KR20210142250A - Automotive headlight device with multiple light sources - Google Patents

Abstract

A headlight device (10) for a vehicle is provided with an upper light source unit (20), a middle light source unit (40), and a lower light source unit (60). The upper light source unit (20), the middle light source unit (40), and the lower light source unit (60) are installed on a lamp body (14), which is a back body, with a support member (15) therebetween. Light from each light source unit (20, 40, 60) is overlapped and a low beam light distribution pattern is formed at a front of the vehicle. The middle light source unit (40) is supported to change an optical axis independently from other light source units (20, 60).

Description

Automotive headlight device with multiple light sources

The present invention relates to a headlamp for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a headlamp for a vehicle that forms a predetermined light distribution pattern by overlapping lights emitted from a plurality of light sources.

Conventionally, as a vehicle headlamp (headlamp), it is common to use a halogen valve or a discharge valve as a light source, and to irradiate the light emitted from this light source forward using a reflector or a projection lens. Halogen valves and discharge valves are light sources that can ensure a sufficient amount of light for vehicles, but have a problem of high power consumption.

On the other hand, there is an increasing trend to employ semiconductor light emitting devices such as light emitting diodes as light sources for vehicle headlamps. Since light emitting diodes are generally small and have low power consumption, realization of effective use of limited power is expected by applying them to vehicles equipped with batteries such as automobiles.

Although light emitting diodes have progressed to high luminance, the luminance is still insufficient compared to halogen valves and discharge valves. Can not. Therefore, at the present time, it is a common idea to mount a plurality of light source units each having a light emitting diode in a vehicle, and to overlap the light emitted from these light source units to form a desired light distribution pattern.

For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-095480 discloses a headlamp for a vehicle in which three units for forming cut-off lines, five units for forming hot zones, and three units for forming diffusion regions are combined to form a composite light distribution pattern for low beams. is starting

In this vehicle headlamp, a semiconductor light emitting element is used as a light source in all units, and the light distribution pattern for a low beam having an appropriate amount of light is formed by overlapping the light distribution patterns formed respectively.

In addition, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-141918 discloses that a main light distribution is formed using a projector type light source unit using a discharge valve, a light is turned off using a semiconductor light emitting device, and an additional light source unit that can be swiveled left and right is used. Disclosed is a headlamp for a vehicle in which an auxiliary light distribution is superimposed on a main light distribution to form a composite light distribution pattern. In this vehicle headlamp, for example, the additional light source unit is turned on when the vehicle is turning, and the additional light distribution pattern is formed in the direction along the turning direction, so that the lateral visibility of the vehicle, particularly the visibility in the turning direction, can be improved.

However, as in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-095480, when a composite light distribution pattern is obtained by combining a plurality of units, power consumption is inevitably increased according to the number of semiconductor light emitting devices. Therefore, as a practical headlamp for a vehicle, a configuration with as few units as possible, ie, a small number of semiconductor light emitting elements, is preferable.

Moreover, even when the number of semiconductor light emitting elements is reduced, it is desirable to have a configuration that can create an appropriate light distribution pattern depending on the situation as much as possible.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a headlamp for a vehicle which consumes less power by reducing the number of units and the number of light sources as much as possible, and capable of creating an appropriate light distribution pattern according to various situations. do it with

The present invention is achieved by the following configurations.

(1) a plurality of light source units each having a light source, an optical member for irradiating light from the light source along an optical axis, and a light body supporting the plurality of light source units, the light from each light source unit being superimposed A headlamp for a vehicle that forms a low-beam light distribution pattern in front of a vehicle, wherein at least one of the plurality of light source units is an optical axis variable light source unit supported on the body so that the optical axis can be changed independently of other light source units car headlights.

(2) The headlamp for a vehicle according to (1), wherein the variable optical axis light source unit forms a condensing area having an inclined cut-off line in the low-beam light distribution pattern.

(3) The variable optical axis light source unit according to (1) or (2), characterized in that by moving the optical axis in a substantially horizontal direction, the position of the light-converging area is changed between a vehicle front center and a vehicle front side. car headlights.

(4) the optical axis variable light source unit is a direct light source unit having a projection lens as the optical member, the light source is disposed near the focal point of the projection lens, and direct light from the light source is irradiated forward The headlamp for a vehicle according to any one of (1) to (3).

(5) The optical axis variable light source unit includes a projection lens as the optical member and a reflector that reflects light from the light source toward a focal point vicinity of the projection lens, and the reflected light from the reflector is irradiated forward. The headlamp for a vehicle according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that it is a unit.

(6) The vehicle headlamp according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the variable optical axis light source unit is configured to increase or decrease the amount of light output.

A headlamp for a vehicle of the present invention includes a plurality of light source units each having a light source and an optical member (projection lens, reflector, etc.) for irradiating light from the light source along an optical axis, and at least one of the plurality of light source units includes the optical axis It is an optical axis variable light source unit supported on a body so that it can be changed independently of other light source units. Accordingly, by appropriately changing the optical axis of the variable optical axis light source unit and changing the irradiation area, it is possible to form an optimal low-beam light distribution pattern in various situations. Further, in changing the low-beam light distribution pattern, since the variable optical axis light source unit can be illuminated on various areas, various light distribution patterns can be realized without increasing the number of light sources more than necessary. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a light source unit having a plurality of light emitting units, the headlamp for a vehicle can be downsized, and the number of light emitting units can be reduced compared to the conventional one, thereby reducing power consumption.

In addition, the variable optical axis light source unit may form a condensing area having an inclined cut-off line in the low-beam light distribution pattern. Since the optical axis variable light source unit can appropriately change the irradiation position of such a light-converging area, it can irradiate light intensively to a necessary location according to the situation, It becomes possible to form a light distribution pattern according to the situation.

Further, the variable optical axis light source unit changes the position of the light-converging area between the vehicle front center and the vehicle front side by moving the optical axis in a substantially horizontal direction. By configuring in this way, it becomes possible to focus the light on the front center portion of the vehicle or the light on the side portions on the front side of the vehicle as needed. In addition, in order to move the optical axis in the horizontal direction, it is sufficient only to rotate the entire optical axis variable light source unit, so a complicated mechanism is not required, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts more than necessary.

Further, the variable optical axis light source unit may be a direct light source unit in which direct light from the light source is irradiated forward. By configuring it as a direct irradiating light source unit, the reflector can be omitted and the installation space can be made small. Further, in the case of a direct light source unit, it is possible to easily concentrate light in an extremely narrow area, and thus it can be suitably used when pinpointing light to a certain narrow area.

Further, the variable optical axis light source unit may be a reflective light source unit. When configured as a reflective light source unit, a reflector is required and it is necessary to secure a certain amount of installation space. It is possible to easily focus light of an appropriate amount of light.

In addition, the variable optical axis light source unit is configured to be able to increase or decrease the amount of light output, that is, to dim the light. Accordingly, by increasing or decreasing the amount of light according to the light distribution pattern or irradiation area, it becomes possible to change the amount of light irradiated to the front, and to realize light amount adjustment according to various light distribution patterns.

In addition, this invention is comprised also by the following structures.

