LAMP UNIT AND VEHICLE LIGHTING TOOL

Provided are a lamp unit that can form an irradiation pattern on a road surface almost without tilting an inclination of a lamp unit axis with respect to the road surface, and a vehicle lighting tool using the lamp unit. A lamp unit includes: a light source; a condenser lens that condenses light from the light source; a light-shielding member (shade) provided with an irradiation slit through which the light condensed by the condensing lens partially passes; and a projection lens that projects the light that passes through the light-shielding member (shade) to form an irradiation pattern, which are arranged along a lamp unit axis. The projection lens has a reference focus set on the lamp unit axis, and is disposed at such a position rotated downward about the reference focus, and a projection lens axis is directed further downward than the lamp unit axis.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a lamp unit and a vehicle lighting tool.

BACKGROUND ART

As vehicle lighting tools, vehicle lighting tools that use lamp units to form irradiation patterns on a road surface around a vehicle are considered (see PLT 1, PLT 2, and the like, for example). These conventional lamp units each form an irradiation pattern by projecting light from a light source through an irradiation slit of a light-shielding member (shade) with a projection lens, and can inform a viewer of intention expressed by the irradiation pattern.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

In the vehicle lighting tool, it is considered that a lamp unit is provided side by side with a signal lighting unit such as a turn lamp, as a single lighting tool. A signal lighting unit axis of the signal lighting unit is parallel to the road surface such that a person around the vehicle can directly recognize the light.

However, the conventional vehicle lighting tool forms an irradiation pattern on the road surface by tilting the lamp unit axis of the lamp unit, which is combination of a light source, a light-shielding member, and a projection lens, downward toward the road surface. Therefore, in the conventional vehicle lighting tool, even when the lamp unit and the signal lighting unit are tried to be provided together, the lamp unit and the signal lighting unit interfere with each other because the lamp unit and the signal lighting unit are oriented in the different directions, so that it becomes difficult to provide the lamp unit and the signal lighting unit side by side.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a lamp unit capable of forming an irradiation pattern on a road surface almost without tilting an inclination of a lamp unit axis with respect to the road surface, and a vehicle lighting tool using the lamp unit.

Means for Solving the Problem

A lamp unit lamp includes: a light source: a condenser lens that condenses light from the light source: a light-shielding member provided with an irradiation slit through which the light condensed by the condensing lens partially passes; and a projection lens that projects the light which passes through the light-shielding member to form an irradiation pattern, the light source, the condenser lens, the light-shielding member, and the projection lens being arranged along a lamp unit axis, wherein the projection lens has a reference focus set on the lamp unit axis, and is disposed at such a position rotated downward about the reference focus, and a projection lens axis is directed further downward than the lamp unit axis.

Effect of the Invention

According to a lamp unit of the present disclosure and a vehicle lighting tool using the lamp unit, it is possible to form an irradiation pattern on a road surface almost without tilting an inclination of a lamp unit axis with respect to the road surface.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, each embodiment of a lamp unit20and a vehicle lighting tool10, which are examples of a lamp unit and a vehicle lighting tool according to the present disclosure, will be described with reference to the drawings. InFIG.1, the vehicle lighting tool10is emphasized compared to a vehicle1in order to facilitate understanding of a state in which the vehicle lighting tool10is provided, and the state inFIG.1does not necessarily coincide with an actual state. In addition, inFIG.8, FIG.9,FIG.10, andFIG.14, in order to facilitate understanding of a state in which light travels, hatches that indicate cross sections of a condenser lens and a projection lens are omitted, and a shade frame part is omitted in a shade.

The vehicle lighting tool10(lamp unit20) of Embodiment 1 is described with reference toFIG.1toFIG.11. As illustrated inFIG.1, the vehicle lighting tools10of Embodiment 1 are each used as a lighting tool for the vehicle1such as a car, and are each provided at a front part of the vehicle1in order to form an irradiation pattern Pi on a road surface2around the front of the vehicle1, apart from headlights provided on the vehicle1. The surrounding area in front of the vehicle1necessarily includes a proximity area that is closer to the vehicle1than a headlight area irradiated by each headlight provided on the vehicle1, and sometimes partially includes each headlight area. Each vehicle lighting tool10may also form the irradiation pattern Pi on the road surface2around the rear and the sides of the vehicle1, and is not limited to a configuration of Embodiment 1.

In Embodiment 1, each vehicle lighting tool10constitutes a signal light such as a turn lamp and a back lamp provided on the vehicle1, and in Embodiment 1, the vehicle lighting tools10are turn lamps and are provided in pairs on the left and right on the front side of the vehicle1. The vehicle lighting tools10can also constitute other signal lights such as clearance lamps, back lamps (stop lamps), and tail lamps, and are not limited to those in Embodiment 1. The two vehicle lighting tools10have basically the same configuration, except for differences in a mounting position and a position where the irradiation pattern Pi is formed, and therefore will be described below simply as the vehicle lighting tool10. This vehicle lighting tool10includes a lamp housing11, a lamp lens12, a signal lighting unit13, and the lamp unit20, as illustrated inFIG.2.

The lamp housing11is made of a light-non-transmissive member such as colored or painted resin material, and is open at the front and closed at the rear. The lamp lens12is made of a light-transmissive member such as a transparent resin member and a glass member, and can cover an open front end of the lamp housing11. The lamp lens12is sealed and fixed in the opening of the lamp housing11, and ensures watertightness. A lighting room14is formed by section of the lamp housing11and the lamp lens12.

In this lighting room14, the signal lighting unit13and the lamp unit20are disposed so as to be fixed to the lamp housing11and the like. The signal lighting unit13is configured such that optical members such as a light source (not illustrated) are provided on a signal lighting unit axis A1in the signal lighting housing15, and a signal lighting light-emitting part16is provided at a front end on the signal lighting unit axis A1, and a signal lighting radiation part17is provided at a rear end. The signal lighting unit13is turned on and off as appropriate by being supplied with power from a lighting control circuit. In Embodiment 1, the signal lighting unit13is a turn lamp, and therefore blinks at regular intervals when turned on. This signal lighting unit13is provided such that the signal lighting unit axis A1is parallel to the road surface2, and visibility for a person around the vehicle1is ensured.

The lamp unit20is provided below the signal lighting unit13. In the following description, for the lamp unit20, the direction in which a lamp unit axis A2extends is defined as the axial direction (Z in the drawing), the vertical direction when the axial direction is along a horizontal plane is defined as the up and down direction (Y in the drawing), and the direction orthogonal to the axial direction and the up and down direction is defined as the width direction (X in the drawing) (seeFIG.2and the like).

As illustrated inFIG.3andFIG.4, the lamp unit20has a light source part21, a condenser lens22, a shade23, and a projection lens24located on a lamp unit axis A2and housed in a light source housing25to form a single projection optical system, and constitute a project type road surface projection unit. The light source housing25is composed of a semi-cylindrical lower member25aand a semi-cylindrical upper member25b. In a state in which each of the above members (22to24) is installed on the lower member25a, the lower member25aand the upper member25bare fitted together, and is mounted on an installation stand26. In the light source housing25, a central axis line of the cylindrical shape formed by the fitted lower member25aand upper member25bis defined as the lamp unit axis A2, and serves a reference line on which each of the above members (22to24) is installed. In this light source housing25, a condenser lens groove into which the condenser lens22is fitted, a shade groove into which the shade23is fitted, and a projection lens groove into which the projection lens24is fitted are provided. In addition, in the light source housing25, fixing protrusions25care provided in pairs in the width direction on the lower member25a, and fixing pieces25dare provided in pairs in the width direction on the upper member25b(only both on the front side are illustrated inFIG.3), so that the fixing protrusions25cand the fixing holes25eof the fixing pieces25dcan be fitted. The configuration such as the shape of light source housing25may be set as appropriate and is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1.

