JP2825752B2 - Automotive headlights - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a configuration in which a rotatable light distribution controlling optical member (reflector or lens) is arranged in parallel on an optical path of a parallel light forming means, and the optical member blocks the optical path. The headlamp for an automobile which can make the light distribution different between a case where the emitted light is controlled by the optical member and a case where the optical member is configured to open the optical path and the emitted light is not controlled by the optical member. About lights.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As this kind of conventional technology, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 63
No. -102106. Here, as shown in FIG. 31, a front lens 3 is attached to a front opening of a lamp body 1 in which a parabolic reflector 2 is formed on an inner peripheral surface to form a lamp chamber. A headlamp in which a light source 4 is accommodated in a lamp room, in which a vertically long reflecting plate 5 which can rotate around a vertical support shaft 6 is arranged on the left and right sides inside the lens 3. It has been disclosed. When the reflection plate 5 has an optical path opened as shown by a virtual line, light on the light path passes between the reflection plates 5 and 5 and is guided forward without being reflected by the reflection plate 5, and the front lens A predetermined light distribution is formed by the light distribution control step 3a formed on the back surface of the third light source. On the other hand, when the reflecting plate 5 is rotated around the vertical support shaft 6 and the reflecting plate 5 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis L as shown by a solid line, a part of the light is reflected by the reflecting plate 5. A light distribution diffused left and right is formed.

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional lamp structure, since the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate 5 is a flat surface, the light reflected by the reflecting plate 5 only has a different emission direction, and the degree of diffusion is different. Light distribution was limited and therefore limited. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the related art, and has as its object to provide an automotive headlamp capable of forming various light distributions with a simple structure.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automotive headlamp comprising: a light source; and a parallel light forming means for converting the light from the light source into substantially parallel light and guiding the light forward. A plurality of rotatable plate-shaped light distribution control optical members having a light distribution control step formed in parallel with an optical path of light parallelized by the parallel light forming means; When the parallel light is controlled by the light distribution controlling optical member having a configuration in which the optical member is rotated to face the optical axis direction, and when the light distribution controlling optical member is parallel to the optical axis direction. The light distribution is different between the case where the parallel light is not controlled by the light distribution controlling optical member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle headlight according to the first aspect, the light distribution controlling optical member is constituted by a mirror having a diffusion step which is a light distribution control step. The light reflected by the mirror is reflected by an adjacent mirror to diffuse and distribute light in a predetermined forward direction. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the automotive headlamp according to the first aspect, the light distribution controlling optical member is formed of a lens having a diffusion step which is a light distribution control step. The light is diffused and distributed in a predetermined forward direction by passing the light through a lens.

[0006]

By rotating the plate-shaped light distribution controlling optical member, there is a choice between a form in which the optical member faces the optical axis direction of the optical path of the parallel light forming means and a form in which the optical member is parallel to the optical axis direction. Aim,
In a mode facing the optical axis direction, the light distribution control step of the light distribution controlling optical member controls at least a part of the parallel light to form a predetermined light distribution. On the other hand, in a mode in which the light distribution controlling optical member is parallel to the optical axis direction, the parallel light is emitted without any interference by the light distribution controlling optical member to form another predetermined light distribution.

According to the second aspect, the optical member for controlling light distribution is constituted by a mirror having a diffusion step, and at least a part of the parallel light formed by the parallel light forming means is reflected and diffused by the mirror. According to the third aspect, the light distribution controlling optical member is constituted by a lens having a diffusion step, and at least a part of the parallel light formed by the parallel light forming means is diffused by the lens.

[0008]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 9 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view of an automotive fog lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a horizontal sectional view of the lamp (FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lamp (line along line III-III shown in FIG. 1), and FIG. 4 is a light distribution control mirror as a light distribution control device. Exploded perspective view of the drive mechanism of
FIGS. 5A and 5B are views showing a light distribution control mirror. FIG. 5A is an enlarged perspective view of the mirror, and FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate the operation of a diffusion step which is a light distribution control step formed on the mirror surface. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control device for a drive mechanism of a light distribution control mirror, and FIGS. 7 to 9 are diagrams showing light distribution patterns created by fog lamps.

In these figures, reference numeral 10 denotes a container-shaped lamp body of an automotive fog lamp on the left side (left side when viewed from the driver's seat), and a transparent front cover 12 is assembled in a front opening of the lamp body 10. The projection type lamp body 20 is supported by the aiming mechanism (not shown) so as to be adjustable in tilt.

