical element (40) projecting the light image; and an optical element moving section (50) performing at least one of switching a state of disposition of the optical element (40) between a first state where the distance between the focus of the optical element ( 40) and the light image emitting surface of the light imaging section (30) is a specific distance and a second state where the distance is longer than the specific distance of the first state, and the switching the state of disposition of the optical element (40) between a third state where the optical element (40) is interposed between a point of observation at a specific position outside the lamp and the section of forming a light image (30) and a fourth state where the optical element (40) is not interposed with each other.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp. 2. Description of the associated technique

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-143510 (JP 2008-143510 A) discloses an adaptive lighting system including a light source, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirror which controls the light distribution by reflecting light from the light source, and a condenser lens. The adaptive lighting system forms a desired light distribution pattern by performing an ON / OFF control of each mirror of a plurality of micro-mirrors of the MEMS mirror.

A vehicle lamp has a light radiating function in front of a vehicle to secure the visibility of a driver, and a guidance function to the eye lamp of an individual located outside the vehicle so that the individual recognize the presence of the vehicle. A conventional vehicle lamp has the capability to improve the perceptibility of the vehicle lamp.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp capable of improving the perceptibility of the vehicle lamp.

One aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle lamp including: a light image forming section which forms a light image for radiating ahead of the lamp; an optical element that projects the light image in front of the lamp; and an optical element moving section which performs at least one of switching a state of disposition of the optical element between a first state where the distance between the focus of the optical element and the transmitting surface light image of the light imaging section is a specific distance and a second state where the distance between the focus and the light image emission surface is longer than the specific distance of the first state , and switching the disposition state of the optical element between a third state where the optical element is interposed between an observation point at a specific position outside the lamp and the forming section of image of light and a fourth state where the optical element is not interposed between the observation point and the light imaging section when the light imaging section is viewed from the point of view observation. According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the perceptibility of the vehicle lamp.

The light imaging section may be formed by arranging a plurality of optical elements and each of the optical elements may be capable of being switched between a radiation state in which light is radiated in front of the lamp and at least one non-radiation state in which light is not radiated in front of the lamp, and a state of light reduction in which the amount of light radiated in front of the lamp is less than that of the state of radiation. It is thus possible to form light images having various shapes. The vehicle lamp may further include a light source that radiates light toward the light imaging section. In this case, the optical element may include a plurality of light reflecting elements, and each of the light reflecting elements may be capable of being switched between a reflection state in which light from the light source is reflected. in front of the lamp and a state of non-reflection in which light from the light source is not reflected in front of the lamp. In addition, when the optical element is in the second state or fourth state, the light imaging section may reflect light from the light source in front of the lamp in use of the element light reflector in a state where the light source is turned on and can reflect the light that enters from the outside of the lamp in front of the lamp in use of the light reflecting element into a state where the source light is off. It is thus possible to obtain an improvement in the perceptibility of the vehicle lamp and a reduction in energy consumption.

The light imaging section may form a light image to form a headlight distribution pattern when the optical element is in the first state or third state and may form a light image for display specific information or a specific marker when the optical element is in the second state or the fourth state. It is thus possible to obtain at the same time a greater functionality and a decrease in the size of the vehicle lamp. In addition, the second state may be a state where the amount of sunlight radiated to the optical element from outside the lamp is less than its quantity in the first state, and the fourth state may be a state where the amount sunlight radiated to the optical element from outside the lamp is less than its quantity in the third state. In addition, the vehicle lamp may further include a lamp body, and an outer cover which is disposed in front of the lamp body and has a transparency. In this case, the optical element can be arranged in a lamp chamber defined by the lamp body and the outer cover, the second state can be a state where the optical element is further away from the outer cover than in the first state. and the fourth state may be a state where the optical element is further away from the outer cover than in the third state. It is thus possible to suppress the condensation of sunlight in the lamp.

According to the invention, there is provided the vehicle lamp capable of improving the perceptibility of the vehicle lamp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood and its advantages will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows. The description refers to the following drawings, which are given by way of example.

