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WO2020255703A1 - Lamp unit and vehicle headlamp - Google Patents

Lamp unit and vehicle headlamp Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020255703A1
WO2020255703A1 PCT/JP2020/021834 JP2020021834W WO2020255703A1 WO 2020255703 A1 WO2020255703 A1 WO 2020255703A1 JP 2020021834 W JP2020021834 W JP 2020021834W WO 2020255703 A1 WO2020255703 A1 WO 2020255703A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
light source
modulator
spatial
range
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2020/021834
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
津田　俊明
一嘉 小澤
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koito Manufacturing Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Koito Manufacturing Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koito Manufacturing Co Ltd filed Critical Koito Manufacturing Co Ltd
Priority to JP2021527548A priority Critical patent/JPWO2020255703A1/ja
Publication of WO2020255703A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020255703A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/147—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/151—Light emitting diodes [LED] arranged in one or more lines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/155—Surface emitters, e.g. organic light emitting diodes [OLED]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/16—Laser light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/25—Projection lenses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
    • F21S41/36—Combinations of two or more separate reflectors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/65—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/67—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on reflectors
    • F21S41/675—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on reflectors by moving reflectors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2107/00—Use or application of lighting devices on or in particular types of vehicles
    • F21W2107/10—Use or application of lighting devices on or in particular types of vehicles for land vehicles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a lamp unit.
  • a lamp unit has been devised in which light emitted from a light source is reflected by a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) having a large number of reflecting elements and illuminates the front through a lens (see Patent Document 1).
  • a DMD Digital Mirror Device
  • Patent Document 1 a lamp unit having a large number of reflecting elements and illuminates the front through a lens.
  • the above-mentioned lamp unit forms a light distribution pattern by selectively driving and reflecting a large number of reflecting elements for a light source image emitted from one light source. Therefore, the light source is always lit even when forming a light distribution pattern having a non-irradiated region. Further, in order to make a predetermined region of the light distribution pattern brighter, it is necessary to increase the current applied to the light emitting element of the light source or to use a light emitting element having higher brightness and higher luminous flux. As a result, the amount of heat generated in the lamp unit increases, and as a countermeasure, the heat dissipation design becomes complicated, and the cost increases due to the addition of heat dissipation parts.
  • the present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and one of its exemplary purposes is to provide a new technique capable of obtaining a desired light distribution pattern while increasing the efficiency of light utilization of a light source. It is in.
  • the lighting unit of a certain aspect of the present invention includes a first light source, a second light source, a spatial light modulator that modulates incident light, and a first light source and spatial light.
  • a first optical system which is provided on the optical path between the modulator and the light emitted from the first light source is directed toward the spatial optical modulator, and between the second light source and the spatial optical modulator. It is provided with a second optical system provided on the optical path of the above and configured so that the light emitted from the second light source is directed to the spatial light modulator.
  • the first light source and the second light source have a first range in which the light emitted from the first light source illuminates the spatial light modulator, and a first range in which the light emitted from the second light source irradiates the spatial light modulator. It is configured so that the range of 2 and the range 2 partially overlap.
  • spatial light when forming a light distribution pattern in which only a part of the maximum irradiation area that can be irradiated by the lamp unit is irradiated, or a light distribution pattern in which a part of the maximum irradiation area is darkly irradiated, spatial light is formed. It is obtained not only by modulation by a modulator but also by turning off or dimming one of the first light source and the second light source.
  • the vehicle headlight may include a lamp unit and a projection member that projects light reflected by a spatial light modulator or light transmitted through the spatial light modulator as a light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle. ..
  • the first light source and the second light source include light reflected in a range where the first range and the second range overlap, or light transmitted through the overlapping range in a region including the horizontal line of the light distribution pattern. It may be configured to irradiate. As a result, the region including the horizontal line of the light distribution pattern can be brightly illuminated without using a high-luminance (high luminous flux) light source, so that visibility at a distance can be improved.
  • the first light source may have a plurality of light emitting elements.
  • the plurality of light emitting elements may be configured so that they can be turned on and off (brightness is adjusted) for each group consisting of one or more light emitting elements. As a result, various light distribution patterns can be formed.
  • the amount of current applied to the light emitting element arranged in the center is larger than the amount of current applied to the light emitting elements arranged at the ends. It may be configured to be higher. As a result, the central region of the light distribution pattern formed by the lamp unit can be brightly illuminated without increasing the amount of current of the entire light source. As a result, distant visibility can be improved.
  • the first light source may be configured such that the light distribution characteristics of the emitted light are different from the light distribution characteristics of the light emitted from the second light source. As a result, various light distribution patterns can be formed as compared with the case where a plurality of light sources having the same light distribution characteristics are used.
  • the spatial light modulator is configured so that the aspect ratio of the modulation region in which a plurality of modulation elements are arranged in a matrix is smaller than the aspect ratio of the first range or the second range. This facilitates the formation of a light distribution pattern suitable for the irradiation range in front of the vehicle.
  • the second light source may have a plurality of light emitting elements.
  • the plurality of light emitting elements may be configured so that they can be turned on and off (brightness is adjusted) for each group consisting of one or more light emitting elements. As a result, various light distribution patterns can be formed.
  • This lighting unit is provided on the optical path between the light source, the spatial light modulator that modulates the incident light, and the light source and the spatial light modulator so that the light emitted from the light source heads toward the spatial light modulator. It is equipped with an optical system configured in.
  • the light source irradiates the range in which the emitted light can irradiate the spatial light modulator, which includes the modulation elements that do not contribute to the formation of the light distribution pattern among the plurality of modulation elements of the spatial light modulator. Is configured to reduce.
  • spatial light when forming a light distribution pattern in which only a part of the maximum irradiation area that can be irradiated by the lamp unit is irradiated, or a light distribution pattern in which a part of the maximum irradiation area is darkly irradiated, spatial light is formed. It is obtained not only by modulation by a modulator but also by turning off or dimming a part of the light source.
  • a desired light distribution pattern can be obtained while increasing the light utilization efficiency of the light source.
  • FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the light source
  • FIG. 3B is a sectional view of a main part of the light source.
  • It is a front view of a spatial light modulator.
  • It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the range which the light emitted from the plurality of light sources which concerns on this Embodiment irradiate the reflection region of a spatial light modulator.
  • FIG. 3A shows the schematic structure of the lamp unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment.
  • FIG. 3B is a sectional view of a main part of the light source.
  • It is a front view of a spatial light modulator.
  • It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the range which the light emitted from the plurality of light sources which concerns on this Embodiment irradiate the reflection region of a spatial light modulator.
  • It is a figure which shows an example of the light distribution pattern formed by the lamp unit which concerns on this embodiment.
  • FIG. 7A is a front view of the spatial light modulator in the case of forming another light distribution pattern that can be formed by the lamp according to the first embodiment
  • FIG. 7B is the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other light distribution pattern which can be formed by the lamp
  • FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a lamp unit according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the lamp unit according to the first embodiment.
  • the lighting unit 10 is provided on the optical path between the light sources 12 and 14, the spatial light modulator 16 that modulates the incident light, and the light source 12 and the spatial optical modulator 16, and the light L1 emitted from the light source 12.
  • Is provided on the optical path between the first optical system 18 and the light source 14 and the space light modulator 16 so as to face the space light modulator 16, and the light L2 emitted from the light source 14 is the space light modulator.
  • a second optical system 20 configured to face 16 and a projection lens 22 as a projection optical system are provided.
  • the lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment is used, for example, as a headlight for a vehicle.
  • the spatial light modulator 16 includes, for example, a modulator such as a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) such as a DMD (Digital Mirror Device), a transmissive or reflective liquid crystal device, an optical device, an electro-optical device, or a magnetic optical device.
  • a modulator such as a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) such as a DMD (Digital Mirror Device), a transmissive or reflective liquid crystal device, an optical device, an electro-optical device, or a magnetic optical device.
  • the first optical system 18 includes a reflector 24, and the second optical system 20 includes a reflector 26.
  • FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the light source
  • FIG. 3B is a sectional view of a main part of the light source.
  • the light source 12 (light source 14) according to the present embodiment, one semiconductor light emitting element 30 (blue light emitting element) is juxtaposed on the substrate 28. Further, a yellow phosphor 32 that is excited by blue light and emits yellow light is mounted on the upper surface of the semiconductor light emitting device 30. As a result, the light sources 12 and 14 can realize white light.
  • the light source 12 further has a light collecting member 34 that collects the light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting element 30 and the yellow phosphor 32.
  • a light collecting member 34 that collects the light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting element 30 and the yellow phosphor 32.
  • the condensing member 34 for example, a compound parabolic concentrator is used.
  • the semiconductor light emitting element 30 is an LED, an LD, an EL element, or the like.
  • the reflector 24 is one optical element of the first optical system 18 configured so that the light emitted from the light source 12 is directed to the spatial light modulator 16.
  • the reflector 26 is one optical element of the second optical system 20 configured such that the light emitted from the light source 14 is directed toward the spatial light modulator 16.
  • the reflectors 24 and 26 are formed of curved surfaces having a flat surface.
  • the light emitted from the light source 12 is reflected by the reflector 24, the light emitted from the light source 14 is reflected by the reflector 26, and at least a part of the reflected light is spatially light-modulated.
  • the light is reflected again by the vessel 16 and the reflected light passes through the projection lens 22, so that the light source image is projected forward as a light distribution pattern.
  • FIG. 4 is a front view of the spatial light modulator.
  • the spatial light modulator 16 according to the present embodiment is provided with a reflection region 38 in which a large number of reflection elements 36 composed of minute micromirrors are arranged in a matrix in the center, and the orientation of the reflection surface of the reflection element 36.
  • Various light distribution patterns can be formed by individually controlling.
  • the mirror surface of the reflecting element 36 changes in the vertical direction depending on whether it is on or off.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a range in which light emitted from a plurality of light sources according to the present embodiment irradiates a reflection region of a spatial light modulator.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern formed by the lamp unit according to the present embodiment. Note that in FIG. 5, the reflection element 36 is not shown.
  • the light emitted from the light source 12 irradiates the range R1 on the right side from the center of the reflection region 38, and the light emitted from the light source 14 is the reflection region 38. It is configured to irradiate the range R2 from the center to the left side. Further, in the lamp unit 10, the configuration and layout of each element are devised so that the range R1 and the range R2 partially overlap in the central portion of the reflection region 38. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the lamp unit 10 is formed by the light reflected in the reflection region 38 without increasing the applied current applied to the light source or using a light source having high brightness (high luminous flux). The central CV of the light distribution pattern PH can be brightened.
