JP2009093879A - Vehicle headlamp - Google Patents

Abstract

A conventional vehicular headlamp cannot use an existing shade.
The present invention includes a second reflecting surface, a third reflecting surface, and a surface of a shade. The second reflecting surface 16 is located above the shade 5, and the light L <b> 3 that is not reflected by the first reflecting surface 9 and is not blocked by the shade 5 among the light from the discharge lamp 2 is reflected between the shade 5 and the projection lens 4. Reflect between. The third reflecting surface 17 is located between the shade 5 and the projection lens 4 and is located below the reflecting portion 20 of the shade 5, and reflects the reflected light L4 from the second reflecting surface 16 to the shade 5 side. . The reflection portion 20 of the shade 5 reflects the reflected light L5 from the third reflecting surface 17 to the projection lens 4 side as a light distribution pattern SP for an overhead sign. As a result, the present invention can use the existing shade 5.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a projector-type headlamp or the like, which projects a light distribution pattern having a cut-off line, for example, a light distribution pattern for passing and a light distribution pattern for an overhead sign (overhead sign) to the front of the vehicle. The present invention relates to a type of vehicle headlamp.

  This type of projector-type vehicle headlamp has been conventionally used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Hereinafter, a conventional vehicle headlamp will be described. Conventional vehicle headlamps reflect light from a light source with a reflector to form a main light distribution having a cut-off line with a shade, and irradiate the vehicle forward from the projection lens, and overhead light from the light source The light is reflected by the reflecting surface for the sign and the light distribution for the overhead sign is reflected by the light receiving surface for the overhead sign, and is irradiated from the projection lens to the front of the vehicle.

  However, in the conventional vehicle headlamp, the overhead sign reflecting surface is provided in the vicinity of the upper end edge of the reflector, and the overhead sign light receiving surface is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of the shade. That is, in the conventional vehicle headlamp, the overhead sign reflecting surface is provided between the reflector and the shade and above the shade to reflect the light from the light source from the top to the bottom, and the overhead A sign light receiving surface is provided at the upper end of the shade, and reflects light reflected from the top to the bottom from the overhead sign reflecting surface to the projection lens side as upward reflected light. For this reason, when using an existing shade that stands vertically as a shade, a conventional vehicle headlamp stands vertically with reflected light reflected from the top to bottom from the overhead sign reflecting surface. It is difficult for the overhead sign light-receiving surface at the upper end of the shade to be reflected upward as reflected light toward the projection lens. As a result, a conventional vehicle headlamp uses a shade that has one end (upper end) located on the reflector side at the top and the other end (lower end) located on the projection lens side at the bottom, that is, a new inclined shade. Therefore, it is impossible to use an existing shade that stands vertically.

JP 2007-27067 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that a conventional vehicle headlamp cannot use an existing shade.

  The present invention (invention according to claim 1) includes a second reflecting surface that reflects light between the shade and the projection lens that is not reflected by the first reflecting surface and is not blocked by the shade, among the light from the light source, The third reflection surface that reflects the reflected light from the second reflection surface to the shade side, and the projection lens of the shade that reflects the reflected light from the third reflection surface to the projection lens side as a light distribution pattern for an overhead sign. A second surface is located above the shade, and the third surface is between the shade and the projection lens. And located below the portion of the surface of the shade that reflects the reflected light from the third reflecting surface to the projection lens side (hereinafter referred to as “shade reflection portion” in the claims). , Characterized in that.

  Further, the present invention (the invention according to claim 2) is an elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point where the second reflecting surface is located at the light source and a second focal point located between the shade and the projection lens, The three reflective surfaces are elliptical reflective surfaces having a first focal point located at or near the second focal point of the second reflective surface and a second focal point located near or near the shade, and the reflected part of the shade is projected. It is located at or near the focal point of the lens.

  Furthermore, this invention (invention according to claim 3) is characterized in that the shade has an edge forming a cut-off line of the light distribution pattern, and the reflection portion of the shade is located in the vicinity of the edge.

  Furthermore, the present invention (the invention according to claim 4) is characterized in that a high reflection portion is provided at a reflection portion of the shade.

  Furthermore, the present invention (the invention according to claim 5) is characterized in that a low reflection portion is provided at a location other than the reflection location of the shade.

  Furthermore, the present invention (the invention according to claim 6) is provided with a frame for holding the projection lens, the frame is divided into an upper frame and a lower frame, and the second reflecting surface and the upper frame are integrated. It has a structure, and the third reflecting surface and the lower frame form an integral structure.

  Furthermore, the present invention (the invention according to claim 7) is characterized in that the third reflecting surface is provided integrally with the shade.

