Vehicle headlamp

Abstract

A vehicle headlamp (1) is provided with: first light sources (30L, 30H) that emit light that is either low beam or high beam; a second light source (30S); and a projection lens (60) that projects the light from the first light sources (30L, 30H) toward the front of the vehicle and the light from the second light source (30S) toward the side of the vehicle, and in the projection lens (60), a part of a region where the light from the second light source (30S) propagates is shared by a region where the light from the first light sources (30L, 30H) propagates.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle headlamp is known, which includes: a headlamp that emits low-beam light toward the front of the vehicle and a turn signal lamp that emits light toward the left and right sides of the vehicle. Patent document 1 below discloses such a vehicle headlamp. In the vehicle headlamp, the turn signal lamp is lit at an illumination lower than a prescribed illumination. By lighting the turn signal lamp, visual recognition of the side can be ensured, and power consumption is reduced compared to a case where the turn signal lamp is lit at the original illumination, that is, the prescribed illumination.

[0003] In addition, a vehicle headlamp is known, which includes: a low-beam lamp unit that emits light of a low-beam light distribution pattern toward the front of the vehicle, and an auxiliary lamp unit that emits light of another light distribution pattern projected to the side of the low-beam light distribution pattern in the left-right direction. Such a vehicle headlamp is disclosed in the following patent document 2. In the vehicle headlamp, a horizontally long light distribution pattern composed of the low-beam light distribution pattern and the other light distribution pattern is projected toward the front of the vehicle, and the driving road in front of the vehicle is widely illuminated, thereby improving visual recognition.

[0004] Patent Document 1: (Japanese) Patent Publication No. 2014-4882

[0005] Patent Document 2: (Japanese) Patent Publication No. 2005-141919 Summary of the invention

[0006] The first embodiment of the vehicle headlamp of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a first light source, which emits light that becomes either a low beam or a high beam; a second light source; and a projection lens, which projects the light from the first light source toward the front of the vehicle and projects the light from the second light source toward the side of the vehicle, and in the projection lens, a part of the area where the light from the second light source propagates is shared by the area where the light from the first light source propagates.

[0007] In the vehicle headlamp of the first embodiment, in the projection lens, a part of the area where the light from the second light source propagates is shared with a part of the area where the light from the first light source propagates. Therefore, in the projection lens, the projection lens can be miniaturized compared to a case where the area where the light from the second light source propagates is not shared with the area where the light from the first light source propagates and the respective areas are located at mutually separated positions. Therefore, according to this structure, the vehicle headlamp can be miniaturized.

[0008] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, at least a part of the light from the second light source may be emitted from an emission region of the projection lens from which the light from the first light source is emitted.

[0009] According to this structure, the projection lens can be made smaller than when the emission area of ​​the light from the first light source and the emission area of ​​the light from the second light source are located at mutually separated positions in the projection lens. Therefore, according to this structure, the vehicle headlamp can be made smaller.

[0010] In addition, a vehicle headlamp of a first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first light source, which emits light that becomes either a low beam or a high beam; a second light source; and a projection lens, which projects the light from the first light source toward the front of the vehicle and projects the light from the second light source toward the side of the vehicle, and at least a portion of the light from the second light source is emitted from an emission area in the projection lens from which the light from the first light source is emitted.

[0011] In the vehicle headlamp of the first embodiment, at least a portion of the light from the second light source is emitted from the emission region of the projection lens from which the light from the first light source is emitted. Therefore, the projection lens can be miniaturized compared to a case where the emission region from the first light source and the emission region from the second light source are both located at mutually separated positions in the projection lens. Therefore, according to this structure, the vehicle headlamp can be miniaturized.

[0012] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the light from the second light source may directly travel from an incident region of the projection lens into which the light from the second light source is incident to the emission region.

[0013] According to this configuration, compared with a case where light from the second light source is reflected from the incident area of ​​the projection lens inside the projection lens and travels to the emission area, it is possible to suppress light loss such as part of the light leaking to the outside of the projection lens when the light is reflected inside the projection lens.

[0014] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the first embodiment, the emission area may include: a first area, the first area emitting the light from the first light source; and a second area, the second area is located next to the first area and emits the light from the first light source and the light from the second light source.

[0015] In the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, at least a portion of an incident region of the projection lens into which the light from the second light source is incident may not overlap with an incident region of the projection lens into which the light from the first light source is incident.

[0016] In addition, in the first embodiment of the vehicle headlamp, two first light sources may be provided, one of the first light sources emits low beam light, the other of the first light sources emits high beam light, and the light from the second light source is emitted from the emission area from which the light from the first light source disposed on the outside of the vehicle is emitted between the first light source of the one side and the first light source of the other side.

[0017] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, in the projection lens, a part of a region where the light from the second light source propagates may be shared with a region where the light from the first light source propagates.

[0018] According to this structure, in the projection lens, the projection lens can be miniaturized compared to a case where the area where the light from the second light source propagates is not shared by the area where the light from the first light source propagates, and the respective areas are located at mutually separated positions. Therefore, according to this structure, the vehicle headlamp of the first embodiment can be miniaturized.

[0019] As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlamp that can be reduced in size.

[0020] A vehicle headlamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it has a PES (Projector Ellipsoid System) type lamp unit, the lamp unit including a first light source, a reflector, and a projection lens, the first light source emitting first light which is one of light having a light distribution pattern of a low beam and light having an additional light distribution pattern which is added to the light distribution pattern of the low beam to form a light distribution pattern of a high beam, the reflector covers the first light source and reflects at least a portion of the first light from the first light source, the projection lens projects the first light reflected by the reflector toward the front of the vehicle, and a second light source emitting second light having another light distribution pattern which is reflected by the reflector and projected toward the front of the vehicle through the projection lens and is projected next to the light distribution pattern of the first light, the second light source being mounted at a position covered by the reflector in the lamp unit.

[0021] In the vehicle headlamp of the second embodiment, the first light source and the second light source are mounted at positions covered by the reflector in the same PES-type lamp unit. Therefore, compared with a case where the lamp unit carrying the first light source and the lamp unit carrying the second light source are separately provided, the vehicle headlamp can project a horizontally long light distribution pattern composed of a light distribution pattern of light from the first light source and a light distribution pattern of light from the second light source different from the light distribution pattern toward the front of the vehicle and achieve miniaturization.

[0022] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the second embodiment, the lamp unit may further include a shading cover, which is provided between the reflector and the projection lens and shields a portion of each of the first light and the second light reflected by the reflector to form the light distribution pattern of the low beam.

[0023] In this structure, the cut-off line of the low beam light distribution pattern is formed by the shading cover. In addition, in this structure, the second light from the second light source is reflected by the reflector, a part of the second light reflected by the reflector is blocked by the shading cover, and another part of the second light is not blocked by the shading cover and is projected to the front of the vehicle through the projection lens. In this way, it is possible to prevent the light distribution pattern of the second light from being projected to a position above the cut-off line of the light distribution pattern of the low beam, and it is possible to prevent the driver of the vehicle from feeling discomfort caused by the light distribution pattern of the second light being projected to a position above the cut-off line when the light distribution pattern of the low beam is projected.

[0024] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the second light source may be provided next to the first light source in the left-right direction of the vehicle and at the same height as the first light source.

[0025] Alternatively, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the second light source may be provided next to the first light source in the left-right direction of the vehicle and below the first light source.

