JP4835602B2 - Vehicle headlamp - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is a projector-type headlamp or the like, and has a predetermined light distribution pattern (main light distribution pattern), for example, a light distribution pattern for passing and a light distribution pattern (auxiliary light distribution pattern) for overhead signs (overhead signs). ) And an auxiliary light distribution pattern distributed between the light distribution pattern for passing and the light distribution pattern for overhead sign, and the projector type vehicle headlamp for irradiating the front of the vehicle.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a projector-type vehicle headlamp that irradiates a predetermined light distribution pattern and an overhead sign light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Hereinafter, a conventional vehicle headlamp will be described. A conventional vehicle headlamp includes a light source, a reflector, a condenser lens, and two shades of a thin plate structure.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the conventional vehicle headlamp will be described. In a conventional vehicle headlamp, when a light source is turned on, a part of light from the light source is shielded by a shade, and the remaining light passes to the condenser lens side to obtain a predetermined light distribution pattern. In addition, a part of the light shielded by the shade passes between the two shades to obtain a light distribution pattern for an overhead sign.

  However, in the conventional vehicle headlamp, there is a case where a light-exited portion (dark portion) is formed between a predetermined light distribution pattern and an overhead sign light distribution pattern.

JP 2004-172104 A

  A problem to be solved by the present invention is that, in a conventional vehicle headlamp, a light-out portion (dark part) may be formed between a predetermined light distribution pattern and an overhead sign light distribution pattern. It is in that point.

  The present invention (the invention according to claim 1) is composed of a first shade portion on the light source side and a second shade portion on the projection lens side where the shade cuts off a part of the reflected light, and the first shade portion and A space is provided between the second shade portion and a part of the reflected light cut off to the projection lens side, and a part of the reflected light cut off is provided between the first shade portion and the second shade portion. And a lower edge portion of the second shade portion is bent toward the first shade portion.

  Further, the present invention (invention according to claim 2) is characterized in that a diffuse reflection convex portion for diffusing and reflecting a part of reflected light is projected from the first shade portion on the second shade portion side. To do.

  Further, the present invention (the invention according to claim 3) is characterized in that the bent portion of the second shade portion is located above the diffuse reflection convex portion of the first shade portion.

  According to a vehicle headlamp of the present invention (the invention according to claim 1), a part of the light entering the space between the first shade portion and the second shade portion by means for solving the above-mentioned problems Is reflected by the bent portion at the lower edge of the second shade portion and proceeds from the upper edge of the second shade portion to the projection lens side. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) has a predetermined light distribution pattern and a light distribution for an overhead sign by light traveling from the upper edge of the second shade portion to the projection lens side. Light is distributed between the patterns as an auxiliary light distribution pattern. As a result, the vehicular headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) has the auxiliary light distribution pattern in the light-exited portion (dark part) between the predetermined light distribution pattern and the overhead sign light distribution pattern. Since the light is distributed, it is possible to alleviate the difference in brightness of the cut-off line of the predetermined light distribution pattern, and to obtain a light distribution pattern having no sense of incongruity, thereby contributing to traffic safety. In addition, the vehicular headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) has an auxiliary light distribution pattern distributed near the cut-off line of the predetermined light distribution pattern, so that the visibility in the distance is improved. It can contribute to road safety.

  In the vehicle headlamp of the present invention (the invention according to claim 2), since the diffuse reflection convex portion is provided in the first shade portion, the vehicle headlight enters the space between the first shade portion and the second shade portion. Part of the reflected light is diffusely reflected by the diffuse reflection convex portion of the first shade portion and proceeds from the lower edge of the second shade portion to the projection lens side. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 2) can distribute the light distribution pattern for the overhead sign in a wide range with appropriate illuminance (luminance, light amount), An optimal light distribution pattern for overhead signs is obtained.

