JP6081519B2 - Headlight module and headlight - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular headlamp, and more particularly, to a small-sized headlamp module that can change the light distribution in accordance with traveling conditions.

  In European legislation, the AFS (Adaptive Front Lighting System) that changes the light distribution pattern of the headlamps during driving in response to changes in the movement of the vehicle or changes in the environment outside the vehicle is stipulated in the legislation. For example, a headlamp equipped with an AFS secures a wide field of view including a gazing point viewed by a driver during driving on a curve by moving the light distribution in the left-right direction. The driver can quickly find an obstacle such as a person, an animal, or a parked vehicle by using the headlight equipped with the AFS. Then, the driver can take an avoidance action against an obstacle or the like more safely.

  Further, when a person or luggage is mounted on the vehicle seat, the vehicle tilts in the front-rear direction. Further, when the vehicle is accelerated or decelerated, the vehicle is inclined in the front-rear direction. Thereby, the light distribution of the headlamp is shifted in the vertical direction. And the problem of making an oncoming vehicle dazzle arises. “Illusion” means obscuring a person's eyes. In order to solve this problem, an auto leveling function for moving the optical axis of the light distribution of the headlamps in the vertical direction is known.

  A headlight equipped with an AFS that can move the light distribution in the horizontal and vertical directions improves the driver's visibility and reduces dazzling for oncoming vehicles, contributing to traffic safety. For these reasons, there is a demand for a headlamp that changes the light distribution pattern by moving the light distribution in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a drive mechanism that linearly moves a lens in an optical axis direction and an axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Utility Model Publication No. 8-3922

  However, the mechanism described in Patent Document 1 that controls the light distribution by moving the lens linearly has a sliding portion, so that the mechanism is complicated, and when driving in multiple directions on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. The mechanism becomes larger. “Direct motion” means to make a linear motion.

  The present invention realizes a small headlamp module equipped with a drive mechanism for moving a light distribution in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction.

Headlight module before according to the present invention, a light source for emitting light, and a projection lens that emits the light projecting Shako incident pre Symbol light as the incident light, one end having a length in the optical axis direction of the projection lens fixing wherein the other end in end to flexure of the movable end, by holding the projection lens by said movable end, a holding member of front SL projection lens for holding and moving with respect to the light source, the projection lens and a drive unit for moving the projection lens, by the bending portion is bent, and translation in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of said projection lens, said holding member has a first flexing portion and Including a second bent portion, wherein the first bent portion and the second bent portion include plate-like portions parallel to the optical axis and perpendicular to each other, and one end of the first bent portion is fixed. The other end of the first flexure is connected to one end of the second flexure, Serial other end of the second bending portion is the movable end.

  The headlamp module according to the present invention can suppress an increase in size of a configuration that can move the light distribution in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a headlamp module according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is an assembly diagram of a headlamp module according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a component diagram of the headlamp module according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a component diagram of the headlamp module according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the headlamp module drive device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the headlamp module drive device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the headlamp module drive device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the headlamp module drive device according to the first embodiment. 1 is a configuration diagram of a headlamp according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is the figure which showed the light distribution of the headlamp which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a headlamp module according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a headlamp module according to Embodiment 2. 6 is a component diagram of a headlamp module according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a component diagram of a headlamp module according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a component diagram of a headlamp module according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the components of the headlamp module which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the components of the headlamp module which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the components of the headlamp module which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the components of the headlamp module which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a block diagram of the headlamp which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the components of the headlamp module which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the components of the headlamp module which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG.

Embodiment 1.
In recent years, European legislation has approved light sources using semiconductors (hereinafter referred to as semiconductor light sources) as vehicle headlamps. The semiconductor light source is, for example, an LED light source or a laser light source. For these reasons, vehicle headlamps are miniaturized by mounting a semiconductor light source. In the first embodiment, the light source 11 will be described as an LED light source.

  Further, in the vehicle headlamp, the light distribution of the light emitted from the light source unit is formed with a cut-off line at the upper end edge. The formation of this cut-off line is stipulated by laws and regulations. The light distribution pattern is formed by light shielding by a shade (light shielding plate), for example. Further, the light distribution pattern is formed by reflection by a reflector (reflecting mirror), for example. The light distribution pattern is formed by refraction by a lens, for example.

  “Light distribution” refers to a light intensity distribution with respect to a space of a light source. That is, the spatial distribution of light emitted from the light source. The “light distribution pattern” indicates the shape of the light flux and the light intensity distribution resulting from the direction of the light emitted from the light source. For this reason, moving the light irradiation direction in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction is also included in the change of the “light distribution pattern”. The “light distribution pattern” is also used as a meaning of an illuminance pattern on the irradiation surface 9 (a plane virtually installed in front of the headlamp) shown below. Further, for example, the shape of light distribution defined by laws and regulations is also called a light distribution pattern. The “light distribution” is a light intensity distribution with respect to the direction of light emitted from the light source. “Light distribution” is also used as the meaning of the illuminance distribution on the irradiation surface 9 shown below.

  For ease of explanation, XYZ orthogonal coordinate axes are shown in each figure. In the following description, the front of the headlamp module is defined as + Z axis direction, and the rear is defined as −Z axis direction. Looking forward, the left side is the + X-axis direction, and the right side is the -X-axis direction. The upward direction (sky direction) of the headlamp module is defined as the + Y axis direction, and the downward direction (ground direction) of the headlamp module is defined as the −Y axis direction.

  When the headlamp module is viewed from the rear (−Z axis direction), the clockwise direction is the + RZ direction and the counterclockwise direction is the −RZ direction with the Z axis as the central axis. When the headlamp module is viewed from the right side (−X axis direction), the clockwise direction is the + RX direction and the counterclockwise direction is the −RX direction with the X axis as the central axis. Further, when the headlamp module is viewed from above (+ Y-axis direction), the clockwise direction is the + RY direction and the counterclockwise direction is the -RY direction with the Y axis as the central axis.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a headlamp module 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the headlamp module 1 according to the first embodiment. 3 and 4 are perspective views for explaining a portion of the headlamp module according to Embodiment 1. FIG.

  The headlamp module 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes a light source 11, an optical member 12, a projection lens 13, a holding member 15, and a drive unit 16. The headlamp module 1 can include a lens holder 14 and a base portion 17. In the first embodiment, the holding member 15 including the holding member 15a and the holding member 15b is described as a parallel spring, for example.

<Configuration of optical system>
As the light source 11, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a xenon lamp, a halogen lamp, or the like can be used. The light source 11 may be an electroluminescence element, a semiconductor laser, or a light source that emits light by irradiating excitation light onto a phosphor coated on a flat surface. Further, since the light source 11 generates heat, it can have a radiator for releasing heat to the outside. The light source 11 of the headlamp module 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes an LED light source 101 and a radiator 102.

  The optical member 12 condenses and shapes the light emitted from the light source 11 and emits light having a constant light distribution in the + Z-axis direction. Here, the “constant light distribution” is, for example, a light distribution that satisfies the above-mentioned laws and regulations. The optical member 12 is, for example, a lens or a light guide member. The optical member 12 can also use a shade or a reflector. The optical member 12 of the headlamp module 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes a lens 201 and a light guide member 202. The headlamp module 1 according to the first embodiment is characterized in that the optical member 12 is small because the lens 201 and the light guide member 202 form a light distribution. The optical member 12 is pressed and held on the base portion 17 by, for example, a leaf spring. For holding the lens 201 and the light guide member 202, adhesion by an adhesive or fastening by a screw component or the like can be used.

  The light guide member 202 is, for example, a light guide or a light pipe. A “light guide” is an optical element that efficiently guides light incident from one side to the other using internal reflection of a transparent member such as an acrylic resin. A “light pipe” is an optical element that reflects light multiple times on the inner surface of a hollow member and guides light incident from one side to the other. There are ones that are hollow inside and mirrored on the side, and ones that make use of total reflection on the side by creating a polygonal column with a transparent material such as glass.

  The exit surface of the light guide member 202 is in an optically conjugate position with the irradiation surface 9. “Optically conjugate” refers to a relationship in which light emitted from one point forms an image at another point. That is, the shape of the light on the exit surface is projected onto the irradiation surface 9. That is, the shape of the exit surface of the light guide member 202 is projected onto the irradiation surface 9.