(7) A vehicle comprising: a light source; a plurality of light source units each having a projection lens for irradiating light from the light source forward; A headlamp for a vehicle that forms a low-beam light distribution pattern in front, wherein at least one of the plurality of light source units is an optical axis variable light source unit rotatably supported on the back body so that the optical axis moves along an approximately horizontal plane, the variable light axis light source In the unit, a diffusion member for diffusing the light emitted from the light source is provided between the projection lens and the light source, the optical axis variable light source unit is rotated, and the optical axis is from a position where the light is irradiated toward the center of the front of the vehicle to the front side of the vehicle. A headlamp for a vehicle, characterized in that the light is diffused by the diffusion member when it is moved to irradiate the light.

(8) The headlamp for a vehicle according to (7), wherein the diffusion member is a prism diffusion lens whose thickness along the propagation direction of light becomes thicker as it deviates from the optical axis.

(9) The vehicle headlamp according to (7), characterized in that the diffusion member is a step diffusion lens provided with a plurality of steps.

(10) The vehicle headlamp according to any one of (7) to (9), wherein the optical axis variable light source unit forms a condensing area having an inclined cut-off line in the low beam light distribution pattern.

The headlamp for a vehicle of the present invention includes a plurality of light source units each having a light source and a projection lens for irradiating light from the light source to the front, and at least one of the plurality of light source units sets the optical axis independently of the other light source units.

It is an optical axis variable light source unit supported on a body so that it can be changed. In the optical axis variable light source unit, a diffusion member for diffusing the light emitted from the light source is provided between the projection lens and the light source. The diffusing member is provided at a position where the light is incident when the optical axis variable light source unit rotates and the optical axis moves from the position where the light is irradiated to the front center of the vehicle to the side of the vehicle in front. light is diffused by

Therefore, when irradiated to a central region requiring a clear cut-off line, the diffusion member does not interfere with the propagation of light, and when irradiated to a lateral region that does not require a very clear cut-off line, it is better to widen the irradiated area beyond the rotation angle. it becomes possible Therefore, it can be set as the headlamp for a vehicle with high lateral visibility which can illuminate light over a wide area on the side. In addition, since the light can be irradiated to the side without widening the rotation angle by providing the diffusion member, it is possible to supply light in a wide range even in a vehicle headlamp having only a narrow space in which a sufficient rotation angle cannot be obtained.

As the diffusing member, a prism diffusing lens whose thickness along the propagation direction of light becomes thicker as it deviates from the optical axis can be used. When a prism diffusion lens is used, since it becomes possible to widen the irradiation area more than a rotation angle, it becomes possible to improve the lateral visibility of a vehicle.

Further, as the diffusion member, a step diffusion lens in which a plurality of steps are formed can also be used. When a step diffusion lens is used, since the irradiation area can be widened over both left and right, light can be irradiated to every corner over a wide area, and the lateral visibility of the vehicle can be improved.

In addition, the prism diffusion lens and the step diffusion lens can be selectively used according to the diffusion pattern intended by the designer, and in case of obtaining other diffusion patterns, other diffusion lenses or other types of diffusion members are used. also good

In addition, the variable optical axis light source unit may form a condensing area having an inclined cut-off line in the low-beam light distribution pattern. Since the optical axis variable light source unit can appropriately change the irradiation position of such a light-converging area, it can irradiate light intensively to a necessary location according to the situation, It becomes possible to form a light distribution pattern according to the situation.

1 is a front view showing a headlamp for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of the headlamp for a vehicle according to the present embodiment.
3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a first sub-unit (a second sub-unit) installed in an upper light source unit;
Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a third sub-unit installed in the intermediate light source unit;
Fig. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a third sub-unit (fourth sub-unit);
6 is a perspective view of a lower light source unit;
7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a fifth sub-unit of the lower light source unit.
8 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a sixth sub-unit of the lower light source unit;
9 is a plan view of the lower light source unit.
Fig. 10 is a view showing a light distribution pattern for a low beam formed by the headlamp for a vehicle according to the present embodiment.
Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern for a high beam formed by the headlamp for a vehicle according to the present embodiment;
Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a relationship between a third sub-unit and a light distribution pattern;
Fig. 13 is another schematic cross-sectional view showing a relationship between a third sub-unit and a light distribution pattern;
Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a relationship between rotation and a light distribution pattern when a diffusion member is provided in a direct irradiating light source unit;
Fig. 15 is a control block diagram showing the headlamp for a vehicle according to the present embodiment and the control related to the turn-off of the headlamp for a vehicle;
Fig. 16 is a table showing a pattern of light-off control by a light-off controller;
Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of realization of a light distribution pattern in AFS;
Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of realization of a light distribution pattern in AFS;

Hereinafter, an embodiment of such a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 is a front view showing a headlamp for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of the headlamp for a vehicle. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the first sub-unit installed in the upper light source unit. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a third sub-unit installed in a medium light source unit. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a third sub-unit; 6 is a perspective view of a lower light source unit; 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a fifth sub-unit of the lower light source unit. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a sixth sub-unit of the lower light source unit. 9 is a plan view of the lower light source unit.

The headlamp 10 for a vehicle according to the present embodiment is, for example, a headlamp that is mounted on a front end of a vehicle and can be switched off by selectively switching a low beam and a high beam. In FIG. 1 , as an example, a headlamp unit (red lamp unit) mounted on the right front side of a vehicle such as an automobile is indicated as a vehicle headlamp 10 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the vehicle headlamp 10 includes a light transmitting cover 12 and a lamp body (light body) 14 . In addition, three light source units (upper light source unit 20, middle light source unit 40, lower light source unit 60) are supported in the lamp room 10a surrounded by the transparent cover 12 and the lamp body 14. It is fixedly arranged on (15).

Further, an extension 16 is disposed between the three light source units 20 , 40 , 60 and the transparent cover 12 so as to cover the gap when viewed from the front of the lamp.

The support member 15 includes three installation parts 15a, 15b, and 15c having different heights, and the upper light source unit 20, the middle light source unit 40, and the lower light source unit 60 are fixedly arranged in order, respectively. has been This support member 15 is connected to a support mechanism 17 capable of tilting with a tilting shaft 17a interposed therebetween, which is substantially parallel to the vehicle width direction, and a drive shaft 18a of a leveling motor 18 which is an actuator. It is fixed to the lamp body 14 via the power transmission shaft 18b. The support mechanism 17 , the leveling motor 18 , and the power transmission shaft 18b are a leveling mechanism for adjusting the mounting angle of the support member 15 with respect to the lamp body 14 according to the output of the leveling motor 18 . constitutes In this embodiment, the optical axis adjustment of each light source unit 20, 40, 60 can be performed by adjusting the attachment angle of the support member 15 via a leveling mechanism.

Next, each light source unit 20, 40, 60 is demonstrated. In this embodiment, each light source unit (20, 40, 60) is a light source unit that has a different role in forming a light distribution pattern, and by selectively turning on/off each light source unit (20, 40, 60), various light distribution patterns is designed to realize

Hereinafter, the upper stage light source unit 20 will be described first. The upper stage light source unit 20 is a light source unit that forms light distribution for high beams, and as shown in Fig. 1 , includes a pair of first and second sub-units 20A and 20B each having the same configuration. These 1st and 2nd sub-units 20A, 20B are arrange|positioned and provided in the uppermost installation part 15a of the support member 15 in the width direction. In addition, these 1st and 2nd sub-units 20A, 20B may be formed in a pair, and may be formed separately.