The lamp body 20 is integrated with a light projecting unit 21 as a parallel light forming means and is assembled in front of the light projecting unit 21 to diffuse the light emitted from the light projecting unit 21 in a predetermined direction. And a light control device 30. The light projection unit 21 includes a substantially ellipsoidal reflector 22, a bulb 23 as a light source disposed at a first focal point of the reflector 22, and projects the light reflected by the reflector 22 into substantially parallel light to project light forward. And a shade 25 for forming a clear cut line, which is the second focal point of the reflector 22 and is located at the focal position of the projection lens 24. Code 26
Is a cylindrical lens holder for fixing and integrating the projection lens 24 with the reflector 22, and the shade 25 is formed integrally with the lens holder 26. The symbol L indicates the optical axis of the light projection unit 21.

The light distribution control device 30 includes a frame 3 having a rectangular front face.
1 has a structure in which mirrors 32, which are light-emission controlling optical members having a vertically elongated rectangular shape and a thin plate shape in front view, are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction, and each mirror 32 is vertically supported by a link-type mirror rotating mechanism 35. It can be rotated forward and backward. Reference numeral 31a is an opening of the frame 31. Reference numeral 37 denotes a pair of left and right vertically extending rod-shaped fixed bearings that are fixed to the frame body 31 and support a pair of upper and lower vertical support shafts 36 protrudingly provided at side edge extension positions on the front end side of the mirror 32.
Reference numeral 9 denotes a pair of right and left vertically extending rod-shaped movable bearings that support a pair of upper and lower vertical support shafts 38 projecting from the side edge extension position on the rear end side of the mirror 32. The pin is connected to a swinging plate 41 that rotates forward and backward by a motor ML. Reference numeral 42a denotes a connecting pin that is vertically provided on the surface of the swing plate 41.

The swinging plate 41 is connected to a rotary damper 43, and an input shaft of the rotary damper 43 is a spur gear 45.
a and a pinion 45b are connected to the output shaft of the motor ML via a reduction gear mechanism 45. Reference numeral 44 denotes a coupling. The swinging plate 41 rotates forward and backward by the forward and reverse rotation of the motor ML, and the link 40
Swings the movable bearing 39 in the left-right direction, and the mirror 32 rotates forward and backward about the vertical support shaft 36.

Reference numeral 46 denotes a stopper plate for regulating the forward / reverse rotation amount (oscillation amount) of the oscillation plate 41.
6 has an arc-shaped long hole 4 for regulating the movement amount of the pin 42a.
6a are formed. That is, the pin 42a is
And moves along the long hole 46a with the rotation of the rocking plate 41, but the pin 42a comes into contact with the inner peripheral edge of the longitudinal end of the long hole 46a. The amount of movement (the amount of swing) is regulated, whereby the mirror 32 can rotate from a first position parallel to the optical axis L to a second position inclined 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis L. That is, when the pin 42a abuts on the inner peripheral edge of the longitudinal end of the long hole 46a, the mirror 32 is in the first position parallel to the optical axis and the second position inclined 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis. When the pin 42a abuts on the inner peripheral edge of the longitudinal end of the long hole 46a to restrict the rotation of the rocking plate 41, an excessive load acts on the motor ML. Rotary damper 43 idles,
There is no problem such as an excessive load acting on the motor ML. In FIG. 2, the illustration of the stopper plate 46 is omitted.

Another pin 42b is suspended from the swinging plate 41 on the opposite side of the pin 42a, and another long hole 46b is formed in the stopper plate 46 so as to face the long hole 46a. The pin 42 projects from the hole 46b.
b and the long hole 46b also function to regulate the amount of rotation of the swing plate 41. Further, a wire spring 47 is interposed between the pin 42b and the stopper plate 46. This wire spring 47
Acts as a drag for preventing the rotation of the rocking plate 41 at the beginning of rotation, but the rocking plate 41 is moved by a predetermined amount (the pin 42b is
When the swing plate 41 is rotated (to a position at least half the length of 6b), the swing plate 41 is urged in the rotation direction. The wire spring 47 also inserts the pin 42a (42b) into the long hole 46a (46
In the state in which the motor ML is not driven, the mirror 32 is moved to the first position parallel to the optical axis or the second position inclined with the optical axis when the motor ML is not driven. Will be retained.