  In the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1), the second reflecting surface is located above the shade and reflects light from the light source from the top to the bottom between the shade and the projection lens. The third reflecting surface is located between the shade and the projection lens and is located below the reflecting portion of the shade, and the reflected light from the second reflecting surface is reflected from the bottom upward to the shade side. Is reflected above the third reflecting surface, and the reflected light from the third reflecting surface is reflected from the bottom to the top toward the projection lens. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) is a reflection reflected from the bottom to the top from the third reflecting surface when an existing shade standing vertically is used as the shade. It is easy to reflect light toward the projection lens as upward reflected light at a reflection portion of an existing shade that stands vertically. As a result, the vehicular headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) can use an existing shade standing vertically.

  In the vehicle headlamp of the present invention (the invention according to claim 2), an ellipse having a first focal point where the second reflecting surface is located at the light source and a second focal point located between the shade and the projection lens. A reflective surface, wherein the third reflective surface is an elliptical reflective surface having a first focal point located at or near the second focal point of the second reflective surface and a second focal point located at or near the reflective part of the shade, The shade reflection point is located at or near the focal point of the projection lens. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 2) is the third reflecting surface which is located between the shade and the projection lens from the top to the bottom on the second reflecting surface. The reflected light from the second reflecting surface can be reliably reflected from the bottom to the top at the reflecting portion of the shade by the third reflecting surface, and the third reflecting at the reflecting portion of the shade. The reflected light from the surface can be reliably reflected from the bottom to the top toward the projection lens. As a result, the vehicle headlamp of the present invention (the invention according to claim 2) has a simple light distribution design of the second reflection surface, the third reflection surface, and the reflection portion of the shade, and a light distribution pattern for an overhead sign. Can be definitely obtained.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 3), the shade has an edge that forms a cut-off line of the light distribution pattern, and the reflection portion of the shade is located in the vicinity of the edge. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp of the present invention (the invention according to claim 3) has a light distribution pattern for an overhead sign above and near the cut-off line of the light distribution pattern. Can be formed. As a result, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 3) is a light distribution pattern for an overhead sign that is located above the cut-off line of the light distribution pattern and near the cut-off line of the light distribution pattern. The light distribution pattern for the overhead sign can be reliably irradiated to the point.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 4), a high reflection portion is provided at a reflection portion of the shade. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 4) can form a high luminous intensity portion (high illuminance portion) in the light distribution pattern for overhead sign. As a result, the vehicular headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 4) has improved overhead sign visibility due to the high intensity portion (high illuminance portion) formed in the light distribution pattern for the overhead sign. Is done.

  Furthermore, the vehicular headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 5) is provided with a low reflection portion at a location other than the reflection location of the shade. For this reason, in the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 5), the reflected light from the third reflecting surface is reflected at the reflection portion of the shade, but is not reflected at the low reflecting portion or low. Since it is reflected, the light intensity (illuminance) around the light distribution pattern for the overhead sign can be kept low, and the light distribution pattern for the overhead sign can be raised. As a result, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 5) is provided around the light distribution pattern for the overhead sign, in particular, between the light distribution pattern for the overhead sign and the light distribution pattern having a cut-off line. It is possible to prevent the formation of glare light between them, whereby the light distribution pattern for the overhead sign and the light distribution pattern having the cut-off line can be reliably formed.

  Furthermore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the present invention (the invention according to claim 6), the second reflecting surface, the third reflecting surface, and the frame are used as the second component due to the problem to be solved by the invention. Since there are two parts of the reflective surface and the upper frame and the third reflective surface and the lower frame, the number of parts can be reduced, and the part manufacturing management can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced accordingly. . In addition, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 5) can further reduce the number of parts by integrating the third reflecting surface, the lower frame, the reflector, and the shade. Therefore, the part manufacturing management can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 7), since the third reflecting surface is provided integrally with the shade, the number of parts is reduced as in the case of the invention according to claim 6. Accordingly, the part manufacturing management can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced accordingly.

  Hereinafter, four examples of embodiments of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In the drawings, the symbol “F” indicates the front side of the vehicle (the forward direction side of the vehicle). The symbol “B” indicates the rear side of the vehicle. The symbol “U” indicates the upper side when the front side is viewed from the driver side. The symbol “D” indicates the lower side when the front side is viewed from the driver side. The symbol “L” indicates the left side when the front side is viewed from the driver side. The symbol “R” indicates the right side when the front side is viewed from the driver side. The symbol “VU-VD” indicates vertical lines on the top and bottom of the screen. Reference sign “HL-HR” indicates horizontal lines on the left and right of the screen. Further, in this specification or claims, “up, down, front, back, left, right” means “up, down, front, back, when the vehicle lamp according to the present invention is mounted on a vehicle. "Left, right".

