Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle light including a bulb with a top coat
formed thereon, and in particular, to a vehicle light enabling to prevent the generation
of glare light by shielding direct light beams emitted from the light emission portion
of the top coated bulb diagonally upward in a substantially illumination direction.
Background Art
[0002] Conventional vehicle lights (for example, headlamps) can have a housing (or a lamp
body) 1, an outer lens (or a front lens) 2 defining a lighting chamber 3 together
with the housing 1, a top coated bulb with a light-shielding coat 4a1 formed thereon
at its top end portion (or a top portion) 4a, and a reflector 5 configured to reflect
light beams emitted from a light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4. The bulb with
the top coat 4 (hereinafter referred to as a "top coated bulb") and the reflector
5 are contained within the lighting chamber 3. Furthermore, in this type of conventional
vehicle light, the center portion of the outer lens 2 is made of plain glass with
no substantial lens function. (For example, a vehicle headlamp disclosed in Japanese
Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2001-176450.)
[0003] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrate examples of such conventional vehicle headlamps, respectively
(Fig. 1 shows a vehicle headlamp disclosed in Fig. 6 of Japanese Patent Application
Laid-Open No.
2001-176450 and Fig. 2 shows a vehicle headlamp disclosed in Fig. 2 of Japanese Patent Application
Laid-Open No.
2001-176450).
[0004] The conventional vehicle headlamp illustrated in Fig. 1 includes a hood (or a shade)
6 in order for a person not to directly see the light-shielding coat 4a1 applied at
the top end portion 4a of the bulb 4 from the outside.through the outer lens (or a
front lens) 2. The hood (shade) 6 has a substantially parasol-like shape and is disposed
between the top end portion 4a of the bulb 4 and the outer lens 2.
[0005] The other conventional vehicle headlamp illustrated in Fig. 2 does not include a
parasol-shaped hood. However, in order for a person not to directly see the light-shielding
coat 4a1 applied thereon at the top end portion 4a of the bulb 4 from the outside,
the conventional vehicle headlamp of Fig. 2 has the light-shielding coat 4a1 formed
of a particular material that can be difficult to be seen from the outside through
the outer lens 2.
[0006] Still another conventional vehicle headlamp is configured as disclosed in Fig. 5
of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2003-249103. This vehicle headlamp includes a housing 1 and an outer lens 2 (or a lamp lens)
which together define a lighting chamber. The headlamp further includes a bulb 4 (for
example, being a halogen lamp) and a reflector 5 for reflecting light beams emitted
from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 in the illumination direction of
the vehicle headlamp, which are installed within the lighting chamber of the vehicle
headlamp. In this case, the center portion of the outer lens 2 is made of plain glass
with no substantial lens function. Furthermore, the reflector 5 can include a reflection
portion (or a reflector portion) 5a for reflecting light beams emitted from the light
emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 in the illumination direction of the vehicle headlamp,
and a side wall portion 5b that extends forward from the edge portion of the reflection
portion (reflector portion) 5a.
[0007] Fig. 3 shows such a conventional vehicle headlamp (one disclosed in Fig. 5 of Japanese
Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2003-249103). In this vehicle headlamp, the light beams emitted from the light emission portion
4b of the bulb 4 (for example, being a halogen lamp) can be incident on the side wall
portion 5b that extends forward from the lower edge of the reflection portion 5a of
the reflector 5 and then be reflected by that side wall portion 5b. In this case,
in order to prevent the reflected light beams from being projected diagonally upward
in the illumination direction of the vehicle headlamp to become glare light, the side
wall portion 5b that extends forward from the lower edge of the reflection portion
5a of the reflector 5 has a knurled portion 5b2a.
[0008] However, there is no description with regard to the problem in which direct light
beams emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally upward in
the illumination direction of the vehicle headlamp become glare light, and accordingly,
there is no countermeasure for removing causes associated with this problem. In other
words, there is a possibility that part of the light beams emitted from the light
emission portion of the bulb diagonally upward in the illumination direction of the
vehicle headlamp may not be shielded by the light-shielding coat at the top end portion
of the bulb and may become glare light. However, there is no idea for reducing the
possibility in these patent references.
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0009] In view of the foregoing problems associated with the prior art, an object of the
present invention is to provide a vehicle light having a bulb with a top coat provided
thereon, for preventing light beams emitted from its light emission portion diagonally
upward in the illumination direction of the vehicle light from becoming glare light
without being shielded by the top coat.
[0010] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle light that
can reduce or prevent any possibility that part of the light beams emitted from the
light emission portion of a top-coated bulb diagonally upward in the illumination
direction of the vehicle light is not shielded by a light-shielding coat at the top
end portion of the bulb and become glare light.
[0011] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle light
that can reduce or prevent any possibility that part of the light beams emitted from
the light emission portion of a top-coated bulb diagonally rearward and downward of
the vehicle light become glare light, more effectively or sufficiently than the case
where a lower edge portion of a reflection portion of a reflector is located behind
a plane that is perpendicular to a main optical axis of the bulb and passes the light
emission portion of the bulb, in addition to the reduction of the possibility that
direct light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the bulb diagonally
upward in the illumination direction of the vehicle light become glare light.
Solution to Problem
[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle
light illuminating in a predetermined illumination direction. The vehicle light includes:
a housing; an outer lens which defines a lighting chamber together with the housing;
a top-coated bulb having a light emission portion with a main optical axis passing
therethrough and a top end portion coated with a light-shielding coat, the bulb being
disposed within the lighting chamber; a reflector disposed within the lighting chamber,
for reflecting light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the top-coated
bulb, the reflector including a reflection portion for reflecting light beams emitted
from the light emission portion of the top-coated bulb in the illumination direction
and a side wall portion that extends from an edge portion of the reflection portion
substantially in the illumination direction. In this vehicle light, a lower edge portion
of the reflection portion of the reflector is disposed before a plane that is perpendicular
to the main optical axis of the bulb and passes the light emission portion of the
bulb. Furthermore, the light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the
top-coated bulb diagonally upward in the illumination direction of the vehicle light
are shielded by any of the light-shielding coat provided to the bulb and the side
wall portion of the reflector.
