JP4811429B2 - Projector type headlamp - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in a projector-type headlamp for an automobile that shields a light beam that is not required for light distribution by a shade.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an illumination lamp for automobiles, a light source is disposed at a first focal point of a reflector having a reflecting surface that is a free-form surface based on a spheroidal surface, and a rear focal point is located at the second focal point of the reflector. As described above, there is known a projector type headlamp in which a projection lens (convex lens) is arranged and a light beam emitted from a light source is emitted from the projection lens. In this projector-type headlamp, a shade (light-shielding plate) is provided in the vicinity of the second focal point of the reflector, and the shade prevents the luminous flux from being emitted from the projection lens to an unnecessary portion in terms of light distribution. There is something that is configured to prevent dazzling in the.

  In this projector-type headlamp, the portion unnecessary for light distribution is a substantially upper half portion as seen in the cross section of the light beam emitted from the projection lens, so that the road exists at a position higher than the height position of the lamp. A sign or the like cannot be irradiated, making it difficult to visually recognize a road sign or the like.

  For this reason, a projector-type headlamp that can irradiate road signs or the like while preventing dazzling in the oncoming lane has been considered (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  Here, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the projector-type headlamp 1 of Patent Document 1, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the projector-type headlamp 1 ′ of Patent Document 2. Since the projector type headlamp 1 and the projector type headlamp 1 ′ have basically the same configuration except for the shade, the same reference numerals are given to the same functional parts.

  The projector type headlamp 1 and the projector type headlamp 1 ′ include a reflector 2, a light source 3, and a projection lens 4. The reflector 2 has an elliptical reflecting surface 2a that is a spheroidal surface as a whole. The light source 3 is disposed in the first focal light source 3 of the reflector 2. The projection lens 4 is constituted by a plano-convex lens, and is arranged so that the rear focal point f is positioned in the vicinity of the second focal point of the reflector 2. For this reason, the light beam emitted from the light source 3 and reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface 2a of the reflector 2 is emitted from the projection lens 4 as a light beam along the optical axis L when viewed in a longitudinal section.

  In the projector-type headlamp 1 and the projector-type headlamp 1 ′, the shade 5 (5 ′) is provided so that the upper edge 5a (5a ′) is positioned in the vicinity of the second focal point. Although not shown, the shade 5 (5 ') has a predetermined width in a direction orthogonal to FIGS. 8 and 9, and is substantially an upper half portion as seen in a cross section of the light beam emitted from the projection lens 4. Shield. For this reason, the projection lens 4 emits a light beam that forms the main light distribution pattern I that irradiates the front while preventing dazzling in the oncoming lane. In addition, although not shown, the shade 5 (5 ′) forms a bright and dark boundary line (hereinafter referred to as a cut-off line) that becomes the upper end of the main light distribution pattern I (see FIG. 10) at the upper end edge 5a. The cut-off line clearly reflects the shape of the upper edge 5a.

  The shade 5 of the projector-type headlamp 1 is provided with a window 6 in the middle thereof. For this reason, in the projector type headlamp 1, among the light beams emitted from the light source 3 and reflected by the elliptical reflection surface 2 a, a part of the light beam that is shielded by the shade 5 passes through the window portion 6 to the projection lens 4. The auxiliary light distribution pattern is formed above the main light distribution pattern I (see FIG. 10) with the light beam that has reached and passed through the window portion 6.

  Further, the shade 5 ′ of the projector type headlamp 1 ′ is provided with a shelf-like upper reflection surface 7 and a lower reflection surface 8 that make a pair at the intermediate portion thereof. For this reason, in the projector-type headlamp 1 ′, a part of the light beam emitted from the light source 3 and reflected by the elliptical reflection surface 2 a is blocked by the shade 5 ′ and reflected by the upper reflection surface 7. After that, the light is reflected by the lower reflecting surface 8 and reaches the projection lens 4 as a parallel light beam along the optical axis L. The auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia (see FIG. 10) is formed above the main light distribution pattern I by this parallel light beam. To do.

For this reason, in the projector-type headlamp 1 and the projector-type headlamp 1 ′, it is possible to improve the visibility with respect to a road sign or the like present at a position higher than the height position of the lamp.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-66807 JP-A-7-11702

  However, in the projector-type headlamp 1 and the projector-type headlamp 1 ′ described above, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia (see FIG. 10) can be formed at an appropriate height position with respect to the main light distribution pattern I (see FIG. 10). Have difficulty. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the problems of the projector-type headlamp 1 and the projector-type headlamp 1 ′. Here, since the height position of the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia with respect to the main light distribution pattern I is a problem, the following description uses FIG. 10 viewed in a longitudinal section including the optical axis L. The action seen in the longitudinal section will be described.

