JP6951076B2 - Optical unit - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an optical unit, particularly to an optical unit used for a vehicle lamp.

In recent years, a device has been devised that reflects light emitted from a light source to the front of a vehicle and scans a region in front of the vehicle with the reflected light to form a predetermined light distribution pattern. For example, a rotary reflector that reflects light emitted from a light source and rotates in one direction around a rotation axis and a plurality of light sources composed of light emitting elements are provided. The rotary reflector is provided with light from a light source that is reflected while rotating. Reflecting surfaces are provided so as to form a desired light distribution pattern, and a plurality of light sources are known to be optical units in which the emitted light is reflected at different positions on the reflecting surface. See Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-266828

However, when an attempt is made to scan a wide range with the light reflected by the rotary reflector, the maximum luminous intensity is likely to be lowered and the imaging property is likely to be deteriorated. Therefore, in the above-mentioned optical unit, in addition to the condensing LED unit for realizing strong condensing in the front in the traveling direction, a diffusing LED unit for realizing diffused light irradiating a wide range is provided. There is. Further, the light emitted from the condensing LED unit is reflected at the first position of the rotary reflector and then is projected forward through the first projection lens, and the light emitted from the diffusing LED unit is emitted. After being reflected at the second position of the rotary reflector, it is projected forward through the second projection lens. Therefore, a plurality of projection lenses are required, and the entire unit tends to be large.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new optical unit capable of irradiating a wide range with a simple configuration.

In order to solve the above problems, the optical unit of an embodiment of the present invention is centered on the rotation axis while reflecting the first light source, the second light source, and the first light emitted from the first light source. It includes a rotating rotary reflector and a projection lens that projects the first light reflected by the rotary reflector in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit. The second light source is arranged so that the emitted second light is incident on the projection lens without being reflected by the rotary reflector, and the projection lens projects the second light in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit. ..

According to this aspect, since the second light emitted from the second light source is incident on the projection lens without being reflected by the rotary reflector, the optical characteristics can be selected without considering that the light is reflected by the rotary reflector. Therefore, for example, by using a second light source having a wider viewing angle than the first light source, a wider range can be irradiated.

The second light source may be arranged between the substrate on which the first light source is mounted and the rotary reflector when viewed from the front of the vehicle. As a result, the second light source can be arranged without widening the width of the optical unit.

The projection lens projects the first light that is incident after being reflected by the rotary reflector as a condensed light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit, and the second light that is incident without being reflected by the rotary reflector. It may be configured to project as a diffused light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit. As a result, it is possible to irradiate a wide range without significantly lowering the luminous intensity of the light distribution pattern.

Another aspect of the invention is also an optical unit. This optical unit uses a first light source, a rotating reflector that rotates about a rotation axis while reflecting the first light emitted from the first light source, and a first light reflected by the rotating reflector. A projection lens that projects in the direction of light irradiation, a second light source arranged between the first light source and the projection lens, and a projection lens that changes the optical path of the second light emitted from the second light source. It is provided with an optical member that can be directed toward. The second light source is arranged so that the emitted second light is incident on the projection lens without being reflected by the rotary reflector.

According to this aspect, since the second light emitted from the second light source is incident on the projection lens without being reflected by the rotary reflector, the optical characteristics can be selected without considering that the light is reflected by the rotary reflector. Therefore, for example, by using a second light source having a wider viewing angle than the first light source, a wider range can be irradiated. Further, by changing the optical path of the second light with the optical member and directing it toward the projection lens, it is possible to adjust the location where the second light source is arranged, and the degree of freedom in the layout of the parts constituting the optical unit is increased. ..

The projection lens projects the first light that is incident after being reflected by the rotary reflector as a condensed light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit, and the second light that is incident without being reflected by the rotary reflector. It may be configured to project as a diffused light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit. As a result, it is possible to irradiate a wide range without significantly lowering the luminous intensity of the light distribution pattern.