The features, advantages and the technical and industrial significance of the exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements and in which: FIG. in vertical section showing the schematic structure of a vehicle lamp according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2A is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 2B is a schematic drawing for explaining an example of switching a layout state of an optical element. ; Figs. 3A and 3B are schematic drawings showing examples of a headlight distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp; Fig. 4A is a schematic drawing showing an example of a light image for a marker formed by the vehicle lamp and Fig. 4B is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary light image for information display formed by the lamp for vehicle; Figs. 5A and 5B are schematic drawings for explaining further examples of switching the state of disposition of the optical element; Figure 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of a vehicle lamp according to a second embodiment; Fig. 7A is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of a vehicle lamp according to a third embodiment when an optical element is in a first state, Fig. 7B is a vertical sectional view schematically showing the internal structure. of the vehicle lamp according to the third embodiment when the optical element is in the first state, Fig. 7C is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp according to the third embodiment when the element optical is in a second state, and Fig. 7D is a vertical sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp according to the third embodiment when the optical element is in the second state; and Fig. 8A is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of a vehicle lamp according to a fourth embodiment when the optical element is in the first state, Fig. 8B is a vertical sectional view schematically showing the structure. internal view of the vehicle lamp according to the fourth embodiment when the optical element is in the first state, Fig. 8C is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp according to the fourth embodiment when the optical element is in the second state, and Fig. 8D is a vertical sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp according to the fourth embodiment when the optical element is in the second state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS The invention will be described below based on embodiments with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, elements and processes shown in the drawings are designated by the same reference numbers and the repetition of their description will be omitted appropriately. In addition, the embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention and are explanatory. All the features and combinations described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention. (First embodiment)

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view showing the schematic structure of a vehicle lamp according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2A is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment. A vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment is a vehicle headlight device having a pair of headlight units disposed to the right and left of the front of a vehicle. The units of the pair of lighthouse units are formed substantially of the same structure except that the structures of the lighthouse units are mirror images of each other, and thus, Figure 1 represents the structure of one of the headlight units as a vehicle lamp 1.

The vehicle lamp 1 comprises a lamp body 2 having an opening portion on the side of the front of the vehicle and an outer cover 4 disposed in front of the lamp body 2 and fixed so as to cover the opening portion of the vehicle. lamp body 2. The outer cover 4 is formed of a resin having a certain transparency or glass. In a lamp chamber 3 defined by the lamp body 2 and the outer cover 4, a light source 10, a reflector 20, a light imaging section 30, an optical element 40 and a light section are received. optical element displacement 50. Each component is attached to the lamp body 2 using a support mechanism that is not shown.

The light source 10 may consist of conventional light sources such as a light emitting diode (LED), a laser device such as a laser diode, a solid state laser or a gas laser, a light source incandescent and a discharge lamp. The light emitted by the light source 10 is reflected by the reflector 20 and is radiated to the light imaging section 30. The reflector 20 is constituted for example by a curved mirror. It will be appreciated that light from the light source 10 can also be directly radiated to the light imaging section 30 without the intervention of the reflector 20.

The light image forming section 30 is a mechanism for forming a radiated light image in front of the lamp. The light image forming section 30 is constituted for example by the arrangement of a plurality of optical elements. Each optical element of the light imaging section 30 is capable of being switched between a state where the light is radiated in front of the lamp (hereinafter appropriately referred to as "radiation state") and a state where the light is not radiated in front of the lamp (hereinafter referred to as the "no radiation state"). The light image forming section 30 is capable of forming light images having various shapes by individually switching between the radiation state and the non-radiation state of the optical element. The light imaging section 30 has a light image emission surface 30a. The light image emission surface 30a consists of the light emitting surfaces of the optical elements. The light image here represents an image formed by the light radiated in front of the lamp and is for example a two-dimensional image formed on the light image emission surface 30a. Note that the optical element can be appropriately switched between the radiation state and at least one of the non-radiation state and a light reduction state in which the amount of light radiated in front of the lamp is lower than that of the radiation state.

The light image forming section 30 of this embodiment consists of an array of MEMS mirrors. Accordingly, a plurality of light reflecting elements (micromirrors) of the MEMS mirror array operate as the optical elements described above. Each of the light reflecting elements may be switched between a state where the light from the light source 10 is reflected forward of the lamp (hereinafter appropriately referred to as a "reflection state") and a state where the light the light source is not reflected (non-reflective) in front of the lamp (hereinafter appropriately referred to as the "non-reflection state") with switching of the power supply to each light reflecting element. Note that the reflection state may be a state where light from the light source is reflected in front of the lamp as a light for a headlamp, and the non-reflection state may be a state where the light light from the light source is not reflected as light for lighthouse lighting. The light reflective element can be brought into the non-reflection state, for example by reflecting light from the light source to a light absorbing material. In this case, the optical image transmitting surface 30a consists of an assembly of the reflective surfaces of the light reflecting elements. The structure of the MEMS mirror matrix is a classical structure and so its detailed description will be omitted. The light reflected in front of the lamp by the reflective light element in the reflection state enters the optical element 40 disposed in front of the light imaging section 30. Note that it is possible altering the amount of light of the radiated light source in front of the lamp by controlling the duty cycle of the light reflecting element power control to set the duration of the reflection state per unit of time. In this case, it is also possible to determine a state where the duration during which the light of the light source is radiated in front of the lamp by the light reflecting element per unit of time is the longest, as a state of radiation, a state where the duration is the second longest duration, as a state of light reduction and a state where the duration is the shortest, as a non-radiation state. It will be appreciated that the light reflecting element can be appropriately switched between the radiation state and at least one of the non-reflection state and the light reduction state. The optical element 40 is an element that projects the light image forward. The optical element 40 is formed for example of a free curved surface lens having a front surface and a back surface each with a free curved surface shape, and projects the light image onto a rear focal plane including the F focus. of the optical element 40 of the rear side of the lamp on a virtual vertical screen in front of the lamp, as an inverted image.

