WO2011033709A1

WO2011033709A1 - Headlight device for vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2011033709A1
Application number: PCT/JP2010/004474
Authority: WO
Inventors: 出口博久
Original assignee: 株式会社小糸製作所
Priority date: 2009-09-15
Filing date: 2010-07-09
Publication date: 2011-03-24
Also published as: JP5634406B2; JPWO2011033709A1

Abstract

A headlight device for a vehicle is provided with: a first shade (120) which is displaced to an advanced position coinciding with a rear focal point surface (F) and to a first retreated position located further forward in the optical axis direction than the advanced position, and which forms at the advanced position a first light distribution pattern; a second shade (140) which is displaced to the advance position and to a second retreated position located further rearward in the optical axis direction than the advanced position, and which forms at the advanced position a second light distribution pattern; a first stopper (122); a second stopper (142); and a control unit which, when switching between the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern, controls the displacements of the first and second shades in such a manner that, while the upper edge of one of the shades which is in the middle of displacement to the advanced position is brought close to the upper edge of the other shade which is located at the advanced position, said shade is displaced to the advanced position and the other shade is displaced to the retreated position side.

Description

Vehicle headlamp device

The present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp device, and more particularly to a vehicle headlamp device used in an automobile or the like.

The vehicle headlamp device irradiates a low beam or a high beam by directing the light from the light source directly forward or reflecting the light from the light source forward by a reflector. As one of beam switching methods between a low beam and a high beam when a single light source is used, a method of switching a beam by moving a light shielding member called a shade according to a light distribution pattern to be formed has been proposed.

On the other hand, with the recent high performance and high performance of vehicles, the formation of a light distribution pattern that can cope with various situations is also desired in vehicle headlamp devices. On the other hand, for example, the headlamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes two masks (shades) that can move forward and backward with respect to the optical axis, and each of the two masks can be independently displaced to a shielding position or a retracting position. However, it is configured so that three light distribution patterns can be formed.

JP 2003-100121 A

In the case of providing a plurality of shades that can move forward and backward with respect to the optical axis as in the above-described headlamp of Patent Document 1 and selectively displacing the shades that form a desired light distribution pattern, each shade is mechanically A structure that can be advanced and retracted without interference is required. In addition, it is conceivable to shift the displacement timing of each of the plurality of shades in order to avoid interference between the shades. In this case, the light is not blocked by any shade when switching the light distribution pattern, and the non-light-shielding pattern. There is a possibility that light leakage occurs.

In addition, since the vehicle headlamp device irradiates light forward of the vehicle through the projection lens, the ridge line portion of the shade that determines the cut-off line that becomes the light / dark boundary of the light distribution pattern is arranged at the rear focal position of the projection lens. There was a need to do. If the shade ridge line part deviates back and forth from the back focus position, the contour of the cut-off line of the formed light distribution pattern may be blurred, or the composition balance between the shielded light and the unshielded light is lost, and the vicinity of the cut-off line A coloring phenomenon due to the spectral component of light may occur in the region.

The present inventor has come to recognize that when a plurality of shades are used, a design in consideration of these points is necessary. On the other hand, in the headlamp of Patent Document 1, one shade is tilted forward in the optical axis direction and retracted from the optical axis, and the other shade is tilted backward in the optical axis direction and retracted from the optical axis. However, there is a risk that outline blurring, coloring, or light leakage may occur. Therefore, a proposal of a structure that solves these problems is desired.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and the purpose thereof is that there is no mechanical interference even when a plurality of shades are used, and the contour of the light distribution pattern to be formed is colored or colored, and the light distribution pattern is switched. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlamp device that can prevent light leakage.

In order to solve the above problems, a vehicle headlamp device according to an aspect of the present invention is capable of advancing and retracting with respect to an optical axis of a light source capable of irradiating light forward of the vehicle via a projection lens, The upper edge portion is displaced to an advance position where the rear focal plane of the projection lens overlaps and a first retract position in front of the advance position in the optical axis direction, and a first light distribution pattern is formed at the advance position. The first shade that allows the formation of a non-light-shielding pattern and the optical axis can be moved forward and backward, and the first shade is displaced to the advanced position and the second retracted position behind the advanced position in the optical axis direction. The second shade that forms two light distribution patterns and allows the formation of a non-light-shielding pattern at the second retracted position, and the displacement of the first shade so that the first shade that is displaced toward the advanced position stops at the advanced position. The first stopper to be controlled and the displacement toward the advance position The second stopper that regulates the displacement of the second shade so that the two shades stop at the advanced position, and when the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern are switched to each other, the one that is in the middle of the displacement to the advanced position The first shade so that one shade is displaced to the advanced position and the other shade is displaced to the retracted position while the upper edge of the shade is in proximity to the upper edge of the other shade at the advanced position. And a controller for controlling the displacement of the second shade.

According to this aspect, there is no mechanical interference even when a plurality of shades are used, and it is possible to prevent blurring of the light distribution pattern to be formed, coloring, and light leakage at the time of switching the light distribution pattern.

In the above aspect, at least one of the first shade and the second shade is divided into a plurality of small shades arranged in a direction intersecting the optical axis, and a part of the plurality of small shades is in the advanced position, and the remaining small shades The third light distribution pattern may be able to be formed in a state where is in the retracted position. According to this, the visibility of the driver can be further improved while preventing glare given to the preceding vehicle.

In the above aspect, one of two adjacent small shades may have an overlap portion overlapping the other small shade in the optical axis direction. According to this, when a shade is divided | segmented, it can prevent that a preceding vehicle receives glare by the light which leaked from the boundary.

In the above aspect, the first shade includes a first rotation shaft positioned rearward in the optical axis direction from the rear focal plane, and a first arm portion extending from the first rotation axis forward in the optical axis direction than the rear focal plane; A first shade body coupled to the first arm portion, the second shade being positioned in front of the rear focal plane in the optical axis direction, and the first arm portion from the second rotation shaft. A second arm portion extending rearward in the optical axis direction from the rear focal plane so as not to interfere with the second focal portion, and a second shade body connected to the second arm portion. According to this, the installation space of a 1st shade and a 2nd shade can be made small.

According to the present invention, even when a plurality of shades are used, there is no mechanical interference, and it is possible to prevent blurring and coloring of the light distribution pattern to be formed and light leakage at the time of switching the light distribution pattern.

1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of a vehicle headlamp device according to a first embodiment. It is a functional block diagram explaining operation | movement cooperation with the irradiation control part of a headlamp unit, and the vehicle control part by the side of a vehicle. FIGS. 3A to 3C are explanatory views showing the structure of the shade mechanism. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams showing the shape of each shade and the shape of a light distribution pattern formed by a combination of the shades. FIGS. 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams showing the displacement state of each shade when the light distribution pattern is switched. 6A and 6B are explanatory views showing the structure of the shade mechanism of the vehicle headlamp apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the shape of each shade. It is explanatory drawing which shows the attitude | position state of each shade, and the shape of the light distribution pattern corresponding to it. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are explanatory views showing the structure of the shade mechanism of the vehicle headlamp apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are explanatory views showing the structure of a shade mechanism according to a modification.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The embodiments do not limit the invention but are exemplifications, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view for explaining the internal structure of the vehicle headlamp device according to the first embodiment. The vehicle headlamp device 200 of the present embodiment includes a headlamp unit 210L disposed at the left end portion in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle and a headlamp unit 210R disposed at the right end portion (hereinafter, referred to as “the headlight unit 210R”). As appropriate, the headlamp unit 210L and the headlamp unit 210R are collectively referred to as “headlamp unit 210”). The

headlamp units

210L and 210R of this embodiment form a low beam light distribution pattern or an additional light distribution pattern described later by blocking a part of the beam emitted from one light source, for example. This is a so-called variable light distribution headlamp that forms a light distribution pattern (non-light-shielding pattern). Since most of the

headlight units

210L and 210R have substantially the same configuration except that they have a symmetrical structure, the structure of the right headlight unit 210R will be described below and the left headlight unit 210R will be described. Description of the lamp unit is omitted as appropriate. In addition, when describing each member of the headlamp unit 210L, for convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals as the corresponding members of the headlamp unit 210R are attached to the respective members. Further, when the sign on the headlamp unit 210R side includes “R” at the end, “R” at the end is replaced with “L”.