The second light source may have a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in an array. Thereby, the irradiation range can be changed stepwise.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is also an optical unit. This optical unit uses a first light source, a rotary reflector that rotates about a rotation axis while reflecting the first light emitted from the first light source, and a first light reflected by the rotary reflector. The projection lens that projects in the light irradiation direction, the second light source arranged between the first light source and the projection lens, and the second light emitted from the second light source are reflected and directed toward the projection lens. It is provided with an optical member that can be evaded. The second light source is arranged so that the emitted second light is incident on the projection lens without being reflected by the rotary reflector.

According to this aspect, since the second light emitted from the second light source is incident on the projection lens without being reflected by the rotary reflector, the optical characteristics can be selected without considering that the light is reflected by the rotary reflector. Therefore, for example, by using a second light source having a wider viewing angle than the first light source, a wider range can be irradiated.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is also an optical unit. This optical unit includes a light source and a rotation reflector that rotates about a rotation axis while reflecting light emitted from the light source. The rotary reflector is provided with a reflecting surface so as to form a predetermined light distribution pattern by scanning the front with the light reflected while rotating, and the light source is the first light distribution pattern including the maximum luminous intensity region. It has a first light emitting unit that emits a first light that scans a region, and a second light emitting unit that emits a second light that scans a second region adjacent to the first region. Assuming that the total length of the first light emitting portion in the longitudinal direction is L1 and the total length of the second light emitting portion in the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first light emitting portion is L2, L1> L2 is satisfied.

According to this aspect, in addition to the first light emitting unit that scans the first region including the maximum luminous intensity region, the second light emitting unit that scans the second region adjacent to the first region is provided, so that the maximum luminous intensity is satisfied. A wider range of irradiation is possible.

Assuming that the number of light emitting elements constituting the first light emitting unit is N1 and the number of light emitting elements constituting the second light emitting unit is N2, N1> N2 is satisfied. As a result, the number of light emitting elements can be suppressed in the second light emitting unit that emits the second light that scans the second region that does not include the maximum luminous intensity region.

The area of the second light emitting unit is smaller than the area of the first light emitting unit. Thereby, for example, the number of light emitting elements constituting the second light emitting unit can be suppressed as compared with that of the first light emitting unit.

The second light emitting unit may have a plurality of light emitting regions provided apart so as to sandwich the non-light emitting region. As a result, it is possible to irradiate a wide range without enlarging the second light emitting portion.

The plurality of light emitting regions may be provided adjacent to each of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the first light emitting portion. As a result, the region having the same width as the first light emitting unit can be irradiated by the second light emitting unit.

According to the present invention, a new optical unit capable of irradiating a wide range can be realized with a simple configuration.

It is a horizontal sectional view of the headlight for a vehicle. It is the top view which showed typically the structure of the optical unit which concerns on a reference example. It is a side view of the optical unit which concerns on a reference example. It is a schematic diagram which looked at the optical unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment from above. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the optical unit shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from the side. It is a schematic view which looked at the optical unit shown in FIG. 4 from the front. FIG. 7A is an enlarged schematic view of a main part of the first light source according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 7B is an enlarged schematic view of a main part of the light emitting module according to the present embodiment. be. It is a figure which showed typically the light distribution pattern formed by the headlight for a vehicle provided with the optical unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which looked at the optical unit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment from above. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the optical unit shown in FIG. 9 as viewed from the side. 9 is a schematic view of the optical unit shown in FIG. 9 as viewed from the front. It is a schematic diagram which looked at the optical unit which concerns on 3rd Embodiment from above. It is a schematic view which looked at the optical unit shown in FIG. 12 from the side. It is a schematic view which looked at the optical unit shown in FIG. 12 from the front. It is a horizontal sectional view of the headlight for a vehicle which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a front view of the headlight for a vehicle which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a top view of the first light source which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which showed typically the positional relationship of the plurality of light emitting modules mounted on the 1st light source. It is a figure which shows the pattern P which reflected the light source image by the stationary rotary reflector in the state where the first light source was fully lit, and projected forward. It is a figure which showed typically the light distribution pattern formed by the headlight for a vehicle provided with the optical unit which concerns on 4th Embodiment. 21 (a) to 21 (c) are diagrams showing a modification of the high beam light distribution pattern by the first light source according to the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings based on the embodiments. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the drawings shall be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate. Further, the embodiment is not limited to the invention but is an example, and all the features and combinations thereof described in the embodiment are not necessarily essential to the invention.

