JP4078151B2

JP4078151B2 - Vehicle headlamp

Info

Publication number: JP4078151B2
Application number: JP2002243564A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 均谷内; 浩一永野
Original assignee: Stanley Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Stanley Electric Co Ltd
Priority date: 2001-08-24
Filing date: 2002-08-23
Publication date: 2008-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 2022-08-23
Also published as: JP2003141912A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は車両用前照灯に関するものであり、詳細には、二輪車、一部の三輪車など旋回時に車体が傾くものとなる車両に適する車両用前照灯に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の前照灯の構成としてプロジェクタ型の前照灯９０を例として図１０に示す。前照灯９０は、光源９１と、この光源９１の位置に第一焦点ｆ１を有する回転楕円などの楕円系反射面（ellipse group reflecting surface）９２と、この反射面９２の第二焦点ｆ２の近傍に設けられたシャッタ９３と、投影レンズ９４とから構成されている。
【０００３】
前記シャッタ９３は前記反射面９２から第二焦点に収束する断面略円形状の光束中に設けられる。シャッタ９３によりこの光束の下半部を遮蔽し、上弦の略半円形の反射光をえる。反射面９２からの光束は第二焦点で収束した後には上下、左右が反転するので、シャッタ９３により上弦の半円形となった光束の断面形状は下弦の半円形として投影レンズ９４により照射方向に投射される。よって、前照灯９０からの照射光には上向き光を含まないものとなり、図１１に示すような水平方向に長い略矩形のすれ違い配光Ｓが得られる。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
二輪車においては、旋回を行う際には左カーブのときには左方向へと車体が傾く。このときに、前記前照灯９０は車体に固定されて取付けられているので、前記すれ違い配光Ｓも図１２に示すようにスクリーン上の水平軸２０に対し左下がりとなるように傾く。即ち、これから進行する左前方の方向を充分に照射できないという問題点を生じている。この問題点は運転席が旋回に伴い傾く三輪車などでも同様に生じる。
【０００５】
この解決策として、前照灯９０が、その中心軸周りを回動して、前記すれ違い配光Ｓを常に地表に対して傾かないようにする方法も提案されている。しかし、二輪車の旋回状態は様々である。
例えば、比較的に高速で走行しているときには車体を傾けるのみでハンドルはほとんど操作することなく旋回を行うが、低速のときは専らにハンドル操作で旋回を行う。そして、実際の運転においては、高速走行時に旋回することがほとんどであるから、前照灯の回動をハンドル操作と連動させることでは必ずしも全ての条件を満足させられるものとはならず、抜本的な解決策となり得ないのが実情である。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記問題点を解決すべく、本発明の目的は、旋回時に車体の傾く二輪車などにおいて、所望の配光形状を所望の方向に得ることができる車両用前照灯を提供することである。また、本発明の目的は、旋回時にも所望の配光形状の水平ラインが常に地表と平行であることを可能とする車両用前照灯を提供することである。本発明は、前記した従来の課題を解決するための具体的手段として、以下の構成の車両に搭載される車両用前照灯を提供する。すなわち、光源と、投影レンズと、少なくとも一部に可動部を有する第一楕円系反射面であって、該第一楕円系反射面は第一焦点を有し、該第一焦点は光源の位置にあり、該第一楕円系反射面からの反射光は、投影レンズに入射するよう設定されており、該可動部に少なくとも一つの開口部を有する第一楕円系反射面と、該第一楕円系反射面の可動部に設けられた該開口部の移動範囲をカバーする領域に対応して設けられている第二楕円系反射面であって、該第二楕円系反射面は第一焦点を有し、該第一焦点は光源の位置にあり、該第二楕円系反射面からの反射光は、投影レンズに入射するよう設定されている第二楕円系反射面と、前記第一楕円系反射面の可動部に接続する駆動部と、該第一楕円系反射面の可動部を回動可能に所定位置に保持する固定部材とを備え、投影レンズからの照射光の配光形状は、その長辺が水平方向に沿う略矩形となるようにされ、前記第一楕円系反射面可動部は駆動部の駆動により、該配光形状の長辺が灯具の傾斜に依らず、地表に対して水平を保つように回動が行われ、前記第一楕円系反射面の開口部を通った光は、第二楕円系反射面の少なくとも一部により反射され、所望の方向へ集束して照射されることを特徴とする車両用前照灯である。
従来旋回時には車体が傾き、これに伴い車両用前照灯も傾いて配光形状も傾くものとなるのを、本発明の車両用前照灯によれば、前記可動部を回動させることで、地表（路面）と常に平行な略矩形の配光形状を得る構成を提供して問題点を解決する。また、可動部と連動するシャッタ部を一体に設けることで、所望の配光形状を所望の方向に得ることが可能となる。さらに、前記第一楕円系反射面の開口部と第二楕円系反射面の位置の相対的移動を利用して旋回方向に向けて光を偏寄させることで一層に視認性を向上させる。よって、この種の車両用前照灯の性能向上に極めて優れた効果を奏するものである。
ここで、本発明による車両用前照灯は、更に前記第一楕円系反射面の可動部と連動のシャッタ部を有し、前記第一楕円系反射面の可動部は駆動部の駆動によりシャッタ部上端が地表に対して水平を保つように回動が行われることが好ましい。
また、車両用前照灯において、前記第一楕円系反射面の可動部とシャッタ部は一体に形成されていることが好ましい。
また、本発明の車両用前照灯において、車体が傾斜した時、開口部７ｃを通って第二楕円系反射面によって反射された光は、進行方向の前方を照射する。
本発明の車両用前照灯において、前記第二楕円系反射面の第二焦点は、投影レンズの焦点付近に位置することが好ましい。
本発明の車両用前照灯において、前記第一楕円系反射面は固定部を有し、前記第二楕円系反射面の開口部をカバーする部分は、前記第一楕円系反射面の固定部と段差部によってつながっていることが好ましい。
本車両用前照灯において、前記第一楕円系反射面は、さらに、可動部より後方に位置する固定部を有し、該固定部と可動部は連続した一つの面として機能することが好ましい。
本車両用前照灯においては、前記第一楕円系反射面は、第二楕円系反射面の内側に位置することが好ましい。
本車両用前照灯において、第一楕円系反射面の回動は、前記駆動部を介して、車体傾きセンサの出力、走行速度センサからの出力、あるいはハンドルの操作角センサ、からの出力に応じて行われることが好ましい。
本車両用前照灯において、前記駆動部はモータとかみ合わせ歯車から成ることが好ましい。
【０００７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明を図に示す実施形態に基づいて詳細に説明する。図１、２に符号１で示すものは本発明に係る第一実施形態の車両用前照灯である。この車両用前照灯１は光源３と、投影レンズ５と、固定反射面部４（固定部とも称す）と、固定ヶ所２と、可動部７とから構成されている。固定反射面部４は、回転楕円面等の楕円系反射面とされた第一楕円系反射面の一部として機能し、その第一焦点ｆ１の位置に光源３を配置し、その第二焦点ｆ２の位置付近に投影レンズ５の焦点を配置する。固定ヶ所２は、第二楕円系反射面６と固定部材９とからなる。第二楕円系反射面６の第一焦点の位置に光源３を配置し、その第二焦点ｆ２の位置に投影レンズ５の焦点を配置する。この車両用前照灯１は基本的にはプロジェクタ型の前照灯である。固定部材９は、第二楕円系反射面６と嵌合して固定ヶ所２を構成する。固定部材９は同時に、第一楕円系反射面の固定反射面部４と共に可動部７を、車両用前照灯１の中心線Ｚを軸として回動可能に保持する機能を有している。第一楕円系反射面の固定反射面部４と第二楕円系反射面６とは、可動部７を所定位置に確実に保持するために段差部を設けて接続することが望ましい。可動部７側に突起部を、固定反射面部４側に円周方向に形成した溝部を設けることにより、固定反射面部４に対し可動部７を回転可能に確実に保持できるものとなる。図４の車両用前照灯１では、固定部材９は、投影レンズ５を所定位置に保持する機能も有しているが、固定部材９は、必ずしも、可動部７を所定位置に保持する機能と、投影レンズ５を保持する機能の両方を兼ね備えている必要はない。例えば、可動部７を所定位置に保持するための部材と、投影レンズを所定位置に保持するための部材が互いの境界部で接続されていてもよい。
【０００８】
可動部７は、前記第一楕円系反射面の一部を構成する可動反射面部７ａと、配光を形成するためのシャッタ部７ｂ（ロービーム用の場合）と、前記可動反射面部７ａの一部を切欠いて形成した開口部７ｃとから構成されている。可動部７は前記固定ヶ所２に対して、前記車両用前照灯１の中心線Ｚを軸として回動自在となるように取付けられている。なお、ハイビーム用として車両用前照灯１を使用する場合は、シャッタ部７ｂは無くても良い。また、前記第二楕円系反射面６は、前記第一楕円系反射面４の外側に位置し、可動する第一楕円系反射面に設けられた前記開口部７ｃの移動範囲をカバーする領域に設けられている。また、開口部７ｃの形状は所望のものであってよく、図６はその例を示す。
【０００９】
ここで、前記第一楕円系反射面の固定反射面部４と可動反射面部７ａとは、車両用灯具１として必要充分な大きさを有するように形成された一つの楕円系反射面を、前記中心線Ｚに直交する面で切断して形成されている。従って、前記固定反射面部４と可動反射面部７ａとが組合わされた状態では、上記した開口部７ｃの部分を除いては、光源３に対して一体の楕円反射面と同じ作用を行うものとなる。本発明において、「楕円系反射面」という用語は、全体として楕円叉は楕円に類似する曲面、例えば、回転楕円面、複合楕円面、楕円系自由曲面、あるいはその組み合わせを意味する。楕円系反射面の第一焦点に光源が位置している時、その光源から出た光は、その楕円系反射面の第二焦点に集束する。
【００１０】
そして、固定反射面部４と可動反射面部７ａとが組合わされて構成される第一楕円系反射面の第二焦点ｆ２及び前記シャッタ部７ｂは、投影レンズ５の焦点近傍に位置するように設けられている。また、上記のように組合わされた第一楕円系反射面の固定反射面部４と可動反射面部７ａとには初期位置が設定されている。この初期位置は、この車両用前照灯１を車体１０（図４（Ａ）（１）参照）に取付け、且つ、車体が傾いていない状態で前記シャッタ部７ｂが前記した楕円反射面４からの反射光を遮蔽することにより路面に対して水平な明暗境界線Ｈｈを与える位置（図４（Ａ）（２）参照）とされている。なお、シャッタ部７ｂ上端は、直線状としたが、実際には希望する配光パターンに合わせて種々の形状のカットラインに形成してもよい。例えば、左側通行用の自動車等四輪用灯具として車両用前照灯１を使用する場合は、配光パターンが左１５°上がり部分を含むように、運転席側から見た状態で、シャッタ部７ｂ上端右半分が、上端の中心から右下方へ１５度傾斜する一辺となるよう設定する。
【００１１】
前記可動部７には開口部７ｃが設けられる。本発明の第一実施形態では前記開口部７ｃは上記初期位置における反射面部７ａの上方となる位置に設けられる。前記固定ヶ所２側には前記開口部７ｃに対応して、後に説明するように車体１０の傾きに応じて所定方向に反射光を生じるものとした第二楕円系反射面６が設けられている。
【００１２】
前記可動部７には、例えば車体の傾斜を検出する傾斜センサ（図示せず）からの信号に応じて回転するモータ８ａと歯車８ｂとによる駆動部８が設けられ、車体１０が傾斜した場合に可動部７を本車両用前照灯１の中心線Ｚを軸として回動させる。
【００１３】
図４（１）は、前記可動部７の車体１０の傾斜に対する動作を模式的に示すものである。図４（Ａ）（１）は車体１０の直進時の状態を示し、このときには車体１０は傾いていないので、可動部７は固定反射面部４に対し初期位置の状態にある。この時、前記開口部７ｃは第二楕円系反射面６の中央部６ｃに位置する。尚、図４（Ａ）（１）から４（Ｃ）（１）においては車体１０、可動部７、第二楕円系反射面６などは運転席側から見る状態で示してある。
【００１４】
本発明においては、この直進状態においては、車両用前照灯１は、以後の進行方向である車体１０の正面方向を明るく照射するように構成されていればよい。ここで、前記第二楕円系反射面６の中央部６ｃはその第一焦点の位置に光源３が配置されている形状であり、前記固定反射面部４の第二焦点ｆ２の近傍に第二焦点が位置する回転楕円面などとして形成されている。この中央部６ｃからの反射光も図４（Ａ）（２）に補助配光Ｈ６Ｃで示すように、前記第一楕円系反射面の固定反射面部４、可動反射面部７の反射面部７ａ、および、シャッタ部７ｂにより形成される水平方向に長い略矩形の主配光Ｈｍと同様、車体１０の正面方向を水平な明暗境界線Ｈｈを有して照射する。
【００１５】
図４（Ｂ）（１）は車体１０が左旋回を行っているときの状態を示すものであり、このときには車体は進行方向に向かって左側に傾けられる。このように車体１０が傾くと、例えば車体傾きセンサ（図示せず）はその傾きを検出し、駆動部８により可動部７を固定反射面部４に対して回動する。例えば、左旋回時には、進行方向に向かって、時計回りに可動部７を回動することにより、前記シャッタ部７ｂを水平な明暗境界線Ｈｈを形成する位置とする。従って、前記第一楕円系反射面の固定反射面部４、可動部７の一部である第一楕円系反射面の可動反射面部７ａ、および、シャッタ部７ｂにより形成される主配光Ｈｍは、車体１０が傾いた状態においても、上記に説明した直進時と同じ形状の配光が得られる。
【００１６】
ここで、前記開口部７ｃと第二楕円系反射面６との位置関係について考察してみると、固定反射面部４は車体１０の傾斜につれて傾斜するのに対し、可動部７は駆動部８の作動により正立位置を保つ。したがって、前記開口部７ｃを基準として見れば補助反射面６側が移動するものとなる。
【００１７】
本発明では、前記第二楕円系反射面６に対して、車体１０が左に傾いたときに前記開口部７ｃを通った光は、第二楕円系反射面６の左対応部６ｌに到達する。左対応部６ｌからの反射光は、所定領域即ち左側前方を集中的に照射する。このようにすることで、この左対応部６ｌからの補助配光Ｈ６Ｌは図４（Ｂ）（２）に示すように主配光Ｈｍの垂直中心線Ｖに対して左側に位置する。即ち、これからの車体１０の進行方向を明るく照射する。
【００１８】
図４（Ｃ）（１）は車体１０が右旋回を行うときの状態を示すものである。上記で説明したのと同様な作用により車体１０が右に傾いたときには、前記開口部７ｃを通った光は第二楕円系反射面６の右対応部６ｒに到達する。右対応部６ｒからの反射光は、所定領域即ち右側前方を集中的に照射する。図４（Ｃ）（２）に示すように補助配光Ｈ６Ｒは主配光Ｈｍの垂直中心線Ｖに対して右側の所定領域を明るく照射する。
なお、第二楕円系反射面６の中央部６ｃ、左対応部６ｌ、右対応部６ｒは、単一の楕円系反射面として形成されてもよいし、異なる複数の楕円系反射面の組み合わせであってもよい。また、可動部の移動に伴い、第二楕円系反射面６からの反射光により構成される照射領域は、徐々に移動していくことが望ましいので、第二楕円系反射面６の各構成要素は、中央部６ｃ、左対応部６ｌ、右対応部６ｒの３つに限られるものではなく、適切な数で設けられ、或いは連続した一つの面の一部として構成される。複数の楕円系反射面を組み合わせる場合、第二楕円系反射面６の各構成要素の境界部は外見上目立たない程度の連続性を持つものとするのことが望ましい。
【００１９】
本発明の車両用前照灯１によれば、旋回時に車体１０が傾く二輪車などの車両にあっても、車体１０の傾きにつれて配光のカットオフラインが傾くことなく、常に路面と平行な状態を保つ。したがって、視認性が向上するばかりでなく、可動反射面７の開口部７ｃと第二楕円系反射面６との相互の位置関係を変化させることで旋回方向、言い換えれば、進路方向が明るく照射され、一層に視認性が向上するものとなる。
【００２０】
図５〜６に本発明の第二実施形態に係る車両用前照灯２０を示す。車両用前照灯２０は、光源３と、投影レンズ５と、第一楕円系反射面７（可動部あるいは可動反射面７とも称す）と、第二楕円系反射面６と、シャッタ部７ｂと、駆動部８と、固定部材９とで構成される。第一楕円系反射面７はその第一焦点ｆ１の位置に光源３が配置され、その第二焦点ｆ２を投影レンズ５の焦点付近に配置している。第一楕円系反射面７は可動反射面部７ａからなる。第二楕円系反射面６は、第一楕円系反射面７の外側に位置し、その第一焦点ｆ１の位置に光源３が配置され、その第二焦点ｆ２を投影レンズ５の焦点付近に配置している。シャッタ部７ｂは前記第一楕円系反射面７の可動反射面部７ａと一体として形成されている。駆動部８は第一楕円系反射面７に接続されそれを駆動する。第一実施形態と同一の個所については説明を省略する。本実施形態の車両用前照灯２０と第一実施形態の車両用前照灯１では、開口部７ｃの位置が異なっており、これに伴い第一楕円系反射面７、第二楕円系反射面６の構成が第１実施形態と異なっている。