  The projection lens 13 projects the light emitted from the optical member 12 in the + Z-axis direction. The projection lens 13 of the headlamp module 1 according to Embodiment 1 has a lens surface 301 and a flange portion 302. A line connecting the centers of curvature of both surfaces of the lens surface 301 is parallel to the Z axis. That is, the optical axis of the projection lens 13 is parallel to the Z axis. The flange portion 302 is formed on the end surface in the X-axis direction and the end surface in the Y-axis direction of the projection lens 13. The flange portion 302 has a convex shape protruding from the end surface of the projection lens 13. Further, the flange portion 302 has a stepped shape with a corner of the end surface of the lens surface 301 dropped. The projection lens 13 is held by the lens holder 14 via the flange portion 302.

<Lens holder 14>
The lens holder 14 has a lens holder housing 401. The lens holder 14 can have an X-axis adjustment shaft 402 or a Y-axis adjustment shaft 403. The lens holder 14 can have a female screw hole 404. The lens holder housing 401 is a component that holds the projection lens 13. The lens holder housing 401 has a frame shape. Further, the lens holder housing 401 has a non-invasive frame shape when viewed from the −Z-axis direction with respect to the incident surface of the projection lens 13. “Non-invasive” means not entering. That is, the light emitted from the optical member 12 is not blocked. The lens holder housing 401 covers the shape of the step of the flange portion 302. Moreover, it has the fitting part 405 which covers the convex shape of the flange part 302. FIG. The projection lens 13 is positioned on the lens holder housing 401 by the flange portion 302. A spring metal fitting, a screw, an adhesive, or the like is used to hold the projection lens 13 with respect to the lens holder housing 401.

  The X-axis adjustment shaft 402 is a set of shafts that are installed in parallel to the X-axis and face each other. That is, the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 has two axes. The X-axis adjustment shaft 402 is formed at the end of the lens holder housing 401 in the −Y-axis direction. The X-axis adjustment shaft 402 is formed inside the lens holder housing 401. The X-axis adjusting shaft 402 is fitted into a cam groove 605x provided in a cam part 603x of a drive unit 16x included in the drive unit 16 described later.

  The Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 is a set of shafts that are installed in parallel to the Y-axis and face each other. That is, the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 has two axes. The Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 is formed at the end of the lens holder housing 401 in the + X-axis direction. The Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 is formed inside the lens holder housing 401. The Y-axis adjusting shaft 403 is fitted into a cam groove 605y provided in a cam component 603y of a drive unit 16y included in the drive unit 16 described later. The cam part 603x and the cam part 603y are collectively referred to as a cam part 603. The cam groove 605x and the cam groove 605y are collectively referred to as a cam groove 605.

  The female screw holes 404 are provided on the surface on the + Y axis direction side and the surface on the −Y axis direction side of the lens holder housing 401. The female screw holes 404 are provided in the + X-axis direction end and the −X-axis direction end of the surface on the + Y-axis direction side of the lens holder housing 401. The female screw holes 404 are provided at the end on the + X axis direction side and the end on the −X axis direction side of the surface on the −Y axis direction side of the lens holder housing 401.

  The female screw hole 404 is a screw hole parallel to the Y axis. The female screw hole 404 is a screw hole for connecting Y-direction bent portions 503 a and 503 b of the holding member 15 described later to the lens holder housing 401. That is, the lens holder 14 is fixed to the holding member 15 using a screw through the female screw hole 404 provided in the holding member 15. Further, the lens holder 14 can be fixed to the holding member 15 using an adhesive without providing the female screw hole 404.

  The lens holder 14 is attached to the base portion 17 via the holding member 15. The holding member 15 is formed of a leaf spring. Therefore, the lens holder 14 can be moved in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction with respect to the base portion 17 by the holding member 15. The lens holder 14 is held by the drive unit 16 via the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 or the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403. That is, the positions of the lens holder 14 in the X direction and the Y axis direction are determined by the X axis adjustment shaft 402, the Y axis adjustment shaft 403, and the cam part 603 of the drive unit 16.

<Holding member 15>
Next, the holding member 15 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the holding member 15 is formed of a leaf spring. The holding member 15 has a thin plate shape. In the first embodiment, two holding members 15a and 15b are used. That is, the holding member 15 has two leaf springs as a set. That is, the two holding members 15a and 15b are used as parallel springs. One holding member 15a is attached to the side surface of the base portion 17 in the + X-axis direction. The other holding member 15 b is attached to the side surface of the base portion 17 in the −X axis direction. The holding member 15 includes an X-direction bending portion 502 and a Y-direction bending portion 503.

  The X-direction deflecting portion 502 has a plate shape. The X-direction bending portion 502 includes an X-direction bending portion 502a and an X-direction bending portion 502b. The X direction deflecting portion 502 is disposed in parallel to the YZ plane. One end of the X-direction bending portion 502 is attached to the base portion 17. In FIG. 3, the end portion in the −Z-axis direction is attached to the base portion 17. The X-direction bending portion 502 is attached to the side surface of the base portion 17. The X-direction bending portion 502 is fastened to the base portion 17 with a screw, for example. The X-direction bending portion 502 moves the projection lens 13 in the X-axis direction by bending in the X-axis direction with respect to the portion attached to the base portion 17. In FIG. 3, a hole is provided in the central portion of the X-direction deflecting portion 502 in order to adjust the spring force.

  The Y-direction bending portion 503 has a plate shape. The Y-direction bending portion 503 has a rectangular shape. The Y direction bending part 503 includes a Y direction bending part 503a and an X direction bending part 503b. The Y-direction bending portion 503 is disposed in parallel with the ZX plane. One end of the Y-direction bending portion 503 is connected to the X-direction bending portion 502. In FIG. 3, the Y-direction bending portion 503 is connected to the end portion in the + Z-axis direction of the X-direction bending portion 502. The Y-direction bending portion 503 is a pair of two sheets whose surfaces face each other in parallel. One Y-direction bending portion 503a is attached to the end portion in the + Y-axis direction of the X-direction bending portion 502. The other Y-direction bending portion 503b is attached to the end portion in the −Y-axis direction of the X-direction bending portion 502. In FIG. 3, the Y-direction bending portion 503 is formed by bending 90 degrees in the −X-axis direction with respect to the X-direction bending portion 502.

  The other end of the Y-direction bending portion 503 is attached to the lens holder housing 401. One Y-direction bending portion 503a is attached to the end portion of the lens holder housing 401 in the + Y-axis direction. The other Y-direction bending portion 503b is attached to the end portion in the −Y-axis direction of the lens holder housing 401. The Y-direction flexures 503a and 503b are fastened to the female screw holes 404 provided in the lens holder housing 401 with screws.

  The X-direction bending portion 502 can move the lens holder 14 and the projection lens 13 in the X-axis direction by bending in the X-axis direction with respect to the base portion 17. The Y-direction bending portion 503 can move the lens holder 14 and the projection lens 13 in the Y-axis direction by bending in the Y-axis direction with respect to the portion connected to the X-direction bending portion 502. As described above, the holding member 15 includes a plurality of leaf springs. That is, it is a mechanism that can move the lens holder 14 and the projection lens 13 in multiple directions without having a sliding portion. The holding member 15 may be attached to the side surface in the + Y-axis direction and the side surface in the −Y-axis direction of the lens holder housing 401 with the X-direction bending portion 502 and the Y-direction bending portion 503 reversed in the Z-axis direction. .

  As described above, the holding members 15a and 15b move the projection lens 13 on a plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the optical axis by bending the X-direction bending portions 502a and 502b and the Y-direction bending portions 503a and 503b. Let The X direction bending portions 502 a and 502 b move the lens holder 14 in the X axis direction with respect to the base portion 17. Further, the Y-direction bending portions 503 a and 503 b move the lens holder 14 in the Y-axis direction with respect to the base portion 17.

  On the other hand, the holding members 15 a and 15 b do not move the lens holder 14 in the Z-axis direction with respect to the base portion 17. Further, the holding members 15 a and 15 b do not rotate the lens holder 14 in the RX direction with respect to the base portion 17. Further, the holding members 15 a and 15 b do not rotate the lens holder 14 in the RY direction with respect to the base portion 17. Further, the holding members 15 a and 15 b do not rotate the lens holder 14 in the RZ direction with respect to the base portion 17.