The headlamp unit 210R includes a lamp body 212 and a translucent cover 214. The lamp body 212 has an opening in the front direction of the vehicle, and has a detachable cover 212a to be removed when the bulb 14 is replaced on the rear side. A translucent cover 214 is connected to an opening in front of the lamp body 212 to form a lamp chamber 216. The lamp chamber 216 houses the lamp unit 10 that irradiates light in the forward direction of the vehicle. A lamp bracket 218 having a pivot mechanism 218 a serving as a swing center of the lamp unit 10 is formed in a part of the lamp unit 10. The lamp bracket 218 is screwed with an aiming adjustment screw 220 that is rotatably supported on the wall surface of the lamp body 212. Therefore, the lamp unit 10 is supported in a state where it can tilt to a predetermined position in the lamp chamber 216 determined by the adjustment state of the aiming adjustment screw 220.

In addition, on the lower surface of the lamp unit 10, a rotating shaft of a swivel actuator 222 for constituting a variable road headlamp (Adaptive Front-lighing System: AFS) that illuminates the traveling direction when traveling on a curved road or the like. 222a is fixed. The swivel actuator 222 is based on the steering amount data provided from the vehicle side, the shape data of the traveling road provided from the navigation system, the relationship between the relative position of the forward vehicle and the vehicle including the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle, etc. The lamp unit 10 is swiveled (swiveled) in the traveling direction around the pivot mechanism 218a. As a result, the irradiation area of the lamp unit 10 is directed to the tip of the curved road instead of the front of the vehicle, and the driver's forward visibility is improved. The swivel actuator 222 can be composed of a stepping motor, for example. When the swivel angle is a fixed value, a solenoid or the like can be used.

The swivel actuator 222 is fixed to the unit bracket 224. A leveling actuator 226 disposed outside the lamp body 212 is connected to the unit bracket 224. The leveling actuator 226 is composed of, for example, a motor that expands and contracts the rod 226a in the directions of arrows M and N. When the rod 226a extends in the direction of the arrow M, the lamp unit 10 swings so as to be in a backward inclined posture with the pivot mechanism 218a as the center. On the other hand, when the rod 226a is shortened in the direction of arrow N, the lamp unit 10 swings so as to assume a forward leaning posture with the pivot mechanism 218a as the center. When the lamp unit 10 is tilted backward, leveling adjustment with the optical axis directed upward can be performed. In addition, when the lamp unit 10 is in the forward tilted posture, leveling adjustment that directs the optical axis downward can be performed. By performing such leveling adjustment, the optical axis can be adjusted according to the vehicle posture. As a result, the reach distance of the front irradiation light by the vehicle headlamp device 200 can be adjusted to an optimum distance.

This leveling adjustment can also be executed according to the vehicle posture while the vehicle is running. For example, when the vehicle is accelerated while traveling, the vehicle posture is a backward leaning posture, and conversely, when the vehicle is decelerated, it is a forward leaning posture. Therefore, the irradiation direction of the headlamp unit 210 also fluctuates up and down corresponding to the posture state of the vehicle, and the front irradiation distance becomes longer or shorter. Therefore, by executing the leveling adjustment of the lamp unit 10 in real time based on the vehicle posture, it is possible to optimally adjust the front irradiation reach distance even during traveling. This is sometimes referred to as “auto-leveling”.

On the inner wall surface of the lamp chamber 216 at the lower position of the lamp unit 10, an irradiation control unit 228 (control unit) that performs turning on / off control of the lamp unit 10 and control of formation of a light distribution pattern is disposed. In the case of FIG. 1, an irradiation control unit 228R for controlling the headlamp unit 210R is arranged. The irradiation controller 228R also controls the swivel actuator 222, the leveling actuator 226, and the like. The headlamp unit 210L may have a dedicated irradiation control unit 228L, or the irradiation control unit 228R provided in the headlamp unit 210R may include each of the headlamp unit 210R and the headlamp unit 210L. Actuator control and light distribution pattern formation control may be collectively controlled.

The lamp unit 10 can include an aiming adjustment mechanism. For example, an aiming pivot mechanism (not shown) serving as a swing center at the time of aiming adjustment is disposed at a connecting portion between the rod 226a of the leveling actuator 226 and the unit bracket 224. Further, the above-described aiming adjusting screw 220 is disposed on the lamp bracket 218 with a gap in the vehicle width direction. For example, if the two aiming adjustment screws 220 are rotated counterclockwise, the lamp unit 10 is inclined forward with the aiming pivot mechanism as the center, and the optical axis is adjusted downward. Similarly, if the two aiming adjusting screws 220 are rotated in the clockwise direction, the lamp unit 10 is tilted backward with the aiming pivot mechanism as the center, and the optical axis is adjusted upward. Further, if the aiming adjustment screw 220 on the left side in the vehicle width direction is rotated counterclockwise, the lamp unit 10 assumes a right turning posture around the aiming pivot mechanism, and the optical axis is adjusted rightward. If the aiming adjustment screw 220 on the right side in the vehicle width direction is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the lamp unit 10 assumes a left turning posture around the aiming pivot mechanism, and the optical axis is adjusted in the left direction. This aiming adjustment is performed when the vehicle is shipped or inspected, or when the headlamp unit 210 is replaced. The headlamp unit 210 is adjusted to a posture determined by design, and the light distribution pattern formation control of this embodiment is performed based on this posture.

The lamp unit 10 includes a bulb 14 as a light source, a lamp housing 17 that supports the reflector 16 on the inner wall, a shade mechanism 18 including a first shade 120 and a second shade 140, and a projection lens 20. As the bulb 14, for example, an incandescent bulb, a halogen lamp, a discharge bulb, an LED, or the like can be used. In the present embodiment, an example in which the bulb 14 is constituted by a halogen lamp is shown.

The reflector 16 is at least partially elliptical spherical, and the elliptical spherical surface is set so that the cross-sectional shape including the optical axis O of the lamp unit 10 is at least part of an elliptical shape. The elliptical spherical portion of the reflector 16 has a first focal point substantially at the center of the bulb 14 and has a second focal point on a rear focal plane that is a focal plane including the rear focal point of the projection lens 20. The light emitted from the bulb 14 is reflected directly or by the reflector 16, and a part thereof is guided to the projection lens 20 through the shade mechanism 18.

The first shade 120 included in the shade mechanism 18 is a plate-like shade that can advance and retreat with respect to the optical axis O, and the light of the bulb 14 is at the advanced position where the upper edge overlaps the rear focal plane of the projection lens 20. A first light distribution pattern is formed by blocking a part of the first light distribution pattern. The first shade 120 allows the formation of a high beam light distribution pattern (non-light-shielding pattern) at the retracted position (first retracted position). The second shade 140 is a plate-like shade that can advance and retreat with respect to the optical axis O, and blocks a part of the light of the bulb 14 at an advanced position where the upper edge overlaps the rear focal plane of the projection lens 20. A second light distribution pattern is formed. The second shade 140 allows the formation of a high beam light distribution pattern at the retracted position (second retracted position). The first shade 120 and the second shade 140 can move forward and backward independently of each other by a shade solenoid 238 provided on each of them. The first shade 120 and the second shade 140 and the respective shade solenoids 238 are connected by a connecting member 239 that transmits the displacement of the rod of the shade solenoid 238 to each shade. FIG. 1 shows a first shade solenoid 238a for the first shade 120 and a connecting member 239a. The configuration of the shade mechanism 18 will be described in detail later.

