JP2015060671A - Vehicular headlight - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular headlight capable of sufficiently securing a clearance between a sub lens part and a variable focal lens part.SOLUTION: A vehicular headlight includes: a semiconductor type light source; a lens provided on the semiconductor type light source at the front side of a vehicle, and having a main lens part and a sub lens part arranged around the main lens part for delivering light from the semiconductor type light source in front of the vehicle in a first light distribution pattern and a second light distribution pattern, respectively; and a light control member provided between the semiconductor type light source and the lens, and having the variable focal lens part which can be selected to be moved to a first position between the semiconductor type light source and the sub lens part, corresponding to the first light distribution pattern, or to a second position between the semiconductor type light source and the main lens part, corresponding to the second light distribution pattern, the variable focal lens part having an emission surface consisting of a plurality of divided emission surfaces divided along the vertical direction, the adjacent divided emission surfaces forming a level difference in a horizontal cross-sectional view.

Description

  The present invention allows a light from a semiconductor-type light source to enter a lens and irradiate the front of a vehicle as two light distribution patterns, for example, a low beam light distribution pattern and a high beam light distribution pattern, from the lens. The present invention relates to a direct-type vehicle headlamp.

  This type of vehicle headlamp has been conventionally used (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). Hereinafter, a conventional vehicle headlamp will be described.

  The conventional vehicular headlamp disclosed in Patent Literature 1 includes a semiconductor light source, a projection lens, a light guide, a movable light shielding member, and an actuator that moves the movable light shielding member. In the conventional vehicle headlamp disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the movable light shielding member is located at the non-shielding position, light from the semiconductor-type light source is incident on the projection lens and the light guide, respectively. The light distribution pattern for the vehicle is irradiated in front of the vehicle, and the light distribution for the center zone is applied to the front of the vehicle. Further, when the movable light shielding member is positioned at the shielding position, the light incident on the light guide from the semiconductor-type light source is shielded by the movable light shielding member, so that only the side zone light distribution pattern is irradiated from the projection lens to the front of the vehicle. The As a result, a high beam light distribution pattern and a split high beam light distribution pattern (two-divided high beam light distribution pattern) are obtained.

  The conventional vehicle headlamp disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a light source, a lens, a first reflection surface, and a second reflection surface. In the conventional vehicle headlamp disclosed in Patent Document 2, when the first reflecting surface is located at the open position, the light from the light source passes through the lens and is irradiated to the front of the vehicle as a light distribution pattern for passing beams. The Further, when the first reflecting surface is located at the light shielding position, the light from the light source is reflected by the first reflecting surface, and the reflected light is reflected by the second reflecting surface, and the light distribution pattern for the traveling beam is forward of the vehicle. Irradiated.

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2010-212089. Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2011-113732.

  However, since the conventional vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 1 irradiates the light distribution pattern for the center zone of the high beam distribution pattern from the light guide, the light from the semiconductor-type light source is incident on the projection lens. The projection lens is applied to two types of light distribution patterns, for example, a lamp unit (lens direct-type lamp unit) that irradiates the front of the vehicle as a light distribution pattern for a high beam and a light distribution pattern for a split high beam. I can't. Further, in the conventional vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 2, since the means for forming the traveling beam light distribution pattern is the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface, the light from the semiconductor light source is incident on the lens. Apply to the lamp unit of the type that irradiates the front of the vehicle as two light distribution patterns from the lens, for example, the light distribution pattern for the passing beam and the light distribution pattern for the traveling beam. I can't.

  Therefore, the inventor of the present application has made various studies on the point that two light distribution patterns, for example, a low beam light distribution pattern and a high beam light distribution pattern cannot be obtained in a lens direct-type lamp unit.

  As a result, the main lens unit, a lens having an auxiliary lens unit below the main lens unit, and a light control member are used, and the variable focus lens unit of the light control member is in the first position between the semiconductor light source and the auxiliary lens unit. And the variable focus lens portion of the light control member is movable between the second position between the semiconductor-type light source and the main lens portion, so that in the lens direct-type lamp unit, two light distribution patterns, for example, A configuration of a vehicle headlamp capable of obtaining a low beam light distribution pattern and a high beam light distribution pattern has been found and is currently pending.

  Specifically, when the variable focus lens portion is in the first position, the main lens portion without the variable focus lens portion is a low beam light distribution pattern, and the auxiliary lens portion and the variable focus lens portion are connected to the auxiliary lens portion. The side should also be a low beam light distribution pattern.

  On the other hand, when the variable focus lens portion is in the second position, the main lens portion and the variable focus lens portion realize a high beam light distribution pattern, and the auxiliary lens portion without the variable focus lens portion also has a high beam light distribution pattern. To be.

In the above description, a case has been described in which the light distribution pattern for the high beam is obtained when the variable focus lens unit is in the second position, but this relationship may be reversed.
In addition, specific examples of the two light distribution patterns include a low beam light distribution pattern and a high beam light distribution pattern, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this.

However, in the configuration in which the variable focus lens unit is interposed between the semiconductor light source and the auxiliary lens unit, there may be a case where there is not enough clearance between the auxiliary lens unit and the variable focus lens unit.
In this case, when the variable focus lens unit moves to the first position, it may interfere with the auxiliary lens unit, and in some cases, it is difficult to design the variable focus lens unit at the first position. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can sufficiently secure a clearance between the auxiliary lens unit and the variable focus lens unit, suppress interference between the auxiliary lens unit and the variable focus lens unit, and can change the variable focus lens. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular headlamp having a high degree of freedom in designing to provide the portion at the first position.

The present invention has been proposed to achieve the above object, and is grasped by the following configuration.
(1) A vehicle headlamp according to the present invention includes a semiconductor-type light source, and a main lens portion and an auxiliary lens portion provided around the main lens portion, provided on the front side of the semiconductor-type light source. A first light distribution pattern and a second light distribution pattern for irradiating light from the semiconductor light source respectively to the front of the vehicle; and between the semiconductor light source and the lens, A first position between the semiconductor light source and the auxiliary lens portion corresponding to the light distribution pattern, and a second position between the semiconductor light source and the main lens portion corresponding to the second light distribution pattern; And a light control member having a variable focus lens portion that can be moved and switched, and the variable focus lens portion has an emission surface composed of a plurality of divided emission surfaces divided along the vertical direction, and is adjacent to the The split exit surfaces are in horizontal section view Forming a step.

(2) In the configuration of (1), when the step is viewed from the own lane side toward the opposite lane side in a horizontal sectional view, the exit surface is depressed toward the opposite incident surface. Formed.
(3) In the configuration of (1) or (2), when the step is in a state where the variable focus lens unit is in the second position, the horizontal step in the horizontal cross section on the optical axis of the semiconductor light source It has a step surface that substantially coincides with the line of radiated light of the semiconductor light source.

