JP2005197164A - Projector-type headlight - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a projector-type headlight capable of exhibiting desirable light distribution characteristics as circumstances demand, for example, such a light distribution characteristic that an obstacle located farther away is visually identifiable on a highway, and a wide light distribution characteristic in urban areas so that it is possible to quickly recognize pedestrians running out from a road side, vehicles, and so on. <P>SOLUTION: The projector-type headlight 1 is made up of a light source 2, an elliptical reflecting surface 3, a shade 4 and a projecting lens 5. The elliptical reflecting surface 3 has a pair of openings 3a. Two types of elliptical reflecting surfaces, i.e., a second elliptical reflecting surface 6 and a third elliptical reflecting surface 7 are provided to face the openings 3a and to be replaceable. A first focal point of each of the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 and the third elliptical reflecting surface 7 is located at the light source 2, and a second focal point is set to be located closer or farther than the location of a second focal point of the first elliptical reflecting surface 3. The projector-type headlight 1 is thereby given flexibility in formation of light distribution. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a headlight for a vehicle, and more specifically, an elliptical reflecting surface such as a rotating ellipse, a light source disposed in the vicinity of a first focal point of the elliptical reflecting surface, and the elliptical reflecting surface. This invention relates to a projector-type headlight that is mainly formed of a shade arranged in the vicinity of the second focal point and a projection lens having a focal point in the vicinity of the shade.

  When the projector type is adopted for the headlight of a two-wheeled vehicle in which the vehicle body tilts when turning when the vehicle turns, the tilt of the light distribution characteristic becomes significant with the tilt of the vehicle body, or the field of view is lost, or When the tilt is detected in the vehicle body, the shade is rotated by a motor or the like to maintain the horizontal light distribution characteristics, resulting in a loss of safety. There are things that prevent this.

In addition, in the above two-wheeled vehicles and the like, turning is performed simply by tilting the vehicle body without turning the steering wheel during turning. Since the future direction of travel is not necessarily exactly illuminated, there are some that attempt to change the light distribution characteristics by moving part of the reflecting mirror along with the rotation of the shade and the like.
JP 2003-141912 A

  However, as in recent years, when vehicles (automobiles) become the main means of transportation, the number of passing vehicles increases and the traffic conditions of the road become complicated. If variable light distribution is set with symmetry only for the headlamps of vehicles with unique characteristics, it is becoming impossible to cope with, for example, the traveling speed and traveling of ordinary vehicles There is also an idea that setting a variable light distribution considering the weather conditions at the time is more effective for smoothing traffic.

  In recent years, light sources with much higher light intensity than those using metal filament discharge lamps as the light source have been adopted. However, such light sources are mounted on conventional headlights. In this case, the light is uniformly and brightly radiated from a long distance to a short distance. For this reason, the pupil diameter contracts, the visibility decreases, and the light quantity of the light source increases (about twice as much). The problem is that the extent of the field of view is not felt that much.

  As specific means for solving the above-described conventional problems, the present invention provides a first elliptical reflecting surface in which a light source is disposed in the vicinity of the first focal point, and a second of the first elliptical reflecting surface. In a projector-type headlight comprising a shade provided in the vicinity of a focal point and a projection lens having a focal point in the vicinity of the shade, at least an upper half portion of the first elliptical reflecting surface attached to the vehicle An opening is provided at one location, and at least two types of elliptical reflective surfaces, the second elliptical reflective surface and the third elliptical reflective surface, are replaced so that the opening faces the back surface. The second ellipsoidal reflecting surface and the third ellipsoidal reflecting surface each have a first focal point located in the vicinity of the light source, and at least one elliptical reflecting surface has a second focal point. Position the first ellipsoidal surface To provide a projector type headlight, characterized in that is also configured perspective, either the position of the second focus is to solve the problems.

  Further, the shade is moved so as to be retracted in a proper direction from a fixed position with any movement of the second elliptical reflecting surface, the third elliptical reflecting surface, or independently from a fixed position. By adopting a projector-type headlight that is configured to be moved so as to be retracted in an appropriate direction, conventionally it was necessary to prepare it separately, for traveling light distribution. It is possible to eliminate the need for a headlight.

