JP4717696B2 - Vehicle headlamp lamp unit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a lamp unit for a vehicle headlamp, and more particularly to a projector-type lamp unit using a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode as a light source.

  In recent years, a lamp unit that uses a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode as a light source has been adopted in a vehicle headlamp.

  For example, in “Patent Document 1”, a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, a light emitting element disposed on the rear side of the rear focus of the projection lens, and a light emitting element A so-called projector-type lamp unit is described that includes a first reflector that reflects the light toward the front toward the optical axis.

  Further, “Patent Document 2” and “Patent Document 3” describe a projector-type lamp unit in which first and second light source units are arranged behind a projection lens.

  In the lamp unit described in these “Patent Document 2” and “Patent Document 3”, the first light source unit is arranged upward on the rear side of the rear focus of the projection lens, A first reflector that reflects light from the first light emitting element forward and toward the optical axis, and an upper edge that passes through the vicinity of the rear focal point of the projection lens are arranged, and one of the reflected light from the first reflector. The second light source unit includes a second light emitting element disposed downward on the rear side of the rear focal point of the projection lens, and light from the second light emitting element. It is the structure provided with the 2nd reflector which reflects toward the optical axis toward the front.

  The first light source unit is turned on to form a low-beam light distribution pattern having a cut-off line at the upper end, and the second light source unit is additionally turned on to add a high-beam additional light distribution pattern that extends upward from the cut-off line. The high beam light distribution pattern is formed.

JP 2003-317513 A JP 2005-44809 A JP 2005-108554 A

  When the lamp unit as described in the above-mentioned “Patent Document 2” and “Patent Document 3” is employed, the beam switching between the low beam and the high beam can be performed by turning on and off the second light source unit.

  However, at this time, the additional light distribution pattern for high beam formed by turning on the second light source unit is formed only above the cut-off line, so that the light intensity in the region near the cut-off line in the high-beam light distribution pattern is sufficiently high. Therefore, there is a problem that the high beam light distribution pattern cannot be made excellent in distance visibility.

  In addition, in the low beam light distribution pattern, it is desired that visibility on a distant area on the road surface ahead of the vehicle is improved when traveling on an expressway compared to traveling on an urban area. In the lamp unit described in “Patent Document 3”, since the beam switching between the low beam and the high beam is only performed by turning on and off the second light source unit, it is not possible to sufficiently meet such a demand. There is.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a first light source unit and a second light source unit are arranged behind a projection lens as a lamp unit of a vehicle headlamp using a light emitting element as a light source. When the projector-type lamp unit is adopted, the high beam distribution pattern formed by this lamp unit is excellent in distance visibility, and the low beam distribution pattern is also as far away as necessary. It is an object of the present invention to provide a lamp unit for a vehicle headlamp that can improve the brightness.

  In the present invention, the above-mentioned object is achieved by devising the configuration of the second light source unit and providing a configuration with a predetermined additional projection lens.

That is, the lamp unit of the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention is
In a lamp unit for a vehicle headlamp comprising: a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction; and first and second light source units disposed behind the projection lens.
The first light source unit has a first light emitting element disposed upward on the rear side of the rear focal point of the projection lens, and reflects light from the first light emitting element toward the front toward the optical axis. A first reflector, and a first shade that is arranged so that an upper edge passes through the vicinity of the rear focal point of the projection lens and shields part of the reflected light from the first reflector,
A second light-emitting element in which the second light source unit is disposed downward on the rear side of the rear focal point of the projection lens; and the light from the second light-emitting element is directed forward to the vicinity of the second light-emitting element. And a second reflector that reflects near a straight line connecting the point and the predetermined point between the second light emitting element and the projection lens, and an upper edge passing through the vicinity of the predetermined point. A second shade that blocks a part of the reflected light from
An additional projection lens having an additional optical axis extending substantially parallel to the optical axis and having a point near the predetermined point as a rear focal point is disposed around the projection lens,
As a reverse image of the upper edge of the first shade by the projection lens, a cut-off line of the light distribution pattern for low beam is formed, and as an inverted image of the upper edge of the second shade by the additional projection lens, from the cut-off line Is also configured to form an additional cut-off line on the upper side,
The second shade is configured to be able to move to a light shielding release position that releases the shielding of the reflected light from the second reflector by driving a predetermined actuator.

  The “light-emitting element” in the “first light-emitting element” and the “second light-emitting element” means an element-like light source having a light-emitting chip that emits light substantially in the form of dots, and the type thereof is particularly limited. For example, a light emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like can be used.

  Although the “first light emitting element” is disposed upward, it is not always necessary to be disposed vertically upward. The “second light emitting element” is also disposed downward. It is not necessarily required to be arranged vertically downward. In addition, these “first light emitting element” and “second light emitting element” may be arranged on the optical axis as long as they are arranged on the rear side of the rear focal point of the projection lens. You may arrange | position in the position which remove | deviated.

  The “first shade” may be configured to have only a function of shielding part of the reflected light from the first reflector, or after shielding part of the reflected light from the first reflector, You may be comprised as a mirror member which reflects this shielded light upward. Further, the specific shape of the “cut-off line of the light distribution pattern for low beam” formed as a reverse image of the upper edge of the “first shade” is not particularly limited.

  The “predetermined point” is a point between the second light emitting element and the projection lens, and is reflected from the second reflector reflected near the straight line connecting the “predetermined point” and a point in the vicinity of the second light emitting element. The specific position is not particularly limited as long as at least a part of the light is a point set so as to be incident on the additional projection lens.

  If the “additional cut-off line” formed as a reverse image of the upper edge of the “second shade” is formed above the cut-off line of the low beam light distribution pattern, its specific shape and low beam The amount of upward displacement from the cut-off line of the light distribution pattern for use is not particularly limited.

  The specific configuration for forming the “additional cut-off line” above the “cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern” is not particularly limited. For example, the additional optical axis of the additional projection lens projects. A configuration that is set to extend slightly upward toward the front with respect to the optical axis of the lens, or the upper edge of the second shade is formed so as to pass through a position slightly below the predetermined point. A configuration or the like can be adopted.

