JP2009076476A - Vehicle headlight - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To have structured in light-weight and inexpensive with sufficient strength, enable to effectively irradiate with the use of light emitting downward from a light source, and to change an irradiation direction based on a steering operation. <P>SOLUTION: The vehicle headlight is provided with an upper reflecting mirror type optical system consisting of an upper reflecting mirror 2 guiding light emitted from a light source 6 to forward by reflection, and a projector type optical system 4 having a lower reflecting mirror 3 reflecting light emitted downward from the light source 6 and a convex lens 8 guiding reflected light forward. The upper reflecting mirror 2 is supported in free rotation at two points of a support hole 5c on an upper face and a support hole 5d on a bottom face. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular headlamp including an adaptive front lighting system (hereinafter referred to as AFS) that changes an irradiation direction in accordance with vehicle steering.

  A conventional vehicle headlight is composed of a fixed light distribution reflector and a movable light distribution reflector, which are divided into two vertically by a horizontal line, and a basic light distribution pattern by the reflected light of the lower fixed light distribution reflector. Have gained. Further, the upper movable light distribution reflector is provided with a rotating shaft protruding from the upper surface of the movable light distribution reflector on a vertical line passing through the light source, and the movable light distribution reflector is pivotally supported by the rotating shaft. . In the vehicle headlamp configured as described above, a drive circuit that receives data such as a steering angle signal and a vehicle speed signal calculates a rotation direction and a rotation amount of a motor connected to the upper movable light distribution reflector. The motor is rotated, and the upper movable light distribution reflector is rotated by a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction to enable irradiation in the turning direction of the vehicle (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Further, the conventional vehicle headlamp is provided with an outer lens on the front surface of the housing, a fixed reflector inside the housing, and a light source attached to the center of the fixed reflector. A portion other than the upper portion of the light source is covered with a shade, and a movable reflector is formed above the optical axis of the fixed reflector so as to rotate in the left-right direction around one rotational axis existing on a vertical plane passing through the optical axis. The movable reflector is rotated by a stepping motor connected to a shaft attached to the upper part of the movable reflector. This shaft becomes a rotation axis that is offset backward by a predetermined amount from the center of the light source. For example, when the movable reflector is rotated to the right side, the light distribution pattern of the movable reflector moves to the right side so that the right end rises upward. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

  Further, some conventional vehicle headlamps are formed by integrally forming an upper reflecting mirror and a lower reflecting mirror having the following shapes. The upper reflecting mirror has a shape in which the shape of the reflecting surface is cut in half in the major axis direction and the upper half is left. Further, the lower reflecting mirror has a reflecting surface having a shape that leaves substantially the lower half of the rotating surface. In the case where the upper reflecting mirror and the lower reflecting mirror are integrally formed, the reflecting surfaces are formed so that the optical axes thereof coincide with each other, and the focal points of the upper reflecting mirror and the lower reflecting mirror coincide with each other. The light beam emitted from the light source and reflected by the upper reflecting mirror is collected at the above-mentioned focal point, and a part below the beam spot is blocked by the light blocking body. The light beam that has passed through the light blocking body enters the projection lens and projects the light blocking body forward to obtain a desired light distribution pattern. Also, the light beam emitted from the light source and reflected by the lower reflecting mirror becomes a light beam parallel to the optical axis described above, enters the cover lens that diffuses the transmitted light in the left-right direction, and is irradiated with a desired light distribution pattern. Is done. In this way, the role of the cover lens in obtaining the light distribution pattern is reduced (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  Other conventional vehicle headlamps include a light source installed at the first focal point of a first ellipsoidal reflecting mirror and a projection lens installed in front of the first reflecting mirror. . An opening is provided in a part of the first reflecting mirror, and a second reflecting mirror that closes the opening and blocks light emitted to the outside of the first reflecting mirror is provided. A third reflecting mirror that irradiates light forward without passing through the projection lens is installed outside the first reflecting mirror. At the time of passing beam distribution, the second reflecting mirror closes the opening and blocks the light going to the outside of the first reflecting mirror, and a passing light distribution pattern is formed by the first reflecting mirror and the second reflecting mirror. At the time of traveling beam light distribution, the second reflecting mirror opens the opening to allow light to reach the third reflecting mirror, and the traveling beam light distribution is formed by the reflected light from the third reflecting mirror (see, for example, Patent Document 4). .