  Moreover, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 2) is provided with the diffuse reflection convex portion on the first shade portion, so that the strength of the first shade portion can be increased. The strength of the shade composed of the first shade portion and the second shade portion can also be increased.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 3), since the bent portion of the second shade portion is located above the diffuse reflection convex portion of the first shade portion, the first shade portion A part of the diffusely reflected light diffusely reflected by the diffusely reflecting convex portion is reflected by the bent portion of the second shade portion and proceeds from the bent portion at the lower edge of the second shade portion to the projection lens side. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 3) has a light distribution for an overhead sign by the same action as the second shade portion in which the length of the lower edge portion in the vertical direction is shortened. In addition to increasing the illuminance (luminance, light quantity) of the pattern, the range can be expanded to the vicinity of the cut-off line of the predetermined light distribution pattern, so that visibility in the distance can be improved, contributing to traffic safety.

  Embodiments of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In the drawing, the symbol “VU-VD” indicates the vertical axis on the top and bottom and the vertical line on the top and bottom of the screen. Reference sign “HL-HR” indicates horizontal lines on the left and right of the screen. In this specification and claims, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right” are vehicle headlights according to the present invention. ) Is “up”, “down”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right” of the vehicle.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the vehicle headlamp according to this embodiment will be described. The vehicle headlamp according to this embodiment is used for left-hand traffic in Japan. A vehicular headlamp used for left-hand traffic in Europe has substantially the same configuration as the vehicular headlamp according to this embodiment. Further, the vehicle headlamp used for right-hand traffic in Europe and right-hand traffic in North America has a configuration that is substantially opposite to that of the vehicle headlamp according to this embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a vehicle headlamp according to this embodiment. The vehicular headlamp 1 is, for example, a projector-type headlamp that is provided on each of the left and right sides of a front portion of an automobile (vehicle). As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle headlamp 1 includes a light source 2, a reflector 3, a projection lens (condensing lens, convex lens) 4, a shade 5, a spring member 6 as a switching means, and The driving unit 7, a frame member 8, a stopper 9, a lamp housing (not shown), and a lamp lens (not shown) (for example, a transparent outer lens) are provided.

  The light source 2, the reflector 3, the projection lens 4, the shade 5, the spring member 6, the drive unit 7, the frame member 8, and the stopper 9 constitute a lamp unit. The lamp unit is disposed, for example, via an optical axis adjusting mechanism (not shown) in a lamp chamber (not shown) defined by the lamp housing and the lamp lens.

  In this example, the light source 2 uses a discharge lamp (not shown). The discharge lamp is a so-called high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp such as a metal halide lamp, a high intensity discharge lamp (HID), or the like. The light source 2 is detachably attached to the reflector 3 via a socket mechanism 10. In addition to the discharge lamp, the light source 2 may be a semiconductor light source such as a halogen bulb, an incandescent bulb, or an LED. The light source 2 includes a light emitting unit 11.

  The reflector 3 reflects the lights L1 and L2 from the light source 2 toward the projection lens 4 side. The reflector 3 is fixedly held on the frame member 8. The reflector 3 has a hollow concave shape that is open on the front side (light irradiation direction side of the vehicle headlamp 1) and closed on the rear side. A circular through hole 12 into which the light source 2 is inserted is provided at the center of the closing portion on the rear side of the reflector 3.

  A reflective surface 13 is formed on the inner concave surface of the reflector 3 by vapor deposition of aluminum or silver coating. The reflecting surface 13 of the reflector 3 is an ellipse or a reflecting surface based on an ellipse, for example, a rotating ellipsoid or a free-form surface (NURBS surface) based on an ellipse (the vertical cross section in FIG. None, and a horizontal cross section (not shown) is a parabolic surface or a reflecting surface having a deformed parabolic surface). For this purpose, the reflecting surface 13 of the reflector 3 has a first focal point F1, a second focal point (focal line on a horizontal section) F2, and an optical axis ZZ. The free curved surface (NURBS curved surface) of the reflecting surface 13 of the reflector 3 is a NURBS free curved surface (Non-Uniform Rational B-B) described in “Mathematical Elemennts for Computer Graphics” (Devid F. Rogers, J Alan Adams). Spline Surface). The first focal point F1 of the reflecting surface 13 of the reflector 3 is located at or near the light emitting unit 11 of the light source 2.