The projection lens 20 is disposed on the optical axis O extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the bulb 14 is disposed on the rear side of the rear focal plane of the projection lens 20. The projection lens 20 is a plano-convex aspherical lens having a convex front surface and a flat rear surface, and a virtual vertical front of the vehicle headlamp device 200 with a light source image formed on the rear focal plane as an inverted image. Project on the screen.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining the cooperation between the irradiation control unit of the headlight unit configured as described above and the vehicle control unit on the vehicle side. As described above, the configuration of the right headlight unit 210R and the left headlight unit 210L is basically the same, so only the headlamp unit 210R side will be described and the headlight unit 210L side will be described. Description is omitted.

The irradiation control unit 228R of the headlamp unit 210R controls the power supply circuit 230 based on information obtained from the vehicle control unit 302 mounted on the vehicle 300, and performs lighting control of the bulb 14. The irradiation control unit 228R controls the variable shade control unit 232, the swivel control unit 234, and the leveling control unit 236 based on information obtained from the vehicle control unit 302. The variable shade control unit 232 controls the first shade solenoid 238a connected to the first shade 120 via the connecting member 239a (see FIG. 1) to displace the first shade 120 to the advanced position and the retracted position. . Further, the variable shade control unit 232 controls the second shade solenoid 238b connected to the second shade 140 via the connecting member 239 (see FIG. 1) so that the second shade 140 is moved to the advanced position and the retracted position. Displace. (Hereinafter, the first shade solenoid 238a and the second shade solenoid 238b will be collectively referred to as “shade solenoid 238” where appropriate).

The swivel control unit 234 controls the swivel actuator 222 to adjust the optical axis of the lamp unit 10 in the vehicle width direction. For example, the light axis of the lamp unit 10 is directed in the direction of travel when turning such as traveling on a curved road or turning left and right. Further, the leveling control unit 236 controls the leveling actuator 226 to adjust the optical axis of the lamp unit 10 in the vehicle vertical direction. For example, the posture of the lamp unit 10 is adjusted according to the forward and backward tilt of the vehicle posture at the time of acceleration / deceleration to adjust the reach distance of the front irradiation light to the optimum distance. The vehicle control unit 302 provides similar information to the headlamp unit 210L, and the irradiation control unit 228L (control unit) provided in the headlamp unit 210L performs the same control as the irradiation control unit 228R. Execute.

In the case of this embodiment, the light distribution pattern formed by the

headlight units

210L and 210R can be switched according to the operation content of the light switch 304 by the driver. In this case, according to the operation of the light switch 304, the

irradiation controllers

228L and 228R form a desired light distribution pattern by driving the motor 238 via the variable shade controller 232.

In addition, the

headlamp units

210L and 210R of this embodiment are automatically controlled so as to form an optimal light distribution pattern according to the vehicle surroundings detected by various sensors, regardless of the operation of the light switch 304. You can also. For example, when it is detected that there is a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, or the like ahead of the host vehicle, the

irradiation control units

228L and 228R prevent glare based on information obtained from the vehicle control unit 302. Therefore, it is possible to form a low beam light distribution pattern. In addition, when it can be detected that there is no preceding vehicle, oncoming vehicle, pedestrian, etc. in front of the host vehicle, the

irradiation controllers

228L and 228R determine that the driver's visibility should be improved. A high-beam light distribution pattern without light shielding by the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 can be formed. In addition to the low-beam light distribution pattern and the high-beam light distribution pattern, when an additional light distribution pattern, which will be described later, can be formed, an optimal light distribution pattern that considers the preceding vehicle is selected according to the presence state of the preceding vehicle. It may be formed. Such a control mode may be referred to as an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) mode.

Thus, in order to detect an object such as a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, a camera 306 such as a stereo camera is connected to the vehicle control unit 302 as an object recognition means. Image frame data captured by the camera 306 is subjected to predetermined image processing such as object recognition processing by the image processing unit 308 and provided to the vehicle control unit 302. The vehicle control unit 302 detects at least a vehicle ahead of the host vehicle. Processing is executed. And the vehicle control part 302 provides the result of the detection process of a front vehicle to

irradiation control part

228L, 228R.

Irradiation control units

228L and 228R provide information to each control unit so as to form an optimal light distribution pattern in consideration of the preceding vehicle based on data regarding the preceding vehicle detected by vehicle control unit 302.

In addition, the vehicle control unit 302 can also acquire information from the steering sensor 310, the vehicle speed sensor 312 and the like that are normally mounted on the vehicle 300, whereby the

irradiation control units

228L and 228R are able to acquire the traveling state and the traveling posture of the vehicle 300. Accordingly, it is possible to easily change the light distribution pattern by selecting the light distribution pattern to be formed or changing the direction of the optical axis. For example, when the vehicle control unit 302 determines that the vehicle is turning based on information from the steering sensor 310, the

irradiation control units

228L and 228R that have received the information from the vehicle control unit 302 control the shade solenoid 238 to turn. It is possible to form a light distribution pattern that improves the visibility of the direction. Further, the displacement state of the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 is not changed, and the swivel actuator 222 is controlled by the swivel control unit 234 to improve the field of view by turning the optical axis of the lamp unit 10 in the turning direction. Good. Such a control mode may be referred to as a turning sensitive mode.

Also, when driving at high speeds at night, it is preferable to illuminate the front of the host vehicle so that oncoming vehicles, preceding vehicles, road signs and message boards can be recognized as soon as possible. Therefore, when the vehicle control unit 302 determines that the vehicle is traveling at a high speed based on information from the vehicle speed sensor 312, the

irradiation control units

228L and 228R control the displacement state of the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 to control the low beam. A highway mode low beam light distribution pattern in which a part of the light distribution pattern is changed may be formed. Similar control can be realized by controlling the leveling actuator 226 by the leveling control unit 236 to change the lamp unit 10 to the backward tilted posture. The above-described automatic leveling control during acceleration / deceleration by the leveling actuator 226 is control that maintains the irradiation distance constant. If the height of the cut-off line is positively controlled using this control, the same control as the control for selecting the different cut-off lines by displacing the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 can be performed. Such a control mode may be referred to as a speed sensitive mode.

The optical axis adjustment of the lamp unit 10 can be performed without using the swivel actuator 222 or the leveling actuator 226. For example, the lamp unit 10 may be swung or the forward tilt posture or the backward tilt posture may be performed by performing the aiming control in real time to improve the visibility in a desired direction.

In addition, the vehicle control unit 302 can also acquire road shape information and form information, road sign installation information, and the like from the navigation system 314. By acquiring these pieces of information in advance, the

irradiation controllers

228L and 228R can control the leveling actuator 226, swivel actuator 222, shade solenoid 238, and the like to smoothly form a light distribution pattern suitable for the traveling road. it can. Such a control mode may be referred to as a navigation sensitive mode.

In this way, by automatically changing the light distribution pattern of the own vehicle according to the traveling state of the own vehicle and the situation around the own vehicle, it is given to the driver and passengers of the preceding vehicle such as the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle It is possible to improve the visibility of the driver of the vehicle while suppressing glare. The automatic light distribution pattern formation control including the various control modes described above is executed when each automatic formation control is instructed by the light switch 304, for example.