(4) In the configurations of (1) to (3) above, when the step is in a state where the variable focus lens unit is in the second position, in the horizontal sectional view on the optical axis of the semiconductor-type light source, Position and plus where the angle θ is negative when the angle θ formed by the straight line toward the step with the center of the semiconductor light source and the optical axis is negative on the own lane side and positive on the opposite lane side At least one of the positions.
(5) In the configurations of (1) to (4) above, one step is provided, and there are two divided emission surfaces.
(6) In the configuration of (4), one step is provided at a position where the angle θ is negative, and there are two divided emission surfaces.
(7) In the configurations of (1) to (4) above, two steps are provided, and the divided exit surfaces are three.

  According to the present invention, a sufficient clearance between the auxiliary lens unit and the variable focus lens unit can be secured, the interference between the auxiliary lens unit and the variable focus lens unit is suppressed, and the variable focus lens unit is provided at the first position. It is possible to provide a vehicular headlamp with a high degree of freedom.

It is a front view of a vehicle headlamp. It is a perspective view of a vehicle headlamp. It is a disassembled perspective view of the vehicle headlamp. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1 when the light control member is in the first position. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1 when the light control member is in a second position. It is a figure which shows the heat dissipation effect in the state of FIG. (A) It is a luminous intensity curve figure of a screen which shows the main light distribution pattern of the light distribution pattern for low beams. (B) It is a luminous intensity curve figure of a screen which shows the auxiliary light distribution pattern of the light distribution pattern for low beams. (C) Light intensity curve diagram of a screen showing a low beam light distribution pattern. (A) It is a luminous intensity curve figure of a screen which shows the main light distribution pattern of the light distribution pattern for high beams. (B) It is a luminous intensity curve figure of a screen which shows the auxiliary light distribution pattern of the light distribution pattern for high beams. (C) It is a luminous intensity curve figure of a screen which shows the light distribution pattern for high beams. (A) It is a road surface equal illumination curve figure which shows the light distribution pattern for low beams. (B) It is a road surface equal illumination curve figure which shows the light distribution pattern for high beams. It is a front view which shows the outline of a semiconductor type light source. (A) It is a horizontal sectional view of the variable focus lens part which does not have a level | step difference in an output surface. (B) It is a horizontal sectional view of the variable focus lens part which has a level | step difference in an output surface. It is a figure which shows the modification of FIG. 11 (B). It is a figure which shows the modification which provided the auxiliary lens part in the upper part of the main lens part. It is explanatory drawing of the rotation center of a light control member.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
7 and 8, reference sign “VU-VD” indicates vertical lines on the upper and lower sides of the screen. Reference sign “HL-HR” indicates horizontal lines on the left and right of the screen. FIGS. 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams of isoluminous curves showing the light distribution pattern on the screen drawn by computer simulation in a simplified manner. In the explanatory diagram of the isoluminous curve, the central isoluminous curve indicates high luminous intensity, and the outer isoluminous curve indicates low luminous intensity. Further, FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an isoilluminance curve showing a simplified light distribution pattern on the road surface drawn by computer simulation. In the explanatory diagram of the isoilluminance curve, the central isoilluminance curve indicates high illuminance, and the outer isoilluminance curve indicates low illuminance. The unit of the number is “m”. Furthermore, in FIGS. 4 to 6 and FIGS. 11 to 14, the hatching of the cross section of each lens portion is omitted. In this specification, front, rear, upper, lower, left, and right are front, rear, upper, lower, left, and right when the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention is mounted on a vehicle.

Further, X, Y, and Z used in FIGS. 4 to 6 and FIGS. 10 to 14 mean orthogonal coordinates (XYZ orthogonal coordinate system).
For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the X axis is a horizontal axis in the horizontal direction passing through the center O of the light emitting surface 23 of the light emitting chip 20, and represents the opposite lane side with respect to the center O in the horizontal axis notation. When it represents the lane side, it is represented as the-direction. The Y axis is a vertical axis passing through the center O of the light emitting surface 23 of the light emitting chip 20, and the upper side is the + direction and the lower side is the − direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the Z axis is a normal line (perpendicular line) passing through the center O of the light emitting surface 23 of the light emitting chip 20. That is, the Z-axis is a longitudinal axis that is orthogonal to the X-axis and the Y-axis, and the front side is the + direction and the rear side is the-direction.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the description of the embodiment, the same numbers are assigned to the same elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the vehicle headlamp 1, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle headlamp 1 as viewed obliquely from above, and FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the vehicle headlamp 1. FIG.
The vehicle headlamp 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is, for example, a headlamp mounted on both left and right end portions of the vehicle front portion.
(Explanation of lamp unit)
As shown in FIG. 3, a vehicle headlamp 1 includes a lamp housing (not shown), a lamp lens (not shown), a semiconductor light source 2, a lens (fixed lens) 3, and a light control member. 4, a drive member 5, a lens cover member 6, a bearing member 7, a base member 8, and a cooling member 9.

The lamp unit includes a semiconductor light source 2, a lens 3, a light control member 4, a drive member 5, a lens cover member 6, a bearing member 7, a base member 8, and a cooling member 9.
A lamp housing (not shown) and a lamp lens (not shown) define a lamp chamber (not shown).
The lamp unit is disposed in a lamp chamber composed of a lamp housing and a lamp lens (not shown), and passes through a vertical optical axis adjusting mechanism (not shown) and a horizontal optical axis adjusting mechanism (not shown). Attached to the lamp housing.

(Description of the semiconductor-type light source 2)
The semiconductor light source 2 shown in FIG. 3 is a self-luminous semiconductor light source such as an LED, an OEL, or an OLED (organic EL).
As shown in FIG. 4, the semiconductor light source 2 includes a light emitting chip (LED chip) 20, a package (LED package) in which the light emitting chip 20 is sealed with a sealing resin member, a substrate 21 on which the package is mounted, 21 and a connector 22 (see FIG. 3) for supplying a current from a power source (battery) to the light emitting chip 20. In addition, illustration of the connector 22 is abbreviate | omitted in FIGS. 4-6 and FIGS. 10-14.

  The substrate 21 is positioned on the light source mounting portion 80 of the base member 8 shown in FIG. 3 by positioning holes and positioning pins, and is mounted on the light source mounting portion 80 of the base member 8 by screws or the like. As a result, the semiconductor-type light source 2 is attached to the base member 8.

As shown in FIG. 10, the light emitting chip 20 has a planar rectangular shape (planar rectangular shape) by arranging four square chips (not shown) in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction).
Note that two, three, or five or more square chips, one rectangular chip, or one square chip may be used.
A rectangular front surface of the light emitting chip 20 is a light emitting surface 23.
The light emitting surface 23 faces the front side of the reference optical axis (reference axis) Z of the lens 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the center O of the light emitting surface 23 of the light emitting chip 20 is located at or near the reference focal point F of the lens 3 and on or near the reference optical axis Z of the lens 3.