  That is, the holding members 15 a and 15 b have degrees of freedom in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the lens holder 14 with respect to the base portion 17. That is, the lens holder 14 can be moved in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction with respect to the base portion 17 by the holding members 15a and 15b. Further, the holding members 15 a and 15 b constrain the degrees of freedom of the lens holder 14 with respect to the base portion 17 in the Z-axis direction, RX direction, RY direction, and RZ direction. That is, the lens holder 14 cannot move in the Z-axis direction with respect to the base portion 17 by the holding members 15a and 15b, and cannot rotate in the RX direction, the RY direction, and the RZ direction.

<Drive unit 16>
Next, the drive part 16 is demonstrated using FIG.1 and FIG.2. The drive unit 16 includes a drive source 601, a feed screw shaft 602, and a cam component 603. The configuration of the drive unit 16 for moving the lens holder 14 in parallel with the X axis is a drive unit 16x (reference numeral 16x is omitted for simplification in FIGS. 1 and 2). That is, the drive unit 16x includes a drive source 601x, a feed screw shaft 602x, and a cam component 603x. The configuration of the drive unit 16 for moving the lens holder 14 in parallel with the Y axis is a drive unit 16y. That is, the drive unit 16y includes a drive source 601y, a feed screw shaft 602y, and a cam component 603y. The drive source 601 includes a drive source 601x and a drive source 602y. The feed screw shaft 602 includes a feed screw shaft 602x and a feed screw shaft 602y. The drive unit 16 moves the cam component 603 using the drive source 601 and the feed screw shaft 602. In FIG. 4, the cam component 603 includes a cam housing 604, a cam groove 605, and a support shaft 606. The cam housing 604 includes a cam housing 604x and a cam housing 604y. The support shaft 606 includes a support shaft 606x and a support shaft 606y. In FIG. 1, in order to move the projection lens 13 in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, the headlamp module 1 includes two drive units 16x and 16y. In FIG. 1, the drive unit 16 x is disposed on the bottom surface of the base unit 17 on the −Y axis side. The drive unit 16y is disposed on the side surface of the base unit 17 on the + X axis side.

  The drive source 601 is, for example, a stepping motor or a DC motor. In FIG. 1, the drive source 601 x of the drive unit 16 x is disposed on the −Z-axis direction side of the bottom surface of the base unit 17 on the −Y-axis side. The drive source 601y of the drive unit 16y is disposed on the −Z-axis direction side of the side surface of the base unit 17 on the + X-axis side. The axis of the drive source 601 is disposed parallel to the Z axis. A feed screw shaft 602 is attached to the shaft of the drive source 601. The drive source 601 can be an actuator equipped with a device that guarantees axial tolerances such as a reduction gear and a coupling.

  A feed screw is formed on the + Z-axis side of the feed screw shaft 602. The feed screw shaft 602x of the drive unit 16x is disposed on the + Z axis direction side of the bottom surface of the base unit 17 on the −Y axis side. The feed screw shaft 602y of the drive unit 16y is disposed on the + Z-axis direction side of the side surface of the base unit 17 on the + X-axis side. The feed screw shaft 602 is disposed in parallel to the Z axis. A feed screw of the feed screw shaft 602 is inserted into a female screw formed on the cam part 603. The cam component 603 is disposed so that the female screw is parallel to the Z axis.

  When the shaft of the drive source 601 rotates, the feed screw shaft 602 rotates. When the feed screw shaft 602 rotates, the cam component 603 moves in the Z-axis direction by screw engagement. That is, the cam component 603 moves in the Z-axis direction due to the effect of the screw. The “screw effect” is an effect of converting rotational motion into linear motion.

  The cam component 603 includes a cam housing 604, a cam groove 605, and a support shaft 606. The cam groove 605 is a groove having a depth provided on the side surface of the cam housing 604. The depth of the cam groove 605 is such a depth that the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 and the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 do not collide with the depth of the groove. Similarly, the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 and the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 have such a length that they cannot be removed from the cam groove 605.

  The support shaft 606 is provided on the surface of the cam housing 604 on the −Z axis side. The support shaft 606 is an axis extending in the −Z-axis direction from the −Z-axis side surface of the cam housing 604. The support shaft 606 is disposed in parallel to the Z axis. The support shaft 606 is inserted into a long hole 705 provided in the base portion 17. The support shaft 606 has a function of preventing the load applied to the cam housing 604 or the vibration transmitted to the cam housing 604 from being directly transmitted to the feed screw shaft 602. Further, the support shaft 606 has a function of preventing the cam component 603 from rotating around the Z axis. That is, the support shaft 606 restrains the rotation of the cam component 603 in the RZ direction.

  The cam component 603x has a cam groove 605x. The cam groove 605 x has a width that is the same as the shaft diameter of the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 of the lens holder 14. Here, the “same size” is a size having a gap that allows the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 to move within the cam groove 605x. The cam groove 605x has an inclination with respect to the XZ plane.

  The length of the cam groove 605x in the Z-axis direction is equal to or longer than the distance that the cam component 603x moves in the Z-axis direction by the feed screw shaft 602x. The length of the cam groove 605x in the X-axis direction is equal to or longer than the distance that the lens holder 14 moves in the X-axis direction. The cam groove 605x has such a depth that the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 does not collide with the back of the cam groove 605x when the lens holder 14 is moved in the X-axis direction. Similarly, the X-axis adjusting shaft 402 has a length that does not come out of the cam groove 605x.

  When the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 is at the center of the cam groove 605x, light of a light distribution pattern when the vehicle travels straight is irradiated. Further, the cam component 603x is non-invasive to the space surrounded by the exit surface of the optical member 12 and the entrance surface of the projection lens 13 when the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 is at the center of the cam groove 605x. That is, when the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 is at the center of the cam groove 605x, the cam component 603x does not block the light emitted from the optical member 12. Further, the cam component 603x is non-invasive to the space surrounded by the exit surface of the optical member 12 and the entrance surface of the projection lens 13 even when the lens holder 14 is closest to the cam component 603x. That is, when the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 is at the end of the cam groove 605x, the cam component 603x does not block the light emitted from the optical member 12.

  The cam component 603y has a cam groove 605y. The cam groove 605y has the same width as the shaft diameter of the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 of the lens holder 14. Here, the “same size” is a size having a gap that allows the Y-axis adjusting shaft 403 to move in the cam groove 605y. The cam groove 605y has an inclination with respect to the YZ plane.

  The length of the cam groove 605y in the Z-axis direction is equal to or longer than the distance that the cam component 603y moves in the Z-axis direction by the feed screw shaft 602y. The length of the cam groove 605y in the Y-axis direction is equal to or longer than the distance that the lens holder 14 moves in the Y-axis direction. The cam groove 605y has such a depth that the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 does not collide with the back of the cam groove 605y when the lens holder 14 is moved in the Y-axis direction. Similarly, the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 has a length that does not come out of the cam groove 605y.

  When the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 is at the center of the cam groove 605y, the light distribution pattern light is emitted when the vehicle goes straight. Further, the cam component 603y is non-invasive with respect to the space surrounded by the exit surface of the optical member 12 and the entrance surface of the projection lens 13 when the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 is at the center of the cam groove 605y. That is, when the X-axis adjustment shaft 403 is at the center of the cam groove 605y, the cam component 603y does not block the light emitted from the optical member 12. Further, the cam component 603y is non-invasive with respect to the space surrounded by the exit surface of the optical member 12 and the entrance surface of the projection lens 13 even when the lens holder 14 is closest to the cam component 603y. That is, when the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 is at the end of the cam groove 605y, the cam component 603y does not block the light emitted from the optical member 12.

  The drive unit 16 can move the position of the lens holder 14 on the XY plane when the cam component 603 is moved in the Z-axis direction using the drive source 601 and the feed screw shaft 602. On the other hand, when the position of the cam component 603 is not moved, the drive mechanism 16 can restrain the position of the lens holder 14 on the XY plane. That is, the lens holder 14 cannot move in the Y-axis direction by the cam component 603x. This is because the cam part 603x fixes the position of the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 of the lens holder 14. Further, the lens holder 14 cannot move in the X-axis direction by the cam part 603y. This is because the cam component 603y fixes the position of the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 of the lens holder 14.