  1 to 6 show Embodiment 1 of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the configuration of the vehicle headlamp according to the first embodiment will be described. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a vehicle headlamp according to the first embodiment. The vehicular headlamp 1 is, for example, a projector-type headlamp that is provided on each of the left and right sides of a front portion of an automobile (vehicle). The vehicle headlamp 1 is used for left-hand traffic in Japan. The vehicular headlamp used for European left-hand traffic has substantially the same configuration as the vehicular headlamp 1. Further, the vehicle headlamp used for right-hand traffic in Europe and right-hand traffic in North America has a configuration in which the left and right sides of the vehicle headlamp 1 are substantially reversed.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle headlamp 1 includes a discharge lamp 2 as a light source, a reflector 3 having a first reflecting surface 9, a projection lens (condensing lens, convex lens) 4, A first auxiliary reflector 18 having a shade 5, a frame 6, a second reflection surface (first additional reflection surface, first auxiliary reflection surface, first sub-reflection surface) 16, and a third reflection surface (second additional reflection). A second auxiliary reflector 19 having a surface, a second auxiliary reflecting surface, and a second sub-reflecting surface) 17, a lamp housing (not shown), and a lamp lens (not shown) (for example, a transparent outer lens). Is.

  The discharge lamp 2 and the reflector 3 and the projection lens 4 and the shade 5 and the frame 6 and the second reflecting surface 16 of the first reflecting surface 9 and the first auxiliary reflector 18 and the third reflecting surface 17 of the second reflecting surface 16. The second auxiliary reflector 19 constitutes a lamp unit. The lamp unit is disposed, for example, via an optical axis adjusting mechanism (not shown) in a lamp chamber (not shown) defined by the lamp housing and the lamp lens. A lamp unit other than the lamp unit may be arranged in the lamp chamber.

  The discharge lamp 2 is a discharge lamp such as a high-pressure metal vapor discharge lamp such as a metal halide lamp or a high-intensity discharge lamp (HID). The discharge lamp 2 is detachably attached to the reflector 3 via a socket 7. The discharge lamp 2 has a light emitting unit 8. The discharge lamp 2 may be a halogen bulb or an incandescent bulb in addition to the discharge lamp.

  The reflector 3 has a hollow concave shape with an opening on the front side (light irradiation direction side of the vehicle headlamp 1, the projection lens 4 side) and a closed rear side. The inner concave surface of the reflector 3 is subjected to aluminum vapor deposition or silver coating, and the first reflective surface (existing reflective surface, main reflective surface, main reflective surface) 9 is formed. The first reflecting surface 9 reflects light emitted from the light emitting unit 8 of the discharge lamp 2 to the front side, that is, the shade 5 and the projection lens 4 side.

  The first reflective surface 9 is an elliptical reflective surface. That is, the first reflecting surface 9 is a free curved surface (NURBS curved surface) reflecting surface based on an ellipse (reference, basic tone). The reflection surface of a free curved surface (NURBS curved surface) based on the ellipse is a reflection surface in which the vertical cross section in FIGS. 1 and 2 forms an ellipse, and the horizontal cross section (not shown) forms a parabola or a modified parabola. It is. The first reflecting surface 9 has a first focal point F11, a second focal point F12, and an optical axis Z1-Z1. The second focal point F12 is a focal line on a horizontal section, that is, a curved focal line with both ends positioned on the front side and the center positioned on the rear side as viewed from above (plane). The free-form surface (NURBS surface) of the first reflecting surface 9 is a NURBS free-form surface (Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline Surface) described in “Mathematical Elemennts for Computer Graphics” (Devid F. Rogers, J Alan Adams). ). The first reflecting surface 9 may be a reflecting surface composed of a simple spheroid having a first focal point, a second focal point, and an optical axis. In this case, the second focal point is not a focal line but a focal point.

  Since the first reflecting surface 9 of the inner concave surface of the reflector 3 is an elliptical reflecting surface, the light emission range of the light from the light emitting part 8 of the discharge lamp 2 is wider than that of the semiconductor light source. Can be reflected over the entire area. Thereby, the light from the light emitting part 8 of the discharge lamp 2 can be effectively used over a wide range.

  A through hole 10 is provided at a location where the optical axis Z <b> 1-Z <b> 1 of the first reflecting surface 9 intersects in the closed portion on the rear side of the reflector 3. The socket 7 is detachably attached to the edge of the through hole 10 in a state where the discharge lamp 2 is inserted into the reflector 3 from the through hole 10. As a result, the discharge lamp 2 is detachably attached to the reflector 3 via the socket 7. The light emitting unit 8 of the discharge lamp 2 is located at or near the first focal point F11 of the first reflecting surface 9. That is, the first focal point F11 of the first reflecting surface 9 is located in the light source (the discharge lamp 2).

  The projection lens 4 is an aspherical convex lens. The front side of the projection lens 4 forms a convex aspheric surface, while the rear side of the projection lens 4 forms a flat aspheric surface (plane). The projection lens 4 has a lens focal point (a meridional image plane that is a focal plane on the object space side) F4 and a lens optical axis Z4-Z4. The lens focal point F4 of the projection lens 4 and the second focal point F12 of the first reflecting surface 9 are coincident (including substantially coincident). Therefore, the lens focal point F4 of the projection lens 4 is a focal line, like the second focal point F12 of the first reflecting surface 9. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the optical axis Z4-Z4 of the projection lens 4 and the optical axis Z1-Z1 of the first reflecting surface 9 are coincident (including substantially coincidence). The optical axis Z4-Z4 of the projection lens 4 and the optical axis Z1-Z1 of the first reflecting surface 9 may be shifted left and right. Further, the lens focal point F4 of the projection lens 4 is not a focal line but a focal point as in the case of the second focal point F12 of the first reflecting surface 9 when the first reflecting surface 9 is a reflecting surface made of a simple spheroid. It becomes.