(Description of lens 3)
The lens 3 is made of a light transmissive member, and as shown in FIG. 3, the lens 3 includes a main lens portion 30, an auxiliary lens portion (additional lens portion) 31, and an attachment portion 32.
4 to 6 and 13 indicate a boundary line between the main lens unit 30 and the auxiliary lens unit 31.

As shown in FIG. 3, the attachment portion 32 is integrally provided at both left and right end portions of the main lens portion 30.
The attachment portion 32 is positioned on the lens attachment portion 81 of the base member 8 through the lens cover member 6 by a positioning hole and a positioning pin, and is attached to the lens attachment portion 81 of the base member 8 by a screw or the like.
Therefore, the lens 3 is attached to the base member 8 via the lens cover member 6.
In addition, although the main lens part 30, the auxiliary | assistant lens part 31, and the attaching part 32 have shown the case where it is an integral structure, each may be a separate structure.

In this embodiment, the lens 3 is a low-beam light distribution pattern (passing light distribution pattern) as a first light distribution pattern shown in FIGS. 7C and 9A. The front light of the vehicle is irradiated as LP and a high beam light distribution pattern (running light distribution pattern) HP shown in FIGS. 8C and 9B as the second light distribution pattern.
As shown in FIG. 7C, the low-beam light distribution pattern LP includes a lower horizontal cutoff line CL1, an oblique cutoff line CL2, and an upper horizontal cutoff line CL3.
As shown in FIG. 8C, the high beam light distribution pattern HP has a hot zone (high luminous intensity band) HZ at the center.

(Description of the main lens unit 30)
As shown in FIG. 4, the main lens unit 30 uses the central light L <b> 1 and part of the ambient light among the light emitted from the semiconductor light source 2.
The central light L1 is light having a predetermined angle (approximately 60 ° in this example) from the X axis or Y axis of the hemispherical emission range of the semiconductor-type light source 2, and is incident on the central portion of the main lens unit 30. It is light to do.

The ambient light is light within a predetermined angle (in this example, about 60 °) or less from the X axis or Y axis of the hemispherical radiation range of the semiconductor light source 2. Part of the ambient light is light that enters the peripheral portion of the main lens unit 30 among the ambient light.
As shown in FIG. 4, the main lens unit 30 is a transmission type lens unit that has a reference optical axis Z and a reference focal point F and transmits light from the semiconductor light source 2.
The main lens unit 30 irradiates light from the semiconductor-type light source 2 (central light L1 and a part of the ambient light) as a main light distribution pattern (basic light distribution pattern) in front of the vehicle.

For example, FIG. 4 shows a state when the light distribution pattern for low beam is irradiated in front of the vehicle.
In this case, light from the semiconductor-type light source 2 (the central light L1 and a part of the ambient light) is directly incident on the main lens unit 30, and the main light distribution pattern MLP of the low beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG. Is irradiated in front of the vehicle.

On the other hand, in the case of the high beam light distribution pattern, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the high beam light distribution pattern is irradiated in front of the vehicle.
In this case, the main lens unit 30 includes light transmitted through the variable focus lens unit 40 of the light control member 4 (central light L1) and light directly incident from the semiconductor light source 2 (part of ambient light). The light is incident on the unit 30, and the main light distribution pattern MHP of the high beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG.

The main lens unit 30 has an incident surface 300 on which light from the semiconductor-type light source 2 is incident, and an output surface 301 from which light incident on the main lens unit 30 is emitted.
The incident surface 300 of the main lens unit 30 is formed of a free curved surface or a composite quadratic curved surface.
On the other hand, the exit surface 301 of the main lens unit 30 has a convex shape protruding to the opposite side of the semiconductor light source 2 and is formed of a free curved surface or a composite quadratic curved surface.

(Description of the auxiliary lens unit 31)
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the auxiliary lens unit 31 is provided on the lower side (lower side) of the main lens unit 30.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, an opening (upper opening WU) is formed between the semiconductor light source 2 and the upper portion of the lens 3.
The auxiliary lens unit 31 is not limited to the lower part of the main lens unit 30 and can be provided on the upper side or the side side of the main lens unit 30. Accordingly, the auxiliary lens unit 31 is appropriately provided around the main lens unit 30. Is.

The auxiliary lens unit 31 effectively uses another part L2 of ambient light among the light emitted from the semiconductor-type light source 2.
The other part L2 of the ambient light is light that enters the auxiliary lens unit 31 among the ambient light.
In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the auxiliary lens unit 31 is a total reflection type lens unit that totally reflects another part L <b> 2 of the ambient light, and shows a case where it is integrated with the main lens unit 30.

The auxiliary lens unit 31 irradiates the front part of the vehicle with the other part L2 of the ambient light as an auxiliary light distribution pattern.
That is, in the case of the low beam light distribution pattern, as shown in FIG. 4, the light transmitted through the variable focus lens unit 40 of the light control member 4 (the other part L2 of the ambient light) enters the auxiliary lens unit 31. Then, the auxiliary light distribution pattern SLP of the low beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG.
On the other hand, in the case of the high beam light distribution pattern, as shown in FIG. 5, the light from the semiconductor light source 2 (the other part L2 of the ambient light) is directly incident on the auxiliary lens unit 31, and FIG. The auxiliary light distribution pattern SHP of the high beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG.

The auxiliary lens unit 31 includes an incident surface 310 on which another part L2 of the ambient light is incident, a reflection surface 311 that reflects light incident on the auxiliary lens unit 31, and reflected light that is reflected by the reflection surface 311 to the outside. And an exit surface 312 that emits light.
The entrance surface 310, the reflection surface 311 and the exit surface 312 are each composed of a free-form surface (or a composite quadric surface).

(Description of light control member 4)
As shown in FIG. 3, the light control member 4 includes a varifocal lens portion 40 at a central portion and attachment portions 41 at both left and right portions.
The variable focus lens part 40 and the attachment part 41 are composed of a light transmitting member, and in this example, a case of an integral structure is shown.
The mounting portion 41 is positioned on the base member 8 through a bearing member 7 by positioning holes and positioning pins, and is attached to the base member 8 by screws or the like.

Accordingly, the light control member 4 is attached to the base member 8 via the bearing member 7 so as to be rotatable between the first position and the second position.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rotation center O <b> 1 of the light control member 4 is located behind and below the center O of the light emitting surface 23.

The light control member 4 can be switched (rotated) between the first position shown in FIG. 4 and the second position shown in FIG. 5 by the drive member 5 shown in FIG.
When the light control member 4 is located at the first position, as shown in FIG. 4, the variable focus lens unit 40 of the light control member 4 includes the light emitting surface 23 of the semiconductor light source 2 and the incident surface 310 of the auxiliary lens unit 31. Located between.
In this case, a slight opening (lower opening WD) is formed between the semiconductor-type light source 2 and the lower portion of the lens 3 and the light control member 4 (variable focus lens portion 40).
In this state, the varifocal lens unit 40 and the auxiliary lens unit 31 partially overlap (upper part) vertically (on the other part L2 line of the ambient light).