【００２１】
本実施形態において、車両用前照灯２０の開口部７ｃは、第一楕円系反射面７の側方に一対すなわち両側方に１つずつ設けられている。また、第二楕円系反射面６は、開口部７ｃの可動範囲をカバーする位置に設けられるため、これに対応して車両用前照灯２０においては側方の両側に設けられている。また、第一楕円系反射面は、固定反射面部４を有さず、可動反射面部７ａのみから成っている。車両用前照灯２０において、固定ヶ所２は第二楕円系反射面６及び固定部材９である。
可動反射面部７ａは、シャッタ部７ｂと一体となっており、駆動部８の駆動により、固定部材９に対して、前記車両用前照灯２０の中心線Ｚを軸として回動する。
可動部７の開口部７ｃの大きさは、第二楕円系反射面６の反射光に要求される照射領域と照度分布に応じて適宜決定される。図６では、開口部７ｃを大きく取り、リム部分７ｄのみを残すものとして示している。しかし本発明においては、開口部７ｃの形状はこれに限られるものではない。
【００２２】
なお、第二楕円系反射面６は、全周に亘って設けられていても良いが、軽量化、コスト等の観点から、図６のように必要な部分にのみ設けられることが好ましい。また、固定部材９は、第二楕円系反射面６との間に可動部７を挟みこみ、可動部７を、前照灯２０の中心線Zを軸とする回動可能な状態で所定位置に保持している。第一楕円系反射面７のリム部７ｄが第二楕円系反射面６の光源側周縁部６ｄに押し当てられた状態で、固定部材９は、第二楕円系反射面６の投影レンズ側周縁部でネジ等で固定される。
【００２３】
図８は、前記可動部７の車体１０の傾斜に対する動作を模式的に示すものである。車体１０については、その垂直軸方向のみを示す。まず、図８（Ａ）は車体１０の直進時の状態を示す。このときには図８（Ａ）（１）に示すように、車体１０は傾いていないので、可動部７は固定部材９に対し初期位置の状態にある。図８（Ａ）（２）に示すように、前記開口部７ｃは第二楕円系反射面６の中央部６ｃ１、６ｃ２と向き合うように位置する。尚、図８においては可動部７、第二楕円系反射面６などは運転席側から見る状態で示してある。
【００２４】
本発明においては、この直進状態においては、車両用前照灯２０は、以後の進行方向である車体１０の正面方向を明るく照射するように構成されていればよい。ここで、前記第二楕円系反射面６の中央部６ｃ１、６ｃ２はその第一焦点の位置に光源３が配置され、前記投影レンズ５の焦点ｆ２の近傍に第二焦点が位置する回転楕円面などとして形成されている。よって、この中央部６ｃ１、６ｃ２からの反射光も図８（Ａ）（３）に補助配光Ｈ６Ｃで示すように、前記第一楕円系反射面７の可動反射面部７ａ、および、シャッタ部７ｂにより形成される主配光Ｈｍと同様、車体１０の正面方向を水平な明暗境界線Ｈｈを有して照射する。
【００２５】
図８（Ｂ）は車体１０が左旋回を行っているときの状態を示すものである。
このときには車体は進行方向に向かって左側に傾けられ、駆動部８により可動部７の固定部材９に対する回動が行われる。例えば、左旋回時には、進行方向に向かって、時計回りに可動部７を回動することにより、前記シャッタ部７ｂを水平な明暗境界線Ｈｈを形成する位置とする。従って、前記第一楕円系反射面７の可動反射面部７ａ、および、シャッタ部７ｂにより形成される主配光Ｈｍは、車体１０が傾いた状態においても、上記に説明した直進時と同じ形状の配光が得られるものとなる。
【００２６】
ここで、前記開口部７ｃと第二楕円系反射面６との位置関係について考察してみると、固定部材９は車体１０の傾斜につれて傾斜するのに対し、可動部７は駆動部８の作動により正立位置を保つものであるので、前記開口部７ｃは第二楕円系反射面６の左側上方部分６ｌ１及び右側下方部分６ｌ２と向き合う。
【００２７】
本発明では、前記第二楕円系反射面６に対して、車体１０が左に傾いたときに前記開口部７ｃを通った光が到達する第二楕円系反射面６の左対応部６ｌ１，６ｌ２からの反射光が、所定領域Ｈ６Ｌ即ち左側前方を集中的に照射する。これによりこの左対応部６ｌからの補助配光Ｈ６Ｌは図８（Ｂ）（３）に示すように主配光Ｈｍの垂直中心線Ｖに対して左側に位置する。即ち、これからの車体１０の進行方向を明るく照射する。
【００２８】
図８（Ｃ）は車体１０が右旋回を行うときの状態を示すものである。上記で説明したのと同様な作用により車体１０が右に傾いたときには、図８（ｃ）（２）に示すように、前記開口部７ｃを通った光は第二楕円系反射面６の右対応部６ｒ１、６ｒ２に到達する。６ｒ１は、第二楕円系反射面６の左側下方部分であり、６ｒ２は、第二楕円系反射面６の右側上方部分である。この第二楕円系反射面６の右対応部６ｒ１，６ｒ２からの反射光が、所定領域Ｈ６Ｒ即ち右側前方を集中的に照射する。図８（Ｃ）（３）（４）に示すように補助配光Ｈ６Ｒは主配光Ｈｍ中の垂直中心線Ｖに対して右側の所定領域を明るく照射する。
【００２９】
即ち、本実施形態の車両用前照灯２０においても、旋回時に車体１０が傾く二輪車などの車両にあっても、車体１０の傾きにつれて配光のカットオフラインが傾くことなく、常に路面と平行な状態を保つので視認性が向上する。これにくわえ、可動反射面７の開口部７ｃと第二楕円系反射面６との相互の位置関係を変化させることで旋回方向、言い換えれば、進路方向が明るく照射され、一層に視認性が向上する。
【００３０】
なお、第二楕円系反射面６を設ける領域については、開口部７ｃの可動範囲をカバーするものであれば良く、車体１０の傾斜角度が大きい時、即ち可動部７の固定ヶ所２に対する相対的移動距離が大きい場合でも、開口部７ｃを通った光が確実に第二楕円系反射面６により捕捉されるようにするため、第二楕円系反射面６が開口部７ｃの可動範囲よりも適宜広い領域に設けられていることが望ましい。
また、第二楕円系反射面６の上辺６ａと下辺６ｂの位置は、第二楕円系反射面６の反射光に要求される配光特性、例えば、照射領域と照度分布に応じて調整され、第二楕円系反射面６の光軸Z方向の長さと幅、搭載される車両の傾斜の態様、例えば角度等も考慮の上決定される。
【００３１】
図７は第二実施形態としての車両用前照灯２０の可動部７の変形例を示すものである。可動部７に関して、開口部７ｃを大きく取る場合は、図６に示すように第二楕円系反射面の光源側周縁部６ｄに押し当てられる部分であるリム７ｄを、衝撃等による変形防止のため設定しておいてもよい。また、変形等の恐れがない場合は、図８に示すように、リム７ｄは無くても良い。また、シャッタ部７ｂと可動反射面部７aは一体成形されてもよいが、別体として成形し、ネジ等で固定してもよい。
【００３２】
尚、実際の実施に当たっては、例えば二輪車などにおいては、低速走行時には旋回は専らにハンドルの操作で行われ、車体１０にはそれ程の傾きを生じることがないのに対して、高速走行時にはハンドルの操作はほとんど行われず、専らに車体を傾けることで行われるなど、車体１０に生じる傾きには走行速度に依存する部分もかなり認められる。したがって、本発明においては前記駆動部８に入力する信号は上記した傾斜センサのみでなく、ハンドルの操作角センサ、走行速度センサ車体などからの出力も必要に応じて採用することが好ましい。
【００３３】
図９（Ａ）は、モータ８aの制御回路９を示すブロック図である。図中実線経路は、モータ８ａの駆動条件として車体傾きセンサーの出力結果だけである場合を示し、一点鎖線経路は、車体傾きセンサーの出力結果の他に、走行速度センサー及びハンドル操作角センサーから出力結果を参照する場合を示す。
まず、モータ８ａの駆動条件が車体傾きセンサーの出力結果だけである場合（図中実線経路）の制御回路９の構成を説明する。制御回路９は、モータ駆動回路９ａと比較回路９ｂから成る。モータ駆動回路９aの出力側はモータ８ａに接続されている。モータ駆動回路９ａは，比較回路９ｂからの入力に応じて駆動される。比較回路９ｂは、入力側は、可動部７に取り付けられたポテンショメータ１１、車体傾き検出器１２の出力側に接続されている。比較回路９ｂの出力側は、モータ駆動回路９ａに接続されている。ポテンショメータ１１の歯車部１１ａは可動部７のギア部と噛み合っている。なお、ポテンショメータ１１を取り付ける位置は、基本的には可動部７のどの部分でも良いが、生産効率等を考えると、可動部７に設けられるギア部の端に設けられることが望ましい。
比較回路の信号処理について説明する。ポテンショメータ１１の端子電圧即ち車両用灯具１の傾きを示す信号と、基準電圧即ち車体傾き検出センサー１２からの電圧が、比較回路９ｂ内で比較され、そこに差があれば、その差に応じて駆動信号が出力される。この駆動信号は、モータ駆動回路に直接出力され、それによりモータ８ａが駆動され、歯車８ｂを介して可動部７が回動される。そして、車体傾き検出センサー１２からの電圧とポテンショメータ１１の端子電圧が同じ値である時は、駆動信号はモータ駆動回路９ａに出力されない。
【００３４】
次に、モータ８ａの駆動条件が車体傾きセンサーの出力結果の他に、必要に応じて走行速度センサー１３、ハンドルの操作角センサー１４が、制御回路９に設けられる場合（図中一点鎖線経路）の制御回路９の構成を説明する。制御回路９は、モータ駆動回路９ａ、比較回路９ｂ、信号処理回路９ｃを含み、信号処理回路９ｃが比較回路９ｂとモータ駆動回路９ａの間に設けられる。比較回路９ｂの入力側は、車体傾きセンサー１２の出力側及びポテンショメータ１１の出力側に接続されており、比較回路９ｂの出力側は、信号処理回路９ｃの入力側に接続されている。比較回路内の作動は、実線経路の場合と同じである。
モータ駆動回路９ａは、入力側を信号処理回路９ｃの出力側に有し、出力側をモータ８ａに有しており、信号処理回路９ｃからの入力に応じてモータ８ａの駆動信号を出力する。
制御回路９の作動については、信号処理回路９ｃにおいて、比較回路９ｂからから出力されたモータ駆動信号を、走行速度センサー及び或いはハンドル操作角センサーからの出力を参照することにより適宜補正するよう処理される。例えば、走行速度センサー１３からの出力が、例えば走行速度５ｋｍ／ｈ未満である時（運転者がバイクを押して歩いている時）は、比較回路９ｂで差が検出されても、モータ駆動回路９ａは駆動されないよう設定されてよい。或いは、低速走行時はハンドル操作角センサー１４からの信号を優先処理し、中・高走行時は比較回路９ｂからの出力を優先するよう設定してもよい。
【００３５】
また、図示は省略するが、走行速度センサ１３を車体傾きセンサー１２及びポテンショメータ１１の入力側に取り付け、走行速度５ｋｍ／ｈ未満の場合は、車体傾きセンサー１２及びポテンショメータ１１が駆動されないようにしてもよい。
なお、図９では、センサーは、車体傾きセンサー１２だけの使用例、車体傾きセンサー１２、走行速度センサー１３、ハンドル操作角センサー１４の三種の使用例を示したが、センサーの種類と数はこれに限られるものでなく、他の種類のセンサーを使ってもよいし、どれか一種類を単独で使用してもよいし、２種類以上の組み合わせであってもよい。
【００３６】
本発明の効果について説明する。第一に、車両用前照灯１、２０は、その作動中いつでも、配光の水平ラインを地表と平行に保つことができる。この利点は、車両用前照灯１、２０が、車体の傾斜が大きい二輪車、三輪車に搭載された場合効果的である。第二に、車両用前照灯１、２０の構成は、可動部７が固定部材９と第二楕円反射面の間で回動自在に保持されるようになっており、この構成は可動部７の駆動機構を簡素なものとすることを可能にしている。この利点は、量産効率とコストの面で有利である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る車両用前照灯の第一実施形態を示す断面図である。
【図２】本発明の第一実施形態である車両用前照灯の斜視分解図である。
【図３】本発明に係る車両用前照灯の開口部の形状の変形例を示す斜視図である。
【図４】本発明に係る第一実施形態の車両用前照灯の（１）車体の傾きに応じた第一楕円系反射面と第二楕円系反射面の位置関係、（２）第二楕円系反射面からの反射光から成る配光及び車両用前照灯全体からの配光特性を示す説明図である。
【図５】本発明に係る第二実施形態を示す車両用前照灯のランプ光軸Ｚに沿った（ａ）水平断面図（ｂ）垂直断面図である。
【図６】本発明の第二実施形態による車両用前照灯の斜視分解図である。
【図７】本発明に係る第二実施形態による車両用前照灯の可動部の変形例を示す斜視図である。
【図８】本発明に係る第二実施形態の車両用前照灯の（１）車体の傾きに応じた第一楕円系反射面と第二楕円系反射面の位置関係、（２）第二楕円系反射面の反射領域（３）第二楕円系反射面からの反射光から成る配光（４）車両用前照灯全体からの配光特性を示す説明図である。
【図９】本発明の第一実施形態による（A）モータを駆動するための制御回路を示すブロック図（B）ポテンショメータを可動部に取り付けた状態を示す斜視図である。
【図１０】従来例を示す断面図である。
【図１１】従来例の配光特性を示す説明図である。
【図１２】従来例の車両用灯具において車体が傾いたときの配光特性を示す説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１……車両用前照灯
２……本体部
３……光源
４……楕円反射面
５……投影レンズ
６……補助反射面
６ｃ……中央部
６ｌ……左対応部
６ｒ……右対応部
７……可動反射面
７ａ……反射面部
７ｂ……シャッタ部
７ｃ……開口部
８……駆動部
１０……車体[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicular headlamp, and more particularly to a vehicular headlamp suitable for a vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle or a part of a three-wheeled vehicle in which a vehicle body tilts when turning.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 10 shows a projector-type headlamp 90 as an example of the configuration of a conventional headlamp. The headlamp 90 includes a light source 91, an ellipse group reflecting surface 92 such as a spheroid having a first focal point f1 at the position of the light source 91, and the vicinity of the second focal point f2 of the reflective surface 92. And a projection lens 94.
[0003]
The shutter 93 is provided in a light beam having a substantially circular cross section that converges from the reflecting surface 92 to the second focal point. The shutter 93 shields the lower half of this light beam and obtains a reflected light having a substantially semicircular upper string. After the light beam from the reflecting surface 92 is converged at the second focal point, the vertical and horizontal directions are reversed. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the light beam that has become a semicircular shape of the upper chord by the shutter 93 is changed to the irradiation direction by the projection lens 94 as a semicircular shape of the lower chord. Projected. Therefore, the irradiation light from the headlamp 90 does not include upward light, and a substantially rectangular passing light distribution S that is long in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 11 is obtained.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In a two-wheeled vehicle, when making a turn, the vehicle body tilts to the left in the case of a left curve. At this time, since the headlamp 90 is fixedly attached to the vehicle body, the passing light distribution S is also tilted to the left with respect to the horizontal axis 20 on the screen as shown in FIG. That is, there is a problem that the left front direction which will proceed from now on cannot be sufficiently irradiated. This problem also occurs in a tricycle or the like in which the driver's seat is tilted as the vehicle turns.
