JP2008117561A - Vehicular headlamp - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular headlamp irradiating light sufficient for a road surface or the like at a steering destination by changing the irradiating direction of light toward the steering direction of a steering, irradiating sufficient light in the direction different from the steering direction, securing the visibility of a driver, having a good appearance when viewed from the outside, and suppressing generation of glare when rotating it. <P>SOLUTION: In the inside of this vehicular headlamp 39, a lighting fixture unit 40 horizontally movably supported around a light source center (filament 54a) to change the irradiating direction of light emitted from a discharge bulb (light source) 54 through a projection lens 51 to the horizontal direction in accordance with the travelling direction of a vehicle, and right and left sub-reflectors (45-48, 66, 67) making it possible to reflect light emitted from the opening parts (52c, 52d) of the lighting fixture unit 40 in the direction different from one for light emitted by the projection lens 5 are provided, and a second shade 63 to control the reflecting direction of light is provided between the right and left sub-reflectors (45-48). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp device configured to perform swivel control of a projector-type lamp unit.

  A conventional vehicular headlamp includes a vehicular lamp 1 shown in the following Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-186731). As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the vehicular lamp 1 is provided with a lamp (lamp) unit 9 in a lamp chamber 4 formed by a lamp body 2 and a transparent cover 3 on the front surface. The lamp (lamp) unit 9 condenses the discharge bulb 5, the reflector 6 that reflects the irradiation light of the bulb 5 forward, the shade 7 that forms a cutoff line, and the light that has passed through the shade 7 forward. It is configured by a convex lens-shaped projection (projection) lens 8 that projects while projecting.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, the lamp (lamp) unit 9 is supported on the lamp body 2 by a connecting boss 10 at the lower end attached to the swivel drive shaft 12 on the actuator 11 and an upper fulcrum shaft 13 at the upper end. The bracket 14 is attached to the bracket 14 so as to be rotatable. The lamp unit 9 is rotated by the control circuit (not shown) so that the swivel drive shaft 12 rotates in the same direction in conjunction with the left and right steering operation (steering direction of the steering) according to the traveling direction of the vehicle. To change.

  In other words, the vehicular lamp 1 is configured such that when the mounted vehicle travels on a meandering road or turns an intersection, the lamp unit 9 rotates left and right so as to coincide with the steering direction of the steering. Irradiate light quickly to the road surface in the direction of bending.

JP 2005-186731 A

  For example, when driving on a road where steering by a steering wheel must be repeated left and right in a short time, such as a meandering road in which a curved road with a small radius of curvature alternates left and right, the driver must It is necessary to quickly confirm not only the road surface in a certain direction but also the direction in which the vehicle turns next, that is, the road surface condition in the direction opposite to the current steering direction.

  However, in the vehicular lamp of Patent Document 1, since the lamp unit 9 rotates in the steering direction of the steering, sufficient light is quickly irradiated to the road surface in the steering direction, but it is opposite to the steering direction. Less light is radiated on the road surface in the direction. Therefore, when traveling on the meandering road, there is a problem in that the road surface condition in the direction in which the vehicle turns next cannot be confirmed quickly.

  As a means for solving such a problem, the inventor of the present application opens a light emission port on the outer peripheral side surface of the lamp unit 9, attaches a sub-reflector around the opening, and subtracts the light that has passed through the emission port from the light source. It was considered to compensate for the shortage of the irradiation amount by reflecting the light emitted from the light projecting lens 8 in a direction in which it is difficult to be irradiated by the reflector.

  However, when the lamp unit 9 and the sub-reflector formed integrally are rotated horizontally, the balance of the center of gravity of the lamp unit 9 is deteriorated, the load applied to the rotation shaft is increased, and smooth rotation is caused. It becomes difficult. Furthermore, since the amount of movement of the sub-reflector at the time of rotation increases, the extension and the sub-reflector are greatly separated from each other at the time of rotation, and the appearance of the internal structure of the lamp increases at the time of rotation.

