JP6244618B2 - Vehicle headlamp - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp that includes a semiconductor light source and a lens, and the lens includes a main lens portion and a total reflection type auxiliary lens portion.

  Conventionally, this type of vehicle headlamp is known (for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3). Hereinafter, a conventional vehicle headlamp will be described.

  The conventional vehicular headlamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a semiconductor light emitting element and a lens, and the lens includes a central lens portion (main lens portion) and a total reflection type diffusing lens portion (auxiliary lens portion). Thus, the light from the semiconductor light emitting element is irradiated from the central lens portion as a condensing light distribution region and from the diffusion lens portion as a diffusion light distribution region.

  The conventional vehicular headlamp of Patent Document 2 includes a semiconductor light emitting element and a lens, and the lens includes a projection lens (main lens portion) and a total reflection type light guide (auxiliary lens portion). The light from the semiconductor light emitting element is irradiated from the projection lens as a side zone light distribution pattern and from the light guide as a center zone light distribution pattern.

  The conventional vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 3 includes an LED light source and a lens, and the lens is composed of an optical lens (main lens portion) and a total reflection type light guide (auxiliary lens portion). Light from the LED light source is emitted from the optical lens as a main light distribution pattern and from the light guide as an auxiliary light distribution pattern.

JP 2012-89333 A JP 2010-212089 A JP 2010-205607 A

  However, in the conventional vehicle headlamp described above, the incident surface of the auxiliary lens unit and the incident surface of the main lens unit, that is, the incident surface (inner surface, rear surface, and rear surface) of the lens are not distorted but simple. In addition, no consideration has been given to matters that improve the appearance of the exit surface of the auxiliary lens portion and the exit surface of the main lens portion, that is, the exit surface (outer surface, front surface, front surface) of the lens.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that, in conventional vehicle headlamps, no consideration has been given to matters that make the entrance surface of the lens a simple shape or matters that improve the appearance of the exit surface of the lens. is there.

  The present invention (the invention according to claim 1) includes a semiconductor-type light source and a lens, and the lens includes a main lens portion and an auxiliary lens portion, and the main lens portion is formed from the semiconductor-type light source. An incident surface on which light is incident, and a convex emission surface that emits the incident light as a main light distribution pattern, and an auxiliary lens unit is incident on which light from a semiconductor-type light source is incident; It is composed of a reflection surface that totally reflects incident light and an emission surface that emits the totally reflected light as an auxiliary light distribution pattern, and the emission surface of the auxiliary lens portion is inclined with respect to the emission surface of the main lens portion. It is characterized by having a shape inclined in the same direction.

  This invention (invention according to claim 2) is characterized in that the incident surface of the auxiliary lens portion has a flat or substantially flat shape.

  This invention (the invention according to claim 3) is characterized in that the incident surface of the auxiliary lens portion is inclined toward the reflecting surface as it approaches the semiconductor-type light source.

  In the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention described in claim 1), the exit surface of the auxiliary lens portion has a shape along the shape of the exit surface of the main lens portion. The appearance of the exit surface of the auxiliary lens unit and the exit surface of the main lens unit, that is, the exit surface of the lens (outer surface, front surface, front surface) can be improved as compared with a lens having a shape opposite to the shape of the exit surface of the lens unit. it can.

  Further, in the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 2), since the incident surface of the auxiliary lens portion is flat or substantially flat, the incident surface of the auxiliary lens portion draws an arc. Compared to the one that curves to the semiconductor light source side, the incident surface of the auxiliary lens part and the incident surface of the main lens part, that is, the incident surface (inner surface, rear surface, rear surface) of the lens are not distorted shapes but simple shapes It can be.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 3), the incident surface of the auxiliary lens portion is inclined toward the reflecting surface side as it approaches the semiconductor-type light source (that is, the center of the lens). Therefore, the lens can be easily molded, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced accordingly.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention, and is a plan view of a vehicle equipped with left and right vehicle headlamps. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing main components of the left lamp unit. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the left lamp unit. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the left lamp unit. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 3 when the light control member is located at the first position. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 3 when the light control member is located at the second position. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 3 when the light control member is located at the first position. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 3 when the light control member is located at the second position. FIG. 9 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing the optical path of the auxiliary lens portion of the lens. FIG. 10 is a perspective explanatory view showing the optical path of the auxiliary lens portion of the lens. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional explanatory diagram (longitudinal cross-sectional explanatory diagram) showing an incident surface and a reflecting surface of an auxiliary lens portion of the lens. FIG. 12 is a horizontal cross-sectional explanatory diagram (transverse cross-sectional explanatory diagram) showing an incident surface, a reflecting surface, and an exit surface of the auxiliary lens portion of the lens. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a spot light distribution pattern irradiated from the auxiliary lens portion of the lens. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a low beam light distribution pattern and a high beam light distribution pattern irradiated from the left lamp unit. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a low-beam light distribution pattern and a high-beam light distribution pattern that are irradiated and synthesized (superimposed) from the left and right lamp units, respectively.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment (example) of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment. 13 to 15, reference sign “VU-VD” indicates vertical lines on the upper and lower sides of the screen. Reference sign “HL-HR” indicates horizontal lines on the left and right of the screen. FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are explanatory diagrams of an isoluminous curve showing a simplified light distribution pattern on the screen drawn by computer simulation. In the explanatory diagram of the isoluminous curve, the central isoluminous curve indicates high luminous intensity, and the outer isoluminous curve indicates low luminous intensity. Furthermore, in FIG. 9, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12, the cross section hatching of the lens is omitted. In this specification, front, rear, upper, lower, left, and right are front, rear, upper, lower, left, and right when the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention is mounted on a vehicle.

(Description of Configuration of Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the configuration of the vehicle headlamp according to this embodiment will be described. In FIG. 1, reference numerals 1L and 1R denote vehicle headlamps (for example, headlamps) according to this embodiment. The vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R are mounted on both left and right ends of the front portion of the vehicle C. Hereinafter, the left vehicle headlamp 1L mounted on the left side of the vehicle C will be described. Since the right vehicle headlamp 1R mounted on the right side of the vehicle C has substantially the same configuration as the left vehicle headlamp 1L, the description thereof is omitted.

(Explanation of lamp unit)
2 to 8, the vehicle headlamp 1L includes a lamp housing (not shown), a lamp lens (not shown), a semiconductor light source 2, a lens 35, a heat sink member, A dual-purpose mounting member (hereinafter referred to as “heat sink member”) 4, a light control member (movable optical component) 6, a drive member 7, and a cover member 8 are provided.

  The semiconductor-type light source 2, the lens 35, the heat sink member 4, the light control member 6, the driving member 7, and the cover member 8 constitute a lamp unit. The lamp housing and the lamp lens define a lamp chamber (not shown). The lamp units 2, 35, 4, 6, 7, and 8 are disposed in the lamp chamber, and include a vertical optical axis adjustment mechanism (not shown) and a horizontal optical axis adjustment mechanism (not shown). To the lamp housing.