JP-A-8-183385 (pages 2 and 3, FIGS. 1 to 3) JP 2002-260416 A (page 3, FIGS. 1 and 5) JP-A-1-159901 (pages 3 and 4, FIGS. 1 to 3) JP 2000-215717 A (page 3, FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 6)

  Since the conventional vehicle headlamp is configured as described above, light is lost at the divided part of the reflecting mirror, and the rotating upper reflecting mirror is attached to the bearing provided above the reflecting mirror. Therefore, if a bearing is provided so as to have sufficient strength with respect to the reflecting mirror to be supported, there is a problem that a large member is required and the manufacturing cost is increased. The same can be said for a holding structure in which the reflecting mirror is rotated about a central axis that does not pass through the center of the light source to extend the irradiation range in the road shoulder direction. Further, when the projector optical system is provided on the upper side of the headlamp, there is a problem that the center of gravity becomes high and it becomes difficult to support the reflecting mirror, and it is difficult to rotate the reflecting mirror. In addition, it is difficult to make the light distribution pattern at the time of passing the reflected light below the reflector, as can be seen from the fact that the reflector is not provided below the light source and the light is distributed by the projector system lamp. There has been a problem that it is difficult to effectively use light emitted downward from the light source.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is configured to be light and inexpensive while having sufficient strength, and to efficiently irradiate with light emitted downward from the light source. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlamp that can change the irradiation direction based on a steering operation.

  In the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention, an upper reflecting mirror type optical system having a reflecting surface different from a rotating ellipsoidal shape for guiding light emitted from a light source forward and a rotating ellipsoidal reflecting surface are formed. Projector having a lower reflecting mirror that reflects light emitted downward from the light source and a convex lens that guides the reflected light forward, and uses the light emitted downward from the light source as part of the light distribution for passing And an optical system.

  The vehicle headlamp according to the present invention reflects the light radiated downward from the light source by forming an upper reflecting mirror type optical system that guides light emitted from the light source forward and a spheroidal reflection surface. A lower reflecting mirror, a cylindrical lens cylinder installed in parallel to the center line below the center line extending forward from the light source, a cover formed on the light source side of the lens cylinder to cover the front of the light source, and a light source of the lens cylinder Has a convex lens that is installed inside the opposite side and guides the light reflected by the lower reflecting mirror forward, and uses the light emitted downward from the light source as part of the light distribution for passing, and It is equipped with.

  According to the present invention, the upper reflector optical system that guides the light emitted from the light source forward, and the projector optical system that uses the light emitted downward from the light source as part of the light distribution for passing. Since it is provided, there is an effect that light emitted downward from the light source can be used effectively.

It is a side view which shows the structure of the vehicle headlamp by Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating a configuration of an upper reflecting mirror of the vehicle headlamp according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the vehicle headlamp by Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the vehicle headlamp by Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the vehicle headlamp by Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the rotation of the vehicle headlamp according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the vehicle headlamp by Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the convex lens used for the vehicle headlamp by Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the convex lens used for the vehicle headlamp by Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the vehicle headlamp by Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the vehicle headlamp by Embodiment 5 of this invention.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of a vehicle headlamp according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The headlamp 1 includes an upper reflecting mirror 2 that rotates in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle, that is, a left-right direction, a lower reflecting mirror 3 that reflects light emitted downward from the light source 6, and the reflected light forward. And a projector type optical system 4 having a convex lens 8 (see FIG. 4) for guiding. Further, the projector type optical system 4 has a shade (light shielding plate, see FIG. 4) 9 that shields light that passes through the convex lens 8 and travels upward. The inserted bolt or the like is fastened and attached to the mount member 5.

  The mount member 5 is fixed to the headlamp case of the vehicle by fastening a bolt or the like using, for example, the mounting hole 5a described above or the mounting hole 5b provided at the upper end portion protruding upward. The mounting member 5 has a substantially U-shaped cross section as seen in FIG. 1 as viewed from the side, and the upper reflecting mirror 2 is rotated on the upper surface of the substantially U-shaped configuration. A support hole (support means) 5c for freely supporting, and a support hole (support means) 5d for supporting the upper reflecting mirror 2 on a substantially U-shaped bottom surface are provided. The support hole 5c and the support hole 5d are provided at a position where a center line AA ′ passing through the light source center 6a penetrates when the headlamp 1 is viewed from the front. The center line AA ′ is a rotation axis indicating the rotation center of the upper reflecting mirror 2 as will be described later, and is a center line extending in the vertical direction of the headlamp 1 through the light source center 6a.