  In the projector-type headlamp 1 and the projector-type headlamp 1 ′, as shown in FIG. 10, when viewed from a focal plane fs that includes the rear focal point f of the projection lens 4 and is orthogonal to the optical axis L, it is separated from the rear focal point f. The auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia is formed by the light flux passing through the position v. In the projector-type headlamp 1, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia is formed by the light flux that has passed through the window 6 provided in the shade 5. The shade 5 forms the above-described cut-off line at the upper edge 5a. Therefore, it is necessary to give the upper edge 5a a predetermined dimension in the height direction. Therefore, when viewed from the focal plane fs, the light beam that has passed through the window 6 is separated from the rear focal point f. (See FIG. 8). Further, in the projector type headlamp 1 ′, the light is reflected by the lower reflecting surface 8 after being reflected by the upper reflecting surface 7, and the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia is formed by the parallel light flux along the optical axis L (FIG. 9). reference).

  Here, the light beam emitted from an arbitrary point on the focal plane fs and incident on the projection lens 4 is emitted from the projection lens 4 as a light beam parallel to a straight line connecting the point and the center 4 a of the projection lens 4. For this reason, as the emission position viewed on the focal plane fs moves away from the rear focal point f, the main direction of the light beam emitted from an arbitrary point on the focal plane fs (hereinafter referred to as the auxiliary irradiation axis La) is The inclination with respect to the optical axis L (direction), which is the emission direction of the light beam forming the light distribution pattern I, is increased. As described above, the light beam passing through the position v separated from the rear focal point f when viewed from the focal plane fs is emitted from the projection lens 4 as a light beam parallel to the auxiliary irradiation axis La that is inclined with respect to the optical axis L. Is done.

  For this reason, for example, like the projector type headlamp 1 ′, the light beam P passing through the position v and parallel to the optical axis L is emitted from the projection lens 4 as the light beam P ′ parallel to the auxiliary irradiation axis La. . When the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia is formed with this light flux P ′, it is set so that the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed at an appropriate position above the main light distribution pattern I at point a at an arbitrary distance from the lamp. However, the distance between the main light distribution pattern I and the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia becomes larger than a desired one (set one) at a point b far from the point a from the lamp. Thus, in the projector headlamp 1 and the projector headlamp 1 ′ described above, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia cannot be formed at an appropriate height position with respect to the main light distribution pattern I. Visibility to road signs and the like existing at a position higher than the height position cannot be improved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is a projector-type headlamp capable of forming an auxiliary light distribution pattern at an appropriate height position with respect to the main light distribution pattern while preventing dazzling in the oncoming lane. It is an issue to provide.

In order to solve the above problems, a projector-type headlamp according to the present invention includes a main reflection surface based on an ellipse as viewed in a vertical section, and a light source disposed at one focal point of the main reflection surface, A projection lens disposed on the optical axis so that a rear focal point is located in the vicinity of the other focal point of the main reflecting surface, and an upper end edge is located in the vicinity of the other focal point of the main reflecting surface. A projector-type headlamp that includes a shade disposed between the light source and the projection lens, and forms a predetermined main light distribution pattern with a light beam emitted from the projection lens, wherein the main reflecting surface is , At least a part of the portion located below the light source is an auxiliary reflecting surface that reflects the light beam emitted from the light source toward the lower end side of the shade, and the lower end side of the shade Is lower reflective surface for reflecting the light flux reflected by the auxiliary reflecting surface to the upper end of the shade is provided,
The upper end portion of the shade has a plate shape forming the upper end edge, and the upper reflection that reflects the light beam reflected by the lower reflection surface toward the projection lens on a surface located on the projection lens side. A surface is provided.

  The projector-type headlamp according to claim 2 is the projector-type headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the upper reflecting surface is located at a predetermined interval position as viewed from the projection lens on the optical axis. The light beam reflected by the lower reflecting surface is reflected toward the projection lens so as to form an auxiliary light distribution pattern above the main light distribution pattern and at an appropriate position with respect to the main light distribution pattern. To do.

  The projector-type headlamp according to claim 3 is the projector-type headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the auxiliary reflecting surface transmits a light beam emitted from the light source to the lower reflecting surface. It is characterized by a parallel light beam that goes.

  The projector-type headlamp according to claim 4 is the projector-type headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower reflecting surface is viewed in the optical axis direction. It is located on the projection lens side with respect to the upper reflection surface.

  The projector-type headlamp according to claim 5 is the projector-type headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lower reflecting surface is provided integrally with the shade. It is characterized by.

  The projector type headlamp according to claim 6 is the projector type headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper reflecting surface is the projection of the upper end portion of the shade. The surface located on the lens side is formed by performing a light reflection process.