  There are no particular restrictions on the specific movement mode, the moving direction, and the like of the “second shade” to the light shielding release position by driving the “actuator”.

  As shown in the above configuration, the lamp unit for a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention includes a first light source unit having a first shade behind a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a first light source unit. And a second light source unit having two shades, and an additional projection lens having an additional optical axis extending substantially parallel to the optical axis is arranged around the projection lens. Is turned on to form a cut-off line of the light distribution pattern for the low beam as an inverted image of the upper edge of the first shade by the projection lens, and the upper edge of the second shade by the additional projection lens is turned on by turning on the second light source unit. As an inverted image, an additional cut-off line is formed above the cut-off line, so that the following effects can be obtained. It can be.

  That is, a normal low beam light distribution pattern can be formed by lighting only the first light source unit, and an additional light distribution pattern having an additional cut-off line can be formed by additionally lighting the second light source unit. The light distribution pattern for a low beam can be formed in a superimposed manner with respect to a normal light distribution pattern for a low beam, and thereby a light distribution pattern for a low beam excellent in visibility with respect to a distant area on the road surface ahead of the vehicle can be formed.

  In the lamp unit according to the present invention, the second shade of the second light source unit can be moved to the light shielding release position for releasing the shielding of the reflected light from the second reflector by driving a predetermined actuator. Therefore, by moving the second shade to the light-shielding release position with the second light source unit turned on, a new additional light distribution that expands the additional light distribution pattern to the upper side of the additional cut-off line. A pattern can be formed. Accordingly, the second light source unit is additionally lit, and this additional light distribution pattern is formed in a superimposed manner with respect to the normal low beam light distribution pattern, thereby forming a high beam light distribution pattern with excellent distance visibility. be able to.

  Thus, according to the present invention, a projector-type lamp unit in which the first and second light source units are arranged behind the projection lens is employed as the lamp unit of the vehicle headlamp using the light emitting element as the light source. In this case, the high beam light distribution pattern formed by the lamp unit is excellent in distance visibility, and the low beam light distribution pattern can also be improved in distance visibility as necessary.

  In the above configuration, if the first shade is also configured to be moved to the light shielding release position for releasing the shielding of the reflected light from the first reflector by driving a predetermined actuator, the high beam light distribution pattern is used for the low beam. Not the combined light distribution pattern of the light distribution pattern and the additional light distribution pattern across the cut-off line, but the combination of the light distribution pattern in which the low-beam light distribution pattern extends above the cut-off line and the additional light distribution pattern. It can be formed as a light distribution pattern. As a result, it is possible to suppress the brightness of the short distance area on the road surface in front of the vehicle and relatively improve the visibility with respect to the far area, and to irradiate the space above the road surface in front of the vehicle with a wide range of visibility. Can be further enhanced.

  The “actuator” for driving the first shade may be an actuator different from the actuator for driving the second shade, or may be an actuator for driving the second shade. At this time, if the first shade is formed integrally with the second shade, the configuration of the first and second shades and the moving mechanism thereof can be simplified.

  In the above configuration, if the second reflector is configured to reflect the light from the second light emitting element forward and toward the straight line connecting the point in the vicinity of the second light emitting element and the predetermined point, Although the specific shape of the reflecting surface is not particularly limited, the second reflector has a vertical cross-sectional shape on the reflecting surface, the point near the second light emitting element being the first focal point, and the rear side of the additional projection lens. If the configuration in which the point near the focal point is set to be an elliptical shape having the second focal point, the light from the second light source unit irradiated forward from the additional projection lens becomes substantially parallel light in the vertical direction. The light distribution pattern can be a bright light distribution pattern with a narrow vertical width, which ensures sufficient brightness in the high light intensity region of the low beam distribution pattern or the high beam distribution pattern. .

  In the above configuration, the additional projection lens is configured by a plurality of lens portions having different back focal positions, and the reflection surface of the second reflector is formed by a plurality of reflection regions formed for each of the lens portions. If the second shade is composed of a plurality of shade portions formed for each of these lens portions, the second light source unit that transmits the respective lens portions and irradiates forward is used. With this light, a plurality of types of light distribution patterns can be formed, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in setting the shape of the additional light distribution pattern, the light intensity distribution, and the like.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a lamp unit 10 of a vehicle headlamp according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.
It is line sectional drawing.

  As shown in these drawings, the lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment is a lamp unit that is used as a part of a vehicle headlamp, and is on an optical axis Ax that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. The projection lens 12 arranged, the first light source unit 14 and the second light source unit 16 arranged behind the projection lens 12, and an additional projection lens 42 are provided. The lamp unit 10 is arranged with its optical axis Ax extending in a downward direction by about 0.5 to 0.6 ° with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction when incorporated in the vehicle headlamp. It has become so.

  The projection lens 12 is a plano-convex aspheric lens having a convex front surface and a flat rear surface, and is formed by a rear focal plane (that is, a rear focus F of the projection lens 12 and an off-axis rear focus). The light source image formed on the substantially spherical curved surface is projected as a reverse image on the virtual vertical screen in front of the lamp. The projection lens 12 is fixedly supported by a ring-shaped lens holder 18, and the lens holder 18 is fixedly supported by a base member 20.

  The first light source unit 14 is arranged so as to cover the first light emitting element 22 from the upper side, and is arranged so as to cover the first light emitting element 22 from the upper side behind the rear focal point F of the projection lens 12. The first reflector 24 that reflects the light from the one light emitting element 22 toward the optical axis Ax toward the front, and the upper edge 26b between the first reflector 24 and the projection lens 12 is the rear focal point of the projection lens 12. The first shade 26 is arranged so as to pass through F and shields a part of the reflected light from the first reflector 24.

