JP2519992B2 - Vehicle headlights - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial field of application] The present invention displaces a collimator lens, a condensing lens system, and a diffusing lens system, which are arranged in front of a reflecting mirror, in their relative positions with respect to an optical axis. By doing so, the parallel light flux emitted from the collimator lens is deflected to the left and right and in the elevation direction, and is displaced on the optical axis to be a condensed or diffused light flux,
The present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp configured so that a light distribution pattern can be continuously and variably adjusted according to a driving condition of the vehicle.

[Prior Art] Conventionally proposed vehicular lamps, particularly vehicular headlamps having a reflecting mirror having an elliptical mirror surface having first and second focal points on the optical axis, are the reflecting mirrors. The light emitted from the light source for lighting the bulb or the like is deflected to be reflected toward the front of the lamp, and the collimator lens sharing the second focal point of the reflecting mirror collimates the light flux, and is provided in front of the collimator lens. It has a structure that transmits through the condensing lens system and the diffusing lens system.By changing and adjusting the distance between the condensing lens system and the diffusing lens system, for example, from the spot light beam and the diffused light beam of the far irradiation pattern and the near irradiation pattern, It has a two-stage switchable structure.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, according to the above-described conventional vehicle headlamp, only the two-step switching function of the far irradiation pattern and the near irradiation pattern is provided, and not only the presence of the oncoming vehicle but also the vehicle speed (when the vehicle speed is high, , It is preferable to use spot irradiation that can irradiate far, but the slower the speed, the wider diffusion irradiation is required) and the direction and distance (direction of the obstacle on the side of the turning direction when turning right or left) are changed. Due to lack of consideration that the irradiation distance, light distribution pattern, and irradiation direction should be variably adjusted according to changes, it is not possible to secure sufficient safety during night driving as a vehicle headlight. It was

The present invention was created in view of the above problems,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle headlamp in which a light distribution pattern is variable and an irradiation distance and an irradiation direction can be continuously adjusted according to a vehicle speed and a direction change of a right turn or a left turn.

[Means for solving the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention includes a reflector having a first focal point and a second focal point in front of a reflecting surface, and a substantially first focal point of the reflecting mirror. A light source for lighting, a collimator lens arranged so as to be displaceable so as to cross the optical axis of the reflecting mirror in the longitudinal direction at a position where the focal point substantially coincides with the second focal point of the reflecting mirror, and the collimator. A condenser lens system and a diffusing lens, which are pivotally installed on the front optical axis of the lens, at least one of which is installed side by side so as to be displaceable in the optical axis direction, and one of which is installed so as to be displaceable transversely across the optical axis. A lens system composed of a system, a collimator lens driving means for displacing and driving the collimator lens so as to traverse the optical axis of the reflecting mirror, and an optical axis direction of both provided between the condenser lens system and the diffusion lens system. Lens system position driving means for displacing relative position Provided in the lens system of the lateral variable side, and summarized in that the structure and a lens axis driving means for displacing and driving across the optical axis of the reflector to the lens system.

The collimator lens deflects the reflected light beam from the reflecting mirror into a substantially parallel light beam, and can be configured by using a spherical lens or an aspherical lens device.

Further, each lens of the collimator lens, the condenser lens system, and the diffusion lens system or a part thereof can be realized by, for example, a contracted cylindrical lens formed of a columnar body, or another light distribution controllable lens device. it can.

[Action]

Thus, according to the vehicle headlamp of the present invention, the reflected light flux reflected by the reflecting mirror is refracted and deflected by the collimator lens into a parallel light flux, and the parallel light flux is further reflected by the collimator lens. Within the cross section of the condenser lens system and the diffusion lens system arranged side by side in the front, for example, the condenser lens system deflects the diffused light beam again, so that the parallel distance depends on the relative distance between the condenser lens system and the diffusion lens system. It is deflected into a light beam or a diffused light beam. Further, by displacing the optical axis of the condenser lens system or the diffusion lens system laterally from the optical axis of the vehicle headlamp, it is possible to tilt the irradiation direction with respect to the optical axis. Further, by displacing the optical axis of the collimator lens in the vertical direction with respect to the optical axis of the reflecting mirror, it is possible to tilt the irradiation direction of the luminous flux of the vehicle headlamp to the depression angle or the elevation angle.