The optical unit of the present invention can be used for various vehicle lighting fixtures. First, an outline of a vehicle headlight on which an optical unit according to each embodiment described later can be mounted will be described.

[Vehicle headlights]
FIG. 1 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a vehicle headlight. FIG. 2 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the optical unit according to the reference example. FIG. 3 is a side view of the optical unit according to the reference example.

The vehicle headlight 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a right-hand headlight mounted on the right side of the front end of the automobile, and has the same structure as the headlight mounted on the left side, except that it is symmetrical. Therefore, in the following, the vehicle headlight 10 on the right side will be described in detail, and the description of the vehicle headlight on the left side will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle headlight 10 includes a lamp body 12 having a recess that opens toward the front. The lamp body 12 has a lamp chamber 16 formed by covering the front opening of the lamp body 12 with a transparent front cover 14. The lamp room 16 functions as a space in which the two lamp units 18 and 20 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction.

Of these lamp units, the lamp unit 20 arranged on the outer side, that is, on the upper side of the vehicle headlight 10 shown in FIG. 1 on the right side, is a lamp unit provided with a lens and irradiates a variable high beam. It is configured in. On the other hand, among these lamp units, the lamp unit 18 arranged on the inner side, that is, on the lower side of the vehicle headlight 10 shown in FIG. 1 on the right side, is configured to irradiate a low beam.

The lamp unit 18 for a low beam has a reflector 22, a light source bulb (incand bulb) 24 supported by the reflector 22, and a shade (not shown), and the reflector 22 is a known means (not shown) such as an aiming screw and a nut. Is supported so as to be tiltable with respect to the lamp body 12 by means using the above.

The lamp unit 20 is an optical unit including a rotary reflector 26, an LED 28, and a convex lens 30 as a projection lens arranged in front of the rotary reflector 26. It is also possible to use a semiconductor light emitting element such as an EL element or an LD element as a light source instead of the LED 28. In particular, a light source that can turn on and off the light accurately in a short time is preferable for the control for blocking a part of the light distribution pattern described later. The shape of the convex lens 30 may be appropriately selected according to the required light distribution pattern, illuminance distribution, and other light distribution characteristics, but an aspherical lens or a free-curved lens is used.

The rotation reflector 26 rotates in one direction about the rotation axis R by a drive source such as a motor (not shown). Further, the rotary reflector 26 includes a reflecting surface configured to rotate and reflect the light emitted from the LED 28 to form a desired light distribution pattern.

The rotary reflector 26 is provided with two blades 26a having the same shape, which function as a reflecting surface, around the cylindrical rotating portion 26b. The rotation axis R of the rotation reflector 26 is oblique with respect to the optical axis Ax, and is provided in a plane including the optical axis Ax and the LED 28. In other words, the rotation axis R is provided substantially parallel to the scanning plane of the light (irradiation beam) of the LED 28 that scans in the left-right direction by rotation. As a result, the optical unit can be made thinner. Here, the scanning plane can be regarded as, for example, a fan-shaped plane formed by continuously connecting the trajectories of the light of the LED 28, which is the scanning light. Further, in the lamp unit 20 according to the present embodiment, the provided LED 28 is relatively small, and the position where the LED 28 is arranged is also between the rotary reflector 26 and the convex lens 30 and is deviated from the optical axis Ax. .. Therefore, as compared with the case where the light source, the reflector, and the lens are arranged in a row on the optical axis as in the conventional projector type lamp unit, the vehicle headlight 10 is in the depth direction (vehicle front-rear direction). Can be shortened.

Further, the shape of the blade 26a of the rotary reflector 26 is configured so that the secondary light source of the LED 28 due to reflection is formed near the focal point of the convex lens 30. Further, the blade 26a has a twisted shape so that the angle formed by the optical axis Ax and the reflecting surface changes as it goes in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis R. This enables scanning using the light of the LED 28 as shown in FIG.