[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle
light illuminating in a predetermined illumination direction. The vehicle light includes:
a housing; an outer lens which defines a lighting chamber together with the housing;
a top-coated bulb having a light emission portion with a main optical axis passing
therethrough and a top end portion coated with a light-shielding coat, the bulb being
disposed within the lighting chamber; a reflector disposed within the lighting chamber,
for reflecting light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the top-coated
bulb, the reflector including a reflection portion for reflecting light beams emitted
from the light emission portion of the top-coated bulb in the illumination direction
and a side wall portion that extends from an edge portion of the reflection portion
substantially in the illumination direction. In the vehicle light, a lower edge portion
of the reflection portion of the reflector is disposed before a plane that is perpendicular
to the main optical axis of the bulb and passes the light emission portion of the
bulb, and the outer lens includes a light-shielding and/or diffusion portion at or
near an upper edge portion thereof. Furthermore, the light beams emitted from the
light emission portion of the top-coated bulb diagonally upward in the illumination
direction of the vehicle light are shielded by any of the light-shielding coat provided
to the bulb, the side wall portion of the reflector, and the light-shielding and/or
diffusion portion of the outer lens.
[0014] In the above vehicle light, according to a third aspect of the present invention,
the main optical axis of the light emission portion of the top-coated bulb is preferably
disposed above a vertical center of the reflection portion of the reflector.
[0015] In the above vehicle light, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention,
the outer lens preferably has a center portion made of plain glass with no substantial
lens function.
[0016] In the above vehicle light, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention,
the side wall portion is preferably provided so as to extend in the illumination direction
from the lower edge portion of the reflection portion of the reflector, and the side
wall portion is preferably provided with diffusion means in order to diffuse and reflect
light beams emitted from the light emission portion of.the top-coated bulb diagonally
downward in the illumination direction.
[0017] In the above vehicle light, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention,
the side wall portion that extends from the upper edge portion of the reflection portion
of the reflector substantially in the illumination direction and the main optical
axis of the light emission portion of the top-coated bulb are preferably separated
by a predetermined distance so that the side wall portion is not affected by heat
generated by the bulb.
[0018] In the above vehicle light, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention,
the predetermined distance is preferably at least 50 mm.
[0019] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the above vehicle light is
preferably used as a vehicle headlamp.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0020] The vehicle light according to the first aspect of the present invention has the
top-coated bulb with the light-shielding coat provided at its top end portion and
the reflector for reflecting light beams emitted from the light emission portion of
the bulb in the illumination direction of the vehicle light. The bulb and the reflector
are disposed within the lighting chamber defined by the housing and the outer lens.
The reflector includes the reflection portion for reflecting light beams emitted from
the light emission portion of the top-coated bulb in the illumination direction and
the side wall portion that extends from the edge portion of the reflection portion
substantially in the illumination direction.
[0021] Suppose the case where the lower edge portion of the reflection portion of the reflector
is located behind a plane that is perpendicular to the main optical axis of the bulb
and passes the light emission portion of the bulb. In this case, there is a possibility
that part of the light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the bulb diagonally
rearward and downward of the vehicle light can be incident on the side wall portion
that extends forward from the lower edge portion of the reflection portion of the
reflector and be reflected by the same, and then reach the reflection portion to be
reflected thereby, to become glare light directed diagonally upward in the illumination
direction.
[0022] In view of the problem associated with the above case, the vehicle light according
to the first aspect of the present invention is configured such that the lower edge
portion of the reflection portion of the reflector is disposed before the plane that
is perpendicular to the main optical axis of the bulb and passes the light emission
portion of the bulb. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce or prevent any possibility
that part of the light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the top-coated
bulb diagonally rearward and downward of the vehicle light become.glare light, more
effectively or sufficiently when compared with the case where the lower edge portion
of the reflection portion of the reflector is located behind the plane that is perpendicular
to the main optical axis of the bulb and passes the light emission portion of the
bulb. Furthermore, when compared with the case where the lower edge portion of the
reflection portion of the reflector is located behind the plane that is perpendicular
to the main optical axis of the bulb and passes the light emission portion of the
bulb, the present invention can improve the light utilization efficiency in the illumination
direction of light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the top-coated
bulb downward of the vehicle light and reflected by the reflection portion of the
reflector.
[0023] In the vehicle light according to the first aspect of the present invention, the
light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the top-coated bulb diagonally
upward in the illumination direction can be shielded by any of the light-shielding
coat and the side wall portion of the reflector. Accordingly, the possibility that
direct light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the bulb diagonally
upward in the illumination direction of the vehicle light become glare light can be
reduced. In other words, the light beams that are not shielded by the light-shielding
coat of the bulb can be prevented from becoming glare light.
[0024] Accordingly, it is possible to reduce or prevent any possibility that part of the
light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the top-coated bulb diagonally
rearward and downward of the vehicle light become glare light, more effectively or
sufficiently when compared with the case where the lower edge portion of the reflection
portion of the reflector is located behind the plane that is perpendicular to the
main optical axis of the bulb and passes the light emission portion of the bulb. In
addition to this, the possibility that direct light beams emitted from the light emission
portion of the bulb diagonally upward in the illumination direction become glare light
can be reduced.