  According to the present invention, an opening is provided in a part of the upper half of the first elliptical reflecting surface attached to the vehicle, and the first elliptical reflecting surface has a characteristic in the opening. By selecting a different second elliptical reflective surface or a third elliptical reflective surface as necessary and facing it, for example, on highways, obstacles that are farther away Light distribution characteristics according to the situation, such as light distribution characteristics that can be visually confirmed, or wide light distribution characteristics so that pedestrians and vehicles jumping out from the roadside can be quickly confirmed in urban areas. As a result, traffic safety shall be further improved.

  Below, this invention is demonstrated in detail based on embodiment shown in a figure. 1 to 7 show an embodiment of a projector-type headlight 1 according to the present invention. The projector-type headlight 1 has a light source 2 such as a halogen light bulb or a metal halide discharge lamp as a basic structure. An ellipsoidal reflecting surface 3 (hereinafter referred to as the first ellipsoidal reflecting surface 3) such as a spheroidal surface located at the focal point f1 and the second focal point f2 of the first ellipsoidal reflecting surface 3 are arranged. And a projection lens 5 having a focal point in the vicinity of the shade 4.

  Here, the principle of forming the light distribution characteristic for passing by the projector type headlight 1 will be briefly described. First, the light source 2 at the position of the first focal point f1 of the first elliptical reflecting surface 3 is described. Is reflected at the first elliptical reflecting surface 3 and then formed at the position of the second focal point f2.

  At this time, if the shade 4 is appropriately placed closer to the first focal point f1 than the second focal point f2, the first elliptical system in the light that is converging to the second focal point f2 is used. The light reflected by the lower half of the reflecting surface 3, in other words, the light that is upward after the reflection is all shielded by the shade 4.

  Therefore, the light that is not shielded by the shade 4 is only the light reflected by the upper half of the first elliptical reflecting surface 3, that is, the light having a directivity from horizontal to downward. In addition, since the lower half of the circle is shielded by the shade 4, the cross-sectional shape of the light that passes without being shielded by the shade 4 is substantially a semicircular shape of a lower chord.

  Here, since the projection lens 5 has a focal point at the position of the shade 4, the cross-sectional shape of the light that is the semicircular shape of the lower chord described above at the position of the shade 4 is enlarged in the irradiation direction. Although the projection lens 5 is a convex lens, the projected image is inverted vertically and horizontally, and after being projected, it has a light distribution shape that is generally a semicircular shape of an upper chord.

  In actuality, in the case of left-hand traffic, the shade 4 has an asymmetric shape in order to facilitate reading of road signs and the like on the left roadside belt, and emits an appropriate amount of upward light in the left direction. It is supposed to be. Further, in order to obtain a light distribution shape having a wide irradiation width in the horizontal direction in order to secure a field of view when the vehicle travels, for example, a composite elliptical surface is adopted as the reflection surface, etc. The shape of the first elliptical reflecting surface 3 is also devised.

  In the present invention, in addition to the above basic configuration, the first elliptical reflecting surface 3 is provided with an opening 3a having an appropriate opening area and shape, and this opening 3a is formed in this embodiment. The first elliptical reflecting surface with respect to a horizontal line HL (see FIGS. 1 and 2) passing through the light source 2 provided on the first elliptical reflecting surface 3 in the state of being attached to the vehicle. For example, a right opening 3aR and a left opening 3aL are provided as substantially symmetrical positions on the left and right sides in the horizontal direction at positions corresponding to the upper half of 3.

  And in this invention, the two reflective surfaces of the 2nd elliptical reflective surface 6 and the 3rd elliptical reflective surface 7 are provided in the outer side of the said opening part 3a (R, L), These, At least one of the second elliptical reflective surface 6 and the third elliptical reflective surface 7 has a reflection characteristic different from that of the first elliptical reflective surface 3. In this embodiment, the first elliptical reflective surface 3, the second elliptical reflective surface 6, and the third elliptical reflective surface are provided in order to clarify the functions and effects and facilitate understanding. The description will be made on the assumption that all have characteristics different from those of 7.