  On the other hand, when the light control member 4 is located at the second position, as shown in FIG. 5, the variable focus lens unit 40 of the light control member 4 is composed of the light emitting surface 23 of the semiconductor light source 2 and the incident surface of the main lens unit 30. It is located between the central portion where 300 central light L1 is incident.

(Description of the variable focus lens unit 40)
First, the operation of the variable focus lens unit 40 on the auxiliary lens unit 31 will be described.
When the varifocal lens unit 40 shown in FIG. 5 is in the second position and the other part L2 of the ambient light is directly incident on the auxiliary lens unit 31 without the varifocal lens unit 40 being interposed. The focal point of the auxiliary lens unit 31 is a focal point F shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 10.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when the variable focus lens unit 40 is in the first position and another part L2 of the ambient light enters the auxiliary lens unit 31 through the variable focus lens unit 40. The focus of the auxiliary lens unit 31 is a focus (pseudo focus) F1, as shown in FIGS.
In other words, by interposing the variable focus lens unit 40, the focus of the auxiliary lens unit 31 is changed from the focus F of the auxiliary lens unit 31 when the variable focus lens unit 40 is not interposed to the focus on the upper side and the right side of the focus F ( (Pseudo focus) Displacement to F1 (see FIG. 10).

Thus, when the focal point F of the auxiliary lens unit 31 is displaced to the pseudo focal point F1 obliquely upward to the right (see FIG. 10), the position of the light emitting surface 23 of the light emitting chip 20 of the semiconductor light source 2 is from the actual position. It changes to a hypothetical position diagonally to the right.
That is, although the position of the light emitting surface 23 does not change physically, the relationship with the focal point that is an optical reference is equivalent to the fact that the light emitting surface 23 has changed to a virtual position diagonally downward to the right.
In addition, since FIG. 10 is a front view, the light emission surface 23 is located in the diagonally lower left side of the pseudo focal point F1, but when viewed in the light emission direction, the light emission surface 23 is a virtual position in the lower right diagonal direction as described above. It has changed to.
As a result, the auxiliary light distribution pattern SLP of the low beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 7B is a high beam light distribution when the varifocal lens portion 40 shown in FIG. 8B is not interposed (state of FIG. 5). It changes diagonally downward to the right with respect to the auxiliary light distribution pattern SHP of the pattern.

  For this reason, the light that has entered the auxiliary lens unit 31 through the varifocal lens unit 40 comes from the lower horizontal cut-off line CL1 of the main light distribution pattern MLP of the low beam distribution pattern as shown in FIG. 7B. Also, the auxiliary light distribution pattern SLP of the low beam light distribution pattern located below is emitted from the exit surface 312 of the auxiliary lens unit 31 to the front of the vehicle.

Next, the effect | action with respect to the main lens part 30 of the variable focus lens part 40 is demonstrated.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the varifocal lens unit 40 is located at the first position and the varifocal lens unit 40 is not interposed for the light incident on the main lens unit 30, the light from the semiconductor-type light source 2 ( The central light L1 and a part of the ambient light are directly incident on the main lens unit 30, and the main light distribution pattern MLP of the low beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the variable focus lens unit 40 is in the second position and the variable focus lens unit 40 is interposed for the light incident on the main lens unit 30, the variable focus lens unit. Light that has passed through 40 (central light L1) and light that is directly incident from the semiconductor-type light source 2 (part of ambient light) enter the main lens unit 30.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the central light L1 is subjected to light distribution control of the incident state of light on the main lens unit 30 by the variable focus lens unit 40, and the main lens unit 30 of the central light L1 shown in FIG. The incident state is different from the incident state.

  As a result, when the variable focus lens unit 40 is in the first position (see FIG. 4) and the variable focus lens unit 40 is not interposed, the main light distribution pattern MLP of the low beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG. The state in which the light is emitted in front of the vehicle from the exit surface 301 of the main lens unit 30 is the main beam of the high beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG. The light distribution pattern MHP is irradiated from the exit surface 301 of the main lens unit 30 to the front of the vehicle.

Hereinafter, the shape and the like of the variable focus lens unit 40 will be described.
FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a horizontal section on the optical axis Z of the semiconductor light source 2 when the variable focus lens unit 40 is in the second position.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the incident surface 400 has a concave shape, and the output surface 401 has a convex shape.
More specifically, the incident surface 400 has a concave shape in the optical axis (light emission axis) direction of the variable focus lens unit 40.
That is, the incident surface 400 has a concave shape inside the varifocal lens portion 40 with respect to the light emitting surface 23 of the semiconductor light source 2.

On the other hand, the emission surface 401 has a convex shape in the optical axis (light emission axis) direction of the variable focus lens unit 40.
That is, the emission surface 401 has a convex shape on the outside of the variable focus lens unit 40 with respect to the light emitting surface 23 of the semiconductor light source 2.

The variable focus lens unit 40 gradually decreases the distance between the entrance surface 400 and the exit surface 401 from the opposite lane side (right side here) to the own lane side (here left side).
That is, the distance between the entrance surface 400 and the exit surface 401 at the right end of the variable focus lens unit 40 is long, and the distance between the entrance surface 400 and the exit surface 401 at the left end of the variable focus lens unit 40 is short.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the variable focus lens unit 40 gradually decreases in distance from the entrance surface 400 and the exit surface 401 from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical (Y-axis direction) cross section.
That is, the distance between the entrance surface 400 and the exit surface 401 at the upper end of the variable focus lens unit 40 is long, and the distance between the entrance surface 400 and the exit surface 401 at the lower end of the variable focus lens unit 40. Is short.
In addition, about the distance between the entrance plane 400 and the exit plane 401 in this vertical section, the distance does not change from the upper side to the lower side, and may be the same distance.

  By the way, referring to FIG. 4, when the variable focus lens unit 40 is thick when the variable focus lens unit 40 is in the first position, the exit surface 401 of the variable focus lens unit 40 becomes the incident surface of the auxiliary lens unit 31. 310 is approached, and a sufficient clearance may not be secured between the exit surface 401 and the entrance surface 310 in some cases.

If this clearance is not sufficient, the variable focus lens unit 40 may interfere with the auxiliary lens unit 31.
In addition, the design itself for positioning the movable focus lens unit 40 at the first position may be difficult.

For this purpose, the varifocal lens portion 40 has a shape as shown in FIG. 11B, so that the thickness of the varifocal lens portion 40 can be suppressed and a sufficient clearance can be secured.
FIG. 11B shows a horizontal cross-sectional view similar to FIG.
Hereinafter, the description will be further made with reference to FIG. 11B, but the description of the same parts as already described in FIG. 11A may be omitted.

