JP2011146246A - Light distribution switching seal of headlamp for automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light distribution switching seal capable of switching from a left side (right side) light distribution to a right side (left side) light distribution only by attaching the seal on a front surface cover of a headlamp. <P>SOLUTION: The light distribution switching seal is provided with an optical function for shielding part of transmitted light or refracting transmitted light, and is structured of a thin and flexible seal body 2 with an adhesive layer 6 fitted on a rear surface. The seal is adhered on a surface of a front surface cover 11 facing to a projection type light source unit 30 for left (right) side light distribution formation of a lamp chamber S, emission light from a peripheral edge part of a projection lens 36 is shielded or emission light from the projection lens 36 is refracted diagonally downward in a right and left direction, so that luminous intensity of a whole part of a light distribution pattern Ps is lowered, or a whole part of the light distribution pattern Ps is slid diagonally downward to switch to a light distribution which satisfies least indispensable conditions (restraint of glare light, and securement of center luminosity) as the right (left) side light distribution. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is applied to a predetermined position on the front cover of a projection type automobile headlamp so that the light distribution of the original headlamp suitable for the left (right) travel is changed to the light distribution conforming to the regulations for the right (left) travel. The present invention relates to a light distribution switching seal for switching.

  In recent years, UK and European continental cars are used in the European continent, and European continental cars are used in the UK without changing their specifications, because the UK and European continents can be freely accessed via the Dover Channel. However, the UK specification car is set so that the light distribution of the headlamp (passing beam lamp) is the left light distribution on the assumption of left-hand drive, while the European continental specification car is headlamp (assuming right-hand drive) The light distribution of the (passing beam lamp) is set to be the right light distribution. For this reason, in an area where the specifications of the headlamp are different, there is a problem that the passing beam gives glare (glare light) to the oncoming vehicle.

  Therefore, conventionally, as shown in the following patent document, by moving up and down the two types of cut-off line forming shades provided in the projection type light source unit that forms the passing beam, the left side light distribution and the right side light distribution are obtained. It has a switchable structure.

  That is, in the projection-type automotive headlamp shown in the following patent document, a substantially ellipsoidal reflector in which a light source is arranged at a first focus in a lamp chamber defined by a lamp body and a front cover, A projection type light source unit in which a shade for forming a cut-off line arranged at two focal points and a projection lens arranged with its rear focal point substantially coincided with the second focal point of the reflector is accommodated. Between the reflectors, the first and second shades for left side light distribution and right side light distribution, which are arranged in the front-rear direction, are provided so as to be vertically movable, and the first and second shades are moved up and down by a driving mechanism. Thus, it is possible to cope with both the left side light distribution and the right side light distribution (the left side light distribution and the right side light distribution can be switched).

JP 2006-73224 (FIGS. 1-4, 10, 11)

  However, in the above-described prior art, in addition to arranging two shades between the projection lens and the reflector, the drive mechanism for linking the two shades becomes complicated and large, and the projection type light source unit is large. There were various problems such as increasing the weight, increasing the weight, and increasing the cost.

  Certainly, to change the left (right) light distribution to the right (left) light distribution, it is necessary to change the shape of the upper edge of the shade itself, but it will travel between the UK and the European continent across the Dover Channel. In such a case, the period during which the vehicle is driven with the light distribution switched is shorter than the period during which the vehicle is driven with the original headlamp light distribution.

  Therefore, the inventor has determined that the light distribution after switching is the minimum required condition for the new light distribution after switching (prevention of glare light and safety for oncoming vehicles and pedestrians). I thought that it would be enough to satisfy the requirements of driving driver's forward visibility for driving.

  For this purpose, a thin flexible seal body having an optical function to block a part of transmitted light or refract the transmitted light is attached to the front cover of the headlamp to form a projection light source unit. If you lower the luminous intensity of the entire light distribution, or slide the entire original light distribution diagonally downward in the left-right direction, you can clear the minimum requirements required by law for new light distribution after switching, I thought.