As shown in Fig. 3 , the first sub-unit 20A (the second sub-unit 20B is also the same) includes a metal base member 21 having a substantially L-shaped shape when viewed in cross section, and an LED (semiconductor) as a light source. light emitting element) 22 and a projection lens 24 are provided.

In the base member 21, a base portion 21a extending in the vehicle front-rear direction is disposed on the mounting portion 15a of the supporting member 15, and the standing portion 21b is erected on the mounting portion 15a. The LED 22 is fixedly arranged on the front side of the vehicle.

The LED 22 is a white light emitting diode having a light emitting part (light emitting chip) 22a having a size of about a square with a side of 1 mm, and is disposed with the light emitting part 22a emitting light facing the front side of the vehicle. .

The projection lens 24 is a convex lens type aspherical lens that projects the light emitted from the light emitting unit 22a of the LED 22 to the front of the vehicle, and is a base in the vicinity of the vehicle front end 21c of the body 21a. It is fixed to the member 21 . In this embodiment, the focus P24 of the projection lens 24 is comprised so that it may correspond substantially with the light emitting part 22a of the LED22. Accordingly, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 22a of the LED 22 is directly incident on the projection lens 24, and the incident light is projected forward along the optical axis Ax1 as substantially parallel light. That is, each of the first and second sub-units 20A and 20B of the light source unit 20 of the present embodiment constitutes a direct-illuminating projector type light source unit.

Next, the intermediate light source unit 40 will be described. The intermediate light source unit 40 is a light source unit that forms a part of light distribution for the low beam, and as shown in FIG. 1 , includes a pair of third and fourth sub-units 40A and 40B each having the same configuration. . These 3rd and 4th sub-unit 40A, 40B are arrange|positioned and provided in the middle and middle installation part 15b of the support member 15 in the width direction. In addition, in this embodiment, these 3rd and 4th sub-unit 40A, 40B are respectively formed separately.

As shown in Fig. 4, the third sub-unit 40A (the fourth sub-unit 40B is also the same) includes, for example, a substantially L-shaped base member 41, and an LED (semiconductor light emitting element) as a light source ( 42 , a projection lens 44 , and a reflector 46 .

The base member 41 is provided with a base part 41a extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the standing part 41b is erected on this base part 41a, and also the vehicle from this standing part 41b is provided. The optical mounting part 41c which bends to the rear side, and which mounts and fixes the LED 42 and the reflector 46 is extended and provided.

The LED 42 is a white diode similar to the LED 22, and is mounted on the mounting surface 41e of the mounting part 41c with the light emitting part 42a facing substantially vertically upward. In addition, the light emitting portion 42a may be configured to be arranged at an angle slightly along the shape of the light emitting portion or the light distribution irradiated to the front.

The reflector 46 is a reflective member in which a reflective surface 46a having a vertical cross-sectional shape of a substantially elliptical shape and a horizontal cross-sectional shape having a free-form surface shape based on an ellipse is formed. As for the reflector 46, its first focal point P441 is in the vicinity of the light emitting portion 42a of the LED 42, and its second focal point P442 is the mounting surface 41e and the standing portion of the mounting portion 41c. It is designed and arranged so that it may be located in the vicinity of the ridge line 41g formed by the front surface 41f of 21b.

Light emitted from the light emitting portion 22a of the LED 22 is reflected on the reflective surface 46a of the reflector 46 , passes through the vicinity of the second focal point P442 , and is incident on the projection lens 44 . Further, in the third and fourth sub-units 40A and 40B, the ridge line 41g formed by the mounting surface 41e of the mounting part 41c and the front surface 41f of the standing part 21b as a boundary line, By being reflected on this mounting surface 41e, it is comprised so that the light may be selectively cut and an inclined cut-off line may be formed in the light distribution pattern projected in front of a vehicle. That is, the ridge line 41g constitutes a light-dark boundary line between the third and fourth sub-units 40a and 40b. In addition, it is preferable that a part of the light reflected on the reflective surface 46a of the reflector 46 and reflected by the mounting surface 41e is also irradiated forward as effective light. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the vehicle front side of the mounting surface 41e has an optical shape in which an appropriate reflection angle is set in consideration of the positional relationship between the projection lens 44 and the reflector 46 .

The projection lens 44 is a convex lens type aspherical lens that projects the light reflected from the reflective surface 46a of the reflector 46 to the front of the vehicle, and is a base in the vicinity of the vehicle front end 41c of the body portion 41a. It is fixed to the member 41 . In the present embodiment, the focus of the projection lens 44 is configured to substantially coincide with the second focus P442 of the reflector 46 . Accordingly, the light reflected by the reflector 46 and incident on the projection lens 44 is projected forward as substantially parallel light. That is, the third and fourth sub-units 40A and 40B of the light source unit 40 of the present embodiment constitute a reflective projector type light source unit for forming a condensing cut, respectively.

In addition, in this embodiment, 3rd and 4th subunit 40A, 40B is being rotatably fixed to the support part 15d and the installation part 15b, respectively, with rotation shaft 50a, 50b interposed therebetween. Although described later in detail, one side of the rotation shaft 50b is connected to the actuator 19 , and the third and fourth sub-units 40A and 40B are respectively the rotation shafts 50a and 50b by the driving force of the actuator 19 . ) as the axis, each independently swivels left and right and is variable in the direction of the optical axis. That is, each of the third and fourth sub-units 40A and 40B constitutes an optical axis variable light source unit capable of changing the optical axis direction independently of other light source units.

Specifically, the third and fourth sub-units 40A and 40B change the irradiation position in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 5B from the front (state facing the 0° direction) as shown in FIG. 5A. The optical axis Ax2 can be changed. Thereby, the position of the light-converging area can be changed between the vehicle front center and the vehicle front side. Therefore, for example, by rotating the rotation shafts 50a and 50b in the horizontal direction along the turning direction side as an axis during vehicle turning, the direction of the optical axis Ax2 changes, and light is irradiated to the front side of the vehicle. Thereby, the visibility of a vehicle traveling direction can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, a diffusion member 55 is provided between the projection lens 44 and the ridge line 41g, that is, on at least one side (left side in the drawing) of the region side between the projection lens 44 and the reflector 46 . has been In the present embodiment, the diffusion member 55 further diffuses the light emitted from the light source and reflected by the reflector 46 laterally. The diffusion member 55 may be disposed on only one side, or may be disposed on both sides. In the case of being disposed on only one side, it is preferable that the diffusion member be installed on the side where the vehicle headlight 10 is disposed in front of the vehicle, that is, on the right side if it is disposed on the right side of the vehicle, and on the left side if it is disposed on the left side of the vehicle.

The diffusing member 55 of this embodiment is a prism diffusing lens whose thickness along the vehicle front-rear direction, that is, the propagation direction of light, becomes thicker as it deviates from the optical axis Ax2. As shown in Fig. 5A on this diffusion member 55, a fixing member (not shown) is positioned at a position where light is not incident on the third and fourth sub-units 40A and 40B from the front (a state oriented in the 0° direction). It is fixed to the lamp body 14 or the support member 15 with the interposed therebetween. On the other hand, when the optical axis Ax2 is changed to change the irradiation position in the horizontal direction as shown in Fig. 5B, a part of the light is incident on the diffusion member 15, and the light is diffused laterally. Thereby, it becomes possible to increase the amount of light irradiated to the side and to further improve the side visibility.