As shown in FIG. 5 (a) as viewed obliquely and FIG. 5 (b) as viewed from above, the mirror 32 has a smooth rear surface and a front surface for transmitting light. The structure has a cylindrical step 32a which is a diffusion step for diffusing outward. Then, at the second position where the mirror 32 is inclined with respect to the optical axis L,
FIG 5 (b) as shown in solid lines, parallel light L ₁ having an optical projection unit emitted is reflected by the rear surface of the mirror 32, but directed forward is reflected by the surface of the mirror 32 adjacent to the outside in the vehicle width direction The light reflected on the smooth reflection surface on the back surface of the mirror 32 is reflected on the cylindrical step 32a on the surface of the adjacent mirror.
Accordingly, as indicated at L _2, it is reflected diffused outward in the vehicle width direction. On the other hand, at the first position where the mirror 32 is parallel to the optical axis L (see the imaginary line in FIG. 5B), the parallel light is diffused because it is guided forward from the opening between the mirrors 32. There is no. As shown in FIG. 5C, the front side of the mirror 32 may be made a smooth surface, and the cylindrical step 32a may be formed on the back side.

The drive of the mirror drive mechanism (drive of the motor ML) is linked to the steering of the steering wheel of the automobile, and when the vehicle is running straight without turning the steering wheel, the irradiation direction is in a direct-light state as shown in FIG. When the steering wheel is turned to the left by a predetermined amount or more, the mirror driving mechanism is driven, and the mirror 32 is in the second position inclined with respect to the optical axis.
As shown in FIG. 9A, a diffused light distribution in which the irradiation direction is shifted to the left is formed.

[0017] Right side (right side viewed from the driver's seat)
7 has the same structure as the fog lamp on the left side described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, and the irradiation direction is a normal state at the first position where the mirror is parallel to the optical axis.
At the second position where the condensed light distribution shown in (b) is formed and the mirror is inclined with respect to the optical axis, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the irradiation direction is shifted to the right and diffused. Light is formed, and the rotation of the mirror has a structure linked to steering of the steering wheel. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 100 of the mirror driving mechanism, a handle steering amount from the steering sensor S ₁ is being sequentially input, the control unit 100
, When the vehicle from the steering information resulting from a steering sensor S ₁ is to determine counterclockwise traveling or clockwise running, it is determined that the counterclockwise traveling, the motor driving circuit 1
02L is output to drive the driving motor ML of the mirror driving mechanism of the left lamp. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle is running clockwise, the motor driving circuit 102L is operated to drive the driving motor MR of the mirror driving circuit of the right lamp. Is output to drive.

FIGS. 7 to 9 show changes in the light distribution of the pair of left and right fog lights with respect to the steering of the steering wheel.
7 shows the light distribution of the lamp when the vehicle is traveling straight without steering the steering wheel, FIG. 8 shows the light distribution of the lamp when the vehicle is traveling on a right curved road with the steering wheel steered to the right, and FIG. In each drawing, (a) shows the light distribution of the left lamp, (b) shows the light distribution of the right lamp, and (c) shows the combined light distribution of the left and right lamps. . As can be seen from these figures, in the fog lamp according to the present embodiment, the irradiation direction is in a direct light state when traveling straight ahead, but since the irradiation direction is shifted to the steering wheel steering side in accordance with the steering wheel steering, it becomes a diffuse light distribution. Thus, it can be said that the visibility on the curved road is excellent.

[0019] Note that the although the embodiment has to have the drive of the mirror driving mechanism is linked to the steering sensor S ₁ structure, or may have a structure to coordinate the turn signal switch. FIG. 10 shows another example of a cylindrical step which is a diffusion step formed on a mirror.
(A) shows a mirror having a structure in which cylindrical steps are formed at predetermined intervals, and (b) shows a mirror having a structure in which cylindrical steps are formed only in predetermined portions. When the mirrors shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B are used, the ratio of the diffused light reflected by the mirror is reduced as shown in FIG.
As compared with the mirror shown in FIG. 1, the light distribution with a somewhat smaller degree of diffusion can be formed.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show another example of the diffusion step formed on the mirror, in which a Fresnel step 32b is formed instead of the cylindrical step 32a shown in the above embodiment. . FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a mirror having a Fresnel step formed on the entire front surface, FIG. 11B is a diagram for explaining the reflection and diffusion of light of the Fresnel step in the mirror, and FIG. 12A is a Fresnel step. Shows mirrors formed at predetermined intervals in the width direction, and FIG. 12B shows a mirror in which Fresnel steps are formed only at predetermined portions.