[0026] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the second embodiment, the lamp unit may also include a hood, which is arranged between the reflector and the projection lens, and shields a portion of the first light reflected by the reflector to form the low beam distribution pattern, while another portion of the first light reflected by the reflector and the second light are not blocked by the hood and are projected toward the front of the vehicle through the projection lens.

[0027] In this structure, the light-dark cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern is also formed by the shading cover. In addition, in this structure, the second light from the second light source is reflected by the reflector, and the second light reflected by the reflector is not blocked by the shading cover and is projected to the front of the vehicle through the projection lens. Therefore, compared with the case where the second light is blocked by the shading cover, since the second light is not blocked by the shading cover, it is possible to illuminate the front of the vehicle without waste, and it is possible to suppress the degradation of the shading cover caused by the irradiation of the second light.

[0028] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the second light source may be provided next to the first light source in the left-right direction of the vehicle and below the first light source.

[0029] Alternatively, in the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, the second light source may be provided at a rearward position relative to the first light source.

[0030] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the second embodiment, the first light may be the light that forms the additional light distribution pattern, and when the first light source does not emit the first light and irradiates the first light of the low beam distribution pattern in front of the vehicle, the light distribution pattern of the second light from the second light source is projected to an area in front of the vehicle and to the side of the low beam distribution pattern when it is assumed that the additional light distribution pattern is projected in front of the vehicle.

[0031] In addition, in the second embodiment of the vehicle headlamp, the first light may be the light that forms the additional light distribution pattern, and when the first light source emits the first light and irradiates the first light of the low beam distribution pattern toward the front of the vehicle, the light distribution pattern of the second light from the second light source is projected next to the additional light distribution pattern and the low beam distribution pattern.

[0032] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the lamp unit may further mount a first light source emitting first light that forms the other of the light of the low beam distribution pattern and the light of the additional light distribution pattern at a position covered by the reflector.

[0033] As described above, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlamp that can project a horizontally long light distribution pattern composed of a certain light distribution pattern and a light distribution pattern different from the certain light distribution pattern toward the front of the vehicle and achieve miniaturization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a vehicle headlamp in a first embodiment as a first aspect of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a low-beam lamp unit.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a lamp unit for high beam.

[0037] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a vehicle headlamp according to a modified example.

[0038] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a vehicle headlamp in a second embodiment as a second aspect of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a low-beam lamp unit.

[0040] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a low beam light distribution pattern and an enlarged light distribution pattern.

[0041] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a high-beam light distribution pattern and an enlarged light distribution pattern.

[0042] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing a first modification example of the position of the second light source.

[0043] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing a second modification example of the position of the second light source.

[0044] Fig.11 The third modification example showing the position of the second light source is a plan view of the first light source and the second light source and their surroundings in the third modification example.

[0045] Fig.12 1 and 2 are diagrams showing how the first light and the second light travel in the third modification example.

[0046] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing a low beam light distribution pattern and an enlarged light distribution pattern in a third modified example.

[0047] Fig.14 The fourth modification example showing the position of the second light source is a plan view of the first light source and the second light source and their surroundings in the fourth modification example.

[0048] Fig.15 1 and 2 are diagrams showing how the first light and the second light travel in the fourth modification example.

[0049] Fig.16 It is a diagram showing a low beam light distribution pattern and an enlarged light distribution pattern in a fourth modified example.

[0050] Fig.17 It is a diagram showing a high-beam light distribution pattern and an enlarged light distribution pattern in a fourth modified example.

[0051] Fig.18 The fifth modification example showing the positions of the first light source and the second light source is a plan view of the first light source and the second light source and their surroundings in the fifth modification example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The following, with the attached Figure 1 The following is an example of a method for implementing the vehicle headlamp of the present invention. The following example implementation is intended to facilitate the understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its main purpose. It should be noted that in the following referenced drawings, the dimensions of each component are sometimes changed for easy understanding. In addition, in the drawings, for easy observation, only a part of the same components is sometimes marked with a reference symbol, and a part of the reference symbols are omitted.

[0053] (First Embodiment)

[0054] A first embodiment as a first aspect of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle headlamp in this embodiment. Such a vehicle headlamp 1 is generally arranged in the left and right directions in front of the vehicle, and the left and right vehicle headlamps 1 have a substantially symmetrical structure in the left and right directions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vehicle headlamp 1 on the left side is described. It should be noted that in this specification, "right" refers to the right side in the forward direction of the vehicle, and "left" refers to the left side in the forward direction. The vehicle in this embodiment is a car.

[0055] The vehicle headlamp 1 includes a housing 10, a low beam lamp unit 1L, a high beam lamp unit 1H, and a side lamp unit 1S for emitting light to the left side of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the lamp unit 1L is located at a position closer to the vehicle outer side than the lamp unit 1H, and is arranged in the left-right direction with the lamp unit 1H. The side lamp unit 1S is a side illumination lamp, a so-called turn signal lamp.

[0056] The housing 10 includes a housing 11 and a front cover 12. The housing 11 is in a box shape with an opening at the front, and the front cover 12 is fixed to the housing 11 so as to block the opening. Thus, a storage space surrounded by the housing 11 and the front cover 12 is formed in the housing 10, and the lamp units 1L, 1H, and 1S are arranged in the storage space. The front cover 12 allows light emitted from the lamp units 1L, 1H, and 1S to pass through.

[0057] Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the lamp unit 1L. The lamp unit 1L includes a base plate 20 , a first light source 30L, a light control circuit 40 , a heat sink 51 , a cooling fan 52 , a projection lens 60 , a reflector 70 , and a light shielding cover 80 .

[0058] The bottom plate 20 is a metal plate-shaped member extending substantially vertically and fixed to the housing 11 of the frame 10. The bottom plate 20 is provided with an opening 21 penetrating the bottom plate 20 in the front-rear direction and located on the optical path of light emitted from the first light source 30L.

[0059] In addition, a bracket 22 is coupled to the bottom plate 20. One ends of a plurality of optical axis adjustment screws 23 are screwed to the bracket 22, and the optical axis adjustment screws 23 are supported by the housing 11. A head 23A, which is the other end of the optical axis adjustment screw 23, is exposed outside the accommodation space of the frame 10. By rotating the head 23A, the bracket 22 is screwed and tilted, and the optical axis can be adjusted in the up, down, left, and right directions.

[0060] The first light source 30L in the lamp unit 1L emits light that becomes a low beam. The first light source 30L is composed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The switching of the power supply of the first light source 30L on and off, the intensity of the light from the first light source 30L, etc. are controlled by the light control circuit 40. The light control circuit 40 and the first light source 30L are fixed to a base plate 51A of the heat sink 51, which will be described later.

[0061] The heat sink 51 has a metal base plate 51A extending in a substantially horizontal direction, and the first light source 30L and the light control circuit 40 are fixed to one side of the base plate 51A. In addition, a plurality of heat sinks 51B are integrally provided on the surface of the base plate 51A on the side opposite to the side on which the first light source 30L and the light control circuit 40 are provided. The heat sink 51B located at the front of the plurality of heat sinks 51B is fixed to the back side of the base plate 20. The cooling fan 52 is arranged with a gap between the heat sink 51B and fixed to the heat sink 51. The heat generated by the first light source 30L and the light control circuit 40 is transferred from the base plate 51A to the heat sink 51B, and the heat sink 51B is cooled by the airflow generated by the rotation of the cooling fan 52. Therefore, the heat of the first light source 30L and the light control circuit 40 is efficiently diffused.