[0005]
As a solution, a method has been proposed in which the headlamp 90 rotates around its central axis so that the passing light distribution S does not always tilt with respect to the ground surface. However, the turning state of a motorcycle is various.
For example, when the vehicle is traveling at a relatively high speed, the vehicle turns only by tilting the vehicle body with little operation, while at a low speed, the vehicle turns exclusively by operating the handle. And in actual driving, it is most likely to turn during high-speed driving, so it is not always possible to satisfy all conditions by interlocking the rotation of the headlamp with the steering wheel operation. The reality is that it cannot be a proper solution.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular headlamp capable of obtaining a desired light distribution shape in a desired direction in a two-wheeled vehicle or the like in which a vehicle body is inclined when turning. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlamp that enables a horizontal line having a desired light distribution shape to be always parallel to the ground surface even when turning. The present invention provides a vehicle headlamp mounted on a vehicle having the following configuration as a specific means for solving the above-described conventional problems. That is, a first elliptical reflective surface having a light source, a projection lens, and a movable part at least in part, wherein the first elliptical reflective surface has a first focal point, and the first focal point is a position of the light source. The reflected light from the first elliptical reflective surface is set to be incident on the projection lens, and the first elliptical reflective surface having at least one opening in the movable portion, and the first elliptical A second elliptical reflecting surface provided corresponding to a region covering the moving range of the opening provided in the movable part of the system reflecting surface, wherein the second elliptical reflecting surface has a first focal point. The first focal point is at the position of the light source, and the reflected light from the second elliptical reflective surface is set to enter the projection lens; and the first elliptical reflective surface The drive unit connected to the movable part of the reflective surface and the movable part of the first elliptical reflective surface are held in place so as to be rotatable. And the light distribution shape of the irradiation light from the projection lens is such that its long side is substantially rectangular along the horizontal direction, and the first elliptical reflecting surface movable portion is driven by the driving portion. The long side of the light distribution shape is rotated so as to remain horizontal with respect to the ground surface regardless of the inclination of the lamp, and the light passing through the opening of the first elliptical reflecting surface is A vehicular headlamp that is reflected by at least a part of a system reflection surface and is focused and irradiated in a desired direction.
According to the vehicle headlamp of the present invention, the vehicle body is tilted at the time of conventional turning, and the vehicle headlamp is tilted and the light distribution shape is tilted. The problem is solved by providing a configuration that obtains a substantially rectangular light distribution shape that is always parallel to the ground surface (road surface). Further, by providing the shutter unit that is interlocked with the movable unit, it is possible to obtain a desired light distribution shape in a desired direction. Furthermore, the visibility is further improved by biasing the light toward the turning direction using the relative movement of the opening of the first elliptical reflective surface and the position of the second elliptical reflective surface. Therefore, it has an extremely excellent effect on improving the performance of this type of vehicle headlamp.
Here, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention further includes a shutter portion interlocked with the movable portion of the first elliptical reflecting surface, and the movable portion of the first elliptical reflecting surface is shuttered by driving of the driving portion. It is preferable that the rotation is performed so that the upper end of the part is kept horizontal with respect to the ground surface.
In the vehicle headlamp, it is preferable that the movable portion and the shutter portion of the first elliptical reflecting surface are integrally formed.
In the vehicle headlamp of the present invention, when the vehicle body is inclined, the light reflected by the second elliptical reflecting surface through the opening 7c irradiates the front in the traveling direction.
In the vehicle headlamp of the present invention, it is preferable that the second focal point of the second elliptical reflecting surface is located in the vicinity of the focal point of the projection lens.
In the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention, the first elliptical reflective surface has a fixed portion, and the portion covering the opening of the second elliptical reflective surface is the fixed portion of the first elliptical reflective surface. And are preferably connected by a stepped portion.
In the vehicle headlamp, the first elliptical reflecting surface preferably further includes a fixed portion located behind the movable portion, and the fixed portion and the movable portion preferably function as one continuous surface. .
In the vehicle headlamp, the first elliptical reflective surface is preferably located inside the second elliptical reflective surface.
In the vehicle headlamp, the rotation of the first elliptical reflecting surface is output to the output of the vehicle body tilt sensor, the output from the traveling speed sensor, or the output from the steering angle sensor via the drive unit. It is preferable to be performed accordingly.
In the vehicle headlamp, it is preferable that the drive unit includes a motor and a meshing gear.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments shown in the drawings. What is shown by the code | symbol 1 in FIG.1, 2 is the vehicle headlamp of 1st embodiment which concerns on this invention. The vehicle headlamp 1 includes a light source 3, a projection lens 5, a fixed reflecting surface portion 4 (also referred to as a fixed portion), a fixed location 2, and a movable portion 7. The fixed reflecting surface portion 4 functions as a part of the first elliptical reflecting surface which is an elliptical reflecting surface such as a spheroid, and the light source 3 is disposed at the position of the first focal point f1, and the second focal point f2 thereof. The focal point of the projection lens 5 is arranged near the position of. The fixing location 2 is composed of a second elliptical reflecting surface 6 and a fixing member 9. The light source 3 is disposed at the position of the first focal point of the second elliptical reflecting surface 6, and the focal point of the projection lens 5 is disposed at the position of the second focal point f2. The vehicle headlamp 1 is basically a projector-type headlamp. The fixing member 9 is engaged with the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 to constitute the fixing point 2. At the same time, the fixing member 9 has a function of