JPH11195303A - Vehicular head light - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce parts used to obtain a prescribed light distribution pattern, and to improve efficiency of the light of a light source device by forming the shape of the output end of a core material of a single optical fiber composed of the core material in a shape to obtain a prescribed light distribution pattern. SOLUTION: The light from a light source of a light source device 1 is made incident on the incident end of a core material of a single optical fiber 2 to radiated the front of a vehicle in a prescribed low light distribution pattern P-1 through a lens 60 after being emitted outside from the output end 24 of the core material. At this time, since the shape of the output end 24 is formed in a shape to obtain the light distribution pattern P-1, the light emitted from the output end 24 is radiated as it is to the front of the vehicle in the light distribution pattern P-1. Therefore, a part to obtain the light distribution pattern P-1, for example, a part such as a reflector and a shade is obviated, so that the light from a light source can be utilized as it is without shielding it.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle headlight device for irradiating light from a light source device mounted on a vehicle through one or a plurality of optical fibers as a predetermined light distribution pattern toward the front of the vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a vehicle headlight device that requires a small number of components to obtain a predetermined light distribution pattern and has a high effective utilization of light from a light source device. In the present specification and the drawings, the symbol “L” indicates the left side when viewed from the driver side,
The symbol "R" indicates the right side when the driver looks forward, the symbol "U" indicates the upper side when the driver looks forward, and the symbol "D" indicates the driver. Indicates the lower side when looking forward from the side. Further, the symbol “HL-HR” indicates a horizontal line, and the symbol “VU-VD” indicates a vertical line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art This type of vehicle headlight device generally includes
As shown in FIG. 24, a light source device 1 is mounted on a vehicle (automobile in this example) C, one end of an optical fiber 200 is connected to the light source device 1, and the other end of the optical fiber 200 is connected to the vehicle. It is located forward. Then, the light (light flux) from the light source device 1 described above is emitted to the front of the vehicle as a predetermined light distribution pattern through the optical fiber 200 described above.

As shown in FIG. 25, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, the above-mentioned light distribution pattern is used for passing an automotive headlamp having a horizontal cut line 3a and an oblique cut line 3b so as not to dazzle oncoming vehicles. The light distribution pattern P-1 (note that reference numeral 3g and the spot portion (range) indicate a portion (range) shielded by light shielding means (not shown)), and as shown in FIG. Light distribution pattern P-2 for driving a vehicle headlamp for driving the vehicle, and, as shown in FIG. 27, an auxiliary vehicle headlamp (for example, a fog lamp or the like) for irradiating the front of the vehicle to the left and right over a wide range. Further, as shown in FIG. 28, a spot light distribution of an auxiliary headlight (for example, a fog lamp or the like) for an automobile for irradiating a predetermined position with high illuminance as shown in FIG. Pattern P-4, And the like.

[0004]

The above-mentioned vehicle headlight device is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-5-109301.
JP-A-5-290603, JP-A-7-21801
And JP-A-8-43638.

[0005] The present invention relates to an improvement of the above-described vehicle headlight device, which aims at reducing the number of components for obtaining a predetermined light distribution pattern and, furthermore, effectively using the light of the light source device. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlight device having a high utilization factor.

[0006]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the shape of the exit end of a core material of one optical fiber is formed to obtain a predetermined light distribution pattern. It is characterized by the following. Further, in the present invention, the shape of the emission end of each core material of the plurality of optical fibers is made to be a shape for obtaining a predetermined light distribution pattern by superimposing the light emitted from the plurality of optical fibers, respectively. It is characterized by.

As a result, the vehicle headlight device of the present invention
Depending on the shape of the emission end of the core material of one optical fiber or the shape of the emission end of the core material of a plurality of optical fibers, 1
Since a predetermined light distribution pattern can be obtained with one or a plurality of optical fibers themselves, the number of components for obtaining the predetermined light distribution pattern can be reduced. Moreover, the vehicle headlight device of the present invention does not block light from the light source device due to the shape of the emission end of the core material of one optical fiber or the shape of the emission end of the core material of a plurality of optical fibers. Since the light source device is used as it is, the effective utilization rate of light from the light source device is high.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a vehicle headlight device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 show a first embodiment of a vehicle headlight device according to the present invention. In the first embodiment, a predetermined light distribution pattern can be obtained with one optical fiber, and one optical fiber is composed of one core material, and the one core material is true. An example having a circular taper will be described.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a light source device (light source) mounted on a vehicle (for example, an automobile). The light source device 1 includes a light source L such as a discharge lamp, for example.
If necessary, a reflector (not shown) for focusing light from the light source and making it incident on the incident end 23 of the core material 20 of the optical fiber 2 described later is provided.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 denotes an optical fiber.
The optical fiber 2 has one end connected to the light source device 1 and the other end arranged on the left or right side in front of the vehicle. Of the above-mentioned optical fibers 2, the other end is denoted by 2L for the optical fiber 2 disposed on the front left side of the vehicle, and the other end is denoted by 2R for the optical fiber 2 disposed on the right front side of the vehicle. I do. The left optical fibers 2 and 2L correspond to left lamps of a general automotive headlamp, and the right optical fibers 2 and 2R correspond to right lamps of a general automotive headlamp. As described above, in the vehicle headlight device of the present invention in this embodiment, one optical fiber 2 is used as one of the general automotive headlights.
It corresponds to individual lamps.

As shown in FIG. 2, the optical fiber 2 includes a single core member 20, which will be described in detail later, and a cylindrical jacket 21 through which the core member 20 is inserted.
It is composed of a cladding material 22 filled in a gap formed between the jacket 21 and the core material 20.
Thus, one core material 20 has a structure wrapped by the clad material 22 and the jacket 21.