  The projection lens 4 projects the reflected lights L3 and L4 from the reflecting surface 13 of the reflector 3 in front of the vehicle. The projection lens 4 is an aspherical convex lens. The front side of the projection lens 4 forms a convex aspheric surface, while the rear side of the projection lens 4 forms a flat aspheric surface (or plane). The projection lens 4 is fixedly held on the frame member 8. The projection lens 4 has a lens focal point (a meridional image plane that is a focal plane on the object space side) F3 and an optical axis Z1-Z1. The focal point F3 of the projection lens 4 is located at or near the second focal point F2 of the reflecting surface 13. The optical axis Z1-Z1 of the projection lens 4 and the optical axis ZZ of the reflecting surface 13 are coincident or substantially coincident. The optical axis Z1-Z1 of the projection lens 4 and the optical axis ZZ of the reflecting surface 13 may be shifted left and right.

  The shade 5 converts reflected light L3 and L4 from the reflecting surface 13 of the reflector 3 toward the projection lens 4 into a plurality of light distribution patterns, for example, a passing light distribution pattern LP and an auxiliary light distribution pattern shown in FIG. Switching is made between a plurality of beams, that is, a low beam and a high beam, from which the light distribution pattern SP2 for SP1 and overhead sign and the travel light distribution pattern HP shown in FIG. 6 are obtained. The passing light distribution pattern LP and the traveling light distribution pattern HP are predetermined light distribution patterns and are main light distribution patterns. The overhead sign light distribution pattern SP2 is a light distribution pattern for overhead signs, and is an auxiliary light distribution pattern. The shade 5 has a plate structure with a low manufacturing cost (in this example, a flat thin steel plate structure capable of reflecting light, such as stainless steel or SUS (spring steel plate)).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the shade 5 is vertically long and positioned on the rear side (the light source 2 side), and is also vertically short and positioned on the front side (the projection lens 4 side). The second shade portion 15 and the horizontal attachment portion 16 are configured. The first shade portion 14 and the second shade portion 15 are made of separate plate members, and the right and left end portions of the first shade portion 14 and the left and right end portions of the second shade portion 15 are fixed to each other (additional means). Fastening, riveting, welding, bonding, etc.) The first shade unit 14 and the second shade unit 15 are configured to switch the reflected lights L3 and L4 between the low beam and the high beam.

  As viewed from above, the first shade portion 14 and the second shade portion 15 have a central portion protruding toward the light source 2 along the focal point F3 of the projection lens 4, and both left and right end portions toward the projection lens 4 side. It has a protruding curved shape. The shade 5 has a two-plate structure composed of the first shade portion 14 and the second shade portion 15 so that the color (for example, blue) generated in the light distribution patterns LP and HP can be erased. it can.

  A first edge 17 is provided on the upper edge of the first shade portion 14. A second edge 18 is provided on the upper edge of the second shade portion 15. The first edge 17 is located at or near the focal point F3 of the projection lens 4. That is, the focal point F3 of the projection lens 4 is located at or near the first edge 17. On the other hand, the second edge 18 is located closer to the projection lens 4 than the first edge 17. The first edge 17 and the second edge 18 are each composed of a left upper horizontal edge, a right lower horizontal edge, and a central oblique edge. The upper horizontal edge forms a lower horizontal cutoff line CL on the opposite lane side of the passing light distribution pattern LP, and the lower horizontal edge forms an upper horizontal cutoff line CL on the traveling lane side of the passing light distribution pattern LP. The oblique edge forms an oblique cutoff line CL of the passing light distribution pattern LP.