[0062] The reflector 70 is formed of a curved plate material and is fixed to the base plate 51A of the heat sink 51 in a manner covering the first light source 30L. The surface of the reflector 70 facing the first light source 30L is a reflecting surface 70R that reflects light from the first light source 30L without transmitting it. The reflecting surface 70R is based on a rotating elliptical surface, and the first light source 30L is arranged at a position of the first focus of the elliptical surface or at a position near it. At least a portion of the light emitted from the first light source 30L is reflected by the reflecting surface 70R through the opening 21 toward the projection lens 60 side, and is emitted through the projection lens 60.

[0063] The projection lens 60 is a convex lens, which is arranged in front of the base plate 20 and fixed to the base plate 20 via a lens holder 64. The projection lens 60 includes an incident area 61L into which light from the first light source 30L is incident, and an emission area 62L from which light from the first light source 30L incident on the projection lens 60 is emitted forward from the incident area 61L. The incident area 61L is convexly curved toward the rear and is opposite to the emission area 62L. The emission area 62L is convexly curved toward the front. In the present embodiment, the projection lens 60 is arranged in such a manner that the rear focus of the projection lens 60 is located at or near the second focus of the reflection surface of the reflector 70. That is, in the lamp unit 1L of the present embodiment, a PES (Projector Ellipsoid System) optical system is adopted.

[0064] The shading hood 80 is arranged between the first light source 30L and the projection lens 60, and is fixed to the bottom plate 20. The upper end portion of the shading hood 80, that is, the edge portion 81, is located at the second focus or the vicinity of the second focus of the elliptical curved surface of the reflecting surface 70R. A part of the light emitted from the first light source 30L and reflected by the reflector 70 is irradiated to the shading hood 80. The shading hood 80 blocks a part of the light from the first light source 30L so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the emission area 62L of the projection lens 60 becomes a light distribution pattern of low beam. Therefore, a part of the light is shielded by the shading hood 80 and does not enter the projection lens 60. In addition, another part of the light is not shielded by the shading hood 80 and directly travels from the reflecting surface 70R to the incident area 61L of the projection lens 60 and enters the incident area 61L, or is reflected by the edge portion 81 of the shading hood 80 and enters the incident area 61L. Thus, light of the low-beam light distribution pattern reflecting the shape of the cut-off line of the edge portion 81 of the shade 80 is emitted from the emission region 62L of the projection lens 60 .

[0065] Figure 3 1H is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the lamp unit 1H. Compared with the structure of the lamp unit 1L, the lamp unit 1H has the same structure as the lamp unit 1L except that the shade 80 is not provided and the first light source 30H is provided instead of the first light source 30L.

[0066] The first light source 30H of the lamp unit 1H emits light that serves as a high beam. The first light source 30H is composed of, for example, an LED. Switching on and off the power supply of the first light source 30H, the intensity of the light from the first light source 30H, etc. are controlled by the light control circuit 40 of the lamp unit 1H, similarly to the lamp unit 1L. In the heat sink 51 and the cooling fan 52 of the lamp unit 1H, the heat of the first light source 30H of the lamp unit 1H and the light control circuit 40 is efficiently diffused, similarly to the lamp unit 1L.

[0067] The surface of the reflector 70 of the lamp unit 1H that faces the first light source 30H is a reflecting surface 70R that reflects the light from the first light source 30H without transmitting it. The reflecting surface 70R is based on a rotational ellipsoid, and the first light source 30H is arranged at a position of the first focus of the ellipsoid or at a position near it. At least a part of the light emitted from the first light source 30H is reflected by the reflecting surface 70R of the lamp unit 1H through the opening 21 toward the projection lens 60 side, and is emitted through the projection lens 60.

[0068] exist Figure 3 , the emission area and the incident area in the projection lens 60 of the lamp unit 1H are represented as the incident area 61H and the emission area 62H. The light from the first light source 30H is incident on the incident area 61H via the reflecting surface 70R, and the incident area 61H is convexly curved toward the rear. The emission area 62H emits the light from the first light source 30H that is incident on the projection lens 60 from the incident area 61H to the front, and is convexly curved toward the front relative to the incident area 61H. In the present embodiment, the projection lens 60 is configured in such a manner that the rear focus of the projection lens 60 is located at the second focus of the reflecting surface of the reflector 70 or in the vicinity thereof. That is, in the lamp unit 1H of the present embodiment, the PES optical system is also adopted.

[0069] At least a portion of the light emitted from the first light source 30H is reflected by the reflector 70 and enters the incident area 61L of the projection lens 60 . Thus, the light of the high-beam light distribution pattern is emitted from the emission area 62L of the projection lens 60 .

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, the projection lens 60 in the lamp unit 1L, 1H is a lens that is horizontally long in the left-right direction. A portion of the horizontally long projection lens 60 is a projection lens for low beam, and another portion of the projection lens 60 adjacent to the portion of the projection lens 60 is a projection lens for high beam. Therefore, it can be understood that the projection lens 60 of each of the lamp units 1L, 1H is integrated. Such a projection lens 60 projects the light from the first light source 30L, 30H to the front of the vehicle.

[0071] The incident area 61L and the incident area 61H do not overlap each other on the rear surface of the projection lens 60, and the emission area 62L and the emission area 62H do not overlap each other on the front surface of the projection lens 60. In the present embodiment, the incident area 61H is located closer to the vehicle inner side than the incident area 61L, and the emission area 62H is located closer to the vehicle inner side than the emission area 62L.

[0072] The lamp unit 1S includes a bottom plate 91 , a second light source 30S, a light control circuit 93 , and a projection lens 60 .

[0073] The bottom plate 91 is a metal plate-shaped member extending in a substantially vertical direction and is fixed to the housing 11 of the frame 10. Similar to the bottom plate 20 and the bracket 22, a bracket (not shown) is coupled to the bottom plate 91, and the optical axis can be adjusted in the up-down, left-right directions by rotating the head (not shown) of the bracket.

[0074] The second light source 30S emits light for a turn signal. The second light source 30S is composed of, for example, an LED. The switching of the power supply of the second light source 30S on and off, the intensity of the light from the second light source 30S, etc. are controlled by the light control circuit 93 of the lamp unit 1S, similarly to the lamp unit 1L. The light control circuit 93 and the second light source 30S are fixed to the bottom plate 91.

[0075] It should be noted that a heat sink and a cooling fan having the same structure as the heat sink 51 and the cooling fan 52 may be provided on the surface of the bottom plate 91 opposite to the surface on which the second light source 30S is fixed. The heat generated by the second light source 30S and the light control circuit 93 is transferred from the bottom plate 91 to the heat sink via the base plate of the heat sink, and the heat sink of the heat sink is cooled by the airflow generated by the rotation of the cooling fan. Therefore, the heat of the second light source 30S and the light control circuit 93 is efficiently diffused.

[0076] The second light source 30S, the light control circuit 93 , and the bottom plate 91 are disposed on the right side of the projection lens 60 .

[0077] The projection lens 60 in the lamp unit 1S is the projection lens 60 in the lamp unit 1L and the lamp unit 1H. Therefore, the projection lens 60 is common to the lamp unit 1L, the lamp unit 1H, and the lamp unit 1S, and is a lens shared by them.