FIGS. 13 to 17 show a fog lamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 shows a mirror which is a light distribution controlling optical member which is a main part of the fog lamp.
(A) is an enlarged perspective view of the mirror, (b) is an explanatory view for explaining the reflection and diffusion action of the mirror, (c) and (d) are views each showing another structure of the diffusion step, and FIG. 14 is a mirror. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device of the drive mechanism.
17 to 17 show the light distribution of the lamp. FIG. 15 shows the light distribution of the lamp at the time of high-speed running, FIG. 16 shows the light distribution of the lamp at the time of medium-speed running, and FIG. Light distribution, (b)
Indicates the light distribution of the right lamp, and (c) indicates the combined light distribution of the left and right lamps.

A cylindrical step 3 is provided on the surface of the mirror 32 of the light distribution control device in the first embodiment as a diffusion step for diffusing the reflected light outward in the vehicle width direction.
2a or the Fresnel step 32b is formed. The second embodiment is characterized in that a cylindrical step 32c for diffusing reflected light is formed on the left and right sides in the vehicle width direction on the surface of the mirror 32. The other structure is exactly the same as that of the fog lamp of the first embodiment. In both the left and right fog lamps, when the mirror 32 blocks the optical path of the emitted light from the lamp body, a light distribution diffused left and right is formed, and the mirror 3
In a mode in which the light path 2 opens the optical path, a condensed light distribution is formed.

The driving of the mirror driving mechanism for rotating the mirror 32 is controlled by a drive control device shown in FIG. That is, the vehicle speed is input to the control unit 200 are sequentially detected by the vehicle speed sensor S _2, the control unit 200
Then, the input speed information is compared with a preset set value.
Motor driving signals are output to 2L and 202R, whereby the motors ML and MR are driven, and the mirrors of the mirror driving mechanisms of the left and right lamps are respectively in a first position parallel to the optical axis, and tilted with respect to the optical axis. The second position can be taken alternatively.

Therefore, when the vehicle speed is lower than the first set speed, the control unit 200 does not output the motor drive signal, and the mirrors of the left and right lamps are tilted with the optical axis.
17B, both lamps form diffuse light distribution as shown in FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b), and the light distribution of the combined fog lamp is large left and right as shown in FIG. 17 (c). The diffused light distribution is excellent in short-range visibility. Next, when the vehicle speed becomes a middle speed running equal to or higher than the first set speed, the control unit 20
0 indicates that the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the first set value, and outputs a signal to drive only the motor MR of the mirror driving mechanism of the right lamp. And a first position parallel to the first position. Therefore, the left lamp has a diffused light distribution as shown in FIG.
The right lamp has a condensed light distribution as shown in FIG. 16 (b), and the light distribution of the synthesized fog lamp is excellent in middle distance visibility slightly diffused left and right as shown in FIG. 16 (c). Light distribution. The speed further increased, and the vehicle speed
When the vehicle travels at a high speed equal to or higher than the set speed, the control unit 200 determines that the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the second set speed, and outputs a signal to drive the motor ML of the mirror driving mechanism of the left lamp. In operation, the mirror of the left lamp is also in the first position parallel to the optical axis. Therefore, the light distribution of the left and right lamps is a condensed light distribution as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, and the light distribution of the combined fog lamp is far as shown in FIG. Light distribution with excellent distance visibility.

FIGS. 18 to 22 show a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a horizontal sectional view of a fog lamp, and FIG.
9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lamp, FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a mirror driving mechanism, FIGS. 21 and 22 show light distribution of the lamp,
(A) is a diagram showing the light distribution of the left lamp, (b) is a diagram showing the light distribution of the right lamp, and (c) is a diagram showing the combined light distribution of the left and right lamps.