  At that time, the first shade 26 is configured as a mirror member that shields part of the reflected light from the first reflector 24 and reflects the shielded light upward. In order to realize this, the first shade 26 is formed so as to extend rearward from the rear focal plane of the projection lens 12 and its upper surface 26a is subjected to a mirror surface treatment such as aluminum vapor deposition. Yes. The upper surface 26a of the first shade 26 is configured such that the left region located on the left side (right side in the front view of the lamp) from the optical axis Ax is a horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax, and is located on the right side from the optical axis Ax. The right region is configured as a horizontal plane that is one step lower than the left region through an inclined surface extending obliquely downward (for example, 15 ° downward) from the optical axis Ax to the right. The front edge of the upper surface 26a constitutes the upper edge 26b.

  The first shade 26 is configured as a part of a flat plate member 30 that is horizontally disposed so that the upper surface thereof is positioned on the optical axis Ax. The flat plate member 30 is fixedly supported by the base member 20. Yes.

  The first light emitting element 22 is a white light emitting diode having a square light emitting chip 22a having a size of about 0.3 to 3 mm square, and the light emitting chip 22a is formed to cover the light emitting surface of the light emitting chip 22a. The thin film is sealed. The second light emitting element 32 is positioned and fixed to the light source support recess 30a formed on the upper surface of the flat plate member 30 with the light emitting chip 22a arranged vertically upward on the optical axis Ax. Yes.

  The first reflector 24 is formed in a semi-dome shape so as to cover the first light emitting element 14 from above, and is placed and fixed on the upper surface of the flat plate member 30 at the lower end surface of the periphery. The first reflector 24 reflects light emitted from the light emitting chip 22 a of the first light emitting element 22 toward the projection lens 12 toward the optical axis Ax.

  Specifically, the reflecting surface 24a of the first reflector 24 has an elliptical cross-sectional shape along a plane including the optical axis Ax. At this time, the reflecting surface 24a has a cross-sectional shape along a vertical plane including the optical axis Ax. The light emission center of the light emitting chip 22a is the first focal point, and the rear focal point F of the projection lens 12 is the second focal point. An elliptical shape is set, and the eccentricity is set to gradually increase from the vertical plane including the optical axis Ax to the horizontal plane including the optical axis Ax while keeping the first focus constant. As a result, the reflecting surface 24a converges the light emitted from the light emitting chip 22a to the rear focal point F of the projection lens 12 in the vertical plane, and to some extent ahead of the rear focal point F in the horizontal section. It is made to converge on the optical axis Ax on the side.

  On the other hand, the second light source unit 16 is disposed so as to cover the second light emitting element 32 disposed on the rear side of the first light emitting element 22 and the second light emitting element 32 so as to cover the second light emitting element 32 from below. A second reflector 34 that reflects light from the light emitting element 32 forward and a second shade 36 that blocks a part of the reflected light from the second reflector 34 are provided.

  The second light emitting element 32 is a white light emitting diode having a square light emitting chip 32a having a size of about 0.3 to 3 mm square, and the light emitting chip 32a is formed so as to cover the light emitting surface of the light emitting chip 32a. The thin film is sealed. The second light emitting element 32 is positioned and fixed to the light source supporting recess 30b formed on the lower surface of the flat plate member 30 in a state where the light emitting chip 32a is arranged vertically downward near the lower side of the optical axis Ax. Has been.

  The reflection surface 34a of the second reflector 34 is composed of two upper and lower reflection regions 34a1 and 34a2, and is fixed to the lower surface of the flat plate member 30 at the upper end of the periphery.

  Each of the reflection regions 34a1 and 34a2 has the light emission center of the second light emitting element 32 as the first focal point and the predetermined points A and B between the second light emitting element 32 and the projection lens 12 as the second focal point, respectively. The vertical cross-sectional shape is formed by the ellipse, and the light from the second light emitting element 32 is reflected toward the long axis Ax1, Ax2 of each ellipse toward the front.

  At this time, the reflection area 34a1 located on the upper side of the elliptical second focal point (that is, the predetermined point A) constituting the vertical cross-sectional shape is somewhat rearward of the rear focal point F of the projection lens 12 and the optical axis Ax. The long axis Ax1 extends obliquely downward toward the front. The reflection region 34a1 is configured by a substantially elliptical curved surface centering on the long axis Ax1, and the eccentricity is set so as to gradually increase from the vertical cross section toward the horizontal cross section. The reflection region 34a1 converges the light from the second light emitting element 32 to a predetermined point A in the vertical cross section and has a long axis Ax1 on the front side to some extent from the predetermined point A in the horizontal cross section. It converges on the extension line.

  On the other hand, in the reflection region 34a2 located on the lower side, the second focal point (that is, the predetermined point B) of the ellipse constituting the vertical cross-sectional shape is somewhat rearward of the rear focal point F of the projection lens 12 on the optical axis Ax. (Specifically, a point located directly above the predetermined point A), and its long axis Ax2 extends obliquely upward toward the front. The reflection region 34a2 is configured by a substantially elliptical curved surface centering on the long axis Ax2, and the eccentricity is set so as to gradually increase from the vertical cross section toward the horizontal cross section. The reflection region 34a2 converges the light from the second light emitting element 32 to a predetermined point B in the vertical cross section, and has a long axis Ax2 on the front side to some extent from the predetermined point B in the horizontal cross section. It converges on the extension line.

  An opening 30c penetrating the flat plate member 30 in the vertical direction is formed in a portion of the flat plate member 30 located on the rear side of the first shade 26. At this time, the opening 30c opens so as to surround the predetermined point B, so that the reflected light from the reflection region 34a2 can be passed through the upper space of the flat plate member 30 without being blocked. Yes.

  The second shade 36 is composed of a plate-like member extending along a vertical plane orthogonal to the optical axis Ax, and is arranged so that the rear surface passes through the predetermined points A and B. The second shade 36 is driven by an actuator 38 so that the upper end edge 36b of the rear surface is located at a predetermined point B (a position indicated by a solid line in the drawing), and the light shielding position is located below the light shielding position by a predetermined amount. It can move between release positions (positions indicated by two-dot chain lines in the figure).

