JP2018163809A - Vehicular lighting fixture - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular lighting fixture which can achieve both improvement in designability and light distribution requirement.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture 10 expresses a figure in a lighting fixture by light emission. The vehicular lighting fixture 10 includes: a first light source unit 20 including a plurality of first light emitting elements 24 for emitting excitation light and a light wavelength conversion member 26 arranged being separated from the plurality fo first light emitting elements 24, and for emitting light of a wavelength different from the excitation light when receiving the excitation light, and for forming a figure or part of the figure by light emission of the light wavelength conversion member 26 according to lighting of the plurality of first light emitting elements 24; and a second light source unit 22 including at least one second light emitting element 28 which can emit light of higher light intensity than the plurality of first light emitting elements 24, and for forming the figure in cooperation with the first light source unit 20 by lighting of at least one second light emitting element 28.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp, for example, a vehicular lamp suitable for a marker lamp of a vehicle such as an automobile.

  Conventionally, a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a line, a substrate on which the plurality of light-emitting elements are mounted, and a line-shaped light wavelength conversion member that is disposed apart from the light-emitting surfaces of the plurality of light-emitting elements, A vehicular lamp is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

International Publication No. 2016/006698

  As a result of intensive studies on vehicle lamps, the present inventors have recognized the following problems.

  Since the vehicular lamp is a part of the appearance of the vehicle, it is desired that the vehicular lamp is excellent in design. For example, the light of a headlamp such as a clearance lamp, a daytime running lamp, or a front turn signal lamp has a relatively great influence on the vehicle design. Ideally, it should be able to emit beautiful light when viewed from any direction with the designed geometric or any other shape.

  On the other hand, the vehicular lamp needs to satisfy the prescribed light distribution requirements. For example, it is required to guarantee brightness exceeding a reference in a predetermined direction. Currently, taking a daytime running lamp and a front turn signal lamp as an example, a front brightness of 500 cd (@ √10 m) must be ensured. Satisfying such a light distribution requirement is facilitated, for example, by directing the optical axis of the lamp light source in a required direction. In that case, the light in the other direction is reduced, but can be allowed in light distribution requirements.

  However, as a result, it is difficult to realize omnidirectional light emission that is ideal from the viewpoint of design on appearance. For example, when the lamp is viewed from a direction other than the optical axis, there is a concern that the light-emitting shape is less beautiful than when viewed from the optical axis direction.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a condition, The objective is to provide the lamp | ramp for vehicles which enables coexistence of a design improvement and a light distribution requirement.

  In order to solve the above problems, a vehicle lamp according to an aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lamp that expresses a figure in a lamp by light emission, and includes a plurality of first light emitting elements that emit excitation light, and a plurality of first light emitting elements. A light wavelength conversion member that is disposed apart from one light emitting element and emits light having a wavelength different from that of the excitation light when receiving the excitation light, and the light wavelength conversion member emits light when the plurality of first light emitting elements are turned on. A first light source unit forming a figure or a part thereof, and at least one second light emitting element capable of emitting light with higher luminous intensity than the plurality of first light emitting elements, and lighting at least one second light emitting element A second light source unit that forms a figure in cooperation with the first light source unit.

  According to this aspect, the figure to be expressed by light emission in the lamp is formed by the first light source unit or by the cooperation of the first light source unit and the second light source unit. The first light source unit is configured by a so-called remote phosphor system in which the light wavelength conversion member is disposed at a position away from the excitation light source. The remote phosphor method is advantageous for expressing a light emission pattern with more uniform brightness and / or more uniform color. In addition, since the second light source unit can emit light with high luminous intensity, it can be used to satisfy the light distribution requirement. In this way, it is possible to provide a vehicular lamp that can achieve both improved designability and light distribution requirements.

  The 2nd light source unit may be arrange | positioned so that the emitted light may go to a vehicle front direction.

  The 1st light source unit may be arrange | positioned so that the emitted light may go to the diagonally outer side or the side of a vehicle with respect to the vehicle front direction.

  The at least one second light emitting element may be disposed behind the light wavelength conversion member and separated from the light wavelength conversion member so that the emitted light passes through the light wavelength conversion member and exits from the lamp. .

  The plurality of first light emitting elements may include a first group including at least one first light emitting element and a second group including at least one first light emitting element. The first light emitting elements of the first group may be arranged farther from at least one second light emitting element than the first light emitting elements of the second group. The first light source unit may be configured such that the first light emitting elements of the first group are lit at the first luminous intensity and the first light emitting elements of the second group are lit at the second luminous intensity higher than the first luminous intensity. The second light source unit may be configured such that at least one second light emitting element is lit at a third luminous intensity higher than the second luminous intensity.