[0025] The vehicle light according to the first aspect of the present invention does not
require a hood or the like member disposed between the top end portion of the bulb
and the outer lens.
[0026] The conventional vehicle light has a problem in which the provision of a hood between
the top end portion of the bulb and the outer lens may prevent the efficient heat
dissipation from the bulb, resulting in increased temperature of the bulb. This may
shorten the useful life of the bulb. Conversely, the vehicle light according to the
first aspect of the present invention can solve such a problem before something happens.
[0027] Furthermore, the conventional vehicle light has a problem in which the provision
of a hood between the top end portion of the bulb and the outer lens may prevent the
efficient heat dissipation from the bulb, resulting in increased temperature of the
hood and the reflector disposed around the bulb. This may degrade these components'
materials. Conversely, the vehicle light according to the first aspect of the present
invention can solve such a problem before something happens.
[0028] The conventional vehicle light also has a problem in which the provision of a hood
between the top end portion of the bulb and the outer lens increases the parts number
of the entire vehicle light as well as the number of process steps, resulting in increased
cost of the vehicle light. Conversely, the vehicle light according to the first aspect
of the present invention can solve such a problem before something happens.
[0029] The conventional vehicle light also has a problem in which the hood disposed between
the top end portion of the bulb and the outer lens shields not only the direct light
beams from the bulb but also the light beams reflected from the reflection portion
of the reflector, resulting in decreased light utilization efficiency. Conversely,
the vehicle light according to the first aspect of the present invention does not
need such a hood, and accordingly, can solve such a problem before something happens.
[0030] The vehicle light according to the second aspect of the present invention has the
top-coated bulb with the light-shielding coat provided at its top end portion and
the reflector for reflecting light beams emitted from the light emission portion of
the bulb in the illumination direction of the vehicle light. The bulb and the reflector
are disposed' within the lighting chamber defined by the housing and the outer lens.
The reflector includes the reflection portion for reflecting light beams emitted from
the light emission portion of the top-coated bulb in the illumination direction and
the side wall portion that extends from the edge portion of the reflection portion
substantially in the illumination direction.
[0031] Suppose the case where the lower edge portion of the reflection portion of the reflector
is located behind a plane that is perpendicular to the main optical axis of the bulb
and passes the light emission portion of the bulb. In this case, there is a possibility
that part of the light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the bulb diagonally
rearward and downward of the vehicle light can be incident on the side wall portion
that extends forward from the lower edge portion of the reflection portion of the
reflector and be reflected by the same, and then reach the reflection portion to be
reflected thereby, to become glare light directed diagonally upward in the illumination
direction.
[0032] In view of the problem associated with the above case, the vehicle light.according
to the second aspect of the present invention is configured such that the lower edge
portion of the reflection portion of the reflector is disposed before the plane that
is perpendicular to the main optical axis of the bulb and passes the light emission
portion of the bulb. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce or prevent any possibility
that part of the light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the top-coated
bulb diagonally rearward and downward of the vehicle light become glare light, more
effectively or sufficiently when compared with the case where the lower edge portion
of the reflection portion of the reflector is located behind the plane that is perpendicular
to the main optical axis of the bulb and passes the light emission portion of the
bulb. Furthermore, when compared with the case where the lower edge portion of the
reflection portion of the reflector is located behind the plane that is perpendicular
to the main optical axis of the bulb and passes the light emission portion of the
bulb, the present invention can improve the light utilization efficiency in the illumination
direction of light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the top-coated
bulb downward of the vehicle light and reflected by the reflection portion of the
reflector.
[0033] In the vehicle light according to the second aspect of the present invention, the
light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the top-coated bulb diagonally
upward in the illumination direction can be shielded by any of the light-shielding.coat,
the side wall portion of the reflector, and the light-shielding portion or diffusion
portion provided around the upper edge portion of the outer lens. Accordingly, the
possibility that direct light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the
bulb diagonally upward in the illumination direction of the vehicle light become glare
light can be reduced. In other words, the light beams that are not shielded by the
light-shielding coat of the bulb can be prevented from becoming glare light.
[0034] Accordingly, it is possible to reduce or prevent any possibility that part of the
light beams emitted from the light emission portion of the top-coated bulb diagonally
rearward and downward of the vehicle light become glare light, more effectively or
sufficiently when compared with the case where the lower edge portion of the reflection
portion of the reflector is located behind the plane that is perpendicular to the
main optical axis of the bulb and passes the light emission portion of the bulb. In
addition to this, the possibility that direct light beams emitted from the light emission
portion of the bulb diagonally upward in the illumination direction become glare light
can be reduced.
[0035] The vehicle light according to the second aspect of the present invention does not
require a hood or the like member disposed between the top end portion of the bulb
and the outer lens.
[0036] The conventional vehicle light has a problem in which the provision of a hood between
the top end portion of the bulb and the outer lens may prevent the efficient heat
dissipation from the bulb, resulting in increased temperature of the bulb. This may
shorten the useful life of the bulb. Conversely, the vehicle light according to the
second aspect of the present invention can solve such a problem before something happens.
[0037] Furthermore, the conventional vehicle light has a problem in which the provision
of a hood between the top end portion of the bulb and the outer lens may prevent the
efficient heat dissipation from the bulb, resulting in increased temperature of the
hood and the reflector disposed around the bulb. This may degrade these components'
materials. Conversely, the vehicle light according to the second aspect of the present
invention can solve such a problem before something happens.
[0038] The conventional vehicle light also has a problem in which the provision of a hood
between the top end portion of the bulb and the outer lens increases the parts number
of the entire vehicle light as well as the number of process steps, resulting in increased
cost of the vehicle light. Conversely, the vehicle light according to the second aspect
of the present invention can solve such a problem.