  The second shade 36 is formed with a rectangular opening 36c that penetrates the second shade 36 in the front-rear direction. When the second shade 36 is in the light-shielding position, the opening 36c has a rear upper end edge (that is, a rear end edge of the lower surface wall of the opening 36c) 36a at a portion located below the opening 36c. , It is formed so as to be located at a predetermined point A.

  In the second shade 36, upper end edges 36a and 36b formed in two upper and lower stages extend in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis Ax, and the shape of each of the upper end edges 36a and 36b in the front view is as follows. The same shape as the upper edge 26a of the shade 26 is set.

  The actuator 38 is composed of a solenoid, and is mounted on an actuator mounting portion 20a formed on the base member 20 with the plunger 38a protruding upward. The actuator 38 is engaged and connected to a plunger engaging portion 36d that protrudes rearward from the vicinity of the lower end portion of the second shade 36 at the upper end portion of the plunger 38a.

  At the lower end of the second shade 36, a protruding piece 36e protruding forward is formed. On the other hand, the base member 20 is formed with a positioning engagement portion 20b having a concave portion whose vertical width is larger than the protruding piece 36e of the second shade 36 by the moving distance of the second shade 36. As a result, when the second shade 36 is moved upward by the drive of the actuator 38, the projecting piece 36e abuts against the upper surface wall of the positioning engaging portion 20b to position the second shade 36 at the light shielding position, When the second shade 36 is moved downward by driving the actuator 38, the protruding piece 36e comes into contact with the lower wall of the positioning engagement portion 20b to position the second shade 36 at the light shielding release position. .

  The additional projection lens 42 is disposed around the projection lens 12. At this time, the additional projection lens 42 is configured as an annular lens surrounding the projection lens 12, and is formed integrally with the projection lens 12. The additional projection lens 42 includes a lower lens portion 42A located below the optical axis Ax and an upper lens portion 42B located above the optical axis Ax.

  The lower lens portion 42A is a plano-convex lens having an additional optical axis Axa that passes through the predetermined point A and extends in a direction inclined upward by about 0.4 to 0.5 ° toward the front with respect to the optical axis Ax. ing. At this time, the lower lens portion 42A has a rear surface formed on a plane flush with the rear surface of the projection lens 12, and the front surface of the lower lens portion 42A is located at the predetermined point A. The curvature of the curved surface is set so that the rear focal point of the portion 42A is located.

  On the other hand, the upper lens portion 42B is a plano-convex lens having an additional optical axis Axb that passes through the predetermined point B and extends in a direction inclined upward by about 0.4 to 0.5 ° with respect to the optical axis Ax. It is configured. At this time, the upper lens portion 42B is formed such that the rear surface thereof is flush with the rear surface of the projection lens 12, and the front surface of the upper lens portion 42B is located at the predetermined point B. The curvature of the curved surface is set so that the rear focal point of the portion 42B is located.

  The lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment has a configuration capable of switching between a low beam and a high beam, and in the low beam mode, a basic mode suitable for urban driving and a motor suitable for highway driving. The mode can be switched between the way mode.

  FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the optical path in the low beam basic mode, FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the optical path in the low beam motorway mode, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing an optical path in a high beam mode.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed at a position 25 m ahead of the vehicle by light emitted forward from the lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment. At this time, the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 5A is a low beam light distribution pattern PLB formed in the low beam basic mode, and the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. The low-beam light distribution pattern PLM is formed, and the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 5C is a high-beam light distribution pattern PH formed in the high beam mode.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the low beam basic mode, only the first light source unit 14 is turned on. At this time, the second shade 36 has been moved to the light shielding position. At this time, the second shade 36 may be moved to the light shielding release position.

  In the basic mode, the light from the first light source unit 14 is irradiated forward through the projection lens 12. At that time, a part of the light from the first light emitting element 14 reflected by the first reflector 24 is shielded by the first shade 26, and the remaining part goes straight and enters the lower region of the projection lens 12. At this time, the light shielded by the first shade 26 is also regularly reflected by the upper surface 26 a of the first shade 26 and enters the upper region of the projection lens 12.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the low-beam light distribution pattern PLB formed in the basic mode has cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 having different left and right steps at the upper end thereof. The cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 extend in the horizontal direction at the left and right steps with the VV line passing through the HV, which is a vanishing point in the front direction of the lamp, in the vertical direction, and are on the right side of the VV line. The opposite lane side portion is formed as a lower cut-off line CL1, and the own lane side portion on the left side of the VV line is formed as an upper cut-off line CL2 that rises from the lower cut-off line CL1 through an inclined portion. Is formed.

  The low beam light distribution pattern PLB is an image of the first light emitting element 22 formed on the rear focal plane of the projection lens 12 by the light from the first light emitting element 22 reflected by the first reflector 24. Thus, the cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 are formed as reverse projection images of the upper edge 26b of the first shade 26.

  In this low beam distribution pattern PLB, the elbow point E, which is the intersection of the lower cut-off line CL1 and the VV line, is located about 0.5 to 0.6 ° below HV. This is because the optical axis Ax extends in a downward direction by about 0.5 to 0.6 ° with respect to the vehicle longitudinal direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the low beam motorway mode, the first light source unit 14 and the second light source unit 16 are turned on simultaneously, and at this time, the second shade 36 is moved to the light shielding position.

  In this motorway mode, the light from the first light source unit 14 is irradiated forward through the projection lens 12, and the light from the second light source unit 16 is irradiated forward through the additional projection lens 42. It has become. At that time, a part of the reflected light from the reflection area 34 a 1 on the reflection surface 34 a of the second reflector 34 is shielded by the second shade 36, and the remaining part passes straight through the opening 36 c of the second shade 36. On the other hand, the reflected light from the reflection region 34a2 on the reflection surface 34a of the second reflector 34 is incident on the lower lens portion 42A of the additional projection lens 42, and a part of the reflected light is shielded by the second shade 36, and the rest is a flat plate member. 30 passes through the opening 30c of the lens 30 and proceeds straight as it is, and enters the upper lens portion 42B of the additional projection lens 42.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the low beam light distribution pattern PLM formed in the motorway mode is a combination of the low beam light distribution pattern PLB formed in the basic mode and the motorway additional light distribution pattern PAM. It is formed as a light distribution pattern.