  The present invention has been made on the basis of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and the above-mentioned knowledge of the inventor. The purpose of the present invention is to run on the left side (right side) by simply attaching it to the front cover of a projection type automobile headlamp. It is an object of the present invention to provide a light distribution switching seal capable of easily switching the light distribution of an original headlamp suitable for the above to a light distribution that is legally compatible with right (left) travel.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the automotive headlamp light distribution switching seal according to the present invention has an optical function of blocking a part of the transmitted light or refracting the transmitted light, on the back side thereof. Consists of a thin flexible seal body provided with an adhesive layer,
Affixed to a predetermined position on the surface of the front cover facing the projection type light source unit that forms either the left side light distribution or the right side light distribution provided in the lamp chamber of the headlamp,
It is configured to switch the light distribution of the headlamp by blocking the light emitted from the peripheral edge of the projection lens constituting the projection type light source unit or refracting the whole light emitted from the projection lens obliquely downward in the horizontal direction. .

  (Operation) The projection light source unit has a substantially ellipsoidal reflector having a light source disposed at the first focal point thereof, a cut-off line forming shade disposed at the second focal point of the reflector, and a rear focal point at the second focal point of the reflector. Are integrated with a projection lens arranged so as to be substantially coincident with each other.

  The light distribution (pattern) formed by the projection-type light source unit is the left (right) light distribution pattern with a left (right) shoulder-up cut-off line corresponding to the shape of the upper edge of the shade on the front virtual light distribution screen. This light distribution pattern is composed of a collection of light source images obtained by synthesizing light source images respectively formed by reflection curved surface elements controlled by dividing the reflector in the circumferential direction and the axial direction. As the light source, a rod-shaped light source having a length in the optical axis direction (for example, an arc or filament of a discharge arc tube) is used. Therefore, considering the effective utilization rate of the light source light on the reflecting surface of the reflector, the projection Among the light for forming the light distribution emitted forward from the lens, the light that is reflected by the reflecting surface region (see reference A in FIG. 2) facing the rod-shaped light source of the reflector and emitted forward from the peripheral edge of the projection lens Effective utilization is highest (forms a light source image with the highest luminous flux density).

  For this reason, first, the original light distribution formed by the projection-type light source unit is obtained by shielding the light emitted forward from the peripheral portion of the projection lens by the seal body having a light shielding function (optical function). (Pattern) Efficiently lowers the overall luminous intensity, and the minimum legal requirements for the light distribution after switching (the hot zone luminous intensity is more than a predetermined value that can ensure forward visibility, and the area along the cut-off line The following two conditions can be satisfied: the luminous intensity is not more than a predetermined value that does not cause the occurrence of glare light.

  Specifically, the luminous intensity of the entire newly formed light distribution (pattern) is related to the area where the light emitted from the projection lens is shielded, that is, the light shielding function (optical function) of the seal body. Necessary minimum conditions required for new light distribution (hot zone luminous intensity is more than a predetermined value that can ensure forward visibility, and the luminous intensity in the area along the cut-off line may cause glare. It is desirable to adjust the light-shielding area of the emitted light from the peripheral edge of the projection lens so as to satisfy a certain predetermined value or less.

  Second, the original light source unit is formed by refracting the entire light emitted forward from the projection lens obliquely downward in the left-right direction by a seal body having a light refraction function (optical function). Slide the entire light distribution (pattern) diagonally downward in the left-right direction, and make the cut-off line the minimum required legal conditions for the light distribution after switching (the hot zone light intensity is more than a predetermined value that can ensure forward visibility) It is possible to ensure two conditions) that the luminous intensity in the along region is equal to or less than a predetermined value at which there is no possibility of occurrence of glare light.

  Specifically, the slide amount of the original light distribution (pattern) formed by the projection light source unit is the angle at which the emitted light from the projection lens is refracted when passing through the seal body, that is, the light refraction of the seal body. Since it is related to the function (optical function), the luminous intensity of the hot zone is not less than a predetermined value at which forward visibility can be ensured, and the luminous intensity of the region along the cut-off line is not more than a predetermined value at which there is no possibility of occurrence of glare light. In addition, it is desirable to adjust the light refraction function of the seal body.