The optical element displacement section 50 is a mechanism that switches the disposition state of the optical element 40. The optical element displacement section 50 of the embodiment has a substantially stick-shaped support section 50a which supports the optical element 40 and an actuator 50b, such as a stepping motor or the like, which moves the support section 50a. One end of the support section 50a is connected to the peripheral edge portion of the optical element 40 and its other end is connected to the actuating device 50b. The actuator 50b moves the optical element 40 forward and backward of the lamp by moving the support section 50a forward and rearward of the lamp. The state of disposition of the optical element 40 is thus switched between a first state and a second state or between a third state and a fourth state, described later.

The light of the light source emitted by the light source 10 is reflected by the reflector 20 and radiated to the light reflecting elements of the light imaging section 30. The light imaging section 30 forms a light image to form a specific headlight distribution pattern and a light image for displaying specific information or a specific marker using the light reflecting elements. In addition, the light image forming section 30 forms different light images according to the state of disposition of the optical element 40. These light images are radiated in front of the lamp via the light beam. optical element 40 (it will be noted that in a fourth state shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the light image is radiated in front of the lamp without intervention of the optical element 40). The relationship between the light image formed by the vehicle lamp 1 and the disposition state of the optical element 40 will be described in detail later.

By turning on and off the light source 10, the ACTIVABON / DEACTIVATION control of each light reflecting element of the light imaging section 30 and the control of the optical element moving section 50 are performed by a light source. control section 300. The control section 300 is implemented by an element and a circuit, such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a computer memory, as a hardware configuration, and implemented by a computer program or the like as a software configuration. Note that although the control section 300 is disposed outside the lamp chamber 3 in Fig. 1, the control section 300 may also be disposed in the lamp chamber 3. The control section 300 receives signals of a light switch 310, a lighting detector 320 and the like. The control section 300 transmits various control signals to the light source 10, the light image forming section 30 and the optical element moving section 50, depending on the received signals.

The state of disposition of the optical element 40 and the light image formed by the light imaging section 30 will then be described. Fig. 2B is a schematic drawing for explaining an example of switching the layout state of the optical element. Figs. 3A and 3B are schematic drawings showing examples of a headlight distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp. Fig. 4A is a schematic drawing showing an example of a light image for the marker formed by the vehicle lamp. Fig. 4B is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary light image for information display formed by the vehicle lamp. In Fig. 2B, the optical element 40 in the first state is indicated by a solid line and the optical element 40 in the second state is indicated by a dashed line. Each of FIGS. 3A and 3B shows the light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed in a specific position in front of the lamp, for example, a position 25 m in front of the lamp. Each of Figs. 4A and 4B shows the light image formed on the light image emission surface 30a of the light imaging section 30. In Fig. 4A, the black portion represents the image of light (note that the white part can represent the image of light).

As shown in FIG. 2B, the disposition state of the optical element 40 can be switched between the first state where the distance between the focus F of the optical element 40 and the light image emission surface 30a. of the light image forming section 30 is a specific distance and the second state where the distance between the focus F and the light image emission surface 30a is longer than the specific distance in the first state. In other words, the disposition state of the optical element 40 is switched between the first state where the range of the light image emission surface 30a reflected on the optical element 40 when the optical element 40 is seen from the side of the front of the lamp (opposite side in the projection direction of the light image) is a first specific range and the second state where the range of the image emission surface of light 30a reflected on the optical element 40 is a wider range than the first range. In this case, when the optical element 40 is in the first state, the vehicle lamp 1 is capable of projecting the light distribution pattern having a sharper outline forward than when the optical element 40 is in the second state. In addition, when the optical element 40 is in the second state, the individuals located outside the vehicle including the driver of another vehicle and a pedestrian can visually recognize an enlarged virtual image of the light image via of the optical element 40. Accordingly, it becomes easier to visually recognize the light image formed on the light image emission surface 30a from outside the lamp in the second state than when the optical element 40 is in the first state.

FIG. 2B shows the first state where the focal point F of the optical element 40 covers the light image emission surface 30a and the second state where the optical element 40 is positioned backwards relative to the position of the first state and the focus F is positioned behind the light image emission surface 30a. The optical element 40 is positioned on an optical axis O in the first state and in the second state. The range of the light image forming section 30 reflected on the optical element 40 is a range near a point in the first state shown in Fig. 2B and the range of the optical image forming section 30 reflected on it is a range close to the entire surface of the light image emission surface 30a in the second state.