The installation stand26is a location where the light source part21is provided, and is made of aluminum die cast or resin that has thermal conductivity, and functions as a heat sink that releases heat generated by the light source part21to the outside, as a whole. The installation stand26has an installation location26aand a heat radiation location26b. The installation location26ais a location where the light source part21(its substrate32) is installed, and is formed in a flat plate orthogonal to the axial direction. At the installation location26a, the light source housing25in which the lower member25aand the upper member25bare fitted is mounted via a pair of mounting pieces27disposed with the light source part21therebetween in the width direction. The radiation location26bhas a plurality of radiation fins26cconsecutively provided at the installation location26a. The radiation location26bmainly radiates heat generated by the light source part21installed at the installation location26ato the outside from each radiation fin26c.

The light source part21has a light source31and the substrate32on which the light source31is mounted. The light source31is composed of light emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). In Embodiment 1, the light source31emits amber light with a Lambertian distribution centered on an emission optical axis. The color (wavelength band), the distribution mode, the number of colors, or the like of the light source31can be set as appropriate, and is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1. As illustrated inFIG.5, the light source31of Embodiment 1 has two LED chips31adisposed in parallel in the width direction and a phosphor material31bthat covers the LED chips31a, and light from each LED chip31apasses through the phosphor material31bto emit as amber light. Therefore, in the light source31, the phosphor material31bfunctions as a light emitting surface. In the light source31, the phosphor material31bhas a long rectangular shape in the width direction, and an emission optical axis31L is set by extending from the center in the axial direction. The light source31of Embodiment 1 has the emission optical axis31L aligned with the lamp unit axis A2on the substrate32.

The substrate32is mounted on the installation location26aof the installation stand26, and the light source31is installed. The substrate32is provided with the lighting control circuit, which supplies power appropriately to the light source31to turn on the light source31. The light source housing25is connected to the installation location26aas described above, so that the substrate32is located at a rear end of the light source housing25(an end on the installation stand26side in the axial direction), and faces the condenser lens22(its incident surface22a) housed in the light source housing25.

The condenser lens22condenses light emitted from the light source31, and condenses the light on an area around slit parts36described later on the shade23, that is, an area (setting area As (seeFIG.6)) where the slit parts36later are provided while including all the slit parts36on the shade23. The condenser lens22is basically a convex lens, as illustrated inFIG.4. In Embodiment 1, the condenser lens22is a double-convex lens with the incident surface22aand a light emission surface22bbeing free-form surfaces. Optical setting for the condenser lens22will be discussed later. In the condenser lens22, flange parts provided at both ends in the width direction can be fitted into the condenser lens groove of the light source housing25. The condenser lens22has a condenser lens axis A3that extends in the axial direction. The condenser lens axis A3is an axis line that passes through a lens center point Lc of the condenser lens22and extends in the axial direction. When the condenser lens22is fitted into the condenser lens groove, the condenser lens axis A3is aligned with the lamp unit axis A2. As long as the incident surface22aand the light emission surface22bform the condenser lens22that is a convex lens, and meet optical setting described below, the incident surface22aand the light emission surface22bmay be each a convex surface or a concave surface and are not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1.

The shade23is an example of a light-shielding member that forms the irradiation pattern Pi by partially passing light from the light source31that is condensed by the condenser lens22. As illustrated inFIG.1, each irradiation pattern Pi has three irradiation designs Di aligned in the direction away from the vehicle1with substantially equal intervals. Herein, when illustrating each irradiation design Di individually, the irradiation design Di furthest from the vehicle1is defined as a first irradiation design Di1, and the irradiation design Di closer toward the vehicle1in order are defined as a second irradiation design Di2and a third irradiation design Di3. Therefore, in the irradiation pattern Pi, the first irradiation design Di1becomes a far irradiation design, the third irradiation design Di3becomes a near irradiation design, and the second irradiation design Di2between the first irradiation design and the third irradiation design becomes an intermediate irradiation design. In Embodiment 1, each irradiation design Di is a wide open V-shaped symbol, and the first irradiation design Di1is slightly larger than the other two irradiation designs Di2and Li3.

The direction in which respective vertices of the V-shapes of the irradiation designs Di are lined up is defined as the arrow direction Da, and the pointed side (first irradiation design Di1side) is defined as the front side in the arrow direction Da. The three irradiation designs Di are lined up, so that the irradiation pattern Pi can be made to look like an arrow pointing the arrow direction Da from the vehicle1. The irradiation pattern Pi has the first irradiation design Di1, the second irradiation design Di2, and the third irradiation design Di3elongated in the direction orthogonal to the arrow direction Da on the road surface2which is a projection surface.

Herein, in the first irradiation design Di1, two side edges Die located in the direction orthogonal to the arrow direction Da are straight lines inclined inward as the two side edges Die go toward the rear side in the arrow direction Da (toward the side close to the vehicle), that is, are inclined inward with respect to the arrow direction Da. Additionally, in the second irradiation design Di2and the third irradiation design Di3, both side edges Die are parallel to the arrow direction Da. Therefore, the irradiation pattern Pi can give the impression that the first irradiation design Di1corresponds to an arrowhead in an arrow symbol, and the remaining two irradiation designs Di correspond to a shaft of the arrow symbol, and can more effectively give the impression pointing in the arrow direction Da. In addition, the irradiation pattern Pi can make a person located in front of either the left side or the right side of the vehicle1feel that both side edges Die of the first irradiation design Di1is pointed toward the person, and the irradiation pattern Pi can make the person feel that there is an intention to turn the vehicle in the direction in which the person is located. The irradiation pattern Pi consisting of these three irradiation designs Di is formed by the shade23.

The shade23has a shade part33and a shade frame part34, as illustrated inFIG.6. The shade frame part34has a substantially circular frame shape that surrounds the shade part33, and can be fitted into the shade groove of the light source housing25to be mounted on the light source housing25. In the shade frame part34of Embodiment 1, an upper end and a lower end in the up and down direction are partially cut out in the width direction. In the shade23, a shade reference point Ps is set at a center position of the shade part33, and a line passing through that shade reference point Ps and orthogonal to the shade part33is defined as a shade reference axis line A4. In the shade23, the shade frame part34is mounted on the light source housing25, so that the shade reference axis line A4is aligned with the lamp unit axis A2, and the shade reference point Ps is located on the lamp unit axis A2.

The shade part33is basically formed of a plate-shaped member that blocks transmission of light, and the member is partially cut out to provide a penetrated irradiation slit35. The irradiation slit35corresponds to the irradiation pattern Pi, and forms the irradiation pattern Pi into a predetermined shape by partially passing light emitted from the light source31and condensed by the condenser lens22. The irradiation slit35is composed of three slit parts36in Embodiment 1.