  The second light source unit may be arranged on the center side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the first light source unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the vehicular lamp which enables coexistence of a design improvement and a light distribution requirement can be provided.

It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the vehicle lamp which concerns on embodiment. The AA sectional view of the light emission part of the vehicle lamp shown by FIG. 1 is shown roughly. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the vehicle lamp which concerns on embodiment from the vehicle front. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the vehicle lamp which concerns on other embodiment.

  The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The embodiments do not limit the invention but are exemplifications, and all features and combinations described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. In addition, the scale and shape of each part shown in each drawing are set for convenience in order to facilitate the explanation, and are not limitedly interpreted unless otherwise specified. In addition, terms such as “first” and “second” used in the specification or claims do not represent any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one configuration from another. It is.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the vehicle front direction and the vehicle side (outside) are indicated by arrows, respectively. FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross section taken along line AA of the light emitting part of the vehicular lamp shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the vehicular lamp according to the embodiment as viewed from the front of the vehicle.

  The vehicular lamp 10 is attached to the left side in front of the vehicle, for example, and used as a daytime running lamp. The vehicular lamp 10 can also be used as a clearance lamp. Note that another vehicle lamp 10 having a symmetrical structure is attached to the right side in front of the vehicle.

  The vehicular lamp 10 is configured to express a figure in the lamp by light emission. The vehicular lamp 10 includes a light emitting unit 11 having an arbitrarily designed shape such as an L shape, an arrowhead shape, or a ring shape. When the light emitting unit 11 emits light, a figure having an arbitrarily designed shape such as an L shape, an arrowhead shape, or a ring shape appears in the lamp.

  The figure expressed in the lamp may be one-dimensional such as a linear or curved light-emitting line, or may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The graphic to be represented need not consist of only a single graphic. The graphic to be expressed may be composed of a plurality of graphic elements (for example, points, lines, or other elements). The plurality of graphic elements need not all be connected to each other, and at least one graphic element may be separated from at least one other graphic element. Thus, for example, the represented figure may include an array of a plurality of points (or lines).

  The vehicular lamp 10 includes a lamp body 12 having a recess opened forward, and an outer lens 14 (or a translucent cover) that closes the opening of the lamp body 12. A lamp housing 16 is configured by the lamp body 12 and the outer lens 14. An internal space of the lamp housing 16 is formed as a lamp chamber 18.

  In the lamp chamber 18, the light emitting part 11 of the vehicular lamp 10 is accommodated. The light emitting unit 11 is configured by combining two types of light source units. The light emitting unit 11 includes a first light source unit 20 and a second light source unit 22.

  The first light source unit 20 is arranged such that the emitted light is directed obliquely outward or laterally with respect to the vehicle front direction. The 2nd light source unit 22 is arrange | positioned so that the emitted light may go to a vehicle front direction. The second light source unit 22 is disposed on the center side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the first light source unit 20.

  The first light source unit 20 is disposed with a plurality of first light emitting elements 24 that emit excitation light and spaced apart from the plurality of first light emitting elements 24, and emits light having a wavelength different from that of the excitation light when receiving the excitation light. A conversion member 26. The first light source unit 20 forms a figure to be expressed in the vehicular lamp 10 or a part thereof by light emission of the light wavelength conversion member 26 when the plurality of first light emitting elements 24 are turned on.

  In addition, the second light source unit 22 includes at least one second light emitting element 28 that can emit light with higher luminous intensity than the plurality of first light emitting elements 24. The second light source unit 22 can also be called a high brightness light emitting device. The second light source unit 22 forms a figure in cooperation with the first light source unit 20 by lighting at least one second light emitting element 28.

  The plurality of first light emitting elements 24 of the first light source unit 20 are arranged according to a figure to be expressed by the vehicular lamp 10. For example, the plurality of first light emitting elements 24 may be arranged along a straight line, a curve such as an arc, or any combination of a straight line and a curve. The plurality of first light emitting elements 24 may be arranged in a row or in a plurality of rows. The first light source unit 20 has eleven first light emitting elements 24 in the illustrated example. However, the number of the first light emitting elements 24 is not limited to this and is arbitrary.

  The first light emitting element 24 is, for example, an LED element or other semiconductor light emitting element. The plurality of first light emitting elements 24 are mounted on the first mounting substrate 25. The plurality of first light emitting elements 24 are supplied with power from a power source (not shown) via the first mounting substrate 25.