  In the projector-type headlamp of the present invention, the upper reflection surface that reflects the light beam reflected by the lower reflection surface toward the projection lens is the upper end portion of the shade in which the upper edge is positioned in the vicinity of the rear focus of the projection lens. Since the light beam reflected toward the projection lens by the upper reflection surface is equivalent to that emitted from a position very close to the rear focal point when viewed from the focal plane. It can be. Thereby, the traveling direction of the light beam reflected toward the projection lens by the upper reflecting surface is substantially parallel to the optical axis (direction). For this reason, if it is set so that the auxiliary light distribution pattern can be formed at an appropriate position above the main light distribution pattern at an arbitrary distance from the lamp with the light beam reflected by the upper reflecting surface, the light is viewed from the lamp. Therefore, even if the distance is different from any set point, the positional relationship of the auxiliary light distribution pattern with respect to the main light distribution pattern can be made very close to the set positional relationship.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the upper reflecting surface is above the main light distribution pattern and at an appropriate position with respect to the main light distribution pattern at a predetermined interval position viewed from the projection lens on the optical axis. When the light beam reflected by the lower reflecting surface is reflected toward the projection lens so as to form an auxiliary light distribution pattern, even if it is a point at a different distance from an arbitrary setting point when viewed from the lamp. The auxiliary light distribution pattern can be formed above the main light distribution pattern at an appropriate position with respect to the main light distribution pattern.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the auxiliary reflection surface may be configured such that a light beam emitted from the light source is a parallel light beam directed to the lower reflection surface, and a part of the light beam emitted from the light source is the lower reflection surface. It can be reflected efficiently toward.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, when the lower reflective surface is positioned closer to the projection lens than the upper reflective surface when viewed in the optical axis direction, the light beam reflected from the lower reflective surface It is easy to set the inclination angles of the lower reflection surface and the upper reflection surface so that the upper reflection surface can be reflected toward the projection lens.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, if the lower reflective surface is provided integrally with the shade, the lower reflective surface and the upper reflective surface are configured by the shade. Can be reduced.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, if the upper reflection surface is formed by performing light reflection processing on the surface of the upper end portion of the shade that is located on the projection lens side, the projection on the upper end portion of the shade is performed. The upper reflecting surface can be easily provided on the surface located on the lens side.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  First, the basic concept of the projector-type headlamp according to the present invention will be described using the projector-type headlamp 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing, in section, the configuration of a projector type headlamp 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a shade 15 provided in the projector type headlamp 10. It is a perspective view. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the projector type headlamp 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the state of the main light distribution pattern I and the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia formed on the plane orthogonal to the optical axis L at a point at an arbitrary distance from the lamp by the projector-type headlamp 10. FIG.

  The projector-type headlamp 10 is used as a headlight for a vehicle such as an automobile, and forms a passing light distribution (low beam) that can prevent dazzling in the oncoming lane. The projector type headlamp 10 includes a reflector 11, a frame 12, a bulb 13, a projection lens 14, and a shade 15.

  The reflector 11 has an ellipsoid shape as a whole with one end (11b) open, and has a main reflection surface 11a which is a free curved surface based on an ellipse. The main reflecting surface 11a is formed on the basis of an ellipse when viewed in a vertical section, ie, a vertical section, and has a first focal point and a second focal point on the optical axis L. The reflector 11 is arranged so that the open end 11b is located on the front side of the vehicle, and a mounting opening 11c is provided on the opposite side (rear side of the vehicle) from the open end 11b.

  A valve 13 is disposed inside the reflector 11. The bulb 13 is disposed with the base portion 13b inserted through the mounting opening portion 11c so that the light emitting portion 13a is located at the first focal point of the main reflecting surface 11a (reflector 11). Although not shown in the drawing, the bulb 13 functions as a light source when a connection portion provided on the base portion 13b is connected to a control mechanism, and the light emitting portion 13a is turned on under the control of the control mechanism.

  A frame 12 is attached to the open end 11 b of the reflector 11. The frame 12 has a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter dimension substantially equal to the open end 11 b of the reflector 11, and the inner surface is a reflecting surface. One end 12 a of the frame 12 is attached to the open end 11 b of the reflector 11.

  A projection lens 14 is provided at the other end 12 b of the frame 12. The projection lens 14 is disposed so that the rear focal point f (the front side of the vehicle is the front side) (see FIG. 3) is positioned in the vicinity of the second focal point of the reflector 11. In the first embodiment, the projection lens 14 is a plano-convex lens. For this reason, the light beam emitted from the bulb 13 (light emitting portion 13a) and reflected by the main reflecting surface 11a of the reflector 11 is emitted from the projection lens 14 so as to be substantially along the optical axis L when viewed in a longitudinal section. It becomes.