Next, the lower stage light source unit 60 will be described. The lower light source unit 60 is a light source unit that forms a part of light distribution for the low beam, and as shown in FIG. 1 , two fifth and sixth sub-units 70 and 80 and one cylinder having different configurations, respectively. A curl lens 65 is provided. These 5th and 6th sub-units 70 and 80 are arranged in the width direction in the lowermost installation part 15c of the support member 15, and are provided.

As shown in FIG. 6, the 5th and 6th sub-units 70 and 80 have the base member 90 as a common base|substrate.

The fifth sub-unit 70 is constituted by disposing the LED 72 on the base member 90 , and the sixth sub-unit 80 is the LED 82 and the reflector ( 86) is provided. In addition, one cylindrical lens 65 is disposed on the front side of the fifth and sixth sub-units 70 and 80 in the vehicle front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the bi-cylindrical lens 65 is configured as a projection lens shared by both sub-units 70 and 80 .

As for the base member 90, as shown in FIG. 7, the base part 90a extending in the vehicle front-back direction is arrange|positioned on the installation part 15c of the support member 15, and stands up from the base part 90a. The part 90b is installed upright. A part of the upper side of the standing portion 90b is cut off to form a stepped portion 90h, and the LED 72 is mounted on the vehicle front side of the stepped portion 90h. In this embodiment, the 5th sub-unit 70 is comprised by this LED72.

The LED 72 is a white diode similar to the LED 22, and is fixedly disposed on the step portion 90h with the light emitting portion 72a facing the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction. In addition, the light emitting portion 72a may be configured so as to be arranged at a slight angle along the shape of the light emitting portion or the distribution of light irradiated to the front.

The cylindrical lens 65 is a lens having a substantially cylindrical shape for projecting the light emitted from the light emitting portion 72a of the LED 72 to the front of the vehicle, and is in the vicinity of the vehicle front end portion 90c of the body portion 90a. is fixed to the base member 90 . The cylindrical lens 65 has one focal line L65, and as shown in FIG. 7, this focal line L65 is comprised so that it may become near the lower end of the LED 22 light emitting part 22a. Accordingly, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 22a of the LED 22 is directly incident on the projection lens 24, and the incident light is made substantially parallel to the focal line L65 forward along the optical axis Ax1. Correspondingly, a light distribution pattern with a cut-off line is projected. That is, the fifth sub-unit 70 of the present embodiment constitutes a direct projector type light source unit.

On one side of the vehicle width direction of the base member 90, a part of the standing portion 90b is bent toward the vehicle rear side, and the loading portion 90c for loading and fixing the LED 82 and the reflector 86 is extended and installed. , thereby forming the sixth sub-unit 80 adjacent to the fifth sub-unit 70 and integrally formed therewith.

The LED 82 is a white diode similar to the LED 22, and is mounted on the mounting surface 90e of the mounting part 90c with the light emitting part 82a facing substantially vertically upward. In addition, the light emitting part 82a may be configured so as to be arranged at an angle somewhat along the shape of the light emitting part or the distribution of light irradiated to the front.

The reflector 86 is a reflective member having a substantially elliptical vertical cross-sectional shape and a reflective surface 86a having a horizontal cross-sectional shape that is a free-form surface based on an ellipse formed therein. As for the reflector 86, its first focal point P861 is near the light emitting portion 82a of the LED 82, and its second focal point is the mounting surface 90e and the standing portion 90b of the mounting portion 90c. It is designed and arranged so as to be located in the vicinity of the ridge line 90g formed by the front surface 90f of the . In the present embodiment, the focal line L65 of the cylindrical lens 65 is arranged in the vicinity of the ridge line 90g formed between the mounting surface 90e of the mounting portion 90c and the front surface 90f of the standing portion 90b. The positional relationship between the cylindrical lenses 65 is set as much as possible.

Accordingly, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 22a of the LED 22 is reflected on the reflective surface 86a of the reflector 86 , passes through the vicinity of the focal point L65 and is incident on the cylindrical lens 65 . The light incident on the cylindrical lens 65 is projected forward along the optical axis Ax4 as substantially parallel light in the vertical direction.

Further, in the sixth sub-unit 80 , the ridge line 90g formed between the mounting surface 90e of the mounting portion 90c and the front surface 90f of the standing portion 90b is a boundary line, and partial light is emitted from the mounting surface 90e. ) by selectively cutting the light to form a cut-off line in the light distribution pattern projected in front of the vehicle. In addition, it is preferable that a part of the light reflected on the reflective surface 86a of the reflector 86 and also reflected by the mounting surface 90e is irradiated forward as effective light. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the vehicle front side of the mounting surface 90e has an optical shape in which the reflection angle is appropriately set in consideration of the positional relationship between the cylindrical lens 65 and the reflector 86 .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9 , in the vehicle width direction, the light reflected from the reflective surface 86a of the reflector 86 is transmitted to the cylindrical lens 65 in a diffused state without changing the traveling direction. are entered Accordingly, in the vehicle width direction, the light emitted from the sixth sub-unit 80 becomes the diffused light. In this way, the sixth sub-unit 80 of the present embodiment constitutes a reflective projector type light source unit.

In this way, in the lower stage light source unit 60 of the present embodiment, the fifth sub-unit 70 and the sixth sub-unit 80 share the same cylindrical lens 65 . Accordingly, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where each lens is provided, and the mounting space for the lens holder and other mounting members can also be shared, so that the fifth sub-unit 70 and the sixth sub-unit ( 80) can be placed in close proximity. Accordingly, the lower light source unit 60 can be miniaturized by reducing the space occupied by the entire lower light source unit 60 .

Next, a basic light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 . As described above, the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment can form a low-beam light distribution pattern LP and a high-beam light distribution pattern HP as basic light distribution patterns.

10 is a view showing a low beam light distribution pattern LP formed by the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment.

The light distribution pattern LP for the low beam is formed by turning on the middle light source unit 40 and the lower light source unit 60 .

Specifically, as the third and fourth sub-units 40a and 40b of the intermediate light source unit 40 are turned on, light is irradiated to the narrow first region D1 near the intersection of the H-V lines in front of the vehicle. The first region D1 includes a substantially Z-shaped cut-off line CL1 formed to correspond to the ridge line 41g formed in the third and fourth sub-units 40a and 40b. In addition, a region below the cut-off line CL1 is set as a hot zone (Hz) having a high light intensity among the first region D1 .

In addition, as the fifth and sixth sub-units 70 and 80 of the lower light source unit 60 are turned on, the second region ( D2) and a third region D3 are respectively formed.

The second region D2 formed by the fifth sub-unit 70 is formed in the vicinity of the lower side of the first region D1 so as to partially overlap the first region D1 . A cut-off line CL2 formed by the fifth sub-unit 70 is formed at an upper end of the second region D2 .

In the present embodiment, the cut-off line CL21 and the cut-off line CL1 of the first region D1 are set so as to be projected forward.