  The light source 6 is a light source such as a discharge tube, for example, and is disposed so that a center line BB ′ extending in the front-rear direction of the headlamp 1 passes through the center of the headlamp 1 and passes through the center. The light source center 6a is disposed at the intersection of the center line AA 'and the center line BB'. The driving means 7 is disposed, for example, below the mount member 5 and is connected to a portion of the upper reflecting mirror 2 that passes through the support hole 5d and protrudes downward, and drives the portion to rotate the upper reflecting mirror 2. Let

  FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the upper reflecting mirror of the vehicle headlamp according to the first embodiment. This figure is a schematic diagram showing the reflecting surface of the upper reflecting mirror 2 shown in FIG. 1, and illustrates an example having a reflecting surface for left-hand traffic. The upper reflecting mirror 2 is a concave reflecting mirror in which a reflecting surface 23 is provided on the upper half of a substantially mortar-shaped inner wall surface. The reflection surface 23 of the upper reflecting mirror 2 is provided on the upper half with a center line CC ′ extending in the left-right direction of the headlamp 1 horizontally passing through the light source center 6a when the headlamp 1 is viewed from the front, Further, in the portion on the left side of the light source center 6a in the drawing, the portion is provided so as to extend below the center line CC ′. That is, the reflecting surface 23 is provided on the upper side from the upper reflecting mirror end 2b in the portion on the right side in the figure. Further, the portion on the left side in the drawing is extended to the lower side of the light source center 6a and is provided above the upper reflecting mirror end 2a. In this way, the reflection surface 23 is formed so that the light radiated to the oncoming vehicle side is prevented from going upward, and the light distribution pattern for widely illuminating the left road side to a relatively high position, that is, left-handed passing A light distribution pattern is formed. Although not shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the light source 6, the projector optical system 4 is disposed in the vicinity of the light source center 6a, and the reflecting surface 23 is not formed in this portion.

  The upper reflecting mirror 2 includes a columnar protrusion (support means) 21 on the top surface and a columnar protrusion (support means) 22 on the bottom surface. The protrusions 21 and 22 are provided at positions where a center line AA ′ extending in the vertical direction of the headlamp 1 passes through the light source center 6a. The protrusion 21 is inserted into the support hole 5c of the mount member 5 shown in FIG. 1, and the protrusion 22 is inserted into the support hole 5d. The mount member 5 supports the upper reflecting mirror 2 at the two locations where the support holes 5c and 5d are thus provided. That is, the mount member 5 pivotally supports the upper reflecting mirror 2 around the center line AA ′ passing through the light source center 6a. The protrusions 21 and 22 are formed with dimensions that allow the upper reflecting mirror 2 to be rotated in a state of being inserted into the support holes 5c and 5d. Further, the protrusion 22 used for supporting the lower part of the upper reflecting mirror 2 protrudes below the support hole 5d in a state inserted into the support hole 5d and has a length that can be connected to the driving means 7.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle headlamp according to the first embodiment. This figure is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the upper reflecting mirror 2 and the lower reflecting mirror 3 when the headlamp 1 is viewed from the front, so that the arrangement of the upper reflecting mirror 2 and the lower reflecting mirror 3 can be easily understood. Fig. 9 shows a part of the upper reflecting mirror 2 deleted. The upper reflecting mirror 2 shown in FIG. 3 is configured as described with reference to FIG. The lower reflecting mirror 3 is such that the opening on the front side of the headlamp 1 is formed narrower than the upper reflecting mirror 2, and the shape of the lower half of the concave mirror having a reflecting surface on a substantially mortar-shaped inner wall surface. Have As described above, the upper reflecting mirror end 2b on the right side in the figure overlaps with the center line CC ', and the upper reflecting mirror end 2a on the left side in the figure is below the center line CC'. In accordance with the shape of the upper reflecting mirror 2, the shape of the lower reflecting mirror 3 is such that the lower reflecting mirror end portion 3b on the right side in the figure overlaps the center line C1C1 ', and the lower reflecting mirror on the left side in the figure. The end 3a is formed to be lower than the center line C1C1 ′.