[0078] The projection lens 60 further includes an incident area 61S for the light from the second light source 30S to be incident, and the incident area 61S is convexly curved toward the right side. In the present embodiment, the incident area 61S is provided on the right side surface of the projection lens 60. Therefore, the incident area 61S does not overlap with the incident areas 61L, 61H and the emission areas 62L, 62H, and the light from the second light source 30S is incident on the projection lens 60 from a position in the projection lens 60 that is offset from the position where the light from the first light sources 30L, 30H is incident.

[0079] The projection lens 60 emits the light from the second light source 30S from the emission area 62L to the side of the vehicle. That is, the light from the second light source 30S is emitted from the emission area 62L in the projection lens 60 from which the light from the first light source 30L is emitted. It should be noted that at least a portion of the light from the second light source 30S may be emitted from the emission area 62L. The light from the second light source 30S directly travels to the emission area 62L from the incident area 61S of the projection lens 60 without being reflected inside the projection lens 60. The emission area 62L of this embodiment includes: a first area 62a that emits the light from the first light source 30L and a second area 62b that is located next to the first area 62a and emits the light from the first light source 30L and the light from the second light source 30S. The second area 62b is located at a position closer to the outside of the vehicle than the first area 62a. The second area 62b is smaller than the first area 62a, but may be larger than the first area 62a. The second area 62b is opposite to the incident area 61S.

[0080] In addition, the projection lens 60 also includes an emission area 62S that is disposed on the left side of the projection lens 60 and emits only the light from the second light source 30S to the left side. Therefore, the projection lens 60 of the present embodiment projects the light from the second light source 30S from the emission areas 62L and 62S to the left side. The emission area 62S is convexly curved toward the left side. In addition, the emission area 62S is located next to the second area 62b. Specifically, the emission area 62S is located on the opposite side of the first area 62a with the second area 62b as a reference, and is connected to the second area 62b. Therefore, the light from the second light source 30S is further emitted from the emission area 62S for the side next to the emission area 62L. The emission area 62S is smaller than the emission area 62L and larger than the second area 62b. It should be noted that the size relationship between the emission area 62S and the emission area 62L, and the size relationship between the emission area 62S and the second area 62b are not particularly limited. The emission region 62S faces the incident region 61S.

[0081] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0082] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the lamp unit 1L, in the state of emitting low beam, light is emitted from the first light source 30L for low beam, and the light is mainly reflected by the reflection surface 70R of the reflector 70. A part of the light reflected by the reflection surface 70R is shielded by the shade 80, and the other part is incident from the incident area 61L of the projection lens 60 and emitted from the emission area 62L. Thus, light having a light distribution pattern of low beam is emitted forward from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0083] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 3As shown, in the lamp unit 1H, when emitting high beam, light is emitted from the first light source 30H for high beam, and the light is mainly reflected by the reflection surface 70R of the reflector 70. The light reflected by the reflection surface 70R enters the incident area 61H of the projection lens 60, and is emitted from the emission area 62H. Thus, light having a light distribution pattern of high beam is emitted forward from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0084] like Figure 1 As shown, in the lamp unit 1S, when the lamp unit 1S is lit, light is emitted from the second light source 30S, which is incident from the incident area 61S of the projection lens 60, and is not reflected inside the projection lens 60, but directly travels from the incident area 61S to the emission area 62L. Then, the light is emitted from the second area 62b of the emission area 62L. In this way, the light from the second light source 30S is emitted from the emission area 62L from which the light from the first light source 30L disposed outside the vehicle, out of the first light source 30L and the first light source 30H, is emitted. In addition, the light from the second light source 30S is incident from the incident area 61S, and is not reflected inside the projection lens 60, but directly travels from the incident area 61S to the emission area 62S, and is further emitted from the emission area 62S. In this way, the light from the second light source 30S is incident on the projection lens 60 from the right side surface of the projection lens 60, and is emitted to the left side from the front and left side surfaces of the projection lens 60. Thus, light is emitted laterally from the vehicle headlamp 1. It should be noted that the light does not travel from the incident area 61S to the emission area 62H of the lamp unit 1H, and is not emitted from the emission area 62H. In addition, in the projection lens 60, a part of the area where the light from the second light source 30S propagates is shared by the area where the light from the first light source 30H propagates, and another part of the area is shared by the area where the light from the first light source 30L propagates. Therefore, in the projection lens 60, the optical path of the light from the second light source 30S intersects with the optical path of the light from the first light source 30H and the optical path of the light from the first light source 30L.

[0085] However, in the vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 1, the headlamp and the turn signal lamp are provided separately. Since projection lenses are provided separately for the headlamp and the turn signal lamp, the vehicle headlamp as a whole tends to be larger. Therefore, miniaturization of the vehicle headlamp is required.

[0086] Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, in the projection lens 60 , a part of the region where the light from the second light source 30S propagates is shared by the region where the light from the first light sources 30L and 30H propagates.

[0087] According to this structure, in the projection lens 60, the area where the light from the second light source 30S propagates is not shared by the area where the light from the first light sources 30L and 30H propagates, and the respective areas are located at mutually separated positions, so that the projection lens 60 can be miniaturized. Therefore, according to this structure, the vehicle headlamp 1 can be miniaturized.

[0088] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, at least a part of the light from the second light source 30S is emitted from the emission region 62L in the projection lens 60 from which the light from the first light source 30L is emitted.

[0089] According to this structure, the projection lens 60 can be made smaller than when the emission area 62L from the first light source 30L and the emission area from the second light source 30S are located at positions separated from each other in the projection lens 60. Therefore, according to this structure, the vehicle headlamp 1 can be made smaller.

[0090] In addition, the light from the second light source 30S directly travels from the incident area 61S of the projection lens 60 , on which the light from the second light source 30S is incident, to the emission area 62L.

[0091] According to this structure, compared with the case where the light from the second light source 30S is reflected from the incident area 61S of the projection lens 60 inside the projection lens 60 and travels to the emission area 62L, it is possible to suppress the loss of light such as a part of the light leaking to the outside of the projection lens 60 when the light is reflected inside the projection lens 60. It should be noted that the light from the second light source 30S may also be reflected from the incident area 61S inside the projection lens 60 and travel to the emission area 62L.

[0092] In addition, the light from the second light source 30S is further emitted from an emission region 62S for side illumination located next to the emission region 62L.

[0093] According to this structure, compared with the case where the emission area 62S for side illumination is not provided, the emission area of ​​the light from the second light source 30S in the projection lens 60 is expanded, and the light from the second light source 30S can be emitted to a wider range from the projection lens 60. It should be noted that the light from the second light source 30S does not have to be emitted from the emission area 62S.

[0094] As mentioned above, although the 1st aspect of this invention was demonstrated using the 1st embodiment as an example, the 1st aspect of this invention is not limited to this.

[0095] The vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment is composed of lamp units 1L and 1H, a second light source 30S, a base plate 91, and a light control circuit 93. Figure 4As shown, the second light source 30S, the light control circuit 93, and the bottom plate 91 may be combined in the lamp unit 1L. In this case, the projection lens 60 is shared by the lamp unit 1L and the lamp unit 1S and is a lens shared by them. The projection lens 60 projects the light from the first light source 30L forward and projects the light from the second light source 30S to the side. In this case, although not shown, the lamp unit 1H includes a projection lens different from the projection lens 60 shared by the lamp units 1L and 1S. The lamp unit 1H is accommodated in a frame 10 different from a frame 10 accommodating the lamp units 1L and 1S, and the frame 10 is located at a position closer to the outside of the vehicle than the other frames 10. It should be noted that although the lamp unit 1L is used for the description, the second light source 30S, the light control circuit 93, and the bottom plate 91 may be combined in the lamp unit 1H. The projection lens 60 is shared by the lamp unit 1H and the lamp unit 1S and is a lens shared by them. In this case, the housing 10 accommodating the lamp units 1H and 1S may be located on the outer side of the vehicle than the housing 10 accommodating the lamp unit 1L.