In addition, the third region D3 formed by the sixth sub-unit 80 is formed below the second region D2 to partially overlap the second region D2 . Since the sixth sub-unit 80 is a reflective projector light source unit, by adjusting the shape of the reflector 86, it is possible to irradiate light in a wider direction in the vertical direction than the fifth sub-unit 70, which is a direct projector light source unit. easy. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the third region D3 as a short-range diffusion region for improving near-field visibility is formed by the sixth sub-unit 80 , and the fifth sub-unit 70 to improve the long-distance visibility by the fifth sub-unit 70 . It is comprised so that the 2nd area|region D2 as a diffusion area|region may be formed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the first region D1, the second region D2, and the third region D3 formed by the middle light source unit 40 and the lower stage light source unit 60 are combined to distribute light for the low beam. A pattern LP is formed.

11 is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern HP formed by the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment.

The light distribution pattern HP for the high beam is formed by turning on the middle light source unit 40 and the lower light source unit 60 , and at the same time turning on the upper light source unit 20 .

Specifically, by turning on the upper light source unit 20 , the first area D1 , the second area D2 , and the third area D3 formed by the middle light source unit 40 and the lower light source unit 60 ) It is comprised so that the 4th area|region D4 may be overlapped and irradiated on it. The fourth region D4 is a light distribution pattern that expands vertically, horizontally, and vertically with respect to the vicinity of the intersection of the H-V lines. In the high beam light distribution pattern HP, by forming the fourth region D4, the total amount of light is increased to improve far-field visibility.

In the present embodiment, when forming the high beam light distribution pattern HP, the middle and middle sub light source units 40a and 40b of the middle and middle light source unit 40 are rotated, and the optical axis Ax2 is slightly (05 to 5°) to the right. By shifting in the direction, the hot zone (Hz) is arranged in the horizontal direction 0 degree vicinity, and it is comprised so that far visibility may be improved.

Next, the relationship between the rotation of the 3rd, 4th sub-unit 40a, 40b of the intermediate|middle light source unit 40 in this embodiment, and a light distribution pattern is demonstrated, referring FIG.12 and FIG.13.

12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the third sub-unit 40a and the light distribution pattern. Specifically, Fig. 12A is a schematic diagram when the third sub-unit 40a (the same is the case with the fourth sub-unit 40b) is rotated to the left by 15° in the case of a configuration in which the diffusion member 55 is not disposed. As a red horizontal cross-sectional view, Fig. 12B is a schematic diagram showing the light distribution pattern thereof. 12C is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of the third sub-unit 40a when the diffusion member 55 is rotated to the left by 15° in the case of the arrangement, and FIG. 12D shows the light distribution pattern. It is a schematic diagram of In Fig. 12, as the diffusion member 55, a prism diffusion lens is used.

As can be seen from the comparison of FIGS. 12A and 12C , when the diffusion member 55 is disposed, a part of the light is diffused immediately before being incident on the projection lens 44 when the third sub-unit 40a is rotated. It is incident on the member 55, and the traveling direction of the light is bent toward the rotation side. Accordingly, the light emitted from the projection lens 44 is diffused laterally when the diffusion member 55 is disposed.

Comparing the specific light distribution pattern, in the light distribution pattern D11 shown in Fig. 12B, the vertical rising position of the cut-off line is inclined by 15 degrees equal to the rotation angle, whereas in the light distribution pattern D12 shown in Fig. 12D, in the light distribution pattern D12 shown in Fig. 12D. The vertical rising position of the cut-off line is inclined by 20°, which is 5° larger than the rotation angle. This is because the light is laterally diffused by the diffusion member 55 . As a result, it can be seen that the entire light distribution pattern is diffused and extended in the vehicle width direction.

Fig. 13 is another schematic cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the third sub-unit 40a and the light distribution pattern. Specifically, Fig. 13A is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view when the third sub-unit 40a is rotated to the left by 20° in the case of the configuration in which the diffusion member 55 is not disposed, and Fig. 13B is the light distribution pattern thereof. It is a schematic diagram showing 13C is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view when the diffusion member 55 is rotated to the left by 20° in the case of the configuration in which the diffusion member 55 is disposed in the third sub-unit 40a, and FIG. 13D is a light distribution pattern thereof It is a schematic diagram In Fig. 13, as the diffusion member 55, a step diffusion lens having a plurality of cylindrical steps 55a formed on the reflector side is used.

13A and 13C, when the diffusion member 55 is disposed, a part of the light is diffused immediately before being incident on the projection lens 44 when the third sub-unit 40a is rotated. It is incident on the member 55, and the traveling direction of the light is bent toward the rotation side. Accordingly, the light emitted from the projection lens 44 is diffused laterally when the diffusion member 55 is disposed. In addition, when a step diffusion lens is used as the diffusion member 55, some light is also bent in the direction opposite to the rotation side, and as a result, light is diffused in both left and right directions.

Comparing the specific light distribution pattern, in the light distribution pattern D13 shown in Fig. 13B, the vertical rising position of the cut-off line is inclined by 20° equal to the rotation angle, whereas in the light distribution pattern D14 shown in Fig. 13D, in the light distribution pattern D14 shown in Fig. 13D. The vertical rising position of the cut-off line is inclined by 15°, which is 5° smaller than the rotation angle. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13D, the area|region of the light distribution pattern D14 largely extends to about 35 degrees to the left. This is because light is diffused to both the left and right by the diffusion member 55 . As a result, it can be seen that the entire light distribution pattern is diffused and extended in the vehicle width direction.

In this way, when the diffusion member 55 is arranged, the light is diffused, so that it becomes possible to shift the light distribution pattern laterally by more than the rotation angle. Therefore, the diffusion member 55 can diffuse and irradiate the light laterally at a rotation angle or more even if the rotation amount of the third and fourth sub-units 40a and 40b is limited. Conversely, since the amount of rotation can be made small compared to the amount of variation of the light distribution pattern, the space for rotation can be made small and the entire light source unit can be made compact. Moreover, since the amount of rotation is small, the actuator which drives the 3rd, 4th subunit 40a, 40b can also be reduced in size.

In the above description, the configuration in which the diffusion member 55 is attached to the reflective third and fourth sub-units 40a and 40b is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and as shown in FIG. 14, the third and third The intermediate light source unit 40 may be configured by replacing the four sub-units 40a and 40b with the direct light source unit 40c, respectively.

14 is a diagram showing the relationship between rotation and light distribution pattern when a diffusion member is provided in a direct-illumination light source unit, and FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams showing the light source unit and light distribution pattern when the rotation angle is 0°, respectively. 14C and 14D are views each showing a light source unit and a light distribution pattern when the rotation angle is 10°, and FIGS. 14E and 14F are views each showing a light source unit and a light distribution pattern when the rotation angle is 20°. 14G and 14H are views each showing a light source unit and a light distribution pattern when the rotation angle is 30°.

The direct irradiating light source unit 40c has the same configuration as the fifth sub-unit 70 shown in FIG. 7 , in which the light emitting part 42c of the LED is arranged near the focal point of the projection lens 44c. Even in this configuration, if the entire unit is tilted by 10° as shown in FIGS. 14C and 14D, the entire light distribution pattern shifts to the left by 10°, and the length of the light distribution pattern in the vehicle width direction (horizontal direction) becomes longer. As shown in Figs. 14E and 14F, this tendency becomes larger when the entire unit is tilted by 20°, and becomes about 30° as shown in Figs. 14G and 14H, and the diffusion member 55 moves the optical axis Ax. It can be seen that the light distribution pattern extends not only to the left but also to the right when it is extended until it crosses.