  At least one second light emitting element 28 of the second light source unit 22 is arranged according to a figure to be expressed by the vehicular lamp 10, similarly to the first light emitting element 24. The second light emitting element 28 is disposed on the center side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the first light emitting element 24. The 2nd light emitting element 28 is located in the edge part of the center side in the vehicle width direction. The light emitting surface of the second light emitting element 28 is directed in the vehicle front direction. Although the second light source unit 22 has only one second light emitting element 28 in the illustrated example, the second light source unit 22 may have a plurality of second light emitting elements 28.

  The second light emitting element 28 is, for example, an LED element or other semiconductor light emitting element. The second light emitting element 28 is mounted on the second mounting substrate 29. The second light emitting element 28 is supplied with power from a power source (not shown) via the second mounting substrate 29. The second mounting substrate 29 is disposed so that the light emitting surface of the second light emitting element 28 faces the vehicle front direction.

  The second light emitting element 28 is preferably capable of emitting light in the form of a point light source. If necessary, a condensing lens 34 or other optical member is provided between the second light emitting element 28 and the light wavelength conversion member 26 or at another location, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. May be.

  The first mounting board 25 and the second mounting board 29 have a shape that extends in accordance with a figure to be expressed by the vehicular lamp 10. The first mounting substrate 25 is disposed to be inclined with respect to the second mounting substrate 29. The support surface on which the second mounting substrate 29 supports the second light emitting element 28 is substantially flat, and the normal line thereof is substantially parallel to the vehicle front direction. The inclination angle α formed by the support surface of the first mounting substrate 25 with respect to the support surface of the second mounting substrate 29 may be, for example, 30 ° or another inclination angle. The support surface on which the first mounting substrate 25 supports the first light emitting element 24 is generally a flat surface, and the normal line thereof is obliquely outward with respect to the vehicle front direction. The first mounting board 25 and the second mounting board 29 may be flexible printed boards.

  The second mounting substrate 29 is separated from the first mounting substrate 25. However, the second mounting substrate 29 may be a substrate integrated with the first mounting substrate 25. The integrated board may be a flexible printed board and bendable at the boundary between the first mounting board 25 and the second mounting board 29.

  In the illustrated example, the first mounting substrate 25 is a single substrate on which all of the plurality of first light emitting elements 24 are mounted. However, the first mounting substrate 25 may be divided into a plurality of substrates each mounting at least one first light emitting element 24. Similarly, when a plurality of second light emitting elements 28 are provided, the second mounting substrate 29 may also be divided into a plurality of substrates.

  It is not essential that the entire first light source unit 20, that is, all the first light emitting elements 24 be arranged in an inclined manner. Some of the first light emitting elements 24 and the first mounting substrate 25 that supports the first light emitting elements 24 may be arranged to face the front of the vehicle. For example, a portion of the first light source unit 20 located on the center side in the vehicle width direction and adjacent to the second light source unit 22 may be directed in the vehicle front direction. Further, it is not essential that the entire second light source unit 22 is directed in the vehicle front direction. When a plurality of second light emitting elements 28 are provided, some of the second light emitting elements 28 and the second mounting substrate 29 that supports the second light emitting elements 28 may be inclined.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicular lamp 10 includes a light emitting element housing 30 accommodated in the lamp chamber 18. The light emitting element housing 30 is provided in common for the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 22. Inside the light emitting element housing 30, a plurality of first light emitting elements 24 are accommodated together with the first mounting substrate 25, and at least one second light emitting element 28 is accommodated together with the second mounting substrate 29. The first mounting substrate 25 is installed on the first housing bottom surface 30a of the light emitting element housing 30, and the second mounting substrate 29 is installed on the second housing bottom surface 30b. Due to the inclined arrangement of the first mounting substrate 25, the first housing bottom surface 30a is inclined with respect to the second housing bottom surface 30b. Further, in order to arrange the second mounting substrate 29 facing the front, the second housing bottom surface 30b is directed to the front.

  The light emitting element housing 30 is opened forward, and the light wavelength conversion member 26 is attached so as to cover the opening. The light emitting element housing 30 forms a space 32 between the first light emitting element 24 and the second light emitting element 28 and the light wavelength conversion member 26. The light emitting element housing 30 is made of, for example, metal or other suitable material.

  In order to effectively use the light emitted from the first light emitting element 24 and the second light emitting element 28, the inner surface of the light emitting element casing 30 including the first casing bottom face 30a and the second casing bottom face 30b has a high reflectivity. The surface (for example, a white surface or a metal mirror surface) is used. Similarly, the first mounting board 25 and the second mounting board 29 also have surfaces with high reflectivity. In this way, the light emitting element housing 30 is configured such that most or all of the light emitted from the first light emitting element 24 and the second light emitting element 28 is directed to the light wavelength conversion member 26.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in addition to the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 22, the vehicular lamp 10 includes a low beam lamp 40 and a high beam lamp 42 housed in the lamp chamber 18. In FIG. 3, the boundary between the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 22 is indicated by a broken line for the sake of understanding.