  The motorway additional light distribution pattern PAM is formed as a substantially bow-shaped light distribution pattern having additional cut-off lines CL3 and CL4 that are different in left and right at the upper end thereof.

  The motorway additional light distribution pattern PAM is a light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from the second light source unit 16, and is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of the light distribution pattern PAM1 and the light distribution pattern PAM2. Yes.

  The light distribution pattern PAM1 is an image of the second light emitting element 32 formed on the rear focal plane of the lower lens portion 42A of the additional projection lens 42 by the reflected light from the reflection area 34a1 on the reflection surface 34a of the second reflector 34. This is a light distribution pattern formed by projecting as a reverse projection image on the virtual vertical screen by the lower lens portion 42A. The light distribution pattern PAM1 is formed as a relatively bright light distribution pattern having a left and right diffusion angle that is somewhat smaller than the low beam light distribution pattern PLB, and the upper end of the light distribution pattern PAM1 is an inversion of the upper end edge 36a of the second shade 36. The additional cutoff lines CL3 and CL4 are formed as projection images.

  The light distribution pattern PAM2 is an image of the second light emitting element 32 formed on the rear focal plane of the upper lens portion 42B of the additional projection lens 42 by the reflected light from the reflection area 34a2 on the reflection surface 34a of the second reflector 34. This is a light distribution pattern formed by projecting an inverted projection image on the virtual vertical screen by the upper lens unit 42B. This light distribution pattern PAM2 is formed as a bright light distribution pattern having a smaller left-right diffusion angle than the light distribution pattern PAM1, and the above-mentioned additional image is added as an inverted projection image of the upper edge 36b of the second shade 36 to the upper end thereof. Cut-off lines CL3 and CL4 are formed.

  The additional cut-off lines CL3 and CL4 of the motorway additional light distribution pattern PAM have the same shape as the cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 of the low-beam light distribution pattern PLB, and their elbow points E ′ are elbows of the cut-off lines CL1 and CL2. It is formed so as to be positioned about 0.4 to 0.5 ° above the point E. At this time, the position of the elbow point E ′ is positioned about 0.4 to 0.5 ° above the elbow point E because of the lower lens portion 42A and the upper lens portion 42B constituting the additional projection lens 42. This is because each of the additional optical axes Axa and Axb extends in a direction inclined upward by about 0.4 to 0.5 ° toward the front with respect to the optical axis Ax.

  In this low beam light distribution pattern PLM, a hot zone that is a high light intensity region is formed in the vicinity of the elbow point E by the additional light distribution pattern PAM for motorway, and H-V that passes through H-V in the horizontal direction. A long distance area on the road surface in front of the vehicle is sufficiently irradiated within a range not exceeding the H line.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the high beam mode, the first light source unit 14 and the second light source unit 16 are turned on simultaneously, and at this time, the second shade 36 has been moved to the light shielding release position.

  In this high beam, the light from the first light source unit 14 is irradiated forward through the projection lens 12, and the light from the second light source unit 16 is irradiated forward through the additional projection lens 42. ing. At that time, the reflected light from the reflection region 34a1 on the reflection surface 34a of the second reflector 34 enters the lower lens portion 42A of the additional projection lens 42 through the opening 36c without being shielded by the second shade 36. On the other hand, the reflected light from the reflection region 34a2 on the reflection surface 34a of the second reflector 34 passes through the opening 30c of the flat plate member 30 without being shielded by the second shade 36, and the upper lens portion 42B of the additional projection lens 42. Is incident on.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, the high beam light distribution pattern PH formed by the high beam is a combined light distribution pattern of the low beam light distribution pattern PLB and the high beam additional light distribution pattern PAH formed in the basic mode. It is formed as.

  The high beam additional light distribution pattern PAH is a light distribution pattern formed by irradiation light from the second light source unit 16, and is formed by reflected light from the reflection region 34a1 on the reflection surface 34a of the second reflector 34. Cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 of the low-beam light distribution pattern PLB are used as a combined light distribution pattern of the light distribution pattern PAH1 and the light distribution pattern PAH2 formed by the reflected light from the reflection region 34a2 on the reflection surface 34a of the second reflector 34. It is formed so as to straddle up and down.

  The light distribution pattern PAH1 is formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern obtained by extending the light distribution pattern PAM1 to the upper side of the cut-off lines CL3 and CL4. The light distribution pattern PAH2 is formed by adding the light distribution pattern PAM2 to the additional cut-off line CL3. , Formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern that extends to the upper side of CL4.

  The light distribution patterns PAH1 and PAH2 are formed as a light distribution pattern that extends to the upper side of the additional cutoff lines CL3 and CL4. The light distribution patterns PAH1 and PAH2 correspond to the reflected light from the reflection regions 34a1 and 34a2 on the reflection surface 34a of the second reflector 34. This is because the shielding by the second shade 36 is released.

  In the high beam light distribution pattern PH, the high beam additional light distribution pattern PAH is used to irradiate light up to the region above the H-H line, and the hot zone is formed in the vicinity of HV. ing.

  As described in detail above, the lamp unit 10 of the vehicle headlamp according to the present embodiment has the first shade 26 behind the projection lens 12 disposed on the optical axis Ax extending in the vehicle front-rear direction. The one light source unit 14 and the second light source unit 16 having the second shade 36 are disposed, and the additional projection lens 42 having additional optical axes Axa and Axb extending substantially parallel to the optical axis Ax around the projection lens 12. When the first light source unit 14 is turned on, the cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 of the low beam light distribution pattern PLB are formed as an inverted image of the upper edge 26b of the first shade 26 by the projection lens 12. At the same time, when the second light source unit 16 is turned on, the upper projection edges 36a and 36b of the second shade 36 are reversed by the additional projection lens 42. Since so as to form the cutoff lines CL1, additional cut-off line CL3, CL4 upward than CL2, you are possible to obtain the following effects.