[0096] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, a part of the area where the light from the second light source 30S propagates is shared by the area where the light from the first light sources 30L and 30H propagates in the projection lens 60. In this structure, at least a part of the light from the second light source 30S may not be emitted from the emission area 62L in the projection lens 60 where the light from the first light source 30L is emitted, and both the emission area where the light from the first light source 30L is emitted and the emission area where the light from the second light source 30S is emitted may be separated from each other in the projection lens 60.

[0097] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, at least a portion of the light from the second light source 30S is emitted from the emission region 62L from which the light from the first light source 30L is emitted in the projection lens 60. In this structure, in the projection lens 60, a portion of the region where the light from the second light source 30S propagates may not be shared by the region where the light from the first light sources 30L and 30H propagates.

[0098] The emission region 62L of this embodiment includes the first region 62a and the second region 62b, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first region 62a may not be provided, and the emission region 62L may include only the second region 62b. That is, the emission region 62L only needs to include the second region 62b.

[0099] The entire incident region 61S of the present embodiment does not overlap with the incident regions 61L and 61H, but this is not limited to this. For example, at least a portion of the incident region 61S may not overlap with the incident regions 61L and 61H. It should be noted that the incident region 61S may also overlap with the incident regions 61L and 61H.

[0100] The lamp unit 1L is located at a position closer to the vehicle outside than the lamp unit 1H, but may be located at a position closer to the vehicle inside than the lamp unit 1H. With respect to the first light sources 30L and 30H of the lamp units 1L and 1H configured in this way, the light from the second light source 30S only needs to be emitted from the emission area where the light of the first light source 30L from one side and the first light source 30H from the other side is emitted. It should be noted that the light from the second light source 30S may not be emitted from the emission area where the light of the first light source 30L from one side and the first light source 30H from the other side is emitted.

[0101] The first region 62a may also emit light from the second light source 30S having a lower luminance than the light from the second light source 30S emitting the light distribution pattern of the light from the second light source 30S emitted from the second region 62b and the emission region 62S. In addition, the emission region 62S may also emit light from the first light source 30L having a lower luminance than the light from the first light source 30L emitting the light distribution pattern of the low beam.

[0102] The lamp units 1L and 1H may not use the PES optical system. The left-right arrangement order of the lamp units 1L and 1H may be reversed. In this case, the projection lens 60 emits the light from the second light source 30S to the side from the emission area 62H instead of the emission area 62S.

[0103] (Second Embodiment)

[0104] Next, a second embodiment as a second mode of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent components as those of the first embodiment, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0105] Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle headlamp in this embodiment. The vehicle headlamp 1 is generally arranged in the left and right directions in front of the vehicle, and the left and right vehicle headlamps 1 have a substantially symmetrical structure in the left and right directions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vehicle headlamp 1 on the left side is described. It should be noted that in this specification, "right" refers to the right side in the forward direction of the vehicle, and "left" refers to the left side in the forward direction. The vehicle in this embodiment is a car.

[0106] The vehicle headlamp 1 includes a housing 10, a lamp unit 1L for a low beam light distribution pattern, and a lamp unit 1H for an additional light distribution pattern that is added to the low beam light distribution pattern to form a high beam light distribution pattern. In the present embodiment, the lamp unit 1L is located at a position closer to the vehicle outer side than the lamp unit 1H, and is arranged in the left-right direction with the lamp unit 1H. The light distribution pattern refers to both the shape of an image of light formed on an imaginary vertical screen, for example, 25 meters in front of the vehicle, and the intensity distribution of light in the image.

[0107] The housing 10 has a storage space surrounded by the outer shell 11 and the front cover 12, and the lamp units 1L and 1H are arranged in the storage space. The front cover 12 transmits light emitted from the lamp units 1L and 1H.

[0108] Figure 6 The lamp unit 1L includes a base plate 20 , a first light source 30L, a second light source 32 , a light control circuit 40 , a heat sink 51 , a cooling fan 52 , a projection lens 60 , a reflector 70 , and a light shielding cover 80 .

[0109] The bottom plate 20 is provided with an opening 21 that penetrates the bottom plate 20 in the front-rear direction. The opening 21 is located on the optical paths of the lights emitted from the first light source 30L and the second light source 32 .

[0110] The first light source 30L in the lamp unit 1L emits first light that becomes light of a low beam light distribution pattern. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , a second light source 32 is provided next to the first light source 30L in the left-right direction of the vehicle. Figure 5 , an example is shown in which the second light source 32 is disposed on the left side of the first light source 30L. Figure 6In the figure, for the sake of convenience, the second light source 32 located in front of the first light source 30L is shown by a dotted line diagram that is larger than the first light source 30L, but its size is approximately the same as the first light source 30L. The second light source 32 emits a second light with an enlarged light distribution pattern. The enlarged light distribution pattern is another light distribution pattern projected next to the light distribution pattern of the low beam. As described above, since the second light source 32 is arranged on the left side of the first light source 30L, the enlarged light distribution pattern is projected to the right side of the light distribution pattern of the low beam. The first light source 30L and the second light source 32 are respectively composed of, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The switching of the power supply of each of the first light source 30L and the second light source 32 on and off, the intensity of each of the light from the first light source 30L and the second light source 32, etc. are controlled by the light control circuit 40. The light control circuit 40, the first light source 30L, and the second light source 32 are fixed to the base plate 51A described later of the heat sink 51. The emission surface of the second light source 32 is arranged at the same height as the emission surface of the first light source 30L in the vertical direction of the vehicle. These emission surfaces are surfaces of each light source on the opposite side to the base plate 51A.

[0111] The heat sink 51 is fixed to the first light source 30L, the second light source 32 and the light control circuit 40 on one side of the base plate 51A. In addition, a plurality of heat sinks 51B are integrally provided on the surface of the base plate 51A on the side opposite to the side on which the first light source 30L, the second light source 32 and the light control circuit 40 are provided. The heat sink 51B located at the frontmost of the plurality of heat sinks 51B is fixed to the back side of the base plate 20. The heat generated by the first light source 30L, the second light source 32 and the light control circuit 40 is transferred from the base plate 51A to the heat sink 51B, and the heat sink 51B is cooled by the airflow generated by the rotation of the cooling fan 52. Therefore, the heat of the first light source 30L, the second light source 32 and the light control circuit 40 is efficiently diffused.

[0112] The reflector 70 is formed of a curved plate material, and is fixed to the base plate 51A of the heat sink 51 in a manner covering the respective emission surfaces of the first light source 30L and the second light source 32. The surface of the reflector 70 facing the first light source 30L and the second light source 32 is a concave reflecting surface 70R that reflects the light from the first light source 30L and the second light source 32 without transmitting therethrough. The reflecting surface 70R is based on a rotating elliptical surface, and the first light source 30L and the second light source 32 are arranged at or near the first focus of the elliptical surface. At least a portion of the light emitted from the first light source 30L and the second light source 32 is reflected toward the projection lens 60 through the reflecting surface 70R through the opening 21.