  As a specific configuration of the light distribution switching seal (seal body) having a light shielding function (optical function), as shown in claim 2, the seal body is substantially matched to the size of the projection lens. And an annular light shielding layer corresponding to the outer shape of the projection lens is provided on the front or back surface of the disc-shaped translucent resin sheet, and part of the light transmitted through the seal body is shielded by the light shielding layer. Alternatively, as shown in claim 3, the seal body is made of a non-translucent or semi-translucent resin or rubber sheet formed in an annular shape substantially matching the size of the projection lens. The light distribution projected onto the virtual light distribution screen is reduced by blocking a part of the light emitted forward from the projection lens by the seal body, thereby reducing the luminous intensity of the entire light distribution pattern formed by the projection light source unit. Pattern Kicking with light intensity of the hot zone is more than a predetermined value capable of ensuring a front visibility, it is conceivable to configure to be equal to or less than the predetermined value luminosity no risk of glare light generation in the region along the cut-off line. Note that the amount of decrease in luminous intensity of the entire light distribution pattern can be adjusted by the width of the annular light shielding portion.

  Further, as a specific configuration of the light distribution switching seal (seal main body) having a light refraction function (optical function), as shown in claim 4, the seal main body is approximately the size of the projection lens. The projection-type light source unit is formed by forming a prism step that refracts light transmitted through the seal body obliquely downward in the left-right direction, and is configured with a matching disk-shaped translucent resin sheet. Slide the entire light distribution pattern diagonally downward in the left-right direction (for example, downward in the inclination direction of the left and right cut-off line steps), so that the light intensity of the hot zone in the new light distribution pattern formed on the virtual light distribution screen is forward The brightness of the region along the cut-off line is not more than a predetermined value at which there is no risk of glare generation. It is conceivable to. The slide amount of the entire light distribution pattern can be adjusted by the inclination angle of the prism step.

  In this way, the light distribution switching sticker according to the present invention is simply pasted to a predetermined position on the front cover surface, and the light distribution of the headlamp (projection light source unit) is changed from the original left (right) light distribution to the right side. (Left side) It is possible to easily switch to an appropriate light distribution that does not cause legal problems when driving.

In addition, the light distribution switching seal (seal body) is thin and excellent in flexibility, so that it adheres tightly to the surface of the front cover and extends along the front cover, so there is little resistance to wind and rain. , It is hard to peel off and has excellent durability.
Further, when it is desired to peel off the light distribution switching seal, it can be easily removed by pulling it with the end of the light distribution switching seal (seal main body).

  Further, in claim 5, in the seal for switching light distribution of the headlamp for automobile according to claim 1, the seal body before being attached to the front cover is integrated with a peelable mount. It was configured as follows.

  (Function) The light distribution switching sticker (seat body) is integrated with the mount before being attached to the front cover, is compact, and is not bulky even when multiple sheets are stacked. It can be stored in a familiar place and used as needed.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the light distribution switching seal of the automotive headlamp according to the first aspect, it is only necessary to attach the seal to a predetermined position on the surface of the front cover. The light distribution can be easily switched to a light distribution that conforms to the regulations for right (left) travel, and when returning to the original light distribution, it can be easily handled by removing it from the front cover, which is very convenient. .

  According to the fifth aspect, the light distribution switching seal can be stored in a familiar place, and can be easily attached to or peeled off from the front cover as needed.

1 is a perspective view of a light distribution switching seal of an automotive headlamp that is a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the same light distribution switching seal. It is a front view of the headlamp for cars which stuck the light distribution switching sticker. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view in alignment with line IV-IV shown in FIG. 3) of the headlamp. It is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern of the headlamp which affixed the light distribution switching sticker. It is the front of the light distribution switching seal | sticker of the headlamp for motor vehicles which is the 2nd Example of this invention. It is a perspective view of the light distribution switching seal of the automotive headlamp which is the third embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the same light distribution switching seal. It is a front view of the sticker for light distribution switching which is the 4th example of the present invention, and is a front view in the state where it was stuck on the front cover of the headlamp for cars. It is sectional drawing (sectional drawing in alignment with line XX shown in FIG. 9) of the same light distribution switching seal. It is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern of the headlamp which affixed the light distribution switching sticker. It is a front view of the sticker for light distribution switching which is the 5th example of the present invention, and is a front view in the state where it was stuck on the front cover of the headlamp for cars.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples.

  1 and 2 show a light distribution switching seal of an automotive headlamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the automotive headlamp with the light distribution switching seal attached thereto. Show.

First, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the structure of a headlamp for an automobile is simply shown.
Reference numeral 10 denotes an automotive headlamp. A long lamp chamber S is defined in the left-right direction by a container-shaped lamp body 11 that opens forward and a transparent front cover 12 that is assembled to the front opening of the lamp body 11. In the lamp chamber S, a reflective light source unit 20 for forming a traveling beam and a projection light source unit 30 for forming a passing beam are provided side by side.