  The present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problem, and is directed to the road surface in the steering direction of the steering, and irradiates with sufficient light from the projection lens as soon as possible, and is different from the irradiation direction from the projection lens. A vehicle headlamp that emits sufficient light in a direction, and provides a vehicle headlamp that has a small load on a rotating shaft when the lamp unit rotates and has a good external appearance. .

  To achieve the above object, a vehicle headlamp according to claim 1 includes a light source that emits light, a main reflector that reflects light emitted from the light source toward an optical axis extending in a vehicle front-rear direction, A shade that partially shields light reflected by the main reflector to form a cut-off line; and a projection lens that is disposed in front of the main reflector and projects the light that has passed through the shade by projecting forward. In the vehicle headlamp provided with the lamp unit therein, the vehicle headlamp supports the lamp unit so that the lamp unit can be horizontally rotated, and the light emitted from the projection lens according to the traveling direction of the vehicle. A horizontal rotation mechanism that changes the irradiation direction to a horizontal direction, an opening provided on the outer wall surface of the lamp unit, an opening provided on the outer wall surface of the lamp unit, and a bracket; A sub-reflector that is supported by an amplifier body and capable of reflecting light emitted from the light source through the opening in a direction different from that of the light emitted from the projection lens, the lamp relative to the sub-reflector Rotate the unit.

  (Operation) The sub-reflector is formed separately from the lamp unit and then fixed inside the lamp body, and only the lamp unit rotates. The lamp unit rotates horizontally in accordance with the traveling direction of the vehicle to change the irradiation direction of the light emitted from the projection lens toward the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the sub reflector does not emit from the projection lens. The light emitted from the opening on the outer wall surface of the lamp unit is reflected in a direction in which the light emitted from the projection lens is not irradiated.

  Further, the balance of the center of gravity of the lamp unit at the time of rotation is improved because only the lamp unit is rotated so that the lamp unit is reduced in size and weight, and the addition on the rotation shaft is reduced. Furthermore, since the sub-reflector is fixed separately, there is no separation between the extension and the sub-reflector when the lamp unit and the sub-reflector rotate together, that is, no internal structure is exposed.

  Moreover, Claim 2 is the vehicle headlamp according to Claim 1, wherein the horizontal turning mechanism is horizontally rotatable by a pair of fulcrum shafts having the same central axis through which the lamp unit passes the light source. The lamp unit rotates around the position of the light source.

  (Operation) Since the lamp unit rotates around the central axis passing through the position of the light source, the light source in the lamp unit rotates on the spot without moving. Accordingly, the light source emission position with respect to the sub-reflector has little deviation even when the lamp unit is rotated. Therefore, the deviation of the light emitted from the light source toward the sub-reflector is greatly reduced, so that glare light and the like are generated. The incident light leakage onto the reflecting surface of the sub-reflector and the change in the light reflection direction by the sub-reflector are greatly reduced.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the vehicle headlamp according to the first or second aspect, wherein the sub-reflector reflects a part of the light emitted from the light source toward the rear side of the vehicle. A sub-reflector and a second sub-reflector that reflects the reflected light forward of the vehicle are configured.

  (Operation) The first sub-reflector disposed between the light source and the second sub-reflector reflects and relays part of the light emitted from the light source toward the second sub-reflector, and the second sub-reflector By re-reflecting the reflected light toward the front side of the vehicle, the light is reflected in a direction in which it is difficult to irradiate the reflected light with a single reflection.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle headlamp according to the third aspect, wherein the first sub-reflector is configured such that light reflected from a light source serving as a first focal point is reflected from the first sub-reflector and the first sub-reflector. A substantially elliptical reflecting surface that connects the second focal point to the two sub-reflectors is provided, and a second shade that blocks part of the reflected light is provided in the vicinity of the second focal point. .