Next, the structure of the shade mechanism 18 will be described in detail. FIGS. 3A to 3C are explanatory views showing the structure of the shade mechanism. 3A is a schematic horizontal sectional view of the shade mechanism 18 of the headlamp unit 210L, and FIG. 3B is a schematic horizontal sectional view of the shade mechanism 18 of the headlamp unit 210R. FIG. 3C is a schematic vertical sectional view of the shade mechanism 18 of the headlamp unit 210R. 3A and 3B, the illustration of the shade solenoid 238 is omitted, and the illustration of the second shade solenoid 238b is omitted in FIG. 3C. FIG. 3C shows a state where the first shade 120 is in the advanced position and the second shade 140 is in the retracted position. Further, in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the first shade 120 side is the front in the optical axis direction with respect to the rotating shaft 130, and the second shade 140 side is the rear in the optical axis direction.

3A and 3B, the shade mechanism 18 includes a first shade 120, a first stopper 122, a rotating shaft 130, a second shade 140, and a second stopper 142. In the shade mechanism 18 of the headlamp unit 210L, the second shade 140 is coupled to the rotation shaft 130 on the left side in the vehicle width direction (outside in the vehicle width direction) when viewed from the rear in the optical axis direction. Further, in the shade mechanism 18 of the headlamp unit 210R, the second shade 140 is connected to the right side in the vehicle width direction (outside in the vehicle width direction) with respect to the rotation shaft 130 when viewed from the rear in the optical axis direction. The headlamp unit 210L and the headlamp unit 210R have the same configuration except for the connecting position of the second shade 140 and the shapes of the first shade 120 and the second shade 140. Therefore, in the following, the structure of the headlamp unit 210R will be described, and the description of the headlamp unit 210L will be omitted.

The first shade 120 is a shade that blocks a part of the light of the bulb 14 to form a first light distribution pattern, and is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the rotating shaft 130 as shown in FIG. The first arm part 120a and the first shade body 120b connected to the first arm part 120a. The rotation shaft 130 is provided so that the center thereof overlaps the rear focal plane F of the projection lens 20. The first arm portion 120a and the first shade body 120b are set so that the upper edge portion of the first shade body 120b overlaps the rear focal plane F when the first shade 120 is in the advanced position. In this embodiment, a first arm portion 120a is a connecting portion 120a ₁ of the rotary shaft 130, the arm portion 120a ₂ extending upward as approaching from the connecting portion 120a ₁ on the rear focal plane F, the arm portion A first shade body 120b is provided at the tip of 120a ₂ so as to overlap the rear focal plane F in a state where the first shade 120 is in the advanced position.

The first stopper 122 regulates the displacement of the first shade 120 so that the first shade 120 that is displaced toward the advanced position stops at the advanced position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3C, the first stopper 122 is provided at a position where the first shade 120 comes into contact with the first arm portion 120a in a state where the first shade 120 has reached the advanced position. Since the first arm portion 120a and the first stopper 122 interfere with each other to restrict the rotation of the first shade 120, the first shade 120 can accurately take the advanced position.

One end of a substantially L-shaped connecting member 239a is rotatably connected to the first arm portion 120a. The other end of the connecting member 239a is rotatably connected to the rod 238a ₁ of the first shade solenoid 238a. Accordingly, the first shade 120 rotates about the rotation shaft 130 in accordance with the forward / backward movement of the rod 238a ₁ of the first shade solenoid 238a, and the standing posture and the falling posture of the first shade 120 are switched. The standing posture is a posture in which the first shade 120 is displaced to the advanced position, and the falling posture is a posture in which the first shade 120 is displaced to the retracted position. Specifically, when the rod 238a ₁ of the first shade solenoid 238a is accommodated state displaced in the direction of arrow _{P 1,} the first shade 120 from overturning displaced in the direction of arrow _{P 2,} FIG. 3 ( In C), a retracted position indicated by a broken line is taken. Also, when the rod 238a ₁ is projected state displaced in the direction of arrow Q _1, the first shade 120 is erected displaced in the direction of arrow PQ _2, the advanced position shown by the solid line in FIG. 3 (C), take.

The second shade 140 is a shade that blocks a part of the light from the bulb 14 to form a second light distribution pattern. The second shade 140 is provided with a second arm portion 140 a that is rotatable with respect to the rotation shaft 130, A second shade body 140b coupled to the arm part 140a. The second arm portion 140a and the second shade body 140b are set so that the upper edge portion of the second shade body 140b overlaps the rear focal plane F when the second shade 140 is in the advanced position. In this embodiment, a second arm portion 140a and the connecting portion 140a ₁ of the rotary shaft 130, the arm portion 140a ₂ extending upward as approaching from the connecting portion 140a ₁ on the rear focal plane F, the arm portion the tip of 140a _2, the second shade body 140b so as to overlap the rear focal plane F is provided in a state where the second shade 140 is in the advanced position.

The second stopper 142 regulates the displacement of the second shade 140 so that the second shade 140 that is displaced toward the advanced position stops at the advanced position. Specifically, the second stopper 142 is provided at a position where the second shade 140 contacts the second arm portion 140a in a state where the second shade 140 has reached the advanced position. Since the second arm portion 140a and the second stopper 142 interfere with each other to restrict the rotation of the second shade 140, the second shade 140 can accurately take the advanced position.

As for the second shade 140, similarly to the first shade 120, the second arm portion 140a is coupled to the rod of the second shade solenoid 238b (see FIG. 2) via a coupling member. As a result, the second shade 140 rotates about the rotation shaft 130 according to the forward / backward movement of the rod of the second shade solenoid 238b, and the standing posture and the falling posture of the second shade 140 are switched.

In such a configuration, at least a first shade solenoid 238a is preferably rod 238a ₁ during non-control is a biasing spring built type as to protrude. In this case, the first shade 120 can be moved to the advanced position only by setting the first shade solenoid 238a to the non-control state. By moving the first shade 120 to the advanced position, a light distribution pattern for the low beam or a light distribution pattern closer to the low beam light distribution pattern than the high beam light distribution pattern can be obtained. Light distribution pattern. That is, a fail-safe function can be realized.

In the vehicle headlamp device 200 according to the present embodiment, the first shade 120 is set so that the upper edge of the first shade body 120b overlaps the rear focal plane F at the advanced position. Further, the second shade 140 is set so that the upper edge portion of the second shade body 140b overlaps the rear focal plane F at the advanced position. Then, the first shade 120 is displaced to the retracted position (first retracted position) ahead of the advanced position in the optical axis direction, and the retracted position (second retracted position) of the second shade 140 is rearward of the advanced position in the optical axis direction. It is comprised so that it may displace. That is, the first shade 120 is displaced from the rear focal plane F to the advanced position and the retracted position in the front area, and the second shade 140 is displaced from the rear focal plane F to the advanced position and the retracted position in the rear area. Therefore, the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 do not interfere with each other when they are displaced to the retracted position. In the present embodiment, the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 have a common rotation axis, but separate rotation axes may be provided for each.