  The reflection-type light source unit 20 is a bulb that is a light source that is inserted into a parabolic reflector 22 that has been subjected to surface aluminum vapor deposition and a bulb insertion hole (not shown) provided in the rear top of the reflector 22. 24. The light emitted from the bulb 24 is reflected by the reflector 22, is transmitted through the front cover 11 and guided substantially parallel to the front, and as shown in FIG. The light distribution pattern Pm is formed.

  On the other hand, the projection-type light source unit 30 is inserted into a substantially elliptical reflector 32 subjected to surface aluminum vapor deposition and a bulb insertion hole 33 provided at the rear top of the reflector 32, and the light emission center thereof is the reflector 32. Are formed integrally with the lens holder 35, the bulb 34 arranged so as to be the first focal point, the circular projection lens 36 attached to the front opening of the reflector 32 via the cylindrical lens holder 35, and the front view circular projection lens 36. The cut-off line forming shade 37 arranged so that the upper edge portion thereof coincides with the rear focal point of the projection lens 36 and also coincides with the second focal position of the reflector 32, and is integrated. As shown in FIG. 5, the light emitted from the projection lens 36 has a left-sloped cut-off line CL (left-capable CL) corresponding to the shape of the upper edge of the shade 37. DOO lines CL1, to form a light distribution pattern Ps for low beam having a right cut-off line CL2).

  When the light source units 20 and 30 are turned on simultaneously, the light distribution patterns Pm and Ps formed by the light source units 20 and 30 are combined to form a traveling beam, and when the light source unit 30 is turned on alone, a passing beam is formed. Is done.

  The light source units 20 and 30 are adjusted by the auto leveling mechanism AL so that the optical axes of the light source units 20 and 30 are always constant with respect to the traveling road surface.

  That is, the light source units 20 and 30 (the reflectors 22 and 32 thereof) are integrated by the lamp bracket 40 that is long on the left and right, and the left and right upper portions of the lamp bracket 40 are supported by the aiming screws 44a and 44b. One place is supported by the rotational drive shaft 52 of the leveling actuator 50.

  Reference numerals 42a and 42b denote bearing nuts attached to the upper extending portions 41a and 41b of the lamp bracket 40. The front end screw portions of the aiming screws 44a and 44b supported by the lamp body 11 and extending forward are screwed together. ing.

  Reference numeral 42c denotes a bearing nut attached to the downwardly extending portion 41c of the lamp bracket 40. The tip screw portion of the rotary drive shaft 52 extending forward of the leveling actuator 50 fixed to the lamp body 11 is screwed together. ing.

  Then, by driving the actuator 50 (rotation of the rotation drive shaft 52), the bearing nut 42c moves forward and backward along the rotation drive shaft 52, and the lamp bracket 40 in which the light source units 20 and 30 are integrated becomes the bearing nut 42a, It is configured to tilt (tilt back and forth) about the leveling axis Lx passing through 42b.

  In this embodiment, the inclination of the vehicle axle (front / rear axis) with respect to the road surface is measured by an inclination sensor, and the ECU controls the driving of the leveling actuator 50 so that the inclination amount of the inclination sensor is always constant ( An auto leveling mechanism AL is provided that adjusts the tilt of the light source units 20 and 30 about the leveling axis Lx so that the optical axes of the light source units 20 and 30 are always inclined with respect to the road surface.

  Further, a light distribution switching seal 1 shown in an enlarged manner in FIGS. 1 and 2 is attached to a position directly facing the light source unit 30 on the surface of the front cover 11.

  The light distribution switching seal 1 is composed of a thin flexible seal body 2 provided with an adhesive layer 6 on the back side thereof, and a mount 8 is closely integrated with the adhesive layer 6 on the back side. Accordingly, the surface of the front cover 11 can be attached to a predetermined position in a form in which the mount 8 is removed to expose the adhesive layer 6.

  The light distribution switching seal 1 (seal main body 2) is made of a black semi-transparent resin or rubber capable of blocking 50 to 100% of incident light, and has excellent weather resistance, and also has a front surface of a headlamp. When pasted on the cover 11, it extends along the front cover 11, adheres closely to the surface of the front cover 11, has little resistance to rain and wind, and is difficult to peel off, so it has excellent durability ing.