(Description of the semiconductor-type light source 2)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 to 12, the semiconductor light source 2 is a self-luminous semiconductor light source such as an LED, an OEL, or an OLED (organic EL) in this example. The semiconductor light source 2 includes a light emitting chip (LED chip) 20, a package (LED package) in which the light emitting chip 20 is sealed with a sealing resin member, a substrate 21 on which the package is mounted, and an attachment to the substrate 21. And a connector 22 for supplying a current from a power source (battery) to the light emitting chip 20. Engaging portions 23 are provided at least on the upper, left, and right of the four sides of the substrate 21. The substrate 21 is fixed to the heat sink member 4 by screws 24. As a result, the semiconductor light source 2 is fixed to the heat sink member 4.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the light emitting chip 20 has a planar rectangular shape (planar rectangular shape). That is, four square chips are arranged in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction). Two, three, or five or more square chips, one rectangular chip, or one square chip may be used. Front of the light emitting chip 20 In this example, a rectangular front forms the light emitting surface 25. The light emitting surface 25 faces the front side of the reference optical axis (reference axis) Z of the lens 35. The center O of the light emitting surface 25 of the light emitting chip 20 is located at or near the reference focal point F of the lens 35 and on or near the reference optical axis Z of the lens 35.

  In FIG. 10, X, Y, and Z constitute an orthogonal coordinate (XYZ orthogonal coordinate system). The X axis is a horizontal axis in the left-right direction that passes through the center O of the light emitting surface 25 of the light emitting chip 20, and is inside the vehicle C, that is, in this embodiment, the right side is the + direction and the left side is the-direction. It is. Further, the Y axis is a vertical axis passing through the center O of the light emitting surface 25 of the light emitting chip 20, and in this embodiment, the upper side is the + direction and the lower side is the-direction. Further, the Z axis is a normal line (perpendicular) passing through the center O of the light emitting surface 25 of the light emitting chip 20, that is, an axis in the front-rear direction orthogonal to the X axis and the Y axis. The front side is the + direction and the rear side is the − direction.

(Description of cover member 8)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 to 7, the cover member 8 has a rectangular cover shape with a window 80 at the center. The cover member 8 is made of a light-impermeable member, for example. Elastic engagement claws 81 are integrally provided on the cover member 8 at three positions on the left and right. The elastic engagement claw 81 is elastically fitted to the engagement portion 23 of the semiconductor light source 2. As a result, the cover member 8 is integrally fixed to the semiconductor light source 2. In addition, the cover member 8 is fixed to the heat sink member 4 with a screw in a state where the semiconductor light source 2 is sandwiched between the cover member 8 and the heat sink member 4, and the cover member 8 and the heat sink The semiconductor light source 2 may be fixed between the member 4 and the member 4.

  The window 80 of the cover member 8 is positioned corresponding to the light emitting surface 25 of the light emitting chip 20 of the semiconductor light source 2. Portions other than the window portion 80 of the cover member 8 cover the periphery of the light emitting chip 20 in the front surface of the substrate 21 of the semiconductor light source 2. As a result, light emitted from the light emitting surface 25 of the light emitting chip 20 of the semiconductor light source 2 is shielded by the portion other than the window portion 80 of the cover member 8 through the window portion 80 of the cover member 8. Without incident on the lens 35 side. Further, the periphery of the light emitting chip 20 in the front surface of the substrate 21 of the semiconductor light source 2 is covered with a portion other than the window portion 80 of the cover member 8. As a result, the appearance is improved.

  On both the left and right sides of the cover member 8, cylindrical shafts 82 are integrally provided in parallel or substantially parallel to the X-axis direction. In the vicinity of the shaft 82 on at least one of the left and right sides of the cover member 8 (in this example, the left side), a pin 83 is provided integrally or in parallel with the X-axis direction.

(Description of lens 35)
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 12, the lens 35 includes a main lens portion 3, an auxiliary lens portion 5, and a plurality of fixed legs 36 in this example. Note that a two-dot chain line in FIG. 9 indicates a boundary line between the main lens unit 3 and the auxiliary lens unit 5. The fixed leg portion 36 is fixed to the heat sink member 4 by a screw 37. As a result, the lens 35 is fixed to the heat sink member 4. In this example, the fixed leg portion 36 is integrally formed with the lens 35, but may be a separate structure from the lens 35.

(Description of main lens unit 3)
The main lens unit 3 has the reference optical axis Z and the reference focal point F as shown in FIG. The main lens unit 3 uses central light L5 and part L6 of ambient light among the light emitted from the semiconductor-type light source 2. The central light L5 is light having a predetermined angle (about 40 ° in this example) from the X-axis or Y-axis of the hemispherical emission range of the semiconductor-type light source 2, and is the center of the main lens unit 3. It is light incident on the part. The ambient light is light within a predetermined angle (about 40 ° in this example) from the X axis or Y axis of the hemispherical emission range of the semiconductor light source 2. The part L6 of the ambient light is light that enters the peripheral part of the main lens unit 3 among the peripheral light. In this example, the main lens unit 3 is a transmissive lens unit that transmits light from the semiconductor light source 2.

  The main lens unit 3 is a main light distribution pattern for light from the semiconductor light source 2 (the central light L5 and a part of the ambient light L6). In this embodiment, FIG. Vehicle C as a low beam light distribution pattern (passing light distribution pattern) LP shown in A) and a high beam light distribution pattern (traveling light distribution pattern) HP shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B. Irradiate in front of. In other words, the main lens unit 3 irradiates the front of the vehicle C with the light (directed from the central light L5 and part of the ambient light L6) directly from the semiconductor-type light source 2 as the low beam light distribution pattern LP. In addition, the light transmitted through the light control member 6 from the semiconductor-type light source 2 (the central light L5) and the light directly incident from the semiconductor-type light source 2 (a part L6 of the ambient light) are distributed for the high beam. Irradiate the front of the vehicle C as the light pattern HP.

  The main lens unit 3 includes an incident surface 30 on which light from the semiconductor light source 2 enters the main lens unit 3, and a convex emission surface 31 on which light incident on the main lens unit 3 exits. , Is composed of. The entrance surface 30 of the main lens unit 3 is composed of a free-form surface or a composite quadric surface. The exit surface 31 of the main lens portion 3 has a convex shape protruding to the opposite side of the semiconductor light source 2, and is composed of a free curved surface or a composite quadratic curved surface.

(Description of auxiliary lens unit 5)
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 12, the auxiliary lens unit 5 is provided around the main lens unit 3 on the inner side of the vehicle C, that is, the right side in this embodiment. The auxiliary lens unit 5 effectively uses another part L1 of the ambient light out of the light emitted from the semiconductor-type light source 2. The other part L1 of the ambient light is light that enters the auxiliary lens unit 5 out of the ambient light. In this example, the auxiliary lens unit 5 is a total reflection type lens unit that totally reflects light (other part of the ambient light) L1 from the semiconductor-type light source 2. The auxiliary lens unit 5 is integral with the main lens unit 3.

  The auxiliary lens unit 5 uses the light L1 from the semiconductor-type light source 2 as an auxiliary light distribution pattern, in this embodiment, as a spot light distribution pattern SP shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B. The light is irradiated in front of the vehicle C and substantially at the center of the high beam light distribution pattern HP irradiated from the main lens unit 3.