  The center line C <b> 1 </ b> C <b> 1 ′ is a virtual straight line that extends horizontally in the left-right direction of the headlamp 1. In FIG. 3, in order to make it easy to understand that the upper reflecting mirror end 2a and the upper reflecting mirror end 2b are different in height, and the lower reflecting mirror end 3a and the lower reflecting mirror end 3b are different in height, Although the line CC ′ and the center line C1C1 ′ are illustrated apart from each other, these center lines are at the same height in the vertical direction of the headlamp 1, and preferably overlap in the vertical direction of the headlamp 1. It is. That is, the reflecting surface of the upper reflecting mirror 2 and the reflecting surface of the lower reflecting mirror 3 are configured so as to be appropriately overlapped without any gap, and reflect the light emitted from the light source 6 without leaking, that is, the headlamp 1 side. When viewed through, the upper reflecting mirror 2 and the lower reflecting mirror 3 are formed and arranged so that the bottom end portion of the upper reflecting mirror 2 and the upper end portion of the lower reflecting mirror 3 overlap appropriately. The center line AA ′ shown in FIG. 3 or the like extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle including the headlamp 1, the center line BB ′ extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the center line CC ′ It extends in the vehicle width direction.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle headlamp according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4-1 shows a cross section of the headlamp 1 shown in FIG. This cross section is taken when the headlamp 1 is viewed from the side. The same parts as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The driving means 7 connects a motor 7a as a power source, an output rotation shaft of the motor 7a and the protrusion 22 of the upper reflecting mirror 2, and a plurality of gears for rotating the upper reflecting mirror 2 by the rotation of the motor 7a. It is comprised by the drive transmission means 7b which consists of etc. This driving means 7 is controlled by a control means (not shown), and rotates the upper reflecting mirror 2 by a predetermined angle in the left-right direction from the position at the front of the vehicle. The control means detects, for example, the steering direction and the steering amount of the vehicle, the vehicle speed, and the like using a predetermined sensor or the like, and controls the driving means 7 based on these various conditions. The upper reflecting mirror 2 is rotatably attached to the mount member 5 as described above. As shown in the figure, the upper reflecting mirror 2 reflects forward a light beam 60 emitted upward from the light source 6, specifically, from the light source center 6 a above the center line BB ′. The upper reflecting mirror 2 having a reflecting surface formed like a free-form surface illustrated by a solid line is formed with a reflecting surface so that light distribution for passing can be obtained. In, it is irradiated horizontally or downward.

  The lower reflecting mirror 3 is fixed to the mount member 5 as described above, and its reflecting surface 3c is formed in the shape of a spheroid a0 indicated by a broken line in FIG. In the illustrated spheroid a0, the light source center 6a is at the position of the focal point F1, and the other focal point F2 is below the focal point F1. That is, the rotation axis of the spheroid ellipsoid a0 (not shown) connecting the focal point F1 and the focal point F2 is inclined downward toward the front of the headlamp 1 through the light source center 6a. The reflection surface 3c is formed in a spheroid shape in which the rotation axis is inclined downward toward the front in this way.

In front of the lower reflecting mirror 3, a convex lens 8 of the projector-type optical system 4 and a lens cylinder that holds the convex lens 8 are provided. The lens barrel of the projector optical system 4 is provided so that the upper end portion of the cylindrical shape is below the optical axis of the light source 6, that is, the center line BB ′ extending horizontally from the light source 6a. The lens barrel of the projector-type optical system 4 has a portion 41 having a shape covering the front of the light source 6 at the portion on the light source 6 side, and holds the convex lens 8 on the opposite side of the portion 41.
In this way, light is not irradiated upward from the projector optical system 4 with the rotation axis of the spheroid ellipsoid a0 facing downward, and the projector optical system 4 does not block the reflected light of the upper reflecting mirror 2. Constitute.

  Further, the projector type optical system 4 is arranged such that the focal point F2 of the spheroid ellipsoid a0 overlaps the center line DD ′ of the convex lens 8, and the focal point F3 of the convex lens 8 is near the focal point F2 of the spheroid ellipsoid a0, preferably the focal point F2. And the focal point F3 are configured to overlap. The projector optical system 4 includes a convex lens 8 so that the center line DD ′ is parallel to the center line BB ′. In the projector optical system 4, for example, a predetermined portion of the reflected light of the lower reflecting mirror 3 or the light emitted from the light source 6 is shielded so that a passing light distribution pattern is obtained. The shade 9 having the shape as shown in FIG. 5 is disposed in the vicinity of the focal point F3, preferably at the position of the focal point F3.

  The lower reflecting mirror 3 reflects upward a light beam 61 radiated downward from the light source 6, specifically, emitted from the light source center 6a below the center line BB '. The light beam 61 reflected by the reflecting surface 3c of the lower reflecting mirror 3 enters the lens cylinder of the projector optical system 4, passes through the focal point F2 that overlaps the center line DD ', that is, the focal point F3, and passes through the convex lens 8. The traveling direction is changed, and irradiation is performed from the lower side to the lower side of the center line BB ′. Thus, the light emitted from the projector-type optical system 4 is directed downward with respect to the optical axis of the light source 6, and the light distribution pattern for passing by the shape of the reflecting surface 3c of the lower reflecting mirror 3, the shade 9, and the like. Form.