  Further, the light distribution switching seal 1 (seal main body 2) has an annular light shielding portion 2a having a size substantially matching the outer shape of the light source unit 30 (projection lens 36 thereof) and a belt-like shape that crosses the center of the annular light shielding portion 2a. The horizontal light-shielding part 2b is provided, and between the annular light-shielding part 2a and the horizontal light-shielding part 2b are formed openings 3 and 3 through which light can pass without being shielded.

  Further, at the center of the light distribution switching seal 1 (the annular light shielding portion 2a) (the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the horizontal light shielding portion 2b), it is provided on the surface of the front cover 11 as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. A mark (circular hole) 1a for alignment with a mark (for example, a minute protrusion) 11a indicating the position of the optical axis is provided, and the light distribution switching seal 1 is provided on the mark (minute protrusion) 11a on the front cover 11 side. If the light distribution switching sticker 1 is affixed to the surface of the front cover 11 so that the side mark (circular hole) 1a matches, the light distribution switching sticker 1 is accurately aligned with the light source unit 30 (projection lens 36). Can be paired.

  Then, the width d of the annular light shielding portion 2a and the horizontal light shielding portion 2b constituting the light distribution switching seal (seal main body 2) is set to a predetermined value, so that the head lamp 10 (projection light source unit 30) is originally provided. The left light distribution pattern Ps is switched to a light distribution (light distribution pattern Ps ′) that satisfies the minimum legal requirements for right-side travel.

  Next, the light distribution switching function of the light distribution switching seal 1 (seal main body 2) will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the original light distribution pattern formed by the projection light source unit 30 is formed on the front virtual light distribution screen on the front shoulder with a left shoulder corresponding to the shape of the shade upper edge portion 37a. The light distribution pattern Ps appears as a left light distribution pattern Ps having an off-line CL1 and a right cut-off line CL2). The light distribution pattern Ps is a light source formed by each reflective curved surface element controlled by dividing the reflector 36 in the circumferential direction and the axial direction. It is composed of a collection of light source images obtained by combining images.

  Since the light emitting part (filament) of the bulb 34 is a rod-shaped light source having a length in the optical axis direction, considering the effective utilization rate of the light source light on the reflecting surface of the reflector 32, the light emitted from the projection lens 36 is forwardly distributed. Among the light for forming light, the effective utilization rate of the light that is reflected by the reflecting surface region (see reference numeral A in FIG. 2) facing the rod-shaped light source of the reflector 32 and is emitted forward from the peripheral edge of the projection lens 36 is the highest. (A light source image having the highest luminous flux density is formed).

  For this reason, the light emitted forward from the peripheral edge of the projection lens 36 is shielded by the black semi-transparent annular light-shielding portion 2a, so that the entire original light distribution pattern Ps formed by the projection light source unit can be obtained. Efficiently lower the luminous intensity, the minimum legal requirement for driving right (the hot zone luminous intensity is more than a predetermined value that can ensure forward visibility, and the luminous intensity in the area along the cut-off line CL1 generates glare light Can satisfy the following two conditions):

  That is, the light-shielding area of the emitted light from the peripheral edge of the projection lens 36 is adjusted, and the minimum legal requirement for right-side light distribution (1.77 degrees right and 0.86 degrees downward hot zone position P2 luminous intensity). 5 lumens or more that can ensure forward visibility and a predetermined position on the left-side cut-off line CL1 (position of 3.43 degrees on the left and 0.57 degrees on the upper side) P1 is less than 1 lumen where there is no possibility of glare generation) Is to secure.

  Specifically, the luminous intensity of the entire light distribution pattern Ps formed by the projection light source unit 30 is the light shielding area of the emitted light from the peripheral edge of the projection lens 36 (in particular, the area of the annular light shielding part 2a of the light distribution switching seal 1). ), The width d of the annular light shielding portion 2a and the horizontal light shielding portion 2b constituting the light distribution switching seal (seal main body 2) is set to a predetermined value, so that the light distribution suitable for the left side light distribution is achieved. The entire luminous intensity of the entire pattern Ps decreases, and the luminous intensity at the hot zone position P2 of 1.72 degrees to the right and 0.86 degrees downward satisfies the legal condition (5 lumens or more) from the original 23 lumens to 7.7 lumens. In addition, the light intensity at a predetermined position on the left cut-off line CL1 (position of 3.43 degrees on the left and 0.57 degrees on the upper side) P1 is reduced from the original 3 lumens to 1 lumen satisfying the legal conditions (1 lumen or less). Shi A new light distribution pattern Ps' is obtained.