The above-mentioned single core member 20 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 5, the incident end 23 of the perfect circle and a predetermined light distribution pattern (in this example, the light distribution pattern P for passing shown in FIG. 5).
-1) and a portion from the entrance end 23 to the vicinity of the exit end 24, and a diameter gradually increasing from the entrance end 23 to the vicinity of the exit end 24. The circular tapered portion L1 that becomes smaller, and a portion from the vicinity of the emission end 24 to the emission end 24, and has a radial cross-sectional shape from a small true circle from the vicinity of the emission end 24 to the emission end 24. And a shape change portion L2 that gradually changes to a shape for obtaining a predetermined light distribution pattern P-1 for passing. The length of the perfect circular tapered portion L1 in FIGS. 3 and 4 is shorter than the actual length.

The shape of the above-mentioned emission end 24 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in the figure, a horizontal straight line portion from C1 to C2 and C
It has a shape surrounded by an oblique straight line portion from 2 to C3 and a curved portion from C3 to C1. The above C1 to C
2 correspond to the horizontal cut line 3a of the light distribution pattern P-1 for passing shown in FIG.
The horizontal straight line portion from C2 to C3 is an oblique cut line 3b of the light distribution pattern P-1 for passing shown in FIG.
In addition, the curved portions from C3 to C1 correspond to the curved lines excluding the horizontal cut line 3a and the oblique cut line 3b of the passing light distribution pattern P-1 shown in FIG.

The input end 23 of the core member 20 is connected to the light source device 1 as one end of the optical fiber 1, and the output end 24 of the core member 20 is set as the other end of the optical fiber 1 in front of the vehicle. Is located on the left or right side of Then, as shown in FIG.
Emitted in the direction of arrow a from the light source L of the
Is refracted at the point P1 of the incident end 23 of the light incident on the core member 20. The incident light is reflected at points P2, P3,
The light is propagated through the core material 20 by repeating total reflection at P4 and P5, is refracted at the point P6 of the emission end 24 of the core material 20, and is emitted from the emission end 24 to the outside in the direction of arrow b. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the incident end 23 of the core material 20 is formed.
Incident on the core member 20 from the core member 20 is collected near the center of the emission end 24 of the core member 20 by the perfect circular tapered portion L1 and is emitted to the outside from the vicinity of the center of the emission end 24. You.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 60 denotes a lens disposed on the exit end 24 side of one optical fiber 2. The lens 60 irradiates the light emitted from the emission end 24 of the core member 20 toward the front of the vehicle as the predetermined light distribution pattern P-1 for passing.

The vehicle headlight device of the present invention according to this embodiment has the above-described configuration.
As shown in FIG. 1, light from a light source L of the light source device 1 is incident on an incident end 23 of a core material 20 of one optical fiber 2, and the incident light passes through the core material 20 and the core material 2.
The light is emitted from the light exit end 24 to the outside, and the emitted light is irradiated through the lens 60 to the front of the vehicle as a predetermined light distribution pattern P-1 for passing shown in FIG. At this time,
Since the shape of the emission end 24 of the core material 20 has a shape for obtaining a predetermined light distribution pattern P-1 for passing, the emission light emitted from the emission end 24 of the core material 20 remains unchanged. The light is emitted to the front of the vehicle as a predetermined passing light distribution pattern P-1.

As described above, in the vehicle headlight device according to the present invention in this embodiment, since the predetermined light distribution pattern P-1 for passing can be obtained by the single optical fiber 2, the predetermined light distribution pattern P-1 can be obtained. Components for obtaining the light distribution pattern P-1 for passing each other, for example, components such as a reflector and a shade are unnecessary, and the above-mentioned components are reduced accordingly. In addition, since the light from the light source L of the light source device 1 is used without being blocked, the effective utilization rate of the light from the light source L of the light source device 1 is high.

In particular, in the first embodiment,
Since the core member 20 is provided with the perfect circular tapered portion L1,
As shown in FIG. 4B, incident light that has entered the core material 20 from the incident end 23 of the core material 20 is collected near the center of the emission end 24 of the core material 20 and is near the center of the emission end 24. Is emitted to the outside. As a result, a hot zone HZ of high illuminance (a portion provided with a grid line in the drawings) is formed substantially at the center of the light distribution pattern P-1 for passing shown in FIGS. That is, the light distribution pattern P-1 for low illuminance passing and the hot zone HZ for high illuminance are formed simultaneously by one optical fiber 2.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a first modification of the first embodiment of the vehicle headlight device of the present invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 5 denote the same components. One optical fiber 2 in the first modified example is provided with an emission end 24 of the core material 20.
Is formed of a separate piece from the other part 26. That is, in one optical fiber 2, it is vertically cut at a position near the emission end 24 in the perfect circular tapered portion L <b> 1, and is divided into an end 25 including the emission end 24 and another portion 26. . End 25 as described above
In the form of an adapter so as to be detachably attached to the other portion 26.