  The upper reflecting mirror 2 shown by a solid line in FIG. 4A shows a reflecting surface shape that obtains a light distribution for passing, but may be configured to obtain a light distribution for traveling. The upper reflecting mirror 2 is formed so as to have the part 2H1 shown by the broken line in FIG. 4-1, or the portion corresponding to the part 2H1 is moved between the solid line and the broken line in the figure to show the luminous flux shown in the figure. It may be configured such that the reflected light of the part 2H1 forms a traveling light distribution as in 62, and the traveling light distribution pattern is irradiated. In addition, the portion 41 of the projector optical system 4 that covers the front of the light source 6 is configured to cover the upper part of the light source 6 up to the portion indicated by the broken line, and along with switching between the light distribution for passing and the light distribution for traveling, The part 41 is moved between a position indicated by a solid line and a position indicated by a broken line so that the light beam 62 is irradiated or shielded so that the traveling light distribution and the passing light distribution can be switched and irradiated. Also good. The reflecting surface of the upper reflecting mirror 2 may be configured using a free curved surface that reflects light in a desired direction.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the rotation of the vehicle headlamp according to the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as those shown in FIGS. This figure is a top view of the headlamp 1 described so far, and the lower reflecting mirror 3 and the lens cylinder of the projector optical system 4 are fixed, and the upper reflecting mirror 2 has the center line AA ′ as the center of rotation. It shows a state of turning as indicated by a broken line. As described above, the center line AA ′ extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the center line CC ′ extends in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle. Therefore, in FIG. It is shown that the upper reflecting mirror 2 is rotated in the direction, that is, in the left-right direction. When the center line AA ′ passes through the light source center 6a as described above, the vertical positional relationship between the light source center 6a and the reflecting surface of the upper reflector 2 does not change when the upper reflecting mirror 2 rotates. Therefore, the irradiation range changes from side to side while the light distribution pattern in the vertical direction is kept constant. Assuming that the center line AA ′, that is, the rotation axis passes through the vicinity of the light source center 6a, the rotation axis corresponds to the protrusions 21 and 22 and the support holes 5c, shown in FIGS. When the support means is provided so as to pass through the support means such as 5d, the upper reflection surface 2 rotates, whereby the vertical positional relationship between the light source center 6a and the reflection surface of the upper reflecting mirror 2 is obtained. For example, if the support means is provided on the assumption that the center line AA ′ passes behind the light source center 6a, the irradiation range on the right side changes upward when the upper reflecting mirror 2 rotates to the right side. When it is turned to the left, the left irradiation range changes upward. When it is desired to change the irradiation range in the vertical direction as the upper reflecting mirror 2 rotates, the upper reflecting mirror 2 is supported by offsetting the center line AA ′, that is, the rotating axis from the light source center 6a in this way. Configure as follows.

  As described above, by configuring the upper reflecting mirror optical system including the upper reflecting mirror 2 and the projector optical system 4, the upper reflecting mirror 2 is configured to be rotatable so that the upper reflecting mirror 2 can be rotated. Even when the effective area of the reflecting mirror is limited and sufficient irradiation light cannot be obtained, light having a sufficient brightness can be obtained by effectively using the light emitted downward from the light source center 6a by the projector optical system 4. It can be performed.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the projector-type optical system that irradiates the light reflected by the reflecting surface 3c of the lower reflecting mirror 3 forward is provided, the light emitted downward from the light source 6 is effectively used. There is an effect that it can be used.

  In addition, since the upper reflecting mirror 2 is configured to be pivotably supported by the support means provided at two places above and below, the upper reflecting mirror 2 to be rotated is rotated with a light and inexpensive configuration. Further, there is an effect that the upper reflecting mirror 2 can be stabilized and supported rotatably.

  In addition, since the reflecting surface of the upper reflecting mirror 2 is formed as a free-form surface, the reflecting surface can be subdivided to direct the irradiation direction to any direction, for example, the sidewalk side that is the roadside is irradiated to a high position, There is an effect that it is possible to obtain a light distribution pattern for passing by which the height of light applied to the lane is kept low.