<Base part 17>
Next, the base part 17 is demonstrated using FIG. The base unit 17 has a base housing 701. The base portion 17 can have a female screw hole 703, a shaft hole 704y, and a long hole 705y. Although not shown, a shaft hole 704x and a long hole 705x are provided at positions corresponding to the cam parts 603x of the base portion 17. The shaft hole 704 includes a shaft hole 704x and a shaft hole 704y. The long hole 705 includes a long hole 705x and a long hole 705y. The base casing 701 supports the optical member 12. The female screw hole 703 fixes the holding member 15 to the base casing 701. The base part 17 has a shaft hole 704x and a long hole 705x with respect to the drive part 16x. Furthermore, the base part 17 has a shaft hole 704y and a long hole 70y with respect to the drive part 16y. The shaft hole 704 holds the feed screw shaft 602 of the drive unit 16. The long hole 705 holds the support shaft 606 of the cam part 603 of the drive unit 16. The base portion 17 can have a pedestal for fixing the drive source 601.

<Operation of the headlamp module 1>
5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating the operation in the Y-axis direction of the driving device of the headlamp module 1. 5 and 6 illustrate the operation of moving the light distribution of the headlamp module 1 by moving the projection lens 13 in the Y-axis direction. In order to simplify the description, the headlamp module 1 is shown as a two-dimensional schematic diagram in the YZ plane. Further, the lens holder housing 401, the X-axis adjustment shaft 402, and the female screw hole 404 of the lens holder 14 are omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram when the projection lens 13 is disposed at a normal position. “Normal” is a case where light of a light distribution pattern when the vehicle goes straight is irradiated. The light emitted from the light source 11 is collected by the lens 201. 5 and 6, for example, the light emitted from the light source 11 is emitted while being tilted in the + Z-axis direction and in the −Y-axis direction. Light emitted from the light source 11 enters the light guide member 202. The light guide member 202 is a component that forms a light distribution pattern. A part of the light incident on the light guide member 202 is emitted from the light exit surface of the light guide member 202 as it is. Further, part of the light incident on the light guide member 202 is reflected by the side surface of the light guide member 202 and the traveling direction is changed to the + Y axis direction. The light emitted from the optical member 12 passes through the projection lens 13 and is irradiated on the XY plane (irradiation surface 9) 10 m or more ahead in the + Z-axis direction.

  The projection lens 13 is restricted by the holding member 15 from moving in the Z-axis direction and rotating in the RX direction. Further, the position of the projection lens 13 in the Y-axis direction is determined by the cam groove 605x of the drive unit 16x and the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 of the lens holder 14. The projection lens 13 is moved in the Y-axis direction by the movement of the cam housing 604x of the drive unit 16x in the Z-axis direction.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram when the projection lens 13 is moved in the + Y-axis direction from the normal position by the driving unit 16x. Since the behavior of light from the light source 11 to the light emitted from the optical member 12 is the same as that in FIG. The cam housing 604x of the drive unit 16x moves in the + Z-axis direction with respect to the position in FIG. Thereby, the X-axis adjusting shaft 402 is guided by the cam groove 605x and moves in the + Y-axis direction. When the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 moves in the + Y-axis direction, the projection lens 13 also moves in the + Y-axis direction. And the light radiate | emitted from the optical member 12 injects into the position which shifted | deviated to the -Y-axis direction of the projection lens 13 with respect to the case of FIG. In this case, the image on the irradiation surface 9 moves in the + Y-axis direction with respect to the case of FIG. That is, by moving the projection lens 13 in the Y-axis direction, the light distribution on the irradiation surface 9 moves in the Y-axis direction. For example, in the case of the headlamp module 1 of the first embodiment, in order to correct the deviation of the optical axis of the projection lens 13 at 25 m ahead caused by the vehicle tilting forward 5 degrees, the projection lens 13 is + Y It may be moved 1.5 to 2 mm in the axial direction.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, when the cam component 603x moves in the + Z-axis direction, the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 moves in the + Y-axis direction. When the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 moves in the + Y-axis direction, the lens holder 14 moves in the + Y-axis direction. In this case, the lens holder 14 cannot be moved in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction by the holding member 15. The light distribution on the irradiation surface 9 moves in the + Y axis direction.

  On the other hand, although not shown, when the cam component 603x moves in the −Z-axis direction, the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 moves in the −Y-axis direction. When the X-axis adjustment shaft 402 moves in the −Y axis direction, the lens holder 14 moves in the −Y axis direction. Also in this case, the lens holder 14 cannot be moved in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction by the holding member 15. The light distribution on the irradiation surface 9 moves in the −Y axis direction.

  The cam component 603y performs the same operation as the cam component 603x. 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating an operation in the X-axis direction of the driving device of the headlamp module 1. 7 and 8 illustrate the operation of moving the light distribution of the headlamp module 1 by moving the projection lens 13 in the X-axis direction. In order to simplify the description, the headlamp module 1 is shown in a two-dimensional schematic diagram on the XZ plane. Further, the lens holder housing 401, the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403X, and the female screw hole 404 of the lens holder 14 are omitted. FIG. 7 shows the normal position of the projection lens 13. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the projection lens 13 is moved in the −X axis direction by the drive unit 16y. As shown in FIG. 8, when the cam component 603y moves in the + Z-axis direction, the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 moves in the -X-axis direction. When the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 moves in the −X axis direction, the lens holder 14 moves in the −X axis direction. In this case, the lens holder 14 cannot be moved in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction by the holding member 15. The light distribution on the irradiation surface 9 moves in the −X axis direction.

  On the other hand, although not shown, when the cam component 603y moves in the −Z-axis direction, the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 moves in the + X-axis direction. When the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403 moves in the + X-axis direction, the lens holder 14 moves in the + X-axis direction. Also in this case, the lens holder 14 cannot be moved in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction by the holding member 15. The light distribution on the irradiation surface 9 moves in the + X axis direction.

  As described above, the position of the light distribution on the irradiation surface 9 of the headlamp module 1 is determined by the position of the lens holder 14 with respect to the optical member 12.

  As described above, the lens holder 14 is supported by the holding member 15 so as to be movable in multiple directions with respect to a plane (XY plane) orthogonal to the light traveling direction (Z-axis direction). Yes. In the first embodiment, the holding member 15 is, for example, a parallel spring. In the first embodiment, “multi-direction” refers to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

  Further, the position of the lens holder 14 on the XY plane is determined by the X-axis adjustment shaft 402, the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403, and the drive units 16x and 16y. In the first embodiment, the drive units 16x and 16y are, for example, cam mechanisms. That is, the position of the lens holder 14 on the XY plane is determined by the X-axis adjustment shaft 402, the Y-axis adjustment shaft 403, and the cam grooves 605x and 605y. That is, the headlamp module 1 of Embodiment 1 can move the projection lens 13 held by the lens holder 14 in parallel to the XY plane by the holding member 15 and the drive unit 16. In addition, a link mechanism etc. can also be used for the drive parts 16x and 16y.

  For example, when a structure that can be moved in multiple directions using a guide shaft or the like is realized, performance degradation such as wear of the sliding surfaces due to vibration of the vehicle or fixation of the sliding surfaces due to thermal deformation becomes a problem. In particular, an optical component such as the projection lens 13 requires positioning accuracy. For this reason, a movable part enlarges in order to take a sliding countermeasure. That is, it has been difficult to develop a device that controls light distribution suitable for the headlamp module 1. The headlamp module 1 can move the projection lens 13 parallel to the XY plane without using a sliding portion by using the holding member 15 having the parallel springs 15a and 15b.

  The holding member 15 according to the first embodiment restrains the movement in the rotational direction in the RX direction and the RY direction by a pair of leaf spring holding members 15a and 15b as parallel springs. In addition, the holding member 15 has a degree of freedom independently with respect to the translational movement of the projection lens 13 and the lens holder 14 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. That is, the holding member 15 allows the projection lens 13 and the lens holder 14 to translate in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. The “translational motion” is a motion in which each constituent point of a rigid body or the like moves in the same direction. Therefore, the lens holder 14 can freely move on the XY plane while keeping the optical axis parallel to the Z axis.