  The auxiliary lens unit 5 includes a light incident surface 50 on which the light L1 from the semiconductor-type light source 2 is incident on the auxiliary lens unit 5, and a light L2 incident on the auxiliary lens unit 5 from the incident surface 50. And a light exit surface 52 from which the reflected light L3 totally reflected by the reflective surface 51 exits from the auxiliary lens unit 5 to the outside.

  The incident surface 50 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 has a flat or substantially flat shape. The incident surface 50 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 is composed of a free curved surface that is calculated and adjusted so that the light L1 from the semiconductor-type light source 2 is incident on a predetermined light path on a minute incident surface (not shown). ing. The incident surface 50 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 is inclined toward the reflecting surface 51 as it approaches the semiconductor light source 2 (that is, inclined so as to spread outward from the center side of the lens 35). ).

  The reflection surface 51 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 has a small reflection surface 51C, 51U, 51D, 51B, 51F, and light L2 incident on the auxiliary lens unit 5 from the small incident surface of the incident surface 50 is predetermined. It is composed of a free-form surface that is calculated and adjusted so as to be totally reflected in the optical path.

  Here, the calculation adjustment of the minute reflection surfaces 51C, 51U, 51D, 51B, 51F of the reflection surface 51 is adjusted based on the calculation reference point. As shown in FIG. 11, the calculation reference point in the minute reflective surface 51 </ b> C at the center of the vertical cross section of the reflective surface 51 is the center O point of the light emitting surface 25 of the semiconductor-type light source 2. The calculation reference point in the minute reflecting surface 51U that continuously moves (offset) upward from the minute reflecting surface 51C in the center of the vertical cross section of the reflecting surface 51 is the center of the light emitting surface 25 of the semiconductor-type light source 2 This is a point FU that continuously moves (offsets) upward from O. The calculation reference point in the minute reflecting surface 51D continuously moving (offset) downward from the minute reflecting surface 51C in the center of the vertical cross section of the reflecting surface 51 is the light emitting surface 25 of the semiconductor-type light source 2. This is a point FD that continuously moves (offsets) downward from the center O.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the calculation reference point on the minute reflecting surface 51 </ b> B at the rear end of the horizontal cross section of the reflecting surface 51 is the center O point of the light emitting surface 25 of the semiconductor-type light source 2. The calculation reference point in the minute reflecting surface 51F continuously moving (offset) from the minute reflecting surface 51B at the rear end of the horizontal cross section of the reflecting surface 51 is the light emitting surface 25 of the semiconductor-type light source 2. This is a point FF that continuously moves (offset) from the center O to the front side.

  The emission surface 52 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 is inclined in the same direction as the inclination of the emission surface 31 of the main lens unit 3 (a shape along the shape of the emission surface 31 of the main lens unit 3), That is, it has a convex shape projecting on the opposite side to the semiconductor light source 2. The exit surface 52 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 is a minute exit surface (not shown), and the reflected light L3 totally reflected by the minute reflection surfaces 51C, 51U, 51D, 51B, 51F is shown in FIG. It is composed of a free-form surface that is calculated and adjusted so as to emit light in the targeted angular direction on the screen of 15 (B).

  The configurations of the entrance surface 50, the reflection surface 51, and the exit surface 52 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 are only examples, and may be configured by other means. That is, the auxiliary lens portion 5 has a shape that follows the shape of the incident surface 50 having a flat or substantially flat shape, the reflection surface 51 of the total reflection type, and the emission surface 31 of the main lens portion 3. What is necessary is just to be comprised from the said output surface 52 made | formed.

(Description of heat sink member 4)
The heat sink member 4 radiates heat generated by the semiconductor light source 2 to the outside. The heat sink member 4 is made of, for example, an aluminum die casting or a resin member having heat conductivity and conductivity. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 8, the heat sink member 4 includes a vertical plate portion 40 and a plurality of vertical plate-shaped fins integrally provided on one surface (rear surface, rear surface) of the vertical plate portion 40. Part 43.

  On the fixed surface of the other surface (front surface, front surface) of the vertical plate portion 40 of the heat sink member 4, an inverted concave storage groove portion is provided. Among the storage groove portions, the upper horizontal storage groove portion constitutes a first storage groove portion 41 as a first storage portion. Moreover, the lower part of the right vertical storage groove part of the said storage groove part comprises the 2nd storage groove part 42 as a 2nd storage part. A storage recess may be used instead of the storage groove. That is, instead of the first storage groove 41 and the second storage groove 42, a first storage recess and a second storage recess may be used. The first storage groove portion 41 of the first storage portion and the second storage groove portion 42 of the second storage portion are viewed through the lens 35 from the front of the vehicle C, and the perspective range of the lens 35 (projection range of the lens 35, The range of the lens 35 is provided.

  The semiconductor-type light source 2 is fixed by the screw 24 inside the storage groove portion of the other surface of the vertical plate portion 40. As shown in FIG. 4, a part of the cover member 8 fixed to the semiconductor light source 2 and the shaft 82 are housed in vertical housing grooves on both the left and right sides of the housing groove. Further, the lens 35 is fixed by the screw 37 on the outer surface of the storage groove portion on the other surface of the vertical plate portion 40.

  A storage recess 44 is provided in a part of the plurality of fin portions 43 of the heat sink member 4, that is, in the middle portion on the right side of the plurality of fin portions 43. A hole 45 is provided in the bottom of the storage recess 44.

(Description of Light Control Member 6)
The light control member 6 is configured to be movable and switched between a first position and a second position by the drive member 7. The first position is a position shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 7. The second position is a position in the state shown in FIGS.

  The light control member 6 includes a light shielding part 60, a light transmission part 61, and an attachment part 62. The light shielding part 60 and the attachment part 62 are made of a light-impermeable member and form an integral structure. The light transmission part 61 is composed of a light transmission member and has a separate structure from the light shielding part 60 and the attachment part 62. The light shielding portion 60, the light transmitting portion 61, and the mounting portion 62 are integrally formed of a light transmitting member, and a light-opaque paint or the like is applied to the light shielding portion 60 and the mounting portion 62. It may be what you did. Further, the light control member 6 may be configured integrally with a transparent resin material and an opaque material. For example, the transparent resin material of the light transmission part 61 and the opaque resin material of the light shielding part 60 and the attachment part 62 are integrally formed, or the opaque steel plates of the light shielding part 60 and the attachment part 62 are formed on the opaque steel plate. The transparent resin material of the light transmission part 61 is outsert-molded.

  The light control member 6 is connected to the cover member 8 via the mounting portion 62 around the central axis (an axis parallel or substantially parallel to the X axis) O1 of the shaft 82. It is attached so that rotation is possible. The rotation angle between the first position and the second position is preferably 90 ° or less. In this example, it is about 80 °. Here, when the light control member 6 is located at the first position, most of the light control member 6 is housed in the first housing groove 41 and the other surface of the vertical plate 40 of the heat sink member 4 ( It is located behind the fixed surface.

(Description of mounting portion 62)
The mounting portion 62 has a frame shape with an open center. That is, the mounting portion 62 is composed of front and rear (upper and lower) both ends around the center opening and left and right side portions. Circular through holes 63 are provided on the left and right sides of the mounting portion 62 so as to correspond to the shaft 82 of the cover member 8. On the left side of the mounting portion 62, an arc groove 64 is provided in an arc shape corresponding to the pin 83 of the cover member 8 and centering on the center of the through hole 63. A locking piece 65 having a small hole is integrally provided on the left side of the mounting portion 62.