  • FIG. 7A is a front view of the spatial light modulator in the case of forming another light distribution pattern that can be formed by the lamp according to the first embodiment
  • FIG. 7B is the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other light distribution pattern which can be formed by the lamp
  • the lamp unit 10 controls the spatial light modulator 16 and turns on the reflecting element 36 included in the range R3 in the reflecting region 38, so that only the light reflected in the range R3 faces the projection lens 22. , Form a light distribution pattern PH'forward. That is, in the lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment, since the light other than the light emitted to the range R4 in the reflection region 38 contributes to the formation of the light distribution pattern PH', the utilization efficiency of the light of the light source is improved. Can be done. As a result, the power consumption is reduced and the thermal design in the lamp unit becomes easy.
  • the light distribution pattern PH' when trying to form the light distribution pattern PH'with one light source that cannot be partially turned off, it is necessary to turn on the light source so as to constantly illuminate the entire reflection region 38. Moreover, not only the range R4 but also the light irradiating the range R5 on the right side of the reflection region 38 does not contribute to the formation of the light distribution pattern PH', so that the light utilization efficiency of the light source is low. That is, even when the same light distribution pattern PH'is formed, if one light source that cannot be partially turned off is used, the power required by the light source becomes large, which is compared with the lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment. Therefore, it is inferior in terms of heat dissipation and power consumption.
  • the lamp unit 10 is the light distribution pattern PH'that irradiates only a part of the maximum irradiation region (range R1 + range R2) that the lamp unit 10 can irradiate, or one of the maximum irradiation regions.
  • a desired light distribution pattern is formed by turning off or dimming one of the first light source and the second light source, in addition to the modulation by the spatial light modulator 16. Can be obtained.
  • Each of the light sources 12 and 14 according to the first embodiment includes one semiconductor light emitting element 30.
  • the main feature of the lamp unit according to the second embodiment is that each of the two light sources includes a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements.
  • the other configuration of the lamp unit according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a front view of each light source according to the second embodiment.
  • three semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30b and 30c are mounted in a row on the substrate 28.
  • a yellow phosphor 32 (not shown) is mounted on the upper surfaces (light emitting surfaces) of the three semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30b, and 30c.
  • the yellow phosphor 32 may be divided into three like the light emitting surfaces of the three semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30b, and 30c, or may be a continuous plate-shaped member.
  • the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30b, and 30c are configured so that they can be turned on and off (brightness can be adjusted) for each group consisting of one or more semiconductor light emitting elements. As a result, various light distribution patterns can be formed. Further, in each light source, a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30b, 30c are arranged in a line, and the amount of current applied to the semiconductor light emitting element 30b arranged in the center is a semiconductor arranged at the end. It is configured to be higher than the amount of current applied to the light emitting elements 30a and 30c. As a result, the central region of the light distribution pattern formed by the lamp unit can be brightly illuminated without increasing the amount of current of the entire light source. As a result, distant visibility can be improved.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the range in which the light emitted from the plurality of light sources according to the second embodiment irradiates the reflection region of the spatial light modulator.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern formed by the lamp unit according to the second embodiment. Note that in FIG. 9, the reflection element 36 is not shown.
  • the light emitted from the first light source 40 irradiates the range R6 above the center of the reflection region 38 and is emitted from the second light source 42.
  • the light is configured to illuminate the range R7 below the center of the reflection region 38.
  • the light source 40 and the light source 42 irradiate the region including the horizontal line VV of the light distribution pattern PH with the light reflected in the range where the range R6 and the range R7 overlap or the light transmitted through the overlapping range. It is configured as follows.
  • the region including the horizontal line of the light distribution pattern PH can be brightly illuminated without using a high-luminance (high luminous flux) light source, so that visibility at a distance can be improved.
  • the lamp unit according to the second embodiment the range R6 and scope R7 is, each element of the structure and layout to overlap partially in the central portion R c of the reflective region 38 has been devised.
  • the lamp unit according to the second embodiment does not increase the applied current applied to the light source or use a high-luminance (high luminous flux) light source, but in the reflection region 38.
  • the central portion C H containing the line H-H of the light distribution pattern PH formed by the reflected light can be bright, thereby improving the distant visibility.
  • the aspect ratio of the reflection region 38 (modulation region) in which a plurality of reflection elements 36 (modulation elements) are arranged in a matrix is smaller than the aspect ratio of the range R6 or the range R7. It is configured in. This facilitates the formation of a light distribution pattern suitable for the irradiation range (long rectangle in the left-right direction) in front of the vehicle.
  • the lamp unit according to the third embodiment In the light sources 40 and 42 according to the second embodiment, three semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30b and 30c are arranged in a row.
  • one semiconductor light emitting element 30b at the center of the light sources 40 and 42 in the second embodiment is divided into a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements.
  • the main feature is that the brightness can be adjusted individually for each semiconductor light emitting device.
  • the other configuration of the lamp unit according to the third embodiment is the same as that of each of the above-described embodiments.
  • FIG. 11 is a front view of each light source according to the third embodiment.
  • six semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, and 30c are mounted side by side on the substrate 28.
  • a yellow phosphor 32 (not shown) is mounted on the upper surface (light emitting surface) of each semiconductor light emitting element.
  • the yellow phosphor 32 may be divided into six like the light emitting surfaces of the six semiconductor light emitting elements, or may be one continuous plate-shaped member.
  • the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, and 30c are configured so that they can be turned on and off (brightness can be adjusted) for each group consisting of one or more semiconductor light emitting elements. As a result, various light distribution patterns can be formed. Further, in each light source, a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30d, 30e, 30c are arranged in a line, and the amount of current applied to the semiconductor light emitting elements 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g arranged in the center is determined. It is configured to be higher than the amount of current applied to the semiconductor light emitting elements 30a and 30c arranged at the ends. As a result, the central region of the light distribution pattern formed by the lamp unit can be brightly illuminated without increasing the amount of current of the entire light source. As a result, distant visibility can be improved.
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the range in which the light emitted from the plurality of light sources according to the third embodiment irradiates the reflection region of the spatial light modulator. Note that in FIG. 12, the reflection element 36 is not shown.
  • the light emitted from the first light source 44 irradiates the range R6 above the center of the reflection region 38 and is emitted from the second light source 46.
  • the light is configured to illuminate the range R7 below the center of the reflection region 38.
  • the range R6 and scope R7 is, each element of the structure and layout to overlap partially in the central portion R c of the reflective region 38 has been devised.
  • lamp unit according to the third embodiment as in the lamp unit according to the second embodiment, the light distribution pattern PH central portion C H containing the line H-H is shown in bright 10 Since it can be formed, distant visibility can be improved.
  • FIG. 13 is a front view of the spatial light modulator in the case of forming another light distribution pattern that can be formed by the lamp according to the third embodiment.
  • the semiconductor light emitting element 30c of the light source 44 is turned off and the semiconductor light emitting elements 30c and 30 g of the light source 46 are turned off, the range R8 from the center to the left side of the reflection region 38 is irradiated as shown in FIG.
  • the lamp unit according to the third embodiment controls the spatial light modulator 16 and turns on the reflecting element 36 included in the range R9 in the reflection region 38, so that the light reflected in the range R9 is turned on. Only faces the projection lens 22 and forms a light distribution pattern PH'(see FIG. 7B) in front of it.
  • the utilization efficiency of the light of the light source is enhanced. be able to. Further, since the range R10 is narrower than the range R4 shown in FIG. 7A, the light from the light source that does not contribute to the formation of the light distribution pattern PH'can be further reduced.
  • FIG. 14 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the lamp unit according to the fourth embodiment.
  • the lighting unit according to each of the above-described embodiments includes a reflector that reflects the light of the light source as the first optical system and the second optical system, but the lighting unit 48 according to the present embodiment includes the light source 12.
  • a condenser lens 50 is provided on the optical path between the space light modulator 16 and the light L1 emitted from the light source 12 is transmitted so as to be directed toward the space light modulator 16. Even the lamp unit 48 having such a configuration has the same function and effect as the lamp unit according to each of the above-described embodiments.
  • One of the plurality of light sources may be configured such that the light distribution characteristic of the emitted light is different from the light distribution characteristic of the light emitted from the other of the plurality of light sources.
  • the light irradiating the reflection region 38 has a non-uniform brightness distribution.
  • various light distribution patterns can be formed as compared with the case where a plurality of light sources and semiconductor light emitting elements having the same light distribution characteristics are used.
  • the lamp unit according to each of the above-described embodiments includes a plurality of light sources provided at remote locations, but the lamp unit does not necessarily have to include a plurality of light sources.
  • the lighting unit according to the sixth embodiment is provided on the optical path between the light source 40, the spatial light modulator 16 that modulates the incident light, and the light source 40 and the spatial light modulator, and is a light source. It includes an optical system configured such that the light emitted from the 40 is directed toward the spatial light modulator 16.
  • the light source 40 is a range in which the emitted light can irradiate the spatial light modulator 16 and includes a reflecting element 36 among a plurality of reflecting elements 36 included in the spatial light modulator 16 that does not contribute to the formation of a light distribution pattern.
  • the range R5 in FIG. 7A is configured to reduce the irradiation of light.
  • the lamp unit having such a configuration forms a light distribution pattern in which only a part of the maximum irradiation area that can be irradiated by the lamp unit is irradiated, or a light distribution pattern in which a part of the maximum irradiation area is darkly irradiated.
  • it can be obtained not only by modulation by the spatial light modulator 16 but also by turning off or dimming a part of the light source 40. That is, the ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) mode is realized by realizing the shape and brightness distribution of the light distribution pattern by combining not only the reflection control of each reflecting element 36 of the spatial light modulator 16 but also the lighting control of the light source.
  • various light distribution patterns such as road surface drawing mode can be obtained while increasing the light utilization efficiency of the light source.
  • the spatial light modulator is a reflection type
  • the spatial light modulator may be a transmission type.
  • the light source and each optical system are arranged on the opposite side of the projection member with the spatial light modulator in between.
  • each semiconductor light emitting element may be capable of selectively realizing multi-valued brightness by controlling current or voltage as well as on / off binary brightness.
  • the present invention has been described above with reference to the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the configurations of the embodiments are appropriately combined or substituted. Those are also included in the present invention. Further, it is also possible to appropriately rearrange the combinations and the order of processing in each embodiment based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and to add modifications such as various design changes to each embodiment, and such modifications. The embodiment to which is added may also be included in the scope of the present invention.
  • the present invention can be used for a lamp unit for a vehicle.