Since the first modified example has the above-described structure, the end section 25 has the same diameter as that of the vertical cut surface of the perfect circular tapered portion L1 at the end portion 25, and the emission end of the shape changing portion L2. 24, the light distribution pattern P-2 for traveling described later.
, The shape of the emission end 24-3 of the wide light distribution pattern P-3 described later, and the shape of the emission end 24-4 of the spot light distribution pattern P-4 described later. Thus, the other portions 26 can be shared.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a second modification of the first embodiment of the vehicle headlight device of the present invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 7 denote the same components. This second modification is
The shade 90 is arranged on the emission end 24 side of one optical fiber 2. The shade 90 is provided with a horizontal cut line 3a of the predetermined light distribution pattern P-1 for passing.
And a horizontal edge 91 and a diagonal edge 92 for forming the diagonal cut line 3b. The horizontal edge 91 of the shade 90 is disposed at the horizontal straight line portion C1-C2 of the emission end 24 of the core material 20, and the shade 9
The zero oblique edge 92 is disposed in the oblique linear portion C2-C3 of the emission end 24 of the core material 20.

In the second modification, the shade 90 is provided. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the shadow of the shade 90 is projected on a predetermined light distribution pattern P-1 for passing, and the shade 90 is provided. Horizontal edge 91 and diagonal edge 92
The horizontal cut line 3a and the oblique cut line 3b of the predetermined passing light distribution pattern P-1 corresponding to the predetermined passing light distribution pattern P-1 (see FIG. 5) in the example where the above-mentioned shade is not provided. ) Is slightly noticeably sharper. In addition, the shade 90 includes the horizontal cut line 3a and the oblique cut line 3b originally formed like the predetermined light distribution pattern P-1 (see FIG. 5) for passing in the example in which the shade is not provided. It is only necessary to trim the area (modify the edge)
The amount by which the light emitted from 4 is blocked is extremely small.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a third modification of the first embodiment of the vehicle headlight device of the present invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 9 denote the same components. In the third modified example, the emission end 24-2 of one optical fiber 2 has a shape for obtaining a predetermined light distribution pattern P-2 for traveling shown in FIG. The vertical direction has a substantially elliptical shape with a short axis. The emission end 24-2 is located substantially at the center of the optical fiber 1.

Since the third modification has the above-described structure, it is possible to use one optical fiber 2 (of one core material 20).
The emitted light emitted from the emission end 24-2 is applied as a predetermined traveling light distribution pattern P-2, as shown in FIG. In addition, a hot zone HZ (a portion where a grid line is provided in the drawing) is formed by a perfect circular tapered portion L1 at the center of the traveling light distribution pattern P-2.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a fourth modification of the first embodiment of the vehicle headlight device of the present invention. In the drawing, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 11 denote the same components. In the fourth modified example, the output end 24-3 of one optical fiber 2 is
Has a substantially elliptical shape having a long axis in the horizontal direction and a short axis in the vertical direction in this example. The emission end 24-3 is located substantially at the center of the optical fiber 1.

Since the fourth modified example has the above-described structure, the optical fiber 2 (of one core material 20) is formed.
The emitted light emitted from the emission end 24-3 is applied as a predetermined wide light distribution pattern P-3, as shown in FIG. Moreover, the light distribution pattern P-3 for wide use.
In the center of the hot zone HZ by the perfect circular tapered portion L1
(Where the grid lines are provided in the figure).

The optical fiber 2 of the third modified example described above
(The shape of the emission end 24-2 is a light distribution pattern P-2 for traveling.
When the optical fiber 2 is installed in a vehicle using the optical fiber 2, the light-emitting pattern 24-2 of the fourth modification is directed downward by directing the emission end 24-2 side of the optical fiber 2 downward. P-3 is obtained. Conversely, the fourth
When the optical fiber 2 of the modified example is installed in a vehicle using the optical fiber 2 (the shape of the emission end 24-3 has a shape for forming the wide light distribution pattern P-3), the emission end 24 of the optical fiber 2 is used. By turning the −3 side upward, the traveling light distribution pattern P-2 of the above-described third modified example is obtained. That is, the optical fiber 2 of the above-described third modified example and the optical fiber 2 of the above-mentioned fourth modified example can be shared.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a fifth modification of the first embodiment of the vehicle headlight device of the present invention. In the drawing, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 13 denote the same components. In the fifth modified example, the output end 24-4 of one optical fiber 2 is arranged as shown in FIG.
Is a shape for obtaining the light distribution pattern P-4 for a predetermined spot shown in FIG. 5, in this example, a horizontally long elliptical shape. The emission end 24-4 is located substantially at the center of the optical fiber 1.

Since the fifth modified example has the above-described configuration, the optical fiber 2 (of one core material 20) is formed.
The emitted light emitted from the emission end 24-4 is applied as a light distribution pattern P-4 for a predetermined spot, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 shows a second embodiment of the vehicle headlight device according to the present invention.
An embodiment will be described. In the drawing, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 15 denote the same components. In the second embodiment, an example in which a predetermined light distribution pattern can be obtained with one optical fiber and the one optical fiber is composed of a plurality of core materials will be described.

One optical fiber 28 in the second embodiment is a bundle fiber composed of many core materials, that is, many fiber strands 27. The fiber element wire 27 is composed of one extremely small diameter columnar elongated core material, a very small diameter cylindrical jacket through which the one core material is inserted, and the jacket and one core material. And a cladding material filled in the voids formed between them. One optical fiber 28 according to the second embodiment has a plurality of bundles of the above-described fiber strands 27 bundled by a holder 29, and the output end 24 of the bundle of fiber strands 27. Has a predetermined light distribution pattern P-
No. 1 is formed.

The vehicle headlamp according to the second embodiment of the present invention can achieve substantially the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment. That is,
Although the hot zone HZ is not formed, the predetermined light distribution pattern P-1 for passing shown in FIG. 5 is obtained.