  That is, by turning on only the first light source unit 14, a normal low beam light distribution pattern PLB can be formed. By additionally lighting the second light source unit 16, the additional cutoff lines CL 3 and CL 4 can be connected. The additional light distribution pattern PAM for the motorway can be superimposed on the normal light distribution pattern PLB for the low beam, and thereby, the light distribution pattern PLM for the low beam excellent in visibility for the far region on the road surface ahead of the vehicle. Can be formed.

  Further, in the lamp unit 10 according to the present embodiment, the second shade 36 of the second light source unit 16 moves to the light shielding release position for releasing the shielding of the reflected light from the second reflector 34 by driving the actuator 38. Since the second light source unit 16 is turned on and the second shade 36 is moved to the light shielding release position, the motorway additional light distribution pattern PAM is added to the additional cutoff lines CL3 and CL4. It is possible to form a high beam additional light distribution pattern PAH that extends to the upper side. Therefore, the second light source unit 16 is additionally lit, and this high beam additional light distribution pattern PAH is formed so as to overlap the normal low beam light distribution pattern PLB. The optical pattern PH can be formed.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, a projector-type projector in which the first and second light source units 14 and 16 are disposed behind the projection lens 12 as a lamp unit of a vehicle headlamp that uses a light emitting element as a light source. When the lamp unit 10 is adopted, the high beam light distribution pattern PH formed by the lamp unit 10 is excellent in distance visibility, and the low beam light distribution patterns PLB and PLM are distant as necessary. Visibility can be improved.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the reflection surface 34a of the second reflector 34 in the second light source unit 16 is set to predetermined points A and B where the positions of the second focal points of the ellipse constituting the vertical sectional shape are different from each other. Since the additional projection lens 42 is composed of a lower lens portion 42A and an upper lens portion 42B having the predetermined points A and B as rear focal points, respectively, the reflective areas 34a1 and 34a2 are configured. The following effects can be obtained.

  That is, the high-beam additional light distribution pattern PAH is combined with two types of light distribution patterns PAH1 and PAH2 formed by light from the second light source unit 16 that is irradiated forward through the lens portions 42A and 42B. The light distribution pattern can be a light distribution pattern having a smooth luminous intensity distribution. Moreover, since the light from the second light source unit 16 irradiated forward from each of the lens portions 42A and 42B becomes parallel light in the vertical direction, the light distribution patterns PAH1 and PAH2 are changed into bright light distribution patterns with narrow vertical widths. Thus, the high beam additional light distribution pattern PAH can be made suitable for forming a hot zone of the high beam light distribution pattern PH. As a result, the visibility of the high beam light distribution pattern PH can be enhanced.

  In the present embodiment, since the second shade 36 is formed with two shade portions having upper end edges 36a and 36b formed in two upper and lower stages for each of the lens portions 42A and 42B, an additional motorway is added. The light distribution pattern PAM is also a combined light distribution pattern of two types of light distribution patterns PAM1 and PAM2 formed by the light from the second light source unit 16 that is transmitted forward through these lens portions 42A and 42B. It is possible to obtain a light distribution pattern having a smooth light intensity distribution, whereby the visibility of the low beam light distribution pattern PLM can be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, of the two reflection areas 34a1 and 34a2 constituting the reflection surface 34a of the second reflector 34, an elliptical shape constituting the vertical sectional shape of the reflection area 34a1 located near the second light emitting element 32 is used. The second focal point (that is, the predetermined point A) is located below the optical axis Ax, and the second focal point of the ellipse that constitutes the vertical cross-sectional shape of the reflective region 34a2 located away from the second light emitting element 32 (that is, the second focal point). Since the predetermined point B) is located on the optical axis Ax, the reflection regions 34a1 and 34a2 and the lens portions 42A and 42B of the additional projection lens 42 can be arranged in a layout that is optically reasonable. .

  In addition, the additional projection lens 42 includes a lower lens portion 42A located below the optical axis Ax and an upper lens portion 42B located above the optical axis Ax. It can be configured compactly with Ax as the center, and it can be easily incorporated as a part of the vehicle headlamp.

  Particularly in the present embodiment, since the additional projection lens 42 is configured as an annular lens surrounding the projection lens 12, the lamp unit 10 can be configured more compactly around the optical axis Ax. It can be more easily incorporated as a part of a headlamp.

  In the present embodiment, the first shade 26 is configured as a mirror member that shields part of the reflected light from the first reflector 24 and reflects the shielded light upward. Most of the reflected light from one reflector 24 can be irradiated forward through the projection lens 12, thereby sufficiently ensuring the brightness of the low-beam light distribution pattern PLB.

  At this time, the flat plate member 30 having the first shade 26 as a part of the configuration is used for allowing the reflected light from the reflection region 34a2 on the reflection surface 34a of the second reflector 34 to pass toward the upper lens portion 42B. Since the opening 30c is formed, light can be easily incident on the upper lens portion 42B. Further, since the flat plate member 30 is formed at a position slightly rearward from the upper end edge 26b of the first shade 26, the upward reflection of the reflected light from the first reflector 24 on the upper surface 26a of the first shade 26 is performed. It is possible to make the action almost uninhibited.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, since the second light emitting element 32 is disposed on the rear side of the first light emitting element 22, the additional projection lens positioned around the projection lens 12 for the light from the second light source unit 16. 42 can be easily incident.

  In the above-described embodiment, the reflection surface 34a of the second reflector 34 has been described as being configured by the two reflection regions 34a1 and 34a2. However, instead of doing this, the reflection surface 34a is configured by a single reflection surface. It is also possible to configure it with three or more reflective areas.