  In addition, since the support means for the upper reflecting mirror 2 is provided so that the rotating shaft passing through the vicinity of the light source center 6a penetrates, the irradiation range in the vertical direction can be changed as the upper reflecting mirror 2 rotates. There is an effect that can be done.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle headlamp according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts shown in FIGS. The headlamp 1a according to the second embodiment is the same as the headlamp 1 shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from the side. Further, the upper reflecting mirror 2 shown in FIG. 6 has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the upper reflecting mirror 2 and the lower reflecting mirror 3 shown in FIG. 6 is the same as that shown in FIG. The headlamp 1a in FIG. 6 is configured without the shade 9 of the headlamp 1 shown in FIG. 4-2 and the like, except for the shade 9, is shown in FIG. The headlight 1 is configured in substantially the same manner. Note that the upper reflecting mirror 2 illustrated in FIG. 6 is configured to obtain a light distribution for passing. Further, the lower reflecting mirror 3 in FIG. 6 has a reflecting surface 3c formed in a spheroid shape a0.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the width of the opening of the concave reflecting mirror is smaller than that of the upper reflecting mirror 2, and the lower reflecting mirror 3 is affected by various conditions such as the convex lens 8, but the direction in which the center line CC ′ extends is shown. The irradiation range of the reflected light, that is, the irradiation range in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle is narrower than that of the upper reflecting mirror 2. For this reason, the irradiation range of the light irradiated from the projector-type optical system 4 is narrower in the left-right direction than the upper-reflecting mirror type optical system using the upper reflecting mirror 2. As described above, when the projector-type optical system 4 having a narrow left-right irradiation range is configured to limit the vertical irradiation range by the shape of the reflecting surface 3c and the setting of the convex lens 8, it protrudes from the light distribution pattern for passing. Therefore, it is not necessary to block the light protruding from the light distribution pattern using the shade 9. When the irradiation range in the vehicle width direction becomes narrower than the irradiation range of the upper reflecting mirror 2 as described above due to various conditions such as the dimensions of the lower reflecting mirror 3, the irradiation range in the vertical direction of the irradiation light is mainly used. What is necessary is just to comprise the reflective surface 3c of the lower reflective mirror 3 so that it may restrict | limit.

  The upper reflecting mirror 2 shown in FIG. 6 reflects the light beam 60 directed upward from the light source center 6a and irradiates it forward as in the case described in the first embodiment. The light beam 61 directed downward from the light source center 6 a is reflected by the reflecting surface 3 c of the lower reflecting mirror 3 formed as described with reference to FIG. 4 and is irradiated downward by the convex lens 8. The light beam 61 reflected by the reflecting surface 3c is inclined with the rotation axis of the spheroid ellipsoid a0 defining the shape of the reflecting surface 3c directed forward. It is irradiated below the center line BB ′ and downward, but not beyond the center line BB ′. The light distribution pattern of the headlamp 1 a is formed by the reflected light of the light beam 60 by the upper reflecting mirror 2 and the light beam 61 emitted from the convex lens 8, and the example illustrated in FIG. 6 is guided forward by the upper reflecting mirror 2. The light distribution pattern for passing is obtained by the emitted light, that is, the light irradiated from the upper reflector optical system and the light irradiated from the projector optical system 4.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, since the reflecting surface 3c of the lower reflecting mirror 3 is configured so as to limit the irradiation range of the projector-type optical system 4, it is not necessary to provide a shade. There is an effect that the light emitted downward can be used efficiently.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a convex lens used in a vehicle headlamp according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The vehicle headlamp according to the third embodiment uses the convex lens 8 shown in FIG. 7 for the vehicle headlamp described in the first or second embodiment. This is the same as described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment. Here, description of the same part as what was demonstrated in Embodiment 1, 2 is abbreviate | omitted, and the convex lens 8 used as the characteristic of the vehicle headlamp by Embodiment 3 is demonstrated. The following description will be made using the reference numerals used in FIGS. The projector type optical system 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 or the projector type optical system 4 shown in FIG. 6 irradiates the light beam 61 directed downward from the light source center 6a forward, and is effectively used as irradiation light for passing. Therefore, the projector optical system 4 is disposed below the optical axis of the light source 6, that is, the central axis BB ′ so as not to block the light beam 60 reflected by the upper reflecting mirror 2.

  Further, when the light distribution pattern for passing is formed, the light reflected by the reflection surface 3c near the opening of the lower reflecting mirror 3 is transmitted through the lower side of the convex lens 8 when transmitted through the convex lens 8 because the reflection angle is shallow. Therefore, the projection light is not used for the irradiation light of the projector-type optical system 4 because it goes upward and protrudes from the irradiation range of the light distribution pattern. When a circular convex lens is used in the projector optical system 4 that forms the above-described light distribution pattern when viewed from the front, the lower portion of the lens is not used for light irradiation and becomes an unnecessary portion. Therefore, the projector type optical system 4 is provided with a convex lens 8 having a shape as shown in FIG.