In addition, when the optical element 40 is in the first state, the light imaging section 30 forms the light image to form the specific headlight distribution pattern. That is, when the optical element 40 is in the first state, the vehicle lamp 1 operates as a beacon. The light imaging section 30 forms, for example, a high beam light distribution pattern PH as a headlight distribution pattern as shown in FIG. 3A. Further, the light imaging section 30 forms a low beam light distribution pattern PL as a headlight distribution pattern as shown in FIG. 3B. The shapes of the high beam light distribution pattern PH and the low beam light distribution pattern PL are conventional shapes and thus, their detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the light imaging section 30 is capable of forming what is called a left-hand traffic light distribution pattern in which an illuminated region is formed over a horizontal line H on the side left and a shaded region is formed on the right side, which is called a straight road light distribution pattern in which the illuminated region is formed above the horizontal line H on the right side and the shaded region is formed on the left side and what is called a separate light distribution pattern in which the shaded region is formed in the central portion above the horizontal line H and the illuminated regions are formed on both sides of the shaded region in the horizontal direction. Further, the light imaging section 30 is capable of forming the shaded region in a region superimposed on another vehicle or pedestrian in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. In addition, the light imaging section 30 is capable of moving the formed headlight distribution pattern according to the shape of the road. The light imaging section 30 may suitably be capable of at least one of the light distribution patterns described above.

In addition, when the optical element 40 is in the second state, the light image forming section 30 forms the light image for displaying specific information or the specific marker. That is, when the optical element 40 is in the second state, the vehicle lamp 1 functions as an information display device or a marker lamp, for example a daytime traffic light ( "Daytime running lamp" or the like). For example, as shown in Fig. 4A, the light imaging section 30 forms the light image in which light spots are randomly arranged and the arrangement varies over time as the light image for the light image. specific marker. In this case, the driver of another vehicle or the pedestrian can visually recognize the image of light that flickers or seems to flicker through the optical element 40. In addition, for example, as shown in Figure 4B the light imaging section 30 forms the light image in the form of a character, a number or a symbol as a light image for the display of specific information. The information represented by the light image for displaying information is, for example, information relating to the state of the vehicle or the like.

Thus, by forming the headlight distribution pattern when the optical element 40 is in the first state, it is possible to form the headlight distribution pattern with greater accuracy than in the case where the pattern of Headlight light distribution is formed when the optical element 40 is in the second state. On the other hand, by forming the light image for the information display or the light image for the marker when the optical element 40 is in the second state, the vehicle lamp 1 can further attract the eye. of an individual located outside the vehicle only in the case where the light image for the information display or the light image for the marker is formed when the optical element 40 is in the first state. As a result, it is possible to improve the perceptibility of the vehicle lamp 1. The state of disposition of the optical element 40 can be switched, for example, by actuation of the light switch 310 by the driver or the like. For example, the light switch 310 transmits a signal to operate the vehicle lamp 1 as a beacon, marker lamp or information display device depending on the operation of the driver or the like on the control section. 300. Upon receiving the signal from the light switch 310, the control section 300 transmits to the optical element moving section 50 a control signal for driving the actuator 50b. The state of disposition of the optical element 40 is thus switched. In addition, the control section 300 transmits a control signal to the light imaging section 30 so that the light image to form the specific headlight distribution pattern, the light image for the marker or light image for the information display is formed. The vehicle lamp 1 is thus capable of forming the headlight distribution pattern when the optical element 40 is in the first state, and is capable of forming the light image for the marker or the light image for displaying information when the optical element 40 is in the second state. Optical element 40 is capable of switching between a third state and a fourth state shown below in place of or in addition to switching between the first state and the second state shown in Figure 2B. Figs. 5A and 5B are schematic drawings for explaining other examples of switching the state of disposition of the optical element. In each of Figs. 5A and 5B, the optical element 40 in the third state is indicated by the solid line and the optical element 40 in the fourth state is indicated by the dashed line. The representation of the optical element displacement section 50 is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the disposition state of the optical element 40 is capable of being switched between the third state where the optical element 40 is interposed between an observation point PS in a specific position at the outside of the lamp and the light imaging section 30 when the light imaging section 30 is observed from the observation point PS and the fourth state where the optical element 40 is not interposed between the observation point PS and the light imaging section 30 when the light imaging section 30 is observed from the observation point PS. In other words, the disposition state of the optical element 40 is capable of being switched between the third state where the optical element 40 is in a specific position with respect to the light imaging section. And the fourth state where the light imaging section 30 can be observed from outside the lamp without the intervention of the optical element 40 due to the displacement of the optical element 40. The fourth state is a state wherein the light imaging section 30 can be viewed from outside the lamp through a space in which the optical element 40 is positioned in the third state (i.e. observation point PS in the third state is the same as in the fourth state). The position of the observation point PS is a position allowing the optical element 40 in the first state to be interposed between the observation point PS and the light imaging section 30 and is for example a position on the optical axis O in front of the lamp. As a variant, the position of the observation point PS is a position included in an extension range of the optical element 40 seen from the front of the lamp in a direction parallel to the optical axis O. In a variant, the position of the observation point PS is a position in front of the lamp, included in a sandwiched sandwich pad by a virtual straight line connecting the lower end of the light imaging section 30 and the upper end of the lamp. the optical element 40 and a virtual straight line connecting the upper end of the light imaging section 30 and the lower end of the optical element 40 up and down the lamp, and included in a sandwich-sandwiched range by a virtual straight line connecting the left end of the light imaging section 30 and the right end of the optical element 40 and a virtual straight line connecting the right end of the dry light image formation 30 and the left end of the optical element 40 to the left and to the right of the lamp.