4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams showing the shape of each shade and the shape of a light distribution pattern formed by a combination of the shades. FIG. 4A shows the shape of each shade, and FIG. 4B shows the posture state of each shade and the shape of the light distribution pattern corresponding thereto. 4A and 4B, of the first shade 120 and the second shade 140, the first shade main body 120b and the second shade main body 140b are shown, and other portions are omitted. 4A and 4B show a state in which each shade is viewed from the front of the vehicle headlamp device 200 toward the bulb 14. The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 4 (B) is a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen arranged at a predetermined position in front of the lamp, for example, at a position 25 m ahead of the lamp.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the first shade 120 (first shade body 120b) of the left headlight unit 210L (shown as LH in the figure) is in the vehicle width direction from the VV line. ridgeline 120b ₁ extending in the horizontal direction on the left, a ridge 120b ₂ extending horizontally at a position higher than the ridge 120b ₁ in the vehicle width direction right side of the line V-V, right end portion of the ridge 120b ₁ and ridge 120b ₂ And an obliquely extending ridge line 120b ₃ connecting the left ends of the two. The second shade 140 (second shade body 140b) of the headlight unit 210L includes a ridge 140b ₂ of the ridge 120b ₂ of the same shape, and a ridge line 120b ₃ and ridge 140b ₃ of the same shape. Moreover, and a second shade 140 is notched part of the left side in the vehicle width direction, therefore, a ridge such as the shade height becomes lower as going to a portion left in the vehicle width direction of the ridge 120b ₁ with a ridge 140b _4.

(In the figure, a shows that RH) headlamp unit 210R of the right first shade 120 of the (first shade body 120b) includes a ridge 120b ₁ as with the headlamp unit 210L, and ridge 120b _2, ridge and a 120b _3. Further, the second shade 140 of the headlight unit 210R (second shade body 140b is) has a ridge line 140b ₁ of the same shape as the ridge 120b _1, and a ridge line 140b ₃ of the same shape as the ridge 120b _3. Moreover, and a second shade 140 is notched part of the right side in the vehicle width direction, therefore, a ridge such as the shade height decreases as part of the ridge 120b ₂ and go to the right in the vehicle width direction with a ridge 140b _5.

In such a configuration, in the vehicle headlamp device 200 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, the shade states of the headlamp unit 210L and the headlamp unit 210R are combined. The following light distribution pattern can be formed.

First, in the first mode, in the headlamp unit 210L and the headlamp unit 210R, the first shade 120 (first shade body 120b) is in the advanced position, and the second shade 140 (second shade body 140b) is in the retracted position. . In this case, the low beam light distribution pattern LoL is formed by the headlamp unit 210L, and the low beam light distribution pattern LoR is formed by the headlamp unit 210R. Then, the low beam light distribution pattern LoL and the low beam light distribution pattern LoR are combined to form a low beam light distribution pattern as a whole. This light distribution pattern for low beams is a light distribution pattern that is designed so as not to give glare to the preceding vehicle or pedestrian in an area where traffic regulations are left-hand traffic. The low beam light distribution pattern Lo has an oncoming lane side cut-off line extending parallel to the horizontal HH line on the right side (opposite lane side) of the VV line, and on the left side of the VV line ( On the own lane side), the own lane side cut-off line that extends parallel to the HH line at a position higher than the oncoming lane side cut off line, and both between the oncoming lane side cut off line and the own lane side cut off line Each has an oblique cut-off line to be connected. The diagonal cut-off line extends at an inclination angle of 45 ° from the intersection of the opposite lane side cut-off line and the VV line diagonally upward to the left. In the present embodiment, the low-beam light distribution patterns LoL and LoR correspond to the first light distribution pattern.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the projection lens 20 of the present embodiment is a plano-convex aspherical lens having a convex front surface and a flat rear surface, and thus a light source formed on the rear focal plane F. The image is projected on a virtual vertical screen in front of the vehicle as an up / down / left / right inverted image. Therefore, the self-lane side cutoff line formed by the ridge 120b ₁ of the first shade 120, is formed opposite lane cutoff line by the edge line 120b _2, the oblique cutoff line is formed by the ridge 120b _3.

In the second mode, the first shade 120 is in the retracted position and the second shade 140 is in the advanced position in the headlamp unit 210L, the first shade 120 is in the advanced position, and the second shade 140 is in the retracted position in the headlamp unit 210R. It is in. In this case, a left-side high light distribution pattern Hi1L that forms a so-called “left-side high beam” is formed by the headlamp unit 210L, and a low-beam light distribution pattern LoR is formed by the headlamp unit 210R. Then, the left-side high light distribution pattern Hi1L and the low-beam light distribution pattern LoR are combined to form the left-side high light distribution pattern as a whole. This left-side high light distribution pattern is an additional light distribution pattern that shields the opposite lane side of the high beam light distribution pattern when passing on the left side and irradiates only the own lane side in the high beam region. The left-side high light distribution pattern is preferably used when there is no preceding vehicle or pedestrian in the own lane, and there is an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian in the oncoming lane, and glare is given to the oncoming vehicle or pedestrian. In addition, the driver's visibility can be enhanced by irradiating only the own lane side with a high beam. The high beam area on the own lane side of the left high-side light distribution pattern Hi1L corresponds to the notch of the second shade 140 of the headlamp unit 210L.

In the third mode, the first shade 120 is in the advanced position and the second shade 140 is in the retracted position in the headlamp unit 210L, and the first shade 120 is in the retracted position and the second shade 140 is in the advanced position in the headlamp unit 210R. It is in. In this case, a low beam light distribution pattern LoL is formed by the headlamp unit 210L, and a right piece high light distribution pattern Hi1R that forms a so-called “right piece high beam” is formed by the headlamp unit 210R. Then, the low beam light distribution pattern LoL and the right piece high light distribution pattern Hi1R are combined to form a right piece high light distribution pattern as a whole. This right-side high light distribution pattern is an additional light distribution pattern that shields the own lane side of the high beam light distribution pattern when passing on the left side and irradiates only the opposite lane side in the high beam region. The right-side high light distribution pattern is preferably used when there is no oncoming vehicle or pedestrian in the oncoming lane, and there is a preceding vehicle or pedestrian in the own lane, giving glare to the preceding vehicle or pedestrian. In addition, the driver's visibility can be improved by irradiating only the opposite lane side with a high beam. The high beam region on the opposite lane side of the right-side high light distribution pattern Hi1R corresponds to the cutout portion of the second shade 140 of the headlamp unit 210R. In the present embodiment, the left piece high light distribution pattern Hi1L and the right piece high light distribution pattern Hi1R correspond to the second light distribution pattern.

In the fourth mode, the first shade 120 is in the retracted position and the second shade 140 is in the advanced position in the headlamp unit 210L, and the first shade 120 is in the retracted position and the second shade 140 is in the advanced position in the headlamp unit 210R. It is in. In this case, the left high light distribution pattern Hi1L is formed by the headlamp unit 210L, and the right high light distribution pattern Hi1R is formed by the headlamp unit 210R. Then, the left-side high light distribution pattern Hi1L and the right-side high light distribution pattern Hi1R are combined to form a so-called split light distribution pattern as a whole. This split light distribution pattern is an additional light distribution pattern having a light shielding region at the center above the horizontal line and having high beam regions on both sides in the horizontal direction of the light shielding region. The split light distribution pattern is preferably used when a forward vehicle is present at a relatively long distance, and glare is not given to the forward vehicle, and the opposite lane side and the own lane side are irradiated with a high beam to improve driver visibility. Can be increased.

In the fifth mode, the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 are both in the retracted position in the headlamp unit 210L and the headlamp unit 210R. In this case, the high beam light distribution pattern HiL is formed by the headlamp unit 210L, and the high beam light distribution pattern HiR is formed by the headlamp unit 210R. Then, the high-beam light distribution pattern HiL and the high-beam light distribution pattern HiR are combined to form a high-beam light distribution pattern as a whole. This high beam light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern that illuminates a wide area in the front and far away, and is formed, for example, when it is not necessary to consider glare to the vehicle ahead or a pedestrian.