It should be noted that the above-described multiple fiber strands 27
Instead of the holder 29 that partially holds the bundle, a jacket that entirely covers the bundle of the above-described multiple fiber strands 27 from outside may be used. Also, without using the above-described fiber strand 27, a bundle of a large number of extremely small-diameter cylindrical elongated core materials is inserted into a cylindrical jacket, and the large number of core materials and the jacket are interposed between the bundles. One optical fiber filled with a clad material may be used.

FIGS. 17 to 20 show a third embodiment of the vehicle headlight device according to the present invention. In the figures, FIGS.
The same reference numerals denote the same components. According to the third embodiment, a predetermined light distribution pattern can be obtained with one optical fiber, and the one optical fiber is composed of one core material, and the cross section of the one core material is obtained. An example in which the shape is the same over the entire area from the entrance end to the exit end will be described.

FIG. 17 shows an optical fiber used in a third embodiment of the vehicle headlight device according to the present invention.
(A) is a schematic cross-sectional view, (B) is a vertical cross-sectional view, and (C) is a perspective view. In this one optical fiber 4, a core material 4a having a triangular cross section is inserted into a jacket 4c, and a gap formed between the core material 4a and the jacket core material 4a is filled with a clad material 4b. 4b wraps the core material 4a. In practicing the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the core material does not necessarily need to be a strictly geometrically triangular shape.For example, even if a corner is rounded and resembles a semicircle, it is similar to a triangle. Any shape is acceptable.

FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b) show the operation of the optical fiber core material having a triangular cross section in the present invention. FIG. 18 (A) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a single narrow light beam is guided. FIG. 3B is a perspective view schematically illustrating an operation when a light beam having a thickness is guided. FIG. 18
Is emitted from the light source L (A), a point light incident on the point p ₁ as substantially perpendicular to the arrow a with respect to the incident end 4d of the core member 4a, while propagating the core material in 4a p ₂ to point p ₇ Total reflection is repeated, and the arrow b from the point p ₈ of the emission end 3 e.
It is projected like As shown in FIG. 18B, when a light flux (represented by arrows a ₁ , a ₂ , a ₃ ) having a thickness covering the entire surface of the incident end 4 d of the same core material 4 a as the above-mentioned core material enters, incident light beam is guided to the core material 4a, is projected becomes luminous flux cross-section triangular, as represented from its emitting end 4e by the arrow _{b 1, b 2, b 3} . When the screen is placed facing the emission end 4e, a triangular light distribution pattern 5 is illuminated.

FIG. 19 schematically shows the structure and operation of a third embodiment of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention which is constituted by using the optical fiber core material having a triangular cross section shown in FIG. FIG. A triangular-core optical fiber 4 is led out of the light source 1. Reference numeral 4e denotes the light-emitting end. In FIG. 19, since the scale is small, the abbreviated drawing method is used. However, the details of the triangular core optical fiber 4 are as shown in FIG. 18 described above, and a core material having a substantially triangular cross section is used. Then, one side of the triangle is substantially horizontal at the emission end 4e. As a result, FIG.
A triangular light distribution pattern similar to that shown in FIG. 8 (B) is formed. When the direction of the optical fiber output end 4e is slightly swung up and down and left and right, the triangular light distribution pattern 5 on the screen is shown in the V-axis direction (VU-VD) and the H-axis direction (H
L-HR). Since the upper edge of the triangular light distribution pattern 5 is substantially horizontal, if this horizontal edge is set slightly below the H-axis (horizontal axis), the light-emitting end 4e can be used as it is as it is. When a diffusing lens (for example, a cylindrical lens 6) is arranged in such a manner as to face and is extended in the left-right direction of the triangular light distribution pattern 5, a more practical fog lamp is obtained.

FIG. 20 is a table for explaining the operation when the triangular light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 19 described above is diffused right and left by a diffusing lens. FIG. 20A is a light distribution before being diffused. (B) shows a light distribution pattern after diffusion. As shown in FIG. 17A,
When the core material 4a having a triangular cross section is inserted into the jacket 4c, the jacket 4c having a constant inner diameter D is used.
In order to insert a core material 4a having a large cross-sectional area (large light-guiding capacity) into the inside, it is desirable that the shape is as close as possible to an equilateral triangle or an isosceles right triangle, and a flat triangle has a small cross-sectional area. However, a light distribution pattern suitable as a fog lamp is horizontally long as shown in FIGS. 13 and 27 described above. For this reason, using a core material having a triangular cross-sectional shape (specifically, a triangular shape having a larger area than the diameter of a circumscribed circle) that can increase the cross-sectional area of the core material, the cross-sectional shape of the core material is used. A triangular light distribution pattern 5 similar to that shown in FIG. 20A is formed, and this is diffused in the left-right direction by a diffusion lens to form a diffused triangular light distribution pattern 7 as shown in FIG. 20B. Dimming makes it suitable as a fog lamp.

FIG. 21 shows a fourth embodiment of the vehicle headlight device according to the present invention.
An embodiment will be described. In the drawings, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 20 denote the same components. In the fourth embodiment, an example will be described in which a predetermined light distribution pattern can be obtained with one optical fiber, and that one optical fiber is composed of a plurality of core materials.

One optical fiber 8 in the fourth embodiment is composed of a large number of core materials 8a. That is, one optical fiber 8 according to the fourth embodiment is formed by bundling a large number of thin core materials having a circular cross section to form a core bundle 8a having a substantially triangular overall cross-sectional shape. The gap is filled with the clad material 8b so as to be inserted. However, the above description of FIG. 21 describes a structure formed as a result, and does not limit a manufacturing procedure.
A so-called bundle type optical fiber 8 as shown in FIG.
, The same operation as the triangular-core optical fiber 4 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore,
The aforementioned triangular core type optical fiber 4 shown in FIG. 19 can be replaced by the bundle type optical fiber 8 shown in FIG.