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Abstract

A lamp unit (10) that comprises a first light source (12), a second light source (14), a spatial light modulator (16) that modulates incident light, a first optical system (18) that is provided on an optical path that is between the first light source and the spatial light modulator and is configured such that light emitted from the first light source is directed toward the spatial light modulator, and a second optical system (20) that is provided on an optical path that is between the second light source and the spatial light modulator and is configured such that light emitted from the second light source is directed toward the spatial light modulator. The first light source (12) and the second light source (14) are configured such that a first area in which light emitted from the first light source (12) shines on the spatial light modulator (16) and a second area in which light emitted from the second light source (14) shines on the spatial light modulator (16) partially overlap.

Description

灯具ユニットおよび車両用前照灯Lighting unit and vehicle headlights

　本発明は、灯具ユニットに関する。 The present invention relates to a lamp unit.

　従来、光源から出射した光を、多数の反射素子を有するＤＭＤ（Digital Mirror Device）により反射し、レンズを介して前方を照射する灯具ユニットが考案されている（特許文献１参照）。この灯具ユニットは、多数の反射素子のそれぞれの反射角度を制御することで、照射範囲の異なる様々な配光パターンを前方に形成できる。 Conventionally, a lamp unit has been devised in which light emitted from a light source is reflected by a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) having a large number of reflecting elements and illuminates the front through a lens (see Patent Document 1). By controlling the reflection angle of each of a large number of reflecting elements, this lamp unit can form various light distribution patterns with different irradiation ranges forward.

特開２０１６－２１９２７９号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-219279

　ところで、前述の灯具ユニットは、一つの光源から照射された光源像を多数の反射素子を選択的に駆動して反射することで配光パターンを形成している。そのため、非照射領域を有する配光パターンを形成する際にも光源は常に点灯している。また、配光パターンの所定の領域をより明るくしようとする場合、光源が有する発光素子への印加電流を増大させるか、より高輝度、高光束な発光素子を使用する必要がある。その結果、灯具ユニット内での発熱量が増大し、その対策のために、放熱設計が複雑になったり、放熱部品の追加によるコストの上昇を招いたりする。 By the way, the above-mentioned lamp unit forms a light distribution pattern by selectively driving and reflecting a large number of reflecting elements for a light source image emitted from one light source. Therefore, the light source is always lit even when forming a light distribution pattern having a non-irradiated region. Further, in order to make a predetermined region of the light distribution pattern brighter, it is necessary to increase the current applied to the light emitting element of the light source or to use a light emitting element having higher brightness and higher luminous flux. As a result, the amount of heat generated in the lamp unit increases, and as a countermeasure, the heat dissipation design becomes complicated, and the cost increases due to the addition of heat dissipation parts.

　本発明はこうした状況に鑑みてなされたものであり、その例示的な目的のひとつは、光源の光の利用効率を高めながら、所望の配光パターンを得ることができる新たな技術を提供することにある。 The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and one of its exemplary purposes is to provide a new technique capable of obtaining a desired light distribution pattern while increasing the efficiency of light utilization of a light source. It is in.

　上記課題を解決するために、本発明のある態様の灯具ユニットは、第１の光源と、第２の光源と、入射した光の変調を行う空間光変調器と、第１の光源と空間光変調器との間の光路上に設けられ、第１の光源から出射した光が空間光変調器に向かうように構成された第１光学系と、第２の光源と空間光変調器との間の光路上に設けられ、第２の光源から出射した光が空間光変調器に向かうように構成された第２光学系と、を備える。第１の光源および第２の光源は、第１の光源から出射した光が空間光変調器を照射する第１の範囲と、第２の光源から出射した光が空間光変調器を照射する第２の範囲と、が一部重複するように構成されている。 In order to solve the above problems, the lighting unit of a certain aspect of the present invention includes a first light source, a second light source, a spatial light modulator that modulates incident light, and a first light source and spatial light. Between the first optical system, which is provided on the optical path between the modulator and the light emitted from the first light source is directed toward the spatial optical modulator, and between the second light source and the spatial optical modulator. It is provided with a second optical system provided on the optical path of the above and configured so that the light emitted from the second light source is directed to the spatial light modulator. The first light source and the second light source have a first range in which the light emitted from the first light source illuminates the spatial light modulator, and a first range in which the light emitted from the second light source irradiates the spatial light modulator. It is configured so that the range of 2 and the range 2 partially overlap.

　この態様によると、灯具ユニットが照射できる最大照射領域の一部の領域だけを照射した配光パターン、あるいは、最大照射領域の一部の領域を暗く照射した配光パターンを形成する場合、空間光変調器による変調だけではなく、第１の光源または第２の光源の一方を消灯あるいは減光することで得られる。 According to this aspect, when forming a light distribution pattern in which only a part of the maximum irradiation area that can be irradiated by the lamp unit is irradiated, or a light distribution pattern in which a part of the maximum irradiation area is darkly irradiated, spatial light is formed. It is obtained not only by modulation by a modulator but also by turning off or dimming one of the first light source and the second light source.

　本発明の他の態様は車両用前照灯である。この車両用前照灯は、灯具ユニットと、空間光変調器で反射した光、または、空間光変調器を透過した光を車両前方に配光パターンとして投影する投影部材と、を備えてもよい。第１の光源および第２の光源は、第１の範囲と第２の範囲とが重複する範囲で反射した光、または、重複する範囲を透過した光が、配光パターンの水平線を含む領域を照射するように構成されていてもよい。これにより、高輝度（高光束）光源を用いずに、配光パターンの水平線を含む領域を明るく照射できるため、遠方の視認性を向上できる。 Another aspect of the present invention is a vehicle headlight. The vehicle headlight may include a lamp unit and a projection member that projects light reflected by a spatial light modulator or light transmitted through the spatial light modulator as a light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle. .. The first light source and the second light source include light reflected in a range where the first range and the second range overlap, or light transmitted through the overlapping range in a region including the horizontal line of the light distribution pattern. It may be configured to irradiate. As a result, the region including the horizontal line of the light distribution pattern can be brightly illuminated without using a high-luminance (high luminous flux) light source, so that visibility at a distance can be improved.