(First Embodiment)
In the scanning optical system using the rotary reflector 26, if the diffusion (scanning) range is widened, the maximum luminous intensity may be lowered or the imaging property may be deteriorated. Therefore, the practical scanning range is about ± 10 ° with respect to the optical axis (central axis). Since the lamp unit 20 described above forms a high beam light distribution pattern with one light source, there is a limit to expanding the scanning range. Therefore, in the optical unit according to each of the following embodiments, a plurality of light sources are provided in order to expand the irradiation of the high beam light distribution pattern.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the optical unit 40 according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the optical unit 40 shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from the side. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the optical unit 40 shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from the front.

The optical unit 40 according to the present embodiment includes a first light source 42, a rotation reflector 44 that rotates about a rotation axis R while reflecting the first light L1 emitted from the first light source 42, and a rotation reflector. A projection lens 46 that projects the first light L1 reflected by 44 in the light irradiation direction (right direction in FIG. 4) of the optical unit, and a second light source 42 and a second projection lens 46 arranged between the first light source 42 and the projection lens 46. The light source 48, the inner lens 50 as an optical member that changes the optical path of the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 48 to be directed toward the projection lens 46, and the first light source 42 and the second light source 48. A mounted heat source 52 and a mounted heat source 52 are provided.

In the first light source 42, a plurality of light emitting modules are arranged in an array. Specifically, eight light emitting modules 54 are arranged in three stages, four light emitting modules 54 are arranged in the upper stage, two light emitting modules 54 are arranged in the middle stage, and two light emitting modules 54 are arranged in the lower stage. There is. The two light emitting modules 54 in the middle stage are arranged adjacent to each other below the light emitting modules 54 at both ends of the four light emitting modules 54 in the upper stage, and the two light emitting modules 54 in the lower stage are two in the middle stage. Is arranged adjacent to the lower part of the light emitting module 54 of the above.

FIG. 7A is an enlarged schematic view of a main part of the first light source according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 7B is an enlarged schematic view of a main part of the light emitting module according to the present embodiment. be.

As shown in FIG. 7A, a small reflector 56 in which openings 56a corresponding to each light emitting surface 54a are formed in a grid pattern is arranged on the light emitting surface 54a side of each light emitting module 54. As a result, the light emitted from the light emitting module 54 reaches the reflecting surface of the rotary reflector 44 without being diverged so much.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the light emitting module 54 includes a rectangular LED 57 mounted on the circuit board 55, a light wavelength conversion member 58 mounted on the light emitting surface of the LED 57, the LED 57, and a light wavelength. A frame body 59 provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the conversion member 58 is provided. The LED 57 is, for example, a semiconductor light emitting device that emits blue light. The light wavelength conversion member 58 is, for example, a YAG ceramic or YAG powder that emits yellow light dispersed in a resin. The frame 59 is a white resin in which white powder is dispersed, and reflects light emitted from the side surfaces of the LED 57 and the light wavelength conversion member 58.

In the second light source 48, two light emitting modules 53 are arranged side by side in an array in the horizontal direction, and each light emitting module 53 is individually configured to be able to turn on and off. The specific configuration of the light emitting module 53 is the same as that of the light emitting module 54.

The second light source 48 according to the present embodiment is arranged so that the second light L2 is incident on the projection lens 46 without being reflected by the rotary reflector 44. Thereby, the optical characteristics of the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 48 can be selected without considering that the second light L2 is reflected by the rotary reflector 44. Therefore, for example, by using the second light source 48 having a wider viewing angle than the first light source 42, a wider range can be irradiated. Here, the viewing angle is an index represented by the emission angle of light having both ends at a position where the emission intensity becomes half of the peak value.