[0039] The conventional vehicle light has a problem in which the hood disposed between the
top end portion of the bulb and the outer lens shields not only the direct light beams
from the bulb but also the light beams reflected from the reflection portion of the
reflector, resulting in decreased light utilization efficiency. Conversely, the vehicle
light according to the second aspect of the present invention can solve such a problem
before something happens.
[0040] In the vehicle light according to the third aspect of the present invention, the
main optical axis of the light emission portion of the top-coated bulb is disposed
above the vertical center of the reflection portion of the reflector. In particular,
when the vehicle light is applied to a motorcycle, it is possible to prevent the interference
with a front folk of the motorcycle.
[0041] In the vehicle light according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
center portion of the outer lens is made of plain glass with no substantial lens function.
This configuration can provide a desired light distribution formed by the reflection
portion of the reflector to be projected in the illumination direction as is without
being affected by the outer lens.
[0042] In the vehicle light according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the
side wall portion is provided so as to extend in the illumination direction from the
lower edge portion of the reflection portion of the reflector. In this case, the side
wall portion is provided with diffusion means in order to diffuse and reflect light
beams emitted from the light emission portion of the bulb diagonally downward in the
illumination direction of the vehicle light.
[0043] In the conventional vehicle light, the light beams emitted from the light emission
portion of the bulb diagonally downward in the illumination direction of the vehicle
light are incident on the side wall portion that extends in the illumination direction
from the lower edge of the reflection portion of the reflector and then be reflected
by the same. The reflected light beams are projected diagonally upward in the illumination
direction of the vehicle light to become glare light. Conversely, in the vehicle light
according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the side wall portion is provided
with diffusion means such as a knurled portion to thereby solve the above-mentioned
problem.
[0044] The vehicle light according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is configured
such that the side wall portion that extends from the upper edge portion of the reflection
portion of the reflector and the main optical axis of the bulb (or the light emission
portion of the bulb) are separated by a predetermined sufficient distance so that
the components cannot be affected by heat generated by the bulb. In the vehicle light
according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the predetermined distance
can be set to at least 50 mm. Accordingly, when compared with the case where the distance
between the side wall portion of the reflector and the light emission portion of the
bulb is set to less than 50 mm, this configuration can reduce the possibility that
the side wall portion of the reflector may be heated to rise its temperature.
[0045] Furthermore, the vehicle light of the present invention is preferably used as a vehicle
headlamp in order to fully exert the advantageous effects thereof.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0046]
Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a conventional vehicle headlamp which
is equivalent to that shown in Fig. 6 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2001-176450;
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another conventional vehicle headlamp
which is equivalent to that shown in Fig. 2 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
No. 2001-176450;
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating still another conventional vehicle headlamp
which is equivalent to that shown in Fig. 5 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
No. 2003-249103;
Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B are cross sectional views illustrating the configuration of a
vehicle headlamp according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B are cross-sectional views that shows the light paths for allowing
light beams emitted from the light emission portion diagonally upward in the illumination
direction of the vehicle headlamp as shown in Fig. 4A to pass therethrough;
Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are cross-sectional views showing the vehicle headlamp according
to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B are cross-sectional views that show the light paths for allowing
light beams emitted from the light emission portion diagonally upward in the illumination
direction of the vehicle headlamp as shown in Fig. 6A to pass therethrough;
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view that shows the light paths for allowing light beams
emitted from the light emission portion diagonally upward in the illumination direction
of the vehicle headlamp as shown in Fig. 6A to pass therethrough; and
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle headlamp according to a third
exemplary embodiment.
Description of Embodiments
[0047] A description will now be made with regard to a vehicle light according to a first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that a vehicle headlamp
is illustrated as an example of the vehicle light in the first and subsequent exemplary
embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B illustrate the vehicle headlamp
according to the first exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional
view illustrating a vehicle headlamp according to the first exemplary embodiment taken
along a vertical plane including the main optical axis L of a bulb 4 with a top coat
or top-coated bulb 4 (hereinafter, referred to simply as a "bulb 4"). Fig. 4B shows
light paths for allowing the light beams emitted from a light emission portion 4b
of the bulb 4 rearward of the vehicle headlamp (right side of Fig. 4A) to pass therethrough.
[0048] Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B show light paths for allowing the light beams emitted from the
light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally upward in the illumination direction
of the vehicle headlamp (left side of Fig. 4A or in the traveling direction of the
vehicle) to pass therethrough. Specifically,
[0049] Fig. 5A shows light paths for allowing the light beams emitted from the light emission
portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally upward in the illumination direction of the vehicle
headlamp at a relatively small angle with respect to the main optical axis L of the
bulb 4 to pass therethrough. Fig. 5B shows light paths for allowing the light beams
emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally upward in the
illumination direction of the vehicle headlamp at a relatively large angle with respect
to the main optical axis L to pass therethrough.
[0050] The vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment is provided with a housing
1 and an outer lens 2, as shown in Fig. 4A, to define a lighting chamber 3 by the
housing 1 and the outer lens 2. The vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment
is also provided with the bulb 4 and a reflector 5. The bulb 4 includes a light-shielding
coat 4a1 at its top end portion 4a and the light emission portion 4b. The reflector
5 is configured to reflect light beams emitted from the light emission portion 4b
of the bulb 4 to project the light beams in the illumination direction of the vehicle
headlamp (left side in Fig. 4A). These components are disposed within the lighting
chamber 3. In this instance, the reflector 5 can be connected and fixed to the housing
1 with, for example, a ball joint and an aiming screw (both of them are not shown
in the drawing).