　第１の光源は、複数の発光素子を有してもよい。複数の発光素子は、一つ以上の発光素子からなるグループ毎に点消灯（明るさを調節）できるように構成されていてもよい。これにより、多様な配光パターンを形成できる。 The first light source may have a plurality of light emitting elements. The plurality of light emitting elements may be configured so that they can be turned on and off (brightness is adjusted) for each group consisting of one or more light emitting elements. As a result, various light distribution patterns can be formed.

　第１の光源は、複数の発光素子がライン状に配置されており、中央に配置されている発光素子に印加する電流量が、端部に配置されている発光素子に印加する電流量よりも高くなるように構成されていてもよい。これにより、光源全体の電流量を余り大きくせずに、灯具ユニットが形成する配光パターンの中央領域を明るく照射できる。その結果、遠方の視認性を向上できる。 In the first light source, a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in a line, and the amount of current applied to the light emitting element arranged in the center is larger than the amount of current applied to the light emitting elements arranged at the ends. It may be configured to be higher. As a result, the central region of the light distribution pattern formed by the lamp unit can be brightly illuminated without increasing the amount of current of the entire light source. As a result, distant visibility can be improved.

　第１の光源は、出射した光の配光特性が、第２の光源から出射した光の配光特性と異なるように構成されていてもよい。これにより、同じ配光特性の光源を複数用いた場合と比較して、様々な配光パターンを形成することができる。 The first light source may be configured such that the light distribution characteristics of the emitted light are different from the light distribution characteristics of the light emitted from the second light source. As a result, various light distribution patterns can be formed as compared with the case where a plurality of light sources having the same light distribution characteristics are used.

　空間光変調器は、複数の変調素子がマトリックス状に配置された変調領域のアスペクト比が、第１の範囲または第２の範囲のアスペクト比よりも小さくなるように構成されている。これにより、車両前方の照射範囲に適した配光パターンを形成し易くなる。 The spatial light modulator is configured so that the aspect ratio of the modulation region in which a plurality of modulation elements are arranged in a matrix is smaller than the aspect ratio of the first range or the second range. This facilitates the formation of a light distribution pattern suitable for the irradiation range in front of the vehicle.

　第２の光源は、複数の発光素子を有してもよい。複数の発光素子は、一つ以上の発光素子からなるグループ毎に点消灯（明るさを調節）できるように構成されていてもよい。これにより、多様な配光パターンを形成できる。 The second light source may have a plurality of light emitting elements. The plurality of light emitting elements may be configured so that they can be turned on and off (brightness is adjusted) for each group consisting of one or more light emitting elements. As a result, various light distribution patterns can be formed.

　本発明の別の態様は、灯具ユニットである。この灯具ユニットは、光源と、入射した光の変調を行う空間光変調器と、光源と空間光変調器との間の光路上に設けられ、光源から出射した光が空間光変調器に向かうように構成された光学系と、を備える。光源は、出射した光が空間光変調器を照射可能な範囲のうち、空間光変調器が有する複数の変調素子のうち配光パターンの形成に寄与しない変調素子が含まれる範囲への光の照射を低減するように構成されている。 Another aspect of the present invention is a lamp unit. This lighting unit is provided on the optical path between the light source, the spatial light modulator that modulates the incident light, and the light source and the spatial light modulator so that the light emitted from the light source heads toward the spatial light modulator. It is equipped with an optical system configured in. The light source irradiates the range in which the emitted light can irradiate the spatial light modulator, which includes the modulation elements that do not contribute to the formation of the light distribution pattern among the plurality of modulation elements of the spatial light modulator. Is configured to reduce.

　この態様によると、灯具ユニットが照射できる最大照射領域の一部の領域だけを照射した配光パターン、あるいは、最大照射領域の一部の領域を暗く照射した配光パターンを形成する場合、空間光変調器による変調だけではなく、光源の一部を消灯あるいは減光することで得られる。 According to this aspect, when forming a light distribution pattern in which only a part of the maximum irradiation area that can be irradiated by the lamp unit is irradiated, or a light distribution pattern in which a part of the maximum irradiation area is darkly irradiated, spatial light is formed. It is obtained not only by modulation by a modulator but also by turning off or dimming a part of the light source.

　なお、以上の構成要素の任意の組合せ、本発明の表現を方法、装置、システム、などの間で変換したものもまた、本発明の態様として有効である。 It should be noted that any combination of the above components and the conversion of the expression of the present invention between methods, devices, systems, etc. are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

　本発明によれば、光源の光の利用効率を高めながら、所望の配光パターンを得ることができる。 According to the present invention, a desired light distribution pattern can be obtained while increasing the light utilization efficiency of the light source.

第１の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットの概略構成を示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows the schematic structure of the lamp unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 第１の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットの概略構成を示す上面図である。It is a top view which shows the schematic structure of the lamp unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 図３（ａ）は、光源の分解斜視図、図３（ｂ）は、光源の要部断面図である。FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the light source, and FIG. 3B is a sectional view of a main part of the light source. 空間光変調器の正面図である。It is a front view of a spatial light modulator. 本実施の形態に係る複数の光源から出射した光が空間光変調器の反射領域を照射する範囲を説明するための模式図である。It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the range which the light emitted from the plurality of light sources which concerns on this Embodiment irradiate the reflection region of a spatial light modulator. 本実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットで形成される配光パターンの一例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows an example of the light distribution pattern formed by the lamp unit which concerns on this embodiment. 図７（ａ）は、第１の実施の形態に係る灯具で形成できる他の配光パターンを形成する場合の空間光変調器の正面図、図７（ｂ）は、第１の実施の形態に係る灯具で形成できる他の配光パターンを示す図である。FIG. 7A is a front view of the spatial light modulator in the case of forming another light distribution pattern that can be formed by the lamp according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 7B is the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other light distribution pattern which can be formed by the lamp | lamp which concerns on. 第２の実施の形態に係る各光源の正面図である。It is a front view of each light source which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 第２の実施の形態に係る複数の光源から出射した光が空間光変調器の反射領域を照射する範囲を説明するための模式図である。It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the range which the light emitted from a plurality of light sources which concerns on 2nd Embodiment irradiates the reflection region of a spatial light modulator. 第２の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットで形成される配光パターンの一例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows an example of the light distribution pattern formed by the lamp unit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 第３の実施の形態に係る各光源の正面図である。It is a front view of each light source which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. 第３の実施の形態に係る複数の光源から出射した光が空間光変調器の反射領域を照射する範囲を説明するための模式図である。It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the range which the light emitted from a plurality of light sources which concerns on 3rd Embodiment irradiates the reflection region of a spatial light modulator. 第３の実施の形態に係る灯具で形成できる他の配光パターンを形成する場合の空間光変調器の正面図である。It is a front view of the spatial light modulator in the case of forming another light distribution pattern which can be formed by the lamp according to the 3rd Embodiment. 第４の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットの概略構成を示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows the schematic structure of the lamp unit which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

　以下、本発明を実施の形態をもとに図面を参照しながら説明する。各図面に示される同一または同等の構成要素、部材、処理には、同一の符号を付するものとし、適宜重複した説明は省略する。また、実施の形態は、発明を限定するものではなく例示であって、実施の形態に記述される全ての特徴やその組合せは、必ずしも発明の本質的なものであるとは限らない。 Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings based on the embodiments. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the drawings shall be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate. Further, the embodiment is not limited to the invention but is an example, and all the features and combinations thereof described in the embodiment are not necessarily essential to the invention.

　（第１の実施の形態）
　図１は、第１の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットの概略構成を示す側面図である。図２は、第１の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットの概略構成を示す上面図である。灯具ユニット１０は、光源１２，１４と、入射した光の変調を行う空間光変調器１６と、光源１２と空間光変調器１６との間の光路上に設けられ、光源１２から出射した光Ｌ１が空間光変調器１６に向かうように構成された第１光学系１８と、光源１４と空間光変調器１６との間の光路上に設けられ、光源１４から出射した光Ｌ２が空間光変調器１６に向かうように構成された第２光学系２０と、投影光学系としての投影レンズ２２と、を備える。本実施の形態に係る灯具ユニット１０は、例えば、車両用前照灯に用いられる。 (First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a lamp unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the lamp unit according to the first embodiment. The lighting unit 10 is provided on the optical path between the light sources 12 and 14, the spatial light modulator 16 that modulates the incident light, and the light source 12 and the spatial optical modulator 16, and the light L1 emitted from the light source 12. Is provided on the optical path between the first optical system 18 and the light source 14 and the space light modulator 16 so as to face the space light modulator 16, and the light L2 emitted from the light source 14 is the space light modulator. A second optical system 20 configured to face 16 and a projection lens 22 as a projection optical system are provided. The lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment is used, for example, as a headlight for a vehicle.