holding the movable portion 7 together with the fixed reflecting surface portion 4 of the first elliptical reflecting surface so as to be rotatable about the center line Z of the vehicle headlamp 1. It is desirable that the fixed reflective surface portion 4 of the first elliptical reflective surface and the second elliptical reflective surface 6 are connected by providing a stepped portion in order to securely hold the movable portion 7 at a predetermined position. By providing a protrusion on the movable portion 7 side and a groove formed in the circumferential direction on the fixed reflecting surface portion 4 side, the movable portion 7 can be reliably held rotatably with respect to the fixed reflecting surface portion 4. In the vehicle headlamp 1 of FIG. 4, the fixing member 9 also has a function of holding the projection lens 5 in a predetermined position, but the fixing member 9 does not necessarily have a function of holding the movable portion 7 in a predetermined position. It is not necessary to have both the function of holding the projection lens 5. For example, a member for holding the movable part 7 at a predetermined position and a member for holding the projection lens at a predetermined position may be connected at the boundary between each other.
[0008]
The movable part 7 includes a movable reflective surface part 7a that constitutes a part of the first elliptical reflective surface, a shutter part 7b for forming a light distribution (for a low beam), and a part of the movable reflective surface part 7a. It is comprised from the opening part 7c formed by notching. The movable portion 7 is attached to the fixed portion 2 so as to be rotatable about the center line Z of the vehicle headlamp 1. In addition, when using the vehicle headlamp 1 for high beams, the shutter portion 7b may not be provided. The second elliptical reflective surface 6 is located outside the first elliptical reflective surface 4 and covers an area that covers the moving range of the opening 7c provided on the movable first elliptical reflective surface. Is provided. Moreover, the shape of the opening part 7c may be a desired one, and FIG. 6 shows an example thereof.
[0009]
Here, the fixed reflective surface portion 4 and the movable reflective surface portion 7a of the first elliptical reflective surface have one elliptical reflective surface formed so as to have a necessary and sufficient size for the vehicular lamp 1 as the center. It is formed by cutting along a plane orthogonal to the line Z. Therefore, in the state in which the fixed reflection surface portion 4 and the movable reflection surface portion 7a are combined, the light source 3 performs the same action as the integrated elliptical reflection surface except for the opening portion 7c described above. . In the present invention, the term “elliptic reflecting surface” means a curved surface similar to an ellipse or an ellipse as a whole, for example, a spheroidal surface, a composite ellipsoid, an elliptic free surface, or a combination thereof. When the light source is located at the first focal point of the elliptical reflecting surface, the light emitted from the light source is focused on the second focal point of the elliptical reflecting surface.
[0010]
The second focal point f2 of the first elliptical reflective surface configured by combining the fixed reflective surface portion 4 and the movable reflective surface portion 7a and the shutter portion 7b are provided so as to be positioned in the vicinity of the focal point of the projection lens 5. ing. Further, initial positions are set for the fixed reflecting surface portion 4 and the movable reflecting surface portion 7a of the first elliptical reflecting surface combined as described above. In this initial position, the vehicular headlamp 1 is attached to the vehicle body 10 (see FIGS. 4A and 4), and the shutter portion 7b is moved from the elliptical reflecting surface 4 in a state where the vehicle body is not inclined. This is a position (see FIGS. 4 (A) and (2)) that provides a horizontal light and dark boundary line Hh with respect to the road surface by shielding the reflected light. Although the upper end of the shutter portion 7b is linear, it may actually be formed in various shapes of cut lines in accordance with a desired light distribution pattern. For example, when the vehicular headlamp 1 is used as a four-wheel lamp such as an automobile for left-hand traffic, the shutter portion is in a state viewed from the driver's seat side so that the light distribution pattern includes a left 15 ° rise portion. The upper right half of 7b is set to be one side inclined 15 degrees downward from the center of the upper end.
[0011]
The movable part 7 is provided with an opening 7c. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the opening 7c is provided at a position above the reflecting surface portion 7a at the initial position. A second elliptical reflecting surface 6 that generates reflected light in a predetermined direction in accordance with the inclination of the vehicle body 10 is provided on the fixed portion 2 side corresponding to the opening 7c, as will be described later. .
[0012]
For example, when the vehicle body 10 is tilted, the movable unit 7 is provided with a drive unit 8 including a motor 8a and a gear 8b that rotate in response to a signal from a tilt sensor (not shown) that detects the tilt of the vehicle body. The movable part 7 is rotated about the center line Z of the headlamp 1 for the vehicle.
[0013]
FIG. 4A schematically shows the operation of the movable part 7 with respect to the inclination of the vehicle body 10. FIGS. 4A and 4A show a state in which the vehicle body 10 goes straight. At this time, the vehicle body 10 is not tilted, so that the movable portion 7 is in an initial position with respect to the fixed reflecting surface portion 4. At this time, the opening 7 c is located at the center 6 c of the second elliptical reflecting surface 6. 4 (A) (1) to 4 (C) (1), the vehicle body 10, the movable portion 7, the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 and the like are shown as viewed from the driver's seat side.
[0014]
In the present invention, in the straight traveling state, the vehicle headlamp 1 only needs to be configured to brightly illuminate the front direction of the vehicle body 10, which is the subsequent traveling direction. Here, the central portion 6c of the second elliptical reflective surface 6 has a shape in which the light source 3 is disposed at the position of the first focal point, and the second focal point is in the vicinity of the second focal point f2 of the fixed reflective surface portion 4. It is formed as a spheroidal surface where is located. The reflected light from the central portion 6c is also represented by the auxiliary light distribution H6C in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the fixed reflective surface portion 4 of the first elliptical reflective surface, the reflective surface portion 7a of the movable reflective surface portion 7, and The front direction of the vehicle body 10 is irradiated with a horizontal light / dark boundary line Hh as in the case of the substantially rectangular main light distribution Hm formed in the horizontal direction and formed by the shutter portion 7b.
[0015]