  (Operation) Even if the second shade is a case where the emission position of the light source is moved by the rotation of the lamp unit and the reflection direction of the light reflected from the first sub-reflector to the second sub-reflector is changed, By controlling the emission direction of the outgoing light to the sub-reflector, it is possible to prevent light from entering other than the reflecting surface of the second sub-reflector, and the reflected light of the second sub-reflector irradiates outside the predetermined light distribution range. To prevent. Therefore, the generation of glare light, the deviation of the light distribution position, and the unevenness of the light distribution pattern do not occur.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle headlamp according to the fourth aspect, wherein the second shade is formed integrally with the second sub-reflector.

  (Operation) Since the second shade is formed from the vicinity of the reflection surface of the first sub-reflector, more reflected light can be controlled, so that the light emission accuracy to the second sub-reflector is further improved.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the vehicle headlamp according to the first aspect, the lamp unit only irradiates the light emitted from the projection lens to the road surface in the direction in which the steering is steered quickly and sufficiently. In addition, the sub-reflector effectively uses the light that was originally emitted from the lamp unit but not being emitted to the outside as it is reflected in the direction in which the emitted light from the projection lens is less likely to be irradiated. Sufficient light is also applied to the road surface in the direction. Accordingly, even if the driver is a road like a meandering road that frequently repeats left and right steering steering, the driver can quickly see the road surface condition on which the vehicle travels, thus ensuring safety.

  Further, since the lamp unit is reduced in size and weight, the load applied to the rotation shaft is reduced, so that the lamp unit can be rotated smoothly. Furthermore, since the sub-reflector is fixed separately, the extension unit and the sub-reflector are not separated from each other when the lamp unit and the sub-reflector rotate as a unit, that is, the internal structure is not exposed, and the appearance is improved. improves.

  According to the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect of the present invention, generation of non-control light is suppressed to a minimum by minimizing the deviation in the emission direction of the light emitted from the light source position to the sub-reflector. There is no generation of glare light, deviation of the light distribution position, and unevenness of the light distribution pattern.

  According to the vehicle headlamp according to claim 3, the loss light that does not participate in the light distribution passes through the sub-reflector fixed inside the vehicle headlamp without irradiating the light, and the sub-light. This is reduced by interposing a (first) sub-reflector for relay separately from the reflector and reflecting it to the rear (second) sub-reflector. Accordingly, the light that is reflected from the second sub-reflector toward the front side of the vehicle and is irradiated onto the road surface and the like other than the vehicle traveling direction has less loss light and further increases the amount of light.

  On the other hand, the angle of elevation of the sub-reflector reflecting surface can be set more freely for light irradiating on the road surface other than the vehicle traveling direction, etc., compared to the case where light is reflected directly from the light source toward the front side of the vehicle by one sub-reflector. Therefore, the light can be reflected in a wider range (wide angle), and the setting control of the light irradiation direction becomes easy.

  According to the vehicle headlamp according to the fourth aspect, even if the light source moves due to the rotation of the lamp unit, the second shade prevents light from leaking onto the second sub-reflector reflecting surface. Thus, since the generation of non-control light is suppressed to the minimum, the occurrence of glare light, light distribution deviation, and light distribution unevenness is significantly suppressed, and the light distribution accuracy of the vehicle headlamp is improved.

  According to the vehicle headlamp according to claim 5, by further improving the emission accuracy of the reflected light from the first sub reflector toward the second sub reflector, the occurrence of glare and uneven light distribution is further reduced. The light distribution accuracy of the vehicle headlamp is further improved.

  Next, an official embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the following Examples 1 to 3.

  FIGS. 1-10 shows the Example of this invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view which shows the positional relationship of each reflective surface which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. 2 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of each reflecting surface from the front, FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 2, FIG. 6 is an optical path diagram in which light is written in FIG. 3, FIG. 7 is an optical path diagram in which light is written in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the light distribution pattern which an illumination lamp forms, Comprising: (a) A figure shows the light distribution pattern which looked at the vehicle front, (b) is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern seen from the vehicle upper direction FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vehicle headlamp according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a transverse sectional view of the vehicle headlamp according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the vehicle headlamp (vehicle right side headlamp) 39 according to the first embodiment is a lamp chamber formed inside the outer lens 19 that covers the front opening of the lamp body 18. S includes a lamp unit 40, a first sub-reflector (45, 46) and a second sub-reflector (47, 48).