　空間光変調器１６は、例えば、ＤＭＤ（Digital Mirror Device）等のＭＥＭＳ（Micro Electro Mechanical Systems）、透過型や反射型の液晶デバイス、光学デバイス、電気光学デバイス、磁気光学デバイス、等の変調器を含む。第１光学系１８はリフレクタ２４を含み、第２光学系２０はリフレクタ２６を含む。 The spatial light modulator 16 includes, for example, a modulator such as a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) such as a DMD (Digital Mirror Device), a transmissive or reflective liquid crystal device, an optical device, an electro-optical device, or a magnetic optical device. Including. The first optical system 18 includes a reflector 24, and the second optical system 20 includes a reflector 26.

　図３（ａ）は、光源の分解斜視図、図３（ｂ）は、光源の要部断面図である。本実施の形態に係る光源１２（光源１４）は、基板２８上に１つの半導体発光素子３０（青色発光素子）が並置されている。また、半導体発光素子３０の上面には、青色光により励起されて黄色光を発する黄色蛍光体３２が搭載されている。これにより、光源１２，１４は白色光を実現できる。 FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the light source, and FIG. 3B is a sectional view of a main part of the light source. In the light source 12 (light source 14) according to the present embodiment, one semiconductor light emitting element 30 (blue light emitting element) is juxtaposed on the substrate 28. Further, a yellow phosphor 32 that is excited by blue light and emits yellow light is mounted on the upper surface of the semiconductor light emitting device 30. As a result, the light sources 12 and 14 can realize white light.

　また、光源１２は、半導体発光素子３０や黄色蛍光体３２から出射した光を集光する集光部材３４を更に有している。集光部材３４は、例えば、複合放物面型集光器（Compound Parabolic Concentrator）が用いられる。半導体発光素子３０は、ＬＥＤやＬＤ、ＥＬ素子等である。 Further, the light source 12 further has a light collecting member 34 that collects the light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting element 30 and the yellow phosphor 32. As the condensing member 34, for example, a compound parabolic concentrator is used. The semiconductor light emitting element 30 is an LED, an LD, an EL element, or the like.

　リフレクタ２４は、光源１２から出射した光が空間光変調器１６に向かうように構成された第１光学系１８の一つの光学要素である。同様に、リフレクタ２６は、光源１４から出射した光が空間光変調器１６に向かうように構成された第２光学系２０の一つの光学要素である。リフレクタ２４，２６は、表面が平坦な曲面で構成されている。 The reflector 24 is one optical element of the first optical system 18 configured so that the light emitted from the light source 12 is directed to the spatial light modulator 16. Similarly, the reflector 26 is one optical element of the second optical system 20 configured such that the light emitted from the light source 14 is directed toward the spatial light modulator 16. The reflectors 24 and 26 are formed of curved surfaces having a flat surface.

　前述のように構成された灯具ユニット１０は、光源１２から出射した光をリフレクタ２４で反射し、光源１４から出射した光をリフレクタ２６で反射し、反射された光の少なくとも一部を空間光変調器１６で再度反射し、反射された光が投影レンズ２２を通過することで、前方に光源像が配光パターンとしてが投影される。 In the lamp unit 10 configured as described above, the light emitted from the light source 12 is reflected by the reflector 24, the light emitted from the light source 14 is reflected by the reflector 26, and at least a part of the reflected light is spatially light-modulated. The light is reflected again by the vessel 16 and the reflected light passes through the projection lens 22, so that the light source image is projected forward as a light distribution pattern.

　図４は、空間光変調器の正面図である。本実施の形態に係る空間光変調器１６は、微小なマイクロミラーからなる多数の反射素子３６がマトリックス状に配置された反射領域３８が中央に設けられており、反射素子３６の反射面の向きを個別に制御することで、様々な配光パターンを形成できる。なお、反射素子３６のミラー面は、オンとオフとで上下方向に変化する。図５は、本実施の形態に係る複数の光源から出射した光が空間光変調器の反射領域を照射する範囲を説明するための模式図である。図６は、本実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットで形成される配光パターンの一例を示す図である。なお、図５では、反射素子３６の図示を省略している。 FIG. 4 is a front view of the spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator 16 according to the present embodiment is provided with a reflection region 38 in which a large number of reflection elements 36 composed of minute micromirrors are arranged in a matrix in the center, and the orientation of the reflection surface of the reflection element 36. Various light distribution patterns can be formed by individually controlling. The mirror surface of the reflecting element 36 changes in the vertical direction depending on whether it is on or off. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a range in which light emitted from a plurality of light sources according to the present embodiment irradiates a reflection region of a spatial light modulator. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern formed by the lamp unit according to the present embodiment. Note that in FIG. 5, the reflection element 36 is not shown.

　図５に示すように、本実施の形態に係る灯具ユニット１０は、光源１２から出射した光が反射領域３８の中央から右側の範囲Ｒ１を照射し、光源１４から出射した光が反射領域３８の中央から左側の範囲Ｒ２を照射するように構成されている。また、灯具ユニット１０は、範囲Ｒ１と範囲Ｒ２とが、反射領域３８の中央部で一部重複するように各要素の構成やレイアウトが工夫されている。その結果、図６に示すように、灯具ユニット１０は、光源に加える印加電流を増大させたり高輝度（高光束）な光源を用いたりせずに、反射領域３８で反射された光により形成される配光パターンＰＨの中央部ＣＶを明るくできる。 As shown in FIG. 5, in the lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment, the light emitted from the light source 12 irradiates the range R1 on the right side from the center of the reflection region 38, and the light emitted from the light source 14 is the reflection region 38. It is configured to irradiate the range R2 from the center to the left side. Further, in the lamp unit 10, the configuration and layout of each element are devised so that the range R1 and the range R2 partially overlap in the central portion of the reflection region 38. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the lamp unit 10 is formed by the light reflected in the reflection region 38 without increasing the applied current applied to the light source or using a light source having high brightness (high luminous flux). The central CV of the light distribution pattern PH can be brightened.

　図７（ａ）は、第１の実施の形態に係る灯具で形成できる他の配光パターンを形成する場合の空間光変調器の正面図、図７（ｂ）は、第１の実施の形態に係る灯具で形成できる他の配光パターンを示す図である。 FIG. 7A is a front view of the spatial light modulator in the case of forming another light distribution pattern that can be formed by the lamp according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 7B is the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other light distribution pattern which can be formed by the lamp | lamp which concerns on.

　光源１２を消灯し、光源１４のみを点灯させると、図７（ａ）に示すように、反射領域３８の中央から左側の範囲Ｒ２が照射される。そして、灯具ユニット１０は、空間光変調器１６を制御し、反射領域３８のうち範囲Ｒ３に含まれる反射素子３６をオンとすることで、範囲Ｒ３で反射された光のみが投影レンズ２２に向かい、前方に配光パターンＰＨ’を形成する。つまり、本実施の形態に係る灯具ユニット１０においては、反射領域３８のうち範囲Ｒ４に照射される光以外は、配光パターンＰＨ’の形成に寄与するため、光源の光の利用効率を高めることができる。その結果、消費電力が低減され、灯具ユニット内の熱設計が容易となる。 When the light source 12 is turned off and only the light source 14 is turned on, the range R2 from the center to the left side of the reflection region 38 is irradiated as shown in FIG. 7A. Then, the lamp unit 10 controls the spatial light modulator 16 and turns on the reflecting element 36 included in the range R3 in the reflecting region 38, so that only the light reflected in the range R3 faces the projection lens 22. , Form a light distribution pattern PH'forward. That is, in the lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment, since the light other than the light emitted to the range R4 in the reflection region 38 contributes to the formation of the light distribution pattern PH', the utilization efficiency of the light of the light source is improved. Can be done. As a result, the power consumption is reduced and the thermal design in the lamp unit becomes easy.

　これに対して、部分的な消灯ができない一つの光源で配光パターンＰＨ’を形成しようとする場合、反射領域３８の全体を常に照射するように光源を点灯する必要がある。そのうえ、範囲Ｒ４だけでなく反射領域３８の右側の範囲Ｒ５に照射される光も配光パターンＰＨ’の形成に寄与しないため、光源の光の利用効率が低い。つまり、同じ配光パターンＰＨ’を形成する場合であっても、部分的な消灯ができない一つの光源を用いると、光源で必要な電力が大きくなり、本実施の形態に係る灯具ユニット１０と比較して、放熱性や消費電力の観点で劣ることになる。 On the other hand, when trying to form the light distribution pattern PH'with one light source that cannot be partially turned off, it is necessary to turn on the light source so as to constantly illuminate the entire reflection region 38. Moreover, not only the range R4 but also the light irradiating the range R5 on the right side of the reflection region 38 does not contribute to the formation of the light distribution pattern PH', so that the light utilization efficiency of the light source is low. That is, even when the same light distribution pattern PH'is formed, if one light source that cannot be partially turned off is used, the power required by the light source becomes large, which is compared with the lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment. Therefore, it is inferior in terms of heat dissipation and power consumption.