Further, by changing the optical path of the second light L2 with the inner lens 50 and directing it toward the rotary reflector 44, it is possible to adjust the location where the second light source 48 is arranged. For example, in the optical unit 40 according to the present embodiment, if the inner lens 50 is not provided, the position of the second light source 48 that is appropriate for the projection lens 46 is behind the heat sink 52, which makes layout difficult. However, by arranging a member that changes the optical path of light, such as the inner lens 50, between the second light source 48 and the projection lens 46, the second light L2 emitted by the second light source 48 is as if it were a heat sink. Since it can be regarded as reaching the projection lens 46 from the rear of the 52, the degree of freedom in layout of the components constituting the optical unit 40 including the second light source 48 is increased.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern formed by a vehicle headlight provided with an optical unit according to the first embodiment. The high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 8 is a combination of a condensing light distribution pattern PH1 and a diffused light distribution pattern PH2. In the focused light distribution pattern PH1, the first light L1 that is reflected by the rotary reflector 44 and then incident on the projection lens 46 is projected as the light source image X of the first light source 42 and scanned in the horizontal direction. It is formed. On the other hand, the diffused light distribution pattern PH2 is formed by projecting the second light L2 that is not reflected by the rotary reflector 44 and is incident on the projection lens 46 in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit 40. The diffused light distribution pattern PH2 illuminates a region on the right side of the right end portion of the condensed light distribution pattern PH1. As a result, it is possible to irradiate a wider range with a simple configuration without significantly lowering the maximum luminous intensity of the high beam light distribution pattern PH.

Further, the second light source 48 has a plurality of light emitting modules 53 arranged in an array, and is configured so that each light emitting module 53 can be individually dimmed. As a result, the irradiation range can be gradually expanded.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the optical unit 60 according to the second embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the optical unit 60 shown in FIG. 9 as viewed from the side. FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the optical unit 60 shown in FIG. 9 as viewed from the front. The same components as those of the optical unit according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

The optical unit 60 according to the second embodiment is centered on the rotation axis R while reflecting the first light source 42, the second light source 48, and the first light L1 emitted from the first light source 42. A heat sink equipped with a rotating rotary reflector 44, a projection lens 46 that projects the first light L1 reflected by the rotary reflector 44 in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit 60, and a first light source 42 and a second light source 48. 62 and. The second light source 48 is arranged so that the emitted second light L2 is directly incident on the projection lens 46 without being reflected by the rotary reflector 44, and the projection lens 46 directs the second light L2 to the optical unit. It projects in the light irradiation direction of 60.

Thereby, the optical characteristics of the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 48 can be selected without considering that the second light L2 is reflected by the rotary reflector 44. Therefore, by using the second light source 48 having a wider viewing angle than the first light source 42, it is possible to irradiate a wider range with a simple configuration.

The second light source 48 is arranged between the circuit board 55 on which the first light source 42 is mounted and the rotary reflector 44 in the front view seen from the front of the vehicle shown in FIG. As a result, the second light source 48 can be arranged without widening the width of the optical unit 60. Further, the optical unit 60 according to the present embodiment can form the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 8, similarly to the optical unit 40 according to the first embodiment.

(Third Embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the optical unit 80 according to the third embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the optical unit 80 shown in FIG. 12 as viewed from the side. FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the optical unit 80 shown in FIG. 12 as viewed from the front. The same components as those of the optical unit according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

The optical unit 80 according to the third embodiment includes a first light source 42, a rotation reflector 44 that rotates about a rotation axis while reflecting the first light L1 emitted from the first light source 42, and rotation. A projection lens 46 that projects the first light L1 reflected by the reflector 44 in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit 80, a second light source 48 arranged between the first light source 42 and the projection lens 46, and It includes a fixed reflector 66 as an optical member that reflects the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 48 and directs it toward the projection lens 46. The second light source 48 is arranged so that the emitted second light L2 is incident on the projection lens 46 without being reflected by the rotary reflector 44.

Thereby, the optical characteristics of the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 48 can be selected without considering that the second light L2 is reflected by the rotary reflector 44. Therefore, by using the second light source 48 having a wider viewing angle than the first light source 42, it is possible to irradiate a wider range with a simple configuration.

(Fourth Embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the vehicle headlight according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a front view of the vehicle headlight according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 16, some parts are omitted.