  The shaft 82 of the cover member 8 is rotatably inserted into the through hole 63 of the mounting portion 62. The pin 83 of the cover member 8 is inserted into the arc groove 64 of the mounting portion 62. As a result, the light control member 6 is rotatably attached to the cover member 8 via the attachment portion 62. A part of the mounting portion 62 is accommodated in vertical storage groove portions on the left and right sides of the storage groove portion of the heat sink member 4 together with a part of the cover member 8 and the shaft 82.

  When the light control member 6 is located at the first position, the mounting portion 62 is located with the light transmission portion 61 at a position other than between the semiconductor light source 2 and the main lens portion 3, that is, the first storage. The groove 41 is accommodated. The attachment portion 62 is located between the semiconductor light source 2 and the main lens portion 3 together with the light transmission portion 61 when the light control member 6 is located at the second position. Here, most of the mounting portion 62 when the light control member 6 is located at the first position is housed in the first housing groove portion 41 together with the light transmitting portion 61, and the heat sink member 4 on the rear side of the other surface (fixed surface) of the vertical plate portion 40.

(Description of the light shielding part 60)
The light shielding portion 60 has a bar shape that is integrally provided in one end (front end or lower end) of the right side portion of the mounting portion 62 in the vertical direction (front-rear direction). The light shielding unit 60 is a shade. When the light control member 6 is located at the first position, the light shielding part 60 is located between the semiconductor light source 2 and the auxiliary lens part 5 as shown in FIG. The light (other part of the ambient light) L1 incident on the incident surface 50 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 from the mold light source 2 is shielded.

  The light shielding part 60 when the light control member 6 is located at the first position is located within the following region (range) as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 and has the following attitude. It is in the state of. That is, the region is a line segment connecting a light shielding start point (not shown) of the incident surface 50 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 and a farthest point (not shown) of the light emitting surface 25 of the semiconductor-type light source 2. A line segment connecting a light shielding end point (not shown) of the incident surface 50 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 and a closest point (not shown) of the light emitting surface 25 of the semiconductor type light source 2, and the semiconductor type A line segment parallel to or substantially parallel to the reference optical axis Z of the lens 35 passing through the nearest point of the light emitting surface 25 of the light source 2 (perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the light emitting surface 25 of the semiconductor-type light source 2). N)) and the incident surface 50 of the auxiliary lens unit 5. The posture is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the light emitting surface 25 of the semiconductor-type light source 2 (parallel or substantially parallel to the reference optical axis Z of the lens 35).

  When the light control member 6 is located at the second position, the light shielding portion 60 is located at a position other than between the semiconductor light source 2 and the auxiliary lens portion 5, as shown in FIGS. Light (other part of the ambient light) L <b> 1 stored in the second storage groove 42 and incident from the semiconductor-type light source 2 is incident on the auxiliary lens unit 5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14B and FIG. 15B, the spot light distribution pattern SP is in front of the vehicle C and is emitted from the main lens portion 3 so as to be irradiated with the high beam light distribution pattern. It is irradiated to the substantially central part of HP. Here, most of the light shielding part 60 when the light control member 6 is located at the second position is housed in the second housing groove part 42, and the vertical plate part of the heat sink member 4. It is located behind the other surface (fixed surface) of 40.

(Description of the light transmission part 61)
The light transmission part 61 has a plate shape fixed to both front and rear center parts of the attachment part 62. When the light control member 6 is located at the first position, the light transmission part 61 is located at a position other than between the semiconductor light source 2 and the main lens part 3, as shown in FIGS. Light from the semiconductor-type light source 2 (the central light L5 and part of the ambient light L6) that is stored in the first storage groove 41 is directly incident on the central portion of the main lens portion 3. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 15A, the central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP is irradiated in front of the vehicle C. Here, most of the light transmission portion 61 when the light control member 6 is located at the first position is housed in the first housing groove 41 and the vertical plate portion of the heat sink member 4. It is located behind the other surface (fixed surface) of 40.

  When the light control member 6 is located at the second position, the light transmission part 61 is located between the semiconductor light source 2 and the main lens part 3 as shown in FIGS. Then, the light from the semiconductor-type light source 2 (the central light L5) is transmitted and incident on the central portion of the main lens portion 3. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B, the central portion HPC of the high-beam light distribution pattern HP is irradiated in front of the vehicle C.

  In this example, the light transmitting portion 61 is configured by a prism (refer to a prism member described in JP 2010-153181 A). As shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15A, and 15B, the light transmitting portion 61 includes the main lens portion 3 out of the light emitted from the semiconductor-type light source 2. The optical path of the central light L5 incident on the central portion is changed to deform the central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP and the central portion HPC of the high beam light distribution pattern HP. That is, the light transmission part 61 raises a part of the light of the central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP into a mountain shape upward from the cut-off line CL of the central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP. Thus, the central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP is transformed into the central portion HPC of the high beam light distribution pattern HP. The central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP and the central portion HPC of the high beam light distribution pattern HP are formed from light concentrated in the center.

(Description of opening 66)
Openings 66 are formed between the left and right sides of the light transmitting portion 61 and the left and right sides of the mounting portion 62, respectively. When the light control member 6 is located at the first position, the left and right openings 66 are located at positions other than between the semiconductor-type light source 2 and the main lens portion 3, that is, in the first storage groove 41. The light transmitting portion 61 and the mounting portion 62 are housed together.

  When the light control member 6 is located at the second position, the openings 66 on both the left and right sides are arranged between the semiconductor light source 2 and the main lens portion 3 as shown in FIG. The main lens unit is located together with the part 61 and the mounting part 62 and allows the light from the semiconductor light source 2 (the part L6 of the ambient light and the other part L1 of the ambient light) to pass through as they are. 3 and the auxiliary lens unit 5. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B, the light emitted from the peripheral portion of the main lens portion 3 and the auxiliary lens portion 5 is the left and right end portions of the high beam distribution pattern HP. HPL, HPR, and the spot light distribution pattern SP are irradiated in front of the vehicle C.

  As shown in FIGS. 8, 14B, and 15B, the opening 66 on the left side allows a part L6 of the ambient light from the semiconductor light source 2 to pass through as it is, so that the main lens portion. 3 is incident on the peripheral portion. For this reason, the left and right end portions HPL and HPR of the high beam light distribution pattern HP are substantially equal to the left and right end portions LPL and LPR of the low beam light distribution pattern LP without deformation. As a result, the left and right opening portions 66 can maintain the left and right end portions HPL and HPR of the high beam light distribution pattern HP substantially equal to the left and right end portions LPL and LPR of the low beam light distribution pattern LP. .

  The left and right end portions LPL and LPR of the low beam light distribution pattern LP and the left and right end portions HPL and HPR of the high beam light distribution pattern HP are diffused light on the left and right sides (road shoulder side) (side diffusion light distribution pattern). Of light). Here, a central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP and a central portion HPC of the high beam light distribution pattern HP, left and right end portions LPL and LPR of the low beam light distribution pattern LP, and the high beam light distribution pattern HP. As shown in FIG. 14, the boundary between the left and right end portions HPL and HPR is about 20 ° in the horizontal direction (about 16 ° to about 24 °).