  A shade 15 is provided inside the reflector 11. The shade 15 is composed of a member that blocks light transmission, has a plate shape extending upward from the bottom surface inside the reflector 11, and is predetermined in a direction orthogonal to FIG. 1 (vehicle width direction). (See FIG. 2). An upper end edge 15a of the shade 15 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a step portion 15b is provided at the center of the upper end edge 15a (see FIG. 2). The shade 15 prevents the light beam, which is located in the upper half portion of the light beam that can be emitted from the projection lens 14 from being viewed in a cross section orthogonal to the optical axis L, from being emitted from the projection lens 14. Are disposed on the optical path from the main reflecting surface 11a to the projection lens. Further, the upper end edge 15 a of the shade 15 is positioned in the vicinity of the second focal point of the reflector 11.

  For this reason, in the projector-type headlamp 10, the main light distribution pattern I that irradiates the substantially lower half without irradiating the substantially upper half of the surface orthogonal to the optical axis L in front of the projection lens 14 (see FIG. 4). ) Can be formed. The light / dark boundary line (hereinafter referred to as the cut-off line IL (see FIG. 4)) serving as the upper end of the main light distribution pattern I clearly reflects the shape of the upper end edge 15a of the shade 15 (up / down / left / right by the projection lens 14). Is inverted).

  The projector type headlamp 10 according to the present invention is provided with an auxiliary reflecting surface 16, a lower reflecting surface 17, and an upper reflecting surface 18 in addition to the above-described configuration.

  The auxiliary reflecting surface 16 is configured such that at least a part of the main reflecting surface 11a of the reflector 11 located below the bulb 13 (light emitting portion 13a) is an inclined surface different from the main reflecting surface 11a. Yes. The auxiliary reflecting surface 16 is set so as to reflect the light beam emitted from the bulb 13 (light emitting portion 13a) toward the lower end portion 15b of the shade 15. In the first embodiment, the auxiliary reflecting surface 16 is a rotating paraboloid (a parabolic surface when viewed in a longitudinal section) having the light emitting portion 13a of the bulb 13 (the first focal point of the main reflecting surface 11a) as a focal point. 13 (light emitting unit 13a) reflects the light beam toward the lower end 15b of the shade 15 as a parallel light beam.

  The lower reflective surface 17 is provided so as to be positioned on the lower end portion 15 b side of the shade 15, that is, on the path of the light beam reflected by the auxiliary reflective surface 16. The lower reflecting surface 17 is set to reflect the light beam reflected by the auxiliary reflecting surface 16 toward the upper end portion 15c of the shade 15 (in the vicinity of the upper end edge 15a). In the first embodiment, the lower reflecting surface 17 reflects the light beam from the auxiliary reflecting surface 16 toward the upper end portion 15c of the shade 15 as a parallel light beam.

  The upper reflecting surface 18 is provided on a surface located on the projection lens 14 side in the upper end portion 15 c of the shade 15. The upper reflecting surface 18 is set so as to reflect the light beam reflected by the auxiliary reflecting surface 16 toward the projection lens 14. The light beam from the auxiliary reflection surface 16 reflected toward the projection lens 14 by the upper reflection surface 18 is emitted from the projection lens 14 to form an auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia (see FIG. 4) described later. The upper reflection surface 18 may be reflected as a parallel light beam as long as it reflects the light beam that has passed through the auxiliary reflection surface 16 and the lower reflection surface 17 toward the projection lens 14, and is diffused and reflected. You may do. Further, if the light beam reflected toward the projection lens 14 is incident on the projection lens 14, the upper reflection surface 18 may be appropriately set in the incident position of the projection lens 14 viewed in the vertical direction. By adjusting the incident position of the light beam reflected from the upper reflecting surface 18 to the projection lens 14, the setting position of the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia (described later) with respect to the main light distribution pattern I (see FIG. 4) can be adjusted. it can. Further, the size of the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, can be adjusted by adjusting the size of the incident region of the light beam reflected from the upper reflecting surface 18 to the projection lens 14.

  In Example 1, the lower reflection surface 17 is positioned near the lower end of the shade 15, but as described above, the light beam reflected by the auxiliary reflection surface 16 is reflected toward the upper reflection surface 18. What should I do? For this reason, the lower end side of the shade 15 provided with the lower reflective surface 17 is located on the path of the light beam reflected by the auxiliary reflective surface 16, and the upper reflective surface 18 is seen in the vertical direction. It means that it is below the upper end portion 15c of the provided shade 15, that is, the lower end side, for example, near the center of the shade 15 when viewed in the vertical direction.

  The lower reflection surface 17 and the upper reflection surface 18 may be formed by performing light reflection processing (for example, vapor deposition of a reflection film) on the plate member, and a plate member having a high reflectance is used. It may be formed. Further, the reflectivity of the lower reflective surface 17 and the upper reflective surface 18 can prevent the dazzling in the opposite lane in consideration of the brightness of the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia (see FIG. 4) described later, and What is necessary is just to set suitably so that it may become the brightness which can improve the visibility with respect to a road sign etc.