  In the above-described embodiment, the additional projection lens 42 is described as being formed integrally with the projection lens 12. However, it is of course possible to form the additional projection lens 42 separately from the projection lens 12.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first light emitting element 22 is described as being disposed on the optical axis Ax. However, a configuration in which the first light emitting element 22 is disposed slightly away from the optical axis Ax is also possible.

  Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

  First, a first modification of the above embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the lamp unit 110 according to this modification.

  As shown in the figure, the lamp unit 110 has the same basic configuration as the lamp unit 10 according to the above embodiment, but the configuration of the additional projection lens 142 and the second shade 136 is the above embodiment. Is different.

  That is, the additional projection lens 142 of the present modification is configured by the lower lens portion 142A and the upper lens portion 142B having the predetermined points A and B as rear focal points, respectively, like the additional projection lens 42 of the above-described embodiment. However, the additional optical axis Axa of the lower lens portion 142A extends in parallel to the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 12, and the optical axis Axb of the upper lens portion 142B coincides with the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 12. Yes.

  The basic structure of the second shade 136 of the present modification, including the opening 136c, the plunger engaging portion 136d, and the protruding piece 136e, is the same as that of the second shade 36 of the above-described embodiment, but two steps in the vertical direction. The positions of the upper end edges 136a and 136b formed in (1) are formed so as to be slightly lower than the upper end edges 36a and 36b in the second shade 36 of the above embodiment. As a result, when the second shade 136 is in the light shielding position, the shielding of the reflected light from the reflective areas 34a1 and 34a2 on the reflective surface 34a of the second reflector 34 is somewhat relaxed.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a light distribution pattern formed on the virtual vertical screen by light irradiated forward from the lamp unit 110 according to the present modification.

  The low beam light distribution pattern PLB shown in FIG. 4A is the same as that in the above embodiment.

  The low beam light distribution pattern PLM shown in FIG. 5B is different from the above embodiment in the motorway additional light distribution pattern PBM.

  The high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 4C is different from the above embodiment in the high beam additional light distribution pattern PBH.

  The high beam additional light distribution pattern PBH is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of two light distribution patterns PBH1 and PBH2. Each of these light distribution patterns PBH1 and PBH2 has the same shape as each of the light distribution patterns PAH1 and PAH2 of the above embodiment, but its formation position is slightly displaced downward with respect to each of the light distribution patterns PAH1 and PAH2. . This is because, in this modification, the additional optical axis Axa and the optical axis Axb of the lens portions 142A and 142B constituting the additional projection lens 142 extend in parallel with the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 12. .

  The motorway additional light distribution pattern PBM is formed as a combined light distribution pattern of two light distribution patterns PBM1 and PBM2. Each of these light distribution patterns PBM1 and PBM2 has additional cut-off lines CL3 and CL4 similar to the respective light distribution patterns PAM1 and PAM2 of the above embodiment, but slightly below the respective light distribution patterns PAM1 and PAM2. It is formed to swell. This is because the additional optical axes Axa and Axb of the lens portions 142A and 142B extend in parallel with the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 12 as described above.

  Although the additional optical axes Axa and Axb of the lens portions 142A and 142B extend in parallel with the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 12 as described above, the additional cutoff lines CL3 of the light distribution patterns PBM1 and PBM2 CL4 is formed at substantially the same position as each light distribution pattern PAM1, PAM2 in the above embodiment because the positions of the upper edge 136a, 136b of the second shade 136 are the upper edge of the second shade 36 in the above embodiment. This is because it is formed so as to be positioned slightly below 36a and 36b.

  Even when the configuration of the present modification is employed, substantially the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  Next, a second modification of the above embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing a lamp unit 210 according to this modification.

  As shown in the figure, the lamp unit 210 has the same basic configuration as the lamp unit 10 according to the above embodiment, but the configuration of the first shade 226 is different from that in the above embodiment.

  That is, the first shade 226 of this modification is not part of the flat plate member 30 as in the first shade 26 of the above-described embodiment, but extends from the upper end of the second shade 36 to the front. It is formed integrally with the shade 36. As a result, the first shade 226 is moved to a light shielding release position (a position indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure) where the shielding of the reflected light from the first reflector 24 is released together with the second shade 36 by driving the actuator 38. It can move.

  However, the configuration of the upper surface 226a and the upper edge 226b of the first shade 226 is the same as that of the first shade 26 of the above embodiment, and the reflected light from the first reflector 24 is also in the first shade 226. After shielding a part of the light, the shielded light is reflected upward.

  FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the optical path in the low beam basic mode, FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the optical path in the low beam motorway mode, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing an optical path in a high beam mode.

  As shown in these drawings, the light path in the lamp unit 210 according to this modification is such that the first shade 226 is in the same position as the first shade 26 of the above embodiment in the low beam basic mode and the motorway mode. As in the case of the above embodiment, in the high beam mode, as the second shade 36 moves to the light shielding cancellation position, the first shade 226 also moves to the light shielding cancellation position. The shield against the reflected light is released.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a light distribution pattern formed on the virtual vertical screen by light irradiated forward from the lamp unit 210 according to the present modification.

  The low beam light distribution pattern PLB shown in FIG. 5A and the low beam light distribution pattern PLM shown in FIG. 5B are the same as those in the above embodiment.

  The high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 6C is the same as that of the above embodiment with respect to the high beam additional light distribution pattern PAH, but instead of the low beam light distribution pattern PLB, a high beam basic light distribution pattern. The pattern PHB is combined with the high beam additional light distribution pattern PAH.

  The high beam basic light distribution pattern PHB is formed as a horizontally long light distribution pattern obtained by expanding the low beam light distribution pattern PLB to the upper side of the cut-off lines CL1 and CL1. This is because, in the high beam mode, light reflected from the first reflector 24, which has been shielded by the first shade 26 and specularly reflected upward, travels straight and enters the lower region of the projection lens 12, This is because the light is emitted from the projection lens 12 as upward light. At this time, since the light that is regularly reflected by the upper surface 28a of the first shade 26 and is incident on the upper region of the projection lens 12 is eliminated, the high beam basic light distribution pattern PHB is more comprehensive than the low beam light distribution pattern PLB. The brightness is almost halved.