[0051] As shown in Fig. 4B, the reflector 5 includes a reflection portion 5a, and a side
wall portion 5b1 and another side wall portion 5b2. The reflection portion 5a can
reflect light beams emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 rearward
of the vehicle headlamp (right side in Fig. 4B) to direct the light beams in the illumination
direction of the vehicle headlamp (left side in Fig. 4B). The side wall portion 5b1
extends from the upper edge portion 5a1 of the reflection portion 5a forward (left
side in Fig. 4B). The side wall portion 5b2 extends from the lower edge portion 5a2
of the reflection portion 5a forward.
[0052] As shown in Fig. 4B, the outer lens 2 includes a center portion 2a made of plain
glass with no substantial lens function in order for the reflected light from the
reflection portion 5a of the reflector 5 to pass therethrough substantially without
optical effect.
[0053] Suppose the comparative vehicle headlamp includes the reflector 5 with the lower
edge portion 5a2 of the reflection portion 5a thereof disposed behind the plane that
is perpendicular to the main optical axis L of the bulb 4 and passes the light emission
portion 4b of the bulb 4 (right side in Fig. 4B). In this case, the light beams emitted
from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally rearward and downward
of the vehicle headlamp (right lower side in Fig. 4B) can be incident on the side
wall portion 5b2 of the reflector 5 to be reflected by the same. Then, the reflected
light beams can be incident on the reflection portion 5a of the reflector 5 to be
reflected by the same. The reflected light beams may be projected diagonally upward
in the illumination direction of the vehicle headlamp (left upper side in Fig. 4B)
to become glare light.
[0054] In view of this point, the vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment is
configured such that the lower edge portion 5a2 of the reflection portion 5a of the
reflector 5 is disposed before the plane that is perpendicular to the main optical
axis L of the bulb 4 and passes the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4, as shown
in Fig. 4B.
[0055] When compared with the case where the reflector 5 is configured such that the lower
edge portion 5a2 of the reflection portion 5a thereof is disposed behind the plane
that is perpendicular to the main optical axis L of the bulb 4 and passes the light
emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 (right side in Fig. 4B), the vehicle headlamp of
the first exemplary embodiment can reduce the possibility that part of the light beams
emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally rearward and downward
(right lower side in Fig. 4B) of the vehicle headlamp is projected diagonally upward
in the illumination direction of the vehicle headlamp (left upper side in Fig. 4B)
to become glare light.
[0056] Furthermore, when compared with the case where the reflector 5 is configured such
that the lower edge portion 5a2 of the reflection portion 5a thereof is disposed behind
the plane that is perpendicular to the main optical axis L of the bulb 4 and passes
the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 (right side in Fig. 4B), the vehicle headlamp
of the first exemplary embodiment can increase the light amount by directing part
of the light beams emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 downward
(lower side in Fig. 4B) of the vehicle headlamp to be projected in the illumination
direction of the vehicle headlamp (left side in Fig. 4B). Namely, the light utilization
efficiency can be improved.
[0057] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment illustrated
in Fig. 4A, the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 is disposed above the vertical
center C of the reflection portion 5a of the reflector 5 (upper side in Fig. 4A).
[0058] In the vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment configured as described
above in Fig. 5A, the light beams L1 and L1' emitted from the light emission portion
4b of the bulb 4 diagonally upward in the illumination direction at a relatively small
angle with respect to the main optical axis L of the bulb 4 (left upper side in Fig.
5A) can be shielded by the light-shielding coat 4a1 provided at the top end portion
4a of the bulb 4.
[0059] In addition to this, as shown in Fig. 5B the light beams L2 and L2' emitted from
the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally upward in the illumination
direction at a relatively large angle with respect to the main optical axis L of the
bulb 4 (left upper side in Fig. 5B) can be shielded by the side wall portion 5b1 of
the reflector 5.
[0060] In other words, as shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, the vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary
embodiment is configured such that the light beams L1, L1', L2, and L2' emitted from
the light emission portion 4b of the top-coated bulb 4 diagonally upward in the illumination
direction (left upper side in the drawings) can be reliably shielded by at least any
one of the light-shielding coat 4a1 provided at the top end portion 4a of the bulb
4 and the side wall portion 5b1 of the reflector 5.
[0061] This configuration can prevent the direct light beams L1, L1', L2, and L2' emitted
from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 from becoming glare light. Namely,
it is possible to reduce the possibility that the light beams L1, L1', L2, and L2'
emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally upward in the
illumination direction (left upper side in the drawings) cannot be shielded by the
light-shielding coat 4a1 provided at the top end portion 4a of the bulb 4 to thereby
be projected as the light beams L2, and L2' becoming glare light.
[0062] The vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment does not need any parasol-shaped
hood (or shade) which is to be disposed between the top end portion 4a of the top-coated
bulb 4 and the outer lens 2 in the conventional vehicle headlamp as shown in Fig.
1.
[0063] In the conventional vehicle headlamp as shown in Fig. 1, the parasol-shaped hood
(or shade) is required to be disposed between the top end portion 4a of the top-coated
bulb 4 and the outer lens 2, and accordingly, heat generated from the bulb 4 cannot
be effectively dissipated to increase the bulb temperature, resulting in decreased
life of the bulb. Conversely, the vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment
according to the present invention does not need such a hood (shade), and accordingly,
can solve such a problem before something happens.
[0064] Furthermore, the conventional vehicle light as shown in Fig. 1 has a problem in which
the bulb 4 generates heat to increase the temperatures of the hood (shade) and the
reflector. This may degrade these components' materials. Conversely, the vehicle headlamp
of the first exemplary embodiment according to the present invention can solve such
a problem before something happens.