　したがって、本実施の形態に係る灯具ユニット１０は、灯具ユニット１０が照射できる最大照射領域（範囲Ｒ１＋範囲Ｒ２）の一部の領域だけを照射した配光パターンＰＨ’、あるいは、最大照射領域の一部の領域を暗く照射した配光パターンを形成する場合、空間光変調器１６による変調だけではなく、第１の光源または第２の光源の一方を消灯あるいは減光することで所望の配光パターンを得られる。 Therefore, the lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment is the light distribution pattern PH'that irradiates only a part of the maximum irradiation region (range R1 + range R2) that the lamp unit 10 can irradiate, or one of the maximum irradiation regions. When forming a light distribution pattern in which a region is darkly illuminated, a desired light distribution pattern is formed by turning off or dimming one of the first light source and the second light source, in addition to the modulation by the spatial light modulator 16. Can be obtained.

　（第２の実施の形態）
　第１の実施の形態に係る光源１２，１４は、それぞれが１つの半導体発光素子３０を備えている。これに対して、第２の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットは、２つの光源がそれぞれ複数の半導体発光素子を備えている点が主な特徴である。なお、第２の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットの他の構成は第１の実施の形態と同様である。 (Second Embodiment)
Each of the light sources 12 and 14 according to the first embodiment includes one semiconductor light emitting element 30. On the other hand, the main feature of the lamp unit according to the second embodiment is that each of the two light sources includes a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. The other configuration of the lamp unit according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

　図８は、第２の実施の形態に係る各光源の正面図である。第２の実施の形態に係る光源４０，４２は、基板２８上に３つの半導体発光素子３０ａ，３０ｂ，３０ｃが一列に並んで搭載されている。また、３つの半導体発光素子３０ａ，３０ｂ，３０ｃの上面（発光面）には、黄色蛍光体３２（不図示）が搭載されている。なお、黄色蛍光体３２は、３つの半導体発光素子３０ａ，３０ｂ，３０ｃの発光面と同じように３つに分割されていてもよいし、連続した一つの板状の部材であってもよい。 FIG. 8 is a front view of each light source according to the second embodiment. In the light sources 40 and 42 according to the second embodiment, three semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30b and 30c are mounted in a row on the substrate 28. Further, a yellow phosphor 32 (not shown) is mounted on the upper surfaces (light emitting surfaces) of the three semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30b, and 30c. The yellow phosphor 32 may be divided into three like the light emitting surfaces of the three semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30b, and 30c, or may be a continuous plate-shaped member.

　複数の半導体発光素子３０ａ，３０ｂ，３０ｃは、一つ以上の半導体発光素子からなるグループ毎に点消灯（明るさを調節）できるように構成されている。これにより、多様な配光パターンを形成できる。また、各光源は、複数の半導体発光素子３０ａ，３０ｂ，３０ｃがライン状に配置されており、中央に配置されている半導体発光素子３０ｂに印加する電流量が、端部に配置されている半導体発光素子３０ａ，３０ｃに印加する電流量よりも高くなるように構成されている。これにより、光源全体の電流量を余り大きくせずに、灯具ユニットが形成する配光パターンの中央領域を明るく照射できる。その結果、遠方の視認性を向上できる。 The plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30b, and 30c are configured so that they can be turned on and off (brightness can be adjusted) for each group consisting of one or more semiconductor light emitting elements. As a result, various light distribution patterns can be formed. Further, in each light source, a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30b, 30c are arranged in a line, and the amount of current applied to the semiconductor light emitting element 30b arranged in the center is a semiconductor arranged at the end. It is configured to be higher than the amount of current applied to the light emitting elements 30a and 30c. As a result, the central region of the light distribution pattern formed by the lamp unit can be brightly illuminated without increasing the amount of current of the entire light source. As a result, distant visibility can be improved.

　図９は、第２の実施の形態に係る複数の光源から出射した光が空間光変調器の反射領域を照射する範囲を説明するための模式図である。図１０は、第２の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットで形成される配光パターンの一例を示す図である。なお、図９では、反射素子３６の図示を省略している。 FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the range in which the light emitted from the plurality of light sources according to the second embodiment irradiates the reflection region of the spatial light modulator. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern formed by the lamp unit according to the second embodiment. Note that in FIG. 9, the reflection element 36 is not shown.

　図９に示すように、第２の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットは、第１の光源４０から出射した光が反射領域３８の中央から上側の範囲Ｒ６を照射し、第２の光源４２から出射した光が反射領域３８の中央から下側の範囲Ｒ７を照射するように構成されている。そして、光源４０および光源４２は、範囲Ｒ６と範囲Ｒ７とが重複する範囲で反射した光、または、重複する範囲を透過した光が、配光パターンＰＨの水平線Ｖ－Ｖを含む領域を照射するように構成されている。これにより、高輝度（高光束）光源を用いずに、配光パターンＰＨの水平線を含む領域を明るく照射できるため、遠方の視認性を向上できる。 As shown in FIG. 9, in the lamp unit according to the second embodiment, the light emitted from the first light source 40 irradiates the range R6 above the center of the reflection region 38 and is emitted from the second light source 42. The light is configured to illuminate the range R7 below the center of the reflection region 38. Then, the light source 40 and the light source 42 irradiate the region including the horizontal line VV of the light distribution pattern PH with the light reflected in the range where the range R6 and the range R7 overlap or the light transmitted through the overlapping range. It is configured as follows. As a result, the region including the horizontal line of the light distribution pattern PH can be brightly illuminated without using a high-luminance (high luminous flux) light source, so that visibility at a distance can be improved.

　また、第２の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットは、範囲Ｒ６と範囲Ｒ７とが、反射領域３８の中央部Ｒｃで一部重複するように各要素の構成やレイアウトが工夫されている。その結果、図１０に示すように、第２の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットは、光源に加える印加電流を増大させたり高輝度（高光束）な光源を用いたりせずに、反射領域３８で反射された光により形成される配光パターンＰＨのＨ－Ｈ線を含む中央部ＣＨを明るくでき、遠方視認性を向上できる。 Further, the lamp unit according to the second embodiment, the range R6 and scope R7 is, each element of the structure and layout to overlap partially in the central portion R c of the reflective region 38 has been devised. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the lamp unit according to the second embodiment does not increase the applied current applied to the light source or use a high-luminance (high luminous flux) light source, but in the reflection region 38. the central portion C H containing the line H-H of the light distribution pattern PH formed by the reflected light can be bright, thereby improving the distant visibility.

　なお、空間光変調器１６は、複数の反射素子３６（変調素子）がマトリックス状に配置された反射領域３８（変調領域）のアスペクト比が、範囲Ｒ６または範囲Ｒ７のアスペクト比よりも小さくなるように構成されている。これにより、車両前方の照射範囲（左右方向に長い長方形）に適した配光パターンを形成し易くなる。 In the spatial light modulator 16, the aspect ratio of the reflection region 38 (modulation region) in which a plurality of reflection elements 36 (modulation elements) are arranged in a matrix is smaller than the aspect ratio of the range R6 or the range R7. It is configured in. This facilitates the formation of a light distribution pattern suitable for the irradiation range (long rectangle in the left-right direction) in front of the vehicle.

　（第３の実施の形態）
　第２の実施の形態に係る光源４０，４２は、３つの半導体発光素子３０ａ，３０ｂ，３０ｃが一列に配置されている。これに対して、第３の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットは、第２の実施の形態における光源４０，４２の中央にある１つの半導体発光素子３０ｂが複数の半導体発光素子に分割されており、半導体発光素子毎に個別に明るさの調整が可能な点が主な特徴である。なお、第３の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットの他の構成は前述の各実施の形態と同様である。 (Third Embodiment)
In the light sources 40 and 42 according to the second embodiment, three semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30b and 30c are arranged in a row. On the other hand, in the lamp unit according to the third embodiment, one semiconductor light emitting element 30b at the center of the light sources 40 and 42 in the second embodiment is divided into a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. The main feature is that the brightness can be adjusted individually for each semiconductor light emitting device. The other configuration of the lamp unit according to the third embodiment is the same as that of each of the above-described embodiments.

　図１１は、第３の実施の形態に係る各光源の正面図である。第３の実施の形態に係る光源４４，４６は、基板２８上に６つの半導体発光素子３０ａ，３０ｄ，３０ｅ，３０ｆ，３０ｇ，３０ｃが並んで搭載されている。また、各半導体発光素子の上面（発光面）には、黄色蛍光体３２（不図示）が搭載されている。なお、黄色蛍光体３２は、６つの半導体発光素子の発光面と同じように６つに分割されていてもよいし、連続した一つの板状の部材であってもよい。 FIG. 11 is a front view of each light source according to the third embodiment. In the light sources 44 and 46 according to the third embodiment, six semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, and 30c are mounted side by side on the substrate 28. Further, a yellow phosphor 32 (not shown) is mounted on the upper surface (light emitting surface) of each semiconductor light emitting element. The yellow phosphor 32 may be divided into six like the light emitting surfaces of the six semiconductor light emitting elements, or may be one continuous plate-shaped member.