The vehicle headlight 100 according to the fourth embodiment is a left-side headlight mounted on the left side of the front end portion of the automobile, and has the same structure as the headlight mounted on the right side, except that the headlight 100 is symmetrical. Is. Therefore, in the following, the vehicle headlight 100 on the left side will be described in detail, and the description of the vehicle headlight 100 on the right side will be omitted. Further, the description of the configuration overlapping with the optical unit according to the first embodiment to the third embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 15, the vehicle headlight 100 includes a lamp body 112 having a recess that opens toward the front. The lamp body 112 has a lamp chamber 116 formed by covering the front opening of the lamp body 112 with a transparent front cover 114. The light room 116 functions as a space in which one optical unit 118 is housed. The optical unit 118 is a lamp unit configured to irradiate both a variable high beam and a low beam. The variable high beam means one that is controlled so as to change the shape of the light distribution pattern for the high beam. For example, a non-irradiation region (light-shielding portion) can be generated in a part of the light distribution pattern.

The optical unit 118 according to the present embodiment is a primary optical system that changes the optical paths of the first light source 142 and the first light L1 emitted from the first light source 142 so as to be directed to the blade 126a of the rotary reflector 126. An optical unit includes a condensing lens 143 as an (optical member), a rotary reflector 126 that rotates about a rotation axis R while reflecting the first light L1, and a first light L1 that is reflected by the rotary reflector 126. Light emitted from a convex lens 130 as a projection lens projected in the light irradiation direction (left direction in FIG. 15), a second light source 148 arranged between the first light source 142 and the convex lens 130, and a second light source 148. A diffusion lens 150 as a primary optical system (optical member) that changes the optical path of the second light L2 to direct the convex lens 130, and a heat sink 152 equipped with a first light source 142 and a second light source 148. , Equipped with.

The rotary reflector 126 has the same configuration as the rotary reflector 26 and the rotary reflector 44 described above, and the blade 126a as a reflecting surface forms a predetermined light distribution pattern by scanning the front with the light reflected while rotating. Is provided. Semiconductor light emitting elements such as LEDs, EL elements, and LD elements are used as each light source. The shape of the convex lens 130 may be appropriately selected according to the required light distribution pattern, illuminance distribution, and other light distribution characteristics, but an aspherical lens or a free-form curved lens can also be used.

For example, in the convex lens 130 according to the present embodiment, by devising the arrangement of each light source and the rotary reflector 126, it is possible to form a notched portion 130a in which a part of the outer circumference is notched in the vertical direction. ing. Therefore, the size of the optical unit 118 in the vehicle width direction can be suppressed. Further, the presence of the notch 130a makes it difficult for the blade 126a of the rotary reflector 126 to interfere with the convex lens 130, so that the convex lens 130 and the rotary reflector 126 can be brought close to each other. Further, when the vehicle headlight 100 is viewed from the front, a non-circular (straight line) portion is formed on the outer circumference of the convex lens 130, so that the outer shape is a combination of a curved line and a straight line when viewed from the front of the vehicle. It is possible to realize a vehicle headlight with a novel design that has a lens.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the first light source 142 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship of a plurality of light emitting modules mounted on the first light source 142.

In the first light source 142 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of light emitting modules 154 are arranged in an array. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, nine light emitting modules 154 (154a to 154i) are arranged in three stages on the circuit board 144, and five light emitting modules 154c to 154 g in the upper stage and the middle stage. Two light emitting modules 154b and 154h are arranged in the light emitting module 154b and 154h, and two light emitting modules 154a and 154i are arranged in the lower stage. The two light emitting modules 154b and 154h in the middle stage are arranged adjacent to each other below the light emitting modules 154c and 154g at both ends of the five light emitting modules 154c to 154h in the upper stage, and the two light emitting modules 154a in the lower stage. , 154i are arranged adjacent to each other below the two light emitting modules 154b and 154h in the middle stage. Each light emitting module 154a to 154i is individually configured to be able to turn on and off. The specific configuration of the light emitting module 154 is the same as that of the light emitting module 54 described above.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a condensing lens 143 composed of a plurality of inner lenses corresponding to each light emitting surface is arranged on the light emitting surface side of each light emitting module 154 included in the first light source 142. .. As a result, the light emitted from the light emitting module 54 reaches the reflecting surface of the rotary reflector 126 without diverging too much.