  The varifocal lens unit 40 is on the own lane side with respect to the Z axis (optical axis of the semiconductor light source) passing through the center O of the light emitting surface 23 of the light emitting chip 20 (the center of the semiconductor light source 2). If the angle is defined as minus and the angle formed on the opposite lane side is defined as plus, in the example of FIG. 11B, the center of the semiconductor light source 2 is the origin, and the straight line from the origin to the step 402 is about −15 degrees. A step 402 is provided at the position.

More specifically, the step 402 is an exit surface 401 that is composed of two (plural) divided exit surfaces 401a and 401b in which the varifocal lens unit 40 is divided along the vertical (vertical) direction. Therefore, the step 402 is formed by adjacent divided emission surfaces.
In addition, each of the divided emission surfaces 401a and 401b forms a free curved surface that is convex in the direction of the optical axis (light emission axis).
On the other hand, the incident surface 400 is formed as a free curved surface, a compound quadratic curved surface, or a surface made of a spherical surface.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the step 402 is formed as a step toward the entrance surface when the exit surface 401 of the variable focus lens unit 40 is viewed from the own lane side toward the opposite lane side. .
Furthermore, although a line of radiated light (this is radiated light of the semiconductor light source 2) inclined by about −15 degrees toward the own lane side is shown as La, the step surface of the step 402 is substantially the same as the line La of the radiated light. It is formed to match.
When the step surface and the radiated light line La are formed to substantially coincide with each other as described above, the occurrence of scattering and reflection on the step surface is suppressed, so that the optical loss is suppressed.

Even if the emission surface 401 is configured as a plurality of divided emission surfaces 401 a and 401 b divided by such a step 402, the emission surface 401 emits light by adjusting the shape of each of the divided emission surfaces 401 a and 401 b. The light state can be substantially the same as that in which the emission surface 401 shown in FIG. 11A is not divided.
On the other hand, the thickness of the varifocal lens portion 40 is thinner in FIG. 11B by the thickness difference α shown by the dotted line between FIGS. 11A and 11B. it can.

(Description of drive member 5)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the driving member 5 moves the variable focus lens portion 40 of the light control member 4 to the first position (the state shown in FIG. 4) and the second position (the state shown in FIG. 5). Dynamic) to enable switching.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the drive member 5 is mainly composed of a solenoid 50 having an advance / retreat rod 54, a connecting pin 51, and a spring 52.

A mounting portion 53 is provided integrally with the solenoid 50.
The mounting portion 53 is positioned on the back side of the base mounting portion 82 of the base member 8 by positioning holes and positioning pins, and is mounted on the back side of the base mounting portion 82 of the base member 8 by screws or the like.
As a result, the solenoid 50 of the drive member 5 is attached to the base member 8.

One end of the connection pin 51 is fixed to the tip of the advance / retreat rod 54, and the other end of the connection pin 51 is inserted into a long hole 42 provided in the attachment portion 41 of the light control member 4.
As a result, the forward / backward movement of the forward / backward rod 54 of the solenoid 50 is converted into the rotational movement of the light control member 4 via the connecting pin 51 and the long hole 42.

The spring 52 is attached to the bearing member 7.
One end of the spring 52 is in contact with the bearing member 7, and the other end is in contact with the light control member 4, and the light control member 4 is urged away from the bearing member 7 by the elastic force of the spring 52. Yes.
As a result, during normal times when the solenoid 50 is in a non-energized state, the advance / retreat rod 54 is in a state where it can advance and retreat, so that the light control member 4 is positioned at the first position by the urging force of the spring 52 and gravity.

On the other hand, when the solenoid 50 is energized, the forward / backward rod 54 positioned at the forward movement position moves against the biasing force of the spring 52, and the light control member 4 rotates from the first position to the second position to move to the second position. Located in position.
When the energization of the solenoid 50 is interrupted, the advance / retreat rod 54 can move again, so that the light control member 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position by the urging force of the spring 52 and gravity, so that the first position is reached. Return to.

(Description of the lens cover member 6)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the lens cover member 6 has a shape that covers the lens 3, and is made of, for example, a light-impermeable member.
As shown in FIG. 3, an opening 60 through which light from the semiconductor light source 2 passes through the main lens portion 30 and the auxiliary lens portion 31 of the lens 3 is provided at the center of the lens cover member 6.

Attachment portions 61 are integrally provided at both left and right end portions of the lens cover member 6.
The mounting portion 61 is positioned on the lens mounting portion 81 of the base member 8 together with the mounting portion 32 of the lens 3 by positioning holes and positioning pins, and is mounted on the lens mounting portion 81 of the base member 8 by screws or the like.
Therefore, the lens cover member 6 is attached to the base member 8 together with the lens 3.

(Description of bearing member 7)
As shown in FIG. 3, the bearing member 7 has a shape that covers the semiconductor light source 2 and the light source mounting portion 80 of the base member 8.
The bearing member 7 is made of a light impermeable member, for example.
At the center of the bearing member 7, there is provided an opening 70 through which light from the semiconductor light source 2 passes through the main lens portion 30 and auxiliary lens portion 31 of the lens 3 and the variable focus lens portion 40 of the light control member 4. .
A mounting portion 71 is integrally provided at the four corners of the bearing member 7, and the mounting portion 71 is positioned on the front side of the base mounting portion 82 of the base member 8 by a positioning hole, a positioning pin, etc., and a screw or the like. Thus, the base member 8 is attached to the front side of the base attachment portion 82.

A shaft portion 72 is integrally provided at each of the left and right central portions of the bearing member 7, and the shaft portion 72 rotatably supports a rotation hole 43 provided in the mounting portion 41 of the light control member 4.
As a result, the light control member 4 is attached to the bearing member 7 so as to be rotatable between the first position and the second position.

  The bearing member 7 and the light control member 4 are integrally provided with stoppers 73 and 44, respectively, and the rotation of the light control member 4 is restricted at a position where the stoppers 73 and 44 come into contact with each other. It is correctly positioned at the position and the second position.

(Description of base member 8)
As shown in FIG. 3, the base member 8 includes a base mounting portion 82, a light source mounting portion 80 in the center portion on the front side of the base mounting portion 82, and lens mounting portions on both left and right end portions on the front side of the base mounting portion 82. 81.

The semiconductor light source 2 is attached to the light source attachment portion 80, and the lens 3 is attached to the lens attachment portion 81 via the lens cover member 6.
A bearing member 7 that supports the light control member 4 so as to be rotatable between a first position and a second position is attached to the front side of the base attachment portion 82.
Furthermore, the drive member 5 and the cooling member 9 are respectively attached to the back side of the base attachment portion 82.

(Description of cooling member 9)
As shown in FIG. 3, the cooling member 9 has a cooling fan, is positioned on the back side of the base mounting portion 82 of the base member 8, and is on the back side of the base mounting portion 82 of the base member 8 by a screw or the like. Attached to.

The vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described below.
When the solenoid 50 is in a non-energized state, the light control member 4 is positioned at the first position by the biasing force of the spring 52, and as shown in FIG. The variable focus lens unit 40 is positioned between the incident surface 310 of the lens unit 31.