  The convex lens 8 shown in FIG. 7A is formed in an arc shape in which the lower part of the circular convex lens is deleted when viewed from the front, as shown by a broken line. The convex lens 8 shown in FIG. 7-2 has a cross-sectional shape that is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the convex lens 8 shown in FIG. This lens is extended in a rod shape while maintaining the above. Moreover, the convex lens 8 shown in FIG. 7-2 may have a curved shape with respect to the front-rear direction of the vehicle so that a desired irradiation range can be obtained. The convex lens 8 shown in FIG. 7-2 does not need to expand the irradiation range in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle, and is used when mainly limiting the irradiation range in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the shape of the convex lens 8 provided in the projector-type optical system 4 is formed in an arc shape or a rod shape by removing a portion that does not transmit light. There is an effect that the degree of freedom increases.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of a vehicle headlamp according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The following description will be made using the reference numerals used in FIGS. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of the upper reflecting mirror 2, the lower reflecting mirror 3, and the light source 6 when the headlamp 1 or the headlamp 1a is viewed from the front, and the upper reflecting mirror 2 and the lower reflecting mirror 3 are arranged. In addition, the arrangement of the light source 6 is shown by removing a part of the upper reflecting mirror 2 so that it can be easily understood. The arrangement of the upper reflecting mirror 2, the lower reflecting mirror 3, and the light source 6 in FIG. 6 is used when the headlamp 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 or the headlamp 1a shown in FIG. 6 is configured. It can be done. When the light source 6 is composed of a discharge lamp and a power supply line 6b is provided on the side of the light source center 6a, the power supply line 6b blocks light emitted from the light source 6, and is reflected by the upper reflecting mirror 2 or the lower reflecting mirror 3. Affects light. In the vehicle headlamp shown in FIG. 8, the light source 6 is arranged so that the influence of the feeder 6b is suppressed and the reflected light can be efficiently irradiated.

  As described with reference to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment, when the upper reflecting mirror 2 and the lower reflecting mirror 3 of the headlamp 1 are configured, the second embodiment is similar to the headlamp 1. When the upper reflecting mirror 2 and the lower reflecting mirror 3 of the headlamp 1a described above are configured, the portion where the upper reflecting mirror 2 and the lower reflecting mirror 3 overlap is located on the side of the headlamps 1 and 1a. . The light reflected at this portion is not efficiently irradiated in front of the headlamps 1 and 1a because the reflecting surface is not smooth. Therefore, the light source 6 is arranged and fixed so that the feeder 6b faces the portion where the bottom end portion of the upper reflecting mirror 2 and the upper end portion of the lower reflecting mirror 3 where a smooth reflecting surface is not formed overlaps. In this way, the feeder line 6b is shifted laterally, and the light emitted from the light source 6 is reflected by the smooth reflecting surfaces of the upper reflecting mirror 2 and the lower reflecting mirror 3 as much as possible, and efficiently in front of the headlamps 1 and 1a. To irradiate.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the power supply line 6b of the light source 6 is shifted in the lateral direction toward the portion where the upper reflecting mirror 2 and the lower reflecting mirror 3 overlap with each other. There is an effect that light can be efficiently reflected and irradiated.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of a vehicle headlamp according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. The same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as or correspond to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 and description thereof is omitted. The upper reflecting mirror 12 constituting the headlamp 1b shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to the upper reflecting mirror 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 and the like, and will be described with reference to FIGS. It has a shape like this. The mount member 15 corresponds to the mount member 5 shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 6, and attaches the headlamp 1 b to the vehicle and pivotally supports the upper reflector 12. The center line EE ′ shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to the center line AA ′ shown in FIG. The drive means 17 corresponds to the drive means 7 shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 6 and includes a motor or the like as a power source, and a rotating output shaft of the motor or the like and a protruding portion of the upper reflecting mirror 12. And a drive transmission means for rotating the upper reflecting mirror 12 and the like. The center line GG ′ shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to the center line BB ′ shown in FIG. 1 and the like, and this shows the optical axis of the light source 6.