In the second light source 148, two light emitting modules 153 are arranged side by side in an array in the horizontal direction, and each light emitting module 153 is individually configured to be able to turn on and off. The specific configuration of the light emitting module 153 is the same as that of the light emitting module 54.

The second light source 148 according to the present embodiment is arranged so that the second light L2 is incident on the convex lens 130 without being reflected by the rotary reflector 126. Thereby, the optical characteristics of the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 148 can be selected without considering that the second light L2 is reflected by the rotary reflector 126. Therefore, for example, by diffusing the light emitted from the second light source 148 with the diffusion lens 150 and then incidenting it on the convex lens 130, a wider range can be irradiated, so that the second light source 148 can be used as a low beam light distribution pattern. Can be used as a light source for.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a pattern P in which a light source image is reflected by a stationary rotary reflector 126 in a state where the first light source 142 is fully lit and projected forward. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle headlight 100 provided with the optical unit according to the fourth embodiment.

The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 20 is a combination of the high beam light distribution pattern PH and the low beam light distribution pattern PL. The high beam light distribution pattern PH is a pattern generated as a result of scanning the pattern P shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 19, the concave pattern P is formed by the light source images 155a to 155i corresponding to the light emitting surfaces of the light emitting modules 154a to 154i. Further, the scanning patterns Pa to Pi are formed by scanning each of the light source images 155a to 155i, and the high beam light distribution pattern PH is formed by superimposing the scanning patterns Pa to Pi. The distance between the light emitting module 154a and the light emitting module 154i is set so that at least a part of the scanning pattern Pa and the scanning pattern Pi overlap. Similarly, the distance between the light emitting module 154b and the light emitting module 154h is defined so that at least a part of the scanning pattern Pb and the scanning pattern Ph overlap.

Further, the light emitted from the light emitting module 153 of the second light source 148 and diffused by the diffusing lens 150 passes through the convex lens 130 to form a low beam light distribution pattern PL below the HH line and V-. Irradiate the area on the right side of the V-ray. Needless to say, the pair of left and right vehicle headlights 100 illuminate the entire lower area of the HH line. As described above, the optical unit 118 according to the present embodiment can project the light emitted from the first light source 142 and the second light source 148 forward by using the common convex lens 130, and therefore has a wide range with a simple configuration. Can be irradiated.

The first light source 142 according to the present embodiment includes light emitting modules 154c to 154 g as a first light emitting unit that emits light that scans the first region R1 including the maximum luminous intensity region Rmax in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. , Light emitting modules 154b, 154h as the second light emitting unit that emits light that scans the second region R2 adjacent to the first region R1, and emits light that scans the third region R3 adjacent to the second region R2. It has light emitting modules 154a and 154i as a third light emitting unit. The maximum luminous intensity region Rmax of the high beam light distribution pattern PH according to the present embodiment is a region near the point where the HH line and the VV line intersect.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18, in the first light source 142 according to the present embodiment, the total length of the entire light emitting modules 154c to 154 g in the longitudinal direction is L1, and the total length of the entire light emitting modules 154c to 154 g is parallel to the longitudinal direction. Assuming that the sum of the lengths of the light emitting modules 154b and 154h in the above directions is L2 (L2'+ L2 "), L1> L2 is satisfied.

As a result, the optical unit 118 has light emitting modules 154b and 154h that scan the second region R2 adjacent to the first region R1 in addition to the light emitting modules 154c to 154 g that scan the first region R1 including the maximum luminous intensity region. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate a wider range while satisfying the maximum luminous intensity.