  With such a configuration, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed at an appropriate position with respect to the main light distribution pattern I in the projector-type headlamp 10 of the present invention. This will be described with reference to FIG. Here, since the height position of the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia with respect to the main light distribution pattern I is a problem, the following description uses FIG. 3 as viewed in a longitudinal section including the optical axis L. The action seen in the longitudinal section will be described.

  In the projector type headlamp 10, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia is formed by the light beam reflected toward the projection lens 14 by the upper reflection surface 18 provided on the surface located on the projection lens 14 side of the upper end portion 15c of the shade 15. Has been. As shown in FIG. 3, the light beam forming the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia is very close to the rear focal point f when viewed on the focal plane fs including the rear focal point f of the projection lens 14 and orthogonal to the optical axis L. It will pass through the position w.

  Here, a light beam emitted from an arbitrary point on the focal plane fs and incident on the projection lens 14 is a light beam parallel to a straight line connecting the point and the center 14a of the projection lens 14 (hereinafter referred to as an auxiliary irradiation axis La). Is emitted from the projection lens 14. For this reason, as the exit position viewed on the focal plane fs approaches the rear focus f, the exit direction (auxiliary irradiation axis La) of the light beam emitted from the projection lens 14 through the exit position is the optical axis. A small inclination with respect to L (direction), that is, substantially parallel to the optical axis L. In this way, the light beam passing through the position w close to the rear focal point f as seen on the focal plane fs is emitted from the projection lens 14 as a light beam along the auxiliary irradiation axis La that is substantially parallel to the optical axis L. More specifically, the light beam passing through the position w corresponds to the upper end light beam La1 that can be emitted from the upper end (the upper end of the effective diameter) of the projection lens 14 and the lower end (the effective diameter) of the projection lens 14 according to the incident position on the projection lens 14. Is emitted from the projection lens 14 as a light beam parallel to the auxiliary irradiation axis La between the lower light beam La2 and the lower light beam La2.

  For this reason, in the projector type headlamp 10, when setting is made so that the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed at an appropriate position above the main light distribution pattern I at a point a at an arbitrary distance from the lamp (projection lens 14). The distance between the main light distribution pattern I and the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia is substantially equal to a desired one (set one) even at a point far from the point a (for example, a point b) from the lamp. . Thereby, in the projector type headlamp 10, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed at an appropriate height position with respect to the main light distribution pattern I as shown in FIG. Visibility to road signs and the like existing at higher positions can be improved.

  Thus, in the projector type headlamp according to the present invention, basically, the auxiliary reflecting surface 16, the lower reflecting surface 17, and the upper reflecting surface 18 are shielded by the shade 15 out of the light flux emitted from the bulb 13. Thus, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia is formed using a light beam that does not contribute to the formation of the main light distribution pattern I, and the upper reflective surface 18 is shaded to form the main light distribution pattern I. 15 is provided on a surface located on the projection lens 14 side in the upper end portion 15c of the lens 15. Thus, by forming the upper reflecting surface 18 on the surface located on the projection lens 14 side in the upper end portion 15c of the shade 15, the traveling direction of the light beam reflected by the upper reflecting surface 18 toward the projection lens 14 is changed to the focal plane. It can be made equal to the light beam emitted from the vicinity of the rear focal point f of the projection lens 14 when viewed at fs. By forming the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia with the light beam reflected by the upper reflecting surface 18 and emitted from the projection lens 14, the traveling direction of the light beam (auxiliary irradiation axis La) is made substantially parallel to the optical axis L. Can do.

  Therefore, in the projector-type headlamp according to the present invention, the auxiliary light distribution with respect to the main light distribution pattern I is performed even at a point separated from the position where the height position of the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia with respect to the main light distribution pattern I is set. The height of the pattern Ia can be close to the set state, and the visibility of a road sign or the like existing at a position higher than the height of the lamp can be improved. That is, when viewed in the height direction (longitudinal section), the main light distribution pattern I is formed by the light flux emitted from the projection lens so as to maintain the height position where the projector type headlamp is provided. The height position of the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia with respect to the main light distribution pattern I is substantially equal to the absolute height position of the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia to be formed. For this reason, the height position of the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be made substantially constant even at a point separated from the set position, and road signs and the like can be appropriately irradiated. Therefore, the upper end 15c of the shade 15 where the upper reflecting surface 18 is formed (in the vicinity of the upper end edge 15a) is the projection lens when the traveling direction of the light beam reflected toward the projection lens 14 is viewed from the focal plane fs. 14 is a position that can be made equal to the light beam emitted from the vicinity of the rear focal point f.