Fig. 3A shows the third state where the optical element 40 is positioned on the optical axis O (furthermore, the center of the optical element 40 is positioned on the optical axis O) and the fourth state where the element 40 is in a lower position than the position in the third state in the lamp and spaced from the optical axis O. FIG. 5B shows the third state where the optical element 40 is positioned on the optical axis O and the fourth state where the optical element 40 is in a position higher than the position in the third state in the lamp and spaced from the optical axis O. In this case, when the optical element 40 is in the third state, the vehicle lamp 1 is capable of projecting the light image in front of the lamp via the optical element 40. In addition, when the optical element 40 is in the fourth state, the vehicle lamp 1 radiates at least a part of the light image ahead of e the lamp without intervention of the optical element 40. In addition, in the fourth state, the driver of another vehicle or pedestrian can see at least a portion of the light imaging section 30 without intervention of the optical element 40. As a result, it becomes easier to visually recognize the light image formed on the light image emission surface 30a from outside the lamp when the optical element 40 is in the fourth state than when the optical element 40 is in the third state.

In the case where the disposition state of the optical element 40 is switched as shown also in Figs. 5A and 5B, the light imaging section 30 also forms the light image to form the distribution pattern. when the optical element 40 is in the third state and forms the light image for the information display or the marker when the optical element 40 and in the fourth state. Thus, by forming the headlight distribution pattern when the optical element 40 is in the third state, it is possible to form the headlight distribution pattern having a more precise shape than in the case where the pattern of Headlight light distribution is formed when the optical element 40 is in the fourth state. In addition, by forming the light image for the information display or the marker when the optical element 40 is in the fourth state, it is possible to further attract the gaze of the individual located outside the vehicle using the vehicle lamp 1 only in the case where the light image for the information display or the marker is formed when the optical element 40 is in the third state, and it is thus possible to improve the perceptibility of the vehicle lamp 1.

In addition, when the optical element 40 is in the fourth state, the light image forming section 30 of the embodiment is capable of being switched between a light source light reflection state in which the light of the light source is reflected in front of the lamp using the light reflective element in a situation where the light source 10 is on and an external light reflection state in which light entering from outside the light source The lamp is reflected in front of the lamp using the light reflecting element in a situation where the light source 10 is turned off. For example, in the case where the light source 10 is turned on, the light imaging section 30 controls the light reflecting element so that the light image is formed using the light reflective element in the reflection state and reflects light from the light source in front of the lamp using the light reflective element in the reflection state. The light image for the information display or the light image for the marker formed by the light of the light source is thus radiated outwardly of the lamp. On the other hand, in the case where the light source 10 is extinguished, for example, the light imaging section 30 controls the light reflective element so that the light image is formed using the light source. light reflecting element in the non-reflecting state or the light reducing state and reflecting light entering from the outside of the lamp in front of the lamp using the light reflecting element in the state of no reflection or in the state of light reduction. The light image for the information display or the light image for the marker formed by the external light is thus radiated outwardly of the lamp.

In the case where the environment surrounding the vehicle is dark, for example at night, the light probably does not enter the lamp from outside the lamp. Accordingly, the light imaging section 30 establishes the light reflection state of the light source and forms the light image using the light of the light source. On the other hand, in the case where the environment surrounding the vehicle is bright, for example during the day, light such as sunlight or the like probably enters the lamp from outside the lamp. Accordingly, the light imaging section 30 establishes the external light reflection state and forms the light image using light entering from outside the lamp. It is thus possible to obtain an improvement in the perceptibility of the vehicle lamp 1 and a reduction in energy consumption.