  Here, as is apparent from the above description, the second elliptical reflective surface 6 and the third elliptical reflective surface 7 are one part of the upper half of the first elliptical reflective surface 3. Since it faces the opening 3a provided in the portion, even the two surfaces can be combined as the auxiliary mirror unit 8 and formed as a relatively small one. Further, if the auxiliary mirror unit 8 can be rotated and the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 and the third elliptical reflecting surface 7 can be exchanged with respect to the opening 3a, the projector can be used. The degree of freedom of variable light distribution with respect to the mold headlight 1 is increased.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the second elliptical reflective surface 6 and the third elliptical reflective surface 7 are substantially cups with unnecessary portions removed so that they can rotate coaxially with the first elliptical reflective surface 3. The auxiliary mirror unit 8 is integrally formed as a shape, and the auxiliary mirror unit 8 is rotated with respect to the first elliptical reflecting surface 3 by an appropriate means such as a motor, for example, A pair of second elliptical reflecting surfaces 6 (state shown in FIG. 2) or a pair of third elliptical reflecting surfaces 7 (state shown in FIG. 5) faces the opening 3a.

  Here, an example of characteristics given to the second elliptical reflective surface 6 and the third elliptical reflective surface 7 with the first elliptical reflective surface 3 as a reference will be described. The first focal point f1 of each of the elliptical reflective surface 6 and the third elliptical reflective surface 7 is located at the position of the light source 2 or in the vicinity thereof, similarly to the first elliptical reflective surface 3.

  In the present invention, the first focal point f1 is set at substantially the same position from the first to the third reflecting surface, whereas the second focal point f2 has a different reflecting surface. It is assumed that it is set to the position. As an example, first, the position of the second focal point f2 of the first elliptical reflecting surface 3 is a standard position for this type of projector-type headlight 1 as shown in FIG. 4 and the projection lens 5 are installed at appropriate positions.

  On the other hand, the second focal point f22 of the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 is set, for example, at a position slightly beyond the shade 4, in other words, at a position very close to the shade 4 (FIG. 1). See). Accordingly, a light beam having an extremely small cross-sectional area just before converging on the second focal point f22 is incident on the projection lens 5 having a focal point in the shade 4 or the vicinity thereof. However, although the cross-sectional area is small, the convergence is high, so the luminous intensity is high.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the light distribution characteristic DP when the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 faces the opening 3a (R, L) of the first elliptical reflecting surface 3. A light distribution that irradiates the front center portion of the general light distribution characteristic D1 for passing formed by one elliptical reflecting surface 3 with a high illuminance in a spot-like range from the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 For example, when driving at high speed, it was confirmed that obstacles ahead of 120 to 125 m or more can be confirmed beyond the value that is currently limited to 100 m ahead.

  At this time, the oncoming vehicle driver is hardly irradiated with light by D2 that irradiates a narrow spot-like area from the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 with high illuminance, and the oncoming vehicle driver is hardly irradiated with light. However, it has also been confirmed that it does not cause a strong illusion that exceeds this type of projector-type headlight 1 currently used.

  FIG. 4 shows the light distribution characteristic DP shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from the side of the vehicle, and the distribution from the first elliptical reflecting surface 3 that irradiates a predetermined distance from the vehicle as usual. The light distribution D2 from the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 that projects a bright and small spot with respect to the light D1 does not irradiate the road surface near the vehicle, and therefore the road surface near the vehicle is illuminated brightly and viewed. The sensitivity is not lowered, and therefore the light distribution D2 from the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 surely improves the far field of view.