By changing the relative positions of the collimator lens, the condenser lens system and the diffusion lens system, the light distribution pattern can be changed and the irradiation distance and irradiation direction can be adjusted according to the driving situation of the vehicle. Become.

〔Example〕

An embodiment of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 5 relate to a first embodiment in which a reflecting mirror having a spheroidal curved surface is used as a reflecting mirror having a first focal point and a second focal point, and is composed of a plano-convex cylindrical lens. A cross section of an optical lens system and a diffusing lens system that is also composed of a plano-concave cylindrical lens (hereinafter, this cross section is referred to as "X
Surface ”, and the vertical cross section of both lens systems is referred to as“ Y-plane ”).

That is, the reflecting mirror 1 has a spheroidal curved surface with the focal points F1 and F2, and its inner surface is processed into a light reflecting mirror surface 11 having a circular vertical section. A light source 2 for lighting a bulb or the like is fixed to a rear end of a lamp body 16 whose front surface is covered with an outer lens 15 made of a translucent material so as to be located at the first focal point F1 of the reflecting mirror 1. At the same time, the axisymmetric collimator lens 3 made of a translucent material having a focal point F3 can be displaced in the Y-plane direction (vertical direction) at a position where the focal point F3 substantially coincides with the second focal point F2 of the reflecting mirror 1. It is carried side by side. The collimator lens 3 is slidably mounted on a guide frame 31 installed in the lamp body 16, and a working rod 35 extending from the collimator lens 3 to the outside of the lamp body 16 is driven by a collimator lens. The collimator lens driving means 32 is driven and displaced in the direction of arrow A by means 32. The collimator lens driving means 32 is, for example, a step motor 33 and a rotation / linear drive converter 34 such as a worm gear for linearly displacing the rotation of the step motor 33. And the step motor 33 is rotationally controlled. In front of the collimator lens 3, a plano-convex cylindrical condenser lens system 4 made of a translucent material and having a focus F4, and a cylindrical diffusing lens made of a translucent material and having a focus F5 are also provided. The systems 5 are arranged side by side, and the condenser lens system 4 is fixed to the inner cylinder 41 slidably (arrow B) inserted in the outer cylinder 51 on which the diffusion lens system 5 is pivotally installed.
A working rod 42 projecting to the outside from an inner cylinder 41 through a long hole formed on one side of an outer cylinder 51 and a step motor 43 are drivingly connected via a rotary / linear drive converter 44 such as a worm gear to form a lens. The system position driving means 45 is configured.

The reference numeral 6 designates a light-shielding plate disposed in the vicinity of a portion where the second focal point F2 of the reflecting mirror 1 and the focal point F3 of the collimator lens 3 are substantially coincident with each other. It is possible to obtain a predetermined light distribution pattern and to restrict the incidence of external light into the reflecting mirror 1 by the light shielding plate 6 to prevent the pseudo lighting phenomenon due to the reflecting mirror 1.

FIG. 2 shows the focal point F4 of the condenser lens system 4 and the diffusion lens system 5.
The step motor 43 of the lens system position driving means 45 is driven so that the focal point F5 of the collimator lens 3 is driven and the step motor 33 of the collimator lens driving means 32 is driven so that the optical axis of the collimator lens 3 is the optical axis of the reflecting mirror 1. The case where the drive is performed so as to coincide with the axis f is shown.