[0113] The projection lens 60 is a convex lens, disposed in front of the bottom plate 20, and fixed to the bottom plate 20 via a lens holder 64. The projection lens 60 includes an incident area 61L into which light from the first light source 30L and the second light source 32 is incident, and an emission area 62L from which light from the first light source 30L and the second light source 32, which is incident from the incident area 61L and is emitted forward. In addition, in the present embodiment, the lamp unit 1L and the lamp unit 1H each include a projection lens 60.

[0114] The shading hood 80 is arranged between the reflecting surface 70R and the projection lens 60 and fixed to the bottom plate 20. The upper end portion of the shading hood 80, that is, the edge portion 81, is located at the second focus or the vicinity of the second focus of the elliptical curved surface of the reflecting surface 70R. A part of the light emitted from the first light source 30L and the second light source 32 and reflected by the reflector 70 is irradiated to the shading hood 80. The shading hood 80 blocks a part of the first light from the first light source 30L so that the light distribution pattern of the first light emitted from the emission area 62L of the projection lens 60 becomes a light distribution pattern of low beam. Therefore, a part of the first light is shielded by the shading hood 80 and does not enter the projection lens 60. In addition, another part of the first light is not shielded by the shading hood 80 and directly travels from the reflecting surface 70R to the incident area 61L of the projection lens 60 and enters the incident area 61L, or is reflected by the edge portion 81 of the shading hood 80 and enters the incident area 61L. Thus, the first light reflecting the light distribution pattern of the low beam based on the shape of the cut-off line of the edge portion 81 of the hood 80 is emitted from the emission area 62L of the projection lens 60 and projected in front of the vehicle. In addition, the hood 80 shields a part of the second light from the second light source 32 so that the enlarged light distribution pattern of the second light emitted from the emission area 62L of the projection lens 60 becomes the enlarged light distribution pattern. Therefore, a part of the second light is shielded by the hood 80 and does not enter the projection lens 60. In addition, another part of the second light is not shielded by the hood 80 and directly travels from the reflection surface 70R to the incident area 61L of the projection lens 60 and enters the incident area 61L, or is reflected by the edge portion 81 of the hood 80 and enters the incident area 61L. Thus, the second light reflecting the enlarged light distribution pattern from the second light source 32 based on the shape of the cut-off line of the edge portion 81 of the hood 80 is emitted from the emission area 62L of the projection lens 60 and projected in front of the vehicle.

[0115] The first light source 30H of the lamp unit 1H emits first light that becomes light with an additional light distribution pattern, and the additional light distribution pattern is added to the light distribution pattern of the low beam to form a light distribution pattern of the high beam. The first light source 30H is arranged at the same height as the first light source 30L, and is arranged in a row with the first light source 30L and the second light source 32 in the left-right direction. In the vehicle headlamp 1, the first light source 30H is a light source arranged in a lamp unit different from the lamp unit 1L on which the second light source 32 is mounted.

[0116] The surface of the reflector 70 of the lamp unit 1H that faces the first light source 30H is a reflecting surface 70R that reflects the first light from the first light source 30H without transmitting it. The reflecting surface 70R is based on a rotational ellipsoid, and the first light source 30H is arranged at a position of a first focus of the ellipsoid or at a position near the first focus of the ellipsoid. At least a portion of the first light emitted from the first light source 30H is reflected toward the projection lens 60 side by the reflecting surface 70R of the lamp unit 1H through the opening 21.

[0117] At least a portion of the first light emitted from the first light source 30H is reflected by the reflector 70 and enters the incident area 61L of the projection lens 60. Thus, the first light with a light distribution pattern is emitted from the emission area 62L of the projection lens 60 and projected forward of the vehicle.

[0118] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0119] In the lamp unit 1L, when emitting low beam, Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first light is emitted from the first light source 30L, and the first light is mainly reflected by the reflection surface 70R of the reflector 70. A portion of the first light reflected by the reflection surface 70R is shielded by the light shielding cover 80, and another portion is not shielded by the light shielding cover 80 and enters the incident area 61L of the projection lens 60, and is emitted from the emission area 62L. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , a low beam light distribution pattern PL as a certain light distribution pattern is projected forward from the vehicle headlamp 1 .

[0120] In addition, in the lamp unit 1L, when emitting low beam, Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second light is emitted from the second light source 32, and the second light is mainly reflected by the reflection surface 70R of the reflector 70. The second light reflected by the reflection surface 70R is Figure 6 Similarly, a portion of the first light from the first light source 30L is shielded by the light shielding cover 80, and another portion is not shielded by the light shielding cover 80 and enters the incident area 61L of the projection lens 60 and is emitted from the emission area 62L. Figure 7As shown, an enlarged light distribution pattern PE is projected forward from the vehicle headlamp 1. The enlarged light distribution pattern PE is a light distribution pattern different from the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam, which is a certain light distribution pattern, and is projected next to, specifically, to the right side of, the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam. A portion of the enlarged light distribution pattern PE overlaps with the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam, and another portion does not overlap with the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam. The center of the enlarged light distribution pattern PE overlaps with the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam, but it does not have to overlap with the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam. It should be noted that, in terms of human vision, the enlarged light distribution pattern PE does not have to overlap with the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam but contacts with the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam. In addition, through the light shielding cover 80, the upper edge of the enlarged light distribution pattern PE of the present embodiment is located at the same height as the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam, which can prevent the enlarged light distribution pattern PE from being projected to a position above the light distribution pattern PL. In this way, when the low beam is emitted, a horizontally long light distribution pattern consisting of the low beam light distribution pattern PL and the light distribution pattern different from the low beam light distribution pattern PL, namely the enlarged light distribution pattern PE, is projected in front of the vehicle. By enlarging the light distribution pattern PE, the light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle is expanded compared to the projection of only the low beam light distribution pattern PL in front of the vehicle. As a result, the driving road in front of the vehicle is widely illuminated, and visual recognition is improved.

[0121] In the lamp unit 1H, in the state of emitting high beam, as described above, the light distribution pattern PL of low beam is projected forward from the vehicle headlamp 1, such as Figure 5 as well as Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first light is further emitted from the first light source 30H. In the lamp unit 1H, the first light is mainly reflected by the reflection surface 70R of the reflector 70. The first light reflected by the reflection surface 70R enters the incident area 61H of the projection lens 60 and is emitted from the emission area 62H. Figure 8 As shown, the additional light distribution pattern PA is projected forward from the vehicle headlamp 1 together with the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam, forming the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam shown in bold. The light distribution pattern PH of the high beam is formed by adding the additional light distribution pattern PA of a substantially horizontally long rectangle to the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam. A portion of the additional light distribution pattern PA overlaps with the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam, and the additional light distribution pattern PA extends in the horizontal direction and overlaps with the horizontal line S. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , a portion of the cut-off line as the upper edge of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL that overlaps with the additional light distribution pattern PA is indicated by a dotted line. Figure 8 As shown, when the high beam is on, Figure 7The enlarged light distribution pattern PE shown is also projected. In this case, a portion of the enlarged light distribution pattern PE overlaps with the low beam light distribution pattern PL and the additional light distribution pattern PA, another portion overlaps with the low beam light distribution pattern PL but not with the additional light distribution pattern PA, and another portion does not overlap with the low beam light distribution pattern PL and the additional light distribution pattern PA. It should be noted that when the high beam is emitted, Figure 7 The enlarged light distribution pattern PE shown is projected, but the enlarged light distribution pattern PE may not be projected.