In this embodiment, a pair of vertical support shafts 36 are provided at upper and lower extensions of the front end of the mirror 32.
The mirror 32 is supported by an engagement recess 51 a formed in the fixed frame 51, so that the mirror 32 can rotate around the vertical support shaft 36. Above and below the rear end of the mirror 32, a pair of fan-shaped teeth 54 respectively meshing with a pair of racks 53 extending left and right inside the upper and lower side edges of the movable frame 52 extend in the left-right direction. The mirror 32 rotates around the vertical support shaft 36 in association with the left and right slide of the movable frame 52, and the mirror 32 is rotated at a first position parallel to the optical axis and at a 45 degree angle with respect to the optical axis. The inclined second position can be taken alternatively. The mirror 32 has a cylindrical step (the second step) for diffusing the reflected light in the left-right direction.
Step shown in the embodiment), which has the same structure as the step 32a or 32b, but has a step with a somewhat larger diffusion angle, so that the parallel light emitted from the lamp body 21 is not reflected by the mirror 32. Thus, two different light distributions are formed, in which the parallel light is reflected and diffused by the mirror.

The other parts are the same as in the first embodiment.
The description is omitted by attaching the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, when the mirror is at the second position inclined with respect to the optical axis, the left lamp has a diffused light distribution in which the irradiation direction is shifted to the left as shown in FIG. In the right lamp, as shown in FIG. 22 (b), a diffused light distribution is obtained in which the irradiation direction is shifted to the right. Then, by driving control of the motor of the mirror driving mechanism, when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed lower than the predetermined speed, the mirror is at the second position inclined with respect to the optical axis, and is shown in FIGS. When the diffused light distribution is formed and the vehicle travels at a high speed equal to or higher than the predetermined speed, the mirror is at the first position parallel to the optical axis.
Condensed light distributions shown in (b) and (c) are formed.

FIGS. 23 to 26 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a front view of a fog lamp, FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lamp, and FIG. 25 is a light distribution controlling mirror. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the light control action, and FIG. 26 is a diagram showing light distribution of the lamp. In each of the embodiments described above, the vertically long mirrors 32 are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction, and the mirror 32 is configured to rotate around the vertical support axis. However, in this embodiment, the horizontally long rectangular mirror is used. 32 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and are characterized in that they rotate around a horizontal support shaft 36A.
In FIG. 23, only the mirror 32 having the highest value is shown.
Illustration of other mirrors 32 is omitted.

The upper and lower surfaces of the mirror 32 are smooth, but a prism step 32d for reflecting light upward is formed at the front edge of the upper surface. Each mirror 32 is provided with a pair of left and right horizontal support shafts 36A projecting at the center in the vertical width direction of the mirror 32. The horizontal support shafts 36A are supported by the frame 31, and the mirrors 32 are rotated around the horizontal support shafts 36A. Can rotate. An arm 56 is fixedly attached to each horizontal support shaft 36A on the right side when viewed from the front, and each arm 56 is pin-connected to a vertical sliding rod 57 disposed vertically, so that the sliding rod 57 moves up and down. All the mirrors 32 rotate in cooperation with each other about the horizontal support shaft 36A, and as shown in FIG.
A first position where the mirror 32 is slightly inclined forward and downward, and as shown in FIG. 25B, the mirror 32 is horizontal (parallel to the optical axis L) and is formed at the front edge of the mirror. The second position where the parallel light falls on the prism step 32d can be alternatively selected. Then, in this embodiment, when the mirror is at the first position shown in FIG.
The parallel light emitted from the lamp body 21 is emitted as is from between the mirrors 32, but the upward light of the parallel light is controlled downward on the back surface of the mirror 32, and there is little glare in FIG. The light distribution suitable for general running shown in FIG. When the mirror is at the second position shown in FIG. 25B, the light reflected by the prism step 32d goes upward, and as shown in FIG. 26B,
Light is emitted to a position above the horizontal line H, and becomes a light distribution excellent in distant visibility that is effective when a road sign is confirmed.

The mirror driving mechanism in this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the motor ML is disposed horizontally below the frame 31, and the same reference numerals are used. The description will be omitted by adding the symbol.
FIG. 27 is a horizontal sectional view of a fog lamp according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In all of the above embodiments, the parallel light forming means is constituted by the projection type lamp body 21. In this embodiment, the parallel light forming means is constituted by the parabolic reflector 61. I have. That is, a parabolic reflector 61 is integrally formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lamp body 60, and a transparent step is formed on the front opening of the lamp body 60 on the rear surface of which a cylindrical step which is a diffusion step in the left-right direction is formed. A front lens 62 is mounted, and a bulb 63 as a light source is disposed at a substantially focal position of the reflector 61. Reference numeral 64 denotes a valve 63
This is a shade that is arranged in front of the camera and blocks light that causes glare.