　複数の半導体発光素子３０ａ，３０ｄ，３０ｅ，３０ｆ，３０ｇ，３０ｃは、一つ以上の半導体発光素子からなるグループ毎に点消灯（明るさを調節）できるように構成されている。これにより、多様な配光パターンを形成できる。また、各光源は、複数の半導体発光素子３０ａ，３０ｄ，３０ｅ，３０ｃがライン状に配置されており、中央に配置されている半導体発光素子３０ｄ，３０ｅ，３０ｆ，３０ｇに印加する電流量が、端部に配置されている半導体発光素子３０ａ，３０ｃに印加する電流量よりも高くなるように構成されている。これにより、光源全体の電流量を余り大きくせずに、灯具ユニットが形成する配光パターンの中央領域を明るく照射できる。その結果、遠方の視認性を向上できる。 The plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, and 30c are configured so that they can be turned on and off (brightness can be adjusted) for each group consisting of one or more semiconductor light emitting elements. As a result, various light distribution patterns can be formed. Further, in each light source, a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements 30a, 30d, 30e, 30c are arranged in a line, and the amount of current applied to the semiconductor light emitting elements 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g arranged in the center is determined. It is configured to be higher than the amount of current applied to the semiconductor light emitting elements 30a and 30c arranged at the ends. As a result, the central region of the light distribution pattern formed by the lamp unit can be brightly illuminated without increasing the amount of current of the entire light source. As a result, distant visibility can be improved.

　図１２は、第３の実施の形態に係る複数の光源から出射した光が空間光変調器の反射領域を照射する範囲を説明するための模式図である。なお、図１２では、反射素子３６の図示を省略している。 FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the range in which the light emitted from the plurality of light sources according to the third embodiment irradiates the reflection region of the spatial light modulator. Note that in FIG. 12, the reflection element 36 is not shown.

　図１２に示すように、第３の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットは、第１の光源４４から出射した光が反射領域３８の中央から上側の範囲Ｒ６を照射し、第２の光源４６から出射した光が反射領域３８の中央から下側の範囲Ｒ７を照射するように構成されている。また、第３の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットは、範囲Ｒ６と範囲Ｒ７とが、反射領域３８の中央部Ｒｃで一部重複するように各要素の構成やレイアウトが工夫されている。その結果、第３の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットは、第２の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットと同様に、Ｈ－Ｈ線を含む中央部ＣＨが明るい図１０に示す配光パターンＰＨを形成できるため、遠方視認性を向上できる。 As shown in FIG. 12, in the lamp unit according to the third embodiment, the light emitted from the first light source 44 irradiates the range R6 above the center of the reflection region 38 and is emitted from the second light source 46. The light is configured to illuminate the range R7 below the center of the reflection region 38. Further, the lamp unit according to the third embodiment, the range R6 and scope R7 is, each element of the structure and layout to overlap partially in the central portion R c of the reflective region 38 has been devised. As a result, lamp unit according to the third embodiment, as in the lamp unit according to the second embodiment, the light distribution pattern PH central portion C H containing the line H-H is shown in bright 10 Since it can be formed, distant visibility can be improved.

　図１３は、第３の実施の形態に係る灯具で形成できる他の配光パターンを形成する場合の空間光変調器の正面図である。光源４４の半導体発光素子３０ｃを消灯し、光源４６の半導体発光素子３０ｃ，３０ｇを消灯すると、図１３に示すように、反射領域３８の中央から左側の範囲Ｒ８が照射される。そして、第３の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットは、空間光変調器１６を制御し、反射領域３８のうち範囲Ｒ９に含まれる反射素子３６をオンとすることで、範囲Ｒ９で反射された光のみが投影レンズ２２に向かい、前方に配光パターンＰＨ’（図７（ｂ）参照）を形成する。つまり、第３の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットにおいては、反射領域３８のうち範囲Ｒ１０に照射される光以外は、配光パターンＰＨ’の形成に寄与するため、光源の光の利用効率を高めることができる。また、範囲Ｒ１０は、図７（ａ）に示す範囲Ｒ４より狭いため、配光パターンＰＨ’の形成に寄与しない光源の光を更に減らせる。 FIG. 13 is a front view of the spatial light modulator in the case of forming another light distribution pattern that can be formed by the lamp according to the third embodiment. When the semiconductor light emitting element 30c of the light source 44 is turned off and the semiconductor light emitting elements 30c and 30 g of the light source 46 are turned off, the range R8 from the center to the left side of the reflection region 38 is irradiated as shown in FIG. Then, the lamp unit according to the third embodiment controls the spatial light modulator 16 and turns on the reflecting element 36 included in the range R9 in the reflection region 38, so that the light reflected in the range R9 is turned on. Only faces the projection lens 22 and forms a light distribution pattern PH'(see FIG. 7B) in front of it. That is, in the lamp unit according to the third embodiment, since the light other than the light emitted to the range R10 in the reflection region 38 contributes to the formation of the light distribution pattern PH', the utilization efficiency of the light of the light source is enhanced. be able to. Further, since the range R10 is narrower than the range R4 shown in FIG. 7A, the light from the light source that does not contribute to the formation of the light distribution pattern PH'can be further reduced.

　（第４の実施の形態）
　図１４は、第４の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットの概略構成を示す側面図である。上述の各実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットは、第１光学系および第２光学系として、光源の光を反射するリフレクタを備えているが、本実施の形態に係る灯具ユニット４８は、光源１２と空間光変調器１６との間の光路上に設けられ、光源１２から出射した光Ｌ１が空間光変調器１６に向かうように透過する集光レンズ５０を備えている。このような構成の灯具ユニット４８であっても、上述の各実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットと同様の作用効果を奏する。 (Fourth Embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the lamp unit according to the fourth embodiment. The lighting unit according to each of the above-described embodiments includes a reflector that reflects the light of the light source as the first optical system and the second optical system, but the lighting unit 48 according to the present embodiment includes the light source 12. A condenser lens 50 is provided on the optical path between the space light modulator 16 and the light L1 emitted from the light source 12 is transmitted so as to be directed toward the space light modulator 16. Even the lamp unit 48 having such a configuration has the same function and effect as the lamp unit according to each of the above-described embodiments.

　（第５の実施の形態）
　複数の光源の一方は、出射した光の配光特性が、複数の光源の他方から出射した光の配光特性と異なるように構成されていてもよい。これにより、反射領域３８に照射される光は、明るさが均一でない分布が得られる。そして、互いに同じ配光特性の光源や半導体発光素子を複数用いた場合と比較して、様々な配光パターンを形成することができる。 (Fifth Embodiment)
One of the plurality of light sources may be configured such that the light distribution characteristic of the emitted light is different from the light distribution characteristic of the light emitted from the other of the plurality of light sources. As a result, the light irradiating the reflection region 38 has a non-uniform brightness distribution. Then, various light distribution patterns can be formed as compared with the case where a plurality of light sources and semiconductor light emitting elements having the same light distribution characteristics are used.

　（第６の実施の形態）
　上述の各実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットは、離れた場所に設けられた複数の光源を備えているが、必ずしも光源を複数備えていなくてもよい。例えば、第６の実施の形態に係る灯具ユニットは、光源４０と、入射した光の変調を行う空間光変調器１６と、光源４０と空間光変調器との間の光路上に設けられ、光源４０から出射した光が空間光変調器１６に向かうように構成された光学系と、を備える。光源４０は、出射した光が空間光変調器１６を照射可能な範囲のうち、空間光変調器１６が有する複数の反射素子３６のうち配光パターンの形成に寄与しない反射素子３６が含まれる範囲（例えば図７（ａ）の範囲Ｒ５）への光の照射を低減するように構成されている。 (Sixth Embodiment)
The lamp unit according to each of the above-described embodiments includes a plurality of light sources provided at remote locations, but the lamp unit does not necessarily have to include a plurality of light sources. For example, the lighting unit according to the sixth embodiment is provided on the optical path between the light source 40, the spatial light modulator 16 that modulates the incident light, and the light source 40 and the spatial light modulator, and is a light source. It includes an optical system configured such that the light emitted from the 40 is directed toward the spatial light modulator 16. The light source 40 is a range in which the emitted light can irradiate the spatial light modulator 16 and includes a reflecting element 36 among a plurality of reflecting elements 36 included in the spatial light modulator 16 that does not contribute to the formation of a light distribution pattern. (For example, the range R5 in FIG. 7A) is configured to reduce the irradiation of light.