(Description of drive member 7)
As shown in FIGS. 2, 7, and 8, the driving member 7 positions the light control member 6 so that the movement (rotation and rotation) can be switched between the first position and the second position. is there. The driving member 7 includes a solenoid 70, a connecting pin 71, and a spring 72.

  The solenoid 70 is provided with an advance / retreat rod 73 having a small hole. The solenoid 70 is integrally provided with a fixed piece 74. The solenoid 70 is housed in the housing recess 44 of the heat sink member 4. The advance / retreat rod 73 is inserted into the hole 45 of the heat sink member 4. The fixed piece 74 is fixed to the heat sink member 4 with a screw 75. As a result, the driving member 7 is fixed to the heat sink member 4.

  Both ends of the connecting pin 71 are attached to the locking piece 65 and the advance / retreat rod 73 of the light control member 6, respectively. Both ends of the spring 72 are respectively attached to the light control member 6 on the rotation side (movable side) and the cover member 8 on the fixed side. As a result, when the solenoid 70 is not energized, due to the spring force of the spring 72, the advance / retreat rod 73 is located at the advance position, and the light control member 6 is located at the first position. When the solenoid 70 is energized, the forward / backward rod 73 moves backward against the spring force of the spring 72 and is positioned at the retracted position, and the light control member 6 is positioned at the second position.

(Description of the operation of the embodiment)
The vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment are configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described below.

  In a normal state, that is, when the solenoid 70 is not energized, the advance / retreat rod 73 is located at the advance position and the light control member 6 is located at the first position by the spring force of the spring 72. At this time, the light shielding part 60 is located between the semiconductor-type light source 2 and the auxiliary lens part 5, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, most of the light transmitting portion 61 and most of the mounting portion 62 are housed in a position other than between the semiconductor light source 2 and the main lens portion 3, that is, in the first housing groove 41, as shown in FIG. ing.

  In this normal time, the light emitting chip 20 of the semiconductor light source 2 is turned on. Then, among the light emitted from the light emitting surface 25 of the light emitting chip 20, the central light L5 and the part L6 of the ambient light of the semiconductor-type light source 2 are directly incident on the incident surface of the main lens unit 3, as shown in FIG. 30 enters the main lens unit 3. At this time, the light distribution of the incident light is controlled on the incident surface 30. Incident light that enters the main lens unit 3 exits from the exit surface 31 of the main lens unit 3. At this time, the emitted light is subjected to light distribution control on the emission surface 31. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 15A, the emitted light from the main lens unit 3 is irradiated in front of the vehicle C as a low-beam light distribution pattern LP having a cut-off line CL.

  Here, the central light L5 of the semiconductor light source 2 incident on the central portion of the main lens portion 3 is irradiated in front of the vehicle C as the left and right end portions LPL and LPR of the low beam light distribution pattern LP. A part L6 of the ambient light of the semiconductor light source 2 incident on the peripheral part of the main lens part 3 is irradiated in front of the vehicle C as a central part LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP.

  On the other hand, of the light emitted from the light emitting surface 25 of the light emitting chip 20, it is the ambient light L <b> 1 of the semiconductor light source 2 and is intended to enter the incident surface 50 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 (other ambient light). Part L1 is shielded by a light shielding part 60 located between the semiconductor-type light source 2 and the incident surface 50 of the auxiliary lens part 5, as shown in FIG. As a result, in a normal state, a low beam light distribution pattern LP having a cut-off line CL is irradiated in front of the vehicle C as shown in FIGS. 14 (A) and 15 (A).

  Here, when the light control member 6 is located at the first position, the light shielding portion 60 is located within a predetermined region and is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the light emitting surface 25 of the semiconductor-type light source 2. (Parallel or substantially parallel to the reference optical axis Z of the lens 35). As a result, the light shielding unit 60 is the ambient light L1 of the semiconductor light source 2 out of the light emitted from the light emitting surface 25 of the light emitting chip 20 and is intended to enter the incident surface 50 of the auxiliary lens unit 5. (Other part of the ambient light) L1 can be reliably shielded.

  Then, the solenoid 70 is energized. Then, the advance / retreat rod 73 moves backward against the spring force of the spring 72 and is positioned at the retracted position, and the light control member 6 rotates from the first position toward the second position and is positioned at the second position. . That is, the light transmitting portion 61 that has been stored in the first storage groove portion 41 until now is positioned between the semiconductor-type light source 2 and the main lens portion 3 as shown in FIGS. Further, most of the light shielding part 60 that has been positioned between the semiconductor-type light source 2 and the auxiliary lens part 5 is housed in the second housing groove part 42 as shown in FIG.

  Of the light emitted from the light emitting surface 25 of the light emitting chip 20, the central light L5 of the semiconductor light source 2 is transmitted through the light transmitting portion 61, and the transmitted light is transmitted to the main lens as shown in FIG. The light enters the main lens part 3 from the central part of the incident surface 30 of the part 3. At this time, the light distribution of the incident light is controlled on the incident surface 30. Incident light that enters the main lens unit 3 exits from the exit surface 31 of the main lens unit 3. At this time, the emitted light is subjected to light distribution control on the emission surface 31. As shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B, the emitted light from the main lens unit 3 is irradiated in front of the vehicle C as the central portion HPC of the high beam light distribution pattern HP.

  Here, the light transmission part 61 raises a part of the light of the central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP into a mountain shape upward from the cut-off line CL of the central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP, The central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP is deformed to the central portion HPC of the high beam light distribution pattern HP. As a result, the central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP shown in FIGS. 14A and 15A is deformed by the light transmitting portion 61, and the high beam shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B is obtained. The light is emitted in front of the vehicle C as the central portion HPC of the light distribution pattern HP.

  For this reason, the central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP shown in FIGS. 14A and 15A includes the position P1 of the upper end of the guard rail on the left shoulder approximately 5 m ahead of the vehicle C. Absent. On the other hand, the center portion HPC of the high beam light distribution pattern HP shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B includes the position P1 of the upper end of the guard rail on the left shoulder approximately 5 m ahead of the vehicle C. ing. As a result, a moderation feeling of switching between the low beam light distribution pattern LP shown in FIGS. 14A and 15A and the high beam light distribution pattern HP shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B is obtained. It is done.

  On the other hand, of the light emitted from the light emitting surface 25 of the light emitting chip 20, a part L6 of the ambient light of the semiconductor light source 2 passes through the opening 66 on the left side of the mounting portion 62 as shown in FIG. The light enters the main lens unit 3 from the periphery of the incident surface 30 of the main lens unit 3. At this time, the light distribution of the incident light is controlled on the incident surface 30. Incident light that enters the main lens unit 3 exits from the exit surface 31 of the main lens unit 3. At this time, the emitted light is subjected to light distribution control on the emission surface 31. As shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B, the emitted light from the main lens unit 3 is irradiated in front of the vehicle C as left and right end portions HPL and HPR of the high beam light distribution pattern HP. .