  When the first shade part 14 and the second shade part 15 of the shade 5 are switched to the first posture, the first shade part 14 and the second shade part 15 are reflected by the reflector 3. The passing light distribution pattern having the cut-off line CL by cutting off part of the reflected light L3 and L4 from the surface 13 toward the projection lens 4 and passing the remaining reflected light L3 and L4 to the projection lens 4 side. LP is formed. At this time, the first edge 17 of the first shade portion 14 and the second edge 18 of the second shade portion 15 form the cut-off line CL of the passing light distribution pattern LP.

  The spring member 6 and the drive unit 7 have a plurality of postures in which the low beam and the high beam can be obtained between the upper posture and the lower posture, that is, the low beam in the first posture. The posture is switched between the posture and the high beam posture of the second posture. The low beam posture is an upper posture (position) shown in FIG. 1, and the high beam posture is a lower posture (position) positioned below the low beam posture shown in FIG.

  The spring member 6 has a thin plate structure having elasticity such as stainless steel or SUS (spring steel plate). As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the spring member 6 has a structure in which both left and right ends are semicircular and the upper and lower ends are horizontal. The shade 5 and the spring member 6 form an integral structure. That is, the mounting portion 16 of the shade 5 is provided integrally with the substantially central portion of the upper horizontal portion of the spring member 6. The shade 5 and the spring member 6 may be manufactured separately and then fixed together.

  The spring member 6 is fixed to the frame member 8. In other words, both end portions of the lower horizontal fixing portion 19 of the spring member 6 are fixed to the frame member 8 by screws 20. When the spring member 6 integrally formed with the shade 5 is fixed to the frame member 8, the direction in which the spring force of the spring member 6 acts is the first posture (low beam posture) in which the posture of the shade 5 is upward. ) And the lower second posture (high beam posture).

  The drive unit 7 is composed of a solenoid. As shown in FIG. 1, the solenoid 7 is accommodated in the space of the spring member 6 and is fixed to the frame member 8 via the fixing portion 19 of the spring member 6. The tip of the advance / retreat rod 21 of the solenoid 7 is attached to the attachment portion 16 of the shade 5 and the spring member 6. As shown in FIG. 1, the direction in which the advance / retreat rod 21 of the solenoid 7 advances / retreats coincides or substantially coincides with the direction in which the spring force of the spring member 6 acts and the direction of switching the attitude of the shade 5. The acting direction of the spring force of the spring member 6, the switching direction of the attitude of the shade 5, and the advancing / retreating direction of the advancing / retreating rod 21 of the solenoid 7 are the vertical vertical VU-VD directions.

  The stopper 9 is fixed to the frame member 8. As shown in FIG. 1, when the solenoid 7 is not driven, the stopper 9 elastically contacts the mounting portion 16 of the shade 5 to restrict and brake the low beam posture of the shade 5.

  The distance between the first shade portion 14 and the second shade portion 15 of the shade 5 is wide at the center and narrow at both left and right ends. Thereby, the brightness difference of the cut-off line CL at the left and right end portions of the passing light distribution pattern LP can be blurred to improve the visibility.

  Between the first shade portion 14 and the second shade portion 15 of the shade 5 having two thin plate structures, the portions L5, L6, and L7 of the reflected light L4 cut off are projected onto the projection lens 4. A space 25 is provided through the side. The first shade portion 14 and the second shade portion 15 are respectively provided with reflection surfaces 26 and 27 that reflect portions L5, L6, and L7 of the cut off reflected light L4. As the reflection surfaces 26 and 27, the surface of the material of the shade 5 may be used as it is, or a new reflection surface treatment may be performed. An auxiliary light distribution pattern SP1 and an overhead sign light distribution pattern SP2 formed above the passing light distribution pattern LP are formed by the lights L5, L6, and L7 passing through the space 25 of the shade 5.