  The lamp unit 40 is a projector-type lamp unit, and includes an upper main reflector 41 and a lower main reflector 42 each formed with a reflection surface (41a, 42a) on the inner side. A reflector 43 is provided, and a fifth sub-reflector 68 and a fourth sub-reflector 44 are sequentially provided below the lower main reflector 42.

  A bulb insertion port 53 is formed on the central axis of the rear end of each of the upper and lower main reflectors (41, 42), and a discharge bulb 54 (using a light source, a metal halide bulb or the like) is inserted.

  Further, a lens holder 52 is formed on each of the upper and lower main reflectors (41, 42) toward the front of the optical axis, and a flat surface (incident surface 51a) whose front side is convex and whose rear side is perpendicular to the optical axis A at the center of the tip. The projection lens 51 is fixed, and a shade 55 is provided between the bulb 54 and the projection lens 51. The shade 55 is orthogonal to the optical axis A and the upper edge 55a. The shade 55 is disposed slightly below the optical axis A, and shields light directed toward the lower part of the projection lens 51 from light directly emitted from the discharge bulb 54 and light reflected by the reflection surfaces (41a, 42a). The light that has passed through 55 exits forward from the projection lens 51.

  An upper fulcrum shaft 57 protrudes upward on the upper surface of the upper main reflector 41, and a drive shaft 58a of a swivel motor 58 serving as a lower fulcrum shaft is fixed on the lower surfaces of the lower main reflector 42 and the fifth sub reflector 68. A connecting boss 56 projects downward. The lamp body 18 includes shaft support portions (59a, 59b) on the top and bottom, and a bracket 59 (partially omitted) that rotatably supports the lamp unit 40 is supported via an aiming mechanism (not shown). .

  A swivel motor unit 58 is attached to the lower end shaft support portion 59b, and a drive shaft 58a is rotatably provided in a state of being inserted through the lower end shaft support portion 59b. The upper fulcrum shaft 57a is rotatably supported by the upper end shaft support portion 59a, and the connecting boss 56 is fixed to the drive shaft 58a and is rotatably supported. The drive shaft 58a and the upper fulcrum shaft 57 together constitute a coaxial rotation axis L that passes through the filament (light source center) 54a. On the bracket 59, the lamp unit 40 is supported so as to be horizontally rotatable about a rotation axis L.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, on both sides of the lamp unit 40, there are a pair of left and right first sub-reflectors (45, 46) and left and right second sub-reflectors (47, 48) fixed to the lamp body 18, respectively. It is provided one by one. The right first and second sub reflectors (45, 47) are provided outside the vehicle, and the left first and second sub reflectors (46, 48) are provided inside the vehicle. The left and right first sub-reflectors (45, 46) are assembled integrally with the left and right second sub-reflectors (47, 48), respectively, and supported by the brackets (61, 62).

  The brackets (61, 62) are formed integrally with the bracket 59. The left and right first and second sub-reflectors (45 to 48) fixed to the bracket (61, 62) and the lamp unit 40 supported by the bracket 59 are at least three of the integrated bracket (59, 61, 62). The support points are supported so that the support points can be tilted in the vertical and horizontal directions with respect to the lamp body 18 by an aiming mechanism (not shown) that independently moves the brackets (59, 61, 62) back and forth. Supported. Accordingly, the lamp unit 40 and the left and right first and second sub-reflectors (45 to 48) can be integrally adjusted for aiming.