  In this state, when the light emitting chip 20 of the semiconductor light source 2 is turned on, among the light emitted from the light emitting surface 23 of the light emitting chip 20, the central light L1 and part of the peripheral light of the semiconductor light source 2 are shown in FIG. As shown, the light directly enters the main lens unit 30 from the incident surface 300 of the main lens unit 30 of the lens 3.

The incident light is light-distributed by the incident surface 300 and enters the main lens unit 30, and is emitted from the exit surface 301 of the main lens unit 30.
The emitted light is also light-distributed by the exit surface 301, and the emitted light has a lower horizontal cut-off line CL1, an oblique cut-off line CL2, and an upper horizontal cut-off line CL3 as shown in FIG. The main light distribution pattern MLP of the low beam light distribution pattern is irradiated in front of the vehicle.

On the other hand, among the light emitted from the light emitting surface 23 of the light emitting chip 20, the other part L2 of the ambient light of the semiconductor light source 2 is as shown in FIG. 4 of the variable focus lens unit 40 of the light control member 4. The light enters from the incident surface 400 into the variable focus lens unit 40.
The incident light is light-distributed at the incident surface 400 and is incident on the variable-focus lens unit 40 and is emitted from the exit surface 401 of the variable-focus lens unit 40. The emitted light is also light-distributed at the exit surface 401. The

The emitted light from the variable focus lens unit 40 enters the auxiliary lens unit 31 from the incident surface 310 of the auxiliary lens unit 31.
The incident light is subjected to light distribution control at the incident surface 310, enters the auxiliary lens unit 31, and is totally reflected by the reflection surface 311 of the auxiliary lens unit 31.
This reflected light is also distributed by the reflecting surface 311, and the totally reflected reflected light is emitted from the emitting surface 312.

  The emitted light is also light-distributed by the exit surface 312, and as shown in FIG. 7 (B), the emitted light is located in front of the vehicle as the auxiliary light distribution pattern SLP of the low beam light distribution pattern. The light is emitted obliquely downward to the right with respect to the central portion of the main light distribution pattern MLP of the low beam light distribution pattern irradiated from the lens unit 30.

The auxiliary light distribution pattern SLP of the low beam light distribution pattern is obtained in more detail as follows.
When the variable focus lens unit 40 is interposed in the light incident on the auxiliary lens unit 31, the focal point F of the auxiliary lens unit 31 is tilted rightward as shown in FIG. Displacement to the upper pseudo focal point F1.
For this reason, the position of the light emitting surface 23 of the light emitting chip 20 of the semiconductor-type light source 2 changes from the actual position to a virtual position diagonally downward to the right.

As a result, the auxiliary light distribution pattern SLP of the low beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 7B is a high beam light distribution when the varifocal lens portion 40 shown in FIG. 8B is not interposed (state of FIG. 5). It changes diagonally downward to the right with respect to the auxiliary light distribution pattern SHP of the pattern.
Accordingly, the light that has entered the auxiliary lens unit 31 through the varifocal lens unit 40 is lower than the lower horizontal cutoff line CL1 of the main light distribution pattern MLP of the low beam light distribution pattern, as shown in FIG. 7B. Located below.

  The main light distribution pattern MLP (see FIG. 7A) of the low beam light distribution pattern having the lower horizontal cut-off line CL1, the oblique cut-off line CL2, and the upper horizontal cut-off line CL3 obtained as described above. By combining (superimposing) the auxiliary light distribution pattern SLP (see FIG. 7B) of the low beam light distribution pattern, a lower horizontal cut-off line CL1, an oblique cut-off line CL2, and an upper horizontal cut-off line CL3 are obtained. The low beam light distribution pattern LP (see FIGS. 7C and 9A) is obtained.

Then, when the solenoid 50 is energized, the advance / retreat rod 54 moves backward against the urging force of the spring 52 and is positioned at the retracted position.
Since the light control member 4 and the advance / retreat rod 54 are connected by the connecting pin 51, the light control member 4 is also moved from the first position to the second position in accordance with the movement of the advance / retreat rod 54 at the retracted position. To the second position.

  Thus, when the light control member 4 is located at the second position, the variable focus lens portion 40 of the light control member 4 has the light emitting surface 23 of the semiconductor-type light source 2 and the main lens of the lens 3 as shown in FIG. It is located between the incident surface 300 of the part 30.

In this state, among the light emitted from the light emitting surface 23 of the light emitting chip 20, the central light L 1 of the semiconductor light source 2 is transmitted from the incident surface 400 of the variable focus lens unit 40 of the light control member 4 to the variable focus lens unit 40. Incident in.
The incident light is incident on the varifocal lens unit 40 with light distribution controlled by the incident surface 400, and is emitted by the light distribution controlled by the exit surface 401 of the varifocal lens unit 40.

The outgoing light from the variable focus lens unit 40 enters the main lens unit 30 from the incident surface 300 of the main lens unit 30.
On the other hand, part of the ambient light of the semiconductor light source 2 is directly incident on the main lens unit 30 from the incident surface 300 of the main lens unit 30.
Light incident on the main lens unit 30 (light that has passed through the variable focus lens unit 40 and light that is directly incident on the main lens unit 30 is subjected to light distribution control on the incident surface 300 and is also distributed on the output surface 301 of the main lens unit 30. As shown in FIG. 8 (A), the light is controlled and emitted as the main light distribution pattern MHP of the high beam light distribution pattern, which is irradiated in front of the vehicle.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, among the light emitted from the light emitting surface 23 of the light emitting chip 20, another part L <b> 2 of the ambient light of the semiconductor light source 2 is directly incident on the incident surface 310 of the auxiliary lens unit 31. The light distribution is controlled and the light enters the auxiliary lens unit 31 and is totally reflected by the reflection surface 311 of the auxiliary lens unit 31.
This reflected light is also light-distributed by the reflecting surface 311, and the totally reflected reflected light is then emitted by the light-distributing control at the emitting surface 312.

  Thus, the emitted light emitted from the emission surface 312 is for the high beam irradiated from the main lens unit 30 in front of the vehicle as the auxiliary light distribution pattern SHP of the high beam distribution pattern shown in FIG. The central portion of the main light distribution pattern MHP of the light distribution pattern is irradiated.

  Here, since the auxiliary light distribution pattern SHP of the high beam light distribution pattern is directly irradiated from the auxiliary lens unit 31 without passing through the variable focus lens unit 40, the focal point F of the auxiliary lens unit 31 is the original position. It is located at or near the center O of the light emitting surface 23 of the light emitting chip 20 of the semiconductor light source 2.

  For this reason, the auxiliary light distribution pattern SHP of the high-beam light distribution pattern is not offset obliquely downward to the right as shown in FIG. 7B, but is located in the central portion shown in FIG. 8B. In other words, the high beam distribution pattern shown in FIG. 8A is in a state where it overlaps with the central portion of the main light distribution pattern MHP.