The front lens 62 and the reflector 61
Between them, there is provided a light distribution control device having a structure in which mirrors 32, which are supported by a fixed bearing 37 and are rotatable about a vertical support shaft 36 and have a left-right reflection / diffusion function, are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction. A fan-shaped gear 58 is rotatably provided on the lower vertical support shaft 36A located at the center in the left-right direction of the lamp and on the optical axis L and below the mirror 32.
A horizontal arm 59 extending from the valve arm 8 to the valve 63 side is pin-coupled to the movable bearing 39 at the same position as the vertical support shaft 38 protruding from the rear side edge of the mirror 32 (reference numeral 38A denotes a connection). The movable bearing 39 swings left and right in association with the rotation of the gear 58 about the vertical support shaft 36A, whereby all the mirrors 32 rotate about the vertical support shaft 36. It has become. Although not shown, a spur gear 45a of a mirror driving mechanism shown in FIG. 4 meshes with the sector gear 58, and the movable bearing 39 can swing through the sector gear 58 by driving a motor.

The mirror 32 has a structure in which a reflecting film is formed on a thin plate made of a colored translucent material, or a structure in which a colored coating film is formed by coating a metal mirror. The illustrated cylindrical step 32a is formed. Then, at the first position where the mirror 32 is parallel to the optical axis L (see the solid line in FIG. 27), as shown in FIG. 28A, a condensed light distribution with the color of the light source light is formed, At the second position where the mirror 32 is inclined with respect to the optical axis L (see the phantom line in FIG. 27), as shown in FIG. A colored diffused light distribution is formed.

FIG. 29 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and is a horizontal sectional view of a fog lamp. In the lamp room formed by the lamp body 10 and the transparent front cover 12, in front of the light projection type lamp body 20, a thin plate-shaped lens 72 as a vertically long rectangular light distribution control optical member is provided.
Are provided in parallel in the left-right direction.

A vertical support shaft 76 protrudes from the center of the upper and lower side edges of the lens 72 in the left-right width direction. The vertical support shaft 76 is supported by the fixed bearing 37, so that each lens 72 rotates. It is a structure that can be done. A horizontal arm 77 is fixedly attached to each vertical support shaft 76, and the other end of each horizontal arm 77 is pin-connected to a movable bearing 39 slidable in the left-right direction.
By sliding the movable bearing 39 left and right, the lens 72 closes the optical path of the parallel light emitted from the lamp body 20 (see the phantom line in FIG. 29), and opens the optical path (see the solid line in FIG. 29). Can be taken alternatively.

As shown in FIGS. 30 (a) to 30 (c), the lens 72 includes a cylindrical step which is a light distribution control step for diffusing outgoing light to the left and right in the vehicle width direction, and FIGS. As shown in (f), a Fresnel step, which is also a diffusion light distribution control step in the left-right direction, is formed. 16A, the light is diffused in the left-right direction to form, for example, a light distribution diffused in the left-right direction as shown in FIG. 16A. Since the light passes between the lens 72 and the lens 72 and does not pass through the lens 72, the light emitted from the lamp does not interfere with the lens 72 at all, and a condensed light distribution as shown in FIG. 15A is formed.

In the various embodiments described above, a fog lamp has been described as an example, but the present invention can be applied to other headlights such as a headlamp and a driving lamp. In the various embodiments described above, the mirrors and lenses as the light distribution controlling optical members are arranged so as to block the entire optical path of the lamp body 21 and the parabolic reflector 61 as the parallel light forming means. You may arrange | position so that only a part of optical path may be closed.

[0038]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the automotive headlamp according to the present invention, the plate-shaped light distribution control optical member having the light distribution control step is rotated to distribute light. By selectively taking a form in which the optical member for light control faces the optical axis of the optical path of the parallel light forming means and a form in which the optical member is parallel to the optical axis, at least a part of the parallel light is controlled. Since the light distribution and the other predetermined light distribution in which the parallel light does not interfere with the light distribution control optical member at all can be formed,
Various light distributions optimal for running conditions can be formed with a simple structure.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of an automotive fog lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a horizontal sectional view of the lamp (a sectional view taken along line II-II shown in FIG. 1).