  A description will be given with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 again. The light wavelength conversion member 26 has a shape formed according to a figure to be expressed by the vehicular lamp 10. The light wavelength conversion member 26 is provided as a single member common to the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 22, and extends from the first light source unit 20 to the second light source unit 22.

  The light wavelength conversion member 26 is a light whose one surface is a first incident surface 26a as an excitation light incident surface facing the first light emitting element 24, and whose opposite surface has a desired geometric light emission shape. The first light emitting surface 26 b of the wavelength conversion member 26 is used. The first light emitting surface 26b is directed obliquely outward or laterally with respect to the vehicle front direction.

  The light wavelength conversion member 26 includes a second incident surface 26c that is continuous with the first incident surface 26a and a second light emitting surface 26d that is continuous with the first light emitting surface 26b. The second incident surface 26c faces the second light emitting element 28, and the second light emitting surface 26d is on the opposite side of the second incident surface 26c. The second light emitting surface 26d is directed in the vehicle front direction. The light emitted from the second light emitting element 28 enters the light wavelength conversion member 26 from the second incident surface 26c, and is emitted from the light wavelength conversion member 26 through the second light emitting surface 26d.

  The light wavelength conversion member 26 is disposed behind the outer lens 14 and extends from the center side to the side in the vehicle width direction substantially along the shape of the outer lens 14. The first light emitting surface 26 b and the second light emitting surface 26 d face the back surface of the outer lens 14.

  The light wavelength conversion member 26 includes a phosphor that receives the excitation light emitted from the first light emitting element 24 and emits light having at least one wavelength longer than the wavelength of the excitation light. The light wavelength conversion member 26 is formed, for example, as a member having a sheet shape or other suitable shape in which particles of the phosphor material are dispersed in a base material such as a transparent silicone resin. The light wavelength conversion member 26 may be a flexible and deformable member, or may be a rigid member.

  The emission wavelength of the first light emitting element 24, that is, the excitation light wavelength is selected from a range of 470 nm or less, preferably from 380 to 420 nm. Ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 380 nm or less tends to deteriorate the resin material. In order to prevent the influence on the lamp component (for example, the light wavelength conversion member 26) formed of a resin material, it is desirable to avoid the use of ultraviolet light. In addition, most phosphors using 420 to 470 nm light as excitation light are colored such as red, yellow, or green. Here, the body color (also referred to as a matrix color) refers to the color of the phosphor material itself in a state where no excitation light is received. The colored phosphor imposes restrictions on the design of the lamp. On the other hand, as the phosphor that uses 380 to 420 nm of light as excitation light, a white body color can be obtained. The fact that the light wavelength conversion member 26 is white is effective for increasing the reflectance of the surface and also helps to realize a more sophisticated lamp design.

  When the emission wavelength of the first light emitting element 24 is in the range of 380 to 420 nm, the first light emitting element 24 emits violet light as excitation light. In this case, the light wavelength conversion member 26 may include a first phosphor that converts the wavelength of violet light into blue light and a second phosphor that converts the wavelength of violet light into yellow light. Incident purple light is wavelength-converted into blue light and yellow light, and white light is obtained by mixing them.

  The specific combination of the emission wavelength of the first light emitting element 24 and the material of the light wavelength conversion member 26 is not limited to the above, and white light or other desired marker lamp color (for example, amber color or red color) In addition to the above, various other known structures for obtaining light having the above can be employed as appropriate.

  As described above, the plurality of first light emitting elements 24 are arranged behind the light wavelength conversion member 26 and spaced from the light wavelength conversion member 26, and the first light source unit 20 is configured by a so-called remote phosphor system. According to this method, since the light wavelength conversion member 26 emits light by so-called Lambertian, there is an advantage that it is easy to obtain luminance uniformity.

  In order to configure the first light source unit 20 as a surface emitting light source having good luminance uniformity, the separation distance between the light emitting surface of the first light emitting element 24 and the excitation light incident surface of the light wavelength conversion member 26 is: It is preferable to select from a range of 2 to 20 mm. The distance from the light emitting surface of the first light emitting element 24 to the excitation light incident surface of the light wavelength conversion member 26 may be about 10 mm. When the separation distance is less than 2 mm, the luminance uniformity of the light wavelength conversion member 26 is lowered. In other words, when the first light emitting element 24 and the light wavelength conversion member 26 approach excessively, a difference in luminance increases between the part near the first light emitting element 24 and the part away from the light wavelength conversion member 26. The area between the light emitting elements becomes dark, and in an extreme case, the figure to be expressed by the vehicular lamp 10 appears as a dotted line. On the other hand, when the separation distance increases beyond 20 mm, the light wavelength conversion member 26 tends to become dark overall. That is, the luminance of the light wavelength conversion member 26 tends to be lower than a standard required for performance.