In this way, even in the direct type light source unit, when the diffusion member 55 is disposed, the light is diffused, so that the light distribution pattern can be shifted laterally by a rotation angle or more. Accordingly, the diffusion member 55 is an arrangement in which the amount of rotation of the light source unit is limited, and can diffuse and irradiate light laterally at a rotation angle or more. Conversely, since the amount of rotation can be made small compared to the amount of variation of the light distribution pattern, the space for rotation can be made small and the entire light source unit can be made compact. Further, since the amount of rotation is small, the actuator for driving the light source unit can be downsized.

Next, with reference to FIG. 15 , the dimming light of the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

Fig. 15 is a control block diagram showing the headlamp 10 for a vehicle according to the present embodiment and control related to the turn-off of the headlamp 10 for a vehicle. The turn-off control of the headlamp 10 for a vehicle according to the present embodiment includes a turn-off controller 100, a steering angle sensor 110 that outputs various signals to the turn-off controller 100, a vehicle speed sensor 120, and high-low switching. This is done by the switch 130 , the contrast sensor 140 , the rain sensor 150 and the height sensor 160 . All of these are equally mounted in the vehicle on which the vehicle headlight 10 is mounted.

The turn-off controller 100 controls turning off, increasing, and dimming of each light source unit 20 , 40 , 60 of the vehicle headlight 10 based on the outputs from the various sensors and switches described above, and at the same time, the interrupted light source About the unit 40, it is a control central part which controls the rotation angle of each of 3rd and 4th sub-unit 40a, 40b, and also controls the motor 18 for leveling, and performs leveling adjustment. The light-off controller 100 is configured to automatically generate a light distribution adapted to the driving situation based on signals from each sensor and switch. That is, in this embodiment, the vehicle headlamp 10 is used to realize an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS).

Next, it demonstrates from sensors and switches. The steering angle sensor 110 is a sensor that detects a turning angle of the vehicle, and for example, a steering sensor that detects a steering operation may be used. Based on the detection signal of the steering angle sensor 110, it can be determined whether the vehicle is moving straight.

The vehicle speed sensor 120 is a sensor that detects the speed of the vehicle. Based on the detection signal of the vehicle speed sensor 120 , it is possible to determine the speed of the vehicle and determine whether the vehicle is traveling on a general road or a highway such as an automobile-only road.

The high-low changeover switch 130 is a switch for switching between a high beam and a low beam, and is switched according to the operation of a driver driving the vehicle.

The contrast sensor 140 is a sensor that detects the brightness around the vehicle. For example, by using this contrast sensor, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle is traveling on a dark country road or the like or a relatively bright city area.

The rain sensor 150 is a sensor that detects whether it is raining. Based on the detection signal of this sensor, it can be discriminated whether the vehicle is traveling in rain.

The vehicle height sensor 160 constitutes a part of the vehicle pitch angle detection means. In this embodiment, based on the output signal output by the vehicle height sensor 160, the light-off controller 100 controls the motor 18 for leveling, and performs auto-leveling.

The turn-off controller 100 of the present embodiment includes an upper stage light source unit 20 (first sub-unit 20a and second sub-unit 20b) that forms light distribution for high beams based on outputs from these sensors; , a middle light source unit 40 (third sub-units 40a, 40b) forming a condensing cut for a low beam, and a fifth sub-unit 70 of the lower end light source unit 60 forming a distant diffused light; Each of the sixth sub-units 80 of the lower light source unit 60 that forms the short-distance diffused light is controlled to turn on and off independently, thereby forming a light distribution according to the situation.

FIG. 16 is a table showing a pattern of turning on and off control by the turning on and off controller 100 .

First, when the high-low switching switch 130 is selected as low, the turn-off controller 100 turns the upper light source unit 20 off and turns on the other light source units 40 , 70 , and 80 . , the low-beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 10 is formed.

In addition, when the high-low changeover switch 130 is selected as high, the turn-off controller 100 further turns on the upper light source unit 20, so that the upper light source unit 20 is formed on the low beam light distribution pattern. By overlapping the light distribution patterns, a high beam light distribution is formed. At this time, also, the third sub-unit 40a and the fourth sub-unit 40b of the intermediate light source unit 40 are rotated to the right, and as shown in FIG. 11 , formed by the intermediate light source unit 40 The first region D1 may be shifted near the intersection of the HV lines. In addition, at this time, also, the turn-off controller 100 increases the power supplied to the intermediate light source unit 40 and increases the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 42a of each sub-unit 40a, 40b to increase the amount of light in front. It may also be listed.

Next, various modes in the variable front light distribution system (AFS) realized in the low beam light distribution will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18 . 17 and 18 are schematic diagrams each showing an example of realization of a light distribution pattern in AFS.

First, the curve mode will be described. On the basis of the signals from the steering angle sensor 110 and the vehicle speed sensor 120 while the turn-off controller 100 is turning on the low beam, for example, when the vehicle has a steering angle greater than or equal to a predetermined speed at a predetermined speed, the vehicle moves to a curve. judged to have been reached. In this case, the light-off controller 100 realizes a light distribution pattern based on the curve mode.

Specifically, in the curve mode, the light source unit 20 is turned off and the other light source units 40, 70, 80 are turned on in the same way as the basic low-beam light distribution. . At this time, the turn-off controller 100 rotates the third and fourth sub-units 40a and 40b of the intermediate light source unit 40 in the left and right reverse directions by about 20°, respectively. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 17A, the 1st area|region D1 irradiated at the center is divided into two, and is irradiated to the left-right direction, respectively. Thereby, the left-right visibility at the time of a curve improves. Further, in the curve mode, the third and fourth subunits 40a and 40b may be configured to rotate in the same direction, and the third and fourth subunits 40a and 40b may be configured to rotate in the same direction according to signals from the steering angle sensor 110 and the vehicle speed sensor 120 . You may comprise so that the rotation angle of 4 subunit 40a, 40b may be changed.

Next, the town mode will be described. When the light-off controller 100 is driving in a predetermined brightness area at a predetermined speed or less based on signals from the vehicle speed sensor 120 and the light/dark sensor 140 while the low beam is on, for example, the vehicle moves through the city. Assume you are driving In this case, the light-off controller 100 realizes a light distribution pattern based on the town mode. Here, the town mode means a light distribution pattern suitable for driving in an urban area where a pedestrian is likely to be walking on a sidewalk or the like.

Specifically, in the town mode, the turn-off controller 100 sets the upper light source unit 20 in a non-illuminating state as in the basic low-beam light distribution, and turns on the other light source units 40 , 70 , 80 . . At this time, the light-off controller 100 rotates the third and fourth sub-units 40a and 40b of the intermediate light source unit 40 in the left and right reverse directions by about 45° to fix them. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 17B, the 1st area|region D1 irradiated in the center is divided into two, and is irradiated to the left and right, respectively. Thereby, light is actively irradiated to a roadside etc., and the visibility of a pedestrian walking along a roadside improves, for example.

