JP4165331B2 - Vehicle headlamp device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp device capable of irradiating the front of a vehicle.

  Conventional vehicle headlamp devices are generally of a shield beam type and a halogen type, and are divided into a two-lamp type and a four-lamp type when mounted on the front of the vehicle body. When switching between the high beam and the low beam with such a headlamp device, in the two-lamp type, the reflector provided at the rear of the lamp is movable, and the irradiation direction is changed. The irradiation direction is changed by switching the lamp to be used.

  However, in such a conventional headlamp device, since the lamp itself generates heat, a space for cooling is required around it, and the device becomes large. Further, in order to switch the lamp between the high beam and the low beam, the movable mechanism of the reflector is necessary in the two-lamp type, and in the four-lamp type, the number of the lamps is doubled, so that the apparatus becomes large.

For these reasons, a headlamp device using a photoelectric element as a light source has been proposed as Patent Document 1 below. In the “vehicle headlamp and vehicle” described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of photoelectric elements are arranged on a substrate to constitute a headlamp.
Special table 2003-503253 gazette

  However, in the “vehicle headlamp and vehicle” of Patent Document 1 described above, a plurality of photoelectric elements are arranged in a plane on the substrate, so that each photoelectric element having directivity is substantially linearly forward. There is a problem that it is difficult to obtain an appropriate irradiation range or brightness because the irradiation range becomes narrow or the brightness varies.

  The present invention solves such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlamp device that can reliably obtain an appropriate irradiation range and brightness with a simple structure.

In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1 of the present invention is a vehicle headlamp device capable of irradiating the front of the vehicle, and is arranged radially on a spherical surface portion of a hemispherical housing , A plurality of light sources composed of power generating elements having a spherical shape at the tip end and a directivity, provided in front of the light source, and formed corresponding to each of the light sources so as to cover the tip ends of the light source at regular intervals. And a spherical light-scattering member having a plurality of spherical portions .

The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 2 is characterized in that a dimmer and a power source are connected to each of the photoelectric elements, and each of the photoelectric elements can be individually turned on and off by the dimmer. .

According to the vehicle headlamp device of the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of light sources including the power generation elements having the directivity with the tip portions being spherical and arranged radially on the spherical surface of the hemispherical housing. A spherical light-diffusing member having a plurality of spherical portions formed corresponding to each of the light sources so as to cover the front end portions of the light sources at regular intervals is provided in front of the light source. The linear light is diffused at a predetermined angle by the light diffusing member and illuminates the front, so that a desired irradiation range can be obtained and uniform brightness can be ensured, and a simple structure is appropriate. A wide range of illumination and brightness can be reliably obtained , and light from a plurality of light sources can be reliably diffused by each spherical surface portion of the light diffusing member, thereby irradiating with appropriate brightness without variation with a simple configuration. it can

According to the vehicle headlamp device of the second aspect of the present invention, a dimmer and a power source are connected to each photoelectric element, and each photoelectric element can be individually turned on and off by this dimmer. It can be adjusted to an appropriate irradiation range, irradiation direction, and luminance according to the state.

  The best mode for carrying out the vehicle headlamp device of the present invention is such that a plurality of light sources having directivity are arranged radially, and a spherical light-diffusing member is provided in front of the light sources. The member may be a single spherical portion formed corresponding to the entire plurality of light sources or a plurality of spherical portions formed corresponding to the plurality of light sources individually, and the light source is connected to a dimmer and a power source. The dimmer can be turned on and off individually.

  FIG. 1 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a vehicle headlamp device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the headlamp device of the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a headlamp device of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 schematically shows a block configuration of a light distribution control device using the vehicle headlamp device of the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 shows a specific example of light distribution control by the light distribution control device of the first embodiment.

  Headlamp devices are mounted on the left and right sides of the front part of the vehicle, and each headlamp device can be turned on and off by operating a switch in the vehicle interior. The side can be irradiated, and the irradiation range, irradiation direction, and luminance can be changed at this time.

  In the vehicle headlamp device of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the headlamp 11 has a plurality of light sources and white LEDs (power generation elements) on a spherical portion 13 of a hemispherical housing 12. (Light emitting diodes) 14 are arranged radially, and a spherical diffuser lens 15 as a diffuser member is mounted in front of each white LED 14, and a reflector 16 is mounted at the rear of the housing 12.