FIGS. 4B and 4A show a state where the vehicle body 10 is making a left turn. At this time, the vehicle body is tilted to the left side in the traveling direction. When the vehicle body 10 is tilted in this way, for example, a vehicle body tilt sensor (not shown) detects the tilt, and the driving unit 8 rotates the movable unit 7 relative to the fixed reflecting surface unit 4. For example, when turning left, the movable portion 7 is rotated clockwise in the traveling direction, so that the shutter portion 7b is positioned to form a horizontal light-dark boundary line Hh. Therefore, the main light distribution Hm formed by the fixed reflective surface portion 4 of the first elliptical reflective surface, the movable reflective surface portion 7a of the first elliptical reflective surface that is a part of the movable portion 7, and the shutter portion 7b is: Even in a state where the vehicle body 10 is tilted, light distribution having the same shape as that of the straight traveling described above can be obtained.
[0016]
Here, considering the positional relationship between the opening 7c and the second elliptical reflective surface 6, the fixed reflective surface portion 4 is inclined as the vehicle body 10 is inclined, whereas the movable portion 7 is Maintain upright position by operation. Accordingly, the auxiliary reflection surface 6 side moves when the opening 7c is used as a reference.
[0017]
In the present invention, when the vehicle body 10 is tilted to the left with respect to the second elliptical reflecting surface 6, the light passing through the opening 7 c reaches the left corresponding part 6 l of the second elliptical reflecting surface 6. . The reflected light from the left corresponding portion 6l irradiates a predetermined region, that is, the left front in a concentrated manner. By doing so, the auxiliary light distribution H6L from the left corresponding portion 61 is positioned on the left side with respect to the vertical center line V of the main light distribution Hm as shown in FIGS. That is, the future traveling direction of the vehicle body 10 is illuminated brightly.
[0018]
FIGS. 4C and 1 show the state when the vehicle body 10 makes a right turn. When the vehicle body 10 is tilted to the right by the same action as described above, the light passing through the opening 7c reaches the right corresponding part 6r of the second elliptical reflecting surface 6. The reflected light from the right corresponding part 6r irradiates a predetermined region, that is, the front right side in a concentrated manner. As shown in FIGS. 4C and 2B, the auxiliary light distribution H6R illuminates a predetermined region on the right side with respect to the vertical center line V of the main light distribution Hm.
The central portion 6c, the left corresponding portion 6l, and the right corresponding portion 6r of the second elliptical reflective surface 6 may be formed as a single elliptical reflective surface, or a combination of different elliptical reflective surfaces. There may be. In addition, it is desirable that the irradiation area constituted by the reflected light from the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 is gradually moved along with the movement of the movable part. Are not limited to the central portion 6c, the left corresponding portion 6l, and the right corresponding portion 6r, but are provided in an appropriate number or configured as a part of one continuous surface. When combining a plurality of ellipsoidal reflecting surfaces, it is desirable that the boundary portions of the constituent elements of the second ellipsoidal reflecting surface 6 have continuity that is inconspicuous in appearance.
[0019]
According to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present invention, even in a vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle in which the vehicle body 10 tilts when turning, the cut-off line of the light distribution does not tilt as the vehicle body 10 tilts, and the vehicle headlight 1 always stays parallel to the road surface. keep. Therefore, not only the visibility is improved, but also the turning direction, in other words, the course direction is illuminated brightly by changing the mutual positional relationship between the opening 7c of the movable reflecting surface 7 and the second elliptical reflecting surface 6. The visibility is further improved.
[0020]
5-6 shows the vehicle headlamp 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle headlamp 20 includes a light source 3, a projection lens 5, a first elliptical reflective surface 7 (also referred to as a movable portion or a movable reflective surface 7), a second elliptical reflective surface 6, and a shutter portion 7b. The driving unit 8 and the fixing member 9 are configured. On the first elliptical reflecting surface 7, the light source 3 is disposed at the position of the first focal point f 1, and the second focal point f 2 is disposed near the focal point of the projection lens 5. The first elliptical reflecting surface 7 is composed of a movable reflecting surface portion 7a. The second elliptical reflective surface 6 is located outside the first elliptical reflective surface 7, the light source 3 is disposed at the position of the first focal point f 1, and the second focal point f 2 is disposed near the focal point of the projection lens 5. is doing. The shutter portion 7 b is formed integrally with the movable reflecting surface portion 7 a of the first elliptical reflecting surface 7. The drive unit 8 is connected to and drives the first elliptical reflecting surface 7. The description of the same parts as in the first embodiment is omitted. The vehicular headlamp 20 of the present embodiment and the vehicular headlamp 1 of the first embodiment differ in the position of the opening 7c, and accordingly, the first elliptical reflecting surface 7 and the second elliptical reflecting. The configuration of the surface 6 is different from that of the first embodiment.
[0021]
In the present embodiment, the opening 7 c of the vehicle headlamp 20 is provided as a pair on the side of the first elliptical reflecting surface 7, that is, one on each side. Moreover, since the 2nd elliptical reflective surface 6 is provided in the position which covers the movable range of the opening part 7c, in the vehicle headlamp 20, it is provided in the both sides of the side corresponding to this. Further, the first elliptical reflection surface does not have the fixed reflection surface portion 4 and is composed only of the movable reflection surface portion 7a. In the vehicle headlamp 20, the fixing point 2 is the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 and the fixing member 9.
The movable reflecting surface portion 7a is integrated with the shutter portion 7b, and is rotated about the center line Z of the vehicle headlamp 20 with respect to the fixed member 9 by driving of the driving portion 8.
The size of the opening 7c of the movable part 7 is appropriately determined according to the irradiation area and illuminance distribution required for the reflected light of the second elliptical reflecting surface 6. In FIG. 6, the opening 7c is shown to be large and only the rim portion 7d is left. However, in the present invention, the shape of the opening 7c is not limited to this.
[0022]
The second elliptical reflecting surface 6 may be provided over the entire circumference, but is preferably provided only in necessary portions as shown in FIG. 6 from the viewpoint of weight reduction, cost, and the like. Further, the fixed member 9 sandwiches the movable part 7 between the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 and the movable part 7 can be rotated at a predetermined position with the center line Z of the headlamp 20 as an axis. Hold on. In a state where the rim portion 7 d of the first elliptical reflective surface 7 is pressed against the light source side peripheral portion 6 d of the second elliptical reflective surface 6, the fixing member 9 is the projection lens side peripheral edge of the second elliptical reflective surface 6. It is fixed with screws etc.
[0023]