In the town mode, as shown in FIG. 17C as a method for manufacturing a separate light distribution pattern, for example, the third and fourth sub-units 40a and 40b of the light source unit 40 are respectively rotated to the left by 20° or more to the left. and the light may be diffused toward the roadside by the diffusion member 55 . Even in this case, light is actively irradiated to the roadside or the like, and, for example, the visibility of pedestrians walking along the roadside is improved.

Next, a motorway mode will be described. When the vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or higher based on a signal from the vehicle speed sensor 120 while the low-beam is turned on, the light-off controller 100 determines that the vehicle is traveling on a dedicated vehicle road. In this case, the light-off controller 100 realizes a light distribution pattern based on the motor way mode. Here, the motor way mode means a light distribution pattern suitable for driving on an exclusive road for vehicles without pedestrians.

Specifically, in the motor way mode, the light-off controller 100 sets the upper light source unit 20 in a non-lighting state as in the basic low-beam light distribution, and turns on the other light source units 40 , 70 , 80 . do. At this time, the turn-off controller 100 operates the leveling motor 18, for example, for each support member 15, all light source units 20, 40, 60 upward angular displacement (eg 034°, 01°) ~05°) (see Fig. 17D), the light in the vicinity of the H-line becomes stronger and the far-field visibility is improved.

In addition, in the motor way mode, the turn-off controller 100 increases the power supplied to the intermediate light source unit 40 and the fifth sub-unit 70 for long-distance diffusion, and the amount of light emitted from each unit 40 and 70 is reduced. It may be increased to increase the amount of light in the front. In this case, it is also preferable to reduce the power supplied to the sixth sub-unit 80 for short-range diffusion and reduce the amount of light emitted from the sixth sub-unit. Thereby, the amount of light irradiated to the front of the vehicle decreases, the light irradiated near the H-line is relatively emphasized, and long-distance visibility is improved.

Next, the lane mode will be described. When the light-off controller 100 determines that it is raining while driving at a predetermined speed, for example, based on signals from the vehicle speed sensor 120 and the rain sensor 150 while the low beam is on, the light-off controller 100 realizes a light distribution pattern based on the lane mode. Here, the rain mode means a light distribution pattern for the purpose of improving visibility in rainy weather.

Specifically, in the rain mode, the light-off controller 100 sets the upper light source unit 20 to a non-lighting state and turns on the other light source units 40 , 70 , 80 in the same manner as the basic low-beam light distribution. . At this time, the turn-off controller 100 operates the leveling motor 18, for example, for each support member 15, all light source units 20, 40, 60 upward angular displacement (eg 034°, 01°) ~05° range). Thereby, the light of H-line vicinity becomes strong, and far-field visibility improves.

In addition, in the lane mode, the turn-off controller 100 increases the power supplied to the intermediate light source unit 40 and the fifth sub-unit 70 for long-distance diffusion, and increases the amount of light emitted from each unit 40 , 70 , The amount of light in the front may be increased. In this case, it is also preferable to reduce the power supplied to the sixth sub-unit 80 for short-range diffusion and reduce the amount of light emitted from the sixth sub-unit. Thereby, the amount of light irradiated to the front side of the vehicle is reduced, the light irradiated in the vicinity of the H-line is relatively emphasized, and long-distance visibility is improved. In addition, in the case of rain, light irradiated to the front side 12 of the vehicle may be diffusely reflected on the road surface to deteriorate visibility. Further, as an option, as shown in Fig. 18A, the sixth sub-unit 80 may not be lit so that the third region D3 is not formed, and diffuse reflection may be more actively suppressed.

In addition, in the rain mode, the all-light controller 100 increases the amount of light by increasing the power supply to the light source unit located on the right side of the vehicle traveling direction among the third sub-unit 40a and the fourth sub-unit 40b. At the same time, it may be rotated by 8 to 15° in the left direction, and the light source unit located on the left side of the third sub-unit 40a and the fourth sub-unit 40b in the vehicle traveling direction may be configured to only increase light. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18B, the area|region of the 1st area|region D1 shifts leftward, and the visibility of the side can be improved simultaneously.

In addition, in the rain mode, instead of configuring as shown in FIG. 18B , the light quantity is increased by increasing the power supply to the light source unit located on the right side of the vehicle traveling direction among the third sub-unit 40a and the fourth sub-unit 40b. At the same time, the light is actively diffused in the left direction by the diffusion member 55 by rotating it by 20° or more in the left direction, and located on the left side of the third sub-unit 40a and the fourth sub-unit 40b in the vehicle traveling direction. The light source unit may be configured to only increase light. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18C , in the state in which the region of the first region D1 is diffused to the left, it is further shifted, and the lateral visibility can be further improved.

As described above, the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment is a plurality of light source units each having a light emitting unit as a light source, and an optical member such as a projection lens and a reflector that irradiates light from the light emitting unit along an optical axis along an optical axis. The unit 20, the middle light source unit 40, and the lower end light source unit 60 are provided. The upper light source unit 20, the middle light source unit 40, and the lower light source unit 60 are installed in the lamp body 14 which is a lamp body 14 with the support member 15 interposed therebetween, and each light source unit 20, 40, 60) overlapped to form a low-beam light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle. Here, the intermediate light source unit 40, which is at least one of the plurality of light source units 20, 40, 60, is attached to the lamp body 14 so as to change the optical axis independently of the other light source units 20, 60. It is a supported optical axis variable light source unit.

Accordingly, by appropriately changing the optical axis of the interrupted light source unit 40 and changing the irradiation area, it is possible to form an optimal low-beam light distribution pattern in various situations. Further, in changing the low-beam light distribution pattern, since only four light emitting units are controlled at the maximum, various light distribution patterns can be realized without increasing the number of light sources more than necessary. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a light source unit having a plurality of light emitting units, the headlamp for a vehicle can be downsized, and the number of light emitting units can be reduced compared to the conventional one, thereby reducing power consumption.

As a specific configuration, the intermediate light source unit 40, which is a variable optical axis light source unit, may form a condensing area having an inclined cut-off line in the low-beam light distribution pattern. In the present embodiment, since the irradiation position of such a light-converging area can be appropriately changed, light can be intensively irradiated to a necessary location depending on the situation, and various situations such as a curve mode, a town mode, a motor way mode, or a lane mode It becomes possible to form a light distribution pattern according to

Further, the intermediate light source unit 40, which is an optical axis variable light source unit, changes the position of the light-converging area between the vehicle front center and the vehicle front side by moving the optical axis in an approximately horizontal direction. By configuring in this way, it becomes possible to focus the light on the vehicle front center portion or on the side portions on the vehicle front side as needed. In addition, in order to move the optical axis in the horizontal direction, it is sufficient only to rotate the light source unit 40 (the third and fourth sub-units 40a and 40b in the embodiment) as a whole. This can suppress the increase in the number of parts.

In addition, the intermediate light source unit 40, which is an optical axis variable light source unit, is composed of two third and fourth sub-units 40a and 40b.

As shown in FIG. 14, the 3rd and 4th sub-units 40a, 40b are respectively provided with the projection lens 44c as an optical member, and the light emitting part 42c as a light source in the focus vicinity of the projection lens 44c. is disposed, and the direct light from the light emitting part 42c can be irradiated to the front. By configuring it as a direct irradiating light source unit, the reflector can be omitted and the installation space can be made small. In addition, since it is possible to easily concentrate light in an extremely narrow area in the case of a direct-illumination light source unit, it can be suitably used in the case of pinpoint irradiating light to a certain narrow area.