  FIG. 5 shows a state in which the third elliptical reflecting surface 7 faces the opening 3a (R, L). The second focal point f23 of the third ellipsoidal reflecting surface 7 is set at a position exceeding the shade 4 and rather close to the projection lens 5 (see FIG. 1). Accordingly, a light beam having a considerably large cross-sectional area before converging to the second focal point f23 is incident on the shade 4 or the projection lens 5 having a focal point in the vicinity thereof. Because it is not done, the light intensity is not so high.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the light distribution characteristic DW when the third elliptical reflecting surface 7 faces the opening 3a (R, L) of the first elliptical reflecting surface 3. As in FIG. 4, a relatively wide range from the third elliptical reflecting surface 7 is provided at the front center portion of the general light distribution characteristic D1 for passing formed by the first elliptical reflecting surface 3. In addition, it was confirmed that the light distribution D3 diffusing at a relatively low illuminance was combined, and for example, obstacles could be confirmed in a wide range even when it was raining or fogging.

  FIG. 7 shows the light distribution characteristic DW shown in FIG. 6 as viewed from the side of the vehicle, and the light distribution D1 from the first elliptical reflecting surface 3 that irradiates a predetermined distance from the vehicle as usual. On the other hand, the light distribution D3 is irradiated from a relatively close range, and as described above, the obstacles in the situation where the visibility deteriorates even in a short distance such as rainy weather or fog occurrence. It will be excellent for discovery.

  Further, as can be easily estimated from the above description, elliptical reflecting surfaces having different characteristics can be arranged on one side and the other side of the opening 3a. For example, when the vehicle turns left, the left side of the vehicle is When the vehicle irradiates widely and the vehicle makes a right turn, it is possible to irradiate the right side of the vehicle widely.

  Alternatively, in the above description, the opening 3a has been described as being provided with two types of the second elliptical reflective surface 6 and the third elliptical reflective surface 7. For example, the auxiliary mirror unit 8 includes a second elliptical reflective surface 6, a third elliptical reflective surface 7, and a fourth elliptical reflective surface (not shown). These three types having different characteristics may be combined, and the number can be increased within a range not limited by dimensions such as four types and five types.

  Further, as described above, even when a pair with the same number as the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 or the like faces the left and right openings 3a (R, L), It is not always necessary to have exactly the same characteristics, and the positions of the left and right second focal points are asymmetrical, and for example, adjustments may be made to better match the characteristics for left-hand traffic It is.

  Thus, with the projector-type headlight 1 having the above-described configuration, conventionally, only one prescribed light distribution pattern can be projected. For example, high-speed traveling, low-speed traveling, clear sky, rainy weather, Although it has been difficult to cope with all the traveling conditions encountered by the vehicle to which the headlight 1 is mounted, such as fog, a straight road, and a curved road, the first elliptical reflecting surface can be obtained by the present invention. First, a lamp that can obtain a basic light distribution shape is formed by the projector-type headlight 1 according to 3.

  Then, from an opening 3 a provided at an appropriate position on the first elliptical reflective surface 3, an elliptical reflective surface having different characteristics from the first elliptical reflective surface 3, for example, the second elliptical reflective surface 6. The third ellipsoidal reflecting surface 7 can be changed according to the situation, so that it can be appropriately adapted to various driving conditions. It is possible to prevent the dazzling of the image and to widen the field of view of the curved path, and to further improve the performance.

  FIG. 8 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. As described above, an opening 3a is provided in the first elliptical reflecting surface 3, and the first elliptical reflecting surface 3 and the opening 3a are provided in the opening 3a. By facing the second to fourth elliptical reflecting surfaces (for example, 6, 7, 8, etc.) having different characteristics, various light distribution characteristics that match the running conditions can be obtained.

  Here, the change in the light distribution characteristics described above was optimized within the range of the passing light distribution. However, the light distribution for the headlight is a traveling distribution used at high speeds. Light is also required.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, an opening 3a is provided in the basic first elliptical reflecting surface 3, and a plurality of elliptical reflecting surfaces (for example, the reflecting surfaces 6 to 6) having characteristics depending on the purpose are provided in the opening 3a. 7), the shade 4 is moved in a state in which the light distribution is formed using one conventional elliptical reflecting surface, and the light blocking by the shade 4 of the upward light is stopped. It is conceivable that the possibility of obtaining an optimal light distribution for traveling light distribution becomes higher than when attempting to obtain a traveling light distribution.