FIG. 8 schematically shows the operation of the movable part 7 with respect to the inclination of the vehicle body 10. Only the vertical axis direction of the vehicle body 10 is shown. First, FIG. 8A shows a state where the vehicle body 10 is traveling straight. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8A, since the vehicle body 10 is not inclined, the movable portion 7 is in an initial position with respect to the fixed member 9. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the opening 7 c is positioned so as to face the central portions 6 c 1 and 6 c 2 of the second elliptical reflecting surface 6. In FIG. 8, the movable portion 7, the second elliptical reflecting surface 6, etc. are shown as viewed from the driver's seat side.
[0024]
In the present invention, in the straight traveling state, the vehicle headlamp 20 only needs to be configured to brightly illuminate the front direction of the vehicle body 10, which is the subsequent traveling direction. Here, in the central portions 6c1 and 6c2 of the second elliptical reflecting surface 6, the light source 3 is disposed at the position of the first focal point, and the spheroidal surface in which the second focal point is located in the vicinity of the focal point f2 of the projection lens 5. It is formed as such. Therefore, the reflected light from the central portions 6c1 and 6c2 is also indicated by the auxiliary light distribution H6C in FIGS. 8A and 8C, and the movable reflective surface portion 7a of the first elliptical reflective surface 7 and the shutter portion 7b. As with the main light distribution Hm formed by the above, the front direction of the vehicle body 10 is irradiated with a horizontal light / dark boundary line Hh.
[0025]
FIG. 8B shows a state when the vehicle body 10 is making a left turn.
At this time, the vehicle body is tilted to the left in the traveling direction, and the drive unit 8 rotates the movable unit 7 relative to the fixed member 9. For example, when turning left, the movable portion 7 is rotated clockwise in the traveling direction, so that the shutter portion 7b is positioned to form a horizontal light-dark boundary line Hh. Accordingly, the main light distribution Hm formed by the movable reflecting surface portion 7a and the shutter portion 7b of the first elliptical reflecting surface 7 has the same shape as that when the vehicle 10 is tilted even when the vehicle body 10 is tilted. A light distribution can be obtained.
[0026]
Here, considering the positional relationship between the opening 7c and the second elliptical reflecting surface 6, the fixed member 9 is inclined as the vehicle body 10 is inclined, while the movable part 7 is the operation of the drive part 8. Therefore, the opening 7c faces the upper left part 6l1 and the lower right part 6l2 of the second elliptical reflecting surface 6.
[0027]
In the present invention, when the vehicle body 10 is tilted to the left with respect to the second elliptical reflective surface 6, the left corresponding portions 6l1 and 6l2 of the second elliptical reflective surface 6 reach through the opening 7c. The reflected light from the center irradiates the predetermined area H6L, that is, the left front. Accordingly, the auxiliary light distribution H6L from the left corresponding portion 61 is located on the left side with respect to the vertical center line V of the main light distribution Hm as shown in FIGS. That is, the future traveling direction of the vehicle body 10 is illuminated brightly.
[0028]
FIG. 8C shows a state when the vehicle body 10 makes a right turn. When the vehicle body 10 is tilted to the right by the same action as described above, the light passing through the opening 7c is to the right of the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 as shown in FIGS. Reach the corresponding parts 6r1, 6r2. 6r1 is a lower left portion of the second elliptical reflecting surface 6, and 6r2 is an upper right portion of the second elliptical reflecting surface 6. The reflected light from the right corresponding portions 6r1 and 6r2 of the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 irradiates the predetermined region H6R, that is, the front right side in a concentrated manner. As shown in FIGS. 8C, 3 and 4, the auxiliary light distribution H6R illuminates a predetermined region on the right side with respect to the vertical center line V in the main light distribution Hm.
[0029]
That is, even in the vehicle headlamp 20 of the present embodiment, even in a vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle in which the vehicle body 10 is inclined when turning, the cut-off line of the light distribution is not inclined as the vehicle body 10 is inclined, and is always parallel to the road surface. Visibility is improved because the state is maintained. In addition, by changing the mutual positional relationship between the opening 7c of the movable reflecting surface 7 and the second elliptical reflecting surface 6, the turning direction, in other words, the course direction is illuminated brightly, further improving the visibility. To do.
[0030]
The region where the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 is provided only needs to cover the movable range of the opening 7c. When the inclination angle of the vehicle body 10 is large, that is, relative to the fixed portion 2 of the movable portion 7. Even when the moving distance is large, in order to ensure that the light passing through the opening 7c is captured by the second elliptical reflecting surface 6, the second elliptical reflecting surface 6 is more appropriately than the movable range of the opening 7c. It is desirable to be provided in a wide area.
Further, the positions of the upper side 6a and the lower side 6b of the second elliptical reflective surface 6 are adjusted according to the light distribution characteristics required for the reflected light of the second elliptical reflective surface 6, for example, the irradiation region and the illuminance distribution, The length and width of the second ellipsoidal reflecting surface 6 in the optical axis Z direction, the aspect of the inclination of the vehicle to be mounted, for example, the angle and the like are also determined.
[0031]
FIG. 7 shows a modification of the movable portion 7 of the vehicle headlamp 20 as the second embodiment. When the opening 7c is made large with respect to the movable portion 7, the rim 7d, which is a portion pressed against the light source side peripheral portion 6d of the second elliptical reflecting surface, is prevented from being deformed by an impact or the like as shown in FIG. You may set it. If there is no fear of deformation or the like, the rim 7d may be omitted as shown in FIG. The shutter portion 7b and the movable reflecting surface portion 7a may be integrally formed, but may be formed separately and fixed with screws or the like.
[0032]
In actual implementation, for example, in a two-wheeled vehicle or the like, turning is performed exclusively by operating the steering wheel at low speeds, and the vehicle body 10 does not tilt so much. Almost no operation is performed, and a portion depending on the traveling speed is recognized considerably in the tilt generated in the vehicle body 10 such as being performed exclusively by tilting the vehicle body. Therefore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the signal input to the drive unit 8 is not only the tilt sensor described above, but also outputs from the steering angle sensor, the traveling speed sensor vehicle body, and the like, if necessary.
[0033]
FIG. 9A is a block diagram showing the control circuit 9 of the motor 8a. The solid line path in the figure shows the case where only the output result of the vehicle body tilt sensor is used as the driving condition of the motor 8a. The case where a result is referred is shown.