  The first mounting substrate 25 is disposed to be inclined along the light wavelength conversion member 26, and the first incident surface 26a and the light emitting surface of the first light emitting element 24 are substantially parallel. However, the orientation of the first light emitting element 24 with respect to the light wavelength conversion member 26 is not so essential for directing the emitted light of the first light source unit 20. This is because the light emitted from the first light source unit 20 is emitted from the light emitting surface of the light wavelength conversion member 26 in Lambertian regardless of the direction of the incident light from the first light emitting element 24 to the light wavelength conversion member 26. Therefore, the arrangement of the first light emitting element 24 with respect to the light wavelength conversion member 26 is not limited to the illustrated example, and various arrangements are possible. For example, the light emitting surfaces of the plurality of first light emitting elements 24 may be directed in the vehicle front direction. The plurality of first light emitting elements 24 may be arranged stepwise so that the distance from the light wavelength conversion member 26 is generally maintained.

  The light wavelength conversion member 26 is configured to transmit the light emitted from the second light emitting element 28. As the base material and the phosphor material of the light wavelength conversion member 26, a material capable of transmitting the light emitted from the second light emitting element 28 is used. Therefore, the light wavelength conversion member 26 absorbs little or no light emitted from the second light emitting element 28. In other words, the light emission wavelength of the second light emitting element 28 is selected so that the light wavelength conversion member 26 is excited little or not. Therefore, the light of the second light emitting element 28 is irradiated to the outside without being shielded by the light wavelength conversion member 26, and the high luminous intensity emitted by the second light emitting element 28 can be used efficiently.

  In order to increase the transparency of the light wavelength conversion member 26 with respect to the light of the second light emitting element 28, the portion of the light wavelength conversion member 26 through which the light of the second light emitting element 28 passes is formed of a transparent material, or In addition, an opening may be formed in the part.

  It is preferable that the distance from the 2nd light emitting element 28 to the light wavelength conversion member 26 is selected from the range of 2-20 mm. When the separation distance is less than 2 mm, spotlighting may be conspicuous at a portion of the light wavelength conversion member 26 immediately above the second light emitting element 28. In other words, when the second light emitting element 28 and the light wavelength conversion member 26 are excessively close to each other, a portion of the light wavelength conversion member 26 that is close to the second light emitting element 28 is locally excessively brightened, which is for a vehicle. The beauty of the lamp 10 can be impaired. On the other hand, if the separation distance exceeds 20 mm, it becomes difficult to ensure a sufficient luminous intensity.

  The emission wavelength of the second light emitting element 28 is selected so that the emitted light of the second light source unit 22 has a desired marker lamp color. The light itself generated by the second light emitting element 28 may have a desired marker lamp color. Alternatively, the light generated by the second light emitting element 28 may have a color different from a desired marker lamp color. In that case, the second light source unit 22 uses a light wavelength conversion member different from the light wavelength conversion member 26 in order to obtain light having a desired marker lamp color from the light generated by the second light emitting element 28 by wavelength conversion. You may prepare.

  The second light source unit 22 can be turned on simultaneously with the first light source unit 20. The first light emitting element 24 is turned on at the first luminous intensity, and the second light emitting element 28 is turned on at the second luminous intensity higher than the first luminous intensity. For this purpose, for example, the first light emitting element 24 is driven with a first driving current, and the second light emitting element 28 is driven with a second driving current larger than the first driving current.

  If it does in this way, since the 2nd light source unit 22 is orient | assigned to the vehicle front direction, it becomes possible for the vehicle lamp 10 to satisfy the light distribution requirements about front luminous intensity. This configuration is suitable, for example, when the vehicular lamp 10 is used as a daytime running lamp or a front turn signal lamp.

  In other situations, the first light emitting element 24 and the second light emitting element 28 may be lit at substantially the same intensity. Alternatively, when the first light source unit 20 is turned on, the second light source unit 22 may be turned off. In this way, glare caused by lighting of the second light source unit 22 can be reduced. This is suitable, for example, when the vehicular lamp 10 is used as a clearance lamp.

  The plurality of first light emitting elements 24 may all be turned on simultaneously with the same luminous intensity. In this way, the light wavelength conversion member 26 can emit light with uniform brightness and / or uniform color. However, the plurality of first light emitting elements 24 may not be lit at the same time but may be lit at different timings. For example, the plurality of first light emitting elements 24 may be lit continuously in order from one end to the other end. In this way, so-called sequential lighting becomes possible.