  The shade 5 is made of a plate member that is inexpensive to manufacture, and has a plate shape that covers the lower half of the opening on the front side of the reflector 3. The shade 5 shields a part of the reflected light L2 from the first reflecting surface 9 toward the projection lens 4, and the remaining reflected light L1 that is not shielded is used as a cut-off line (lower horizontal cut-off line CL1, oblique cut). A predetermined light distribution pattern P having an off-line CL2, an upper horizontal cut-off line CL3) and an elbow point E (intersection of the lower horizontal cut-off line CL1 and the oblique cut-off line CL2), for example, the light distribution for passing shown in FIGS. The pattern P is formed. The elbow point E is a point on the vertical line VU-VD on the top and bottom of the screen and below the horizontal line HL-HR on the left and right of the screen for measuring the light intensity value of the passing light distribution pattern P. It becomes the standard.

  At the lower edge of the opening 11 of the shade 5, there are an edge (upper horizontal edge 12, oblique edge 13, lower horizontal edge 14) and elbow point 15 (intersection of the upper horizontal edge 12 and oblique edge 13). Is provided. The edges (upper horizontal edge 12, oblique edge 13, lower horizontal edge 14) and elbow point 15 are the cut-off line (lower horizontal cut-off line CL1, oblique cut-off line CL2, upper horizontal cut) of the light distribution pattern P for passing. The off-line CL3) and the elbow point E are formed respectively. The elbow point 15 is located at or near the lens focal point F4 of the projection lens 4, or at the second focal point F12 of the reflecting surface 9.

  The shade 5 is a part of the reflected light mainly from the lower part of the reflective surface 9, and the reflected light L <b> 2 irradiated above the cut-off line CL of the passing light distribution pattern P. It is a shield.

  The surface 11 of the shade 5 facing the projection lens 4 constitutes a surface that reflects the reflected light L5 from the third reflecting surface 17 to the projection lens 4 side as a light distribution pattern SP for an overhead sign. . The surface 11 of the shade 5 may be any surface as long as it reflects the reflected light L5 from the third reflecting surface 17. For example, it may be a surface of a material (aluminum, resin, or the like) constituting the shade 5 or a surface on which aluminum deposition or silver coating is applied.

  A portion 20 of the surface 11 of the shade 5 that reflects the reflected light L5 from the third reflecting surface 17 is below the edges (upper horizontal edge 12, oblique edge 13, lower horizontal edge 14) of the shade 5. Located near the side. That is, the reflection portion 20 of the shade 5 is located at or near the focal point F4 of the projection lens 4 or at or near the second focal point F12 of the reflecting surface 9.

  In the case where the surface 11 of the shade 5 is a raw surface of the material constituting the shade 5, the reflective portion 20 of the shade 5 is provided with a highly reflective portion subjected to aluminum vapor deposition, silver coating, or the like. Is provided. In addition, when the surface 11 of the shade 5 is a surface on which aluminum vapor deposition, silver coating, or the like is applied, the reflection portion 20 of the shade 5 directly becomes a high reflection portion.

  The frame 6 has a cylindrical shape. The entire periphery of the projection lens 4 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the front end of the frame 6. As a result, the projection lens 4 is fixedly held on the frame 6. The reflector 3 and the shade 5 are also fixedly held on the frame 6.

  Of the inner peripheral surface of the frame 6, the shade 5 is located above the shade 5 (edges of the shade 5 (upper horizontal edge 12, oblique edge 13, lower horizontal edge 14) and elbow point 15) and forward of the shade 5 ( The first auxiliary reflector 18 is disposed at a position on the projection lens 4 side. The first auxiliary reflector 18 is provided with the second reflecting surface 16. As a result, the second reflecting surface 16 is located above the shade 5.

  The second reflecting surface 16 emits light L3 that is not reflected by the first reflecting surface 9 and is not blocked by the shade 5 out of the light from the light emitting unit 8 of the discharge lamp 2 and the projection lens. 4 is reflected. The second reflective surface 16 is an elliptical reflective surface having a first focal point F21 located in the light source (the discharge lamp 2) and a second focal point F22 located between the shade 5 and the projection lens 4. is there. The elliptical reflective surface of the second reflective surface 16 is a free curved surface (NURBS curved surface) based on an ellipse (NURBS curved surface), or simply rotated, like the elliptical reflective surface of the first reflective surface 9. It is a reflective surface consisting of an ellipsoid. The first focal point F21 of the second reflecting surface 16, the first focal point F11 of the first reflecting surface 9, and the light emitting unit 8 of the discharge lamp 2 are coincident (including substantially coincident). That is, the light emitting unit 8 of the discharge lamp 2 is located at the first focal point F21 of the second reflecting surface 16 or in the vicinity thereof. When the second focal point F22 of the second reflecting surface 16 is brought closer to the third reflecting surface 17, the third reflecting surface 17 can be made smaller.