  The reflection surfaces 26 and 27 provided on the first shade portion 14 and the second shade portion 15 are at least the inner surface of the first shade portion 14 and the inner side of the second shade portion 15 that face each other. And surfaces on both the inner and outer sides of the lower edge portion (folded portion 22) of the second shade portion 15. The reflection surfaces 26 and 27 provided on the first shade portion 14 and the second shade portion 15 may be flat, curved, or free curved.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lower edge portion 22 of the second shade portion 15 is bent toward the first shade portion 14. The bending angle of the bent portion 22 at the lower edge of the second shade portion 15 is arbitrarily set.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first shade portion 14 is provided with a diffuse reflection convex portion 23 that diffuses and reflects a portion L6 of the reflected light L4 so as to protrude toward the second shade portion 15. The diffuse reflection convex portion 23 forms a bead with a semicircular cross section, and is provided horizontally on the left and right.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the bent portion 22 of the second shade portion 15 is located above the diffuse reflection convex portion 23 of the first shade portion 14. That is, the lower surface of the bent portion 22 of the second shade portion 15 and the inner surface of the diffuse reflection convex portion 23 of the first shade portion 14 face each other.

  The vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described below.

  First, the light source 2 is turned on. Then, light L1 and L2 are radiated | emitted from the light emission part 11 of this light source 2. FIG. The lights L1 and L2 are reflected by the reflecting surface 13 of the reflector 3 toward the shade 5 and the projection lens 4 side. That is, the light L1 is reflected by the lower reflective surface 13 of the reflector 3. Further, the light L <b> 2 is reflected by the upper reflecting surface 13 of the reflector 3.

  At this time, when the solenoid 7 is not driven, that is, in a non-energized state, the advancing / retreating rod 21 of the solenoid 7 moves forward and the shade 5 is biased upward by the spring force of the spring member 6, and The attachment portion 16 of the shade 5 is in elastic contact with the stopper 9. As a result, the shade 5 is regulated and braked and is in the low beam posture (first posture) shown in FIG.

  When the shade 5 is in the low beam posture shown in FIG. 1, some of the reflected light L3 and L4 from the reflecting surface 13 of the reflector 3 is shielded by the first shade portion 14 and the second shade portion 15 of the shade 5. The On the other hand, the remaining reflected lights L3 and L4 proceed to the projection lens 4 side, and are projected (radiated and irradiated) to the front of the automobile as the passing light distribution pattern LP shown in FIG. Further, the cut-off line CL is formed in the passing light distribution pattern LP shown in FIG. 5 by the first edge 17 of the first shade portion 14 of the shade 5 and the second edge 18 of the second shade portion 15.

  A part of the reflected light L3, L4, which is blocked by the first shade portion 14 and the second shade portion 15 of the shade 5, passes through a space 25 between the first shade portion 14 and the second shade portion 15. Then, the light proceeds to the projection lens 4 side as light L5 and L6.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2, a part L5 of the light L4 that has entered the space 25 from the first edge 17 of the first shade portion 14 and the second edge 18 side of the second shade portion 15 is in the space 25. Reflected by the reflecting surface 26 of the first shade portion 14 and the reflecting surface 27 of the second shade portion 15, reflected by the reflecting surface 27 inside the bent portion 22 of the lower edge portion of the second shade portion 15, The light is reflected again by the reflection surface 26 of the first shade portion 14 and the reflection surface 27 of the second shade portion 15, and proceeds from the second edge 18 of the second shade portion 15 to the projection lens 4 side.

  On the other hand, a part of the light L4 entering the space 25 from the first edge 17 of the first shade portion 14 and the second edge 18 side of the second shade portion 15 is reflected on the reflecting surface 26 of the first shade portion 14 in the space 25. And the reflection surface 27 of the second shade portion 15, and proceeds from the lower edge of the second shade portion 15 to the projection lens 4 side.