  The plurality of first light emitting elements 24 may be lit at different luminosities. For example, the plurality of first light emitting elements 24 may be lit at a light intensity that gradually changes (or changes in stages) from one end to the other end. In this way, gradation lighting is possible.

  Further, the plurality of first light emitting elements 24 may include a first group 36 including at least one first light emitting element 24 and a second group 38 including at least one first light emitting element 24. The first light emitting elements 24 of the first group 36 may be arranged farther from at least one second light emitting element 28 than the first light emitting elements 24 of the second group 38.

  The first light source unit 20 is configured such that the first light emitting elements 24 of the first group 36 are lit at the first luminous intensity, and the first light emitting elements 24 of the second group 38 are lit at the second luminous intensity higher than the first luminous intensity. May be. The second light source unit 22 may be configured such that at least one second light emitting element 28 is lit at a third luminous intensity higher than the second luminous intensity. For this purpose, for example, the first light emitting elements 24 of the first group 36 may be driven with a first driving current, and the first light emitting elements 24 of the second group 38 may be driven with a second driving current larger than the first driving current. . At least one second light emitting element 28 may be driven with a third drive current larger than the second drive current. In this way, the luminance difference between the first light emitting surface 26b and the second light emitting surface 26d of the light wavelength conversion member 26 is reduced, and the uncomfortable feeling of luminance unevenness can be reduced.

  The grouping of the plurality of first light emitting elements 24 is not limited to two, the first group 36 and the second group 38. The first light emitting elements 24 may be divided into three or more groups and driven for each group. When the second light source unit 22 includes a plurality of second light emitting elements 28, the plurality of second light emitting elements 28 may be divided into a plurality of groups. Further, the number of light emitting elements included in each group is not particularly limited.

  When the second light source unit 22 includes a plurality of second light emitting elements 28, like the first light emitting element 24, the plurality of second light emitting elements 28 may all be turned on simultaneously with the same luminous intensity. The plurality of second light emitting elements 28 may be lit at different timings. The plurality of second light emitting elements 28 may be lit at different luminosities.

  The following are some specific examples that were prototyped by the present inventors. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these specific examples.

Example 1
The vehicular lamp 10 according to the first embodiment is a daytime running lamp unit. Two kinds of phosphors, specifically, blue phosphor Ca ₅ (PO ₄ ) ₃ Cl: Eu ²⁺ and yellow phosphor (CA, Sr, Eu) ₇ (SiO ₃ ) ₆ Cl ₂ are weighted. A mixed phosphor that mixed at a ratio of 6: 4 and emitted white light with chromaticity (cx, cy) = (0.33, 0.33) was prepared. This mixed phosphor was blended with a transparent silicone resin at a weight ratio of 10: 1 (= silicone: phosphor) to form a sheet. The sheet-like light wavelength conversion member 26 has a length of 200 mm, a width of 10 mm, and a thickness of 2 mm. In this way, the light wavelength conversion member 26 was manufactured.

  For the first light source unit 20, a surface-mount type package on which a 0.5 mm □ InGaN-based LED element was mounted was used as the first light emitting element 24. The emission wavelength of the first light emitting element 24 is 405 nm. As the first mounting substrate 25, an aluminum substrate (width 7 mm × length 180 mm) coated with a white resist having a high reflectance was used. Eleven first light emitting elements 24 were solder mounted on the aluminum substrate at a pitch of 15 mm.

  In the second light source unit 22, two 1 mm □ InGaN-based LED elements (460 nm light emission) are mounted on the AlN substrate (1.2 × 3 mm) as the second light emitting elements 28, and the cerium activation is performed immediately above the LED elements. A high-intensity light-emitting device equipped with the sintered aluminum yttrium garnet phosphor sintered plate (1 × 2.2 mm) was prepared. This high luminance light emitting device was mounted on an alumina substrate (width 7 mm × length 10 mm) as the second mounting substrate 29.

  The 1st light source unit 20, the 2nd light source unit 22, and the light wavelength conversion member 26 were assembled | attached to arrangement | positioning shown by FIG. The first mounting board 25 on which the first light emitting element 24 is mounted and the second mounting board 29 on which the second light emitting element 28 is mounted are installed at the bottom of the light emitting element casing 30 (white) having a depth of 10 mm. The opening surface is covered with a light wavelength conversion member 26. Other arrangements and structures are as described in the above embodiment.