Further, the first light source 142 according to the present embodiment has N1 (N1 = 5) as the number of light emitting modules 154 that scan the first region R1 including the maximum luminous intensity region, and the light emitting module 154 that scans the second region R2. If the number of is N2 (N2 = 2), N1> N2 is satisfied. As a result, the number of light emitting modules 154 that emit light that scans the second region R2 that does not include the maximum luminous intensity region Rmax can be suppressed.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the area of the second light emitting unit (light emitting module 154b, 154h) is smaller than the area of the first light emitting unit (light emitting module 154c to 154 g). Thereby, for example, the number of light emitting modules 154 constituting the second light emitting unit can be suppressed as compared with that of the first light emitting unit.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the light emitting modules 154b and 154h are a plurality of light emitting regions provided apart so as to sandwich the non-light emitting region R4. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20, it is possible to irradiate a wide range of the second region R2 similar to the first region R1 with only the two scanning patterns Pb and Ph without increasing the light emitting modules 154b and 154h.

The light emitting modules 154b and 154h are provided adjacent to the light emitting modules 154c and 154g at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the light emitting modules 154c to 154g. As a result, the light emitting modules 154b and 154h can irradiate a region having the same width as the region irradiated by the light emitting modules 154c to 154g.

21 (a) to 21 (c) are views showing a modification of the high beam light distribution pattern by the first light source 142 according to the present embodiment.

The high beam light distribution pattern PH1'shown in FIG. 21A is a pattern in which a part of the third region R3 is a light-shielding region (non-irradiation region). For that purpose, the light emitting modules 154a and 154i may be turned off at a predetermined timing.

The high beam light distribution pattern PH2'shown in FIG. 21B is a pattern in which a part of the first region R1 and the second region R2 is a light-shielding region (non-irradiation region). For that purpose, the light emitting modules 154b to 154h may be turned off at a predetermined timing.

The high beam light distribution pattern PH3'shown in FIG. 21C is a pattern in which a part of the first region R1 is a light-shielding region (non-irradiation region). For that purpose, the light emitting modules 154c to 154 g may be turned off at a predetermined timing.

As described above, in the optical unit 118 according to the present embodiment, in order to increase the maximum luminous intensity of the central portion of the first region R1, a plurality of light emitting modules are arranged so that the light source images are arranged in the scanning direction (horizontal direction). The light emitting modules were arranged along one direction and also in the second direction intersecting the first direction in order to widen the irradiation range in the direction intersecting the scanning direction.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the configurations of the embodiments are appropriately combined or substituted. Those are also included in the present invention. Further, it is also possible to appropriately rearrange the combinations and the order of processing in each embodiment based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and to add modifications such as various design changes to each embodiment, and such modifications. The embodiment to which is added may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

L1 1st light, L2 2nd light, 10 Vehicle headlight, 20 Lamp unit, 26 Rotating reflector, 40 Optical unit, 42 1st light source, 44 Rotating reflector, 46 Projection lens, 48 2nd light source , 50 inner lens, 52 light source, 53, 54 light source module, 55 circuit board, 57 LED, 60 optical unit, 62 heat source, 66 fixed reflector, 80 optical unit.

Claims (4)

The first light source and
A rotary reflector that rotates around a rotation axis while reflecting the first light emitted from the first light source.
A projection lens that projects the first light reflected by the rotary reflector in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit, and
A second light source arranged between the first light source and the projection lens,
An optical member that changes the optical path of the second light emitted from the second light source and directs it toward the projection lens is provided.
The second light source is an optical unit characterized in that the emitted second light is arranged so as to be incident on the projection lens without being reflected by the rotary reflector. The projection lens
The first light incident after being reflected by the rotary reflector is projected as a focused light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit.
The second light incident without being reflected by the rotary reflector is projected as a diffused light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit.
The optical unit according to claim 1 , wherein the optical unit is configured as described above. The optical unit according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the second light source has a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in an array. The first light source and
A rotary reflector that rotates around a rotation axis while reflecting the first light emitted from the first light source.
A projection lens that projects the first light reflected by the rotary reflector in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit, and
A second light source arranged between the first light source and the projection lens,
An optical member that reflects the second light emitted from the second light source and directs it toward the projection lens is provided.
The second light source is an optical unit characterized in that the emitted second light is arranged so as to be incident on the projection lens without being reflected by the rotary reflector.

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