Subsequently, the light distribution pattern switching control in the vehicle headlamp device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams showing the displacement state of each shade when the light distribution pattern is switched.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, in the headlamp unit 210R, the irradiation control unit 228R performs the low beam light distribution pattern in a state where the first shade 120 is in the advanced position and the second shade 140 is in the retracted position. It is assumed that the light distribution pattern switching control from the LoR to the right-side high light distribution pattern Hi1R is executed. In this case, first, the irradiation control unit 228R controls the variable shade control unit 232 to drive the second shade solenoid 238b (both see FIG. 2) in order to displace the second shade 140 in the retracted position to the advanced position. Thereby, the second shade 140 starts to be displaced in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, the irradiation controller 228R approaches the upper edge of the second shade 140 that is in the process of being displaced to the advanced position to the upper edge of the first shade 120 that is in the advanced position. Let the state be In this state, a part of the first shade body 120b of the first shade 120 and a part of the second shade body 140b of the second shade 140 are in contact with each other, and the upper edge of the first shade body 120b and the second The upper edge of the shade body 140b overlaps in the optical axis direction.

The irradiation control unit 228R moves the second shade 140 to the advanced position and retracts the first shade 120 while maintaining the state where the upper edge of the first shade 120 and the upper edge of the second shade 140 are close to each other. Displace to the position side. When the second shade 140 reaches the advanced position, the irradiation control unit 228R displaces the first shade 120 to the retracted position, as shown in FIG.

In this way, when switching the light distribution pattern from the first light distribution pattern to the second light distribution pattern, the irradiation control unit 228R sets the upper edge of the second shade 140 that is in the process of moving to the advanced position to the advanced position. The second shade 140 is displaced to the advanced position while being close to the upper edge of a certain first shade 120, and the first shade 120 is displaced to the retracted position side. Thereby, since the state where at least one of the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 is positioned on the optical axis O can be maintained, it is possible to avoid light leakage at the time of switching the light distribution pattern. . In the present embodiment, the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern are formed only by the shade moved to the rear focal plane F. Therefore, the cut-off line of the formed light distribution pattern is not accompanied by outline blurring or coloring, and a clear light distribution pattern can be formed.

The irradiation control unit 228R includes a timer circuit and a switch circuit (both not shown), and the timer circuit measures an elapsed time after the drive signal is input to the second shade solenoid 238b to displace the second shade 140. . After a predetermined time determined by the displacement speed (rotation speed) of the second shade 140 and the displacement distance between the advanced position and the retracted position has elapsed, the timer circuit outputs a signal to the switch circuit. When receiving a signal from the timer circuit, the switch circuit outputs a control signal to the variable shade control unit 232 so as to drive the first shade solenoid 238a. In this way, the irradiation control unit 228R can control the switching timing of each shade.

Note that the irradiation control unit 228R can perform the same control when switching the light distribution pattern from the second light distribution pattern to the first light distribution pattern. Further, the irradiation controller 228L can be controlled in the same manner as the irradiation controller 228R.

As described above, the vehicle headlamp device 200 according to the present embodiment is displaced to the advanced position and the retracted position ahead of the advanced position in the optical axis direction, and the low beam light distribution pattern LoL, The first shade 120 is provided that forms the LoR and allows the formation of the high-beam light distribution patterns HiL and HiR at the retracted position. In addition, the vehicle headlamp device 200 is displaced to the advanced position and the retracted position behind the advanced position in the optical axis direction, and the left high-side light distribution pattern Hi1L or the right high-side light distribution at the advanced position. A second shade 140 is provided that forms the pattern Hi1R and allows the formation of the high-beam light distribution patterns HiL and HiR at the retracted position. Thus, by retracting the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 in opposite directions across the rear focal plane F, each shade interferes with the other shade when displaced to the retracted position. Can be avoided.

The vehicle headlamp device 200 also includes a first stopper 122 that regulates the displacement of the first shade 120 so that the first shade 120 takes the advanced position and a second stopper 140 so that the second shade 140 takes the advanced position. And a second stopper 142 for restricting the displacement of the shade 140. Therefore, the upper edge portions of the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 can be made to coincide with the rear focal plane F with high accuracy, and therefore, a good light distribution pattern without outline blurring or coloring can be formed. In addition, since the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 are configured to rotate around the rotation shaft 130, the displacement of the shade can be achieved simply by providing a stopper with a simple structure such as a rod-shaped member on the rotation track. Can be easily regulated. Therefore, the structure of the 1st stopper 122 and the 2nd stopper 142 can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the vehicle headlamp apparatus 200 can be reduced.

Further, in the vehicle headlamp device 200, when the irradiation control unit 228 switches between the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern, the upper edge portion of one shade that is in the process of being displaced to the advanced position. In a state in which is placed close to the upper edge of the other shade at the advanced position, one shade is displaced to the advanced position and the other shade is displaced to the retracted position side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent light leakage from occurring when switching the light distribution pattern.

Further, in the configuration in which each light distribution pattern is formed by the rotary shade having the outer peripheral surface of the cut-off line shape, the light of the bulb 14 is blocked by a part of the outer peripheral surface extending in the vicinity of the rear focal plane F. The illuminance of the light distribution pattern tends to be low. On the other hand, in the vehicle headlamp device 200 according to the present embodiment, each light distribution pattern is formed by the plate-like first shade 120 and the second shade 140. Therefore, the light distribution is compared with the above-described rotary shade. The illuminance of the pattern can be increased. Further, the vehicle headlamp device 200 is configured to rotate the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 around the rotation shaft 130. Therefore, the sliding part of a shade can be reduced compared with the structure made to slide back and forth with respect to the optical axis O by sliding a plate-shaped shade up and down along a rail. As a result, the possibility of damage to the shade can be reduced, and the life of the shade can be extended. Therefore, the operational reliability and the life of the vehicle headlamp device 200 can be improved. .

(Embodiment 2)
In the vehicle headlamp device according to the second embodiment, at least one of the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 is divided into a plurality of small shades. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. Since the main configuration of the vehicle headlamp device, the light distribution pattern switching control, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, and the description and The illustration is omitted as appropriate.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory views showing the structure of the shade mechanism of the vehicle headlamp apparatus according to the second embodiment. 6A is a schematic horizontal sectional view of the shade mechanism 18 of the headlamp unit 210L, and FIG. 6B is a schematic horizontal sectional view of the shade mechanism 18 of the headlamp unit 210R. 6A and 6B, the shade solenoid 238 is not shown. Further, in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the first shade 120 side is the front in the optical axis direction with respect to the rotation shaft 130, and the second shade 140 side is the rear in the optical axis direction.

6A and 6B, the shade mechanism 18 includes a first shade 120, a first stopper 122, a rotating shaft 130, a second shade 140, and a second stopper 142. The first shade 120 is divided into a first small shade 124 and a second small shade 126 arranged in the direction intersecting the optical axis O or in the vehicle width direction. The second small shade 126 has an overlap portion 126c that overlaps the first small shade 124 in the optical axis direction. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the light of the bulb 14 from leaking forward from the boundary between the first small shade 124 and the second small shade 126 in the optical axis direction. Each of the first small shade 124 and the second small shade 126 is provided with a shade solenoid (not shown). Therefore, the headlamp unit 210 can arrange the first small shade 124 at the advanced position overlapping the rear focal plane F and the second small shade 126 at the retracted position. In this state, the light of the bulb 14 can be arranged. A third light distribution pattern can be formed by blocking a part of the first light distribution pattern.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the shape of each shade. In FIG. 7, the first small shade main body 124b of the first small shade 124, the second small shade main body 126b of the second small shade 126, and the second shade main body 140b are shown, and other portions are omitted. . Moreover, the state which looked at each shade toward the valve | bulb 14 from the front of the vehicle headlamp apparatus 200 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first small shade 124 (first small shade main body 124 b) of the left headlight unit 210 </ b> L (indicated by LH in the drawing) is the ridgeline of the first shade 120 of the first embodiment. 120b having ₂ and the ridge 124b ₂ of the same shape, and a ridge line 120b ₃ and ridge 124b ₃ of the same shape of the first shade 120. In addition, the first small shade 124 is partially cut out on the left side in the vehicle width direction, and therefore, goes to the left side in the vehicle width direction with part of the ridge line 124b ₁ having the same shape as the ridge line 120b ₁ of the first shade 120 As a result, a ridgeline 124b ₄ is formed which is composed of a ridgeline whose shade height decreases. Second small shade 126 (second small shade body 126b) has a shade shape corresponding to the notched portions of the first small shade 124 has a ridge 126b ₁ that forms part of the ridge line 124b _1. The second shade 140 (second shade body 140b) has the same shape as the second shade 140 of the headlamp unit 210R of the first embodiment.