In addition, as shown in Figs. 4, 5, 12, and 13, the third and fourth sub-units 40a and 40b transmit the light from the projection lens 44 and the light emitting unit 42a as optical members to the projection lens ( It can be set as a reflection type light source unit which is provided with the reflector 46 which reflects toward the focus vicinity of 44, and the reflected light from the reflector 46 is irradiated to the front. When configured as a reflective light source unit, a reflector is required and it is necessary to secure a certain amount of installation space. , it is possible to easily focus light of an appropriate amount of light on a required area.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the third and fourth sub-units 40a and 40b of the intermediate light source unit 40, which are optical axis variable light source units, are provided between the projection lens 44 and the light-emitting unit 42a from the light-emitting unit 42a. Diffusion members 55 for diffusing the emitted light are provided respectively. The light is incident on the diffusion member 55 when the third and fourth sub-units 40a and 40b rotate and the optical axis moves from the position where the light is irradiated to the front center of the vehicle to the front side of the vehicle. Since it is provided in a position, the light is diffused by the diffusion member 55 only when it is rotated.

Therefore, when irradiated to a central region requiring a clear cut-off line, the diffusion member 55 does not interfere with the propagation of light, and when irradiated to a lateral region that does not require a very clear cut-off line, the irradiated area is rotated at a rotation angle or more. It is possible to widen the Therefore, it can be set as the headlamp for a vehicle with high lateral visibility which can illuminate light over a wide area on the side.

As the diffusion member 55, a prism diffusion lens whose thickness along the propagation direction of light becomes thicker as it deviates from the optical axis may be used. By using the prism diffusion lens, it becomes possible to widen the irradiation area beyond the rotation angle, so that it becomes possible to increase the lateral visibility of the vehicle.

In this embodiment, as the diffusion member 55, a step diffusion lens in which a plurality of steps are formed can also be used.

By using the step diffusion lens, the irradiation area can be widened to both the left and right, so that light can be irradiated to every corner over a wide area to increase the lateral visibility of the vehicle. In addition, the prism diffusion lens and the step diffusion lens can be selectively used according to the diffusion pattern intended by the designer, and when it is desired to obtain other diffusion patterns, other diffusion lenses or other types of diffusion members are used. may do

In addition, in the present embodiment, the light source unit 60 among the plurality of light source units 20 , 40 , 60 includes a cylindrical lens 65 having a focal line extending in the horizontal direction, and the cylindrical lens 65 . The 5th sub-unit (1st sub-unit) 70 which injects light and the 6th sub-unit (2nd sub-unit) 8 are provided. The fifth sub unit 70 has a light emitting portion 72a (first light emitting element) that emits light toward the vicinity of the focal line of the cylindrical lens 65 , and emits light through the cylindrical lens 65 . It is a direct-rayed sub-unit that irradiates forward. Then, the sixth sub-unit 80 reflects the light emitting unit (second light emitting element) 82a that emits light and the light from the light emitting unit 82a toward the vicinity of the focal line of the cylindrical lens 65 . It is a reflective sub-unit that has a reflector 86 that irradiates light forward through a cylindrical lens 65.

That is, in this embodiment, since the fifth sub-unit 70 and the sixth sub-unit 80 share one cylindrical lens, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where different lenses are provided in each. At the same time, since the mounting space for the lens holder and other mounting members can also be shared, it becomes possible to arrange the fifth sub-unit 70 and the sixth sub-unit 80 close to each other. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the space occupied by the entire lower light source unit 60 to reduce the size of the lower light source unit 60 .

Further, in the present embodiment, the light distribution area D3 projected forward from the sixth sub-unit 80 through the cylindrical lens 65 is transmitted from the fifth sub-unit 70 through the cylindrical lens 65 . The diffusion in the vertical direction is larger than that of the light distribution area D2 projected forward. This is mainly due to the difference between the direct type and the reflection type, and even when a single cylindrical lens is used, various light distribution patterns can be realized.

In addition, in this embodiment, the two light-emitting parts 72a, 82a are arrange|positioned on the same base member (substrate) 90. As shown in FIG. Therefore, at the time of attachment, it is sufficient to position the two light emitting parts 72a and 82a on one base member 90 and combine them with another member. It may be raised with respect to the base member 90 of the dog.

In addition, the light emitting part 72a is near the focal line of the cylindrical lens 65, and is arrange|positioned above the focal line. Thus, the light projected forward through the cylindrical lens 65 may have a cut-off line, forming a diffusion region constituting a part of a horizontal line near the H line, for example, where a clear contrast boundary is required. thing becomes possible

Further, in the above description, the vehicle headlamp 10 has been described as a vehicle headlamp capable of both high and low beams, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the upper light source unit 20 is eliminated and the intermediate light source unit 40 ) and the lower stage light source unit 60, it is also possible to make a low-beam dedicated vehicle headlight. Even in this case, the main operational effects are the same as in the case where both the high beam and the low beam can be used.

10: headlights for vehicles
10a: lighthouse
12: flood cover
14: lamp body (back body)
15: support member
17: support mechanism
18: motor for leveling
16: extension
20: upper light source unit
20A, 20B: first and second sub-units
40: Interrupted light source unit
40A, 40B: the third and fourth sub-units
55: no diffusion
60: lower light source unit
70, 80: fifth and sixth sub-units

Claims (8)

A plurality of light source units each having a light source and an optical member for irradiating light from the light source along an optical axis;
A headlamp for a vehicle having a light body supporting the plurality of light source units and superimposing light from each light source unit to form a low-beam light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle,
At least one of the plurality of light source units is an optical axis variable light source unit supported on the body so that the optical axis can be changed independently of other light source units,
The optical axis variable light source unit includes a projection lens as the optical member,
The optical axis variable light source unit is rotatably supported on the body so that the optical axis moves along a horizontal plane,
In the optical axis variable light source unit, a diffusion member for diffusing the light emitted from the light source is provided between the projection lens and the light source,
The vehicle headlamp, characterized in that the light is diffused by the diffusion member when the optical axis variable light source unit rotates and the optical axis moves from a position for irradiating light toward the front center of the vehicle to irradiating light to the side in front of the vehicle. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the optical axis variable light source unit forms a condensing area having an inclined cut-off line in the low-beam light distribution pattern. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 2, wherein the optical axis variable light source unit changes the position of the light collecting area between a vehicle front center and a vehicle front side by moving the optical axis in a horizontal direction. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the light source is disposed in the vicinity of a focal point of the projection lens, and is a direct light source unit irradiated forward with direct light from the light source. The optical axis variable light source unit according to claim 1, wherein the optical axis variable light source unit includes, as the optical member, a reflector for reflecting the light from the projection lens and the light source toward a focal point vicinity of the projection lens, and the reflected light from the reflector is irradiated forward. A headlamp for a vehicle, characterized in that it is a reflective light source unit. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the optical axis variable light source unit is configured to increase or decrease the amount of output light. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the diffusion member is a prism diffusion lens whose thickness along the propagation direction of light becomes thicker as it deviates from the optical axis. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the diffusion member is a step diffusion lens formed with a plurality of steps.

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