[0065] The conventional vehicle light as shown in Fig. 1 has a problem in which the provision
of a hood (shade) between the top end portion 4a of the bulb 4 and the outer lens
2 increases the parts number of the entire vehicle headlamp as well as the number
of process steps, resulting in increased costs of the vehicle headlamp. Conversely,
the vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment according to the present invention
does not need any hood (or shade) like this and can solve such a problem before something
happens.
[0066] The conventional vehicle headlamp of Fig. 1 has the hood (shade) which is in the
parasol shape and disposed between the top end portion 4a of the bulb 4 and the outer
lens 2. This hood shields not only the direct light beams from the bulb 4 but also
the light beams reflected from the reflection portion 5a of the reflector 5, resulting
in decreased light utilization efficiency. Conversely, the vehicle headlamp of the
first exemplary embodiment according to the present invention does not need such a
hood (shade), and accordingly, can solve such a problem before something happens.
[0067] In the vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment according to the present
invention, the side wall portion 5b2 is provided to extend in the illumination direction
(left side in Fig. 4A) from the lower edge portion 5a2 of the reflection portion 5a
of the reflector 5 as shown in Fig. 4A. In this case, the side wall portion 5b2 is
provided with diffusion means in order to diffuse and reflect light beams emitted
from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally downward in the illumination
direction of the vehicle headlamp (left lower side in Fig. 4A). In the present invention,
a knurled portion 5b2a is preferably formed in the side wall portion 5b2 as diffusion
means.
[0068] The light beams emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally
downward in the illumination direction of the vehicle headlamp (left lower side in
Fig. 4A) are incident on the side wall portion 5b2. The light beams reflected by the
same may be projected diagonally upward in the illumination direction of the vehicle
headlamp (left upper side in Fig. 4A) as glare light (high intensity light beams which
dazzle one's eyes). Conversely, the vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment
according to the present invention has the side wall portion 5b2 provided with diffusion
means such as.the knurled portion 5b2a to thereby solve the above-mentioned problem.
[0069] In other words, the vehicle headlamp of the firms exemplary embodiment can change
the light beams emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally
downward in the illumination direction of the vehicle headlamp (left lower side in
Fig. 4A) to weakened light beams, which does not become glare light, by diffusing
them with the knurled portion 5b2a. Then, the weakened light beams are projected diagonally
upward in the illumination direction of the vehicle headlamp (left upper side in Fig.
4A) to thereby prevent them from becoming glare light.
[0070] The vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment is provided with the side
wall portion 5b2 that extends forward of the vehicle headlamp (left side in Fig. 4A)
from the lower edge portion 5a2 of the reflection portion 5a of the reflector 5 as
shown in Fig. 4A. In addition to this, the side wall portion 5b2 is provided with
the knurled portion 5b2a serving as diffusion means. The present invention, however,
is not limited to this configuration, and it is possible to omit the side wall portion
5b2 itself or the knurled portion 5b2a in accordance with the intended applications.
[0071] The vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment is preferably configured such.that
the side wall portion 5b1 of the reflector 5 and the main optical axis L of the bulb
4 (or the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4) are separated by at least 50 mm.
Accordingly, when compared with the case where the distance between the side wall
portion 5b1 and the main optical axis L of the bulb 4 is set to less than 50 mm, the
vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment can reduce the possibility that
the side wall portion 5b1 may be heated by the bulb 4 to rise its temperature.
[0072] The vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment is preferably configured such
that the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 is disposed above the vertical center
C of the reflection portion 5a of the reflector 5 (upper side in Fig. 4A). In particular,
when the vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment is applied to a motorcycle,
it is possible to prevent the interference of the headlamp with a front folk of the
motorcycle. In other words, when compared with the case where the light emission portion
4b of the bulb 4 is disposed on or below the vertical center C of the reflection portion
5a of the reflector 5, the vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment according
to the present invention can reduce the possibility that the vehicle headlamp interferes
with a front folk 10 of a motorcycle.
[0073] A description will now be given of another vehicle headlamp in accordance with a
second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle headlamp of the
second exemplary embodiment is configured in the same manner as the vehicle headlamp
of the first exemplary embodiment except for the following points. Accordingly, the
vehicle headlamp of the second exemplary embodiment can provide the same or similar
advantageous effects as or to those of the vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary
embodiment except for the following points.
[0074] Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B illustrate the vehicle headlamp of the second exemplary embodiment.
Specifically, Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle headlamp according
to the second exemplary embodiment taken along the vertical plane including the main
optical axis L of the bulb 4. Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view that shows the light
paths for allowing light beams emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb
4 rearward of the vehicle headlamp as shown in Fig. 6A to pass therethrough, in the
same vertical plane as shown in Fig. 6A.
[0075] Figs. 7A, 7B, and 8 are cross-sectional views that each show the light paths for
allowing light beams emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally
upward in the illumination direction of the vehicle headlamp as shown in Fig. 6A to
pass therethrough, in the same vertical plane as shown in Fig. 6A. Specifically, .Fig.
7A shows light paths for allowing the light beams emitted from the light emission
portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally upward in the illumination direction of the vehicle
headlamp at a relatively small angle with respect to the main optical axis L of the
bulb 4 to pass therethrough. Fig. 7B shows light paths for allowing the light beams
emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally upward in the
illumination direction of the vehicle headlamp at a relatively large angle with respect
to the main optical axis L to pass therethrough. Fig. 8 shows light paths for allowing
the light beams emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally
upward in the illumination direction of the vehicle headlamp at an angle that is larger
than that in the case shown in Fig. 7A and smaller than that in the case shown in
Fig. 7B, with respect to the main optical axis L to pass therethrough.