  Here, part of the ambient light L6 from the semiconductor-type light source 2 passes through the left opening 66 as it is and enters the peripheral part of the main lens part 3. For this reason, the left and right end portions HPL and HPR of the high beam light distribution pattern HP are low beam light distribution patterns formed by a part L6 of ambient light from the semiconductor light source 2 incident on the peripheral portion of the main lens portion 3. The left and right end portions LPL and LPR of LP are substantially the same without being deformed. As a result, the left and right opening portions 66 can maintain the left and right end portions HPL and HPR of the high beam light distribution pattern HP substantially equal to the left and right end portions LPL and LPR of the low beam light distribution pattern LP. That is, as shown in FIG. 15C, the left and right sides of the high beam light distribution pattern HP1 are changed as in the case where all the light from the semiconductor light source 2 is switched from the low beam light distribution pattern LP to the high beam light distribution pattern HP1. In both end portions HPL and HPR, there is no case where a part P2 is dimmed and the amount of light becomes insufficient.

  Further, among the light emitted from the light emitting surface 25 of the light emitting chip 20, another part L1 of the ambient light of the semiconductor light source 2 that has been shielded by the light shielding unit 60 until now is as shown in FIG. The light passes through the opening 66 on the right side of the mounting portion 62 and enters the auxiliary lens portion 5 from the incident surface 50 of the auxiliary lens portion 5. At this time, the light distribution of the incident light L <b> 2 is controlled on the incident surface 50. Incident light L2 incident on the auxiliary lens unit 5 is totally reflected by the reflecting surface 51 of the auxiliary lens unit 5. At this time, the reflected light L3 is subjected to light distribution control on the reflecting surface 51. The totally reflected light L3 is emitted from the emission surface 52. At this time, the outgoing light L4 is subjected to light distribution control on the outgoing surface 52. As shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B, the emitted light L4 from the auxiliary lens unit 5 is not accompanied by a spectral color, and as a spot light distribution pattern SP in the high beam light distribution pattern HP, as shown in FIGS. It is irradiated in front of the vehicle C and substantially at the center of the high beam light distribution pattern HP irradiated from the main lens unit 3.

  Then, the energization to the solenoid 70 is cut off. Then, the advance / retreat rod 73 moves forward by the spring force of the spring 72 and is positioned at the forward position, and the light control member 6 rotates from the second position toward the first position and is positioned at the first position. That is, the light transmitting portion 61 that has been positioned between the semiconductor-type light source 2 and the main lens portion 3 until now is accommodated in the first accommodation groove portion 41. Further, the light shielding part 60 that has been accommodated in the second accommodation groove part 42 so far is positioned between the semiconductor light source 2 and the auxiliary lens part 5.

  Here, the low-beam light distribution pattern LP shown in FIG. 14A and the high-beam light distribution pattern HP shown in FIG. 14B show light distribution patterns obtained by the left vehicle headlamp 1L. A low beam light distribution pattern (not shown) and a high beam light distribution pattern (not shown) obtained by the right vehicle headlight 1R are obtained by the left vehicle headlight 1L as shown in FIG. The light distribution pattern LP for the low beam shown in FIG. 4 and the light distribution pattern HP for the high beam shown in FIG. That is, the outward spreading of the light distribution pattern of the vehicle C is bilaterally symmetric, and the cut-off line does not change. Then, the low beam light distribution pattern LP shown in FIG. 14A obtained by the left vehicle headlamp 1L, the high beam light distribution pattern HP shown in FIG. 14B, and the right vehicle headlamp 1R. By superimposing (combining) the obtained low beam light distribution pattern and high beam light distribution pattern, the low beam light distribution pattern LP shown in FIG. 15A and the high beam light distribution pattern HP shown in FIG. It is formed.

(Explanation of effect of embodiment)
The vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment are configured and operated as described above, and the effects thereof will be described below.

  In the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment, the exit surface 52 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 is inclined in the same direction as the exit surface 31 of the main lens unit 3 (the exit surface 31 of the main lens unit 3). (That is, a shape along the shape of the light source 2), that is, a convex shape protruding to the opposite side of the semiconductor-type light source 2, compared with the shape in which the exit surface of the auxiliary lens portion is opposite to the shape of the exit surface of the main lens portion. Thus, the appearance of the exit surface 52 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 and the exit surface 31 of the main lens unit 3, that is, the exit surfaces (outer surface, front surface, front surface) 31, 52 of the lens 35 can be improved.

  In the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment, the incident surface 50 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 has a flat or substantially flat shape, so that the incident surface of the auxiliary lens unit draws an arc. Compared with a curved shape, the incident surface 50 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 and the incident surface 30 of the main lens unit 3, that is, the incident surfaces (inner surface, rear surface, rear surface) 30, 50 of the lens 35 are distorted. And a simple shape.

  In the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment, the incident surface 50 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 has a flat or substantially flat shape, so that the incident surface of the auxiliary lens unit draws an arc. There is no useless thickness of the curved part compared with what makes the shape which curves in a straight line. For this reason, since the thickness of the auxiliary lens portion 5 is reduced, there is no adverse effect (decrease in light distribution control accuracy due to sink marks at the time of molding, deterioration in appearance, and heavy weight) when the thickness is large.

  The vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment are inclined toward the reflecting surface 51 as the incident surface 50 of the auxiliary lens unit 5 approaches the semiconductor light source 2 (that is, the center side of the lens 35). Therefore, the lens 35 can be easily molded, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced accordingly.

  In the vehicle headlamps 1 </ b> L and 1 </ b> R according to this embodiment, when the light control member 6 is positioned at the first position by the driving member 7, the light shielding unit 60 is interposed between the semiconductor light source 2 and the auxiliary lens unit 5. The light L1 which is located and is going to enter into the auxiliary lens part 5 from the semiconductor-type light source 2 is shielded. On the other hand, the light transmission part 61 is accommodated in a position other than between the semiconductor-type light source 2 and the main lens part 3, that is, in the first accommodation groove 41, and the lights L5 and L6 from the semiconductor-type light source 2 are directly received by the main lens part. 3 is irradiated from the main lens unit 3 to the front of the vehicle C as a low beam light distribution pattern LP. Further, in the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment, when the light control member 6 is positioned at the second position by the driving member 7, the light transmitting portion 61 is connected between the semiconductor-type light source 2 and the main lens portion 3. The light L5 from the semiconductor-type light source 2 passes through the light transmission part 61 and enters the main lens part 3, and enters the main lens part 3 from the main lens part 3 (high beam light distribution pattern HP). The central portion HPC) is irradiated in front of the vehicle C. On the other hand, the light shielding part 60 is accommodated in a position other than between the semiconductor-type light source 2 and the auxiliary lens part 5, that is, the second accommodation groove part 42, and the light L 1 from the semiconductor-type light source 2 enters the auxiliary lens part 5. Then, the light distribution pattern SP for the spot is emitted from the auxiliary lens unit 5 to the front of the vehicle C and to the substantially central portion of the light distribution pattern HP for the high beam irradiated from the main lens unit 3. As described above, the vehicular headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment can reliably obtain the low beam light distribution pattern LP and the high beam light distribution pattern HP in the lens direct-type lamp unit.