First, the configuration of the control circuit 9 when the driving condition of the motor 8a is only the output result of the vehicle body tilt sensor (solid line path in the figure) will be described. The control circuit 9 includes a motor drive circuit 9a and a comparison circuit 9b. The output side of the motor drive circuit 9a is connected to the motor 8a. The motor drive circuit 9a is driven according to the input from the comparison circuit 9b. The comparison circuit 9 b is connected on the input side to the output side of the potentiometer 11 and the vehicle body tilt detector 12 attached to the movable part 7. The output side of the comparison circuit 9b is connected to the motor drive circuit 9a. The gear portion 11 a of the potentiometer 11 meshes with the gear portion of the movable portion 7. The position where the potentiometer 11 is attached may be basically any part of the movable part 7, but it is desirable that the potentiometer 11 is provided at the end of the gear part provided in the movable part 7 in view of production efficiency.
The signal processing of the comparison circuit will be described. The terminal voltage of the potentiometer 11, that is, the signal indicating the inclination of the vehicle lamp 1, and the reference voltage, that is, the voltage from the vehicle body inclination detection sensor 12, are compared in the comparison circuit 9b. A drive signal is output. This drive signal is directly output to the motor drive circuit, thereby driving the motor 8a and rotating the movable portion 7 via the gear 8b. When the voltage from the vehicle body tilt detection sensor 12 and the terminal voltage of the potentiometer 11 are the same value, the drive signal is not output to the motor drive circuit 9a.
[0034]
Next, in addition to the output result of the vehicle body tilt sensor as the driving condition of the motor 8a, the travel speed sensor 13 and the steering wheel operation angle sensor 14 are provided in the control circuit 9 as necessary (the chain line in the figure). The configuration of the control circuit 9 will be described. The control circuit 9 includes a motor drive circuit 9a, a comparison circuit 9b, and a signal processing circuit 9c. The signal processing circuit 9c is provided between the comparison circuit 9b and the motor drive circuit 9a. The input side of the comparison circuit 9b is connected to the output side of the vehicle body tilt sensor 12 and the output side of the potentiometer 11, and the output side of the comparison circuit 9b is connected to the input side of the signal processing circuit 9c. The operation in the comparison circuit is the same as in the case of the solid line path.
The motor drive circuit 9a has an input side on the output side of the signal processing circuit 9c and an output side on the motor 8a, and outputs a drive signal for the motor 8a in response to an input from the signal processing circuit 9c.
The operation of the control circuit 9 is processed in the signal processing circuit 9c so that the motor drive signal output from the comparison circuit 9b is appropriately corrected by referring to the output from the traveling speed sensor and / or the steering wheel operation angle sensor. The For example, when the output from the travel speed sensor 13 is, for example, less than 5 km / h (when the driver is walking while pushing a motorcycle), even if a difference is detected by the comparison circuit 9b, the motor drive circuit 9a May be set not to be driven. Alternatively, the signal from the steering wheel operating angle sensor 14 may be prioritized during low speed traveling, and the output from the comparison circuit 9b may be prioritized during middle / high traveling.
[0035]
Although illustration is omitted, the traveling speed sensor 13 is attached to the input side of the vehicle body tilt sensor 12 and the potentiometer 11, and when the traveling speed is less than 5 km / h, the vehicle body inclination sensor 12 and the potentiometer 11 may not be driven. Good.
In FIG. 9, the sensor is shown as an example of using only the vehicle body tilt sensor 12, and three types of usage examples of the vehicle body tilt sensor 12, the travel speed sensor 13, and the steering wheel operation angle sensor 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of sensors may be used, any one of them may be used alone, or a combination of two or more types may be used.
[0036]
The effect of the present invention will be described. First, the vehicle headlamps 1 and 20 can keep the horizontal line of light distribution parallel to the ground surface at any time during their operation. This advantage is effective when the vehicle headlamps 1 and 20 are mounted on a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle having a large vehicle body inclination. Secondly, the configuration of the vehicular headlamps 1 and 20 is such that the movable portion 7 is rotatably held between the fixed member 9 and the second elliptical reflecting surface. 7 can be made simple. This advantage is advantageous in terms of mass production efficiency and cost.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle headlamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a modification of the shape of the opening of the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention.
4 is a diagram showing (1) a positional relationship between a first elliptical reflecting surface and a second elliptical reflecting surface according to the inclination of a vehicle body of the vehicle headlamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and (2) a second one. It is explanatory drawing which shows the light distribution characteristic which consists of the reflected light from an elliptical reflective surface, and the light distribution characteristic from the whole vehicle headlamp.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are (a) a horizontal sectional view and (b) a vertical sectional view along a lamp optical axis Z of a vehicle headlamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of a vehicle headlamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a modification of the movable part of the vehicle headlamp according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
8 shows (1) the positional relationship between the first elliptical reflecting surface and the second elliptical reflecting surface according to the inclination of the vehicle body of the vehicle headlamp according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and (2) the second Reflection area of elliptical reflecting surface (3) Light distribution consisting of reflected light from second elliptical reflecting surface (4) Light distribution characteristics from the entire vehicle headlamp.
9A is a block diagram showing a control circuit for driving a motor according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a perspective view showing a state in which a potentiometer is attached to a movable part.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional example.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing light distribution characteristics of a conventional example.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing light distribution characteristics when the vehicle body is tilted in a vehicular lamp according to a conventional example.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 …… Vehicle headlamp
2 ... Main body
3. Light source
4. Ellipse reflection surface
5. Projection lens
6 …… Auxiliary reflective surface
6c …… Central part
6l …… Left corresponding part
6r …… Right corresponding part
7: Movable reflective surface
7a: Reflecting surface
7b …… Shutter section
7c: Opening
8 …… Drive unit
10 …… Body