  In addition, on the upper part and the lower part of the lens holder 52, exit ports (52a, 52b) through which light passes from the bulb 54 to the third to fifth sub reflectors (43, 44, 68) are formed. The left and right are respectively formed with exit ports (52c, 52d) for transmitting light to the left and right first sub-reflectors (45, 46). Here, a sixth sub-reflector 49 is formed in front of the upper opening 52a, and a seventh sub-reflector 50 is formed in front of the lower opening 52b at a position vertically opposite the sixth sub-reflector 49. In front of the seventh sub reflector 50, an emission port 52e through which the reflected light from the sixth sub reflector 49 passes is formed.

  The lamp unit 40 receives a control signal transmitted from a control circuit (not shown) based on left and right steering of the vehicle, and the drive shaft 58a of the swivel motor unit 58 rotates in the steering direction, whereby the lamp body 18 The left and right first and second sub-reflectors (45 to 48) fixed to the left and right turn around the rotation axis L to the left and right. At that time, since the filament 54a (light source) positioned on the rotation axis L rotates on the spot without moving, the light emitted from the filament 54a to the left and right first and second sub reflectors (45 to 48). Has less blur in the emission direction. Therefore, the vehicular headlamp according to the present embodiment has less glare light, light distribution deviation, and light distribution unevenness even when the lamp unit 40 rotates.

  Hereinafter, each reflector will be described. The upper and lower main reflectors 41 and 42 reflect the light from the light source to the projection lens 51 to form the main light distribution of the vehicle headlamp 39. The inner reflecting surfaces (41a, 42a) of the upper and lower main reflectors (41, 42) have a vertical cross-sectional shape that is substantially an elliptical shape that contributes to light collection, and a horizontal cross-sectional shape that both diffuse in the width direction. It is formed in a substantially elliptical shape that contributes to . An optical axis A is formed on the central axis of the reflection surface 41a on which the discharge bulb 54 is held.

  The left and right first sub-reflectors (45, 46) are respectively arranged on the front right side and the front left side of the discharge bulb 54, and the reflecting surfaces (45a, 46a) face the emission ports (52c, 52d). The reflecting surface (45a, 46a) is formed in a substantially spheroid shape that contributes to light collection, and a second shade having a notch hole 63a for controlling the light distribution range toward the vehicle rear side at the lower end thereof. 63 is provided.

  The left and right second sub-reflectors (47, 48) have inner reflection surfaces (47a, 48a) on the right and left sides of the upper main reflector 41 with respect to the reflection surfaces (45a, 46a) of the left and right first sub-reflectors. Are arranged so as to face each other diagonally downward. The reflecting surfaces (47a, 48a) have a vertical cross-sectional shape that is a substantially parabolic shape that makes reflected light substantially parallel, and a horizontal cross-sectional shape that is a free-form surface that contributes to diffusion.

  The reflecting surfaces (43a, 44a) of the third sub-reflector 43 and the fourth sub-reflector 44 are opposed to the emission ports (52a, 52b) above and below the upper and lower main reflectors (41, 42), respectively. Each of the reflecting surfaces (43a, 44a) has a vertical cross-sectional shape that is a substantially parabolic shape that makes reflected light substantially parallel light, and a horizontal cross-sectional shape that spreads toward the front and contributes to diffusion. The reflecting surface (43a, 44a) is formed in parallel with the optical axis A.

  The fifth sub-reflector 68 is formed to face the discharge bulb 54 at a position between the lower main reflector 42 and the fourth sub-reflector 44, and the vertical and horizontal cross-sectional shape is a substantially paraboloid that makes the reflected light substantially parallel. It is formed in a surface shape. The reflecting surface 68a is formed such that the central axis is inclined in the horizontal direction with respect to the optical axis A and is inclined to the outside of the vehicle.

  The sixth sub-reflector 49 is formed on the upper portion of the lens holder 52 obliquely above the light source center 54a. The vertical and horizontal cross sections are substantially spheroidal curved surfaces, and the central axis forms an angle with the optical axis A. The formed reflection surface 49a is provided on the inner side. The seventh sub-reflector 50 is formed at a position vertically opposite to the sixth sub-reflector 49 at the lower part of the lens holder 52, and the vertical cross-sectional shape is formed in a substantially parabolic shape that makes reflected light substantially parallel light. The reflecting surface 50a is formed on the inner side so that the cross-sectional shape is a free-form surface shape that contributes to diffusion, and the central axis forms an angle with the optical axis A toward the vehicle outer direction.