  In addition, in the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment, a plate-shaped light shielding portion 60 that switches between the low beam light distribution pattern LP and the high beam light distribution pattern HP is disposed inside the vehicle C. Yes. As a result, even when the low-beam light distribution pattern LP is irradiated, the ambient light L6 emitted from the semiconductor-type light source 2 and emitted from the ambient light to the outside of the vehicle C is used as the side diffusion light distribution pattern. It is possible to widely irradiate the side (the shoulder side) of the low beam light distribution pattern LP, that is, the left and right end portions LPL and LPR. Thereby, it is possible to switch between the low beam light distribution pattern LP and the high beam light distribution pattern HP while maintaining the side diffusion light distribution pattern.

  Moreover, the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment are light emitted from the semiconductor-type light source 2 because the plate-shaped light shielding portion 60 is disposed inside the vehicle C, and Of the light, the ambient light L1 radiated to the inside of the vehicle C, that is, the ambient light L1 that is not used as the side diffusion light distribution pattern is used as the high beam light distribution pattern HP, in particular, the high beam light distribution pattern HP. It can be effectively used as the spot light distribution pattern SP in the substantially central portion.

  Since the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment change the optical path of a part L5 of the light from the semiconductor light source 2 by the light transmitting portion 61, the light emitted from the semiconductor light source 2 Can be used effectively as the high beam light distribution pattern HP.

  Moreover, in the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment, the means for forming the low beam light distribution pattern LP with respect to the single semiconductor light source 2 is the main lens portion 3, and the high beam light distribution is achieved. The means for forming the pattern HP is the light transmission part 61 and the main lens part 3 and is composed of substantially the same means, that is, the main lens part 3 is excluded except for the light transmission part 61. Both the pattern LP and the optimum high beam light distribution pattern HP can be easily obtained.

  In addition, the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment transmit the light L5 from the semiconductor-type light source 2 to the light transmitting portion 61 and the main lens portion 3 to thereby transmit a high beam light distribution pattern HP (high beam distribution pattern). Since the central portion HPC of the light pattern HP is formed, the conventional vehicle of Patent Document 2 that forms the light distribution pattern for the traveling beam by reflecting the light from the light source to the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface. Compared with a headlight for a light, the attenuation of light is small, and accordingly, a high-beam light distribution pattern HP that is bright and efficient is obtained.

  In the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment, the main lens portion 3 and the auxiliary lens portion 5 of the lens 35 are integrated, so that the relative positions of the main lens portion 3 and the auxiliary lens portion 5 of the lens 35 are integrated. The accuracy is high, and the light distribution accuracy between the high beam light distribution pattern HP formed by the main lens unit 3 and the spot light distribution pattern SP formed by the auxiliary lens unit 5 is improved. Light distribution design between the lens unit 3 and the auxiliary lens unit 5 is facilitated. In addition, since the main lens portion 3 and the auxiliary lens portion 5 of the lens 35 are integrated, the number of parts is reduced and the assembling property is improved. As a result, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Further, in the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment, the light transmitting portion 61 allows the light of the central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP to be partially converted into the central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP. Is raised upward from the cut-off line CL and deformed from the central portion LPC of the low-beam light distribution pattern LP to the central portion HPC of the high-beam light distribution pattern HP. As a result, the central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP shown in FIGS. 14A and 15A is deformed by the light transmitting portion 61, and the high beam shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B is obtained. The light is emitted in front of the vehicle C as the central portion HPC of the light distribution pattern HP.

  For this reason, the central portion LPC of the low beam light distribution pattern LP shown in FIGS. 14A and 15A includes the position P1 of the upper end of the guard rail on the left shoulder approximately 5 m ahead of the vehicle C. Absent. On the other hand, the center portion HPC of the high beam light distribution pattern HP shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B includes the position P1 of the upper end of the guard rail on the left shoulder approximately 5 m ahead of the vehicle C. ing. As a result, a moderation feeling of switching between the low beam light distribution pattern LP shown in FIGS. 14A and 15A and the high beam light distribution pattern HP shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B is obtained. It is done.

  Moreover, the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment have left and right opening portions 66, so that the left and right end portions HPL of the high beam light distribution pattern HP are HPL and the left and right end portions LPL of the low beam light distribution pattern LP are It can be maintained approximately the same as LPR. As a result, there is no case where the left and right end portions HPL and HPR of the high beam light distribution pattern HP are partially dimmed and the amount of light becomes insufficient. That is, as shown in FIG. 15C, when all the light from the semiconductor-type light source is switched from the low-beam light distribution pattern to the high-beam light distribution pattern HP1, the left and right end portions HPL and HPR of the high-beam light distribution pattern HP1 In some cases, part P2 is dimmed and the amount of light becomes insufficient. On the other hand, in the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment, there is no case where the left and right end portions HPL and HPR of the high beam light distribution pattern HP are partially dimmed and the amount of light is insufficient.

  Furthermore, the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment are configured such that, when the light control member 6 is located at the first position, as shown in FIG. The portion is housed in the first housing groove 41 and is located on the rear side of the other surface (fixed surface) of the vertical plate portion 40 of the heat sink member 4. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the light control member 6 is located at the second position, most of the light shielding part 60 is accommodated in the second accommodation groove part 42 and the vertical plate part 40 of the heat sink member 4 is It is located behind the other surface (fixed surface). As a result, the lamp units 2, 35, 4, 6, 7, 8 can be accommodated within the range of the other surface (fixed surface) of the vertical plate portion 40 of the heat sink member 4. , 7, 8 can be reduced in size.

  Moreover, in the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment, the first storage groove portion 41 of the first storage portion and the second storage groove portion 42 of the second storage portion look at the lens 35 from the front of the vehicle C. The lens 35 is provided within the see-through range (projection range of the lens 35, range of the lens 35). As a result, the light transmitting portion 61 and the mounting portion 62 housed in the first housing groove portion 41 and the light shielding portion 60 housed in the second housing groove portion 42 are covered with the lens 35 and other members. There is no need. As a result, the front view of the lens 35 and thus the lamp units 2, 35, 4, 6, 7, and 8 can be reduced in size, and it is not necessary to provide a member for concealing, thereby reducing the number of parts. The manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In addition, the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, pass through the mounting portion 62 that is the rotation center (center axis O1) of the light control member 6 of the movable member. The hole 63 and the shaft 82 of the cover member 8 are housed in vertical housing grooves on the left and right sides of the housing groove portion of the heat sink member 4, and are located on the rear side of the other surface (fixed surface) of the vertical plate portion 40 of the heat sink member 4. positioned. As a result, the light transmitting portion 61 and the mounting portion 62 of the light control member 6 are rotated and positioned in the first storage groove portion 41 where the gap is narrow and between the semiconductor light source 2 and the lens 35 where the gap is narrow. be able to. Thereby, the vertical dimension and the longitudinal dimension of the lamp units 2, 35, 4, 6, 7, and 8 can be reduced, and the lamp units 2, 35, 4, 6, 7, and 8 can be downsized. be able to.