Claims

A light source;
A projection lens;
A first elliptical reflective surface having a movable part at least in part, wherein the first elliptical reflective surface has a first focal point, the first focal point is located at a light source, and the first elliptical reflective surface The reflected light from the surface is set to enter the projection lens, and the first elliptical reflecting surface having at least one opening in the movable part;
A second elliptical reflective surface provided corresponding to a region covering the moving range of the opening provided in the movable portion of the first elliptical reflective surface, wherein the second elliptical reflective surface is A first elliptical reflecting surface that is set to be incident on the projection lens, the first focal point being at the position of the light source, and the reflected light from the second elliptical reflecting surface;
A drive unit connected to the movable part of the first elliptical reflective surface;
A light distribution shape of the irradiation light from the projection lens, the long side of which is a substantially rectangular shape along the horizontal direction. And
The first elliptical reflecting surface movable part is rotated so that the long side of the light distribution shape is kept horizontal with respect to the ground surface by the driving of the driving part, regardless of the inclination of the lamp,
The vehicle headlamp, wherein the light passing through the opening of the movable part is reflected by at least a part of the second elliptical reflecting surface and is focused and irradiated in a desired direction.

The movable portion of the first elliptical reflecting surface is rotated so that the upper end of the shutter portion is kept horizontal with respect to the ground surface by driving of the driving portion. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein:

The vehicle headlamp according to claim 2, wherein the movable portion and the shutter portion of the first elliptical reflecting surface are integrally formed.

The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the vehicle body is inclined, the light reflected by the second elliptical reflecting surface through the opening 7c irradiates the front in the traveling direction. .

5. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the second focal point of the second elliptical reflecting surface is located in the vicinity of the focal point of the projection lens.

The first elliptical reflective surface has a fixed portion, and the portion covering the opening of the second elliptical reflective surface is connected to the fixed portion of the first elliptical reflective surface by a stepped portion. The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, and 5.

The first elliptical reflective surface further has a fixed portion located behind the movable portion, and the fixed portion and the movable portion function as one continuous surface. The vehicle headlamp according to any one of 4, 5 and 6.

The vehicular headlamp according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7, wherein the first elliptical reflective surface is positioned inside the second elliptical reflective surface.

4. The vehicle front according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the first elliptical reflecting surface is performed in accordance with an output of a vehicle body tilt sensor via the driving unit. Lighting.

10. The vehicular headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the movable reflecting surface is rotated in accordance with an output from a travel speed sensor via the driving unit.

11. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the movable reflecting surface is rotated according to an output from an operation angle sensor of a steering wheel via the driving unit. Headlight.

The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 9, 10 and 11, wherein the driving unit is composed of a motor and a meshing gear.

The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the opening provided in the movable portion of the first elliptical reflecting surface is provided above.

The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the opening provided in the movable portion of the first elliptical reflecting surface is provided on both sides.

A light source;
A projection lens;
A fixed first elliptical reflecting surface (4) having a first focal point, wherein the first focal point is at the position of the light source, and reflected light from the fixed first elliptical reflecting surface is incident on the projection lens. Is set,
A movable second elliptical reflective surface (7a) having a first focal point and having at least one opening (7c), wherein the first focal point is at the position of the light source, and the movable second elliptical reflective surface The reflected light from is set to enter the projection lens,
A fixed third elliptical reflecting surface (6) having a first focal point, wherein the first focal point is at the position of the light source, and reflected light from the fixed third elliptical reflecting surface is incident on the projection lens. The fixed third elliptical reflecting surface (6) is connected to the first elliptical reflecting surface (4), and the fixed third elliptical reflecting surface (6) is at least the movable second ellipse. A fixed third elliptical reflecting surface (6) provided corresponding to a region covering the moving range of the opening of the system reflecting surface (7a);
A drive unit (8) connected to the movable second elliptical reflective surface (7a);
The second elliptical reflecting surface (7a) is provided with a fixing member (9) that holds the second elliptical reflecting surface (7a) at a predetermined position so that the light distribution shape of the irradiation light from the projection lens is a substantially rectangular shape whose long side is along the horizontal direction. To be
The second elliptical reflecting surface (7a) is rotated by the drive unit (8) so that the long side of the light distribution shape is kept horizontal with respect to the ground surface regardless of the inclination of the lamp. The light passing through the opening (7c) of the second elliptical reflective surface is reflected by the third elliptical reflective surface (6), and is focused and irradiated in a desired direction. light.

The second elliptical reflection surface has a shutter portion interlocked with the second elliptical reflection surface, and the second elliptical reflection surface is rotated so that the upper end of the shutter portion is kept horizontal with respect to the ground surface by driving of the drive portion. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 15.

The vehicle headlamp according to claim 16, wherein the second elliptical reflecting surface and the shutter portion are integrally formed.

17. The vehicular lamp according to claim 15 or 16, wherein when the vehicle body is inclined, the light reflected by the third elliptical reflecting surface through the opening 7c irradiates the front in the traveling direction.

The vehicular headlamp according to claim 15, 16 or 18, wherein the second focal point of the third elliptical reflecting surface is located in the vicinity of the focal point of the projection lens.

The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 15, 16, 18 and 19, wherein the first elliptical reflective surface is connected to the third elliptical reflective surface by a stepped portion.

21. The vehicular headlamp according to claim 15, wherein the first elliptical reflective surface and the second elliptical reflective surface function as one continuous surface. .

The vehicular headlamp according to any one of claims 15, 16, 18, 19, 20 or 21, wherein the second elliptical reflective surface is located inside the third elliptical reflective surface.

18. The vehicle front according to claim 15, wherein the rotation of the second elliptical reflecting surface is performed in accordance with an output of a vehicle body tilt sensor via the drive unit. Lighting.

24. The vehicle according to claim 15, 16 or 23, wherein rotation of the movable second elliptical reflecting surface is performed in accordance with an output from a travel speed sensor via the drive unit. Headlight.

The rotation of the movable second elliptical reflecting surface is performed in accordance with an output from an operation angle sensor of a handle via the driving unit. The vehicle headlamp described in 1.

The vehicular headlamp according to any one of claims 15, 16, 17, 23, 24, and 25, wherein the driving unit includes a motor and a meshing gear.

27. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 15, wherein the opening (7c) of the movable second elliptical reflecting surface (7a) is provided above.

The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 15 to 26, wherein the opening (7c) of the movable second elliptical reflecting surface (7a) is provided on both sides.

A light source;
A projection lens;
A movable first elliptical reflective surface (7a) having a first focal point and having at least one opening (7c), wherein the first focal point is at the position of the light source, and the movable first elliptical reflective surface The reflected light from is set to enter the projection lens,
A fixed second elliptical reflecting surface (6) having a first focal point, wherein the first focal point is at the position of the light source, and the reflected light from the fixed second elliptical reflecting surface is incident on the projection lens. The fixed second elliptical reflective surface (6) is provided corresponding to a region that covers at least the moving range of the opening of the movable first elliptical reflective surface;
A drive unit (8) connected to the movable first elliptical reflective surface (7a);
And a fixed member (9) that holds the movable first elliptical reflecting surface in a rotatable position at a predetermined position. The light distribution shape of the irradiation light from the projection lens is such that its long side is substantially rectangular along the horizontal direction. And
The movable first elliptical reflecting surface (7a) is rotated by the drive of the drive unit (8) so that the long side of the light distribution shape is kept horizontal with respect to the ground surface regardless of the inclination of the lamp,
The light passing through the opening (7c) of the movable first ellipsoidal reflecting surface is reflected by the fixed second ellipsoidal reflecting surface (6), and is focused and irradiated in a desired direction. Lighting.

The movable first elliptical reflective surface has a shutter portion interlocked with the movable first elliptical reflective surface, and the movable first elliptical reflective surface is rotated so that the upper end of the shutter portion is kept horizontal with respect to the ground surface by driving the drive portion 30. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 29.

The vehicle headlamp according to claim 30, wherein the movable first elliptical reflecting surface and the shutter portion are integrally formed.

The vehicle headlamp according to claim 29 or 30, wherein when the vehicle body is inclined, the light reflected by the fixed second elliptical reflecting surface through the opening 7c irradiates forward in the traveling direction. light.

The vehicular headlamp according to claim 29, 30 or 32, wherein the second focal point of the fixed second elliptical reflecting surface is located near the focal point of the projection lens.

The vehicular headlamp according to any one of claims 29, 30 and 32, wherein the movable first elliptical reflecting surface is located inside the fixed second elliptical reflecting surface.

The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the rotation of the movable first elliptical reflecting surface is performed according to an output of a vehicle body tilt sensor via the drive unit. light.

36. The rotation of the movable first elliptical reflecting surface is performed according to an output from a travel speed sensor via the drive unit. Vehicle headlamp.

The rotation of the movable first elliptical reflecting surface is performed in accordance with an output from an operation angle sensor of a handle via the driving unit. A vehicle headlamp according to claim 1.

38. The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 29, 30, 31, 35, 36, and 37, wherein the drive unit includes a motor and a meshing gear.

The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 29 to 38, wherein the opening (7c) of the movable first elliptical reflecting surface (7a) is provided above.

39. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 29, wherein the opening (7c) of the movable first elliptical reflecting surface (7a) is provided on both sides.