Switching between the light reflection state of the light source and the reflection state of the external light can be performed by the control section 300. That is, the control section 300 performs the function of the light source. acquiring environmental brightness information surrounding the vehicle from the illumination detector 320. In the case where the control section 300 is asked to form the light image for displaying information or the marker from the light switch 310, in the case where the brightness of the environment surrounding the vehicle is less than a specific brightness, the control section 30 then turns on the light source 10 and asks the training section light image 30 to establish the state of light reflection of the light source. On the other hand, in the case where the control section 300 is asked to form the light image for the information display or the marker from the light switch 310, in the case where the brightness of the environment surrounding the vehicle is greater than or equal to the specific brightness, the control section 300 turns off the light source 10 (or does not issue an instruction to turn on the light source 10) and asks the training section light image 30 to establish the external light reflection state.

The second state of the optical element 40 can be set as a state where the amount of sunlight radiated to the optical element 40 from outside the lamp is less than its amount in the first state. On the other hand, the fourth state of the optical element 40 can be set as a state where the amount of sunlight radiated to the optical element 40 from outside the lamp is less than its amount in the third state. For example, the second state shown in Fig. 2B is a state where the optical element 40 is further away from the outer cover 4 than in the first state. Thus, by moving the optical element 40 away from the outer cover 4, it is possible to reduce the amount of solar light S radiated towards the optical element 40. In addition, the fourth state shown in FIG. 5B is a state where the optical element 40 is hidden on the side of the rear surface of a shading element 60, seen from the front of the lamp. The amount of sunlight S radiated to the optical element 40 is reduced by the shading element 60. The vehicle body can be used as a shading element 60. By adjusting the second state or the fourth state of the optical element 40 in the manner described above, it is possible to reduce the probability that the sunlight S enters the optical element 40 and is condensed in a specific position in the lamp by the optical element 40 In particular, since the vehicle lamp 1 functions as the marker lamp during the day in a large number of cases, by setting the second state or the fourth state as described above, it is possible to suppress more effectively condensation of sunlight.

As described above, in the vehicle lamp 1 according to the embodiment, the optical element moving section 50 performs at least one of switching the state of disposition of the optical element 40 between the first a state where the focus F is positioned on the optical axis O in the vicinity of the light image emission surface 30a and the second state where the focus F is spaced from the light image emission surface 30a, and switching the disposition state of the optical element 40 between the third state where the optical element 40 is interposed between the observation point PS outside the lamp and the image forming section of the light 30 and the fourth state where the optical element 40 is not interposed between them. That is, the vehicle lamp 1 switches the optical element 40 from the disposition state (first state to third state) when the vehicle lamp 1 operates as a headlamp in the disposition state ( second state in the fourth state) in which the light image emission surface 30a can easily be observed from outside the lamp and forms the light image for the marker or the light image for display information. As a result, it is possible to improve the perceptibility of the vehicle lamp 1. In addition, it is also possible to improve the perceptibility of the vehicle lamp 1 by moving the optical element 40 from the first state / the third state to the second state / fourth state or from the second state / fourth state to the first state / third state itself.

In addition, the vehicle lamp 1 brings the optical element 40 into the first state / third state to form the headlight distribution pattern and brings the optical element 40 into the second state / fourth state to form the light image for the marker or image for displaying information. That is, the vehicle lamp 1 as a single lamp can function as a beacon, marker lamp and information display device. It is thus possible to obtain at the same time a greater functionality and a decrease in the size of the vehicle lamp.

The vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment can be reformulated, for example, as follows. That is, the vehicle lamp 1 comprises the light source 10, the light image forming section 30 (two-dimensional image forming device) and the optical element 40 (projection optical system ) and has a first lighting mode in which the position of the focus of the projection optical system corresponds substantially to the imaging device and a second lighting mode in which the position of the focus is spaced from the imaging device. picture. The image forming device forms the image for displaying information or the marker in the second lighting mode. For example, in the second lighting mode, the image forming device displays an image that changes with time as an image for the marker, so that the light appears to flicker when the lighthouse is observed at a certain point in time. distance and it is thus possible to obtain an appearance with a high perceptibility. In addition, in the second lighting mode, the image forming device displays an image of a character, a number or a symbol as an image for displaying information, so that the image formed by the image forming device is recognized by an individual located outside the vehicle when the vehicle lamp 1 is observed in the vicinity of the vehicle. (Second embodiment)

The structure of a vehicle lamp according to a second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment, except that the light imaging section is a liquid crystal shutter. The same components as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numbers and their description and representation will be omitted appropriately. Fig. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 6, the representation of the optical element displacement section 50 is omitted.

In the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment, the light image forming section 30 is constituted by the liquid crystal shutter and is disposed in the path of the light of the light source between the light source. 10 and the optical element 40. Accordingly, the light of the light source enters the light imaging section 30 from the back of the lamp. The light image forming section 30 has a plurality of liquid crystal elements as an optical element and is capable of switching the state of each liquid crystal element between the radiation state, the state of non-radiation and the light reduction state having the amount of light radiated ahead of the lamp lower than that of the radiation state by changing the amount of light transmission in each liquid crystal element. The structure of the liquid crystal shutter is a conventional structure and thus, its detailed description will be omitted. The light imaging section 30 allows light radiated to the liquid crystal element from the light source 10 to pass through the liquid crystal element to the front of the lamp using the light element. liquid crystal in the radiation state and / or the light reduction state. The flat surfaces of the liquid crystal element facing the front of the lamp form the light image emission surface 30a.