  Next, light distribution by each reflector will be described with reference to FIGS. Light emitted from the discharge bulb 54 (filament 54a, first focal point F1) is incident on the lens 51 from the incident surface 51a except for light that is partially reflected by the reflecting surfaces (41a, 42a) and shielded by the shade 55. To do. The projection lens 51 is disposed so that the rear focal point is positioned in the vicinity of the second front focal point F2 of the reflecting surface (41a, 42a). As shown in FIG. 6, the light that has passed through the shade 55 is substantially condensed near the second focal point F2 in front of the upper end edge 55a of the shade and exits from the lens 51 as substantially parallel light in the vertical direction. Further, in the horizontal direction, the condensing position is moved considerably forward, and diffuses in the horizontal direction. The light emitted from the lens 51 forms a main light distribution in front of the vehicle.

  The reflecting surfaces (45a, 46a) of the left and right first sub-reflectors receive light passing through the emission ports (52c, 52d) from the discharge bulb 54 with the filament (light source center) 54a as the first focal point. Reflects toward the vicinity of the bifocal point F3. A part of the reflected light is shielded by the edge of the cutout hole 63a constituting the second shade shown in FIG. 5, and a part of the collected light passes through the cutout hole 63a via the vicinity of the left and right second focal points F3. , And enters toward the left and right second sub-reflectors (47, 48).

  The irradiation range of light incident on the left and right second sub-reflector reflecting surfaces (47a, 48a) is controlled based on the shape and size of the cutout hole 63a of the second shade 63. For example, as in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the cutout hole 63a has a substantially rectangular shape, if the vertical width or the horizontal width of the cutout hole 63a is increased, the respective irradiation widths are also increased. If the width or the lateral width is reduced, each irradiation width is also reduced.

  Therefore, the size and shape of the cutout hole 63a are formed based on the size and shape of the reflection surface (47a, 48a) of the second sub reflector. The cutout hole 63a is not affected even if the position of the filament 54a moves and the reflection direction of light reflected from the left and right first sub-reflectors (45, 46) to the left and right second sub-reflectors (47, 48) changes. The emission direction of light emitted (reflected) toward the reflection surface of the sub-reflector is made constant, and the generation of glare light is suppressed. In addition, the cutout hole 63a has a reflective surface (47a, 48a) even when the size of the second sub-reflector reflective surface (47a, 48a) is smaller than the size of the left and right first sub-reflector reflective surfaces (45a, 46a). ) Is emitted to a range corresponding to the size of), and incident leakage to the reflecting surfaces (47a, 48a) is suppressed.

  The reflecting surfaces (47a, 48a) of the left and right second reflectors reflect incident reflected light from the vehicle front side to the vehicle diagonal front side according to the installation angle (including the vertical angle) when fixed to the lamp body 18. The reflected light forms an auxiliary light distribution diagonally forward of the vehicle.

  The reflecting surfaces (43a, 44a) of the third and fourth sub-reflectors reflect the incident light passing through the openings (52a, 52b) from the discharge bulb 54 to the front side of the vehicle, and assist the front side of the vehicle. Form a light distribution. When the reflection surface (43a, 44a) is installed so that the central axis forms an angle with respect to the optical axis A, the reflection surface (43a, 44a) forms a light distribution in a direction inclined from the optical axis A by the angle.

  The fifth sub-reflector 68 reflects the light emitted from the discharge bulb 54 toward the front side of the vehicle (in front of the right side in this embodiment) according to the angle formed by the central axis of the reflection surface 68a with the optical axis A. Then, the light distribution toward the vehicle outer side is formed (see FIG. 7).