[0076] As in the vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment, the vehicle headlamp
of the second exemplary embodiment has a reflector 5 with its lower edge portion 5a2
of the reflection portion 5a disposed before the plane that is perpendicular to the
main optical axis L of the bulb 4 and passes the light emission portion 4b of the
bulb 4 (left side in Fig. 6B).
[0077] Accordingly, when compared with the case where the reflector 5 is configured such
that the lower edge portion 5a2 of the reflection portion 5a thereof is disposed behind
the plane that is perpendicular to the main optical axis L of the bulb 4 and passes
the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 (right side in Fig. 6B), the vehicle headlamp
of the second exemplary embodiment can reduce the possibility that part of the light
beams emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally rearward
and downward (right lower side in Fig. 6B) of the vehicle headlamp is projected diagonally
upward in the illumination direction of the vehicle headlamp (left upper side in Fig.
6B) to become glare light.
[0078] Furthermore, when compared with the case where the reflector 5 is configured such
that the lower edge portion 5a2 of the reflection portion 5a thereof is disposed behind
the plane that is perpendicular to the main optical axis L of the bulb 4 and passes
the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 (right side in Fig. 6B), the vehicle headlamp
of the second exemplary embodiment can increase the light amount by directing part
of the light beams emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 downward
(lower side in Fig. 6B) of the vehicle headlamp so as to be projected in the illumination
direction of the vehicle headlamp (left side in Fig. 6B). Namely, the light utilization
efficiency can be improved.
[0079] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp of the second exemplary embodiment illustrated
in Fig. 6A, the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 is disposed above the vertical
center C of the reflection portion 5a of the reflector 5 (upper side in Fig. 6A),
as in the vehicle headlamp of the first exemplary embodiment.
[0080] In the vehicle headlamp of the second exemplary embodiment configured as described
above in Fig. 7A, the light beams L1 and L1' emitted from the light emission portion
4b of the bulb 4 diagonally upward in the illumination direction at a relatively small
angle with respect to the main optical axis L of the bulb 4 (left upper side in Fig.
7A) can be shielded by the light-shielding coat 4a1 provided at the top end portion
4a of the bulb 4.
[0081] In addition to this, as shown in Fig. 7B the light beams L2 and L2' emitted from
the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally upward in the illumination
direction at a relatively large angle with respect to the main optical axis L of the
bulb 4 (left upper side in Fig. 7B) can be shielded by the side wall portion 5b1 of
the reflector 5.
[0082] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the second exemplary embodiment, a diffusion
portion is formed at the upper edge portion of the outer lens 2, as shown in Fig.
8. Specifically, the front portion 2b of the outer lens 2 is partially provided with
a lens cut 2b2 serving as the diffusion portion in an area between the upper end portion
2b1 and the center portion 2a of the outer lens 2.
[0083] Accordingly, the light beams L3 and L3' which have not been shielded by any of the
light-shielding coat 4a1 and the side wall portion 5b1 can be diffused by this lens
cut 2b2. As a result, only a small amount of the light beams having passed through
the lens cut 2b2 of the outer lens 2 can be projected diagonally upward in the illumination
direction of the vehicle headlamp (left upper side in Fig. 8).
[0084] Accordingly, the vehicle headlamp of the second'exemplary embodiment can reduce the
possibility that a large amount of the light beams L3 and L3' emitted from the bulb
4 is projected diagonally upward in the illumination direction of the vehicle headlamp
(left upper side in Fig. 8) to become glare light (which may dazzle one's eyes).
[0085] In other words, as shown in Figs. 7A, 7B, and 8, the vehicle headlamp of the second
exemplary embodiment is configured such that the light beams L1, L1', L2, L2', L3,
and L3' emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally upward
in the illumination direction (left upper side in the drawings) can be reliably shielded
(or diffused) by at least any one of the light-shielding coat 4a1 provided at the
top end portion 4a of the bulb 4, the side wall portion 5b1 of the reflector 5, and
the lens cut 2b2 at the upper edge portion of the outer lens 2.
[0086] This configuration can prevent the direct light beams L1, L1', L2, L2', L3, and L3'
emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 from becoming glare light.
Namely, it is possible to reduce the possibility where the light beams L1, L1', L2,
L2', L3, and L3' emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally
upward in the illumination direction (left upper side in the drawings) cannot be shielded
by the light-shielding coat 4a1 provided at the top end portion 4a of the bulb 4 to
thereby be projected as the light beams L2, L2', L3, and L3' becoming glare light.
[0087] The vehicle headlamp of the second exemplary embodiment may be provided with the
lens cut 2b2 on both surfaces of the front portion 2b of the outer lens 2 between
the upper edge portion 2b1 and the center portion 2a (on the left side surface and
right side surface in Fig. 8). The present invention, however, is not limited to this
configuration, and it is possible to provide the lens cut 2b2 on either of the front
side surface (on the left side surface in Fig. 8)and the rear side surface (on the
right side surface in Fig. 8) between the upper edge portion 2b1 and the center portion
2a.
[0088] The vehicle headlamp of the second exemplary embodiment is provided with the lens
cut 2b2 on the surfaces of the front portion 2b of the outer lens 2 between the upper
edge portion 2b1 and the center portion 2a as shown in Fig. 8 to serve as the diffusion
portion. The present invention, however, is not limited to this configuration, and
it is possible to provide a knurled portion serving as a diffusion portion on the
outer lens 2 between the upper edge portion 2b1 and the center portion 2a instead.
[0089] The vehicle headlamp of the second exemplary embodiment is provided with the lens
cut 2b2 on the surfaces of the front portion 2b of the outer lens 2 between the'upper
edge portion 2b1 and the center portion 2a as shown in Fig. 8 to serve as the diffusion
portion. The present invention, however, is not limited to this configuration, and
it is possible to provide a coated portion serving as a light-shielding portion on
the front portion 2b of the outer lens 2 between the upper edge portion 2b1 and the
center portion 2a.