  In particular, in the projector-type headlamp 10 described above, the interval between the auxiliary reflection surface 16 and the lower reflection surface 17 and the interval between the lower reflection surface 17 and the upper reflection surface 18 are parallel light beams. The auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed by efficiently using the light beam emitted from the light emitting unit 13 (light emitting unit 13a).

  Further, in the projector type headlamp described above, since the distance from the auxiliary reflecting surface 16 to the lower reflecting surface 17 and from the lower reflecting surface 17 to the upper reflecting surface 18 is a parallel light flux, It is possible to easily set the area (shape) and brightness distribution of the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia formed by reflection on the reflection surface 18.

  Therefore, in the projector type headlamp according to the present invention, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed at an appropriate height position with respect to the main light distribution pattern I while preventing dazzling in the oncoming lane.

  Here, in order to make the traveling direction (auxiliary irradiation axis La) of the light beam reflected by the upper reflecting surface 18 and traveling toward the projection lens 14 substantially equal to the optical axis L, in addition to the above method, the rear side It is conceivable to use a projection lens having a large distance to the focal point. However, when a projection lens having a large distance to the rear focal point is used, the projector type headlamp is increased in size. For this reason, by providing the upper reflection surface 18 on the surface located on the projection lens 14 side in the upper end portion 15c of the shade 15 for forming the main light distribution pattern I as in the present invention, the upper reflection surface 18 When the light beam reflected toward the projection lens 14 is configured to be equivalent to that emitted from a position very close to the rear focal point f when viewed from the focal plane fs, the dazzling in the opposite lane is reduced with a smaller configuration. The auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed at an appropriate height position with respect to the main light distribution pattern I while preventing. In other words, in the projector type headlamp according to the present invention, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia is formed at an appropriate height position with respect to the main light distribution pattern I even when the installation space for the headlamp is small. For example, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed above and near the main light distribution pattern I.

  Next, an example of a specific configuration of the projector type headlamp according to the present invention will be described.

  First, the projector type headlamp 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4.

  In the projector type headlamp 10 according to the first embodiment, the shade 15 includes the upper plate portion 20, the lower plate portion 21, and the bent plate-like member 22.

  The lower plate portion 21 has a plate shape extending upward from the bottom surface of the reflector 11, and is sandwiched between the open end 11 b of the reflector 11 and one end portion 12 a of the frame 12 that are fastened to each other. A bent plate-like member 22 that forms the lower reflective surface 17 is attached to the lower portion of the lower plate portion 21. The bent plate-like member 22 has a plate shape bent at an intermediate position so as to form an arbitrary angle between the upper portion 22a and the lower portion 22b. The bent plate-like member 22 has an upper portion 22a attached to the lower plate portion 21 and a lower reflecting surface 17 formed by the lower portion 22b. An upper plate portion 20 is provided so as to be positioned above the lower plate portion 21.

  The upper plate portion 20 has a plate shape bent at an intermediate position so as to form an arbitrary angle between the upper portion 20a and the lower portion 20b. Although not shown in the drawing, both ends of the upper plate portion 20 viewed in the width direction are attached to the reflector 11, and light beams are emitted from the projection lens 14 to unnecessary portions for light distribution in order to form the main light distribution pattern I. To be prevented. The upper plate portion 20 has an upper edge 20a as an upper end edge 15a of the shade 15 and is positioned in the vicinity of the rear focal point f (see FIG. 3) of the projection lens 14. Further, the upper plate portion 20 has a surface positioned on the projection lens 14 side at the upper end portion (in the vicinity of the upper end edge 15a) of the upper portion 20a as the upper reflection surface 18.

  As described above, in the projector type headlamp 10 according to the first embodiment, the lower reflection surface 17 and the upper reflection surface 18 are formed by the shade 15 provided between the reflector 11 and the frame 12. For this reason, in the projector-type headlamp 10, the setting position and angle of the upper portion 20 a (upper reflecting surface 18) of the upper plate portion 20 and the setting position of the lower portion 22 b (lower reflecting surface 17) of the bent plate-like member 22. Further, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed at an appropriate position above the main light distribution pattern I at a point a of an arbitrary distance simply by providing the shade 15 whose angle and angle are appropriately set.

  Further, in the projector-type headlamp 10, since the lower reflection surface 17 and the upper reflection surface 18 are provided on the shade 15, it is possible to reduce the number of assembling steps and suppress an increase in cost.

  Therefore, in the projector type headlamp 10, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed at an appropriate height position with respect to the main light distribution pattern I while preventing dazzling in the oncoming lane.

  Next, the projector-type headlamp 102 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Since the projector-type headlamp 102 has basically the same configuration as the projector-type headlamp 10 of the first embodiment, the same functional parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The projector type headlamp 102 is provided with a shade 152 having a configuration different from that of the projector type headlamp 10 of the first embodiment.