  Even when the configuration of the present modification is employed, substantially the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. In addition, in this modified example, in the high beam mode, the brightness of the short distance area on the road surface in front of the vehicle can be suppressed and the visibility to the far area can be relatively increased, and the space above the road surface in front of the vehicle can be widely irradiated. In addition, the visibility for overhead signs and the like can be further enhanced.

  In addition, the numerical value shown as a specification in the said embodiment and each modification is only an example, and of course, you may set these to a different value suitably.

The front view which shows the lamp unit of the vehicle headlamp which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention II-II sectional view of Fig. 1 Figure similar to Figure 2 showing the light path in low beam basic mode Figure similar to Figure 2 showing the light path in low beam motorway mode Figure similar to Figure 2 showing the optical path in high beam mode It is a figure which shows perspectively the light distribution pattern formed on the virtual vertical screen arrange | positioned in the position of the vehicle front 25m with the light irradiated from the said lamp unit forward, Comprising: The figure (a) is a low beam. The low beam distribution pattern formed in the basic mode, FIG. 5B shows the low beam distribution pattern formed in the low beam motorway mode, and FIG. 5C shows the high beam distribution pattern formed in the high beam mode. Figure showing The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows the lamp unit which concerns on the 1st modification of the said embodiment. The figure similar to FIG. 6 which shows in perspective the light distribution pattern formed on the said virtual vertical screen by the light irradiated ahead from the lamp unit which concerns on the said 1st modification. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows the lamp unit which concerns on the 2nd modification of the said embodiment. The figure similar to FIG. 3 which shows the optical path of the lamp unit which concerns on the said 2nd modification. The figure similar to FIG. 4 which shows the optical path of the lamp unit which concerns on the said 2nd modification. The figure similar to FIG. 5 which shows the optical path of the lamp unit which concerns on the said 2nd modification. The figure similar to FIG. 6 which shows in perspective the light distribution pattern formed on the said virtual vertical screen by the light irradiated ahead from the lamp unit which concerns on the said 2nd modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 110, 210 Lamp unit 12 Projection lens 14 1st light source unit 16 2nd light source unit 18 Lens holder 20 Base member 20a Actuator mounting part 20b Positioning engagement part 22 1st light emitting element 22a, 32a Light emitting chip 24 1st reflector 24a, 34a, 234a Reflective surface 26, 226 First shade 26a, 226a Upper surface 26b, 36a, 36b, 136a, 136b, 226b Upper edge 30 Flat plate member 30a, 30b Light source support recess 30c, 36c, 136c Opening portion 32 Second light emission Element 34 Second reflector 34a1, 34a2 Reflection region 36, 136 Second shade 36d, 136d Plunger engaging portion 36e, 136e Projection piece 38 Actuator 38a Plunger 42, 142 Additional projection lens 42A, 1 2A Lower lens part 42B, 142B Upper lens part 226 First shade A, B Predetermined point Ax Optical axis Ax1, Ax2 Long axis Axa, Axb Additional optical axis CL1 Lower cut-off line CL2 Upper cut-off line CL3, CL4 Additional cut-off line E, E ′ Elbow point F Rear focus PAH1, PAH2, PAM1, PAM2, PBH1, PBH2, PBM1, PBM2 Light distribution pattern PAH, PBH High beam additional light distribution pattern PAM, PBM Motorway additional light distribution pattern PH High beam light distribution pattern PHB High beam basic light distribution pattern PLB Low beam light distribution pattern formed in basic mode PLM Low beam light distribution pattern formed in motorway mode

Claims (4)

In a lamp unit for a vehicle headlamp comprising: a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction; and first and second light source units disposed behind the projection lens.
The first light source unit has a first light emitting element disposed upward on the rear side of the rear focal point of the projection lens, and reflects light from the first light emitting element toward the front toward the optical axis. A first reflector, and a first shade that is arranged so that an upper edge passes through the vicinity of the rear focal point of the projection lens and shields part of the reflected light from the first reflector,
A second light-emitting element in which the second light source unit is disposed downward on the rear side of the rear focal point of the projection lens; and the light from the second light-emitting element is directed forward to the vicinity of the second light-emitting element. And a second reflector that reflects near a straight line connecting the point and the predetermined point between the second light emitting element and the projection lens, and an upper edge passing through the vicinity of the predetermined point. A second shade that blocks a part of the reflected light from
An additional projection lens having an additional optical axis extending substantially parallel to the optical axis and having a point near the predetermined point as a rear focal point is disposed around the projection lens,
As a reverse image of the upper edge of the first shade by the projection lens, a cut-off line of the light distribution pattern for low beam is formed, and as an inverted image of the upper edge of the second shade by the additional projection lens, from the cut-off line Is also configured to form an additional cut-off line on the upper side,
The vehicular headlamp, wherein the second shade is configured to be moved to a light-shielding release position that releases the shielding of the reflected light from the second reflector by driving a predetermined actuator. Lamp unit.   The said 1st shade is comprised so that it can move to the light-shielding cancellation | release position which cancels | releases shielding with respect to the reflected light from a said 1st reflector by the drive of a predetermined | prescribed actuator. A vehicle headlamp unit.   The vertical cross-sectional shape on the reflecting surface of the second reflector is set to an elliptical shape having a point near the second light emitting element as a first focal point and a point near the rear focal point of the additional projection lens as a second focal point. The lamp unit for a vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the lamp unit is a vehicle headlamp. The additional projection lens is composed of a plurality of lens portions whose back focal points are different from each other,
The reflective surface of the second reflector is composed of a plurality of reflective regions formed for each lens unit,
The lamp unit for a vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second shade is composed of a plurality of shade portions formed for each of the lens portions.

Images