  Of the inner peripheral surface of the frame 6, between the shade 5 and the projection lens 4 and below the edges of the shade 5 (upper horizontal edge 12, oblique edge 13, lower horizontal edge 14) and elbow point 15. The second auxiliary reflector 19 is disposed at the point. The second auxiliary reflector 19 is provided with the third reflecting surface 17. As a result, the third reflecting surface 17 is located between the shade 5 and the projection lens 4 and is located below the reflecting portion 20 of the shade 5.

  The third reflection surface 17 reflects the reflected light L4 from the second reflection surface 16 toward the shade 5 (the surface 11 of the shade 5 or the reflection portion 20 of the shade 5). The third reflective surface 17 includes a first focal point F31 located at or near the second focal point F22 of the second reflective surface 16, and a second focal point F32 located at or near the reflective portion 20 of the shade 5. And an elliptical reflecting surface. The elliptical reflecting surface of the second reflecting surface 16 is a free-form surface based on an ellipse (reference, base tone), like the elliptically reflecting surface of the first reflecting surface 9 and the elliptically reflecting surface of the second reflecting surface 16 ( (NURBS curved surface) or a simple spheroid surface. The first focal point F31 of the third reflecting surface 17 and the second focal point F22 of the second reflecting surface 16 are coincident (including substantially coincident). Further, the second focal point F <b> 32 of the third reflecting surface 17 is located in front of the reflecting portion 20 of the shade 5 (on the projection lens 4 side). When the second focal point F32 of the third reflecting surface 17 is brought close to the reflecting spot 20 of the shade 5, the reflecting spot 20 of the shade 5 can be reduced.

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

  First, the discharge lamp 2 is turned on. Then, light is emitted from the light emitting portion 8 of the discharge lamp 2. This light is reflected by the first reflecting surface 9 of the reflector 3 toward the shade 5 and the projection lens 4. A part L2 of this reflected light is shielded by the shade 5, and the remaining reflected light L1 (see FIG. 2) has the cut-off line CL1, CL2, CL3 and the elbow point E shown in FIGS. A pattern P is formed. That is, when the remaining reflected light L1 travels from the shade 5 to the projection lens 4 side, the cutoff lines CL1, CL2, CL3 and the elbow point E are formed by the edges 12, 13, 14 and the elbow point 15 of the shade 5. Is done. Then, the remaining reflected light L1 is transmitted through the projection lens 4 while being inverted vertically and horizontally, and projected (radiated and irradiated) in front of the automobile as a passing light distribution pattern P shown in FIGS. .

  Further, of the light from the light emitting portion 8 of the discharge lamp 2 that is not reflected by the first reflecting surface 9 and is not blocked by the shade 5 (usually, light that does not contribute to the passing light distribution pattern P as invalid light). Part L3 (see FIG. 1) is incident on the second reflecting surface 16 from the bottom to the top, and is reflected by the second reflecting surface 16. The reflected light L4 reflected by the second reflecting surface 16 travels between the shade 5 and the projection lens 4 from the top to the bottom, enters the third reflecting surface 17, and is reflected by the third reflecting surface 17. Is done. The reflected light L5 reflected by the third reflecting surface 17 travels from the bottom to the top toward the reflecting portion 20 of the shade 5, enters the reflecting portion 20 of the shade 5, and is reflected by the reflecting portion 20 of the shade 5. Is done. The reflected light L6 reflected by the reflecting portion 20 of the shade 5 travels from the bottom to the top toward the projection lens 4 and is transmitted through the projection lens 4 as an overhead sign light distribution pattern SP shown in FIG. The light distribution pattern P for passing is projected (radiated and irradiated) above the cutoff lines CL1, CL2, and CL3.

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

  In the vehicular headlamp 1 according to the first embodiment, the second reflecting surface 16 is positioned above the shade 5, and the light L3 from the discharge lamp 2 as a light source is shaded from the top to the bottom and the projection lens. 4, and the third reflecting surface 17 is located between the shade 5 and the projection lens 4 and located below the reflecting portion 20 of the shade 5, and is reflected from the second reflecting surface 16. L4 is reflected from the bottom to the reflection part 20 side of the shade 5, and the reflection part 20 of the shade 5 is located above the third reflection surface 17, and the reflected light L5 from the third reflection surface 17 is seen from below. It is reflected on the projection lens 4 side. For this reason, in the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the first embodiment, when the existing shade 5 standing vertically is used as the shade, the reflected light L5 reflected from below from the third reflecting surface 17 is used. Can be easily reflected on the projection lens 4 side as the upward reflected light L6 at the reflection portion 20 of the existing shade 5 that stands vertically. As a result, the vehicular headlamp 1 according to the first embodiment can use the existing shade 5 standing vertically.