  The white LED 14 is formed by integrally molding an LED chip 21 composed of an n-electrode and a p-electrode with a transparent resin 22. The tip portion is spherical, and the tip portion exhibits a lens function. It is possible to irradiate light having directivity in the axial direction. The plurality of white LEDs 14 are arranged so as to emit light radially around the fulcrum O on the base end side of the housing 12. Since the light color of the light emitting diode is determined by the semiconductor material, the LED chip 21 carries a predetermined material that emits all the colors of RGB. Alternatively, blue light may be absorbed by the phosphor to produce white light.

  On the other hand, the diffuser lens 15 is configured by integrally forming a plurality of spherical portions 23 in accordance with the shape of the tip of each white LED 14. The diffuser lens 15 covers the tip of each white LED 14 at regular intervals. By doing so, light having directivity emitted radially from the white LED 14 can be diffused to obtain light having a predetermined brightness and without variation as a whole.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in the headlamp 11, a common −terminal 21 a drawn out from each LED chip 21 and each individual + terminal 21 b are connected to the switch / light adjuster 31. A power source 32 is connected to the switch / light control unit 31. A steering angle sensor 34, a vehicle speed sensor 35, and a lateral acceleration sensor 36 are connected to the control unit 33 of the switching / light adjusting device 31 and detection signals of the sensors 34, 35, 36 are input to the control unit 33. It has come to be. The control unit 33 is connected to a turn signal switch 37 and an HI / LO selector switch 38 so that operation signals of the switches 37 and 38 are input to the control unit 33.

  Accordingly, when the detection signals of the steering angle sensor 34, the vehicle speed sensor 35, the lateral acceleration sensor 36, the operation signals of the turn signal switch 37, and the HI / LO selector switch 38 are input to the control unit 33, the control unit 33 is switched and adjusted. By operating the optical device 31, each white LED 14 of the headlamp 11 can be individually turned on or off, and its irradiation range and irradiation direction can be changed. The switch / light adjuster 31 has a built-in resistor (not shown), and the switch / light adjuster (resistor) 31 changes the drive voltage in response to a command from the control unit 33, so that the headlamp 11 The brightness of each white LED 14 can be changed individually.

  Here, the light distribution control of the headlamp 11 by the control unit 33 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, during normal driving of the vehicle at night, that is, when the driver operates the turn signal switch 37 and the HI / LO selector switch 38 to the LO side, the control unit 33 Based on the detection signal, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in a straight line, the headlamp 11 is controlled via the switching / dimming device 31, the white LEDs 14 are individually turned on and off, and the irradiation range is set to A. Set to.

  Then, when the driver turns the turn signal switch 37 to the left to turn left, the control unit 33 determines that the vehicle turns left based on the detection signal of the turn signal switch 37, and passes through the switch / dimmer 31. The headlamp 11 is controlled, the lighting range of each white LED 14 is expanded, and the irradiation range is changed to A + B1. On the other hand, when the driver turns the turn signal switch 37 to the right to make a right turn, the control unit 33 determines that the vehicle turns to the right based on the detection signal of the turn signal switch 37, and passes through the switch / dimmer 31. The headlamp 11 is controlled, the lighting range of each white LED 14 is expanded, and the irradiation range is changed to A + B2.

  Further, when the driver operates the HI / LO selector switch 38 to the HI side, the control unit 33 is based on the detection signal of the HI / LO selector switch 38 and the vehicle is running straight, and the vehicle ahead and the oncoming vehicle are The headlamp 11 is controlled via the switch / dimmer 31 to turn on and off each white LED 14 individually, and change the irradiation range to C. In addition, each irradiation range A, B, C mentioned above is set with respect to the left-hand drive vehicle.

Further, the control unit 33 automatically determines the traveling state of the vehicle based on the detection signals of the steering angle sensor 34, the vehicle speed sensor 35, and the lateral acceleration sensor 36, and operates the switching / dimmer 31 to control the headlamp 11. The irradiation range, irradiation direction, and brightness are changed. That is, the control unit 33 determines the road curvature ρ (based on the vehicle steering angle φ detected by the steering angle sensor 34, the vehicle speed V detected by the vehicle speed sensor 35, and the vehicle lateral acceleration G detected by the lateral acceleration sensor 36. ρ = G / V ² ), and further predicts the driving state (speed, attitude, etc.) of the vehicle after a predetermined time, and individually adjusts each white LED 14 of the headlamp 11 via the switch / light adjuster 31 accordingly. Is on or off.

  For example, when the vehicle approaches a curve, the irradiation range of the headlamp 11 is expanded in the direction of turning in the traveling lane that does not reach the opposite lane. At this time, the irradiation length is increased (first) as the vehicle speed increases. Further, when the vehicle comes to a busy place, the irradiation range of the headlamp 11 is extended to the sidewalk. Further, the brightness of each white LED 14 of the headlamp 11 is individually changed according to the ambient brightness (illuminance / luminance sensor).