  Further, a part of the light L4 entering the space 25 from the first edge 17 of the first shade portion 14 and the second edge 18 side of the second shade portion 15 is reflected on the reflection surface 26 of the first shade portion 14 in the space 25. And the reflection surface 27 of the second shade portion 15, and further diffusely reflected by the diffuse reflection convex portion 23 of the first shade portion 14, and proceeds from the lower edge of the second shade portion 15 to the projection lens 4 side.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, a part of the light L4 that has entered the space 25 from the first edge 17 of the first shade portion 14 and the second edge 18 side of the second shade portion 15 is in the first space 25. A part L6 of the diffusely reflected light reflected by the reflective surface 26 of the shade portion 14 and the reflective surface 27 of the second shade portion 15 and diffusely reflected by the diffuse reflective convex portion 23 of the first shade portion 14 is the second L6. The light is reflected by the reflection surface 27 outside the bent portion 22 of the shade portion 15 and proceeds from the bent portion 22 at the lower edge of the second shade portion 15 to the projection lens 4 side.

  Reflected light traveling from the lower edge of the second shade portion 15 toward the projection lens 4, diffused reflected light traveling from the lower edge of the second shade portion 15 toward the projection lens 4, and under the second shade portion 15 As shown in FIG. 5, the overhead sign light distribution pattern SP <b> 2 is formed above the passing light distribution pattern LP by the diffusely reflected light traveling from the edge bent portion 22 toward the projection lens 4. On the other hand, the reflected light L5 traveling from the second edge 18 of the second shade portion 15 toward the projection lens 4 side causes the auxiliary light distribution pattern SP1 to pass through the passing light distribution pattern LP and the overhead sign distribution as shown in FIG. Light is distributed between the light pattern SP2.

  When the solenoid 7 is energized, the solenoid 7 is driven and the advance / retreat rod 21 of the solenoid 7 moves backward against the spring force of the spring member 6. Accordingly, the shade 5 switches from the upper low beam posture (first posture) shown in FIG. 1 to the lower high beam posture (second posture).

  Then, the reflected light L3, L4 from the reflecting surface 13 of the reflector 3 that has been shielded by the first shade portion 14 and the second shade portion 15 of the shade 5 so far, together with the remaining reflected light L3, L4, is a projection lens. Then, the light is projected (radiated and irradiated) in front of the automobile as a traveling light distribution pattern HP shown in FIG.

  At this time, the reflected lights L3 and L4 from the reflecting surface 13 of the reflector 3 which are shielded by the first shade part 14 and the second shade part 15 of the shade 5 are added to the remaining reflected lights L3 and L4. For this reason, the light intensity of a predetermined portion of the traveling light distribution pattern HP can be maintained at a predetermined value or more.

  When the energization of the solenoid 7 is interrupted, the solenoid 7 is brought into a non-driven state, so that the elastically deformed spring member 6 is elastically returned to the spring force. As a result, the shade 5 is switched from the lower high beam posture (second posture) to the upper low beam posture (first posture) shown in FIG. Accordingly, the traveling light distribution pattern HP shown in FIG. 6 is switched to the passing light distribution pattern LP, the auxiliary light distribution pattern SP1, and the overhead sign light distribution pattern SP2 shown in FIG.

  The vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment has the above-described configuration and action, and the effects thereof will be described below.

  In the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment, a part of the light L5 entering the space 25 between the first shade portion 14 and the second shade portion 15 is folded at the lower edge portion of the second shade portion 15. The light is reflected by the reflection surface 27 on the inner side of the curved portion 22 and proceeds from the second edge 18 at the upper edge of the second shade portion 15 to the projection lens 4 side. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment has a reflected light L5 that travels from the second edge 18 at the upper edge of the second shade portion 15 toward the projection lens 4 as shown in FIG. Light is distributed as an auxiliary light distribution pattern SP1 between the light distribution pattern LP for passing and the light distribution pattern SP2 for overhead sign. As a result, in the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment, the auxiliary light distribution pattern SP1 is arranged in the light-exited portion (dark part) between the light distribution pattern LP for passing and the light distribution pattern SP2 for overhead sign. Since the light is emitted, the light / dark difference of the cut-off line CL of the light distribution pattern LP for passing can be relaxed, and a light distribution pattern having no sense of incongruity can be obtained, thereby contributing to traffic safety. In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment, the auxiliary light distribution pattern SP1 is distributed near the cut-off line CL of the passing light distribution pattern LP. Can contribute.