These three slit parts36correspond to the three irradiation designs Di one-to-one. The projection lens24inverts the shade23(irradiation slit35) and projects the shade23onto the road surface2, and therefore each slit part36has rotationally symmetrical positional relationship with the shade reference axis line A4(lamp unit axis A2) as the center with respect to the positional relationship of each irradiation design Di of the irradiation pattern Pi (seeFIG.1,FIG.6and the like). Therefore, among the slit parts36, a lowest first slit part361in the up and down direction becomes a far slit part corresponding to the first irradiation design Di1(far irradiation design) of the irradiation pattern Pi. In addition, in each slit part36, a second slit part362above the first slit part becomes an intermediate slit part corresponding to the second irradiation design Di2(intermediate irradiation design). In each slit part36, an uppermost third slit part363becomes a near slit part corresponding to the third irradiation design Di3(near irradiation design). In the shade23of Embodiment 1, in the up and down direction, the third slit part363is provided above the lamp unit axis A2, and below the third slit part363, the second slit part362is provided across the horizontal line that includes the lamp unit axis A2, and below the second slit part362, the first slit part361is provided. The light that passes through the shade23(each slit part36of the irradiation slit35) is projected onto the road surface2by the projection lens24.

Each of the slit parts36is shaped to imitate a wide open V-shaped symbol, similar to each corresponding irradiation design Di, and is inverted vertically and horizontally with respect to each irradiation design Di. The three slit parts36each have a position, a shape, a size and an interval on the shade part33, which are set according to a distance to the road surface2, such that each irradiation design Di on the road surface2has a size and an interval illustrated inFIG.1. In detail, the lamp unit20(vehicle lighting tool10) is provided at a position higher than the road surface2, and each irradiation design Di is formed on the road surface2by arranging the irradiation designs Di in the arrow direction Da, and therefore the distance to the position on the road surface2forming each irradiation design Di corresponding to each slit part36is different. Therefore, each slit part36has a position, a shape, a size, and an interval according to the distance that each irradiation design Di, which is the light transmitted through the irradiation design Di, is projected onto the road surface2by the projection lens24. Specifically, in Embodiment 1, the first slit part361is shaped to imitate a thin V-shaped symbol, the second slit part362is shaped to imitate a thicker V-shaped symbol than the first slit part361, the third slit part363is thicker than the second slit part362and is shaped to imitate a V-shaped symbol, and the slit parts are more elongated in the width direction than the corresponding irradiation designs Di.

Thus, the three slit parts36are different from the respective irradiation designs Di, have different sizes, and have different intervals. In the slit parts36, the first slit part361has the smallest reduction ratio to the corresponding irradiation design Di, and when light that passes through the first slit part361is projected onto the road surface2, the first irradiation design Di1is formed by being enlarged with the largest magnification ratio. In addition, in the slit parts36, the third slit part363has the largest reduction ratio to the corresponding irradiation design Di, and when light that passes through the third slit part363is projected onto the road surface2, the third irradiation design Di3is formed by being enlarged with the smallest magnification ratio.

The projection lens24is basically a convex lens, as illustrated inFIG.4. In Embodiment 1, an incident surface24aand a light emission surface24bare convex free-form surfaces, and the lower side in the up and down direction is cut out. The projection lens24forms the irradiation pattern Pi (seeFIG.1) on the road surface2by projecting the irradiation slit35(each slit part36) of the shade23. The incident surface24aand the light emission surface24bmay be convex or concave, and are not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1, as long as the projection lens24is a convex lens.

In this projection lens24, a reference focus Fb is set on the lamp unit axis A2and near the shade reference point Ps of the shade23. This reference focus Fb is a location where the light is condensed when light parallel to a projection lens axis A5of the projection lens24is incident from the light emission surface24bside in a state in which the incident surface24aand the light emission surface24bare set as reference curved surfaces. Then, in the projection lens24, the center line in a state in which the incident surface24aand the light emission surface24bare used as the reference curved surfaces is the projection lens axis A5. Herein, the incident surface24aand the light emission surface24bare free-form surfaces based on this standard curved surface, and even when parallel light like the one above is incident from the light emission surface24bside, not all of that luminous flux necessarily passes through the reference focus Fb. In this projection lens24, an incident range Ri from the reference focus Fb is within 35 degrees about the projection lens axis A5. In other words, the projection lens24is set such that the light traveling in the direction within 35 degrees to respect to the projection lens axis A5passes through the reference focus Fb when the parallel light like the one above is incident from the light emission surface24bside. The size (angle) of this incident range Ri can be set as appropriate and is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1.

The projection lens24is disposed in a state of being rotated (tilted) downward from the lamp unit axis A2, with a line passing through the reference focus Fb and extending in the width direction as the rotation center, and in Embodiment 1, the projection lens axis A5is at a downward angle of 20 degrees with respect to the lamp unit axis A2. In addition, the projection lens24only needs to be disposed in the state of being rotated downward from the lamp unit axis A2, about the reference focus Fb set at the above position, and is limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1. The angle of the projection lens axis A5with respect to the lamp unit axis A2is preferably in the range of 15 degrees to 20 degrees.

Thus, in the projection lens24, the projection lens axis A5is tilted by 20 degrees downward from the reference focus Fb with the respect to lamp unit axis A2, and a range of 35 degrees from the reference focus Fb is set as the incident range Ri. Therefore, the projection lens24has the projection lens axis A5that is tilted downward with respect to the lamp unit axis A2so as to locate the lamp unit axis A2within the incident range Ri from the reference focus Fb (moves downward in the up and down direction as the projection lens axis approaches toward the front in the axial direction). This projection lens24has the reference focus Fb located on the lamp unit axis A2and located near the shade reference point Ps of the shade23, and therefore an image of the irradiation slit35(each slit part36) of the shade part33can be formed on the projection lens axis A5with the least aberration according to optical setting of the project lens. Therefore, the projection lens24projects light that passes through the irradiation slit35(each slit part36) of the shade23, which has luminous flux distribution described below, to an area around a position where the light intersects with the projection lens axis A5on the road surface2.

Herein, the projection lens24is provided at a rotated position below the lamp unit axis A2as described above, and therefore interferes with the cylindrical light source housing25. In order to prevent this interference, the projection lens24has a lower end surface24cformed by cutting out a lower end in the up and down direction, and curved surfaces24dformed by cutting out side surfaces adjacent to the lower end surface24c. The lower end surface24cand the curved surfaces24dare formed by partially cutting out portions of the projection lens24, which interfere with the light source housing25(lower member25a), and the lower end surface24cis a flat surface located substantially at the same position as the lower end of the shade23in the up and down direction, and the curved surfaces24dare curved surfaces that follow an inner surface of the light source housing25(lower member25a). Consequently, it is possible to house the projection lens24inside the light source housing25. When the projection lens24is fitted into the condenser lens groove of the light source housing25, the projection lens24is mounted on the light source housing25in a state in which the projection lens axis A5tilted downward with respect to the lamp unit axis A2, as illustrated above. The projection lens24has the positional relationship described above with respect to the shade23which is also fitted into the shade groove of the light source housing25.

Now, optical setting of the condenser lens22will be described with reference toFIG.8toFIG.10. In the condenser lens22, the optical setting is made by appropriately setting curved surfaces of the incident surface22aand the light emission surface22b. The condenser lens22of Embodiment 1 condenses spread light emitted from the light source31as a whole, and irradiates the setting area As (seeFIG.6) in the shade23. The setting area As is a range where the irradiation slit35(each slit part36) are provided in the shade part33of the shade23in Embodiment 1.