  For example, the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 set so as to generate high-intensity light in the form of a spot in the front direction of the vehicle faces the opening 3a, and, for example, the shade 4 is also distant from the front. If the vehicle is moved downward as appropriate, the front direction of the vehicle becomes even brighter, so that it is possible to realize a projector-type headlight 1 for traveling light distribution that can be further viewed at a long distance. It becomes.

  In addition, a colored layer such as a yellow paint is coated on the surface of either the second reflecting surface 6 or the third reflecting surface 7 that faces the opening 3a from the back surface in the above-described embodiment. In this case, for example, it is possible to improve distant visibility when fog or the like occurs. The same applies when a colored layer made of a translucent colored member is provided in the opening 3a instead of the coating.

  In particular, when a colored layer is provided on either the opening or the movable reflective surface facing the opening from the back side, the reflected light from the region provided with the colored layer is, for example, the light distribution D2 described in FIG. By irradiating far away from the vehicle, the far field of view can be further improved, and the light irradiating far can be selectively switched to colored light.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the embodiment of the projector type headlight which concerns on this invention in the state which decomposed | disassembled partially. It is explanatory drawing which shows the same Example in the state which faced the 2nd elliptical reflective surface in the opening part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the light distribution characteristic in the state shown in FIG. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the light distribution characteristic in the state shown in FIG. 2 in the state seen from the side surface of a vehicle. It is explanatory drawing shown in the state which faced the 3rd elliptical reflective surface in the opening part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the light distribution characteristic in the state shown in FIG. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the light distribution characteristic in the state shown in FIG. 3 in the state seen from the side surface of a vehicle. It is sectional drawing which shows another embodiment of the projector type headlight which concerns on this invention in the state seen from the side surface of a vehicle.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Projector type headlight 2 ... Light source 3 ... 1st elliptical reflective surface 3a ... Aperture 4 ... Shade 5 ... Projection lens 6 ... 2nd elliptical reflective surface 7 ... 3rd elliptical reflective surface 8 ... Auxiliary Mirror unit

Claims (5)

  A first elliptical reflecting surface in which a light source is disposed in the vicinity of the first focal point, a shade provided in the vicinity of the second focal point of the first elliptical reflecting surface, and a projection having a focal point in the vicinity of the shade In a projector-type headlight comprising a lens, an opening is provided in at least one portion of the upper half of the first elliptical reflecting surface attached to the vehicle. The second elliptical reflective surface and the third elliptical reflective surface are provided so as to be replaceable so that the second elliptical reflective surface and the third elliptical reflective surface can be replaced. Each of the reflecting surfaces positions the first focal point in the vicinity of the light source, and at least one of the elliptical reflecting surfaces is closer to the second focal point than the second focal point of the first elliptical surface. It is characterized by being set to Projector-type headlights.   The replacement of the second elliptical reflective surface and the third elliptical reflective surface with respect to the opening of the first elliptical reflective surface is the major axis of the second, third, and elliptical reflective surfaces. Is set as a position that coincides with the major axis of the first elliptical reflecting surface, and with the major axis as the center of rotation, one of the elliptical reflecting surfaces faces the opening and the other retreats. The projector-type headlight according to claim 1, wherein the projector-type headlight is performed by rotating the projector-type headlight.   The elliptical reflecting surface facing each of the pair of openings when the openings are a pair has at least a part of each different characteristic. The projector type headlight according to claim 2.   The shade moves from the fixed position to the appropriate direction along with the movement of the second elliptical reflective surface or the third elliptical reflective surface, or independently moves from the fixed position to the appropriate direction. The projector-type headlight according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the projector-type headlight is configured to perform the above.   The colored layer which colors with respect to the light from a light source is provided in at least any one of the movable reflective surface which faces the said opening part or an opening part from the back. 4. The projector-type headlight according to any one of 4 above.

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