The reflection surface 49a of the sixth sub reflector 49 reflects the light emitted from the discharge bulb 54 toward the lower reflection surface 50a through the opening 52e. The reflected light is collected at the front second focal point F4 and reflected again by the reflecting surface 50a of the seventh sub-reflector 50. The reflection surface 50a reflects light toward the front side of the vehicle (in the present embodiment, right front side, see FIG. 7) according to the angle formed by the central axis with the optical axis A, and distributes the light in the vehicle outer direction. The light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle headlamp according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 101 denotes a basic (main) light distribution pattern formed by light emitted forward through the projection lens 51. Reference numeral 102 denotes a cut-off line formed by the shade 55. Reference numeral 103 denotes an auxiliary light distribution pattern formed by the left and right first and second sub-reflectors (45 to 48). Reference numeral 104 denotes an auxiliary light distribution pattern formed by the third and fourth sub-reflectors (43, 44). Reference numeral 105 denotes an auxiliary light distribution pattern formed by the fifth sub-reflector 68 and the seventh sub-reflector 50.

  The projection lens 51, the third and fourth sub-reflectors (43, 44), the fifth sub-reflector 68, and the seventh sub-reflector 50 that are integrated with the lamp unit 40 follow the left and right steering steering (the direction in which the vehicle bends), It rotates to the left and right together with the lamp unit 40. Accordingly, the light distribution pattern (101, 104, 105) swings left and right in FIG. 8A, and swings left and right around O in FIG. 8B. Irradiate light quickly.

  On the other hand, since the left and right first and second sub-reflectors (45 to 48) are fixed to the lamp body 18, the auxiliary light distribution pattern 103 is swung by the lamp unit 40 and the light distribution patterns (101, 104, Even if 105) moves, it always faces in a certain direction, so that sufficient light is emitted in the direction opposite to the current steering (the direction in which the vehicle turns next). Therefore, the driver can quickly recognize the traveling destination even in a meandering path with a small radius of curvature.

  Further, in the auxiliary light distribution pattern 103, the second shade 63 controls the emission direction of the emitted light to the second sub-reflector (47, 48), so that the incident leakage of light to the reflecting surfaces (47a, 48a). The reflection direction (47a, 48a) is prevented from changing the reflection direction of the light, and glare light is not generated, the light distribution position is not shifted, and the light distribution pattern is not uneven.

  In addition, the generation position of the light distribution pattern of Example 1 is merely an example, and can be freely changed by changing the direction in which the reflecting surfaces of the main reflectors (41, 42) and the sub reflectors (43 to 48 and 50) are directed. It can be changed. Further, the third and fourth sub reflectors (43, 44) are not integrated with the lamp unit 40, but are fixed to the lamp body 18, so that the same as the left and right first and second sub reflectors (45 to 48). A fixed light distribution pattern can also be used.

  Next, the vehicle headlamp according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The vehicle headlamp according to the second embodiment has an upper fulcrum on the lamp unit 40 such that the rotation axis L ′ of the lamp unit 40 is formed not on the filament (light source center) 54a but on the center of gravity of the lamp unit 40. The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the shaft 57 and the drive shaft 58a of the swivel motor unit are provided. When the rotation axis L ′ is formed on the center of gravity of the lamp unit 40, the load applied to the upper fulcrum shaft 57 and the drive shaft 58a of the swivel motor unit is reduced, and the durability against rotation of the lamp unit 40 is improved.

  In Example 2, when the lamp unit 40 rotates, the filament (light source center) 54a rotates left and right around the rotation axis L on the center of gravity axis, and the light source position changes. However, even if the reflection direction of the reflected light to the left and right second sub-reflectors (47, 48) changes due to the change of the light emission direction from the light source to the left and right first sub-reflectors, the second shade 63 is The light beam that removes the reflection surface (47a, 48a) and the light beam that changes the reflection direction of the reflected light by the reflection surface (47a, 48a) are shielded. Therefore, even if the light source position moves, the occurrence of glare light, light distribution deviation, and light distribution unevenness is suppressed.