As illustrated inFIG.7, in the transverse section including the axial direction and the width direction, the condenser lens22condenses the light emitted from the light source31between the light emission surface22band the shade23such that luminous flux passing through a vicinity of the lamp unit axis A2(condenser lens axis A3) approaches the lamp unit axis A2, and luminous flux passing through a position separated from the lamp unit axis A2is made parallel. That is, the condenser lens22makes the density of the luminous flux on the lamp unit axis A2the highest in the transverse section, and gradually lowers the density of the luminous flux as the luminous flux goes away from the lamp unit axis A2. Herein, inFIG.7, it seems that the luminous flux is concentrated at an outermost part away from the lamp unit axis A2, but this is because the luminous flux is illustrated evenly in order to facilitate understanding of the state of the luminous flux (light path), and the density of the luminous flux is actually gradually lowered as the luminous flux goes away from the lamp unit axis A2. In addition, the light from the light source31has a Lambertian distribution, and the closer the light gets to the lamp unit axis A2, the higher the density of the luminous flux, and therefore this also contributes to the fact that the most light is concentrated on the lamp unit axis A2.

In addition, the condenser lens22condenses the light from the light source31into the setting area As in a longitudinal section including the axial direction and the up and down direction. In this condenser lens22, the light path from the light source31, which travels from the light emission surface22bto the shade23, that is, the aspect of the luminous flux from light emission surface22bto the shade23is set in accordance with the position of the irradiation slit35(each slit part36). The condenser lens22satisfies at least one of a requirement that at least the light path (luminous flux) toward an upper part of the irradiation slit35is made parallel to the lamp unit axis A2, and a requirement that the light path (luminous flux) toward the upper part of the irradiation slit35is tilted downward so as to approach the lamp unit axis A2as the light path (luminous flux) goes toward the irradiation slit35.

In detail, as illustrated inFIG.8, the condenser lens22satisfies at least one of the requirement that the luminous flux toward the upper third slit part363among the light from the light source31is made parallel to the lamp unit axis A2, and the requirement that the luminous flux toward the upper third slit part363among the light from the light source31is tilted downward so as to approach the lamp unit axis A2as the luminous flux goes toward the irradiation slit35, and in Embodiment 1, both the requirements are mixed. Herein, in the condenser lens22, the luminous flux that passes through the upper parts of the incident surface22aand the light emission surface22bmainly goes toward the third slit part363. Therefore, in the condenser lens22, the above light path is set mainly by setting the curvature of the upper parts of each of the incident surface22aand the light emission surface22b.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG.9, the condenser lens22condenses the luminous flux toward the middle second slit part362among the light from the light source31in the vicinity of the second slit part362, that is, intersects with the lamp unit axis A2in the vicinity of the second slit part362. Herein, in the condenser lens22, the luminous flux that passes through the middle parts of the incident surface22aand the light emission surface22bmainly goes to the second slit part362. Therefore, in the condenser lens22, the above light path is set mainly by setting the curvature of the middle part of each of the incident surface22aand the light emission surface22b.

Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG.10, the condenser lens22condenses the luminous flux toward the lower first slit part361among the light from the light source31in the vicinity of the first slit part361, that is, causes mutual intersection in the vicinity of the first slit part361. Herein, in the condenser lens22, the luminous flux that passes through the lower parts of the incident surface22aand the light emission surface22bmainly goes toward the first slit part361. Therefore, in the condenser lens22, the above light path is set mainly by setting the curvature of the lower part of each of the incident surface22aand the light emission surface22b.

This condenser lens22has the above optical setting, so that the least amount of the light is collected in the third slit part363, while the light from the light source31that passes through the condenser lens22is diffused evenly in the up and down directions in the setting area As, and the most amount of the light from the light source31is collected in the first slit part361as the light approaches downward. Herein, inFIG.8toFIG.10, it seems that the luminous flux is collected in the same manner even for any of the slit parts36. This is because the luminous flux is illustrated evenly in each figure to facilitate understanding of the state of the light path (luminous flux), and the actual respective amounts of luminous flux collected are reduced in order of the first slit part361, the second slit part362, and the third slit part363. In addition, the slit parts36become smaller in size from the upper side to the lower side, and therefore the luminous flux is concentrated in a narrower range as the luminous flux goes downward. This also contributes to the fact that the most amount of the light is collected in the first slit part361. Thus, the projection lens24projects the light that passes through the shade23having such a luminous flux distribution, that is, that is transmitted through each slit part36, onto the road surface2on the projection lens axis A5.

This lamp unit20is assembled as follows. First, the light source31is mounted on the substrate32, the light source part21is assembled, and the light source part21is fixed at the installation location26aof the installation stand26. After that, in the lower member25aof the light source housing25, the condenser lens22is fitted into the condenser lens groove, the shade23is fitted into the shade groove, and the projection lens24is fitted into the projection lens groove. Then, the lower member25ais fitted to the upper member25bto form the light source housing25, and the light source housing25is attached to the installation stand26via both the mounting pieces27. Then, the condenser lens22, the shade23, and the projection lens24are housed in the light source housing25, and the light source part21is provided so as to face the condenser lens22. Consequently, the condenser lens22, the shade23, and the projection lens24are arranged in order from the light source part21side on the lamp unit axis A2, and the lamp unit20is assembled with the projection lens24having such a posture that the projection lens axis A5is tilted downward with respect to the lamp unit axis A2.

As illustrated inFIG.2, this lamp unit20is located adjacent to the lower side of the signal lighting unit13in the lighting room14, while the lamp unit axis A2is parallel to the signal lighting unit axis A1of the signal lighting unit13, and the lamp unit20is fixed to the lamp housing11. Consequently, the vehicle lighting tool10is assembled. In this vehicle lighting tool10, the signal lighting unit axis A1and the lamp unit axis A2are parallel to the road surface2, and the projection lens24having such a posture that the projection lens axis A5is tilted downward with respect to the lamp unit axis A2is provided in the lamp unit20.

Now; the action of the vehicle lighting tool10will be described. In the vehicle lighting tool10, the signal lighting unit13can be turned on and off as appropriate by supplying power from the lighting control circuit to the light source31. Additionally, in the vehicle lighting tool10, the lamp unit20can be turned on and off as appropriate by supplying power from the lighting control circuit from the substrate32to the light source31. Then, the vehicle lighting tool10links the signal lighting unit13and the lamp unit20, and when the signal lighting unit13is flashing, the light source31is turned in time with the flashing. Then, in the lamp unit20, the light from the light source31is condensed by the condenser lens22, the shade23is irradiated by the light, and the light passes through the irradiation slit35(each slit part36), and is then projected by the projection lens24, so that the irradiation pattern Pi is formed on the road surface2. From this, in the lamp unit20, the projection lens24(its light emission surface24b) functions as a light-emitting part that emits light when viewed from the surroundings. In the irradiation pattern Pi, the light with the luminous flux distribution described above passes through the irradiation slit35(each slit part36) of the shade23, and is thereafter projected by the projection lens24, so that the three irradiation designs Di are arranged in the arrow direction Da.