  The shade 152 is configured by attaching the sub plate portion 31 to the main plate portion 30. The main plate portion 30 is bent so that the upper portion 30a is concave when viewed from the projection lens 14 side, and the open end 11b of the reflector 11 and the one end portion 12a of the frame 12 to which the lower portion 30b is fastened. And is held by. The upper portion 30 a has an upper edge as the upper end edge 15 a of the shade 152, and is positioned in the vicinity of the rear focal point f of the projection lens 14. In the upper portion 30a, a surface located on the projection lens 14 side in the vicinity (upper end portion) of the upper edge is the upper reflecting surface 18. The lower portion 30b is provided with an opening 30c for allowing the light beam reflected by the auxiliary reflecting surface 16 to pass therethrough. A sub-plate portion 31 is attached to the lower portion 30b.

  The sub-plate portion 31 has an upper portion 31 a provided with the lower reflective surface 17 and a lower portion 31 b that is an attachment location to the lower portion 30 b of the main plate portion 30.

  In the projector-type headlamp 102 according to the second embodiment, similarly to the projector-type headlamp 10 according to the first embodiment, the lower reflective surface 17 and the upper reflective surface are provided by the shade 152 provided between the reflector 11 and the frame 12. 18 is formed. For this reason, in the projector-type headlamp 102, the setting position and angle of the upper portion 31a (lower reflective surface 17) of the sub-plate portion 31, and the setting position and angle of the upper portion 30a (upper reflective surface 18) of the main plate portion 30. Thus, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed at an appropriate position above the main light distribution pattern I at a point a at an arbitrary distance by simply providing the shade 152 appropriately set.

  Therefore, in the projector type headlamp 102, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed at an appropriate height position with respect to the main light distribution pattern I while preventing dazzling in the oncoming lane.

  Next, a projector type headlamp 103 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Since the projector-type headlamp 103 has basically the same configuration as the projector-type headlamp 10 of the first embodiment, the same functional parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The projector type headlamp 103 is provided with a shade 153 having a different configuration from the projector type headlamp 10 of the first embodiment.

  The shade 153 is configured by attaching a first sub-plate portion 41 and a second sub-plate portion 42 to the main plate portion 40.

  The main plate portion 40 has a flat plate shape as a whole, the upper edge of the upper portion 40a is the upper edge 15a of the shade 153, and is positioned in the vicinity of the rear focal point f of the projection lens 14. The main plate portion 40 is held between the open end 11b of the reflector 11 and the one end portion 12a of the frame 12 to which the lower portion 40b is fastened. The lower portion 40b is provided with an opening 40c for allowing the light beam reflected by the auxiliary reflecting surface 16 to pass therethrough. A first sub-plate portion 41 is attached to the lower portion 40b.

  The first sub-plate portion 41 has an upper portion 41 a provided with the lower reflective surface 17 and a lower portion 41 b that is an attachment location to the lower portion 40 b of the main plate portion 40.

  In addition, a second sub-plate portion 42 is provided on a surface located on the projection lens 14 side in the upper portion 40a of the main plate portion 40. The second sub-plate portion 42 has an upper portion 42 a provided with the upper reflecting surface 18 and a lower portion 42 b that is an attachment location to the upper portion 40 a of the main plate portion 40. The upper reflection surface 18 (the upper portion 42a of the second sub-plate portion 42) is located behind the projection lens 14 when the traveling direction of the light beam reflected toward the projection lens 14 is viewed on the focal plane fs (see FIG. 3). It is set to be in the vicinity of the side focus f.

  In the projector-type headlamp 103 according to the third embodiment, similarly to the projector-type headlamp 10 according to the first embodiment, a lower reflective surface 17 and an upper reflective surface are provided on a shade 153 provided between the reflector 11 and the frame 12. 18 is formed. For this reason, in the projector-type headlamp 103, the setting position and angle of the upper portion 41a (lower reflective surface 17) of the first sub-plate portion 41 and the upper portion 42a (upper reflective surface 18) of the second sub-plate portion 42 are used. The auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed at an appropriate position above the main light distribution pattern I at a point a at an arbitrary distance by simply providing the shade 153 with the set positions and angles appropriately set.

  Therefore, in the projector type headlamp 103, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed at an appropriate height position with respect to the main light distribution pattern I while preventing dazzling in the oncoming lane.

  Next, the projector type headlamp 104 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Since the projector-type headlamp 104 has basically the same configuration as the projector-type headlamp 10 of the first embodiment, the same functional parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the projector type headlamp 104, a shade 154 having a configuration different from that of the projector type headlamp 10 of the first embodiment is provided, and a sub-reflection plate 51 is provided.