  Thus, in the vehicle headlamp device of the first embodiment, a plurality of directional white LEDs 14 are arranged radially on the spherical surface portion 13 of the housing 12, and each spherical LED 23 is disposed in front of each white LED 14. A spherical diffuser lens 15 is provided so as to cover.

  Accordingly, the linear light of each directional white LED 14 is diffused at a predetermined angle by the diffuser lens 15 and radiates forward, so that a desired irradiation range can be obtained and uniform brightness is ensured. Therefore, an appropriate irradiation range and brightness can be reliably obtained with a simple structure.

  Further, the white LED 14 of the headlamp 11 is connected to the switching / dimming device 31 and the power source 32, and the switching / dimming device 31, the steering angle sensor 34, the vehicle speed sensor 35, the lateral acceleration sensor 36, the turn signal is connected to the controller 33. A switch 37 and an HI / LO changeover switch 38 are connected, and each white LED 14 can be individually turned on and off by this changer / dimmer 31.

  Therefore, by operating the turn signal switch 37 and the HI / LO switch 38, and from the detection results of the sensors 35, 36 and 37, the irradiation range, irradiation direction, The brightness can be adjusted.

  FIG. 6 shows a horizontal section of a vehicle headlamp device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the vehicle headlamp device according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a headlamp 41 has a plurality of light sources and white LEDs (light emitting diodes) as power generation elements at a base end portion 43 of a housing 42 having a hemispherical shape. ) 44 is arranged radially, and in front of each white LED 44, a spherical light-diffusing lens 46 as a light-diffusing member is mounted on the spherical portion 45 of the housing 42.

  The white LED 44 has the same configuration as the white LED 14 of the first embodiment, and the diffuser lens 46 has the same configuration as the diffuser lens 15 of the first embodiment. By disposing and covering each spherical surface portion 47 of the diffuser lens 46 in the radiation direction with respect to the LED 44, light having directivity emitted radially from the white LED 44 is diffused by each spherical surface portion 47 of the diffuser lens 46. In addition, the light having a predetermined brightness as a whole can be obtained.

  The headlamp 41 of the present embodiment is also connected to each white LED 44 with a switching / dimming device, a power source, a control unit, various switches and sensors, as in the first embodiment described above. The control unit controls the light distribution of the headlamp 41 in accordance with the operating state of each, turns on or turns off each white LED 44 individually, and changes the irradiation range, irradiation direction, and luminance.

  As described above, in the vehicle headlamp device of the second embodiment, a plurality of directional white LEDs 44 are arranged radially on the base end portion 43 of the housing 42, and the front of each white LED 44 is in front of each spherical portion. A spherical diffuser lens 46 is provided so as to cover 47, and the linear light of each directional white LED 44 is diffused by the diffuser lens 46 at a predetermined angle and irradiated forward, so that the desired irradiation is achieved. A range can be obtained, and uniform brightness can be ensured, and an appropriate irradiation range and brightness can be reliably obtained with a simple structure.

  FIG. 7 shows a horizontal cross section of a vehicle headlamp device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

  In the vehicle headlamp device of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the headlamp 51 includes a white LED (light emitting diode) as a plurality of light sources and a power generation element on a spherical portion 53 of a housing 52 having a hemispherical shape. 54 is arranged radially, and a spherical light scattering lens 55 as a light scattering member is mounted in front of each white LED 54.

  The white LED 54 has the same configuration as the white LED 14 of the first embodiment described above, and a spherical diffuser lens 55 is provided so as to cover all the white LEDs 54 in the radiation direction with respect to each white LED 54. By arranging the light, the directional light emitted radially from the white LED 54 is diffused by the diffuser lens 55, so that the light having a predetermined brightness as a whole can be obtained.

  Note that the headlamp 51 of the present embodiment is also connected to each white LED 54 with a switching / dimming device, a power source, a control unit, various switches and sensors, as in the first embodiment described above. The control unit controls the light distribution of the headlamp 51 in accordance with the operating state, and each white LED 54 can be individually turned on or off to change its irradiation range, irradiation direction, and luminance.

  As described above, in the vehicle headlamp device according to the third embodiment, a plurality of directional white LEDs 54 are arranged radially on the spherical surface portion 53 of the housing 52, and spherical surfaces so as to cover the front of each white LED 54. A diffused light lens 55 is provided, and the linear light of each directional white LED 54 is diffused at a predetermined angle by the diffused lens 55 and radiated forward, and a desired irradiation range can be achieved with a simple configuration. In addition to being able to obtain uniform brightness, an appropriate irradiation range and brightness can be reliably obtained with a simple structure.