Therefore, the vehicle lighting tool10can cause a person around the vehicle1to see a state in which the signal lighting light-emitting part16of each signal lighting unit13is flashing, and a state in which the three irradiation designs Di arranged in each arrow direction Da are flashing on the road surface2nearby, so that it is possible to enhance the visibility of the turn lamps. This is especially effective because the irradiation pattern Pi on the road surface2can be seen even by a person who is at a position where it is difficult to see the signal lighting light-emitting parts16directly, such as a person who is in a different alley from the vehicle1at an intersection with poor visibility, or a person who attempts to overtake the vehicle1from behind. In addition, when the hazard lamps of the vehicle1are turned on, the two left and right vehicle lighting tools10are turned on at the same time, that is, the signal lighting light-emitting parts16of the left and right signal lighting units13are turned on, and both the irradiation patterns Pi are formed on the road surface2such that the both lamp units20spread to the left and right. Therefore, the vehicle1can cause a person to more reliably recognize that the hazard lamps are turned on compared to a case where only the signal lighting units13which serve as the left and right turn lamps are flashing.

Herein, the action of the lamp unit20will be described. The lamp unit20has such a posture that the projection lens axis A5is tilted downward with respect to the lamp unit axis A2by locating the reference focus Fb of the projection lens24on the lamp unit axis A2and near the shade reference point Ps of the shade23, and rotating the projection lens24about the reference focus Fb. Therefore, in the lamp unit20, the projection lens24can project a state in which each slit part36is brightened by the light from the light source31in the shade23(shade part33), onto the projection lens axis A5. At this time, the lamp unit20has the reference focus Fb located near the shade reference point Ps of the shade23. Therefore, the projection lens24can project a state in which the vicinity of the shade reference point Ps, that is, each slit parts36is brightened with the least aberration according to the optical setting, onto the projection lens axis A5. Consequently, even when the lamp unit axis A2is provided parallel to the road surface2, the lamp unit20can appropriately form the irradiation pattern Pi on the road surface2from a higher position than the road surface2.

In addition, in the lamp unit20, the projection lens24is provided so as to have the projection lens axis A5tilted downward with respect to the lamp unit axis A2such that the lamp unit axis A2is located within the incident range Ri from the reference focus Fb. Therefore, in the lamp unit20, the direction along the lamp unit axis A2of the light that passes through each slit part36is the brightest, but the projection lens24can efficiently condense such light according to the optical setting, and can appropriately project, on the projection lens axis A5, a state in which each slit part36is brightened.

Then, the lamp unit20satisfies at least one of the requirement that the luminous flux toward the upper third slit part363among the light from the light source31is made parallel to the lamp unit axis A2in the condenser lens22, and the requirement that the luminous flux is tilted downward so as to approach the lamp unit axis A2as the luminous flux goes toward the irradiation slit35. Herein, because of the positional relationship among light source31, the shade23, and the projection lens24, it is not easy for the lamp unit20to efficiently project light through the third slit part363onto the projection lens axis A5even when the projection lens24is tilted downward as described above. Therefore, in the lamp unit20, the luminous flux from the condenser lens22toward the third slit part363is set as described above, and therefore even the light that passes through the third slit part363can be brought close to the direction in which the projection lens axis A5of the projection lens24extends, compared to a case where such setting is not made. Therefore, even when the light passes through the third slit part363, the lamp unit20can efficiently project the light onto the projection lens axis A5by the projection lens24. Consequently, the lamp unit20can more appropriately form the irradiation pattern Pi on the road surface2on the projection lens axis A5by cooperation of the condenser lens22and the projection lens24tilted downward as described above.

In addition, in the lamp unit20, the light source31has the two LED chips31a, both the LED chips31aare arranged in parallel in the width direction, and the phosphor material31bis made long in the width direction. Herein, in the lamp unit20, the condenser lens22irradiates the inside of the setting area A of the shade part33of the shade23with light while concentrating the light on the lamp unit axis A2in the width direction, and condenses the light so as to concentrate the light in the setting area As in the up and down direction. In the lamp unit20, the condenser lens22satisfies at least one of the requirement that the luminous flux toward the upper third slit part363among the light from the light source31is made parallel to the lamp unit axis A2, and the requirement that the luminous flux toward the upper third slit part363among the light from the light source31is tilted downward so as to approach the lamp unit axis A2as the luminous flux goes toward the irradiation slit35. Therefore, in the lamp unit20, the control of the light from the light source31in the condenser lens22requires greater precision in the up and down direction than precision in the width direction. In the lamp unit20, both the LED chips31aare arranged in parallel in the width direction and the phosphor material31bis made long in the width direction, so that the brightest portion of the light source31can be located at such a position as to overlap with the condenser lens axis A3in the up and down direction. Therefore, in the lamp unit20, the condenser lens22can control the light from the light source31with the least aberration according to the optical setting in the up and down direction, and therefore a more appropriate luminous flux distribution can be achieved for each slit part36.

Herein, in the conventional vehicle lighting tool described in the prior art document forms the irradiation pattern on the road surface by tilting the lamp unit axis of the lamp unit, which is combination of the light source, the light-shielding member, and the projection lens, downward toward the road surface. Therefore, in the vehicle lighting tool, it is difficult to arrange the lamp unit and the signal lighting unit side by side to combine the lamp unit and the signal lighting unit into a single lighting tool. This will be described with reference toFIG.2andFIG.11. Herein, a problem caused by tilting the lamp unit is similar even in the vehicle lighting tool10of Embodiment 1, in a case where the lamp unit20(lamp unit axis A2) is tilted with respect to the signal lighting unit13(signal lighting unit axis A1). Therefore,FIG.11uses the signal lighting unit13and the lamp unit20likeFIG.2.

First, in the vehicle lighting tool10, in a case the two units (the signal lighting unit13and the lamp unit20) are provided to be combined into a single lighting tool, a distance between the light-emitting parts of the both units, that is, the signal lighting light-emitting part16and the projection lens24(its light emission surface24b) is stipulated by regulations so as to be less than or equal to a predetermined interval d (seeFIG.2). This predetermined interval d is 75 mm. Herein, the signal lighting unit13is a device that directly shows the signal lighting light-emitting part16, that is, the light emitted from the signal lighting light-emitting part16to a person around the device, and therefore the signal lighting unit axis A1and the road surface2are provided in parallel. Therefore, in the vehicle lighting tool10, when the lamp unit20is tilted downward as illustrated by the broken line inFIG.11, the tilted lamp unit20interferes with the signal lighting unit13. In the vehicle lighting tool10, as illustrated by the solid line inFIG.11, when the tilted lamp unit20is lowered to such a position as not to interfere with the signal lighting unit13, an interval d′ between the signal lighting light-emitting part16and the projection lens24(light emission surface24b) becomes larger than the predetermined interval d. Therefore, in the conventional vehicle lighting tool, since the lamp unit is tilted, even when the lamp unit and the signal lighting unit try to be arranged side by side and combined into a single lighting tool, the regulations cannot be met.

On the other hand, in the vehicle lighting tool10, the lamp unit20tilts the projection lens24(projection lens axis A5) downward about the reference focus Fb, so that even when the lamp unit axis A2is parallel to the road surface2, the irradiation pattern Pi can be formed on the road surface2. Therefore, in the vehicle lighting tool10, the lamp unit20and the signal lighting unit13can be provided side by side in a state in which the lamp unit axis A2and the signal lighting unit axis A1are parallel, as illustrated inFIG.2. Therefore, the signal lighting light-emitting part16and the projection lens24(light emission surface24b) can be kept within the predetermined interval d (within the regulations). Consequently, in the vehicle lighting tool10, the lamp unit20and the signal lighting unit13are arranged side by side and combined into a single lighting tool, the degree of freedom in the position and the manner of mounting on the vehicle1can be enhanced, and usability can be improved.