  Moreover, the vehicle headlamp of Example 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In the vehicle headlamp according to the third embodiment, the left and right first and second sub-reflectors (45 to 48) fixed to the lamp body on both sides of the lamp unit 40 are changed to a pair of left and right sub-reflectors (66 and 67). Except for this, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. The lamp unit 40 rotates to the left and right in accordance with the left and right steering, and the left and right sub-reflectors (66, 67) have the reflecting surfaces (66a, 67a) and the projection lens 51 to which the lamp unit 40 rotates. The light emitted from the openings (52c, 52d) is directly reflected toward the front of the vehicle that is not irradiated.

  In addition, the shape of the notch hole 63a in each embodiment is substantially rectangular according to the incident direction of light to the reflection surfaces (47a, 48a) of the left and right second sub-reflectors and the size and shape of the reflection surfaces (47a, 48a). Not only can the shape be oval, round, triangular, etc.

It is a perspective view which shows the positional relationship of each reflective surface which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure showing the positional relationship of each reflective surface from the front. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. It is BB sectional drawing of FIG. It is CC sectional drawing of FIG. 1 showing a 2nd shade. It is the optical path diagram which wrote the light beam in FIG. It is the optical path diagram which wrote the light beam in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the light distribution pattern which the vehicle headlamp of Example 1 forms. (A) The figure which shows the light distribution pattern which looked at the vehicle front. (B) The figure which shows the light distribution pattern seen from vehicle upper direction. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle headlamp which concerns on Example 2 of invention. It is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle headlamp according to the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the vehicle lamp of patent document 1. FIG. (A) It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a lamp unit structure. (B) It is a perspective view showing the rotation structure of a lamp unit.

Explanation of symbols

39 Vehicle headlamp 40 Lamp unit 41 Upper main reflector 45 Right first sub-reflector 45a Reflective surface 46 Left first sub-reflector 46a Reflective surface 47 Right second sub-reflector 48 Left second sub-reflector 51 Projection lens 54 Discharge bulb ( light source)
54a Filament (light source center)
55 Shade 57 Upper fulcrum shaft 58 Swivel motor unit 58a Drive shaft 63 Second shade 63a Notch hole 102 Cut-off line A Optical axis L, L 'Rotating shaft

Claims (5)

A light source that emits light, a main reflector that reflects the light emitted from the light source toward an optical axis extending in a vehicle front-rear direction, and a shade that partially shields the light reflected by the main reflector to form a cut-off line In a vehicle headlamp provided with a lamp unit provided inside, a projection lens disposed on the front surface of the main reflector and projecting and projecting light that has passed through the shade forward,
The vehicle headlamp supports the lamp unit so as to be horizontally rotatable, and a horizontal rotation mechanism that changes an irradiation direction of light emitted from the projection lens in a horizontal direction according to a vehicle traveling direction;
An opening provided on the outer wall surface of the lamp unit;
A sub-reflector supported by the lamp body by the bracket and capable of reflecting the light emitted from the light source through the opening in a direction different from the light emitted from the projection lens is provided inside, and is opposed to the sub-reflector. A vehicle headlamp characterized by rotating the lamp unit.   The horizontal rotation mechanism is characterized in that the lamp unit is supported by a pair of fulcrum shafts having the same central axis passing through the light source so as to be horizontally rotatable, and the lamp unit rotates about the position of the light source. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1.   The sub-reflector includes a first sub-reflector that reflects a part of light emitted from the light source toward the vehicle rear side, and a second sub-reflector that reflects the reflected light toward the vehicle front side. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1 or 2. The first sub-reflector has a substantially elliptical reflecting surface in which the light received and reflected from the light source serving as the first focal point forms a second focal point between the first sub-reflector and the second sub-reflector. With
The vehicular headlamp according to claim 3, wherein a second shade that blocks part of the reflected light is provided in the vicinity of the second focal point.   The vehicle headlamp according to claim 4, wherein the second shade is formed integrally with the first sub-reflector.

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