  Then, the main light distribution pattern MHP (see FIG. 8A) of the high beam light distribution pattern and the auxiliary light distribution pattern SHP (see FIG. 8B) of the high beam light distribution pattern are combined (superimposed). Thus, a high-beam light distribution pattern HP (see FIGS. 8C and 9B) having a hot zone HZ in the center is obtained.

  Then, when the energization to the solenoid 50 is interrupted, the advance / retreat rod 54 becomes movable, so that the light control member 4 is rotated again from the second position toward the first position by the urging force of the spring 52. The varifocal lens unit 40, which has been positioned between the semiconductor light source 2 and the main lens unit 30 until now, is located between the semiconductor light source 2 and the auxiliary lens unit 31 again. Will be in between.

(Explanation of effect of embodiment)
The vehicular headlamp 1 according to this embodiment is configured and operated as described above, and the effects thereof will be described below.

  In the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment, when the light control member 4 is located at the first position, a part of the light from the semiconductor light source 2 (the central light L1 and a part of the ambient light) is directly lensed. 3 and the remainder of the light from the semiconductor-type light source 2 (the other part L2 of the ambient light) is incident on the auxiliary lens unit 31 of the lens 3 via the variable focus lens unit 40. These incident lights are irradiated to the front of the vehicle so as to form a low beam light distribution pattern LP from the exit surfaces 301 and 312 of the main lens portion 30 and the auxiliary lens portion 31 of the lens 3, respectively.

  When the light control member 4 is located at the second position, a part of the light from the semiconductor light source 2 (central light L1) enters the main lens portion 30 of the lens 3 via the variable focus lens portion 40, Further, a part of the light from the semiconductor-type light source 2 (a part of the ambient light) is directly incident on the main lens portion 30 of the lens 3 and the rest of the light from the semiconductor-type light source 2 (other ambient light) Part L 2) is directly incident on the auxiliary lens portion 31 of the lens 3.

These incident lights are irradiated to the front of the vehicle from the main lens part 30 of the lens 3 and the exit surfaces 301 and 312 of the auxiliary lens part 31 so as to form a high beam light distribution pattern HP.
In this way, in the lens direct-type lamp unit, the light control member 4 is switched between the first position and the second position, so that the low beam light distribution pattern LP and the high beam light distribution pattern HP are surely obtained. can get.

  In the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment, as described above, when forming the light distribution pattern, the light from the semiconductor-type light source 2 (the central light L1 and a part of the ambient light, the other part of the ambient light) L2) is effectively used.

  The vehicle headlamp 1 according to the present embodiment switches (rotates) one light control member 4 between a first position and a second position by a drive member 5, and the number of parts to be driven is Less controllability. Further, the bearing member 7 and the light control member 4 are provided with toppers 73 and 44 (see FIG. 3), respectively, and the light control member 4 is moved to the first position and the second position by the stoppers 73 and 44, respectively. Position accuracy is high because it is positioned accurately.

  In the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment, the variable-focus lens unit 40 of the light control member 4 is interposed in the light incident on the auxiliary lens unit 31, and as shown in FIG. 10, the auxiliary lens unit 31. The focal point F is displaced to the pseudo focal point F1 diagonally upward to the right with respect to the focal point F, and the light distribution pattern of the auxiliary lens unit 31 is switched.

  That is, when the variable focus lens unit 40 is not interposed, the focus of the auxiliary lens unit 31 is at the focus F shown in FIG. 10, and at this time, the auxiliary lens unit 31 has a high beam light distribution shown in FIG. When the auxiliary light distribution pattern of the pattern is irradiated and the focal point of the auxiliary lens unit 31 is displaced to the pseudo focal point F1 shown in FIG. 10 through the variable focus lens unit 40, as shown in FIG. 7B. In addition, the auxiliary light distribution pattern positioned below the lower horizontal cut-off line CL1 of the main light distribution pattern MLP of the low beam light distribution pattern is irradiated. As a result, the occurrence of glare can be reliably prevented.

In the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rotation center O1 of the light control member 4 for rotating between the first position and the second position is a semiconductor. The light source 23 is positioned behind and below the center O of the light emitting surface 23 of the mold light source 2.
For this reason, as shown in FIG. 14, the rotation angle θ <b> 1 of the light control member 4 can be made smaller than the rotation angle θ <b> 2 when the center O of the light emitting surface 23 is the rotation center of the light control member 4. it can.
Therefore, since the drive member 5 can be reduced in size and output, the unit can be reduced in size and cost.

In the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment, the auxiliary lens portion 31 is disposed below the main lens portion 30.
For this reason, the first position where the light control member 4 stops when the drive member 5 is not driven follows the direction of gravity, and therefore, the spring force (biasing force) required for the spring 52 to stop at the first position. Can be small.
As a result, the drive member 5 driven against this spring force (biasing force) can also be used with an inexpensive low-output one, for example, a low-output solenoid 50, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced. .

  From the viewpoint of light distribution control of the low beam and the high beam, the configuration is not limited to this configuration. As another example, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the auxiliary lens unit 31 is attached to the main lens unit 30. The variable focus lens unit 40 and the auxiliary lens unit 31 may overlap each other in the upper opening WU between the semiconductor light source 2 and the upper part of the lens 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicular headlamp 1 according to this embodiment is arranged at the first position on the lower side, as shown in FIG. A large upper opening WU is obtained, and a small lower opening WD is formed in the lower part.
Thereby, as shown by an arrow A in FIG. 6, heat convection from the lower opening WD toward the upper opening WU is generated, and heat (LED radiant heat) generated in the semiconductor-type light source 2 is converted into an arrow in FIG. As shown to B, it can escape outside from the upper opening part WU along a heat convection, and can improve the thermal radiation effect.

In the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11B, the exit surface 401 of the variable focus lens unit 40 is divided into two (a plurality of pieces) divided along the vertical (vertical) direction. ), And has a step 402 formed by the adjacent divided emission surfaces.
In addition, each of the divided emission surfaces 401a and 401b is set so that the light emitted from the emission surface 401 has almost the same emission light state as that obtained when the emission surface 401 shown in FIG. 11A is not divided. Each is formed as a free-form surface having a convex shape in the direction of the optical axis (light emission axis).

Therefore, the light emitted from the emission surface 401 shown in FIG. 11B is substantially in the same state as the emission light emitted from the emission surface 401 shown in FIG.
In addition, compared with the case of FIG. 11A in which the emission surface 401 is not divided, the thickness difference α shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. ) Can reduce the thickness of the varifocal lens portion 40.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, when the varifocal lens unit 40 is positioned at the first position, the thickness of the varifocal lens unit 40 is thin, so that the exit surface 401 of the varifocal lens unit 40 is the auxiliary lens unit. It is possible to suppress the approach to the 31 entrance surface 310.

  Accordingly, a sufficient clearance between the exit surface 401 and the entrance surface 310 can be ensured, so that the above-described variable focus lens unit 40 can be prevented from interfering with the auxiliary lens unit 31, and at the first position. It becomes possible to improve the degree of freedom of design for positioning the movable focus lens unit 40.