　このような構成の灯具ユニットは、灯具ユニットが照射できる最大照射領域の一部の領域だけを照射した配光パターン、あるいは、最大照射領域の一部の領域を暗く照射した配光パターンを形成する場合、空間光変調器１６による変調だけではなく、光源４０の一部を消灯あるいは減光することで得られる。つまり、配光パターンの形状や明るさの分布を、空間光変調器１６の各反射素子３６の反射制御だけでなく、光源の点灯制御を組み合わせて実現することで、ＡＤＢ（Adaptive Driving Beam）モードや、路面描画モードといった様々な配光パターンを、光源の光の利用効率を高めながら得られる。 The lamp unit having such a configuration forms a light distribution pattern in which only a part of the maximum irradiation area that can be irradiated by the lamp unit is irradiated, or a light distribution pattern in which a part of the maximum irradiation area is darkly irradiated. In this case, it can be obtained not only by modulation by the spatial light modulator 16 but also by turning off or dimming a part of the light source 40. That is, the ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) mode is realized by realizing the shape and brightness distribution of the light distribution pattern by combining not only the reflection control of each reflecting element 36 of the spatial light modulator 16 but also the lighting control of the light source. And various light distribution patterns such as road surface drawing mode can be obtained while increasing the light utilization efficiency of the light source.

　（変形例）
　上述の各実施の形態では、空間光変調器が反射型の場合について説明したが、空間光変調器が透過型の場合であってもよい。この場合、光源や各光学系は、空間光変調器を挟んで投影部材と反対側に配置される。 (Modification example)
In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the spatial light modulator is a reflection type has been described, but the spatial light modulator may be a transmission type. In this case, the light source and each optical system are arranged on the opposite side of the projection member with the spatial light modulator in between.

　また、各半導体発光素子は、オンオフの二値的な明るさだけではなく、電流や電圧制御によって多値的な明るさを選択的に実現できるものであってもよい。 Further, each semiconductor light emitting element may be capable of selectively realizing multi-valued brightness by controlling current or voltage as well as on / off binary brightness.

　以上、本発明を上述の各実施の形態を参照して説明したが、本発明は上述の各実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、各実施の形態の構成を適宜組み合わせたものや置換したものについても本発明に含まれるものである。また、当業者の知識に基づいて各実施の形態における組合せや処理の順番を適宜組み替えることや各種の設計変更等の変形を各実施の形態に対して加えることも可能であり、そのような変形が加えられた実施の形態も本発明の範囲に含まれうる。 Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the configurations of the embodiments are appropriately combined or substituted. Those are also included in the present invention. Further, it is also possible to appropriately rearrange the combinations and the order of processing in each embodiment based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and to add modifications such as various design changes to each embodiment, and such modifications. The embodiment to which is added may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

　本発明は、車両用の灯具ユニットに利用可能である。 The present invention can be used for a lamp unit for a vehicle.

　Ｌ１　光、　Ｒ１　第１の範囲、　Ｌ２　光、　Ｒ２　第２の範囲、　１０　灯具ユニット、　１２，１４　光源、　１６　空間光変調器、　１８　第１光学系、　２０　第２光学系、　２２　投影レンズ、　２４，２６　リフレクタ、　２８　基板、　３０　半導体発光素子、　３２　黄色蛍光体、　３４　集光部材、　３６　反射素子、　３８　反射領域。 L1 light, R1 first range, L2 light, R2 second range, 10 lamp unit, 12,14 light source, 16 spatial light modulator, 18 first optical system, 20 second optical system, 22 projection lens, 24 , 26 reflectors, 28 substrates, 30 semiconductor light emitting elements, 32 yellow phosphors, 34 light collecting members, 36 reflecting elements, 38 reflecting regions.

Claims (8)

　第１の光源と、
　第２の光源と、
　入射した光の変調を行う空間光変調器と、
　前記第１の光源と前記空間光変調器との間の光路上に設けられ、前記第１の光源から出射した光が前記空間光変調器に向かうように構成された第１光学系と、
　前記第２の光源と前記空間光変調器との間の光路上に設けられ、前記第２の光源から出射した光が前記空間光変調器に向かうように構成された第２光学系と、を備え、
　前記第１の光源および前記第２の光源は、前記第１の光源から出射した光が前記空間光変調器を照射する第１の範囲と、前記第２の光源から出射した光が前記空間光変調器を照射する第２の範囲と、が一部重複するように構成されていることを特徴とする灯具ユニット。 The first light source and
With the second light source
Spatial light modulators that modulate the incident light,
A first optical system provided on the optical path between the first light source and the spatial light modulator, and configured such that the light emitted from the first light source is directed toward the spatial light modulator.
A second optical system provided on the optical path between the second light source and the spatial light modulator, and configured such that the light emitted from the second light source is directed toward the spatial light modulator. Prepare,
The first light source and the second light source include a first range in which the light emitted from the first light source irradiates the spatial light modulator, and the light emitted from the second light source is the spatial light. A lamp unit characterized in that a second range for irradiating a modulator and a second range are configured to partially overlap. 　請求項１に記載の灯具ユニットと、
　前記空間光変調器で反射した光、または、前記空間光変調器を透過した光を車両前方に配光パターンとして投影する投影部材と、を備え、
　前記第１の光源および前記第２の光源は、前記第１の範囲と前記第２の範囲とが重複する範囲で反射した光、または、前記重複する範囲を透過した光が、配光パターンの水平線を含む領域を照射するように構成されていることを特徴とする車両用前照灯。 The lamp unit according to claim 1 and
A projection member that projects light reflected by the spatial light modulator or light transmitted through the spatial light modulator as a light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle is provided.
In the first light source and the second light source, the light reflected in the range where the first range and the second range overlap, or the light transmitted through the overlapping range is the light distribution pattern. A vehicle headlight that is configured to illuminate an area that includes a horizon. 　前記第１の光源は、複数の発光素子を有し、
　前記複数の発光素子は、一つ以上の発光素子からなるグループ毎に点消灯できるように構成されていることを特徴とする請求項２に記載の車両用前照灯。 The first light source has a plurality of light emitting elements and has a plurality of light emitting elements.
The vehicle headlight according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of light emitting elements are configured so as to be turned on and off for each group composed of one or more light emitting elements. 　前記第１の光源は、前記複数の発光素子がライン状に配置されており、中央に配置されている発光素子に印加する電流量が、端部に配置されている発光素子に印加する電流量よりも高くなるように構成されていることを特徴とする請求項３に記載の車両用前照灯。 In the first light source, the plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in a line, and the amount of current applied to the light emitting elements arranged in the center is the amount of current applied to the light emitting elements arranged at the ends. The vehicle headlight according to claim 3, wherein the headlight is configured to be higher than the above. 　前記第１の光源は、出射した光の配光特性が、前記第２の光源から出射した光の配光特性と異なるように構成されていることを特徴とする請求項２乃至４のいずれか１項に記載の車両用前照灯。 Any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first light source is configured such that the light distribution characteristic of the emitted light is different from the light distribution characteristic of the light emitted from the second light source. The vehicle headlight according to item 1. 　前記空間光変調器は、複数の変調素子がマトリックス状に配置された変調領域のアスペクト比が、前記第１の範囲または前記第２の範囲のアスペクト比よりも小さくなるように構成されていることを特徴とする請求項２乃至５のいずれか１項に記載の車両用前照灯。 The spatial light modulator is configured so that the aspect ratio of the modulation region in which a plurality of modulation elements are arranged in a matrix is smaller than the aspect ratio of the first range or the second range. The vehicle headlight according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the headlight is for a vehicle. 　前記第２の光源は、複数の発光素子を有し、
　前記複数の発光素子は、一つ以上の発光素子からなるグループ毎に点消灯できるように構成されていることを特徴とする請求項２乃至６のいずれか１項に記載の車両用前照灯。 The second light source has a plurality of light emitting elements and has a plurality of light emitting elements.
The vehicle headlight according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the plurality of light emitting elements are configured so that they can be turned on and off for each group composed of one or more light emitting elements. .. 　光源と、
　入射した光の変調を行う空間光変調器と、
　前記光源と前記空間光変調器との間の光路上に設けられ、前記光源から出射した光が前記空間光変調器に向かうように構成された光学系と、を備え、
　前記光源は、出射した光が前記空間光変調器を照射可能な範囲のうち、前記空間光変調器が有する複数の変調素子のうち配光パターンの形成に寄与しない変調素子が含まれる範囲への光の照射を低減するように構成されていることを特徴とする灯具ユニット。 Light source and
Spatial light modulators that modulate the incident light,
An optical system provided on an optical path between the light source and the spatial light modulator and configured such that light emitted from the light source is directed toward the spatial light modulator is provided.
The light source refers to a range in which the emitted light can irradiate the spatial light modulator, and includes a plurality of modulation elements included in the spatial light modulator that do not contribute to the formation of a light distribution pattern. A lamp unit characterized in that it is configured to reduce light irradiation.
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JP2019507950A (en) * 2016-02-24 2019-03-22 ツェットカーヴェー グループ ゲーエムベーハー Vehicle floodlight
US20170284621A1 (en) * 2016-03-31 2017-10-05 Hyundai Motor Company Lamp apparatus for vehicle
WO2018022700A1 (en) * 2016-07-26 2018-02-01 Texas Instruments Incorporated Quasi-sparse optical illumination
JP2018092761A (en) * 2016-12-01 2018-06-14 スタンレー電気株式会社 Vehicle lighting

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