The light flux after passing through the collimator lens 3 is focused
Since F3 coincides with the second focal point F2 of the reflecting mirror 1, it becomes a light flux parallel to the optical axis f, and this parallel light flux is generated by both lens systems 4,
5 Even after passing through, it is emitted as a parallel light beam, and since these two lens systems 4 and 5 do not function as a lens in the Y plane, the parallel light beam is also transmitted in the Y plane as it is. That is,
For example, it is possible to realize a spot-shaped light distribution pattern suitable for distant irradiation as shown in FIG.

Further, FIG. 4 shows a state in which the step motor 33 is driven to perform displacement operation on the optical axis f of the reflecting mirror 1 so that the distance between the diffusion lens system 5 and the condenser lens system 4 becomes close to each other. Since the focal point F5 of the diffusing lens system 5 moves to the front of the focal point F4 of the condensing lens system 4, the parallel light flux after passing through the collimator lens 3 is the same as the above-mentioned two lenses, as is clear from the principle of the optical lens system. In the X and Y planes of the systems 4 and 5, it is emitted as a diffused light beam (diffusion angle θ1), and in the Y plane, it is transmitted as a parallel light beam as in the above case. As shown, a flat light distribution pattern having a wide angle suitable for near-field irradiation can be realized, and this diffusion angle θ1 can be continuously changed by driving and controlling the step motor 33.

Further, in FIG. 5, the step motor 33 of the collimator lens driving means 32 is driven to drive the optical axis f2 of the collimator lens 3.
In the X plane is parallel displaced downward from the optical axis f of the reflecting mirror 1, whereby the condenser lens system 4 is shown.
It is possible to deflect the incident angle θ3 of the parallel light flux that is incident on, and it is possible to realize a light distribution pattern that is displaced downward with respect to the X plane as shown in FIG. 6C, for example. This deflection angle θ3 is determined by the collimator lens driving means.
A desired angle can be continuously obtained by controlling 32.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the condenser lens system 4 is arranged in front of the collimator lens 3 and further the diffusion lens system 5 is arranged in front of it.
However, it is needless to say that the present invention can be carried out regardless of the front-back relation of both lens systems. Further, although an example in which a converging type plano-convex lens is used as the collimator lens 3 is illustrated and described, it may be a biconvex lens, a positive meniscus lens, or another condensing type lens device. Of course.

Next, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show a second embodiment of the present invention in which a horizontal angle deflecting means 50 capable of deflecting the irradiation light in the horizontal direction is added. A structure different from that of the embodiment will be described.

That is, the condenser lens system 4 is slidably supported by a guide frame (not shown) horizontally installed on the inner cylinder 41 (arrow C), and the condenser lens system 4 is connected to the outer cylinder 51. A lens rod drive means 50 is configured by drivingly connecting an action rod 47 protruding outward from a through hole formed on the side and a step motor 48 via a rotary / linear drive converter 49 such as a worm gear. In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 8, the step motor 48 of the lens axis driving means 50 is driven to displace the optical axis of the condenser lens system 4 in parallel, and the light flux incident on the diffusion lens system 5 is left. It is possible to realize a light distribution pattern that is inclined in the direction (inclination angle θ4) and is displaced to the left from the Y plane as shown in FIG. 6D, for example. This deflection angle θ4 can also be continuously deflected by controlling the driving of the step motor 48.

In the device of the present invention, the step motors 33, 43, and 48 are drive-controlled to meet the running conditions of the vehicle such as the light distribution pattern diffused and deflected to the lower left side as shown in FIG. It is possible to obtain various necessary light distribution patterns.

Further, FIGS. 9 and 10 show another driving means of the collimator lens 3.

The collimator lens driving means 32 installs the collimator lens 3 having a focal point F3 so that the focal point F3 thereof substantially coincides with the second focal point F2 of the reflecting mirror 1, and the collimator lens 3 is axially arranged at the focal point F3 position. It is attached to a support arm extending from the drive shaft 31, and can be angularly displaced in the elevation direction with the focus F3 as the center of rotation.
Deflection control can be performed in the depression / elevation direction (arrow D) by the collimator lens driving means 32 by the step motor 61 connected to the rotating shaft 31.