First small shade 124 of the right headlamp unit 210R (in the figure shows the RH) (first small shade body 124b) are ridge edges 120b ₁ and the same shape of the first shade 120 of Embodiment 1 124b ₁ and a ridge line 124b ₃ having the same shape as the ridge line 120b ₃ of the first shade 120. Further, the first small shade 124 is notched at a part on the right side in the vehicle width direction, and therefore, from a part of the ridge line 124b ₂ and a ridge line whose shade height decreases toward the right side in the vehicle width direction. with a ridge 124b ₅ made. Second small shade 126 (second small shade body 126b) has a shade shape corresponding to the notched portions of the first small shade 124 has a ridge 126b ₂ which constitutes a part of the ridge line 124b _2. The second shade 140 (second shade body 140b) has the same shape as the second shade 140 of the headlamp unit 210L of the first embodiment.

Here, the notch 123 of the first small shade 124 of the headlamp unit 210L is smaller in width in the vehicle width direction than the notch 125 of the second shade 140 of the headlamp unit 210R. Further, the notch 127 of the first small shade 124 of the headlamp unit 210R is smaller in width in the vehicle width direction than the notch 129 of the second shade 140 of the headlamp unit 210L.

In such a configuration, in the vehicle headlamp device 200 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, by combining the shade states of the headlamp unit 210L and the headlamp unit 210R, the following Such a light distribution pattern can be formed. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the posture state of each shade and the shape of the light distribution pattern corresponding to the posture state. The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 8 is a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed at a predetermined position in front of the lamp, for example, at a position 25 m ahead of the lamp.

First, in the first mode, the first small shade 124 (first small shade main body 124b) and the second small shade 126 (second small shade main body 126b) are advanced in the headlight unit 210L and the headlight unit 210R. The second shade 140 (second shade body 140b) is in the retracted position. In this case, the low beam light distribution pattern LoL and the low beam light distribution pattern LoR are formed, and the low beam light distribution pattern is formed as a whole.

In the second mode, the first small shade 124 is in the advanced position, the second small shade 126 and the second shade 140 are in the retracted position in the headlamp unit 210L, and the first small shade 124 and the second shade are in the headlamp unit 210R. The small shade 126 is in the retracted position, and the second shade 140 is in the advanced position. In this case, by the headlight unit 210L, the vehicle width direction width of the upper lane side irradiation area (part corresponding to the notch 123) from the cut-off line of the low beam light distribution pattern is relatively small. The left high-side light distribution pattern Hi3L is formed, and the width in the vehicle width direction of the upper lane side irradiation area (the part corresponding to the notch 125) from the cut-off line of the low-beam light distribution pattern by the headlamp unit 210R A relatively large distant left piece high light distribution pattern Hi2R is formed. Then, the near left piece high light distribution pattern Hi3L and the far left piece high light distribution pattern Hi2R are combined to form the far left piece high light distribution pattern as a whole. The far left high-side light distribution pattern is an additional light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle ahead is relatively far away.

In the third mode, the headlamp unit 210L forms the near left high-beam light distribution pattern Hi3L, and the headlamp unit 210R forms the low-beam light distribution pattern LoR. A light distribution pattern is formed. The near left piece high light distribution pattern is an additional light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle ahead is closer than when forming the far left piece high light distribution pattern.

In the fourth mode, the first small shade 124 and the second small shade 126 are in the retracted position and the second shade 140 is in the advanced position in the headlamp unit 210L, and the first small shade 124 is in the advanced position in the headlamp unit 210R. The second small shade 126 and the second shade 140 are in the retracted position. In this case, the headlight unit 210L causes the far-right direction in which the width in the vehicle width direction of the upper opposite lane side irradiation area (the part corresponding to the notch 129) from the cut-off line of the low beam light distribution pattern is relatively large. The one-side light distribution pattern Hi2L is formed, and the headlight unit 210R determines the width in the vehicle width direction of the opposite lane side irradiation area (the part corresponding to the notch 127) from the cut-off line of the low beam light distribution pattern. A relatively small near right piece high light distribution pattern Hi3R is formed. The distant right piece high light distribution pattern Hi2L and the near right piece high light distribution pattern Hi3R are combined to form the far right piece high light distribution pattern as a whole. The far right high-side light distribution pattern is an additional light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle ahead is relatively far away. In the present embodiment, the near left piece high light distribution pattern Hi3L and the near right piece high light distribution pattern Hi3R correspond to the third light distribution pattern.

In the fifth mode, the low light distribution pattern LoL is formed by the headlamp unit 210L, and the near right high light distribution pattern Hi3R is formed by the headlamp unit 210R, and as a whole the near right high A light distribution pattern is formed. The near right piece high light distribution pattern is an additional light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle ahead is closer than when forming the far right piece high light distribution pattern.

In the sixth mode, the far right high light distribution pattern Hi2L is formed by the headlamp unit 210L, and the far left high light distribution pattern Hi2R is formed by the headlamp unit 210R. A pattern is formed. The far-distance light distribution pattern is an additional light distribution pattern that is formed when the vehicle ahead is relatively far away.

In the seventh mode, the headlight unit 210L forms the near left high-light distribution pattern Hi3L, and the headlight unit 210R forms the near-right high-light distribution pattern Hi3R. A split light distribution pattern is formed. The near split light distribution pattern is an additional light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle ahead is closer than when forming the far split light distribution pattern, and the light blocking area width at the center is the far split light distribution pattern. It is wider than the light-shielding region width at the center of the.

In the present embodiment, the first shade 120 is divided into two small shades, but the number of small shades is not particularly limited. Further, the second shade 140 may be divided into a plurality of small shades. As the number of small shades increases, the configuration becomes more complicated, but more light distribution patterns can be formed, and switching of the light distribution pattern according to the presence of the preceding vehicle can be realized with higher accuracy. Also in this embodiment, the high beam light distribution pattern HiL and the high beam light distribution pattern HiR can be formed.

Even with the configuration of the present embodiment described above, while avoiding interference between the first shade 120 and the second shade 140, the contour and color of the light distribution pattern to be formed and light leakage at the time of switching the light distribution pattern are prevented. be able to. Other effects can be obtained in the same manner.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first shade 120 is divided into a first small shade 124 and a second small shade 126. Therefore, it is possible to form a right-side high light distribution pattern or a left-side high light distribution pattern in which the width in the vehicle width direction of the irradiation region on the opposite lane side or the own lane side is different. Thereby, since the light distribution pattern can be switched with higher accuracy in accordance with the presence of the preceding vehicle, the visibility of the driver can be improved while preventing glare given to the preceding vehicle further than in the first embodiment. it can.