[0122] However, in the vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 2, the low beam lamp unit and the auxiliary lamp unit are separately provided, and the vehicle headlamp as a whole tends to be large-sized. Therefore, it is required to miniaturize the vehicle headlamp that projects a horizontally long light distribution pattern composed of a certain light distribution pattern and a light distribution pattern different from the light distribution pattern to the front of the vehicle.

[0123] Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the second light source 32 is mounted at a position covered by the reflector 70 in the lamp unit 1L.

[0124] In the vehicle headlamp 1, the first light source 30L and the second light source 32 are mounted on the same PES type lamp unit 1L and covered by the reflector 70. Therefore, compared with the case where the lamp unit on which the first light source 30L is mounted and the lamp unit on which the second light source 32 is mounted are provided separately, the vehicle headlamp 1 can project a horizontally long light distribution pattern composed of a low beam light distribution pattern PL which is a certain light distribution pattern and an enlarged light distribution pattern PE which is a light distribution pattern different from the low beam light distribution pattern PL toward the front of the vehicle and achieve miniaturization.

[0125] The lamp unit 1L further includes a shade 80 that is provided between the reflector 70 and the projection lens 60 and that shades a portion of each of the first light and the second light that form the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam reflected by the reflector 70 .

[0126] In this structure, the cut-off line of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL is formed by the shading cover 80. In addition, in this structure, the second light from the second light source 32 is reflected by the reflector 70, a part of the second light reflected by the reflector 70 is shielded by the shading cover 80, and the other part of the second light is not shielded by the shading cover 80 and is projected toward the front of the vehicle through the projection lens 60. Thus, it is possible to suppress the projection of the enlarged light distribution pattern PE of the second light to a position above the cut-off line of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL, and it is possible to suppress the discomfort felt by the driver of the vehicle caused by the projection of the enlarged light distribution pattern PE of the second light to a position above the cut-off line when the low-beam light distribution pattern PL is projected.

[0127] In the present embodiment, an example in which the second light source 32 is provided next to the first light source 30L in the left-right direction of the vehicle and at the same height as the first light source 30L is used for description, but the position of the second light source 32 is not particularly limited. Hereinafter, a modification of the position of the second light source 32 is described. In the respective figures describing the modification, illustrations other than the first light source 30L, the second light source 32, the projection lens 60, the light shielding cover 80, and the reflector 70 in the lamp unit 1L are omitted.

[0128] Fig. 9 3 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the position of the second light source 32. The second light source 32 of this modified example is arranged at a position lower than the first light source 30L in the vertical direction, which is different from the embodiment. In this case, for example, a step can be provided on the base plate 51A, and the configuration surface of the second light source 32 in the base plate 51A is lower than the configuration surface of the first light source 30L. It should be noted that the second light source 32 is arranged on the left side of the first light source 30L as in the embodiment.

[0129] In this modification, similarly to the embodiment, part of the second light reflected by the reflecting surface 70R of the reflector 70 is shielded by the shade 80, and the other part is not shielded by the shade 80 and is projected toward the front of the vehicle through the projection lens 60. Figure 7 , Figure 8 The enlarged light distribution pattern PE shown is projected forward from the vehicle headlamp 1 .

[0130] Fig.10 2 is a diagram showing a second modification of the position of the second light source 32. The second light source 32 of this modification is disposed below the first light source 30L in the vertical direction, which is different from the embodiment and is disposed below the second light source 32 of the modification 1. Fig.10 In the middle, the dotted line indicates Fig. 9 The second light source 32 of the modification 1 shown. It should be noted that the second light source 32 is provided on the left side of the first light source 30L similarly to the embodiment.

[0131] In this modification, the shading hood 80 shields a portion of the first light reflected by the reflecting surface 70R of the reflector 70 to form the low-beam light distribution pattern PL, as in the embodiment, but does not shield the second light, unlike in the embodiment. The other portion of the first light reflected by the reflecting surface 70R of the reflector 70 and the second light are not blocked by the shading hood 80 and are projected toward the front of the vehicle through the projection lens 60. However, the second light source 32 of this modification is disposed at a lower position than the second light source 32 of the first modification. Thus, Figure 7 , Figure 8 The enlarged light distribution pattern PE shown is projected forward from the vehicle headlamp 1 .

[0132] In this structure, the cut-off line of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL is also formed by the hood 80. In addition, in this structure, the second light from the second light source 32 is reflected by the reflector 70, and the second light reflected by the reflector 70 is not blocked by the hood 80 and is projected to the front of the vehicle through the projection lens 60. Therefore, compared with the case where the second light is blocked by the hood 80, since the second light is not blocked by the hood 80, the front of the vehicle can be irradiated without waste, and the deterioration of the hood 80 caused by the irradiation of the second light can be suppressed.

[0133] Fig.11 as well as Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the position of the second light source 32 . Fig.11 It is a plan view of the first light source 30L and the second light source 32 and their surroundings in this modification. Fig.12 2 is a diagram showing the travel of the first light and the second light in this modification. The second light source 32 of this modification is arranged at a position behind the first light source 30L in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, which is different from the embodiment. Fig.11 , an example is shown in which the second light source 32 is disposed obliquely to the left and rear of the first light source 30L. It should be noted that the second light source 32 is disposed at the same height as the first light source 30L as in the embodiment.

[0134] In this modification, similarly to the modification 2, the second light reflected by the reflecting surface 70R of the reflector 70 is not blocked by the shade 80 but is projected toward the front of the vehicle through the projection lens 60. Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the enlarged light distribution pattern PE of the present modification is projected below the cut-off line of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL.

[0135] In the present embodiment and the above-described modified examples, the second light source 32 is described as being mounted in the lamp unit 1L for the low-beam light distribution pattern. However, the second light source 32 may be mounted in the lamp unit 1H for the additional light distribution pattern PA. Fig.14 as well as Fig.15 It is a plan view showing a fourth modification example of the position of the second light source 32 . Fig.14 It is a plan view of the first light source 30H and the second light source 32 and their surroundings in this modification. Fig.15 is a diagram showing the respective travel conditions of the first light and the second light in this modification. Fig.15 In the figure, illustration of the lamp unit 1H other than the first light source 30H, the second light source 32 and the reflector 70 is omitted.

[0136] In the present modification, the second light source 32 is provided at a position forward of the first light source 30H in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and at the same height as the first light source 30H. Fig.14 , an example is shown in which the second light source 32 is arranged obliquely to the left front of the first light source 30H. The lamp unit 1H of this modified example is turned upside down compared to the embodiment, and the emission surfaces of the first light source 30H and the second light source 32 are facing upward of the vehicle in the embodiment, but facing downward in this modified example. The reflector 70 of this modified example is fixed to the base plate 51A in a manner covering the respective emission surfaces of the first light source 30L and the second light source 32. It should be noted that, although omitted in the figure, the second light source 32 is not provided in the lamp unit 1L of this modified example.