  Further, in the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the first embodiment, the second reflecting surface 16 is located between the first focal point F21, the shade 5, and the projection lens 4 positioned at the light emitting portion 8 of the discharge lamp 2 as a light source. An elliptical reflecting surface having a second focal point F22 positioned, and the third reflecting surface 17 is the second focal point F22 of the second reflecting surface 16 or the first focal point F31 located in the vicinity thereof and the reflecting portion 20 of the shade 5 or its The reflection point 20 of the shade 5 is located at the focal point F4 of the projection lens 4 or in the vicinity thereof. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the first embodiment is configured such that the light L3 from the discharge lamp 2 is located between the shade 5 and the projection lens 4 from the top to the bottom on the second reflecting surface 16. The reflection surface 17 can be reliably reflected, and the third reflection surface 17 can reflect the reflected light L4 from the second reflection surface 16 from below to the reflection portion 20 of the shade 5 with certainty. The reflected light L5 from the third reflecting surface 17 can be reliably reflected from the bottom to the top at the projection lens 4 side at the reflecting portion 20 of the shade 5. As a result, the vehicular headlamp 1 according to the first embodiment has a simple light distribution design of the second reflection surface 16, the third reflection surface 17, and the reflection portion 20 of the shade 5, and a light distribution pattern for an overhead sign. SP can be obtained reliably.

  Further, the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the first embodiment has edges 12, 13, and 14 that form the cut-off lines CL1, CL2, and CL3 of the light distribution pattern P for passing the shade 5, and the reflection of the shade 5 The location 20 is located in the vicinity below the edges 12, 13, and 14. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the first embodiment is located above the cut-off lines CL1, CL2, CL3 of the passing light distribution pattern P and cut-off lines CL1, CL2, of the passing light distribution pattern P. A light distribution pattern SP for overhead sign can be formed near CL3. As a result, the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the first embodiment is located above the cut-off lines CL1, CL2, CL3 of the passing light distribution pattern P and cut-off lines CL1, CL2, CL3 of the passing light distribution pattern P. It is possible to reliably irradiate the light distribution pattern SP for the overhead sign to the point of the light distribution pattern SP for the overhead sign located in the vicinity.

  Furthermore, the vehicular headlamp 1 according to the first embodiment is provided with a high reflection portion at the reflection portion 20 of the shade 5. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the first embodiment can form a high intensity portion (high illuminance portion) HSP in the light distribution pattern SP for overhead sign as shown in FIG. . As a result, in the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the first embodiment, the overhead sign visibility is improved by the high intensity portion (high illuminance portion) HSP formed in the light distribution pattern SP for the overhead sign. .

  FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 6 denote the same components.

  A vehicle headlamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The vehicular headlamp 1 according to the second embodiment is provided with a low reflection portion (a hatched portion in FIG. 7) 21 at a portion other than the reflection portion 20 of the shade 5. The low reflection portion 21 is formed by applying a texture or applying paint (dark brown paint such as black) to a place other than the reflection place 20 of the shade 5.

  Since the vehicular headlamp 1 according to the second embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to achieve substantially the same operational effects as the vehicular headlamp 1 according to the first embodiment. In particular, in the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the second embodiment, the reflected light L5 from the third reflecting surface 17 is reflected by the reflecting portion 20 of the shade 5, but is not reflected by the low reflecting portion 21 or is low reflected. Therefore, the light intensity (illuminance) around the light distribution pattern SP for overhead sign can be kept low, and the light distribution pattern SP for overhead sign can be raised. As a result, the vehicular headlamp 1 according to the second embodiment has a light distribution pattern P (cut-off line) around the light distribution pattern SP for the overhead sign, in particular, the light distribution pattern P for passing the overhead sign. The light that becomes glare can be prevented from being formed between the light distribution pattern SP and the light distribution pattern P for the passing sign. it can.

  FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 7 denote the same components.

  A vehicle headlamp according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the third embodiment, the frame is divided into an upper frame 61 and a lower frame 62. The first auxiliary reflector 18 having the second reflecting surface 16 and the upper frame 61 form an integral structure. Further, the second auxiliary reflector 19 having the third reflecting surface 17 and the lower frame 62 have an integral structure.

  Since the vehicular headlamp 1 according to the third embodiment is configured as described above, substantially the same operational effects as the vehicular headlamp 1 according to the first and second embodiments can be achieved. In particular, the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the third embodiment includes a first auxiliary reflector 18 having a second reflecting surface 16, a second auxiliary reflector 19 having a third reflecting surface 17, and a frame 6. Since the first auxiliary reflector 18 and the upper frame 61 having the two reflecting surfaces 16 and the second auxiliary reflector 19 and the lower frame 62 having the third reflecting surface 17 are provided, the number of components can be reduced. Accordingly, the part manufacturing management can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Moreover, the vehicular headlamp 1 according to the third embodiment has the second auxiliary reflector 19 having the third reflecting surface 17, the lower frame 62, the reflector 3, and the shade 5, so that the number of parts is reduced. Therefore, parts manufacturing management can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced accordingly.