  By driving the second light emitting element 28 by applying a current of 1 A, the front luminous intensity of the daytime running lamp unit according to Example 1 was ensured. Each first light emitting element 24 was driven with a current of 350 mA (first group 36). However, the three first light emitting elements 24 adjacent to the second light emitting elements 28 were driven with a current of 500 mA (second group 38). As a result, the entire daytime running lamp emitted light uniformly, and the shape of the designed figure could be expressed well by light emission. In particular, the driving current of the first light emitting element 24 located in the vicinity of the second light emitting element 28 is increased as compared with the first light emitting element 24 located away from the second light emitting element 28, so that The daytime running lamp unit was able to eliminate the discomfort of uneven brightness.

(Example 2)
The vehicular lamp 10 according to the second embodiment is a front turn signal lamp unit. Except for the type of phosphor used for the light wavelength conversion member 26 and the second light emitting element 28 being different from the first embodiment, the second embodiment is the same as the daytime running lamp unit according to the first embodiment.

As the _{phosphor, Ca 0.75 Si 9.375 O 0.875 N} 15.125 emitting amber: using ^Eu _{2+ 0.083.} As the second light emitting element 28, two 1 mm square InGaN-based LED elements (405 nm light emission) are mounted on an AlN substrate (1.2 × 3 mm), and Ca _0.75 Si that emits light in amber color immediately above the LED elements. _9.375 O _0.875 N _15.125: were prepared high-brightness light-emitting devices with ^Eu _{2+ 0.083.} The phosphor of the light wavelength conversion member 26 and the phosphor mounted on the second light emitting element 28 are of the same type. The light emitting wavelength of the LED element is the same as that of the first light emitting element 24. This high luminance light emitting device was mounted on an alumina substrate (width 7 mm × length 10 mm) as the second mounting substrate 29. An equal driving current was applied to the first light emitting element 24 and the second light emitting element 28. Also in the front turn signal lamp unit according to Example 2, as in Example 1, it was possible to achieve both the front luminous intensity and the favorable light emission shape.

(Example 3)
The vehicular lamp 10 according to the third embodiment is a front turn signal lamp unit. Example 2 is the same as Example 2 except that the second light emitting element 28 is different from Example 2. As the second light emitting element 28, an InGaAlP-based light emitting element (595 nm light emission) of 0.8 mm □ was mounted on an AlN substrate (1.2 mm □) and sealed with a transparent silicone resin. Accordingly, the phosphor is not mounted on the second light emitting element 28 itself. Four high-luminance light-emitting devices were mounted on an alumina substrate (width 7 mm × length 10 mm) as the second mounting substrate 29. The driving conditions of the first light emitting element 24 were the same as those in Example 1, and the second light emitting element 28 was driven with a current of 700 mA per device. Also in the front turn signal lamp unit according to Example 3, as in Example 1 and Example 2, it was possible to achieve both a front luminous intensity and a good light emission shape.

  As described, according to the embodiment, the light wavelength conversion member 26 emits light when the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 22 are turned on, and the light of the light wavelength conversion member 26 passes through the outer lens 14 to the outside of the lamp. Is emitted. The light wavelength conversion member 26 can emit light with uniform brightness and uniform color mainly by the first light source unit 20. Arbitrarily designed shapes can be clearly expressed in the vehicular lamp 10, and so-called signature lighting can be performed beautifully. In addition, the second light source unit 22 can ensure the necessary luminous intensity by emitting light with high luminous intensity. In this way, the vehicular lamp 10 can achieve both improved design and light distribution requirements. In addition, since the brightness is locally increased only in the necessary direction, it is excellent in energy saving as compared with the lamp configuration that emits strong light in all directions or in a wide range.

  The 2nd light source unit 22 is arrange | positioned so that the emitted light may go to a vehicle front direction. Therefore, the light distribution requirement for the front luminous intensity can be satisfied by turning on the second light source unit 22.

  The first light source unit 20 is arranged such that the emitted light is directed obliquely outward or laterally with respect to the vehicle front direction. The first light source unit 20 is useful for beautifully drawing a light-emitting figure in the vehicular lamp 10 as viewed obliquely from the side of the vehicle or from the side of the vehicle. When a vehicle is traveling on a road or stopped, a pedestrian or a viewer from outside the vehicle often looks at the vehicle from the side or at an angle. Therefore, the vehicular lamp 10 is excellent in appealing power to such viewers.

  The second light emitting element 28 is disposed behind the light wavelength conversion member 26 and separated from the light wavelength conversion member 26 so that the emitted light passes through the light wavelength conversion member 26 and is emitted to the outside of the lamp. Since the light wavelength conversion member 26 extends from the first light source unit 20 to the second light source unit 22 and is continuous between the two light source units, the vehicular lamp 10 provides an unbroken integral light emitting pattern. can do.