<Headlight 95>
The miniaturized headlamp module 1 is modularized and used as a headlamp. A headlamp used in a vehicle can be mounted with a plurality of headlamp modules, and the light distribution pattern described above can be formed by superimposing the light distribution of the headlamp modules. In other words, the headlamps are made into multiple lamps by modularization. The multi-headed headlamp can form a light distribution pattern more suitable for the driving of the driver. In addition, headlamps that have been made into multiple lamps are spreading widely in terms of design and efficiency.

  FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a headlamp 95 on which the headlamp modules 1a, 1b, and 1c are mounted. The headlamp 95 has a cover 96 and a casing 97. The cover 96 is made of a transparent material. The casing 97 is disposed inside the vehicle body. The cover 96 is disposed on the surface portion of the vehicle body and appears outside the vehicle body. The cover 96 is disposed in the + Z axis direction (front) of the housing 97.

  Inside the casing 97, the headlamp modules 1a, 1b, and 1c are housed. In FIG. 9, as an example, three headlamp modules 1a, 1b, and 1c are housed. In addition, the number of the headlamp modules 1 used for the headlamp is not limited to three. The number of headlamp modules 1 may be one, or three or more. The headlamp modules 1a, 1b, and 1c are arranged in the X-axis direction inside the housing 97. The method of arranging the headlamp modules 1a, 1b, 1c is not limited to the method of arranging them in the X-axis direction. In consideration of design or function, the headlamp modules 1a, 1b, and 1c may be shifted in the Y-axis direction or the Z-axis direction.

  Light emitted from the headlamp modules 1a, 1b, and 1c passes through the cover 96 and is emitted forward of the vehicle. In FIG. 9, the light emitted from the cover 96 overlaps with the light emitted from the adjacent headlamp modules 1a, 1b, 1c to form one light distribution pattern.

  The cover 96 is provided to protect the headlamp modules 1a, 1b, and 1c from wind and rain or dust. That is, the cover 96 prevents intrusion of wind and rain or dust into the casing 97. However, in the case where the projection lens 13 is structured to protect the components inside the headlamp modules 1a, 1b, and 1c from wind and rain or dust, it is not necessary to provide the cover 96 in particular. In FIG. 7, the headlamp modules 1 a, 1 b, and 1 c are housed in the housing 97. However, the casing 97 does not have to be box-shaped. The casing 97 is configured by a frame or the like, and a configuration in which the headlamp modules 1a, 1b, and 1c are fixed to the frame may be employed.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing irradiation areas 91 and 92 on the irradiation surface 9 irradiated by the headlamp modules 1a, 1b and 1c. Line VV represents a vertical line at the position of the vehicle. A line HH represents a horizontal line at the position of the vehicle. In FIG. 10, the vehicle is traveling in the left lane. A symbol 93 represents the end of the road.

  The irradiation areas 91 and 92 are light distribution patterns of the headlamp modules 1a, 1b, and 1c. For example, the headlamp modules 1a and 1c irradiate the irradiation area 91 by arranging two light distribution patterns. The headlamp module 1b irradiates the irradiation area 92. As can be seen from FIG. 10, the headlamp module 1 b irradiates the irradiation area 92 immediately below the cutoff line on the irradiation surface 9 in the vicinity of the center of the light distribution pattern. This part is required to have the highest illuminance in the irradiation region. On the other hand, the headlamp modules 1 a and 1 c irradiate a wide irradiation area 91 on the irradiation surface 9.

  The exit surface of the light guide member 202 of the headlamp module 1b is, for example, a square shape having a length of 1.0 mm (Y-axis direction) and a width of 1.0 mm (X-axis direction). Moreover, the emission surface of the light guide member 202 of the headlamp modules 1a and 1c is, for example, a rectangular shape having a length of 2.0 mm and a width of 15.0 mm.

  The projection lens 13 of the headlamp module 1b and the headlamp modules 1a and 1c is the same. For this reason, if the distance from the exit surface of the light guide member 202 to the projection lens 13 is the same, the enlargement magnification when the projection is performed on the irradiation surface 9 is the same. Therefore, even on the irradiation surface 9, irradiation is performed while maintaining the area ratio and the luminance ratio between the emission surface of the light guide member 202 of the headlamp module 1b and the emission surface of the light guide member 202 of the headlamp modules 1a and 1c. The surface 9 is irradiated. That is, the area ratio and the luminance ratio of the exit surface of the light guide member 202 are enlarged and the irradiation surface 9 is irradiated.

  If the light output of the light source 11 of the headlamp modules 1a, 1b, and 1c is the same, the headlamp module 1b is more unit area on the irradiation surface 9 than the headlamp modules 1a and 1c. The illuminance per hit increases. This is because the area of the exit surface of the vehicle headlamp module 1b is smaller than the area of the exit surface of the headlamp modules 1a and 1c.

  The headlamp module 1b irradiates an irradiation area 92 immediately below the cutoff line in the center area of the light distribution pattern on the irradiation surface 9. The headlamp module 1b irradiates a portion that is required to have the highest illuminance. The headlamp modules 1 a and 1 c irradiate a wide irradiation area 91 on the irradiation surface 9. The headlamp modules 1a and 1c effectively illuminate a wide area of the irradiation surface 9 with low illuminance as a whole.

  Thus, the headlamp 95 uses the plurality of headlamp modules 1a, 1b, and 1c to add the respective light distribution patterns to form a desired light distribution pattern. Here, “desired” means that the road traffic rules and the like are satisfied. The headlamp modules 1a, 1b, and 1c can share optical components other than the light guide member 202. Conventionally, an optical system is optimally designed for each headlamp module. For this reason, it has been difficult to share optical components. The headlamp 95 according to Embodiment 1 can share optical components other than the light guide member 202 between the headlamp modules 1a, 1b, and 1c. This is because a light distribution pattern can be formed at least by the shape of the light guide member 202. That is, a different light distribution pattern can be formed simply by replacing the light guide member 202. For this reason, the headlamp 95 can reduce the types of optical components. Moreover, the headlamp 95 can reduce management of optical components. And the headlamp 95 can reduce manufacturing cost.

  Further, the irradiation region 92 irradiated with the light emitted from the headlamp module 1b can be moved in the horizontal direction by moving the projection lens 13 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the light guide member 202. it can. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the illuminance of the area being watched by the driver who is driving when driving on a curve.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, there are cases where terms such as “parallel” or “vertical” are used to indicate the positional relationship between components or the shape of the components. These represent that a range that takes into account manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations is included. For this reason, when the description showing the positional relationship between the parts or the shape of the part is included in the claims, it indicates that the range including a manufacturing tolerance or an assembly variation is taken into consideration.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the second embodiment, a part of the drive unit 16x and the drive unit 16y described in the first embodiment are integrally configured. By integrally configuring a part of the drive unit 16x and the drive unit 16y shown in the first embodiment, an increase in the size of the configuration capable of moving the light distribution of the headlamp module in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction is further suppressed. be able to.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the headlamp module 2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view excluding a part of the configuration of the headlamp module 1 according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the headlamp module 2 according to Embodiment 2 includes a light source 11, a base portion 18 that fixes the light source 11, an optical member 202 that is fixed to the base portion 18, and the optical member 12. The projection lens 13 that emits the emitted light and emits it to the opposite side, the lens holder 19 that fixes the projection lens 13, the holding member 15 that holds the lens holder 19 on the base portion 18, and the lens holder 19 are connected to the projection lens 13. An adjustment shaft 40 that moves on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis direction (the XY plane in FIG. 11) and a drive unit 50 that drives the adjustment shaft 40 are included. That is, the projection lens 13 enters the light emitted from the light source 11 as incident light, and emits the incident light as projection light in front of the vehicle.

  In the second embodiment, a mechanism for driving a lens holder 19 for fixing the projection lens 13 is different from that in the first embodiment. Therefore, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the drive unit 50 is used instead of the drive unit 16 in the first embodiment and the adjustment shaft 40 is used. Further, depending on the configuration of the drive unit 50, some of the configurations of the lens holder 19, the base unit 18, and the drive unit 50 are different from the configurations of the lens holder 19, the base unit 18, and the drive unit 16 described in the first embodiment. However, the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, in Embodiment 2, since the structure which has the same code | symbol as Embodiment 1 is the same structure, description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Lens holder 19>
The lens holder 19 has a frame shape. In the −Y axis direction of the lens holder 19, a projection lens side connection member 41 connected to the rotation shaft 40 is fixed. When the adjustment shaft 40 moves, the projection lens side connecting member 41 moves, and the projection lens 13 fixed to the lens holder 19 moves. The lens holder 19 is attached to the base portion 18 via the holding member 15.

  The holding member 15 has the holding member plate 15a and the holding member 15b as leaf springs as described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the lens holder 19 can be moved in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction with respect to the base portion 18 by the holding member 15.

<Base part 18>
As shown in FIG. 12, a female screw hole 708 for fixing the holding member 15 with a screw or the like is provided in the −Z-axis direction of the base portion 18 on a plane perpendicular to the X-axis. The optical member 12 is fixed to the upper part (+ Y-axis direction) of the base part 18, and the light source 11 is fixed to the -Z-axis direction. That is, the base portion 18 according to the second embodiment has a configuration in which the long hole 705 is omitted from the base portion 17 according to the first embodiment.

<Adjustment shaft 40>
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the adjusting shaft 40 and the drive unit 50 shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a top view showing the adjusting shaft 40 and the drive unit 50 shown in FIG. That is, FIG. 14 is a view of the adjustment shaft 40 and the drive unit 50 as seen from the + Y-axis direction shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the adjustment shaft 40 includes a first drive transmission unit 27 and a second drive transmission unit 28 to which the driving force from the drive unit 50 is transmitted. The first drive transmission unit 27 forms a rack having irregularities 37 in the direction of the central axis (rotating shaft) 43 of the adjustment shaft 40. Unlike the normal rack, the unevenness 37 does not draw a spiral in the direction of the central axis 43 of the adjustment shaft 40, and gear-shaped unevenness is symmetrically formed around the center axis 43. .

  The adjustment shaft 40 moves in the direction (X-axis direction) of the central axis 43 (shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 13) of the adjustment shaft 40 and rotates around the central axis 43. Detailed operation of the adjusting shaft will be described in detail later.

  The adjustment shaft 40 has a connection portion 20 that connects to the projection lens side connection member 41 attached to the lens holder 19. The connecting portion 20 is centered at a position different from the first engaging portion 70 that engages the projection lens side connecting member 41 with respect to the direction of the central axis 43 of the adjusting shaft 40 and the central axis 43 of the adjusting shaft 40. 44 (shown by a broken line in FIG. 13). In the second embodiment, the adjustment shaft 40 includes disc-shaped first engagement portions (flange portions) 70 larger than the diameter of the adjustment shaft 40 on both sides of the eccentric portion 30 in the X-axis direction. The first engagement portion 70 is a means for restricting the movable region in the direction of the central axis 43 of the adjustment shaft 40.

<Drive unit 50>
The drive unit 50 drives the adjustment shaft 40. The drive unit 50 includes a first drive unit 140 that drives the adjustment shaft 40 in the X-axis direction, and a second drive unit 141 that drives the adjustment shaft 40 to rotate about the X-axis direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first drive unit 140 includes a first motor 25, a first speed reduction unit 130 that adjusts and transmits the driving force of the first motor 25 to the adjustment shaft 40, and Have The first speed reduction unit 130 includes a first worm gear 24 fixed to the rotation shaft of the motor 25, and a two-stage gear 22 that transmits the driving force of the first worm gear 24 to the adjustment shaft 40. The two-stage gear 22 includes a large gear 22 b that meshes with the first worm gear 24, and a small gear 22 a that contacts the first drive transmission portion 27 of the adjustment shaft 40. Although not shown, in the two-stage gear 22, the large gear 22b and the small gear 22a have a common rotation shaft.

  According to the headlamp module 2 according to Embodiment 2, the first speed reduction unit 130 provided between the first drive unit 140 and the first drive transmission unit 27, and the second drive unit 141. And a second speed reduction unit 131 provided between the second drive transmission unit 28 and the second drive transmission unit 28. Accordingly, the operating speed of the projection lens 13 and the torque necessary for the operation of the projection lens 13 can be adjusted.

  The second drive unit 141 includes a second motor 35 and a second reduction unit 131 that adjusts and transmits the driving force of the second motor 35 to the adjustment shaft 40. The second speed reduction unit 131 includes a second worm gear 34 fixed to the rotation shaft of the motor 35, and a two-stage gear 32 that transmits the driving force of the second worm gear 34 to the adjustment shaft 40. The two-stage gear 32 includes a large gear 32 b that meshes with the first worm gear 34 and a small gear 32 a that contacts the second drive transmission portion 28 of the adjustment shaft 40. Although not shown, in the two-stage gear 32, the large gear 32b and the small gear 32a have a common rotating shaft.

<Projection lens side connection member 41>
FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the projection lens side connection member 41 and the connection portion 20 connected to the projection lens side connection member 41. As shown in FIG. 15, the projection lens side connecting member 41 has a U-shape that extends in the X-axis direction and is opened in the −Z-axis direction.

  In FIG. 15, the width W in the Y-axis direction of the U-shaped groove 52 of the projection lens side connection member 41 is set to a value that allows the eccentric portion 30 (cross-sectional diameter φA) of the connection portion 20 of the adjustment shaft 40 to enter. It is. The depth D in the Z-axis direction of the U-shaped groove 52 of the projection lens side connection member 41 is set larger than the eccentric amount E of the eccentric portion 30. “Eccentricity E” is the distance between the central axis 43 of the adjusting shaft 40 and the central axis 44 of the eccentric portion. The length L in the X-axis direction of the U-shaped groove 52 of the projection lens side connecting member 41 is a dimension that fits within the distance between the first engaging portions 70 installed at both ends of the eccentric portion 30.

  When the eccentric part 30 is accommodated in the U-shaped groove 52 of the projection lens side connecting member 41, the eccentric part 30 is detached from the U-shaped groove 52 of the projection lens side connecting member 41 even when the eccentric part 30 moves. In addition, the projection lens side connecting member 41 can be moved smoothly.

<Operation of Drive Unit 50>
Next, the operation of the drive unit 50, the operation of the adjustment shaft 40 accompanying the operation of the drive unit 50, and the operation of the projection lens 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which the adjustment shaft 40 moves in the direction of the central shaft 43 when the first driving unit 140 is driven. When the first motor 25 is driven, the first worm gear 24 fixed to the rotation shaft of the first motor 25 rotates around the X axis. When the first worm gear 24 rotates, the large gear 22b that meshes with the first worm gear 24 rotates.

  The small gear 22a rotates with the rotation of the large gear 22b. When the small gear 22 a rotates, the first drive transmission unit 27 that meshes with the small gear 22 a moves in the direction of the central axis 43 of the adjustment shaft 40. The central axis 40 moves in the direction of the central axis 43 by the movement of the first drive transmission unit 27. In order to set the movement direction of the adjustment shaft 40 to the + X direction or the X direction, the rotation direction of the first motor 25 may be selected. As the adjustment shaft 40 moves, the connecting portion 20 moves in the X-axis direction, and the projection lens side connecting member 41 connected to the connecting portion 20 moves. The projection lens 13 can be moved by moving the projection lens side connecting member 41.

  FIGS. 17A and 17B are diagrams for explaining the operation of moving the light distribution of the headlamp module 2 by the adjustment shaft 40 moving in the X-axis direction. In order to simplify the description, the headlamp module 2 is shown in a two-dimensional schematic diagram on the XZ plane. In FIG. 17, in the headlamp module 2, configurations other than the projection lens 13, the holding member 15, the lens 201, the light guide member 202, and the light source 11 are omitted.

  FIG. 17A is a diagram when the projection lens 13 is arranged at the reference position. The “reference position” is a case where light of a light distribution pattern when the vehicle posture is horizontal and goes straight is irradiated. The light emitted from the light source 11 is collected by the lens 201. In FIGS. 17A and 17B, for example, light emitted from the light source 11 is emitted in the + Z-axis direction. Light emitted from the light source 11 enters the light guide member 202. A part of the light incident on the light guide member 202 is emitted from the light exit surface of the light guide member 202 as it is. The light emitted from the optical member 12 passes through the projection lens 13 and forms an image on the XY plane (irradiation surface 9) 10 m or more ahead in the + Z-axis direction.

  FIG. 17B is a diagram when the projection lens 13 is moved from the reference position in the −X direction to move the light distribution in the + X direction. It is assumed that when the vehicle turns a curve, it illuminates the end of the curve where the vehicle will proceed. When the first driving unit 140 (not shown) is driven, the projection lens side connecting member 41 and the projection lens 13 are moved in the −X axis direction. For example, in the case of the headlamp module 1 of the first embodiment, in order to correct the deviation of the optical axis of the projection lens 13 at 25 m ahead caused by the vehicle tilting forward 5 degrees, the projection lens 13 is + Y It may be moved 1.5 to 2 mm in the axial direction.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the adjustment shaft 40 rotates around the central axis (rotation axis) 43 when the second drive unit 141 is driven. When the second motor 35 is driven, the second worm gear 34 fixed to the rotation shaft of the second motor 35 rotates around the Y axis. When the second worm gear 34 rotates, the large gear 32b that meshes with the second worm gear 34 rotates.

  As the large gear 32b rotates, the small gear 32a rotates. When the small gear 32 a rotates, the second drive transmission portion 28 that meshes with the small gear 32 a rotates around the central axis 43 of the adjustment shaft 40. The eccentric portion 30 rotates around the central axis 43 by the rotation of the second drive transmission portion 28. The projection lens side connecting member 41 is moved in the Y-axis direction by the operation of the eccentric portion 30. As the adjusting shaft 40 rotates, the eccentric part 30 rotates around the central axis 43, and the projection lens side connecting member 41 in which the eccentric part 30 is fitted moves in the Y-axis direction. The projection lens 13 can be moved by moving the projection lens side connecting member 41. Note that the position of the projection lens 13 in the Y-axis direction may be adjusted by the number of rotations of the motor 35 and does not depend on the direction of rotation of the motor 35.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 18, in the second embodiment, the second drive transmission unit 28 is a spur gear having the same rotation axis as the central axis 43. The tooth width C in the X direction of the second drive transmission unit 28 is set larger than the tooth width of the small gear 32a. Therefore, even if the adjustment shaft 40 is moved in the X-axis direction by the first drive unit 140, the engagement does not come off. The tooth width C in the X direction of the second drive transmission unit 28 is desirably a length including the width of the drive region of the adjustment shaft 40 in the X axis direction, for example.

  FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams for explaining the operation of moving the light distribution of the headlamp module 2 by the adjustment shaft 40 moving in the + Y-axis direction. In order to simplify the description, the headlamp module 2 is shown as a two-dimensional schematic diagram in the YZ plane. In FIG. 19, in the headlamp module 2, configurations other than the projecting lens 13, the holding member 15, the lens 201, the light guide member 202, the light source 11, the side connection member 41, and the adjustment shaft 40 are omitted. .

  FIG. 19A is a diagram when the projection lens 13 is arranged at the reference position. The light emitted from the light source 11 is collected by the lens 201. In FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B, for example, light emitted from the light source 11 is emitted with an inclination in the −Y axis direction in the + Z axis direction. Light emitted from the light source 11 enters the light guide member 202. The light guide member 202 is a component that forms a light distribution. A part of the light incident on the light guide member 202 is emitted from the light exit surface of the light guide member 202 as it is. Further, part of the light incident on the light guide member 202 is reflected by the side surface of the light guide member 202 and the traveling direction is changed to the + Y axis direction. The light emitted from the optical member 12 passes through the projection lens 13 and forms an image on the XY plane (irradiation surface 9) 10 m or more ahead in the + Z-axis direction.

  FIG. 19B is a diagram when the projection lens 13 is moved in the + Y direction from the reference position to move the light distribution in the + Y direction. A case is assumed in which the posture is lowered forward due to the loading state or deceleration of the vehicle. When the second drive unit 141 (not shown) is driven, the projection lens side connecting member 41 and the projection lens 13 move in the + Y axis direction. For example, in the case of the headlamp module 1 according to the second embodiment, in order to correct the deviation of the optical axis of the projection lens 13 at 25 m ahead caused by the vehicle tilting forward by 5 degrees, the projection lens 13 is set to + Y. It may be moved 1.5 to 2 mm in the axial direction.

  16 to 19 show examples in which the first driving unit 140 or the second driving unit 141 are independently operated, but the first driving unit 140 and the second driving unit 141 are shown. You may drive simultaneously. That is, since the first drive transmission unit 27 is formed with the unevenness 37 in the direction of the central axis 43, for example, the operation of the second drive unit 141 during the operation of the first drive unit 140 is hindered. There is no.

  According to the headlamp module 2 according to the second embodiment, the drive unit 50 includes the first drive unit 140 that drives the adjustment shaft 40 in the direction of the rotation shaft 43, and the adjustment shaft 40 around the rotation shaft 43. The adjusting shaft 40 includes a first driving transmission unit 27 that transmits the driving force from the first driving unit 140 in the axial direction, and a second driving unit 141. And a second drive transmission portion 28 for transmitting the driving force from the shaft in the direction around the shaft. Therefore, the operation of the projection lens 13 by the first driving unit 140 and the operation of the projection lens 13 by the second driving unit 141 do not interfere with each other.

  As described above, by moving the adjustment shaft 40 in the axial direction of the central shaft 43, the light distribution is moved in the X-axis direction, and the illuminance of the region being watched as seen by the driver during driving on the curve A headlamp that can be raised can be realized. In addition, by rotating the adjustment shaft 40, the light distribution can be moved in the Y-axis direction, and a headlamp that irradiates a fixed height position even if there is a posture change caused by the loading state of the vehicle or acceleration / deceleration Can be realized.

  Furthermore, the light distribution can be varied both in the X-axis direction and in the Y-axis direction only by rotating the adjustment shaft 40 and moving in the axial direction. Since only the adjustment shaft 40 is installed in the projection lens 13, there is no need for independent shaft configurations for moving the adjustment shaft 40 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the periphery of the projection lens 13 can be reduced in size, and the design freedom of the headlamp can be increased.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the headlamp 98 when a plurality of headlamp modules 2a, 2b, and 2c according to Embodiment 2 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. In the headlamp 98 in which a plurality of headlamp modules 2a, 2b, 2c are arranged in the X-axis direction as shown in FIG. 29, the adjustment shaft 45 corresponds to each of the headlamp modules 2a, 2b, 2c. A connecting portion 42 is provided at the position.

  The connecting portion 42 is connected to a projection lens side connecting member 41 (not shown) installed in each of the headlamp modules 2a, 2b, and 2c. The connection portion 42 includes a first engagement portion 70 that engages with the projection lens side connection member 42 of each of the headlamp modules 2a, 2b, and 2c in the X-axis direction, a projection lens side connection member 41, and the Y axis. And an eccentric portion 46 that engages in the direction. The adjusting shaft 45 includes a central axis (rotating shaft) 47, and the eccentric portion 46 includes a central axis 48 at a position different from the central axis 47. The connection between the projection lens side connection member 41 and the connection portion 42 is the same as that described in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of headlamp modules 2a, 2b, 2c are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction so that each of the headlamp modules 2a, 2b, 2c is a set of adjusting shaft 45 and drive unit. 50 can be adjusted. Therefore, even if the number of the headlamp modules 2 is increased, the configuration for driving the headlamp modules 2 can be simplified as compared with the case where each of the headlamp modules 2 is installed. As shown in FIG. 10 described in Embodiment 1, the headlamp 98 uses a plurality of headlamp modules 2a, 2b, and 2c, and adds the respective light distribution patterns to obtain a desired light distribution pattern. Can be formed.

  According to the headlamp module 2 according to the second embodiment, the light source 11 and the light emitted from the light source 11 are incident, the light emitted from the light source 11 is incident as incident light, and the incident light is transmitted in front of the vehicle. A projection lens 13 that emits projection light; an adjustment shaft having a connection portion 20 connected to the projection lens 3; a drive portion 50 that rotationally drives the adjustment shaft 40 about and around the axis of the adjustment shaft 40; The connecting portion 20 includes an eccentric portion 30 having a central axis at a position different from the rotation shaft 43 of the adjustment shaft 40. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress an increase in size of the configuration in which the light distribution of the headlamp module 2 can be moved in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction.

  Further, according to the headlamp module 2 according to the second embodiment, the projection lens 13 includes the projection lens side connection member 41 connected to the connection unit 20, and the connection unit 20 rotates with the projection lens side connection member 41. A first engaging portion 70 that engages in the direction of the shaft 43 is provided. Therefore, the configuration of the projection lens side connection member 41 can be simplified in the configuration that regulates the operation of the projection lens 13 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) of the headlamp module 2.

  Further, according to the headlamp 98 according to the second embodiment, each projection emitted from the headlamp modules 2a, 2b, and 2c includes a plurality of the headlamp modules 2a, 2b, and 2c according to the second embodiment. A light distribution pattern projected onto the front of the vehicle is formed by superimposing or arranging light. Therefore, a desired light distribution pattern can be formed by adding the respective light distribution patterns using the plurality of headlamp modules 2a, 2b, and 2c.

  In the second embodiment, the restriction of the projection lens 130 in the X-axis direction is realized by the first engagement portion 70 engaging at both ends of the projection lens-side connecting member 41 in the X-axis direction. The configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, second engaging portions 71 may be provided at both ends in the X-axis direction of the projection lens side connection member 41 to restrict the operation of the eccentric portion 31 in the X-axis direction. In the case shown in FIG. 21, the eccentric portion 31 is thicker than the outer diameter of the adjustment shaft 40, and the first engagement portion 70 is not provided. In this case, the eccentric portion 31 corresponds to the connection portion.

  The length B in the X-axis direction of the eccentric portion 31 is set to be smaller than the distance L between the plurality of second engaging portions 71 provided on the projection lens side connecting member 41. The other configuration is the same as the configuration of FIG.

  According to the headlamp module 2 according to the second embodiment, the projection lens 13 includes the projection lens side connection member 41 connected to the connection unit 20, and the projection lens side connection member 41 includes the eccentric portion 31 and the rotation shaft. A second engaging portion 71 that engages in the direction of 47 is provided. Therefore, the configuration of the adjustment shaft 40 can be simplified in the configuration that restricts the operation of the projection lens 13 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) of the headlamp module 2.

  Further, as a method for realizing the restriction of the projection lens 13 in the X-axis direction, a third engagement portion 72 is provided in the U-shaped groove 52 of the projection lens side connection member 41 as shown in FIG. A fourth engagement portion 73 that engages with the third engagement portion 72 may be provided at 31. At this time, the eccentric portion 31 and the fourth engaging portion 73 correspond to the connecting portion 20. In FIG. 22, the U-shaped groove 52 of the projection lens side connecting member 41 is provided with a protrusion as the third engaging portion 72, and the eccentric portion 31 is engaged with the third engaging portion 72. A groove portion is provided as the fourth engaging portion 73. Since the configuration other than the third engagement portion and the fourth engagement portion is the same as the configuration of FIGS. 15 and 21, the description thereof is omitted.

  According to the headlamp module 2 according to the second embodiment, the projection lens 13 includes the projection lens side connection member 41 that is connected to the connection portion 20 and has the third engagement portion 72, and the eccentric portion 31 is A fourth engagement portion 73 that engages with the third engagement portion 72 is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to simultaneously reduce the size of the connection portion 20 and the projection lens side connection member 41 in the adjustment shaft 40.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the term indicating the positional relationship of components such as a plane or a vertical includes a range that takes into account manufacturing tolerances or assembly variations.

  Moreover, although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

  1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 2, 2a, 2b, 2c headlight module, 11 light source, 12 optical member, 13 projection lens, 14 lens holder, 15 holding member, 15a holding member, 15b holding member, 16 drive unit , 17 Base part, 101 LED light source, 102 Radiator, 201 Lens, 202 Light guide member, 301 Lens surface, 302 Flange part, 401 Lens holder housing, 402 X-axis adjustment axis, 403 Y-axis adjustment axis, 404 Female screw Hole, 405 fitting portion, 502 X direction bending portion, 503 Y direction bending portion, 601 drive source, 602 feed screw shaft, 603 cam component, 604 cam housing, 605 cam groove, 606 support shaft, 701 base housing, 702 leaf spring, 703 female screw hole, 704 shaft hole, 705 Long hole, 9 irradiation surface, 91, 92 irradiation area, 93 road edge, 95, 98 headlamp, 96 cover, 97 housing, 20 connection portion, 27 first drive transmission portion, 28 second drive transmission , 30, 31, 46 Eccentric part, 40, 45 Adjustment shaft, 41 Projection lens side connection member, 43, 47 Center axis (rotation axis) of adjustment shaft, 48, 49 Center axis of eccentric part, 50 Drive , 70 1st engagement part, 71 2nd engagement part, 72 3rd engagement part, 73 4th engagement part, 130 1st reduction part, 131 2nd reduction part, 140 1st 141, the second drive unit.

Claims (13)

A light source that emits light;
A projection lens that enters the light as incident light and emits it as projection light; and
One end having a length in the optical axis direction of the projection lens includes a bending portion having a fixed end and the other end being a movable end, and holding the projection lens at the movable end, thereby allowing the projection lens to be moved with respect to the light source. A holding member that is movably held;
A drive unit for moving the projection lens,
The projection lens translates on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection lens by bending the bending portion,
The holding member includes a first bent portion and a second bent portion,
The first bent portion and the second bent portion include plate-like portions parallel to the optical axis and perpendicular to each other.
One end of the first flexure is the fixed end, the other end of the first flexure is connected to one end of the second flexure, and the other end of the second flexure is the movable end. Is a headlamp module.   The headlamp module according to claim 1, wherein the plate-like portion is a leaf spring. An adjustment shaft that moves together with the projection lens;
The drive unit includes a cam component that moves in the optical axis direction,
The headlamp module according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment shaft and the cam component constitute a cam mechanism. An adjusting shaft including a connecting portion for transmitting a driving force to the projection lens;
3. The headlamp module according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit moves the adjustment shaft in a direction of a first central axis of the adjustment shaft and rotates the adjustment shaft around the first central axis. The connection part includes an eccentric part,
5. The headlamp module according to claim 4 , wherein the eccentric portion has a second central axis at a position parallel to the first central axis and different from the adjustment axis. The headlamp module according to claim 4 or 5 , further comprising a projection lens side connection member that moves together with the projection lens and connects to the connection portion. The headlamp module according to claim 6 , wherein the connection portion includes a first engagement portion that engages with the projection lens side connection member in the first central axis direction. A projection lens side connecting member that moves together with the projection lens and connects to the connection portion,
The headlamp module according to claim 5 , wherein the projection lens side connecting member includes a second engaging portion that engages with the eccentric portion in the first central axis direction. A projection lens side connecting member that moves together with the projection lens and connects to the connection portion,
The eccentric portion includes a third engagement portion,
The projection lens side connection member includes a fourth engagement portion,
The headlamp module according to claim 5 , wherein the third engagement portion engages with the fourth engagement portion in the first central axis direction. The drive unit includes a first drive unit that moves the adjustment shaft in the direction of the first central axis,
The headlamp according to any one of claims 4 to 9 , wherein the adjustment shaft includes a first drive transmission unit that transmits a driving force from the first drive unit in the first central axis direction. module. It said first drive transmitting part, the first center axis cross-section taken along a plane including the concavo-convex shape, according to claim 10 the rotary body is in the shape of which a rotation axis of said first central axis Headlight module. The drive unit includes a second drive unit that rotates the adjustment shaft around the first central axis,
The head according to any one of claims 4 to 11 , wherein the adjustment shaft includes a second drive transmission unit that transmits a driving force from the second drive unit in a direction around the first central axis. Light module. A plurality of headlamp modules according to any one of claims 1 to 12 ,
The headlamp which forms the light distribution pattern which projects by superimposing or arranging each projection light radiate | emitted from the said headlamp module.

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