  Note that the light shielding function of the horizontal light shielding part 2b (the function of reducing the luminous intensity of the entire light distribution pattern Ps) is lower than the light shielding function of the annular light shielding part 2a, so that only the width d of the annular light shielding part 2a distributes the light. The light intensity of the entire light pattern Ps can be adjusted.

  That is, the horizontal light-shielding portion 2b is provided for forming the positioning mark (circular hole) 1a rather than adjusting the luminous intensity of the light distribution pattern Ps, so the second embodiment shown in FIG. Like the light distribution switching seal 1A (seal main body 2A), instead of the horizontal light shielding portion 2b, a vertical light shielding portion 2c extending radially from the center of the annular light shielding portion 2a is formed. You may make it provide the mark (circular hole) 1a in an edge part.

  7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the light distribution switching seal according to the present invention.

  The light distribution switching seals 1 and 1A (seal main bodies 2 and 2A) of the first and second embodiments described above are configured by the annular light-shielding portion 2a having an open central portion. The light distribution switching seal 1B in the example is composed of a disc-shaped seal body 2B having a size substantially matching the outer shape of the light source unit 30 (projection lens 36), and an adhesive layer is formed on the entire back surface of the seal body 2B. Since 6 is formed, the adhesiveness to the front cover 11 is excellent.

  The seal body 2B is made of a light-transmitting resin having high light transmittance such as silicon, and the adhesive layer 6 is also made of a light-transmitting material, so that light incident on the seal body 2C from the back side is Although it can be emitted as it is from the front surface side, a black semi-transparent annular light-shielding layer 2a1 is formed on the surface of the seal body 2C so as to match the outer shape of the projection lens 36 by printing, and the seal body 2B A part of the light incident from the back side is shielded by the annular light shielding layer 2a1.

  Further, a mark (concave portion) 1a1 corresponding to the mark (circular hole) 1a in the first embodiment is provided at the center on the back surface side of the seal body 2B, and the mark (microprojection) 11a on the front cover 11 side is provided. By matching (see FIG. 4), the light distribution switching seal 1B (seal main body 2B) can be accurately faced to the light source unit 30 (projection lens 36 thereof).

  The light distribution switching function of the light distribution switching seal 1B (seal body 2B) is the same as the light distribution switching function of the light distribution switching seal 1 (seal body 2) of the first embodiment. A duplicate description is omitted.

  The annular light shielding portion 2a and the annular light shielding layer 2a1 provided on the first to third light distribution switching seals 1, 1A, 1B are both configured to be black semi-translucent. The annular light shielding portion 2a and the annular light shielding layer 2a1 may be made of an opaque material. In this case, the light shielding function of the light distribution switching seal is improved. The width d of the light shielding layer 2a1 is set somewhat small.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the case where the left light distribution is switched to the right light distribution has been described. However, the light distribution switching seals 1, 1A and 1B of the first to third embodiments are It can also be used when the right light distribution is switched to the left light distribution. That is, the light distribution switching seals 1, 1 </ b> A, 1 </ b> B according to the first to third embodiments distribute the light distribution of the original headlamp suitable for the left (right) traveling to the right (left) traveling. Can switch to light.

9 and 10 show a fourth embodiment of the light distribution switching seal according to the present invention.
In these drawings, the light distribution switching sticker 1C has a size that substantially matches the outer shape of the light source unit 30 (projection lens 36 thereof), as in the third embodiment, and has an adhesive layer 6 on the entire back surface thereof. Is formed by a thin flexible seal body 2 </ b> C having a circular shape, and a base 8 that is previously integrated with the adhesive layer 6 on the back side is peeled off and attached to the front cover 11.