In the present embodiment, the second small shade 126 has an overlap portion 126c that overlaps the first small shade 124 in the optical axis direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light of the bulb 14 from leaking forward from the boundary between the first small shade 124 and the second small shade 126 in the optical axis direction. Therefore, when the shade is divided, it is possible to prevent the vehicle ahead from receiving glare due to light leaking from the boundary.

(Embodiment 3)
The vehicle headlamp device according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the structure of the shade mechanism 18. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. Since the main configuration of the vehicle headlamp device, the light distribution pattern that can be formed, the switching control of the light distribution pattern, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as those in the first embodiment. The description and illustration are omitted as appropriate.

9 (A) and 9 (B) are explanatory views showing the structure of the shade mechanism of the vehicle headlamp device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9A is a schematic vertical sectional view of the shade mechanism 18, and FIG. 9B is a schematic plan view of the shade mechanism 18. 9A and 9B, the side where the first shade 120 exists (the left side in the drawing) is the front in the optical axis direction with respect to the rear focal plane F, and the illustration of the shade solenoid is omitted. is doing. Further, FIG. 9A shows a state in which the first shade 120 is in the retracted position and the second shade 140 is in the advanced position.

In the vehicle headlamp device 200 according to the present embodiment, the first shade 120 includes a first rotation shaft 130a located behind the rear focal plane F in the optical axis direction, and a rear focal plane F extending from the first rotation shaft 130a. A first arm portion 120a having a portion extending further forward in the optical axis direction, and a first shade body 120b coupled to the first arm portion 120a. Further, the second shade 140 has a second rotating shaft 130b positioned in front of the rear focal plane F in the optical axis direction and the rear focal plane F so as not to interfere with the first arm portion 120a from the second rotating shaft 130b. It includes a second arm portion 140a having a portion extending rearward in the optical axis direction, and a second shade body 140b connected to the second arm portion 140a. In the present embodiment, two first arm portions 120a arranged in the vehicle width direction extend from the first rotation shaft 130a, and two second arm portions 140a arranged in the vehicle width direction extend from the second rotation shaft 130b. Yes. The two second arm portions 140a are arranged outside the two first arm portions 120a so as not to interfere with the two first arm portions 120a. That is, the two first arm portions 120a are arranged between the two second arm portions 140a.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the first rotation shaft 130a of the first shade 120 that falls forward in the optical axis direction with respect to the rear focal plane F is disposed rearward in the optical axis direction with respect to the rear focal plane F, and the rear focal point. The second rotating shaft 130b of the second shade 140 that falls backward in the optical axis direction from the surface F is disposed in front of the rear focal plane F in the optical axis direction. As a result, the first shade 120 rotates forward in the optical axis direction with respect to the rear focal plane F, and the second shade 140 rotates forward in the optical axis direction with respect to the rear focal plane F. It is possible to increase the downward displacement amount of the upper edge portion in the initial rotation of the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 in the position. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. That is, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the amount of rotation of each shade necessary for retracting the upper edge portions of the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 from the optical axis O can be reduced. In other words, the upper edge can be retracted from the optical axis with a small amount of displacement. Therefore, the installation space of the shade mechanism 18 can be reduced, and the degree of freedom in designing the vehicle headlamp device 200 can be increased. In addition, it is possible to quickly switch the light distribution pattern.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is possible to combine the embodiments or to add various modifications such as design changes based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Embodiments to which modifications are made are also included in the scope of the present invention. Each of the above-described embodiments and a new embodiment resulting from the combination of each of the above-described embodiments and the following modified examples have the effects of the combined embodiments and modified examples.

For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the

irradiation control units

228L and 228R determine the presence state of the preceding vehicle, but the vehicle control unit 302 may execute these determinations. The same effect as the embodiment can be obtained. In this case, the

irradiation controllers

228L and 228R control turning on / off of the bulb 14, driving of the swivel actuator 222 and the shade solenoid 238, and the like based on an instruction from the vehicle controller 302.

Further, the drive mechanism of the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 is not limited to the shade solenoid. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A,

motors

250a and 250b are provided as drive sources for the first shade 120 and the second shade 140, and the first shade 120 and the second shade 140 and the

motors

250a and 250b are respectively provided. The structure connected via the gear mechanism may be sufficient. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10B,

motors

250a and 250b are respectively provided. The structure connected via the link mechanism may be sufficient. FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are explanatory views showing the structure of a shade mechanism according to a modification.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the second shade 140 has a shape corresponding to the left-side high light distribution pattern or the right-side high light distribution pattern, but the second shade 140 has, for example, a traffic regulation on the right side. It may have a shape corresponding to a light distribution pattern for a right-passing low beam called “Dover low beam”, which is used in a traffic area. In this case, even if left-hand traffic and right-hand traffic vary depending on the region in Europe, etc., it is possible to switch between the low-beam light distribution pattern and the right-hand traffic low-beam light distribution pattern without causing light leakage. . In addition, it is possible to form a good low-beam light distribution pattern and a right-handed low-beam light distribution pattern that are free from outline blurring and coloring. Or the shape corresponding to the light distribution pattern for highway modes may be sufficient.

14 valve, 18 shade mechanism, 20 projection lens, 120 1st shade, 120a 1st arm, 120b 1st shade body, 122 1st stopper, 124 1st small shade, 126 2nd small shade, 130 rotating shaft, 130a 1st rotating shaft, 130b 2nd rotating shaft, 140 2nd shade, 140b 2nd shade body, 140a 2nd arm part, 142 2nd stopper, 200 vehicle headlamp device, F rear focal plane.

The present invention can be used for a vehicle headlamp device, and in particular, can be used for a vehicle headlamp device used in an automobile or the like.

Claims

A light source capable of emitting light to the front of the vehicle via a projection lens;
Advancing and retreating with respect to the optical axis of the light source, and the upper edge portion is displaced to an advancing position where it overlaps the rear focal plane of the projection lens, and a first retracting position forward of the advancing position in the optical axis direction. Forming a first light distribution pattern and allowing a non-light-shielding pattern to be formed at the first retracted position;
It can move forward and backward with respect to the optical axis, and is displaced to the advanced position and a second retracted position behind the advanced position in the optical axis direction to form a second light distribution pattern at the advanced position, and at the second retracted position A second shade that allows formation of a non-light-shielding pattern;
A first stopper that regulates displacement of the first shade so that the first shade that is displaced toward the advanced position stops at the advanced position;
A second stopper that regulates displacement of the second shade so that the second shade that is displaced toward the advanced position stops at the advanced position;
When the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern are switched to each other, the upper edge portion of one shade in the middle of the displacement to the advanced position is brought close to the upper edge portion of the other shade in the advanced position And a controller for controlling the displacement of the first shade and the second shade so as to displace one shade to the advanced position and displace the other shade to the retracted position side;
A vehicle headlamp device comprising:
At least one of the first shade and the second shade is divided into a plurality of small shades arranged in a direction intersecting the optical axis,
2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the third light distribution pattern can be formed in a state in which a part of the plurality of small shades is in the advanced position and the remaining small shades are in the retracted position. Lamp device.
The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 2, wherein one of two adjacent small shades has an overlap portion overlapping with the other small shade in the optical axis direction.
The first shade includes a first rotation shaft positioned rearward in the optical axis direction with respect to the rear focal plane, a first arm portion extending forward in the optical axis direction from the rear rotation plane with respect to the first rotation axis, and the first shade. A first shade body coupled to the arm portion,
The second shade is located behind the rear focal plane in the optical axis direction so as not to interfere with the first arm portion from the second rotational axis, and a second rotational axis positioned in front of the rear focal plane in the optical axis direction. The vehicular headlamp device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a second arm portion that extends, and a second shade body that is coupled to the second arm portion.