In the embodiment in which the one optical fiber 2, 4 is composed of one core member 20, 4a, the vicinity of the one end of the core member 20 from the entrance end 23 to the exit end 24 is shown. From the input end 23 to the output end 2
4 (first embodiment), and the cross-sectional shape of one core member 4a is entirely from the input end 4d to the output end 4e. (Embodiment 3), but the shape of the incident ends 23 and 4d is
It may be a single core material having a similar shape larger than the shapes of 4, 4e and tapering from the input ends 23, 4d to the output ends 24, 4e. Furthermore, a single core material in which the perfect circular tapered portion L1 is a simple columnar portion or a rectangular column portion whose sectional shape and size do not change may be used. In this case, the hot zone HZ cannot be obtained.

The one optical fiber 28, 8
In the embodiment where is composed of a bundle of a large number of core materials 27 and 8a, the overall cross-sectional shape of the bundle of a large number of core materials 8a from the input end to the output end is the same (No. Embodiment 4), but the shape of the entrance end may be different from the shape of the exit end. Moreover, in the embodiment in which the one optical fiber 28, 8 is composed of a bundle of a large number of fiber wires (core materials) 27 and a large number of core materials 8a, an end including an emission end is provided. And other parts, and the end may be configured as an adapter so that it can be detachably attached to other parts.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show a fifth embodiment of the vehicle headlight device according to the present invention. In the figures, FIGS.
The same reference numerals denote the same components. In the fifth embodiment, a predetermined light distribution pattern can be obtained with two optical fibers, and each of the two optical fibers is composed of one core material or a bundle of many core materials. An example will be described.

In the present embodiment, the optical fiber shown in FIG. 17 or the optical fiber shown in FIG. 21 is used as one set, and one of them is a triangle of a core material or a core bundle at the emission end. One side is almost horizontal. This is referred to as a horizontal side / optical fiber 4H for convenience of explanation. The other of the pair of optical fibers has one side of the triangle of the core material or the core bundle at the output end inclined with respect to the horizontal. This is referred to as an inclined side / optical fiber 4S for convenience of explanation. The only difference between the two in the present embodiment is the mounting posture, and they are the same or similar when viewed as a component.

The luminous flux projected from the horizontal side / optical fiber 4H travels as indicated by the dashed arrow to form a triangular light distribution pattern 10H having a triangular shape having a horizontal cut line 3a on the screen. The curved dashed arrow is schematically illustrated for easy reading, and the actual optical path is straight. The luminous flux projected from the inclined side / optical fiber 4S proceeds as indicated by a chain line arrow to form a light distribution pattern 10S having a diagonal cut line 3b and a shape similar to a triangle on the screen.
The actual shape (optical path) of the chain line arrow is a straight line. The two light distribution patterns 10H and 10S are superimposed to form a composite pattern having a horizontal cut line 3a and an oblique cut line 3b, which is suitable as a light distribution pattern for passing. When diffused, a more suitable light distribution pattern is obtained (details will be described later). The cylindrical lens 6 may be a prism lens, and may be replaced with a lens having a left-right diffusion function.

FIG. 23 is a light distribution diagram for explaining a state in which two light distribution patterns are combined in the embodiment of FIG. 22 and a state in which the combined light distribution pattern is diffused right and left. (A) is a horizontal side triangular light distribution pattern, (B) is an inclined side triangular light distribution pattern, (C) is a synthesized light distribution pattern, and (D) is a left and right direction of the synthesized pattern. Respectively represent light distribution patterns in a state where the light distribution patterns are diffused. The horizontal side triangular light distribution pattern 5h shown in FIG. 23A is a light distribution pattern having the horizontal cut line 3a shown in FIG. The inclined side triangular light distribution pattern 5s shown in FIG.
23 is a light distribution pattern having oblique cut lines 3b shown in FIG. 22 described above.

When both of the above light distribution patterns 5h and 5s are superimposed, they have a horizontal cut line 3a and an oblique cut line 3b as shown in FIG. 23C, and are suitable as a light distribution pattern for passing each other. Pattern. FIG. 23
The area indicated by spots in (C) is a portion where the two light distribution patterns overlap, and the illuminance is large. In this way, a high illuminance area (hot zone) is formed below the horizontal axis H, and the front of the own vehicle traveling path can be illuminated without danger of dazzling oncoming vehicles. FIG. 23 above
FIG. 2 shows that the light distribution pattern of the combined pattern of FIG.
(D). When this is compared with the passing light distribution pattern of the conventional example shown in FIG. 25 described above, as shown by a light-shielding portion 3g indicated by spots in FIG. 25, "a part of the light beam guided by the optical fiber is blocked. 23D, the passing light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 23D can be formed by effectively using all of the light beams guided by the optical fiber without generating an “invalid area”. As described above, since the effective use rate of the light flux is high, the light source 1 having a small capacity (small light quantity) is sufficient compared with the projected light quantity as a headlight, and the light quantity / energy efficiency is high, and accordingly, the heat generation quantity of the light source 1 And the thermal load on the members constituting the light source 1 is light.

With reference to FIGS. 23 and 20 described above, considering the conditions of the triangular light distribution pattern necessary for the device of the present invention to achieve the intended purpose, the straight edge to be a cut line is determined. Is to have. Therefore, the "shape similar to a triangle" is sufficient as long as it has a shape with straight sides, even if it is a shape close to a semicircle sensuously,
Even a shape close to a trapezoid can be included in “substantially triangular” in the present invention.