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lamp (a sectional view along line III-III shown in FIG. 1).

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a drive mechanism of a light distribution control mirror.

5A is a diagram showing a shape of a cylindrical step which is a diffusion step formed on a light distribution control mirror, FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a light reflection / diffusion effect of the mirror, and FIG.
Explanatory drawing explaining the light reflection diffusion action of the same mirror

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device of a light distribution control mirror driving mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing light distribution generated by a fog lamp when light distribution control is not performed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing light distribution generated by a fog lamp when traveling on a right-hand curved road.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing light distribution generated by a fog lamp when traveling on a left-hand curved road.

10A is an enlarged perspective view of a light distribution control mirror in which cylindrical steps are formed at predetermined intervals. FIG. 10B is an enlarged perspective view of a light distribution control mirror in which cylindrical steps are formed only at predetermined positions.

11A is an enlarged perspective view of a light distribution control mirror having a Fresnel step which is a diffusion step, and FIG. 11B is a view for explaining the light reflection and diffusion action of the mirror.

12A is an enlarged perspective view of a light distribution control mirror in which Fresnel steps are formed at predetermined intervals. FIG. 12B is an enlarged perspective view of a light distribution control mirror in which Fresnel steps are formed only at predetermined positions.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a mirror which is a light distribution controlling optical member which is a main part of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating the reflection and diffusion action of the mirror. (D) A diagram showing still another structure of the diffusion step

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device of a light distribution control mirror driving mechanism.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing light distribution during high-speed running of a fog lamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a light distribution of the fog lamp at the time of running at a medium speed.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the light distribution of the fog lamp during low-speed running.

FIG. 18 is a horizontal sectional view of a fog lamp according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lamp.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the light distribution control device of the lamp.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing light distribution of the fog lamp during high-speed running.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the light distribution of the fog lamp during low-speed running.

FIG. 23 is a front view of a fog lamp according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lamp.

FIG. 25 (a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating a light distribution control operation when the mirror is directed forward and downward. (B) An explanatory diagram illustrating a light distribution control operation when the mirror is horizontal.

26A is a diagram showing the light distribution of the same lamp when the mirror is directed forward and downward; and FIG. 26B is a diagram showing the light distribution of the same lamp when the mirror is horizontal.

FIG. 27 is a horizontal sectional view of a fog lamp according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 (a) is a diagram showing the light distribution of the same lamp during high-speed running; FIG. 28 (b) is a diagram showing the light distribution of the same lamp during low-speed running;

FIG. 29 is a horizontal sectional view of a fog lamp according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 30A to 30F are cross-sectional views showing shapes of respective light distribution control steps of a lens which is a light distribution control optical member attached to the lamp.

FIG. 31 is a horizontal sectional view of a conventional lamp.

[Explanation of symbols]

23, 63 Bulb as a light source 21 Light projection type lamp main body as a parallel light forming means 32 Mirror 32a, 32c as a light distribution controlling optical member Cylindrical step as a diffusion step 32b Fresnel step as a diffusion step 32d Light distribution control step The prism step 61 is a parabolic reflector which is a parallel light forming means 72 The lens which is an optical member for controlling light distribution

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) F21M 3/12 F21M 3/18

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A light distribution control step, comprising: a light source; parallel light forming means for converting light from the light source into substantially parallel light for guiding the light forward; and a light distribution control step arranged in parallel on an optical path of light parallelized by the parallel light forming means. Comprising a plurality of rotatable plate-like light distribution control optical members formed, by rotating the light distribution control optical member,
When the parallel light is controlled by the light distribution controlling optical member facing the optical axis direction, and when the light distribution controlling optical member is parallel to the optical axis direction, A headlamp for an automobile, wherein the light distribution is different from when the parallel light is not controlled by a member. 2. The light distribution controlling optical member includes a mirror having a diffusion step as a light distribution control step, and the light reflected by the mirror is reflected by an adjacent mirror to be diffused and distributed in a predetermined forward direction. The automotive headlight according to claim 1, wherein the headlight is illuminated. 3. The light distribution controlling optical member includes a lens having a diffusion step as a light distribution control step, and the emitted light is diffused and distributed in a predetermined forward direction by passing through the lens. The headlight for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: