JP6119279B2 - Vehicle headlamp - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp, and more particularly to a vehicle headlamp having a structure in which a light source and an optical member are combined.

  Conventionally, in the field of vehicle headlamps, as shown in FIG. 8, a lamp A for a passing beam, a lamp F for a traveling beam, and a daytime running lamp T used to indicate the presence of the vehicle forward in the daytime. A combination lamp in which various kinds of lamps are arranged is known (see Non-Patent Document 1).

Bosch Automotive Handbook (7th edition) P968

  However, in Non-Patent Document 1, the lamp A for passing beam, the lamp F for traveling beam, and the daytime running lamp T are configured as separate lamps and are arranged at different locations on the front of the vehicle ( 8), there is a problem that it is difficult to arrange the lamp A for passing beam, the lamp F for traveling beam, and the daytime running lamp T in a limited space.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a vehicle headlamp capable of realizing a headlamp function and a daytime running lamp function even in a limited space. With the goal.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first light source and the light emitted from the first light source are projected forward of the vehicle to form a condensing region in the light distribution pattern for the traveling beam. A passing beam light distribution pattern by projecting at least one traveling beam condensing unit including a first optical member configured to, a second light source, and light emitted from the second light source to the front of the vehicle; A second optical member configured to form a condensing region therein, at least one low beam condensing unit including a first DRL light source, a third light source, and light emitted from the third light source Is projected to the front of the vehicle to form a diffusion region in the light distribution pattern for the low beam, and at least one low beam diffusion unit including a second DRL light source. In the first DRL light source, the light from the first DRL light source projected forward of the vehicle by the second optical member forms an area at least below the horizontal line in the DRL light distribution pattern. The second DRL light source is arranged above the second light source, and the second DRL light source projects light from the second DRL light source projected forward of the vehicle by the third optical member into the DRL light distribution. The first light source, the second light source, the third light source, the first DRL light source, and the first light source are disposed below the third light source so as to form at least a region above the horizontal line in the pattern. By controlling the lighting state of the light source for the second DRL and the amount of light, it is possible to switch between the traveling beam light distribution pattern, the low beam light distribution pattern, and the DRL light distribution pattern. Characterized in that it comprises means.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicular headlamp capable of realizing a headlamp function and a daytime running lamp function even in a limited space. This is mainly due to the addition of the first DRL light source to the passing beam condensing unit and the addition of the second DRL light source to the passing beam diffusing unit. This is due to the construction of a compatible vehicle headlamp.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the control means turns on at least the first light source, the first DRL light source, and the second DRL light source and controls the amount of light. The DRL light distribution pattern is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of individual light distribution patterns formed by the units.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the DRL light distribution pattern is formed, since at least the first light source, the first DRL light source, and the second DRL light source are turned on, the optical member of each unit emits light. In addition, it is possible to achieve a high-quality appearance.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the first optical member is disposed in front of the first light source, and enters the first light incident surface from the first light incident surface. The first light guide lens is configured to reflect light from one light source on the first front surface, then reflect the light on the first rear surface and emit the light from the first front surface, and the second optical member includes: The light from the second light source, which is disposed in front of the second light source and enters the inside from the second light incident surface, is reflected by the second front surface and then reflected by the second rear surface, and then the second front surface. A second light guide lens configured to emit light from the third light source, and the third optical member is disposed in front of the third light source, and enters the inside from a third light incident surface. The light is reflected on the third front surface, then reflected on the third rear surface, and emitted from the third front surface. Characterized in that it is a third light guide lens.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to configure a vehicular headlamp having a characteristic appearance (in particular, when a DRL light distribution pattern is formed) using a light guide lens.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first optical member is an aspherical lens disposed in front of the first light source, and the second optical member is It is an aspherical lens disposed in front of the second light source, and the third optical member is an aspherical lens disposed in front of the third light source.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to configure a vehicular headlamp having a characteristic appearance (in particular, when a DRL light distribution pattern is formed) using an aspheric lens.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle headlamp capable of providing a vehicle headlamp capable of realizing a headlamp function and a daytime running lamp function even in a limited space. It becomes possible.

1 is a front view of a vehicle headlamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) Front view of each lamp unit 20 (30, 40), FIG. 2 (b) A longitudinal sectional view of each lamp unit 20 (30, 40). (A) The front view of the 1st light source 22, (b) The front view of the 2nd light source 32, (c) The front view of the 3rd light source 42. (A) Example of light collection region P1 in the traveling beam light distribution pattern formed by the traveling beam condensing unit 20, (b) In the passing beam light distribution pattern formed by the passing beam condensing unit 30. (C) an example of the diffusion region P4 in the passing beam light distribution pattern formed by the passing beam diffusion unit 40, (d) a focusing region P2 shown in FIG. It is an example of the light distribution pattern for passing beams formed by overlapping the diffusion region P4 shown in FIG. (A) Example of light collection region P1 in the traveling beam light distribution pattern formed by the traveling beam condensing unit 20; (b) in the passing beam light distribution pattern formed by the passing beam diffusion unit 40; An example of the diffusion region P4, (c) an example of the region P3D at least below the horizontal line H and the region P3U above the horizontal line H in the light distribution pattern for DRL formed by the condensing unit 30 for passing beams, (d) FIG. ), A diffusion region P4 shown in FIG. 5B, and regions P3D and P3U shown in FIG. 5C are overlapped to form an example of a DRL light distribution pattern. Example of controlling lighting state (lighting or extinguishing) of each lamp unit 20, 30, 40 (first light source 22, second light source 32, third light source 42, first DRL light source 36, and second DRL light source 46) and its light quantity It is a table showing. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of each lamp unit 20, 30, 40 (modification example). 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle headlamp 200 described in Non-Patent Document 1. FIG.

  Hereinafter, a vehicle headlamp according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a vehicle headlamp 10 disposed on the left side of vehicle headlamps disposed on the left and right of a front portion of a vehicle such as an automobile. The vehicular headlamp 10 disposed on the left side and the vehicular headlamp disposed on the right side are substantially symmetrical and have the same configuration. For this reason, hereinafter, the vehicle headlamp 10 disposed on the left side will be mainly described, and the description of the vehicle headlamp disposed on the right side will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicular headlamp 10 includes a total of five lamp units including two traveling beam focusing units 20, one passing beam focusing unit 30, and two passing beam diffusion units 40. I have. The lamp units 20, 30, 40 are arranged in a line in a diagonally upward direction when viewed from the front of the lamp.

  First, the traveling beam condensing unit 20 will be described.

  The two traveling beam condensing units 20 are lamp units that form a condensing region P1 (see FIG. 4A) in the traveling beam light distribution pattern.

  FIG. 2A is a front view of each lamp unit 20 (30, 40), and FIG. 2B is a longitudinal sectional view of each lamp unit 20 (30, 40).

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the traveling beam condensing unit 20 projects the first light source 22 and the light emitted from the first light source 22 forward of the vehicle, A so-called direct projection type (also referred to as direct type) lamp that includes a first optical member 24 configured to form a condensing region P1 (see FIG. 4A) in the traveling beam light distribution pattern. It is configured as a unit.

  FIG. 3A is a front view of the first light source 22.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the first light source 22 is, for example, a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED (for example, a light emitting diode × 4 including a light emitting surface 22a of 1 mm square), and is made of a ceramic (or metal) substrate. Mounted in a line at a predetermined interval on the surface of K1, a horizontally long light emitting surface 22A is formed.

  The first light source 22 is a white light source having a structure in which a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED (for example, a blue LED chip having a light emission color) and a wavelength conversion member (for example, a yellow YAG phosphor having a light emission color) are combined. It may be a white light source having a structure in which RGB three-color LED chips are combined, or a white light source having another structure. In addition, the 1st light source 22 (semiconductor light emitting element) should just be one or more. The first light source 22 may be a white light source having a structure in which an LD (for example, a blue laser diode whose emission color is blue) and a wavelength conversion member (for example, a yellow YAG phosphor whose emission color is) are combined. Good.

  The first light source 22 may be a white light source having a package structure in which the semiconductor light emitting element and the wavelength conversion member are arranged close to each other, or the semiconductor light emitting element and the wavelength conversion member are arranged apart from each other. In addition, a white light source having a structure in which a light guide (for example, an optical fiber) that guides light from a semiconductor light emitting element and irradiates a wavelength conversion member may be disposed between them. It may be a white light source having a structure in which a member is disposed apart from each other and a condensing lens for condensing light from the semiconductor light emitting element and irradiating the wavelength converting member is disposed between the members.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the first light source 22 has a horizontally-long rectangular light emitting surface 22A facing the direction of the first optical member 24 (front of the vehicle), the long side of the horizontally-long rectangular light emitting surface 22A and the vehicle longitudinal direction. the reference axis AX extending (central axis, also the optical axis referred) are orthogonal (or substantially orthogonal), and the reference point F ₂₄ of oblong rectangular light-emitting surface 22A and the first optical member 24 match (or In a substantially aligned state, the substrate K1 is fixed to a holding member (not shown) such as a heat sink and disposed behind the first optical member 24. Reference point _{F 24} of the first optical member 24, for example, is positioned substantially at the center of the oblong rectangular light-emitting surface 22A (see Figure 3 (a)).

  The first optical member 24 is configured to project the light emitted from the first light source 22 toward the front of the vehicle to form a light collection region P1 (see FIG. 4A) in the traveling beam light distribution pattern. It is the optical member made.

As the first optical member 24, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a first light source made of a transparent resin (such as acrylic or polycarbonate) and entering the light from the light incident surface 24a is used. A light guide lens configured to reflect light from the front surface 24b and then reflect the light from the rear surface 24c to be emitted from the front surface 24b can be used. Specifically, at least the concave portion 24d including the light incident surface 24a, the front surface 24b, the rear surface 24c, and the optical design reference point F ₂₄ (also referred to as a focal point or an optical center) on the surface thereof. ) Including a light guide lens (see, for example, US Pat. No. 7,460,985). The material of the first optical member 24 may be, for example, glass other than a transparent resin (such as acrylic or polycarbonate).

Reference point _{F 24} of the first optical member 24 is positioned in the recess 24d, the first light source 22 is disposed in a recess 24d inside and the reference point _{F 24} (or near). The distance L along the reference axis AX between the first light source 22 and the light incident surface 24a is, for example, 2.7 mm.

  The recess 24d includes a light incident surface 24a. The light incident surface 24 a is a surface for taking light from the first light source 22 into the first optical member 24 and is disposed so as to surround the first light source 22.

  As the concave portion 24d, for example, a substantially triangular prism-shaped concave portion, a hemispherical concave portion, or a concave portion having another shape having an isosceles triangle shape and extending in the horizontal direction (a direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG. 2B) is used. be able to.

  The front surface 24b is a surface that reflects the light from the first light source 22 that has entered from the light incident surface 24a toward the vehicle rear side (rear surface 24c), and from which the reflected light from the rear surface 24c is emitted. Is arranged.

  The front surface 24b includes an upper region 24b1, a lower region 24b2, and an intermediate region 24b3.

  The upper region 24b1 is a region where the incident angle of the light from the first light source 22 incident on the light incident surface 24a incident thereon exceeds the critical angle, and is disposed above the intermediate region 24b3. The lower region 24b2 is a region where the incident angle of light from the first light source 22 that has entered from the light incident surface 24a incident thereon exceeds the critical angle, and is disposed below the intermediate region 24b3.

  The intermediate region 24b3 is a belt-like region including the reference axis AX and extending in the horizontal direction, where the incident angle of the light from the first light source 22 incident on the incident light surface 24a incident on the intermediate region 24b3 is less than the critical angle. The intermediate region 24b3 reflects light incident on the intermediate region less than the critical angle toward the vehicle rear side (rear surface 24c). Therefore, the intermediate region 24b3 is subjected to mirror treatment by aluminum vapor deposition or the like, and is formed into a strip-like reflective region 26 (horizontal direction). 2 (a) (see hatching area in FIG. 2).

  The rear surface 24c is a surface that reflects the reflected light from the front surface 24b toward the front surface 24b (upper region 24b1 and lower region 24b2) and emits the light from the front surface 24b (upper region 24b1 and lower region 24b2). Has been placed.

  The rear surface 24c includes an upper region 24c1 and a lower region 24c2.

  The upper region 24c1 is a surface that reflects the reflected light from the front surface 24b toward the front surface 24b (upper region 24b1) and emits the light from the front surface 24b (upper region 24b1), and is disposed above the reference axis AX. The lower region 24c2 is a surface that reflects the reflected light from the front surface 24b toward the front surface 24b (lower region 24b2) and emits the light from the front surface 24b (lower region 24b2), and is disposed below the reference axis AX.

  The rear surface 24c (24c1, 24c2) reflects the reflected light from the front surface 24b incident thereon toward the front surface 24b (upper region 24b1, lower region 24b2), and exits from the front surface 24b (upper region 24b1, lower region 24b2). Therefore, a mirror surface treatment such as aluminum vapor deposition is performed to form a reflection region 28 extending upward and downward from the recess 24d.

  At least one of the light incident surface 24a, the front surface 24b, and the rear surface 24c constituting the first optical member 24 enters the first optical member 24 from the light incident surface 24a and is reflected by the front surface 24b and the rear surface 24c. A virtual vertical screen (vehicle light source image of a semiconductor light emitting element) emitted from the front surface 24b (upper region 24b1, lower region 24b2) and irradiated forward is directly opposed to the front surface of the vehicle. The surface shape is designed so as to form a condensing region P1 (see FIG. 4A) in the light distribution pattern for traveling beams on the front (approximately 25 m ahead of the front surface).

  Specifically, at least one of the light incident surface 24a, the front surface 24b, and the rear surface 24c constituting the first optical member 24 has a high luminous intensity in the vicinity of the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V. The surface shape is designed to diffuse into the surface.

  Next, the passing beam condensing unit 30 will be described.

  Compared with the traveling beam condensing unit 20 described above, the passing beam condensing unit 30 mainly uses a second light source 32 instead of the first light source 22 and adds a first DRL light source 36. Otherwise, the configuration is the same as that of the traveling beam condensing unit 20 described above.

  One condensing unit for passing beam 30 includes a condensing region P2 in the light distribution pattern for passing beam (see FIG. 4B) or a region P3D (at least below the horizontal line H in the light distribution pattern for DRL) ( It is the lamp unit which forms FIG.5 (c).

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the low beam condensing unit 30 projects the second light source 32 and the light emitted from the second light source 32 to the front of the vehicle, A so-called direct projection type (both direct type) including a second optical member 34 and a first DRL light source 36 configured to form a condensing region P2 (see FIG. 4B) in the light distribution pattern for the passing beam. It is configured as a lamp unit.

  FIG. 3B is a front view of the second light source 32.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the second light source 32 is a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED (for example, a light emitting diode × 3 including a light emitting surface 32a of 1 mm square), like the first light source 22, and is ceramic. The horizontally-long rectangular light emitting surface 32A is configured to be mounted in a line at a predetermined interval on the surface of the made (or metal) substrate K2.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the second light source 32 has a horizontally-long rectangular light-emitting surface 32A facing the direction of the second optical member 34 (front of the vehicle), and the long side of the horizontally-long rectangular light-emitting surface 32A and the reference axis AX. DOO are orthogonal (or substantially orthogonal), and the holding member (Fig substrate K2 is a heat sink or the like while the reference point F ₃₄ is a match (or substantially match) the horizontally oblong light emitting surface 32A and the second optical member 34 (Not shown) and disposed behind the second optical member 34.

A part of the horizontally-long rectangular light emitting surface 32A is covered with a light shielding member 38 including an upper edge shape corresponding to a cut-off line (for example, an oblique cut-off line) (see FIG. 3B). Reference point F ₃₄ of the second optical member 34, for example, are located on the upper end edge near the light shielding member 38.

  As with the first light source 22, the first DRL light source 36 is a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED (for example, a light emitting diode x 1 including a 1 mm square light emitting surface 36a), and is projected forward of the vehicle by the second optical member 34. The light from the first DRL light source 36 is disposed above the second light source 32 so as to form at least a region P3D (see FIG. 5C) below the horizontal line H in the DRL light distribution pattern. (See FIG. 3B). Specifically, the first DRL light source 36 is mounted above the second light source 32 on the surface of the ceramic (or metal) substrate K2.

In addition, by adjusting the position of the first DRL light source 36 with respect to the second light source 32 (reference point F ₃₄ ), it is possible to appropriately irradiate the region required by the regulations for the DRL light distribution pattern.

  The second optical member 34 is configured to project the light emitted from the second light source 32 to the front of the vehicle to form a condensing region P2 (see FIG. 4B) in the passing beam light distribution pattern. It is the optical member made.

As the first optical member 24, the second optical member 34 is made of a transparent resin (acrylic, polycarbonate, etc.), for example, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), and from the light incident surface 24a. A light guide lens configured to reflect the light from the second light source 32 incident on the front surface 24b, then reflect the light on the rear surface 24c, and emit the light from the front surface 24b can be used. Specifically, at least the concave portion 24d including the light incident surface 24a, the front surface 24b, the rear surface 24c, and the optical design reference point F ₃₄ (also referred to as a focal point or an optical center) on the surface thereof. ) Including a light guide lens (see, for example, US Pat. No. 7,460,985).

  At least one of the light incident surface 24a, the front surface 24b, and the rear surface 24c constituting the second optical member 34 enters the second optical member 34 from the light incident surface 24a and is reflected by the front surface 24b and the rear surface 24c. A virtual vertical screen (vehicle light source image of a semiconductor light emitting element) emitted from the front surface 24b (upper region 24b1, lower region 24b2) and irradiated forward is directly opposed to the front surface of the vehicle. The surface shape is designed so as to form a condensing region P2 (see FIG. 4B) in the light distribution pattern for the passing beam above (located about 25 m forward from the front surface).

Specifically, at least one of the light incident surface 24 a, the front surface 24 b, and the rear surface 24 c constituting the second optical member 34 is arranged with light rays from the reference point F ₃₄ near the horizontal line H, and is obliquely cut by the light shielding member 38. The surface shape is designed so that an off-line is formed.

  Next, the low beam diffusion unit 40 will be described.

  The passing beam diffusing unit 40 differs from the traveling beam condensing unit 20 described above mainly in that a third light source 42 is used in place of the first light source 22 and a second DRL light source 46 is added. Otherwise, the configuration is the same as the traveling beam condensing unit 20 described above.

  The two passing beam diffusing units 40 have a diffusion region P4 (see FIG. 4C) in the passing beam light distribution pattern, or a region P3U (see FIG. 5) at least above the horizontal line H in the DRL light distribution pattern. (C) is a lamp unit.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the low beam diffusion unit 40 projects the third light source 42 and the light emitted from the third light source 42 to the front of the vehicle, and passes each other. A so-called direct projection type (also called a direct projection type) including a third optical member 44 and a second DRL light source 46 configured to form a diffusion region P4 (see FIG. 4C) in the beam distribution pattern. It is configured as a lamp unit.

  FIG. 3C is a front view of the third light source 42.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, the third light source 42 is a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED (for example, a light emitting diode × 4 including a 1 mm square light emitting surface 42 a), like the first light source 22, and is ceramic. It is mounted in a line at a predetermined interval on the surface of the made (or metal) substrate K3 to constitute a horizontally elongated light emitting surface 42A.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the third light source 42 has a horizontally-long rectangular light-emitting surface 42A facing the direction of the third optical member 44 (front of the vehicle), and a long side of the horizontally-long rectangular light-emitting surface 42A and a reference axis AX. DOO are orthogonal (or substantially orthogonal), and the holding member (Fig substrate K3 is the heat sink or the like while the reference point F ₄₄ is a match (or substantially match) the horizontally oblong light emitting surface 42A and the third optical member 44 (Not shown) and disposed behind the third optical member 44. Reference point F ₄₄ of the third optical member 44 is, for example, is located near the center of the long sides of the lower horizontal rectangular light-emitting surface 42A (see Figure 3 (c)).

  Similarly to the first light source 22, the second DRL light source 46 is a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED (for example, 2 light emitting diodes including a 1 mm square light emitting surface 46a), and is projected forward of the vehicle by the third optical member 44. The light from the second DRL light source 46 is arranged below the third light source 42 so as to form a region P3U (see FIG. 5C) above the horizontal line H in the DRL light distribution pattern. (See FIG. 3C). Specifically, the second DRL light source 46 is mounted in a line at a predetermined interval below the third light source 42 on the surface of the ceramic (or metal) substrate K3 to form a vertically elongated light emitting surface. ing.

In addition, by adjusting the position of the second DRL light source 46 with respect to the third light source 42 (reference point F ₄₄ ), it is possible to appropriately irradiate the region required by the regulations for the DRL light distribution pattern.

  The third optical member 44 is configured to project the light emitted from the third light source 42 to the front of the vehicle to form a diffusion region P4 (see FIG. 4C) in the passing beam light distribution pattern. Optical member.

As the first optical member 24, the third optical member 44 is made of a transparent resin (acrylic, polycarbonate, etc.), for example, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b). A light guide lens configured to reflect the light from the third light source 42 that has entered the interior to the front surface 24b, then reflect the light from the rear surface 24c, and emit the light from the front surface 24b can be used. Specifically, at least the concave portion 24d including the light incident surface 24a, the front surface 24b, the rear surface 24c, and the optical design reference point F ₄₄ (also referred to as a focal point or an optical center) on the surface thereof. ) Including a light guide lens (see, for example, US Pat. No. 7,460,985).

  At least one of the light incident surface 24a, the front surface 24b, and the rear surface 24c constituting the third optical member 44 enters the third optical member 44 from the light incident surface 24a and is reflected by the front surface 24b and the rear surface 24c. A virtual vertical screen (vehicle light source image of the semiconductor light emitting element) emitted from the front surface 24b (upper region 24b1, lower region 24b2) and irradiated forward is directly opposed to the front surface of the vehicle. The surface shape is designed so as to form a diffusion region P4 (see FIG. 4C) in the light distribution pattern for the passing beam on the upper surface (approximately 25 m ahead of the front surface).

Specifically, the light incident surface 24a constituting the third optical member 44, at least one of the front 24b and the rear surface 24c is to be lined rays from the reference point _{F 44} below 0.57 degrees above the horizontal line H Furthermore, the surface shape is designed.

  Next, the lighting state of each lamp unit 20, 30, 40 (the first light source 22, the second light source 32, the third light source 42, the first DRL light source 36, and the second DRL light source 46) having the above-described configuration. An example in which the light quantity is controlled and switched to any one of the light distribution pattern for traveling beam, the light distribution pattern for passing beam, and the light distribution pattern for DRL will be described.

  Control of the lighting state (lit or extinguished) of each lamp unit 20, 30, 40 (first light source 22, second light source 32, third light source 42, first DRL light source 36 and second DRL light source 46) and the amount of light thereof A control circuit 50 such as an ECU to which the first light source 22, the second light source 32, the third light source 42, the first DRL light source 36, the second DRL light source 46, etc. are electrically connected (corresponding to the control means of the present invention) Is done by.

  FIG. 6 shows the lighting state (lit or extinguished) of each lamp unit 20, 30, 40 (first light source 22, second light source 32, third light source 42, first DRL light source 36 and second DRL light source 46) and It is a table | surface showing the example of control of light quantity.

  The control circuit 50 individually controls the lighting state (lit or extinguished) of the first light source 22, the second light source 32, the third light source 42, the first DRL light source 36 and the second DRL light source 46 and the light amount thereof, and travels. Switching to a light distribution pattern for beams, a light distribution pattern for passing beams, or a light distribution pattern for DRL.

  For example, when the traveling beam light distribution pattern is formed, the control circuit 50 turns on the first light source 22, the second light source 32, and the third light source 42 as shown in FIG. , 42, a constant current controlled so that the light amount from the light source 42 becomes a predetermined light amount (first light source 22 = 100%, second light source 32 = 100%, third light source 42 = 100%). , 32, 42.

  As a result, a condensing region P1 (see FIG. 4A) in the traveling beam light distribution pattern formed by the two traveling beam condensing units 20 and one passing beam condensing unit 30 are formed. The light condensing region P2 (see FIG. 4B) and the diffusion region P4 (see FIG. 4C) formed by the two passing beam diffusion units 40 are overlapped to form a traveling beam light distribution pattern. Is formed.

  On the other hand, when forming the light distribution pattern for the passing beam, the control circuit 50 turns on the second light source 32 and the third light source 42 as shown in FIG. A constant current controlled so as to obtain a predetermined light quantity (second light source 32 = 100%, third light source 42 = 100%) is supplied to each light source 32, 42.

  As a result, the condensing region P2 (see FIG. 4B) in the light distribution pattern for the passing beam formed by one passing beam focusing unit 30 and the two passing beam diffusion units 40 are formed. The diffusion region P4 (see FIG. 4C) in the passing beam light distribution pattern is superimposed to form a passing beam light distribution pattern (see FIG. 4D).

  On the other hand, when forming the DRL light distribution pattern, the control circuit 50 turns on at least the first light source 22, the first DRL light source 36, and the second DRL light source 46 and controls the amount of light, thereby controlling the DRL light distribution. The pattern is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of individual light distribution patterns formed by each unit.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the control circuit 50 turns on the first light source 22, the first DRL light source 36, the third light source 42, and the second DRL light source 46, and the light sources 22, 36, The amount of light from 42 and 46 becomes a predetermined amount of light (first light source 22 = 1%, first DRL light source 36 = 13%, third light source 42 = 4%, second DRL light source 46 = 13%). Is supplied to each of the light sources 22, 36, 42, and 46. Accordingly, the first light source 22, the first DRL light source 36, the third light source 42, and the second DRL light source 46 are adjusted to appropriate brightness and are lit.

  As a result, a condensing region P1 ′ (see FIG. 5A) in the traveling beam light distribution pattern formed by the two traveling beam condensing units 20 is formed by one passing beam condensing unit 30. In the DRL light distribution pattern, at least a region P3D below the horizontal line H (see FIG. 5C) and the diffusion region P4 ′ in the low beam light distribution pattern formed by the two low beam diffusion units 40 (See FIG. 5B) and a region P3U (see FIG. 5C) at least above the horizontal line H in the DRL light distribution pattern formed by the two passing beam diffusion units 40 are superimposed, A DRL light distribution pattern (see FIG. 5D) that is greatly diffused vertically and horizontally is formed.

  As described above, when the DRL light distribution pattern is formed, at least the first light source 22, the first DRL light source 36, and the second DRL light source 46 are lit, so that each optical member 24 of each lamp unit 20, 30, 40 is turned on. , 34, and 44 can emit light (all light emission), and can achieve a new and high-quality appearance.

  Each number shown in FIG. 6 is an exemplification, and an appropriate numerical value can be used according to the brightness (for example, luminance), size, and the like of each light source 22, 32, 42, 36, 46.

  As described above, according to the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, the vehicle headlamp capable of realizing the headlamp function and the daytime running lamp function even in a limited space is provided. It becomes possible to provide. This is mainly due to the addition of the first DRL light source 36 to the passing beam condensing unit 30 and the addition of the second DRL light source 46 to the passing beam diffusing unit 40, so that the headlamp function and daytime running can be achieved. This is due to the construction of one vehicular headlamp 10 that is compatible with the lamp function. As a result, the degree of freedom in layout is improved as compared with the case where the vehicle headlamp (passing beam lamp, traveling beam lamp) and the daytime running lamp are arranged as separate lamps. Further, since the headlamp function and the daytime running lamp function can be realized by one vehicle headlamp 10, an extra light source and optical components are not required. As a result, cost reduction can be achieved.

  Further, according to the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, when the DRL light distribution pattern is formed, at least the first light source 22, the first DRL light source 36, and the second DRL light source 46 are turned on. It is possible to realize a new and high-quality appearance in which the optical members 24, 34, and 44 of the respective 20, 30, and 40 light emission (total light emission).

  Further, according to the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to configure a vehicle headlamp having a characteristic appearance (particularly when a DRL light distribution pattern is formed) using a light guide lens. It becomes.

  Next, a modified example will be described.

  In the above embodiment, the vehicle headlamp 10 is configured by using a total of five lamp units, that is, two traveling beam condensing units 20, one low beam condensing unit 30, and two low beam diffusion units 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  That is, the vehicle headlamp 10 is configured by using at least three lamp units of at least one traveling beam condensing unit 20, at least one low beam condensing unit 30, and at least one low beam diffusing unit 40. Can be configured. When the brightness is insufficient, a brighter (higher brightness) light source may be used as the first light source 22, the second light source 32, and the third light source 42.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example using the light guide lens shown to Fig.2 (a) and FIG.2 (b) as the 1st optical member 24, the 2nd optical member 34, and the 3rd optical member 44 ,. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the first optical member 24 is made of a transparent resin (acrylic, polycarbonate, or the like), and includes a front surface 24e, a rear surface 24f opposite thereto, and a reference point F _24A on the optical surface side on the rear surface 24f side. Meniscus lenses including (also referred to as focus or optical center) and other aspherical lenses such as plano-convex lenses can be used.

  At least one of the front surface 24e and the rear surface 24f constituting the first optical member 24A of the present modification enters the first optical member 24A of the present modification from the rear surface 24f, exits from the front surface 24e, and forwards. The light from the first light source 22 to be irradiated (the light source image of the semiconductor light emitting element) is distributed on the virtual vertical screen (located about 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle) facing the front of the vehicle. The surface shape is designed so as to form a light collection region P1 (see FIG. 4A) in the pattern.

  Specifically, at least one of the front surface 24e and the rear surface 24f constituting the first optical member 24A of the present modification has a high luminous intensity in the vicinity of the intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V, and gently moves up and down. The surface shape is designed to diffuse.

Further, for example, the second optical member 34 is made of a transparent resin (acrylic, polycarbonate, etc.) as shown in FIG. 7 as in the first optical member 24A of the above-described modification, and has a front surface 24e and a rear surface 24f opposite to the front surface 24e. A meniscus lens including a reference point F _34A (also referred to as a focal point or an optical center) on the optical surface on the rear surface 24f side, or other aspherical lens such as a plano-convex lens can be used.

  At least one of the front surface 24e and the rear surface 24f constituting the second optical member 34A of the present modified example enters the second optical member 34A of the present modified example from the rear surface 24f, exits from the front surface 24e, and forwards. The light from the second light source 32 to be irradiated (light source image of the semiconductor light emitting element) is distributed on the virtual vertical screen (located about 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle) facing the front of the vehicle. The surface shape is designed so as to form a condensing region P2 (see FIG. 4B) in the pattern.

Specifically, at least one of the front surface 24e and the rear surface 24f constituting the second optical member 34A of the present modified example arranges light rays from the reference point F _{34A in the} vicinity of the horizontal line H, and is obliquely cut off by the light shielding member 38. The surface shape is designed so that is formed.

Further, for example, the third optical member 44 is also made of a transparent resin (acrylic, polycarbonate, etc.) as shown in FIG. 7, as in the first optical member 24A of the above-described modification, and has a front surface 24e and a rear surface 24f opposite to the front surface 24e. A meniscus lens including an optical design reference point F _44A (also referred to as a focal point or an optical center) on the rear surface 24f side, or other aspherical lens such as a plano-convex lens can be used.

  At least one of the front surface 24e and the rear surface 24f constituting the third optical member 44A of the present modified example enters the third optical member 44A of the present modified example from the rear surface 24f, exits from the front surface 24e, and forwards. The light distribution from the third light source 42 (light source image of the semiconductor light emitting element) is distributed on the virtual vertical screen (located about 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle) facing the front of the vehicle. The surface shape is designed so as to form a diffusion region P4 (see FIG. 4C) in the pattern.

Specifically, at least one of the front surface 24e and the rear surface 24f constituting the third optical member 44A of the present modification is arranged so that the light rays from the reference point F _44A are arranged at 0.57 degrees below the horizontal line H. The surface shape is designed.

  As described above, the vehicle headlamp (see FIG. 7) according to the present modification can provide the same effects as those of the above embodiment.

  The above embodiment is merely an example in all respects. The present invention is not construed as being limited to these descriptions. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Vehicle headlamp, 20 ... Condensing unit for traveling beams, 22 ... 1st light source, 22A ... Light emission surface, 22a ... Light emission surface, 24 ... 1st optical member, 24a ... Light entrance surface, 24b ... Front surface, 24b1 ... Upper region, 24b2 ... Lower region, 24b3 ... Intermediate region, 24c ... Rear surface, 24c1 ... Upper region, 24c2 ... Lower region, 24d ... Recessed portion, 26 ... Reflecting region, 28 ... Reflecting region, 30 ... Condensing for passing beam Unit: 32 ... second light source, 32A ... light emitting surface, 32a ... light emitting surface, 34 ... second optical member, 36 ... first DRL light source, 38 ... light shielding member, 40 ... passing beam diffusion unit, 42 ... third light source , 42A ... light emitting surface, 42a ... light emitting surface, 44 ... third optical member, 46 ... light source for second DRL, 50 ... control circuit

Claims (4)

At least one traveling including a first optical member configured to project a first light source and light emitted from the first light source to the front of the vehicle to form a condensing region in the traveling beam light distribution pattern. A beam condensing unit;
A second light source configured to project a light emitted from the second light source, the light emitted from the second light source toward the front of the vehicle, and to form a condensing region in the light distribution pattern for the passing beam; and for the first DRL At least one converging unit for a low beam including a light source;
A third light source, a third optical member configured to project light emitted from the third light source to the front of the vehicle and form a diffusion region in the light distribution pattern for the passing beam, and for the second DRL At least one low beam diffusion unit including a light source;
With
The first DRL light source is configured such that light from the first DRL light source projected forward of the vehicle by the second optical member forms an area at least below a horizontal line in the DRL light distribution pattern. 2 above the light source,
The second DRL light source is configured so that light from the second DRL light source projected forward of the vehicle by the third optical member forms an area at least above a horizontal line in the DRL light distribution pattern. Arranged below the third light source,
further,
By controlling the lighting state and the amount of light of the first light source, the second light source, the third light source, the first DRL light source, and the second DRL light source, a traveling beam light distribution pattern, a passing beam light distribution A vehicle headlamp comprising control means for switching between a pattern and a DRL light distribution pattern.   The control means turns on at least the first light source, the first DRL light source, and the second DRL light source and controls the amount of light, thereby adjusting the DRL light distribution pattern to each individual distribution formed by each unit. The vehicular headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the vehicular headlamp is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of a light pattern. The first optical member is disposed in front of the first light source, reflects light from the first light source that enters the inside from the first light incident surface on the first front surface, and then reflects the light on the first rear surface. A first light guide lens configured to be reflected and emitted from the first front surface;
The second optical member is disposed in front of the second light source, reflects light from the second light source that enters the inside from the second light incident surface on the second front surface, and then reflects the light on the second rear surface. A second light guide lens configured to be reflected and emitted from the second front surface;
The third optical member is disposed in front of the third light source, reflects light from the third light source that enters the inside from the third light incident surface on the third front surface, and then reflects the light on the third rear surface. The vehicular headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the vehicular headlamp is a third light guide lens configured to be reflected and emitted from the third front surface. The first optical member is an aspherical lens disposed in front of the first light source;
The second optical member is an aspherical lens disposed in front of the second light source;
The vehicular headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third optical member is an aspherical lens disposed in front of the third light source.

Images