  FIG. 9 shows Embodiment 4 of the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 8 denote the same components.

  Embodiment 4 of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be described below. In the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the third reflecting surface 170 is provided integrally with the shade 5. The third reflecting surface 170 is formed on the surface of the second auxiliary reflector 190 by bending a part of the shade 5 obliquely upward toward the projection lens 4 to form a second auxiliary reflector 190. The third reflecting surface 170 may be any surface as long as it reflects the reflected light L4 from the second reflecting surface 16, similarly to the surface 11 of the shade 5. For example, it may be a surface of a material (aluminum, resin, or the like) constituting the shade 5 or a surface on which aluminum deposition or silver coating is applied.

  Since the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the fourth embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to achieve substantially the same operational effects as those of the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the first, second, and third embodiments. it can. In particular, in the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the fourth embodiment, since the third reflecting surface 170 (second auxiliary reflector 190) is provided integrally with the shade 5, the vehicle headlamp according to the third embodiment described above. As in the case of 1, the number of parts can be reduced, and accordingly, the part manufacturing management can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, examples other than Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be described. In the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, a projector-type headlamp that can obtain a passing light distribution pattern P having cut-off lines CL1, CL2, and CL3 as predetermined light distribution patterns will be described. However, in the present invention, the obtained predetermined light distribution pattern is not particularly limited. For example, the predetermined light distribution pattern may be an expressway light distribution pattern having a cut-off line.

  In the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, the vehicle headlamp for left-hand traffic is described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a vehicle headlight for right-hand traffic. In this case, the edges 11, 12, and 13 of the shade 5 are reversed left and right, the cut-off lines CL1, CL2, and CL3 of the passing light distribution pattern P are reversed left and right, and the second reflecting surfaces 16, 160, and third reflection are reversed. The surfaces 17 and 170 and the auxiliary reflectors 18 and 180 are reversed right and left.

  Further, in Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4, the bulb axis of the discharge lamp 2 is disposed on the optical axis Z1-Z1 on the horizontal plane including the optical axis Z1-Z1 of the first reflecting surface 9. This is a so-called vertical type light source. However, in the present invention, it may be a so-called oblique insertion type light source in which the bulb axis of the discharge lamp is arranged so as to intersect the optical axis on the horizontal plane including the optical axis of the reflecting surface. It may be a so-called transverse type light source in which the bulb axis of the electric lamp is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the optical axis on a horizontal plane including the optical axis of the reflecting surface.

  Furthermore, in the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, a so-called horizontal light source in which the bulb axis of the discharge lamp 2 is disposed on a horizontal plane including the optical axis Z1-Z1 of the first reflecting surface 9 is used. It is. However, in the present invention, a so-called upper or lower light source in which the bulb axis of the discharge lamp intersects or is orthogonal to a horizontal plane including the optical axis of the reflecting surface may be used.

  Furthermore, in the said Example 1, 2, 3, 4, the material of the reflector 3, the projection lens 4, the shade 5, and the flame | frame 6 is not specifically limited. For example, the reflector 3 and the frame 6 may be made of aluminum die casting or a resin member. The projection lens 4 may be made of glass or a resin member. Further, the shade 5 may be made of a single plate member made of aluminum die casting or a resin member, or may be made of at least two thin steel plates or thin plate resin members.

  Furthermore, in the said Example 1, 2, 3, 4, it consists of one board member which covers the lower half of the opening part of the front side of the shade 5 reflector 3. FIG. However, in the present invention, the shade may be composed of a single plate member that covers the entire opening on the front side of the reflector, and is provided with an opening for allowing light to pass toward the projection lens at the center, or at least. A shade composed of two thin plate members may be used. In this case, an edge and an elbow point are respectively provided on the upper edge of the shade.

  Furthermore, in the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, the optical axis Z1-Z1 of the first reflecting surface 9 (the optical axis Z4-Z4 of the projection lens 4) and the second focal point F12 of the first reflecting surface 9 are used. (Focus F4 of the projection lens 4) is located on the upper surface of the shade 5. However, in the present invention, the optical axis may be positioned above or below the top surface of the shade, and the second focal point may be positioned in front of or behind the shade.