  In addition, since the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment is provided with the diffuse reflection convex portion 23 in the first shade portion 14, the vehicle headlamp 1 enters the space 25 between the first shade portion 14 and the second shade portion 15. Part of the reflected light is diffusely reflected by the diffuse reflection convex portion 23 of the first shade portion 14 and proceeds from the lower edge of the second shade portion 15 to the projection lens 4 side. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment can distribute the light distribution pattern SP2 for overhead sign in a wide range with appropriate illuminance (luminance, light amount), and the optimum overhead sign. The light distribution pattern SP2 for use is obtained.

  In addition, since the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment is provided with the diffuse reflection convex portion 23 on the first shade portion 14, the strength of the first shade portion 14 can be increased. The strength of the shade 5 composed of the portion 14 and the second shade portion 15 can also be increased.

  Further, in the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment, the bent portion 22 of the second shade portion 15 is located above the diffuse reflection convex portion 23 of the first shade portion 14, so that the first shade portion 14 A part L6 of the diffuse reflection light diffusely reflected by the diffuse reflection convex portion 23 is reflected by the reflection surface 27 outside the bent portion 22 of the second shade portion 15 and is bent at the lower edge of the second shade portion 15. From 22 to the projection lens 4 side. For this reason, the vehicular headlamp 1 according to this embodiment has the same illuminance (light intensity distribution pattern SP2 for overhead sign) as the second shade portion in which the length of the lower edge portion in the vertical direction is shortened. In addition, the range can be expanded to the vicinity of the cut-off line CL of the light distribution pattern LP for passing, improving the visibility in the distance and contributing to traffic safety. Thus, the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment effectively uses the light L4 that has entered the space 25 from the first edge 17 of the first shade portion 14 and the second edge 18 side of the second shade portion 15. Can be used.

  Here, the use of the light L4 in the case of the second shade portion (second shade portion indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2) 24 in which the lower edge portion has a long vertical length will be described with reference to FIG. . That is, in the case of the second shade portion 24 in which the lower edge portion has a long vertical length, the reflected light reflected by the reflective surface 26 of the first shade portion 14 and the reflective surface 27 of the second shade portion 15 in the space 25. Of these, the reflected light that has traveled to the lower edge of the second shade 24 (the portion indicated by the two-dot chain line) is shielded by the lower edge of the second shade 24 (the portion indicated by the two-dot chain line). The reflected light L7 that has traveled below the lower edge of the second shade 24 travels to the projection lens 4 side. For this reason, in the case of the second shade portion where the lower edge portion has a long vertical length, it enters the space 25 from the first edge 17 of the first shade portion 14 and the second edge 18 side of the second shade portion 15. Therefore, it is difficult to effectively use the light L4. For this reason, the illuminance (luminance, light amount) of the light distribution pattern for the overhead sign decreases and the light distribution pattern for the overhead sign and the light distribution pattern for the overhead sign decrease. Becomes wider.

  Hereinafter, examples other than the above-described embodiment will be described. In the above embodiment, the shade 5 has a two-plate structure of the first shade portion 14 and the second shade portion 15. However, in the present invention, a shade having a single plate structure having a space may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the passing light distribution pattern LP and the auxiliary light distribution pattern SP1 and the overhead sign light distribution pattern SP2 shown in FIG. 5 and the traveling light distribution pattern HP shown in FIG. 6 are obtained. It is. However, in the present invention, a light distribution pattern for passing and a light distribution pattern for highways can be obtained, or a light distribution pattern for passing, a light distribution pattern for highways, and a light distribution pattern for traveling can be obtained. That is, a plurality of light distribution patterns can be obtained, and at least one of the plurality of light distribution patterns may be a light distribution pattern having a cut-off line.