  However, the light distribution switching seals 1, 1 </ b> A, 1 </ b> B according to the first to third embodiments described above, for example, without changing the shape of the light distribution pattern Ps suitable for the left-side traveling of the headlamp 10. Whereas the light intensity of the entire light pattern Ps is reduced to a light intensity that can satisfy the minimum required conditions for legal regulations when traveling to the right, the light shielding function is provided to block part of the light emitted from the projection range 36. The light distribution switching seal 1C according to the present embodiment can satisfy the minimum necessary conditions for the right traveling without changing the shape of the light distribution pattern Ps suitable for the head lamp 10 inherent to the left traveling. The light distribution pattern Ps is slid obliquely downward with respect to the optical axis to a predetermined position, and has a function of refracting the entire light emitted from the projection range 36.

  That is, the light distribution switching seal 1C (seal main body 2C) is made of a translucent resin such as silicon, and the adhesive layer 6 on the back side is also made of a translucent material. The prism steps 4 are formed at equal intervals, and as shown in FIG. 10, the light incident on the seal body 2C is perpendicular to the extending direction of the prism steps 4 (the white arrow indicated by reference numeral L1 in FIG. 9). (See FIG. 4), the light is refracted downward by a predetermined angle θ with respect to the optical axis and emitted.

  Reference numerals 5, 5a to 5d are marks provided on the back side of the seal body 2C, reference numeral 5 is a mark (concave portion) indicating the center position, reference numerals 5a and 5b are black marks indicating the horizontal reference position, and reference numerals 5c and 5d. Is a black mark indicating a vertical reference position, and the arrangement direction L1 of the prism step 4 is inclined by 15 degrees with respect to a virtual horizontal reference line L2 passing through the horizontal reference marks 5a and 5b and the center mark 5, thereby forming the light source unit 30. This corresponds to the inclination angle of the step between the left cutoff line CL1 and the right cutoff line CL2 of the light distribution pattern Ps (an inclination angle of 15 degrees with respect to the HH line of the virtual screen).

  On the other hand, on the surface of the front cover 11, a pair of vertical reference marks (for example, minute protrusions) 11b and 11c are provided above and below the mark (for example, a minute protrusion) 11a indicating the optical axis position of the projection light source unit 30. When the light distribution switching sticker 1C is attached to the front cover 11, the center mark 5 coincides with the mark 11a, and the virtual vertical reference line L3 passing through the vertical reference marks 5c, 5d is the vertical reference marks 11b, 11c. By positioning the light distribution switching sticker 1C in the circumferential direction so as to match with the projection lens 36, the light distribution switching sticker 1C faces the projection lens 36, and the refraction direction of the transmitted light of the prism step 4 is the light distribution pattern Ps. It corresponds to the inclination (15 degrees) of the stepped portion between the cut-off lines CL1, CL2.

  Further, the slide amount of the light distribution pattern Ps formed by the light source unit 30 is related to the angle θ that is refracted by the prism step 4 when the light emitted from the projection lens 36 passes through the seal body 2C. The refraction angle θ of the prism step 4 is such that the newly formed light distribution pattern Ps ″ is the minimum requirement for right side light distribution (the luminous intensity at the hot zone position P2 of 1.72 degrees right and 0.86 degrees below) Is 5 lumens or more that can ensure forward visibility, and the light intensity at a predetermined position on the left cut-off line CL1 (position of 3.43 degrees on the left and 0.57 degrees on the upper side) P1 is less than 1 lumen with no fear of occurrence of glare light. ) Is set to a predetermined value.

  The light distribution switching sticker 1C (seal main body 2C) described above is formed in a size that substantially matches the size of the projection lens 36, but may be larger than the projection lens 36. For example, when a part of the outer shape of the light distribution switching seal 1C (seal body 2C) is formed in a shape that matches the peripheral edge shape of the front cover 11, the light distribution switching seal 1C (seal body 2C) is provided. When affixed to the front cover 11, the peripheral portion of the light distribution switching seal 1C (seal main body 2C) is aligned with the peripheral portion of the front cover 11, so that the light distribution switching seal 1C (refractive direction in which light is refracted). Positioning in the circumferential direction can be performed accurately.

  Further, the light distribution switching seal 1C of the fourth embodiment can be used as a light distribution switching seal for switching the right light distribution to the left light distribution by being configured as shown in FIG.

  That is, FIG. 12 shows a light distribution switching seal according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and is a front view showing a state in which the light distribution switching seal is affixed to the front cover of an automobile headlamp.