The lamp unit20and the vehicle lighting tool10of Embodiment 1 can obtain the following effects.

In the lamp unit20, the light source31, the condenser lens22, the light-shielding member (shade23), and the projection lens24are arranged along the lamp unit axis A2. In the lamp unit20, the projection lens24has the reference focus Fb set on the lamp unit axis A2, and is disposed at such a position rotated downward about the reference focus Fb, and the projection lens axis A5is directed further downward than the lamp unit axis A2. Therefore, even when the lamp unit axis A2is provided parallel to the road surface2, the lamp unit20can project the light that passes through the irradiation slit35of the light-shielding member (shade23) in the direction of the projection lens axis A5, and can form the irradiation pattern Pi on the road surface2.

In the lamp unit20, the projection lens24is tilted downward such that the lamp unit axis A2is located within the incident range Ri of the light set around the projection lens axis A5. Therefore, in the lamp unit20, of the light that passes through each slit part36, the light in the direction along the lamp unit axis A2is the brightest, but the projection lens24can efficiently condenses such light according to the optical setting, and the state in which the irradiation slit35is brightened can be appropriately projected onto the projection lens axis A5by the passing light.

In the lamp unit20, the condenser lens22satisfies at least one of the requirement that the traveling direction of the light emitted from the light source31to pass through an upper end of the irradiation slit35is made parallel to the lamp unit axis A2, and the requirement that the traveling direction is tilted downward so as to approach the lamp unit axis A2as the traveling direction of the light goes toward the irradiation slit35. Therefore, the lamp unit20can bring even the light that passes through the upper end of the irradiation slit35close to the direction in which the projection lens axis A5of the projection lens24extends, and can more appropriately form the irradiation pattern Pi on the road surface2on the projection lens axis A5by cooperation of the projection lens24tilted downward.

In the lamp unit20, the light source31is disposed at such a position that the light emitting surface (phosphor material31b) overlaps with the condenser lens axis A3of the condenser lens22in the up and down direction (vertical direction). Therefore, in the lamp unit20, the condenser lens22can efficiently cause the light from the light source31to travel in the direction according to the optical setting, and it is possible to easily control the direction of the luminous flux directed there while ensuring brightness on the light-shielding member (shade23).

In the lamp unit20, the light-shielding member (shade23) sets the shade reference point Ps on the lamp unit axis A2, and the projection lens24is disposed such that the reference focus Fb is located near the shade reference point Ps. Therefore, in the lamp unit20, the projection lens24can project the light-shielding member with the least aberration according to the optical setting, and can more appropriately project, on the projection lens axis A5, the state in which the irradiation slit35is brightened by the light that passes therethrough.

The vehicle lighting tool10includes the lamp unit20described above. Therefore, the vehicle lighting tool10can form the irradiation pattern Pi on the road surface2even when the lamp unit20is provided such that the lamp unit axis A2is parallel to the road surface2, and therefore the degree of freedom in the position and the manner of mounting on the vehicle1can be enhanced, and usability can be improved.

The vehicle lighting tool10further includes the signal lighting unit13with the signal lighting light-emitting part16set on the signal lighting unit axis A1, and the lamp unit20and the signal lighting unit13are located adjacent to each other with the lamp unit axis A2and the signal lighting unit axis A1parallel to each other. Therefore, the vehicle lighting tool10can bring the signal lighting light-emitting part16and the projection lens24(light emission surface24b) close to each other at less than the predetermined interval d (interval specified by regulations), and the vehicle lighting tool10can form the irradiation pattern Pi on the road surface2while arranging the lamp unit20and the signal lighting unit13side by side and combining the lamp unit20and the signal lighting unit13into a single lighting tool.

Therefore, the lamp unit20(vehicle lighting tool10) of Embodiment 1, which is a lamp unit (vehicle lighting tool) according to the present disclosure, can form the irradiation pattern Pi on the road surface2without almost tilting the inclination of the lamp unit axis A2with respect to the road surface2.

Now, a lamp unit20A and a vehicle lighting tool10A of Embodiment 2 as examples of a lamp unit and a vehicle lighting tool according to the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG.12toFIG.14. The vehicle lighting tool10A (lamp unit20A) has the same basic concept and configuration as the vehicle lighting tool10(lamp unit20) of Embodiment 1, and therefore parts with the same configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the details thereof are not described.

In the vehicle lighting tool10A of Embodiment 2, the lamp unit20A has a light source part21A and a condenser lens22A which are different in configuration from those of the lamp unit20of Embodiment 1, and a posture of a shade23is different. In this lamp unit20A, as illustrated inFIG.13, the light source part21A has a first light source311and a second light source312, which are mounted on a substrate32. The first light source311and the second light source312have the same configurations as the light source31of Embodiment 1, and each phosphor material31bfunctions as a light emitting surface. In the first light source311and the second light source312, the phosphor materials31beach have a long rectangular shape in the width direction, and each emission optical axis31L is set by extending from the center in the axial direction.

The first light source311and the second light source312are each provided on the substrate32at a position above the lamp unit axis A2in the up and down direction, and are provided side by side in parallel in the width direction with an interval. In the first light source311and the second light source312, each phosphor material31bis located above a straight line that includes the lamp unit axis A2and extends in the width direction, and is located so as to overlap with a straight line that includes the condenser lens axis A3of the condenser lens22A in the up and down direction with and extends in the width direction. Therefore, the first light source311and the second light source312are arranged at such positions that the phosphor materials31b, which serve as light emitting surfaces, overlap with the condenser lens axis A3of the condenser lens22A in the up and down direction (vertical direction).

This condenser lens22A has an incident surface41facing the light source part21A and a light emission surface42facing the opposite side, as illustrated inFIG.12. The incident surface41has a central part recessed to the inside of the condenser lens22A (on the opposite side from the light source part21A), and a curved incident surface part43that is convexly curved outward at the center, and an annular incident surface part44surrounding the curved incident surface part43. Additionally, a truncated conical reflective surface45surrounding the annular incident surface part44is provided around the incident surface41.

The curved incident surface part43faces the light source part21A in the axial direction, and the light source part21A is located near a focus on the rear side (rear focus). The curved incident surface part43allows light emitted from the light source part21A to enter the condenser lens22A as light that travels forward in the axial direction. The annular incident surface part44protrudes toward the light source part21A side and allows light from the light source part21A, which does not travel to the curved incident surface part43, to enter the condenser lens22A. The reflective surface45is formed at such a position that light which enters the condenser lens22A from the annular incident surface part44travels. When the reflective surface45reflects the light incident from the annular incident surface part44, the light travels forward in the axial direction. The reflective surface45may reflect light using total reflection, or may reflect light by adhering aluminum, silver, or the like by vapor deposition or painting. Therefore, in the condenser lens22A, on the incident surface41, the light that passes through the curved incident surface part43becomes direct light that goes directly to the light emission surface42, and the light that passes through the annular incident surface part44and is reflected by the reflective surface45is reflected internally and then becomes reflected light that goes toward the light emission surface42.