  Furthermore, in the said Example, the shade 5 moves up and down, and it switches to the light distribution pattern LP for passing shown in FIG. 5, and the light distribution pattern HP for driving | running shown in FIG. However, in the present invention, the shade may be a fixed type, the light distribution pattern cannot be switched, and any light distribution pattern having a cut-off line may be used.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the solenoid 7 is used as the drive unit. However, in the present invention, the drive unit may be other than the solenoid. For example, a motor.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the focal point F3 of the projection lens 4 is located at the first edge 17 or in the vicinity thereof. However, in the present invention, the focal point F3 of the projection lens 4 may be located between the first edge 17 and the second edge 18.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view (vertical sectional view) of the lamp unit when the shade is in a low beam posture according to the embodiment of the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention. Similarly, it is explanatory sectional drawing which shows the state which allows the reflected light from the upper reflective surface of a reflector to pass through to the space between a 1st shade part and a 2nd shade part. Similarly, it is a front view which shows a shade and a spring member. Similarly, it is a perspective view which shows a shade and a spring member. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the light distribution pattern for passing and the light distribution pattern for overhead signs. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the light distribution pattern for driving | running | working.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle headlamp 2 Light source 3 Reflector 4 Projection lens 5 Shade 6 Spring member (switching means)
7 Solenoid (drive unit, switching means)
8 Frame member 9 Stopper 10 Socket mechanism 11 Light emitting portion 12 Through hole 13 Reflecting surface 14 First shade portion 15 Second shade portion 16 Mounting portion 17 First edge 18 Second edge 19 Fixing portion 20 Screw 21 Advance / Retreat rod 22 Bending portion (Lower edge)
23 Diffuse reflection convex portion 24 Second shade portion having a long vertical length 25 Space 26 Reflecting surface 27 Reflecting surface LP Passing light distribution pattern (predetermined light distribution pattern, main light distribution pattern)
CL Cut-off line HP Traveling light distribution pattern SP1 Auxiliary light distribution pattern SP2 Light distribution pattern for overhead sign HL-HR Horizontal horizontal line VU-VD Vertical vertical line (vertical vertical axis)
ZZ Optical axis of the reflecting surface Z1-Z1 Optical axis of the projection lens F1 First focus of the reflecting surface F2 Second focus of the reflecting surface F3 Focus of the projection lens L1 Light from the light source to the lower reflecting surface L2 From the light source to the upper side L3 Reflected light from the lower reflective surface L4 Reflected light from the upper reflective surface L5 Reflected light traveling from the second edge of the second shade portion toward the projection lens L6 Folding of the second shade portion Reflected light traveling from the curved portion toward the projection lens L7 Reflected light traveling from the lower edge of the second shade portion having a long vertical length toward the projection lens

Claims (3)

In a projector type vehicle headlamp that irradiates a predetermined light distribution pattern and a light distribution pattern for an overhead sign in front of the vehicle,
A light source;
A reflector for reflecting light from the light source;
A projection lens that projects the reflected light from the reflector in front of the vehicle;
A part of the reflected light from the reflector toward the projection lens is cut off, the remaining reflected light is passed through the projection lens to form the predetermined light distribution pattern, and one of the cut-off reflected lights A shade that forms a light distribution pattern for overhead sign by passing a portion through the projection lens side;
With
The shade is composed of a first shade part on the light source side that cuts off a part of the reflected light and a second shade part on the projection lens side,
Between the first shade part and the second shade part, there is provided a space through which a part of the reflected light cut off is passed to the projection lens side,
Each of the first shade portion and the second shade portion is provided with a reflection surface that reflects a part of the reflected light that is cut off,
The lower edge portion of the second shade portion is bent toward the first shade portion,
A vehicle headlamp characterized by that. In the first shade portion, a diffuse reflection convex portion that diffuses and reflects a part of the reflected light protrudes on the second shade portion side.
The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1. The bent portion of the second shade portion is located above the diffuse reflection convex portion of the first shade portion;
The vehicle headlamp according to claim 2, wherein:

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