[0090] A description will now be given of another vehicle headlamp in accordance with a
third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle headlamp of the third
exemplary embodiment is configured in the same manner as the vehicle headlamp of the
second exemplary embodiment except for the following points. Accordingly, the vehicle
headlamp of the third exemplary embodiment can provide the same or similar advantageous
effects as or to those of the vehicle headlamp of the second exemplary embodiment
except for the following points.
[0091] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the vehicle headlamp of the third exemplary embodiment.
Specifically, Fig. 9 shows light paths for allowing the light beams emitted from the
light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally upward in the illumination direction
of the vehicle headlamp at an angle that is larger than that in the case shown in
Fig. 7A and smaller than that in the case shown in Fig. 7B, with respect to the main
optical axis L of the bulb 4 to pass therethrough.
[0092] In the vehicle headlamp of the third exemplary embodiment, the outer lens 2 includes
a side wall portion 2c that extends from the upper edge portion 2b1 of the front portion
2b rearward (right side in Fig. 9) and the side wall portion 2c is provided with a
diffusion portion formed thereon. In the present exemplary embodiment, a knurled portion
2c1 is preferably formed in the side wall portion 2c as the diffusion portion.
[0093] In the vehicle headlamp of the second exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the
light beams emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally upward
in the illumination direction (left upper side in Fig. 8) are shielded by any of the
light-shielding coat 4a1 at the top end portion 4a of the bulb 4 and the side wall
portion 5b1 of the reflector 5. However, some of them are not shielded by any of them
and those light beams L3 and L3' are allowed to pass through the lens cut 2b2 of the
outer lens 2, but not allowed to pass through the side wall portion 2c. On the contrary,
the vehicle headlamp of the third exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, is configured
such that some of the light beams emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the
bulb 4 diagonally upward in the illumination direction (left upper side in Fig. 9)
are not shielded by any of the light-shielding coat 4a1 at the top end portion 4a
of the bulb 4 and the side wall portion 5b1 of the reflector 5, and those light beams
L3, L3', and L3" are allowed to pass through the area of the outer lens 2 between
the upper edge portion 3b1 of the front portion 2b and the center portion 2a as.well
as through the side wall portion 2c.
[0094] Specifically, in the vehicle headlamp of the third exemplary embodiment as shown
in Fig. 9, the light beams L3" which have not been shielded by any of the light-shielding
coat 4a1 and the side wall portion 5b1 can be diffused by the knurled portion 2c1.
As a result, only a small amount of the light beams having passed through the knurled
portion 2c1 of the outer lens 2 may be projected diagonally upward in the illumination
direction of the vehicle headlamp (left upper side in Fig. 9).
[0095] Accordingly, the vehicle headlamp of the third exemplary embodiment can reduce the
possibility that a large amount of the light beams L3" emitted from the bulb 4 is
projected diagonally upward in the illumination direction of the vehicle headlamp
(left upper side in Fig. 9) to become glare light (which may dazzle one's eyes).
[0096] In other words, as shown in Figs. 7A, 7B, and 9, the vehicle headlamp of the third
exemplary embodiment is configured such that the light beams L1, L1', L2, L2', L3,
L3', and L3" emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 diagonally upward
in the illumination direction (left upper side in the drawings) can be reliably shielded
(or diffused) by at least any one of the light-shielding coat 4a1 provided at the
top end portion 4a of the bulb 4, the side wall portion 5b1 of the reflector 5, and
the lens cut 2b2 at the upper edge portion and the knurled portion 2c1 of the outer
lens 2.
[0097] This configuration can prevent the direct light beams L1, L1', L2, L2', L3, L3',
and L3" emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb 4 from becoming glare
light. Namely, it is possible to reduce the possibility where the light beams L1,
L1', L2, L2', L3, L3', and L3" emitted from the light emission portion 4b of the bulb
4 diagonally upward in the illumination direction (left upper side in the drawings)
cannot be shielded by the light-shielding coat 4a1 provided at the top end portion
4a of the bulb 4 to thereby be projected as the light beams L2, L2', L3, L3', and
L3" becoming glare light.
[0098] In the vehicle headlamp of the third exemplary embodiment, the outer lens 2 includes
the side wall portion 2c that extends from the upper edge portion 2b1 of the front
portion 2b rearward (right side in Fig. 9) with the side wall portion 2c provided
with the knurled portion 2c1 serving as a diffusion portion formed thereon. The present
invention, however, is not limited to this configuration, and it is possible to provide
a coated portion serving as a light-shielding portion on the side wall portion 2c
of the outer lens 2 instead.
[0099] Furthermore, the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments and their modifications can
be appropriately combined with each other in accordance with the intended applications.
Industrial Applicability
[0100] The vehicle light of the present invention can be applied to a headlamp for use in
a motor cycle, an automobile, and the like.
References Signs List
[0101]
- 1
- housing
- 2
- outer lens
- 2a
- center portion
- 2b
- front portion
- 2b1
- upper edge portion
- 2b2
- lens cut
- 2c
- side wall portion
- 2c1
- knurled portion
- 3
- lighting chamber
- 4
- top-coated bulb
- 4a
- top end portion
- 4a1
- light-shielding coat
- 4b
- light emission portion
- 5
- reflector
- 5a
- reflection portion
- 5a1
- upper edge portion
- 5a2
- lower edge portion
- 5b1,
- 5b2 side wall portion
- 5b2a
- knurled portion
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0102] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2001-176450
[0103] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2003-249103