(See also FIGS. 22 and 23 (D).) The diffused composite pattern 5d formed in the above-described embodiment has a horizontal cut line 3a and an oblique cut line 3b. Although suitable as a passing light distribution pattern, the light distribution pattern formed in the present invention does not form an image of a light source by a convex lens, and therefore has a tendency that its contour is hard to be clear. This is both a disadvantage and an advantage and is hard to discuss. That is, if the cut line is excessively clear and the illuminance gradient near the cut line is too steep, it is difficult to see the immediate area outside the cut line, which is dangerous. For this reason, in the conventional automotive headlamp, a device for intentionally blurring the cut line has been made. In the vehicle headlight device of the present invention, there is no danger that the cut line is too sharp, but if it is desired to make the cut line stand out a little more, the shade 9 is provided as shown in FIG. You can also sharpen lines. Whether to provide such a shade 9 may be determined in consideration of the use conditions of the headlight device according to the present invention so as to be adapted to each case.

The shadow 9 of the shade drawn by a virtual line in FIG.
Does not show the substance of the shade, but shows the shadow on the screen formed by the shade (not shown) provided near the cylindrical lens 6. The cylindrical lens 6 is disposed in front of the lamp at the emission end, facing the emission end of the optical fiber. Similarly to the shade 9 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, a cut line corresponding to the upper side of the triangular light distribution pattern 5 in the embodiment in FIG. 19 can be arranged.
The shade in the embodiment of the present invention has a different technical significance from the shade in the related art. That is, in contrast to the conventional shade, which shields a part of the area to be illuminated and invalidates the luminous flux, as compared with the shade 3g shown in FIG. In this case, only the vicinity of the originally formed cut line, such as the horizontal cut line 3a or the oblique cut line 3b in FIG. 23D, is trimmed (edge correction), and the shade in the present invention is cut off. The amount of light is very small.

In the fifth embodiment described above, a predetermined light distribution pattern can be obtained with two optical fibers, and the two optical fibers are each formed of one core material or a large number of cores. The example in which the optical fiber is composed of a bundle of materials has been described. One of the two optical fibers is composed of one core material, and the other one is composed of a bundle of many core materials. It may be something that is. The shape of the emission end is not limited to the triangle of the fifth embodiment described above, but may be the above-described light distribution pattern P-1 for passing.
(See FIG. 2), a horizontally long elliptical shape of the light distribution pattern P-2 for traveling (see FIG. 10), a horizontally long elliptical shape of the light distribution pattern P-3 for wide (see FIG. 12), and a spot The light distribution pattern P-4 may have a small elliptical shape (see FIG. 14). Although the optical fiber shown in the figure is composed of one core material, an optical fiber composed of a bundle of many core materials may be used. Further, one optical fiber is dedicated to the light distribution pattern P-1 for passing, the light distribution pattern P-2 for traveling, and the light distribution pattern P-3 for wide, and the other optical fiber is spotted. Can be used exclusively for the light distribution pattern P-4. Furthermore, a configuration may be employed in which a predetermined light distribution pattern can be obtained by using three or more optical fibers.

In the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the lenses 60 and 6 are disposed on the emission end side of the optical fiber, but the emission light emitted from the emission end of the optical fiber. A predetermined light distribution pattern for passing, a light distribution pattern for traveling, a light distribution pattern for wide,
If a light distribution pattern for spots can be obtained, the above lenses 60 and 6 are unnecessary. For example, the emission end of one core material, or the emission end of a bundle of many core materials is formed as a convex curved surface or a convex spherical surface, and the emission light emitted from the emission end is diffused right and left or right and left and up and down. In such a case, the lenses 60 and 6 are unnecessary. In the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the light source and the light source device 1 are commonly used as an illumination light device other than the vehicle headlight device of the present invention, for example, a light source for a rear combination lamp or an interior light. Is also good.

[0053]

As described above, the headlight device for a vehicle according to the present invention has a predetermined shape depending on the shape of the emission end of the core material of one optical fiber or the shape of the emission end of the core material of a plurality of optical fibers. Since the light distribution pattern described above can be obtained, the number of components for obtaining the predetermined light distribution pattern can be reduced. In addition, the light from the light source device is used as it is without interrupting the light from the light source device depending on the shape of the emission end of the core material of one optical fiber or the shape of the emission end of the core material of a plurality of optical fibers. High effective utilization of light.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a first embodiment of a vehicle headlight device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows one optical fiber composed of one core material, wherein the shape of an emission end is one for obtaining a light distribution pattern for passing. ) Is a partial perspective view from the emission end side, (B) is a view from arrow B in (A), (C) is C- in (B).
It is a C line sectional view.

3A and 3B show one core material constituting one optical fiber, wherein FIG. 3A is a plan view, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3A, FIG. (D) is a view on arrow D in (C).

4A and 4B are views for explaining the operation of a single core material, wherein FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a single thin light beam is guided, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an operation when light is concentrated substantially at the center of an emission end by a circular tapered portion.

5 is an explanatory view of a light distribution pattern for passing obtained by the vehicle headlight device of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a first modification of the first embodiment,
(A) is a partial side view of a state where the end of one optical fiber and other parts are combined, and (B) is a partial side view of a split state.