Similarly to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 2B, 5A and 5B), the disposition state of the optical element 40 is capable of being switched between the first state / the third state and the second state / fourth state. state. The light imaging section 30 forms the light image to form the headlight distribution pattern when the optical element 40 is in the first state / third state and forms the light image for the displaying information or the marker when the optical element 40 is in the second state / fourth state. Even in the case where the liquid crystal shutter is used as a light imaging section 30 as in this embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment. . (Third embodiment)

The structure of a vehicle lamp according to a third embodiment is substantially the same as that of the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first or second embodiment, except that the optical element consists of two lenses. The same components as those of the first or second embodiment are designated by the same reference numbers and their description and representation will be omitted appropriately. Fig. 7A is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp according to the third embodiment when the optical element is in the first state. Fig. 7B is a vertical sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp according to the third embodiment when the optical element is in the first state. Fig. 7C is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp according to the third embodiment when the optical element is in the second state. Fig. 7D is a vertical sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp according to the third embodiment when the optical element is in the second state. In each of Figs. 7A to 7D, the liquid crystal shutter is shown as a light image forming section 30. In the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment, the optical element 40 consists of a first optical element 40a and a second optical element 40b. The first optical element 40a is formed for example of the free curved surface lens having the front surface and the rear surface each in the form of a free curved surface. The second optical element 40b is an optical element intended to move the focal point F of the optical element 40. The second optical element 40b is for example a double concavity lens (negative lens) whose front surface and the rear surface are concave and moves the focus F of the optical element 40 from the position of the focus F determined solely by the first optical element 40a towards the front of the lamp.

The first optical element 40a is disposed on the optical axis O of the vehicle lamp 1. The second optical element 40b is capable of being moved from an advanced position which intersects a region (optical path) in which the light from the Light image forming section 30 at first optical element 40a is transmitted to a recessed position which does not intersect the optical path or from the recessed position to the advanced position. The displacement of the second optical element 40b is effected by the optical element displacement section 50 (see FIG. 1). In this case, the optical element displacement section 50 is configured so that the actuator 50b moves the end of the support section 50a toward or away from the optical axis O. L state of disposition of the optical element 40 is capable of being switched between the first state shown in Figs. 7A and 7B in which the distance between the focus F of the optical element 40 and the image transmitting surface light 30a of the light image forming section 30 is a specific distance and the second state shown in Figs. 7C and 7D in which the distance between the focus F and the light image emission surface 30a is greater than the specific distance of the first state. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B in the first state, the first optical element 40a and the second optical element 40b are positioned on the optical axis O (in addition, the center of each element among the first optical element 40a and the second optical element 40b is positioned on the optical axis O) and the focal point F of the optical element 40 covers the light image emission surface 30a. In addition, as shown in Figs. 7C and 7D, in the second state, the position of the first optical element 40a is not changed, but the second optical element 40b is recessed with respect to the optical path. The focus F is thus moved closer to the back of the lamp than the light imaging section 30.

The light imaging section 30 forms the light image to form the headlight distribution pattern when the optical element 40 is in the first state and forms the light image for the display of light. information or the marker when the optical element 40 is in the second state. According to the vehicle lamp 1 of the embodiment described above, it is also possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment. (Fourth embodiment)

The structure of a vehicle lamp according to a fourth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the vehicle lamp 1 according to the third embodiment, with the exception that the shape of the second optical element is different from that of the second optical element. of the vehicle lamp 1 according to the third embodiment. The same components as those of the first, second or third embodiments are designated by the same reference numbers and their description and representation will be omitted appropriately. Fig. 8A is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp according to the fourth embodiment when the optical element is in the first state. Fig. 8B is a vertical sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp according to the fourth embodiment when the optical element is in the first state. Fig. 8C is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp according to the fourth embodiment when the optical element is in the second state. Fig. 8D is a vertical sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp according to the fourth embodiment when the optical element is in the second state. In each of Figs. 8A to 8D, the liquid crystal shutter is shown as a light image forming section 30.