  The projector optical system 14 includes a circular convex lens 18 on the front side of the headlamp 1b when viewed from the front. The lens barrel of the projector-type optical system 14 that holds the convex lens 18 is formed in a cylindrical shape so that the front side holds the periphery of the convex lens 18 without a gap, and covers the front side portion of the light source 6 at the rear side. The rear wall, the side wall, and the lower wall are generally covered, and a reflection surface 14 a is provided on the inner wall of the portion covering the light source 6. In addition, an opening is provided above the light source 6. The portion where the reflecting surface 14a is formed corresponds to the lower reflecting mirror 3 shown in FIG. 4A or the like, and the reflecting surface 14a is formed in the shape of a spheroid a0 as described with reference to FIG. . In this spheroid a0, the focal point F1 is located at the light source center 6a, the other focal point F2 overlaps the center line JJ 'of the convex lens 18, and the rotational axis of the spheroid ellipsoid a0 connecting the focal point F1 and the focal point F2 is the heading. It is inclined downward toward the front of the lamp 1b. The projector optical system 14 is preferably configured so that the focal point F2 and the focal point F3 are in the same position so that the focal point F2 and the focal point F3 of the convex lens 18 are close to each other. Further, in the projector type optical system 14, a shade 19 having a shape like the shade 9 illustrated in FIG. 4B is erected on the bottom end face in the vicinity of the focal points F2 and F3. The projector type optical system 14 shown in FIG. 9 is different from the projector type optical system 4 shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 6 so that the optical axis of the light source 6, that is, the center line GG ′ penetrates the inside thereof. That is, it is arranged and configured on the lower side of the headlamp 1 b so that the optical axis of the light source 6 passes through the convex lens 18.

  The upper reflecting mirror 12 reflects the light beam 60 directed upward from the light source 6 and irradiates the reflected light forward of the headlamp 1b or downward by an appropriate amount, for example, to form a passing light distribution pattern. . The light beam 61 directed downward from the light source 6 is reflected by the reflecting surface 14a, and, for example, a light distribution pattern for passing is formed by the light shielding of the shade 19, and further passes through the convex lens 18 to the front of the headlamp 1b. Is irradiated.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the upper reflecting optical system composed of the upper reflecting mirror 2 that guides the light emitted from the light source 6 forward, and the light emitted downward from the light source 6 into the lens tube. Since the projector-type optical system 14 that reflects the reflected light 14a and guides the reflected light forward is provided, the light emitted downward from the light source 6 can be effectively used with an easy configuration. There is.

  In addition, since the upper reflecting mirror 12 is configured to be pivotably supported by the support means provided at two locations above and below, the rotating upper reflecting mirror 12 is light and inexpensive while maintaining sufficient strength. The upper reflecting mirror 12 can be rotated, and the upper reflecting mirror 12 can be stabilized and supported rotatably.

  1,1a, 1b headlamp, 2,12 upper reflecting mirror, 3 lower reflecting mirror, 3c reflecting surface, 4,14 projector optical system, 5,15 mount member, 5c, 5d supporting hole (supporting means), 6 Light source, 7, 17 Driving means, 8, 18 Convex lens, 9, 19 Shade (shading plate), 14a Reflecting surface, 21, 22 Protrusion (supporting means), 23 Reflecting surface, 60-62 luminous flux.

Claims (5)

An upper reflecting mirror type optical system having a reflecting surface different from a spheroidal shape for guiding light emitted from a light source forward;
A spheroidal reflecting surface is formed, and includes a lower reflecting mirror that reflects light emitted downward from the light source, and a convex lens that guides the reflected light forward, and the light emitted downward from the light source. A vehicle headlamp provided with a projector-type optical system used as part of a light distribution for passing.   2. The vehicular headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the upper reflector optical system reflects light emitted from the light source in a horizontal direction or downward as a passing light distribution.   The light emitted upward from the light source is used for both traveling beam light distribution and low-pass light distribution due to light shielding by a part of a cover covering the front of the light source and reflection by an upper reflector optical system. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1 or 2.   2. The upper reflector type optical system is provided with a reflecting mirror provided below the light source on the opposite lane side, and the light distribution irradiated to the sidewalk side is higher than that of the opposite lane side. 4. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1. An upper reflector optical system that guides light emitted from the light source forward;
A lower reflecting mirror which is formed with a spheroidal reflecting surface and reflects light emitted downward from the light source, and a cylindrical lens which is installed in parallel to the center line below the center line extending forward from the light source A tube, a cover that is formed on the light source side of the lens tube and covers the front of the light source, and a convex lens that is installed inside the lens tube on the side opposite to the light source and guides the light reflected by the lower reflecting mirror to the front And a projector-type optical system that uses light emitted downward from the light source as part of a light distribution for passing.

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