[0137] Fig.16 1 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern projected forward of the vehicle when the first light source 30H does not emit the first light and the first light of the low beam light distribution pattern is irradiated forward of the vehicle from the lamp unit 1L. The second light source 32 is disposed forward of the first light source 30H and at the same height as the first light source 30H in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Fig.16 As shown, the enlarged light distribution pattern PE of the second light from the second light source 32 is projected to the area AR shown by the dotted line and the side of the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam. The area AR is an area representing the additional light distribution pattern PA when the additional light distribution pattern PA is assumed to be projected to the front of the vehicle. The enlarged light distribution pattern PE of this modified example is located below the cut-off line of the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam and does not overlap with the area AR.

[0138] Fig.17 1 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern in which the first light source 30H emits the first light and irradiates the low beam from the lamp units 1L and 1H to the front of the vehicle, and a light distribution pattern projected to the front of the vehicle when the first light of each light distribution pattern is added. Fig.17 As shown, the enlarged light distribution pattern PE of the second light from the second light source 32 is projected beside the additional light distribution pattern PA and the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. The enlarged light distribution pattern PE of this modified example is located below the cutoff line of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL and does not overlap with the additional light distribution pattern PA.

[0139] It should be noted that, in this modified example, as long as the light distribution pattern PE is enlarged as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown, the area shown by the dotted line and the side of the low beam light distribution pattern PL are projected. Fig.17 The position of the second light source 32 is not particularly limited, as the second light source 32 is projected beside the additional light distribution pattern PA and the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. A portion of the enlarged light distribution pattern PE may overlap with the additional light distribution pattern PA, and in human vision, the enlarged light distribution pattern PE may not overlap with the additional light distribution pattern PA but may contact with the additional light distribution pattern PA.

[0140] In the present embodiment, the lamp units 1L and 1H are separate bodies from each other, but the present invention is not limited to this. Fig.18 The fifth modification example showing the positions of the first light sources 30L, 30H and the second light source 32 is a top view of the first light sources 30L, 30H and the second light source 32 in the fifth modification example. Fig.18 As shown, the lamp unit 1L of this modified example further mounts the first light source 30H at a position covered by the reflector 70. Therefore, the lamp unit 1L mounted with the first light source 30L emitting the first light of the light distribution pattern of the low beam, which is one of the light distribution pattern of the low beam and the light distribution pattern of the additional light, and the second light source 32 emitting the second light, further mounts the first light source 30H emitting the first light of the light distribution pattern of the low beam, which is the other of the light distribution pattern of the low beam and the light distribution pattern of the additional light, at a position covered by the reflector 70. Therefore, the first light sources 30L, 30H, and the second light source 32 are mounted at a position covered by the reflector 70 in the same PES type lamp unit 1L. According to this structure, compared with a case where the lamp unit equipped with the first light source 30L, the lamp unit equipped with the first light source 30H, and the lamp unit equipped with the second light source 32 are separately provided, the vehicle headlamp 1 can project a horizontally long light distribution pattern composed of the light distribution pattern of the low beam PL and the other enlarged light distribution pattern PE to the front of the vehicle and achieve miniaturization.

[0141] As mentioned above, the second aspect of the present invention has been described by taking the second embodiment as an example, but the second aspect of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0142] The left-right arrangement order of the lamp units 1L and 1H may be reversed. The second light source 32 of the left vehicle headlamp 1 emits light of the enlarged light distribution pattern PE to the right of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL, but may also emit light of the enlarged light distribution pattern PE to the left. The second light source 32 of the right vehicle headlamp 1 emits light of the enlarged light distribution pattern PE to the left of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL, but may also emit light of the enlarged light distribution pattern PE to the right.

[0143] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a miniaturized vehicle headlamp is provided. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a miniaturized vehicle headlamp is provided that can project a horizontally long light distribution pattern consisting of a certain light distribution pattern and a light distribution pattern different from the light distribution pattern toward the front of a vehicle, and can be used in the field of vehicle headlamps for automobiles, etc.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlamp, characterized in that: The vehicle headlamp comprises: a first light source that emits light that becomes either a low beam or a high beam; Second light source; a projection lens that projects the light from the first light source toward the front of the vehicle and projects the light from the second light source toward the side of the vehicle; In the projection lens, a portion of an area where the light from the second light source propagates is shared by an area where the light from the first light source propagates.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the light from the second light source is emitted from an emission region of the projection lens from which the light from the first light source is emitted.

3. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 2, wherein: The light from the second light source directly travels from an incident area of ​​the projection lens, where the light from the second light source is incident, to the exit area.

4. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 2, wherein: The emission area includes: a first region, the first region emitting the light from the first light source; A second area, the second area is located beside the first area, and emits the light from the first light source and the light from the second light source.

5. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 2, wherein: At least a portion of an incident region of the projection lens into which the light from the second light source is incident does not overlap with an incident region of the projection lens into which the light from the first light source is incident.

6. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 2, wherein: The first light source is provided with two, The first light source on one side emits low beam light, The first light source on the other side emits high beam light, The light from the second light source is emitted from the emission region from which the light from the first light source provided on the outer side of the vehicle, out of the one first light source and the other first light source, is emitted.

7. A vehicle headlamp, characterized in that: The vehicle headlamp comprises: A PES-type lamp unit, the lamp unit comprising a first light source, a reflector, and a projection lens, the first light source emitting first light that is one of light of a low beam light distribution pattern and light of an additional light distribution pattern that is added to the low beam light distribution pattern to form a high beam light distribution pattern, the reflector covers the first light source and reflects at least a portion of the first light from the first light source, and the projection lens projects the first light reflected by the reflector toward the front of the vehicle; a second light source that emits a second light having another light distribution pattern that is reflected by the reflector and projected toward the front of the vehicle through the projection lens and projected beside the light distribution pattern of the first light; The second light source is mounted at a position covered by the reflector in the lamp unit.

8. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7, wherein: The lamp unit further includes a shade that is provided between the reflector and the projection lens and that shields a portion of each of the first light and the second light that are reflected by the reflector and form a light distribution pattern of the low beam.

9. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 8, wherein: The second light source is provided beside the first light source in the left-right direction of the vehicle and at the same height as the first light source.

10. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 8, wherein: The second light source is provided beside the first light source and below the first light source in the left-right direction of the vehicle.

11. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7, wherein: The lamp unit further includes a shading cover, which is provided between the reflector and the projection lens and shields a portion of the first light reflected by the reflector and forming the light distribution pattern of the low beam. Another portion of the first light reflected by the reflector and the second light are not blocked by the light shield and are projected toward the front of the vehicle through the projection lens.

12. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 11, wherein: The second light source is provided beside the first light source and below the first light source in the left-right direction of the vehicle.

13. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 11, wherein: The second light source is disposed at a rearward position than the first light source.

14. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7, wherein: The first light is light that forms the additional light distribution pattern. When the first light source does not emit the first light and irradiates the first light of the low beam distribution pattern toward the front of the vehicle, the second light distribution pattern from the second light source is projected toward an area in front of the vehicle and to the side of the low beam distribution pattern when it is assumed that the additional light distribution pattern is projected toward the front of the vehicle.

15. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7, wherein: The first light is light that forms the additional light distribution pattern. When the first light source emits the first light and irradiates the first light of the low-beam light distribution pattern forward of the vehicle, the second light of the second light source is projected beside the additional light distribution pattern and the low-beam light distribution pattern.

16. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7, wherein: The lamp unit further mounts a first light source that emits first light that becomes the other of the light of the low beam distribution pattern and the light of the additional light distribution pattern at a position covered by the reflector.

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