FIG. 7A is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where one optical fiber end and another part are joined together, and FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view showing a split state.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view on the emission end side of one optical fiber showing a second modified example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a light distribution pattern for passing obtained by one optical fiber shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a third modification of the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the optical fiber of the book on the emission end side.

11 is an explanatory diagram of a light distribution pattern for traveling obtained by one optical fiber shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows a fourth modification of the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the optical fiber of the book on the emission end side.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a light distribution pattern for wide obtained by one optical fiber shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows a fifth modification of the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the optical fiber of the book on the emission end side.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a light distribution pattern for a spot obtained by one optical fiber shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 shows a second embodiment of the vehicular headlamp apparatus according to the present invention, which is a single optical fiber composed of a bundle of a plurality of core members, the shape of an emission end of which is for passing each other. FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view from the emission end side of one optical fiber having a shape for obtaining a light distribution pattern.

FIG. 17 shows a third embodiment of the vehicular headlamp according to the present invention, which is a single optical fiber composed of a single core material and having a light emitting end having a wide-angle end shape. A single optical fiber shaped to obtain a pattern,
(A) is a schematic cross-sectional view, (B) is a vertical cross-sectional view, and (C) is a partial perspective view.

18A and 18B are views for explaining the function of the optical fiber core material having a triangular cross section, and FIG.
A schematic perspective view showing a state in which a thin luminous flux is guided,
FIG. 4B is a perspective view schematically illustrating an operation when a light beam having a thickness is guided.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the structure and operation of a vehicle headlamp apparatus according to the present invention, which is also configured using the optical fiber core material having a triangular cross section shown in FIG. 18 described above. is there.

FIG. 20 is a table for explaining the operation when the triangular light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 19 is diffused right and left by a diffusing lens, wherein (A) is a light distribution pattern before being diffused; And (B) shows the light distribution pattern after diffusion.

FIG. 21 shows a fourth embodiment of the vehicular headlamp apparatus according to the present invention, which is a single optical fiber composed of a bundle of a large number of core materials, and whose output end has a wide-angle shape. 1A shows one optical fiber having a shape for obtaining a light distribution pattern, FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view, FIG. 2B is a vertical cross-sectional view, and FIG. .

FIG. 22 is a perspective view schematically showing a fifth embodiment of the vehicular headlamp apparatus according to the present invention.

23 is a light distribution chart shown to explain a state where the two light distribution patterns of FIG. 22 are combined and a state where the combined light distribution pattern is diffused to the left and right. , (A) shows the light distribution pattern on the horizontal side triangle,
(B) shows an inclined side triangular light distribution pattern, (C) shows a combined light distribution pattern, and (D) shows a light distribution pattern in a state where the combined pattern is diffused left and right.

FIG. 24 is a side view showing a conventional vehicle headlight device, schematically illustrating a state where a light beam guided by an optical fiber from a light source device mounted on a vehicle body is projected forward of the vehicle.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing a light distribution pattern for passing.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a light distribution pattern for traveling.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a light distribution pattern for wide.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing a light distribution pattern for a spot.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Light source (light source device), 2, 2L, 2R ... Optical fiber comprised of one core material, 20 ... One core material, 2
1 ... jacket, 22 ... clad material, 23 ... incident end, 2
Reference numeral 4 denotes an emission end in which a light distribution pattern for passing is obtained; 24-2 an emission end in which a light distribution pattern for traveling is obtained; 24-3 an emission end in which a light distribution pattern for wide is obtained. Ends, 24-4: Exit end of a shape from which a light distribution pattern for spots can be obtained, 25: End, 26: Other parts
27: bundle of many core materials, 28: optical fiber composed of bundle of many core materials, 3a: horizontal cut line, 3b: diagonal cut line, 3g: light shielding part, 4: triangular core optical fiber, 4a ... Core material with triangular cross section, 4
b: clad material, 4c: jacket, 4d: incidence end, 4
e: emission end, 4H: horizontal side / optical fiber, 4S: inclined side / optical fiber, 5: triangular light distribution pattern, 5c: composite pattern, 5d: composite pattern diffused to the left and right, 5
h: horizontal side triangular light distribution pattern, 5s: inclined side triangular light distribution pattern, 6: cylindrical lens as an example of a diffusion lens, 60: lens, 7: diffusion triangular light distribution pattern, 8: bundle type optical fiber, 8a ... Bundle of many cores, 8b: clad material, 8c: jacket, 9: shadow of shade generated on the screen, 10H: triangular light distribution pattern having horizontal cut lines, 10S: triangular shape having inclined cut lines Light distribution pattern, D
... the inner diameter of the _{jacket, a, a 1, a 2} , a 3 ... incident _{light, b, 1, b 2,} b 3 ... emitted light, C ... vehicle, HZ ... hot zone, L ... light, L1 ... circularity Tapered portion, L2: shape changing portion, P1 to P8: light incident point, reflection point, and emission point.