  In the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R according to this embodiment, the cover member 8 is fixed to the heat sink member 4 integrally with the semiconductor light source 2, and the light control member 6 is rotatably attached to the cover member 8. It is. As a result, variation in relative position between the semiconductor light source 2 and the light control member 6 can be reduced. Thereby, the dispersion | variation in the light distribution pattern LP for low beams and the light distribution pattern HP for high beams can be made small, and it can contribute to safe driving | running | working. Further, the dimensional tolerance between the semiconductor light source 2 and the light control member 6 can be relaxed, the manufacturing efficiency can be improved, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

(Description of example other than embodiment)
In this embodiment, the vehicle headlamps 1L and 1R when the vehicle C is on the left side will be described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a vehicle headlamp when the vehicle C is right-hand traffic.

  In this embodiment, the main lens portion 3 and the auxiliary lens portion 5 of the lens 35 are integrated. However, in the present invention, the main lens portion 3 and the auxiliary lens portion 5 of the lens 35 may be separate.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, one auxiliary lens unit 5 is provided on the right side (left side) of the main lens unit 3. However, in the present invention, auxiliary lens portions may be provided on the upper side, left side (right side), and lower side of the main lens unit 3. A plurality of auxiliary lens portions may be provided. When a plurality of auxiliary lens portions are provided, in addition to the spot light distribution pattern SP, a front side light distribution pattern, a left side light distribution pattern, a right side light distribution pattern, and an overhead sign light distribution pattern are formed. Further, it may be combined with the spot light distribution pattern SP.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light control member 6 is rotated between the first position and the second position by the driving member 7, and two light distribution patterns LP for the low beam and high beam distribution HP are obtained. A light distribution pattern is obtained. However, in the present invention, only one light distribution pattern may be obtained without using the light control member 6 and the drive member 7.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixed surface of the other surface of the vertical plate portion 40 of the heat sink member 4 is a flat surface. However, in the present invention, among the fixed surfaces on the other surface of the vertical plate portion of the heat sink member, the fixed surface on which the semiconductor light source is fixed and the other fixed surfaces may be different.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the other surface of the vertical plate portion 40 of the heat sink member 4, that is, the surface facing the lens 35, the surface to which the semiconductor light source 2 is fixed and the other surface are substantially the same. It is the same. However, in the present invention, the surface on which the semiconductor light source 2 is fixed may be different from the other surfaces. That is, the surface on which the semiconductor-type light source 2 is fixed may have a convex shape on the lens 35 side with respect to other surfaces, or conversely, a concave shape on the opposite side of the lens 35.

1L Left vehicle headlight 1R Right vehicle headlight 2 Semiconductor light source 20 Light emitting chip 21 Substrate 22 Connector 23 Engaging portion 24 Screw 25 Light emitting surface 3 Main lens portion 30 Entrance surface of main lens portion 31 Main lens Exit surface 35 lens 36 fixed leg portion 37 screw 4 heat sink member (mounting member)
40 Vertical plate portion 41 First storage groove portion 42 Second storage groove portion 43 Fin portion 44 Storage recess 45 Hole 5 Auxiliary lens portion 50 Entrance surface 51 Reflection surface 51C, 51U, 51D, 51B, 51F Minute reflection surface 52 Output surface 6 Light control Member 60 Light shielding portion 61 Light transmitting portion 62 Mounting portion 63 Through hole 64 Arc groove 65 Locking piece 66 Opening portion 7 Drive member 70 Solenoid 71 Connecting pin 72 Spring 73 Retracting rod 74 Fixed piece 75 Screw 8 Cover member 80 Window portion 81 Elastic engagement claw 82 Axis 83 Pin C Vehicle CL Cut-off line F Reference focus HL-HR Horizontal horizontal line HP, HP1 High beam light distribution pattern HPC Center part HPL, HPR Left and right end parts L1 Light from semiconductor light source (periphery Other part of the light)
L2 Incident light from the incident surface L3 Reflected light from the reflective surface L4 Emitted light from the outgoing surface L5 Central light L6 Part of the ambient light LP Low beam light distribution pattern LPC Central part LPL, LPR Left and right both ends O Center O1 Central axis P1 Position of the upper edge of the guard rail on the left shoulder approximately 5m ahead of the vehicle C P2 Light-insufficient part SP Spot light distribution pattern VU-VD Vertical lines on the screen X X axis Y Y axis Z Reference optical axis (Z axis )

Claims (4)

A semiconductor light source and a lens;
The lens is composed of a main lens portion and an auxiliary lens portion,
The main lens portion is composed of an incident surface on which light from the semiconductor-type light source is incident, and a convex emission surface that emits incident light as a main light distribution pattern,
The exit surface of the main lens portion is composed of a free-form surface or a composite quadratic surface, and has a convex shape protruding toward the opposite side of the semiconductor-type light source,
The auxiliary lens unit includes an incident surface on which light from the semiconductor-type light source is incident, a reflection surface that totally reflects the incident light, and an emission surface that emits the totally reflected light as an auxiliary light distribution pattern. And
The exit surface of the auxiliary lens unit is composed of a free-form surface that is calculated and adjusted so that the light totally reflected by the reflection surface is emitted in a predetermined direction, and is the same as the inclination of the exit surface of the main lens unit It is a shape inclined in the direction, forming a convex shape protruding toward the opposite side of the semiconductor-type light source,
The exit surface of the main lens portion and the exit surface of the auxiliary lens portion are recessed toward the semiconductor light source in a state where curved surfaces are smoothly connected at the boundary between the main lens portion and the auxiliary lens portion. The vehicle headlamp characterized by being. The incident surface of the auxiliary lens portion has a flat or substantially flat shape,
The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1. The reflecting surface of the auxiliary lens unit, said a first micro-reflecting surface of the central vertical cross-section of the reflecting surface, and the continuous second micro reflecting surface that will be positioned by an offset from the first micro-reflecting surface on the upper side a third micro-reflecting surface that will be arranged continuously offset downward from the first micro-reflecting surface, and the fourth minute reflecting surface of the rear end of the horizontal section of the reflecting surface, the fourth micro reflecting surface A fifth micro-reflecting surface that is continuously offset from the front side to the front side,
The first micro-reflecting surface, the center point of the light emission surface of the semiconductor-type light source as a calculation reference point, light incident on the auxiliary lens unit from the incident surface is calculated tuned to total reflection at the predetermined optical path Has been
The second micro-reflecting surface is adjusted for calculation with a point that is continuously offset upward from the center point of the light emitting surface of the semiconductor-type light source as a calculation reference point,
The third micro-reflecting surface is adjusted with the calculation as a calculation reference point at a point that is continuously offset downward from the center point of the light emitting surface of the semiconductor-type light source,
The fourth micro-reflecting surface is adjusted for calculation with a center point of the light emitting surface of the semiconductor light source as a calculation reference point,
The fifth micro-reflecting surface has the calculation adjusted with a calculation reference point being a point that is continuously offset from the center point of the light emitting surface of the semiconductor light source to the front side,
The exit surface of the auxiliary lens unit is totally reflected by the first micro-reflection surface, the second micro-reflection surface, the third micro-reflection surface, the fourth micro-reflection surface, and the fifth micro-reflection surface. Consists of a free-form surface that has been adjusted so that light is emitted in a predetermined direction,
The vehicle headlamp according to claim 2, wherein: The incident surface of the auxiliary lens portion is inclined toward the reflecting surface as it approaches the semiconductor-type light source.
The vehicular headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein

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