  On the back side of the seal body 2D constituting the light distribution switching seal 1D are marks used for switching the left light distribution to the right light distribution (black marks 5a and 5b indicating the horizontal reference position, black indicating the vertical reference position). In addition to the marks 5c, 5d), there are also provided marks (red marks 5a1, 5b1 indicating the horizontal reference position, red marks 5c1, 5d1 indicating the vertical reference position) used when switching the right light distribution to the left light distribution. Yes.

  Other configurations are the same as those of the light distribution switching seal 1C of the fourth embodiment described above, and the same reference numerals are given, and redundant description is omitted.

  For this reason, when the light distribution of the original headlamp suitable for the left-side travel is switched to the light distribution legally suitable for the right-side travel, as shown in FIG. 9, a virtual vertical reference line L3 passing through the vertical reference marks 5c and 5d. Is aligned with the vertical reference marks 11b, 11c in the circumferential direction and attached to the front cover 11, and the original headlamp light distribution suitable for right-side travel is legally regulated for left-side travel. When switching to a suitable light distribution, as shown in FIG. 12, the light distribution switching seal 1D is arranged so that the virtual vertical reference line L3 ′ passing through the vertical reference marks 5c1 and 5d1 is aligned with the vertical reference marks 11b and 11c. By positioning in the direction and sticking to the front cover 11, the left (right) light distribution of the headlamp can be switched to the right (left) light distribution that complies with the law.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Light distribution switching seal 2a Circular light shielding portion 2a1 Circular light shielding layer 2b Horizontal light shielding portions 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D Light distribution switching seal body 6 Adhesive layer 8 Mount 4 Prism Step 10 Automotive headlamp 11 Front cover 30 Projection type light source unit 36 Projection lens Ps', Ps "Light distribution pattern CL (CL1, CL2) Horizontal cut-off line

Claims (5)

It consists of a thin flexible seal body that has an optical function to block part of the transmitted light or refract the transmitted light, and is provided with an adhesive layer on the back side thereof.
Affixed to a predetermined position on the surface of the front cover facing the projection type light source unit that forms either the left side light distribution or the right side light distribution provided in the lamp chamber of the headlamp,
The light distribution of the headlamp is switched by shielding the light emitted from the peripheral edge of the projection lens constituting the projection light source unit or by refracting the entire light emitted from the projection lens obliquely downward in the left-right direction. A light distribution switching sticker for automotive headlamps.   The seal body is composed of a disc-shaped translucent resin sheet that substantially matches the size of the projection lens, and an annular light shielding layer corresponding to the outer shape of the projection lens is provided on the front or back surface thereof. In the light distribution pattern projected onto the virtual light distribution screen, a part of the light transmitted through the seal body is shielded by the light shielding layer, the luminous intensity of the entire light distribution pattern formed by the projection light source unit is reduced. The luminosity of the hot zone is not less than a predetermined value at which forward visibility can be ensured, and the luminosity in an area along the cut-off line is not more than a predetermined value at which there is no possibility of occurrence of glare light. 2. A light distribution switching seal for an automotive headlamp according to 1.   The seal body is made of a semi-transparent resin or rubber sheet formed in an annular shape that substantially matches the size of the projection lens, and a part of the light emitted forward from the projection lens is the seal body The light intensity of the entire light distribution pattern formed by the projection light source unit is reduced, and the light intensity of the hot zone in the light distribution pattern projected on the virtual light distribution screen is greater than or equal to a predetermined value that can ensure forward visibility. 2. The light distribution switching of the automotive headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the light intensity in a region along the cut-off line is set to be equal to or less than a predetermined value at which there is no possibility of occurrence of glare light. sticker.   The seal body is formed of a disc-shaped translucent resin sheet that substantially matches the size of the projection lens, and a prism that refracts light transmitted through the seal body obliquely downward in the left-right direction on the surface thereof. Step is formed, the entire original light distribution pattern formed by the projection light source unit slides diagonally downward in the left-right direction, and the intensity of the hot zone in the new light distribution pattern projected on the virtual light distribution screen is The automotive head according to claim 1, wherein the automotive head according to claim 1 is configured so that the luminous intensity in a region along the cut-off line is equal to or less than a predetermined value at which visibility is ensured and is less likely to cause glare light. Lamp for switching the light distribution of the lamp.   The light distribution switching sticker for an automobile headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light distribution switching seal is integrated with a peelable mount before being attached to the front cover. sticker.

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