  Furthermore, in the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, the second focal point F32 of the third reflecting surface 17 is located in front of the reflecting portion 20 of the shade 5 (on the projection lens 4 side). However, in the present invention, the second focal point of the third reflecting surface may be located at the shade reflection location, or may be located behind the shade reflection location (on the discharge lamp 2 side).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (vertical cross-sectional view) of the lamp unit which shows Example 1 of the vehicle headlamp concerning this invention, Comprising: The vertical cross-sectional view of the lamp unit which shows the light distribution pattern for overhead signs, and shows an optical path ( It is a vertical sectional view). Similarly, it is the longitudinal cross-sectional view (vertical cross-sectional view) of the lamp unit which shows the optical path where the light distribution pattern for passing is obtained. Similarly, it is a III arrow line view in Drawing 2 showing a shade and a light distribution pattern for passing. Similarly, it is the IV arrow line view in FIG. 2 which shows the shade and the light distribution pattern for passing. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the light distribution pattern for passing with a shade. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the light distribution pattern for passing and the light distribution pattern for overhead signs. It is explanatory drawing (IV arrow line view in FIG. 2) of the shade which shows Example 2 of the vehicle headlamp concerning this invention, and a passing light distribution pattern. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view (vertical sectional view) of a lamp unit showing a third embodiment of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention, in which a light distribution pattern for an overhead sign is obtained and a longitudinal sectional view of the lamp unit showing an optical path ( It is a vertical sectional view). FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view (vertical sectional view) of a lamp unit showing a fourth embodiment of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention, in which a light distribution pattern for an overhead sign is obtained and a longitudinal sectional view showing an optical path ( It is a vertical sectional view).

Explanation of symbols

1 Vehicle headlamp 2 Discharge lamp (light source)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Reflector 4 Projection lens 5 Shade 6 Frame 61 Upper frame 62 Lower frame 7 Socket 8 Light emission part 9 1st reflective surface 10 Through-hole 11 Shade surface 12 Upper horizontal edge 13 Diagonal edge 14 Lower horizontal edge 15 Elbow point 16 2nd Reflective surface 17, 170 Third reflective surface 18 First auxiliary reflector 19, 190 Second auxiliary reflector 20 Reflected portion of shade P Light distribution pattern for passing CL1 Lower horizontal cut-off line CL2 Oblique cut-off line CL3 Upper horizontal cut-off line E Elbow point SP Light distribution pattern for overhead sign HSP High intensity part (high illuminance part) in light distribution pattern for overhead sign
Horizontal lines on the left and right of the HL-HR screen VU-VD Vertical lines on the top and bottom of the screen Z1-Z1 Optical axis of the first reflecting surface Z4-Z4 Optical axis of the projection lens F11 First focal point of the first reflecting surface F12 First reflecting surface 2nd focal point F21 1st focal point of 2nd reflective surface F22 2nd focal point of 2nd reflective surface F31 1st focal point of 3rd reflective surface F32 2nd focal point of 3rd reflective surface F4 Focal point of projection lens L1 Not shaded by shade Reflected light from the first reflecting surface L2 Reflected light from the first reflecting surface shielded by the shade L3 Light not reflected by the first reflecting surface and not shielded by the shade L4 Reflected light from the second reflecting surface L5 First 3 Reflected light from the reflective surface L6 Reflected light from the reflected part of the shade F Front side B Rear side U Upper D Lower side L Left side R Right side

Claims (7)

In a projector-type vehicle headlamp that irradiates the front of the vehicle with a light distribution pattern having a cut-off line and a light distribution pattern for an overhead sign,
A light source;
A reflector having a first reflecting surface for reflecting light from the light source;
A projection lens that projects the reflected light from the first reflecting surface forward;
A shade that shields a part of the reflected light from the first reflecting surface toward the projection lens to form a light distribution pattern having a cutoff line;
A second reflecting surface that reflects light between the shade and the projection lens that is not reflected by the first reflecting surface and is not blocked by the shade among the light from the light source;
A third reflecting surface that reflects reflected light from the second reflecting surface to the shade side;
A surface facing the projection lens of the shade that reflects reflected light from the third reflection surface to the projection lens as a light distribution pattern for an overhead sign;
With
The second reflecting surface is located above the shade;
The third reflecting surface is located between the shade and the projection lens, and is lower than a portion of the surface of the shade that reflects reflected light from the third reflecting surface to the projection lens side. Located in the
A vehicle headlamp characterized by that. The second reflective surface is an elliptical reflective surface having a first focal point located at the light source and a second focal point located between the shade and the projection lens,
The third reflective surface is an elliptical reflective surface having the first focal point located at or near the second focal point of the second reflective surface, and the second focal point located at or near the reflective portion of the shade. And
The reflection part of the shade is located at or near the focal point of the projection lens;
The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1. The shade has an edge forming the cut-off line of the light distribution pattern;
The reflection spot of the shade is located in the vicinity of the edge;
The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The reflection portion of the shade is provided with a high reflection portion.
The vehicular headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein A low reflection portion is provided in a portion other than the reflection portion of the shade,
The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vehicle headlamp is characterized in that: A frame for holding the projection lens;
The frame is divided into an upper frame and a lower frame,
The second reflecting surface and the upper frame have an integral structure,
The third reflecting surface and the lower frame form an integral structure.
The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The third reflecting surface is provided integrally with the shade;
The vehicular headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein

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