In this condenser lens22A, the central axis line of the annular incident surface part44of the incident surface41is defined as the condenser lens axis A3. As illustrated inFIG.12andFIG.13, in the condenser lens22A, the condenser lens axis A3is disposed at such a position as to be displaced above the lamp unit axis A2in the up and down direction. In the condenser lens22A, in the up and down direction (vertical direction), the condenser lens axis A3is located at such a position as to overlap with the respective light emitting surfaces (phosphor materials31b) of the first light source311and the second light source312below the respective emission optical axes31L. Therefore, in the condenser lens22A has such positional relationship that while the first light source311and the second light source312are basically located inside the annular incident surface part44, and face the curved incident surface part43in the axial direction, the first light source311and the second light source312are displaced slightly above the condenser lens axis A3.

The light emission surface42emits the light incident from the incident surface41to the front side in the axial direction. The light emission surface42condenses the light incident from the incident surface41onto a setting area As, and allows the light to travel toward the irradiation slit35(each slit part36). In the condenser lens22A, the aspect of the luminous flux leading to the shade23is set according to the position of the irradiation slit35(each slit part36). This setting is basically the same as the setting of the condenser lens22of Embodiment 1, and satisfies at least one of a requirement that at least a light path (luminous flux) toward an upper part of the irradiation slit35is made parallel to the lamp unit axis A2, and a requirement that the light path (luminous flux) toward the upper part of the irradiation slit35is tilted downward so as to approach the lamp unit axis A2as the light path (luminous flux) goes toward the irradiation slit35.

In detail, as illustrated inFIG.14, the condenser lens22A satisfies at least one of the requirement that the luminous flux toward an upper third slit part363among the light from the light source part21A (light sources311and312) is made parallel to the lamp unit axis A2, and the requirement that the luminous flux toward the upper third slit part363among the light from the light source31is tilted downward so as to approach the lamp unit axis A2as the luminous flux goes toward the irradiation slit35, and in Embodiment 1, both the requirements are mixed. In addition, the condenser lens22A condenses the luminous flux toward a middle second slit part362among the light from light source part21A (light sources311and312) in the vicinity of the second slit part362, and condenses the luminous flux toward a lower first slit part361in the vicinity of the first slit part361. These light paths are set by adjusting the curvature of the incident surface41(mainly, the curved incident surface part43and the reflective surface45), and the curvature of the light emission surface42while considering the positional relationship of the condenser lens22A with respect to the light source part21A (light sources311and312) mentioned above.

The shade23has the same configuration as the shade23of Embodiment 1, but a posture with respect to the lamp unit axis A2is different from that in Embodiment 1. The shade23of Embodiment 2 is rotated so as to displace the front side (projection lens24side) in the axial direction of the shade reference axis line A4downward about a line, which passes through a shade reference point Ps and extends in the width direction, and the shade reference axis line A4is tilted with respect to the lamp unit axis A2. The inclination (angle) of the shade reference axis line A4with respect to the lamp unit axis A2is smaller than the inclination of the projection lens axis A5of the projection lens24with respect to the lamp unit axis A2. The inclination of the shade reference axis line A4with respect to the lamp unit axis A2is not preferably more than half the inclination of the projection lens axis A5with respect to the lamp unit axis A2, and in Embodiment 2, the inclination of the shade reference axis line A4is substantially 10 degrees.

This vehicle lighting tool10A is configured as described above, so that the vehicle lighting tool10A can form an irradiation pattern Pi on a road surface2in the same manner as the vehicle lighting tool10of Embodiment 1. At this time, in the vehicle lighting tool10A, in the lamp unit20A, the single condenser lens22A that guides light from each of the two light sources (311,312) inward from the incident surface41and emits each light from the light emission surface42is provided for the two light sources (311,312). In the lamp unit20A, the light emitted from each of both the light sources in the direction substantially along each emission optical axis31L enters from the curved incident surface part43of the incident surface41in the condenser lens22A, and the light emitted from each of both the light sources in such a direction that each light spreads (large angle with respect to the emission optical axis31L) enters from the annular incident surface part44of the incident surface41and is reflected by the reflective surface45. Therefore, the lamp unit20A can efficiently utilize the light emitted from each light source31even when a single condenser lens22A is used for the two light sources (311,312).

In addition, the lamp unit20A has the light source part21A and the condenser lens22A displaced above the lamp unit axis A2, that is, the shade reference axis line A4of the shade23, and the traveling direction of light that emits from the light source part21A and goes from the condenser lens22A to the setting area As of the shade23is directed downward. Therefore, in the lamp unit20A, optical setting in the condenser lens22A (at least one of the requirement that the light path (luminous flux) toward the upper part of the irradiation slit35is made parallel to the lamp unit axis A2, and the requirement that the light path (luminous flux) toward the upper part of the irradiation slit35is tilted downward so as to approach the lamp unit axis A2as the light path (luminous flux) goes toward the irradiation slit35is satisfied) can be assisted by the positional relationship of the light source part21A and the condenser lens22A with respect to the shade23. Consequently, in the lamp unit20A, it is possible to reduce the amount of adjustment of the curvature of each of the incident surface41and the light emission surface42for the optical setting in the condenser lens22A, and the light path from the condenser lens22A to the shade23can be appropriately set with a simpler configuration. Therefore, the lamp unit20A can appropriately form the irradiation pattern Pi on the road surface2even when the lamp unit axis A2is parallel to the road surface2.

Furthermore, in the lamp unit20A, the condenser lens22A and both the light sources are provided such that the emission optical axes31L of both the light sources (311,312) of the light source part21A are located above the condenser lens axis A3of the condenser lens22A. Therefore, in the lamp unit20A, the traveling direction of the light from the light source part21A toward the condenser lens22A can be directed downward. Consequently, in the lamp unit20A, optical setting in the condenser lens22A (at least one of the requirement that the light path (luminous flux) toward the upper part of the irradiation slit35is made parallel to the lamp unit axis A2, and the requirement that the light path (luminous flux) toward the upper part of the irradiation slit35is tilted downward so as to approach the lamp unit axis A2as the light path (luminous flux) goes toward the irradiation slit35) can be assisted by the positional relationship of the light source part21A with respect to the condenser lens22A. Consequently, in the lamp unit20A, it is possible to reduce the amount of adjustment of the curvature of each of the incident surface41and the light emission surface42for the optical setting in the condenser lens22A, and the light path from the condenser lens22A to the shade23can be appropriately set with a simpler configuration.

The vehicle lighting tool10A and the lamp unit20A of Embodiment 2 can obtain the following effects. The vehicle lighting tool10A and the lamp unit20A basically have the same configuration as the vehicle lighting tool10and the lamp unit20of Embodiment 1, and therefore can obtain the same effects as Embodiment 1.

In addition, in the lamp unit20A, a light-shielding member (shade23) is rotated so as to displace the projection lens24side of the light-shielding reference axis line (shade reference axis line A4) downward about the reference point (shade reference point Ps). Therefore, the lamp unit20A can make the luminous flux, which has an inclination close to the projection lens axis A5of the projection lens24, more easily go from the light-shielding member (shade23) to the projection lens24, and can assist projection onto the projection lens axis A5by the projection lens24. In particular, in the lamp unit20A, the inclination of the light-shielding reference axis line (shade reference axis line A4) with respect to the lamp unit axis A2is smaller than the inclination of the projection lens axis A5with respect to the lamp unit axis A2. Therefore, in the lamp unit20A, the downward angle can be gradually increased using the light-shielding member (shade23) and the projection lens24, and therefore the direction in which the luminous flux travels more smoothly can be tilted downward.