  The shade 154 includes a plate member 50 having a flat plate shape as a whole, and an upper edge of the upper portion 50a is an upper end edge 15a for forming a cut-off line IL (see FIG. 4). Further, the plate member 50 is held between the open end 11b of the reflector 11 to which the lower portion 50b is fastened and the one end 12a of the frame 12, and the upper end edge 15a has a rear focus f of the projection lens 14. (See FIG. 3). The upper portion 50 a has a surface located on the projection lens 14 side as the upper reflecting surface 18. The lower portion 50b is provided with an opening 50c for allowing the light beam reflected by the auxiliary reflecting surface 16 to pass therethrough. A sub-reflection plate 51 is provided in front of the opening 50c.

  The sub-reflecting plate 51 has a plate shape as a whole, and has an upper portion 51 a provided with the lower reflecting surface 17 and a lower portion 51 b serving as an attachment location to the frame 12.

  In the projector type headlamp 104 according to the fourth embodiment, the upper reflecting surface 18 is formed on the shade 154 provided between the reflector 11 and the frame 12, and the lower reflecting surface is provided on the sub-reflecting plate 51 attached to the frame 12. 17 is formed. In the projector-type headlamp 104, the upper position of the upper portion 51a (lower reflection surface 17) and the angle of the upper portion 51a of the sub-reflection plate 51 are set as appropriate, and the upper portion of the main light distribution pattern I is set at a point a of an arbitrary distance. The auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed at an appropriate position.

  Further, in the projector type headlamp 104, the sub reflector 51 is provided separately from the projector type headlamps of the first to third embodiments, so that the number of parts increases. A shade 154 can be formed by forming an opening (50c) in Therefore, in the projector type headlamp 104, it is only necessary to form an opening in a conventional shade without using a shade with a new configuration and to provide a sub-reflection plate 51 with a simple configuration.

  Therefore, in the projector type headlamp 104, the auxiliary light distribution pattern Ia can be formed at an appropriate height position with respect to the main light distribution pattern I while preventing dazzling in the oncoming lane.

It is typical explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the projector type headlamp of Example 1 which concerns on this invention in a cross section. It is a typical perspective view of the shade provided in the projector type headlamp. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an effect | action of a projector type headlamp. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the mode of the main light distribution pattern and auxiliary | assistant light distribution pattern formed in the point of arbitrary distance from the said lamp | ramp with the projector type headlamp. It is typical explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the projector type headlamp of Example 2 which concerns on this invention in a cross section. It is typical explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the projector type headlamp of Example 3 which concerns on this invention in a cross section. It is typical explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the projector type headlamp of Example 4 which concerns on this invention in a cross section. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the projector type headlamp of the past (patent document 1). It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the projector type headlamp of the past (patent document 2). It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the problem of the conventional projector type headlamp.

Explanation of symbols

10, 101, 102, 103, 104 Projector headlamp 11a Main reflecting surface 13 Bulb (as light source) 14 Projection lens 15, 152, 153, 154 Shade 15a Upper edge 16 Auxiliary reflecting surface 17 Lower reflecting surface 18 Upper reflecting surface Surface I Main light distribution pattern Ia Auxiliary light distribution pattern L Optical axis f Rear focus

Claims (6)

A main reflecting surface based on an ellipse as viewed in a cross section in the vertical direction, a light source arranged at one of the focal points of the main reflecting surface, and a rear focal point in the vicinity of the other focal point of the main reflecting surface A projection lens disposed on the optical axis, and a shade disposed between the light source and the projection lens such that an upper end edge is positioned in the vicinity of the other focal point of the main reflection surface. A projector-type headlamp that forms a predetermined main light distribution pattern with a light beam emitted from the projection lens,
The main reflection surface is an auxiliary reflection surface in which at least a part of a portion located below the light source reflects the light beam emitted from the light source toward the lower end side of the shade,
On the lower end portion side of the shade, a lower reflection surface that reflects the light beam reflected by the auxiliary reflection surface toward the upper end portion of the shade is provided,
The upper end portion of the shade has a plate shape forming the upper end edge, and the upper reflection that reflects the light beam reflected by the lower reflection surface toward the projection lens on a surface located on the projection lens side. A projector-type headlamp characterized in that a surface is provided.   The upper reflecting surface forms an auxiliary light distribution pattern above the main light distribution pattern at an appropriate position with respect to the main light distribution pattern at a predetermined interval position as viewed from the projection lens on the optical axis. The projector-type headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the light beam reflected by the lower reflecting surface is reflected toward the projection lens.   3. The projector type headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary reflection surface is configured so that a light beam emitted from the light source is a parallel light beam directed toward the lower reflection surface. 4.   The said lower side reflective surface is located in the said projection lens side rather than the said upper side reflective surface seeing in the said optical axis direction, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Projector type headlamp.   The projector-type headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lower reflective surface is provided integrally with the shade.   The said upper side reflective surface is formed in the surface located in the said projection lens side of the said upper end part of the said shade by performing a light reflection process, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. The projector-type headlamp described in 1.

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