  FIG. 8 shows a schematic configuration of a vehicle headlamp device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the vehicle headlamp device of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the headlamp 61 is provided with a diffuser lens having a plurality of spherical parts on the front part of the housing, and behind each spherical part of the diffuser lens. Further, the tip ends of the plurality of optical fibers 62 are arranged radially. A switching / dimming device 63 is connected to the rear end portion of the optical fiber 62, and a halogen lamp 65 as a light emitter is connected to the switching / dimming device 63 through a plurality of optical fibers 64. Yes.

  In addition, a power source 66 and a control unit 67 are connected to the switching / dimming unit 63 and the control unit 67. The control unit 67 includes a steering angle sensor 34, a vehicle speed sensor 35, a lateral acceleration sensor 36, a turn. A signal switch 37 and an HI / LO switch 38 are connected to each other.

  Accordingly, the light from the halogen lamp 65 is input to the headlamp 61 via each optical fiber 64 and the switching / dimming unit 63, and light having directivity emitted radially from the tip of each optical fiber 62 is scattered. The light diffused by the lens can be made light having a predetermined brightness as a whole and without variation. At this time, when the detection signals of the steering angle sensor 34, the vehicle speed sensor 35, the lateral acceleration sensor 36, the operation signals of the turn signal switch 37, and the HI / LO changeover switch 38 are input to the control unit 67, the control unit 67 is switched. By operating the dimmer 63 and individually turning on, turning off, and dimming the light transmitted from the halogen lamp 65 to the optical fiber 64, the irradiation range, irradiation direction, and luminance of the headlamp 61 are changed. can do.

  As described above, in the vehicle headlamp device of the fourth embodiment, the headlamp 61 is configured by radially arranging the tip portions of the plurality of optical fibers 62 behind the spherical diffuser lens. A halogen lamp 65 is connected to the fiber 62 via a switch / dimmer 63 and an optical fiber 64. Therefore, the light from the halogen lamp 65 is transmitted to the optical fiber 62 of the headlamp 61 by the optical fiber 64 and the switch / dimmer 63, so that linear light is emitted from each optical fiber 62 and predetermined light is emitted from the diffuser lens. The front is diffused at an angle to irradiate the front, so that a desired irradiation range, irradiation direction, and luminance according to the driver can be obtained, and uniform brightness can be ensured. By disposing at the rear part, the headlamp 61 can be miniaturized.

  In the vehicle headlamp device according to the present invention, a plurality of light sources having directivity are arranged radially, and a spherical light-diffusing member is provided in front of the light source, thereby obtaining an appropriate irradiation range and brightness. It can be used for private cars, trucks, or various work vehicles.

1 is a horizontal sectional view of a vehicle headlamp device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a principal part expanded sectional view of the headlamp apparatus of 1st Example. It is the schematic of the headlamp apparatus of 1st Example. It is a block block diagram of the light distribution control apparatus using the vehicle headlamp apparatus of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing of the specific example of the light distribution control by the light distribution control apparatus of 1st Example. It is a horizontal sectional view of the headlamp device for vehicles concerning the 2nd example of the present invention. It is a horizontal sectional view of the headlamp device for vehicles concerning the 3rd example of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the vehicle headlamp apparatus which concerns on 4th Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

11, 41, 51, 61 Headlamp 12, 42, 52 Housing 13, 45, 53 Spherical surface part 14, 44, 54 White LED (light source, photoelectric element)
15, 46, 55 Diffuse lens (diffuse member)
16 Reflector 21 LED chip 23, 47 Spherical surface portion 31, 63 Switching / dimming device 32, 66 Power supply 33, 67 Control unit 34 Steering angle sensor 35 Vehicle speed sensor 36 Lateral acceleration sensor 37 Turn signal switch 38 HI / LO changeover switch 62, 64 Optical fiber 65 Halogen lamp (light emitter)

Claims (2)

In a vehicle headlamp device capable of irradiating the front of the vehicle,
Radially arranged spherical portion of the housing forming a hemispherical shape, and a plurality of light sources consisting of the power generation element having directivity tip forms a spherical shape,
A spherical light- diffusing member provided in front of the light source and having a plurality of spherical portions formed corresponding to each of the light sources so as to cover the front end portions of the light source at regular intervals. A vehicle headlamp device. 2. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1 , wherein a dimmer and a power source are connected to each of the photoelectric elements, and each of the photoelectric elements can be individually turned on and off by the dimmer. Headlamp device.

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