Accordingly, the lamp unit20A (vehicle lighting tool10A) of Embodiment 2, which is a lamp unit (vehicle lighting tool) according to the present disclosure, can form the irradiation pattern Pi on the road surface2without tilting the lamp unit axis A2with respect to the road surface2.

Although the vehicle lighting tool and the lamp unit of the present disclosure are described on the basis of each embodiment, the specific configuration is not limited to each embodiment, and changes and additions to the design are permissible as long as the changes and the additions do not depart from the gist of the invention according to each claim in the scope of claims.

In addition, in each embodiment, the three irradiation designs Di, which are V-shaped symbols, are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the direction away from the vehicle1to form the irradiation pattern Pi. However, when the irradiation pattern is formed by the shade (light-shielding member), the design of the symbol as the irradiation design Di, the position where the irradiation design is formed, the number of the irradiation designs Di, and the like can be set as appropriate, and are not limited to each embodiment. Each of the slit parts36of the shade23may each have a design, a position where a design is formed, the number, and the like formed according to the set irradiation pattern as appropriate, and is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment. In addition, the vehicle lighting tools10and10A (lamp units20and20A) are provided at the front parts of the vehicle1in the respective embodiments. However, as long as the vehicle lighting tools are provided in the vehicle1depending on the positions where irradiation patterns are formed with respect to the vehicle1, the vehicle lighting tools10and10A (lamp units20and20A) may be disposed in headlight lighting rooms or taillight lighting rooms (lighting rooms on both left and right sides of the rear of the vehicle), and are not limited to the configuration of each embodiment.

Furthermore, in each embodiment, the light sources (31,311,312) each emit amber-colored light. However, the color of the light emitted from the light source31may be appropriately set according to the location where the light source31is provided and the content to be conveyed, and is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment.

Furthermore, in each embodiment, the shade23which passes the light condensed by the condenser lens22or22A through irradiation slit35is used as a light-shielding member. However, the light-shielding member may have any other configuration as long as the light-shielding member is provided with the irradiation slit35that partially passes the light condensed by the condenser lens22, and is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment. Other configurations may include, for example, a light shielding plate (filter) formed by providing an irradiation slit, which partially transmits light, on a plate-like film member, which blocks light transmission, and transmitting light which passes through the condenser lens22or22A from the irradiation slit.

In each embodiment, the vehicle lighting tools10or10A (lamp unit20or20A) are provided in the vehicle1driven by a driver. However, the vehicle lighting tools (lamp units) may be provided in a vehicle having an automatic driving function, and are not limited to the configuration of each embodiment. In this case, the vehicle lighting tools (lamp units) may form irradiation patterns at timing that corresponds to intended use for providing, that is, timing in accordance with some intention regarding operation of the vehicle1, and are not limited to the configuration of each embodiment.

In each embodiment, in the lamp unit20or20A, the light source part21or21A is provided on the installation stand26which functions as a heat sink, and this installation stand26is configured to be connected to the light source housing25. However, as long as the lamp unit is one that forms an irradiation pattern by condensing light from a light source onto a light-shielding member using a condenser lens and projecting the light that passes through the light-shielding member using a projection lens, the light source part may be provided at the end of the housing, or may have other configurations, and is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment.

In each embodiment, the single light source31or the two light sources311and312are provided. However, the number and the arrangement of the light sources may be set as appropriate, and are not limited to the configuration of each embodiment. Herein, when a plurality of the light sources are provided, the light sources are desirably arranged in parallel in the width direction in order that the condenser lens22or22A can control light from each light source31with the least aberration according to the optical setting in the up and down direction.

In each embodiment, the lamp unit axis A2of the lamp unit20or20A and the signal lighting unit axis A1of the signal lighting unit13are parallel. However, the lamp unit axis A2and the signal lighting unit axis A1do not need to be completely parallel as long as the lamp unit axis A2and the signal lighting unit axis A1are substantially parallel. Herein, the “substantially parallel” means that the angle to be formed is no more than 3 degrees, preferably within 1 degree. Therefore, the lamp unit axis A2may also be substantially parallel to the road surface2, that is, may be tilted at an upper limit of 3 degrees.

In each embodiment, the condenser lens22or22A is parallel to the condenser lens axis A3and the lamp unit axis A2. However, the condenser lens22or22A may be rotated so as to displace the light-shielding member (shade23) side of the condenser lens axis A3downward about the lens center point Lc, and is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment. At this time, the inclination of the condenser lens axis A3with respect to the lamp unit axis A2is desirably smaller than the inclination of the light-shielding reference axis line (shade reference axis line A4) with respect to the lamp unit axis A2, and is preferably not more than half the inclination of the light-shielding reference axis line with respect to the lamp unit axis A2. Thus, it is possible to assist in setting the light path from condenser lens22or22A to the shade23as described above, and it is possible to reduce the amount of adjustment of the curvature of each of the incident surface41and the light emission surface42for the optical setting in the condenser lens22or22A.

In Embodiment 1, the shade reference axis line A4of the shade23is parallel to the lamp unit axis A2, and in Embodiment 2, the shade reference axis line A4of the shade23is titled so as to displace the projection lens24side downward with respect to the lamp unit axis A2. However, in the configuration of Embodiment 1, the shade23may be tilted as in Embodiment 2, and in the configuration of Embodiment 2, the shade23may be not tilted as in Embodiment 1, and the configuration of the shade is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment.

In each embodiment, in the vehicle lighting tool10(10A), a part of the signal lighting radiation part17of the signal lighting unit13, a part of the installation stand26of the lamp unit20(20A) are exposed to the outside of the lamp housing11. However, the vehicle lighting tool may include the entire signal lighting unit13and the entire lamp unit20(20A) inside the lamp housing11, and is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment. In this case, the signal lighting unit13and the lamp unit20(20A) are fixed to the lamp housing11via a bracket or the like, so that the signal lighting unit axis A1and the lamp unit axis A2can be provided in parallel (substantially parallel).

In each embodiment, the lamp unit20(20A) is disposed adjacent to the signal lighting unit13in the vehicle lighting tool10(10A). However, the vehicle lighting tool only needs to include the lamp unit20(20A) having the configuration described above, and is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment. This vehicle lighting tool can be provided with the lamp unit20(20A) with the lamp unit axis A2parallel (substantially parallel) to the road surface2, and therefore the degree of freedom in the position and the manner of mounting on the vehicle1can be enhanced, and usability can be improved. Even in this case, the vehicle lighting tool provided with the signal lighting unit can be provided with the signal lighting unit axis and the lamp unit axis A2made parallel (substantially parallel).

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

10,10A vehicle lighting tool13signal lighting unit16signal lighting light-emitting part20,20A lamp unit22,22A condenser lens23shade (as an example of light-shielding member)24projection lens31,311,312light source31bphosphor material (as an example of light emitting surface)35irradiation slitA1signal lighting unit axisA2lamp unit axisA3condenser lens axisA4shade reference axis line (as an example of light-shielding reference axis line)A5projection lens axisFb reference focusLc lens center pointPi irradiation patternPs shade reference point (as an example of reference point)Ri incident range