In the configuration of the above embodiment, when the collimator lens 3 is vertically displaced, the focal point F3 is used as the rotation axis, so that the reflected light emitted from the reflecting mirror 1 has an inclination angle θ4 of the lens axis f2 of the collimator lens 3. And becomes a parallel light flux, which is transmitted through the condensing lens system 4 and the diffusing lens system 5 located in the front. That is, as described in the first embodiment, a downwardly polarized light distribution pattern or an upwardly polarized light distribution pattern as shown in FIG. 6C is formed.

Next, FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an X-plane main portion showing an embodiment using plano-convex cylindrical lenses as a condensing lens system and a diffusing lens system.

That is, in this embodiment, the focal point F5 of the diffusing lens system 5 is juxtaposed so as to correspond to the focal point F4 of the condenser lens system 4 on the front side of the lens system.

Also in this embodiment, the lens system position driving means 45 is driven in the same manner as in each of the above embodiments to change the relative positions of the two lens systems, thereby continuously arranging irradiation from near to far. You can variably adjust the light pattern,
By driving the collimator lens driving means 32, the irradiation direction can be deflected to the right or left.

In addition, the reflector 1 included in the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention.
Is a so-called variable focus type mirror whose focal position can be moved back and forth on its optical axis, and a so-called dual-focus type mirror whose focal position is displaced in the horizontal and vertical directions. It is also possible to configure it.

〔The invention's effect〕

Since the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention is configured as described above, it can be deflected to the sbot or diffuse irradiation according to the traveling condition of the vehicle, and the irradiation light can be deflected upward and downward depending on the presence or absence of an oncoming vehicle. In addition, the irradiation distance and the irradiation direction can be changed according to the vehicle speed and the turning direction of the right turn and the left turn. It has excellent characteristics that can be exhibited.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a vehicle headlamp showing a first embodiment of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of an essential configuration showing a state in which a beam is converged by the same configuration. Schematic drawings, FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the same state, FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of an essential configuration showing a state in which the beam is diffused by the same configuration, and FIG. 5 is an essential portion showing a state in which the beam is deflected at a depression angle by the same configuration. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the structure, FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing an example of a light distribution pattern, and FIG. 7 is a main part structure showing a state in which a beam of a second embodiment of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention is irradiated with parallel beams. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a main configuration showing a state in which the beam is deflected to the left by the same configuration, and FIG. 9 is a parallel irradiation of the beam of the third embodiment of the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the main configuration showing the above state, and FIG. 10 shows the state in which the beam is deflected by the same angle. Configuration of simplified elevational view, FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of the main configuration showing a fourth embodiment of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention. 1 ... Reflector, 2 ... Light source 3 ... Collimator lens 4 ... Condenser lens system, 5 ... Diffuse lens system 6 ... Shading plate 32 ... Collimator lens drive means 45 ... Lens system position drive Means 50 ...... Lens axis drive means

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A reflecting mirror having a first focal point and a second focal point in front of a reflecting surface, a light source for lighting arranged at a substantially first focal point of the reflecting mirror, and a focal point of the reflecting mirror. A collimator lens that is arranged so as to be displaceable so as to traverse the optical axis of the reflecting mirror in the longitudinal direction at a position that substantially coincides with the second focal point, and is installed pivotally on the optical axis in front of the collimator lens. A lens system including a condenser lens system and a diffusing lens system, one of which is arranged side by side so as to be displaceable in the optical axis direction and the other side of which is arranged so as to be displaceable transversely across the optical axis, and the collimator lens described above. Collimator lens driving means for displacing the reflecting mirror across the optical axis, and lens system position driving means provided between the condenser lens system and the diffusing lens system for displacing the relative position in the optical axis direction. , Installed on the lens system on the laterally variable side. It is, in the vehicle headlamp, characterized in that it consists of a lens axis driving means for displacing and driving across the optical axis of the reflector to the lens system.