Further, in the specific example shown in FIG. 11 (B), the step 402 has a step 402 with respect to the line La of the radiated light (this is the radiated light of the semiconductor-type light source 2) inclined about −15 degrees toward the own lane. The step surface is formed so as to substantially coincide with the line La of the emitted light.
For this reason, since the occurrence of scattering and reflection on the step surface is suppressed, optical loss can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, when the light control member 4 is manufactured by injection molding, the injection mold has a structure in which the first injection mold arranged on the incident surface 400 side and the second injection mold arranged on the emission surface 401 side are combined. However, the injection mold is simple and productive.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 11B, if the step 402 is provided on the own lane side with respect to the optical axis Z, the step surface of the step 402 is an edge structure that is caught on the exit surface 401 side. It will be designed so that there is no.
As a result, the second injection mold disposed on the emission surface 401 side is moved away from the emission surface, which is preferable because the mold can be cut smoothly.

In the description of FIG. 11B, the step 402 is more specifically described as being about -15 degrees closer to the own lane than the optical axis Z. However, the step 402 is closer to the own lane than the optical axis Z. If only the step 402 is provided, the shape of the step 402 can be designed to have no edge structure that is caught on the exit surface 401 side.
From this point of view, it is preferable that the step 402 is provided only on the own lane side with respect to the optical axis Z in view of smooth die cutting.

  However, since the injection mold design itself can be realized with another configuration, the step 402 of the varifocal lens unit 40 is not necessarily provided on the own lane side with respect to the optical axis Z.

  Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, in addition to the state shown in FIG. 11B, a step 402 is further added at a position inclined about +15 degrees toward the oncoming lane, and the exit surface 401 of the variable focus lens unit 40 is changed. It may be divided into three divided emission surfaces 401a, 401b, 401c, and further divided into three or more.

  Also in the example shown in FIG. 12, the step surface of the step 402 on the opposite lane side is about a line La of radiated light (this is radiated light of the semiconductor-type light source 2) inclined about +15 degrees toward the opposite lane side By making the step surfaces substantially coincident with each other, the occurrence of scattering and reflection on the step surface is suppressed, so that the optical loss is suppressed.

In this embodiment, the solenoid 50 is used as the drive member 5, but it is obvious that the same operation can be realized even if a motor is used.
Moreover, although the case where the auxiliary lens unit 31 of the lens 3 is configured as a total reflection type lens unit has been shown, for example, a refraction type lens unit or a Fresnel type lens unit may be used.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the first light distribution pattern is the low beam light distribution pattern LP, and the second light distribution pattern is the high beam light distribution pattern HP. However, in the present invention, as the first light distribution pattern, a light distribution pattern other than the low beam light distribution pattern LP, such as AFS or ADB, is irradiated below the horizontal line HL-HR on the left and right of the screen. The second light distribution pattern may be a light pattern other than the high beam light distribution pattern HP, for example, AFS, ADB, etc., above the horizontal line HL-HR on the left and right of the screen. It may be a light distribution pattern to be irradiated.

  Thus, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within a scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the technical scope of the present invention. It is clear from the description.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle headlamp 2 Semiconductor type light source 20 Light emitting chip 21 Board | substrate 22 Connector 23 Light emitting surface 3 Lens 30 Main lens part 300 Incident surface of main lens part 301 Outgoing surface of main lens part 31 Auxiliary lens part 310 Incident of auxiliary lens part Surface 311 Reflective surface of auxiliary lens unit 312 Output surface of auxiliary lens unit 32 Mounting unit 4 Light control member 40 Variable focus lens unit 400 Entrance surface 401 Output surface 401a Splitting output surface 401b Splitting exit surface 401c Splitting exit surface 402 Step 41 Mounting unit 42 Long hole 43 Rotating hole 44 Stopper 5 Driving member 50 Solenoid 51 Connecting pin 52 Spring 53 Mounting portion 54 Advance / Retreat rod 6 Lens cover member 60 Opening portion 61 Mounting portion 7 Bearing member 70 Opening portion 71 Mounting portion 72 Shaft portion 73 Stopper 8 Base Member 80 Light source mounting part 81 Lens mounting 82 Base mounting portion 9 Cooling member CL1 Lower horizontal cut-off line CL2 Oblique cut-off line CL3 Upper horizontal cut-off line F Reference focus of lens F1 Pseudo-focus HL-HR Horizontal line on the screen HP High beam light distribution pattern HZ Hot zone L1 Central light L2 Other part of ambient light La Line of synchrotron radiation LP Low beam light distribution pattern MHP Main light distribution pattern of high beam light distribution pattern MLP Main light distribution pattern of low beam light distribution pattern O Light emitting surface center O1 Rotation center SHP High beam Auxiliary light distribution pattern for light distribution pattern SLP Auxiliary light distribution pattern for light distribution pattern for low beam VU-VD Vertical line on the screen WD Lower opening WU Upper opening X X axis Y Y axis Z Optical axis of semiconductor light source And the reference optical axis of the lens (Z-axis)

Claims (7)

A vehicle headlamp,
A semiconductor light source;
The semiconductor-type light source is provided on the front side of the vehicle, and has a main lens portion and an auxiliary lens portion arranged around the main lens portion, and transmits light from the semiconductor light source to the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern. A lens for irradiating the front of the vehicle as a light distribution pattern,
A first position between the semiconductor-type light source and the auxiliary lens unit, which is provided between the semiconductor-type light source and the lens and corresponds to the first light-distribution pattern, and corresponds to the second light-distribution pattern. A light control member having a variable focus lens portion movable and switched to a second position between the semiconductor-type light source and the main lens portion;
The varifocal lens portion has an emission surface composed of a plurality of divided emission surfaces divided along the vertical direction, and the adjacent divided emission surfaces form a step in a horizontal sectional view. Vehicle headlamp.   The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the step is formed as a step from the exit surface to the entrance surface in a horizontal sectional view.   When the step is in a state where the variable focus lens portion is in the second position, a step surface that substantially coincides with the line of emitted light of the semiconductor light source in a horizontal sectional view on the optical axis of the semiconductor light source. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle headlamp is provided.   When the step is in a state where the variable focus lens portion is in the second position, in a horizontal sectional view on the optical axis of the semiconductor light source, a straight line toward the step with the center of the semiconductor light source as an origin and the step When the angle θ formed with the optical axis is minus on the own lane side and plus on the opposite lane side, the angle θ is provided at at least one of a minus position and a plus position. Item 4. The vehicle headlamp according to any one of Items 1 to 3.   The vehicular headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one step is provided and the number of divided emission surfaces is two.   5. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 4, wherein one step is provided at a position where the angle θ is minus, and the number of the divided emission surfaces is two.   The vehicular headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein two steps are provided, and the divided emission surfaces are three.

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