In the vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment, the optical element 40 consists of the first optical element 40a and the second optical element 40b. The first optical element 40a is the same as that of the third embodiment. The second optical element 40b is an optical element for moving the focus F of the optical element 40. The second optical element 40b is a meniscal-convex lens (positive lens) having a convex front surface and a concave rear surface and displaces the focal point F of the optical element 40 towards the rear of the lamp from the position of the focus F determined solely by the first optical element 40a. The first optical element 40a is disposed on the optical axis O of the vehicle lamp 1. The second optical element 40b is capable of being moved from the advanced position to the recessed position or from the retracted position at the advanced position. The displacement of the second optical element 40b is performed by the optical element displacement section. The state of disposition of the optical element 40 is capable of being switched between the first state shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B in which the distance between the focus F of the optical element 40 and the transmission surface of light image 30a of the light image forming section 30 is a specific distance and the second state shown in Figs 8C and 8D in which the distance between the focus F and the light image emission surface 30a is larger than the specific distance in the first state. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in the first state, the first optical element 40a is positioned on the optical axis O, the second optical element 40b is set back with respect to the optical path and the focal point F of the optical element 40 covers the light image emission surface 30a. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, in the second state, the position of the first optical element 40a is not changed, but the second optical element 40b is advanced towards the optical path. The focus F is thus closer to the rear of the lamp than the light imaging section 30.

The light imaging section 30 forms the light image to form the headlight distribution pattern when the optical element 40 is in the first state, and forms the light image for the display of light. information or the marker when the optical element 40 is in the second state. According to the vehicle lamp 1 of the embodiment described above, it is also possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and thus, the embodiments may be combined or modifications such that various design changes may be made to the embodiments based on the knowledge of the men. art. Embodiments based on these combinations or modifications are also included within the scope of the invention. New embodiments produced by combinations of the embodiments described above or combinations of the embodiments described above with the following modified example have the respective advantages of the embodiments and the modified example to be combined.

In each of the first and second embodiments described above, a reflector may be used as an optical element 40. In each of the third and fourth embodiments described above, although the liquid crystal shutter is used as a light imaging section 30, the MEMS mirror array can also be used similarly to the first embodiment. In each of the first, third, and fourth embodiments, the light image forming section 30 is not limited to the MEMS mirror array or the liquid crystal shutter, and may consist of a silicon liquid crystal device (LCoS), a combination of a fluorescent plate and a laser scanning optical system, a MEMS shutter, a matrix LED or an organic light-emitting diode ( OLED). In each embodiment, in the second state, the luminance of the light source 10 can be made smaller than that of the first state. In addition, in the fourth state, the luminance of the light source 10 can be made smaller than that of the second state.

Claims (6)

A vehicle lamp characterized in that it comprises: a light image forming section (30) which forms an image of light to be radiated in front of the lamp; a light source (10) which radiates light to the light imaging section (30); an optical element (40) which projects the light image in front of the lamp; and an optical element moving section (50) which performs at least one of switching a state of disposition of the optical element (40) between a first state where the distance between the focus of the optical element (40) and the light image emitting surface of the light imaging section (30) is a specific distance and a second state where the distance between the focus and the image emitting surface of light is longer than the specific distance of the first state, and the switching of the state of disposition of the optical element (40) between a third state where the optical element (40) is interposed between a point of observation at a specific position outside the lamp and the light imaging section (30) when the light imaging section (30) is viewed from the observation point and a fourth state where the optical element (40) is not interposed between the point and the light imaging section (30) when the light imaging section (30) is viewed from the observation point. The vehicle lamp of claim 1, wherein: the light image forming section (30) is formed by arranging a plurality of optical elements; and each of the optical elements can be switched between a radiation state in which light is radiated in front of the lamp and at least one non-radiation state in which light is not radiated in front of the lamp, and a a state of light reduction in which the amount of light radiated in front of the lamp is less than that of the radiation state. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein: the optical element (40) has a plurality of light reflecting elements; each of the light reflecting elements is capable of being switched between a state of reflection in which light from the light source is reflected in front of the lamp and a state of non-reflection in which light from the light source is not reflected in front of the lamp; and when the optical element (40) is in the second state or fourth state, the light image forming section (30) reflects the light from the light source in front of the lamp being used. the light reflecting element in a state where the light source (10) is lit and reflects the light entering from the outside of the lamp in front of the lamp during use of the light reflecting element in a state where the light source (10) is off. A vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light image forming section (30) forms a light image to form a headlight distribution pattern when the optical element (40) is in the first state or third state and forms a light image for displaying specific information or a specific marker when the optical element (40) is in the second state or fourth state. A vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second state is a state where the amount of sunlight radiated to the optical element (40) from outside the lamp is less than its quantity in the first state, and the fourth state is a state where the amount of sunlight radiated to the optical element (40) from outside the lamp is less than its quantity in the third state. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a lamp body (2); and an outer cover (4) which is arranged in front of the lamp body (2) and has a transparency, in which: the optical element (40) is arranged in a lamp chamber (3) defined by the lamp body ( 2) and the outer cover (4); and the second state is a state where the optical element (40) is further away from the outer cover (4) than in the first state and the fourth state is a state where the optical element (40) is further away from the outer cover (4) only in the third state.