  The second light source unit 22 is disposed on the center side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the first light source unit 20. Since the vehicle body surface generally faces the front side as compared with the side, the second light emitting element 28 can be easily arranged in the vehicle front direction. In addition, such an arrangement has an advantage that even if the second light emitting element 28 shines strongly, there is little uncomfortable feeling due to it.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and it is possible to combine the embodiments and modifications, and to add various modifications such as various design changes based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Therefore, embodiments and modifications in which such combinations or further modifications are added are also included in the scope of the present invention. The above-described embodiments and modifications, and new embodiments resulting from the combination of the above-described embodiments and modifications and the following modifications, combine the effects of the combined embodiments, modifications, and further modifications. Have.

  In the above-described embodiment, the integrated light wavelength conversion member 26 is shared by the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A light wavelength conversion member may be provided for each individual light source unit. Such an example will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of a vehicular lamp according to another embodiment. The vehicular lamp 10 shown in FIG. 4 has the same configuration as the vehicular lamp 10 shown in FIG. 1 except that it has two light wavelength conversion members. Therefore, in order to avoid redundancy, description of the same configuration is omitted as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 22 are individually divided. The first light source unit 20 includes a first light wavelength conversion member 44 and a first housing 48. The first light wavelength conversion member 44 is the same as the light wavelength conversion member 26 shown in FIG. 1 except that it is independent from the second light source unit 22. The first light wavelength conversion member 44 has a first incident surface 26a and a first light emitting surface 26b. The first light wavelength conversion member 44 is attached to the first housing 48 so as to cover the upper opening of the first housing 48. The first housing 48 accommodates the first light emitting element 24 and the first mounting substrate 25.

  The second light source unit 22 includes a second light wavelength conversion member 46 and a second housing 50. The second light wavelength conversion member 46 is the same as the light wavelength conversion member 26 shown in FIG. 1 except that it is independent of the first light source unit 20. The second light wavelength conversion member 46 has a second incident surface 26c and a second light emitting surface 26d. The second light wavelength conversion member 46 is attached to the second housing 50 so as to cover the upper opening of the second housing 50. The second housing 50 accommodates the second light emitting element 28 and the second mounting substrate 29.

  Even if the light source unit is divided into two as in the vehicular lamp 10 shown in FIG. 4, both improvement in design and light distribution requirements can be achieved, as in the vehicular lamp 10 shown in FIG. 1. . The first light source unit 20 (or the second light source unit 22) may be divided into a plurality of light source units.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the vehicular lamp 10 is a daytime running lamp (and a clearance lamp) has been described as an example, but the vehicular lamp 10 is not limited to this specific example. The vehicular lamp 10 may be another indicator lamp such as a turn signal lamp or a tail lamp, a head lamp, a brake lamp, or the like.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle lamp, 20 1st light source unit, 22 2nd light source unit, 24 1st light emitting element, 26 Light wavelength conversion member, 28 2nd light emitting element, 36 1st group, 38 2nd group.

Claims (6)

A vehicular lamp that expresses a figure in the lamp by light emission,
A plurality of first light emitting elements that emit excitation light; and an optical wavelength conversion member that is disposed apart from the plurality of first light emitting elements and that emits light having a wavelength different from that of the excitation light when receiving the excitation light, and A first light source unit that forms the figure or a part thereof by light emission of the light wavelength conversion member accompanying lighting of a plurality of first light emitting elements;
The light emitting device includes at least one second light emitting element capable of emitting light with higher luminous intensity than the plurality of first light emitting elements, and the at least one second light emitting element is turned on to cooperate with the first light source unit. A vehicular lamp, comprising: a second light source unit that forms a figure.   2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second light source unit is arranged so that the emitted light is directed toward the front of the vehicle.   3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the first light source unit is disposed such that emitted light thereof is directed obliquely outward or laterally with respect to a front direction of the vehicle.   The at least one second light emitting element is disposed behind the light wavelength conversion member and separated from the light wavelength conversion member so that the emitted light passes through the light wavelength conversion member and is emitted outside the lamp. The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicular lamp is provided. The plurality of first light emitting elements include a first group including at least one first light emitting element and a second group including at least one first light emitting element, and the first light emitting elements of the first group include: , Distant from the at least one second light emitting element as compared to the second group of first light emitting elements,
The first light source unit is configured such that the first light emitting elements of the first group are lit at a first luminous intensity, and the first light emitting elements of the second group are lit at a second luminous intensity higher than the first luminous intensity,
The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second light source unit is configured such that the at least one second light emitting element is lit at a third luminous intensity higher than the second luminous intensity. Lamps.   The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second light source unit is disposed on the center side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the first light source unit.

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