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. Light from a light source device mounted on a vehicle
A headlight for a vehicle, wherein the headlight is made incident on an incident end of a core material of the optical fiber of the present invention, the incident light is emitted from the emission end of the core material through the core material, and the emitted light is emitted to the front of the vehicle as a predetermined light distribution pattern. In the lamp device, the shape of the exit end of the core material of the one optical fiber is a shape for obtaining the predetermined light distribution pattern. 2. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein the one optical fiber is composed of one core material.
The vehicle headlight device according to claim 1. 3. The one core material includes a perfect circular incident end, the exit end forming a shape for obtaining the predetermined light distribution pattern, and a portion from the incident end to a vicinity of the exit end. Portion, the diameter is a perfect circular taper portion gradually decreases from the incident end to the vicinity of the output end, and a portion from the vicinity of the output end to the output end, the radial cross-sectional shape 3. A shape changing portion which gradually changes from a small perfect circle to a shape for obtaining the predetermined light distribution pattern from the vicinity of the emission end to the emission end. The vehicle headlight device according to claim 1. 4. The headlight device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said one optical fiber is composed of a large number of core materials. 5. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein the end of the optical fiber including the emission end of the core member is formed as a separate piece from another part.
The vehicle headlight device according to claim 1. 6. A lens for irradiating the predetermined light distribution pattern to the front of the vehicle through the light emitted from the light emitting end of the core material is disposed on the light emitting end side of the one optical fiber. Claim 1 or 2 or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned.
Or the vehicle headlight device according to 4 or 5. 7. A light from a light source device mounted on a vehicle is respectively incident on incident ends of a core material of a plurality of optical fibers, and the incident light is emitted from an emission end of the core material through the core material. In the vehicle headlight device for irradiating the front of the vehicle as a predetermined light distribution pattern by superimposing the light emitted from the plurality of optical fibers, the shape of the emission end of each core material of the plurality of optical fibers, A headlight device for a vehicle, characterized in that the headlight device has a shape for obtaining the predetermined light distribution pattern by superimposing light emitted from the plurality of optical fibers. 8. The vehicle headlight device according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of optical fibers is formed of one core material. 9. The single core member includes a perfect circular incident end, the exit end forming a shape for obtaining the predetermined light distribution pattern, and a portion from the incident end to the vicinity of the exit end. Portion, the diameter is a perfect circular taper portion gradually decreases from the incident end to the vicinity of the output end, and a portion from the vicinity of the output end to the output end, the radial cross-sectional shape A shape changing portion that gradually changes to a shape for obtaining the predetermined light distribution pattern by superimposing light emitted from the plurality of optical fibers from a small perfect circle from the vicinity of the light emitting end to the light emitting end; The vehicle headlight device according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle headlight device is configured. 10. The headlight device for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of optical fibers is formed of a large number of core members. 11. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of optical fibers has an end portion including an emission end of the core member and a separate piece from another portion. The vehicle headlight device according to 7 or 8 or 9 or 10. 12. A lens that emits light emitted from the emission end of the core material toward the front of the vehicle as the predetermined light distribution pattern on the emission end side of the plurality of optical fibers,
The vehicle headlight device according to claim 7, wherein the headlight device is arranged. 13. The light distribution pattern according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined light distribution pattern is a passing light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut line and an oblique cut line so as not to dazzle an oncoming vehicle. 13. The vehicle headlight device according to one of twelve. 14. A shade having a horizontal edge and a diagonal edge forming a horizontal cut line and a diagonal cut line of the passing light distribution pattern is arranged.
The vehicle headlight device according to claim 13, wherein: 15. The vehicular headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined light distribution pattern is a traveling light distribution pattern for irradiating a far front. Lighting device. 16. The predetermined light distribution pattern is a wide light distribution pattern for irradiating a wide area on the near side.
The vehicle headlight device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein 17. The light distribution pattern according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern for a spot for irradiating a predetermined position with high illuminance.
The vehicle headlight device according to claim 1. 18. A headlight device for causing a light beam emitted from a light source mounted on a vehicle to be incident on an input end of an optical fiber to guide the light beam, and projecting the light beam emitted from the output end of the optical fiber forward of the vehicle. A headlight for a vehicle, wherein a cross-sectional shape of a core material of the optical fiber is a triangle or a shape similar to a triangle, and a light beam having a substantially triangular cross section is emitted from an emission end of the optical fiber. apparatus. 19. A headlight device for causing a light beam emitted from a light source mounted on a vehicle to be incident on an incident end of an optical fiber to guide the light beam, and projecting the light beam emitted from the emission end of the optical fiber toward a front of the vehicle. In the optical fiber, a large number of core materials are wrapped by a clad material, and the large number of core materials are bundles having a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. A headlight device for a vehicle, wherein the headlight device emits light. 20. A cross section of a triangular or similar shape of a cross section of the core material of the optical fiber is substantially horizontal at an output end of the optical fiber, or a cross section of a bundle of the core material of the optical fiber. One side of the substantially triangular shape is substantially horizontal, and a diffusion lens is provided on the front side of the lamp so as to face the emission end of the optical fiber, and a substantially triangular cross section emitted from the optical fiber is provided. 20. The vehicle headlight device according to claim 18, wherein the light beam is diffused in the left-right direction to form a light distribution pattern. 21. At least two bundles of a core material having a triangular cross-section or a shape similar to a triangle, or a bundle of core materials having a substantially triangular cross-section, wherein the one set of core materials or One of the set of core material bundles has one side of the cross-sectional shape substantially horizontal at the emission end, and the other of the set of core material or the set of core material bundles 1
One side of the cross-sectional shape of the book is inclined at an output end in comparison with the horizontal direction. A lens is disposed, and the two light beams emitted from the two core materials or the bundle of the core materials are disposed.
20. The light distribution pattern according to claim 18, wherein the light beams of the stripes are superimposed and diffused in the left-right direction by a diffusion lens to form a light distribution pattern.
9. The vehicle headlight device according to item 9. 22. A cross-sectional shape of a light beam emitted from a core material or a bundle of core materials is positioned so as to correspond to a cut line of a light distribution pattern formed by the emitted light beam having a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. 22. The vehicle headlight device according to claim 20, wherein a shade having an edge substantially in contact with the side is provided.