Vehicle headlamp

Abstract

A vehicle headlamp has a first lamp unit (10M) rotatable about a first rotation axis (ML1), a second lamp unit (10L) rotatable about a second rotation axis (LL2) parallel to the first rotation axis (ML1), the second lamp unit (10L) having a light source unit (SL), a support shaft portion (F) extending along the second rotation axis (LL2), a light source bracket (14L) supported to the support shaft portion (F) in a rotatable manner about the second rotation axis (LL2) to support the light source unit (SL), a link bracket (LLB) supported to the support shaft portion (F) in a rotatable manner about the second rotation axis (LL2) and connected with a link unit (LU), and an adjustment unit (PU) transmitting a rotational force of the link bracket (LLB) about the second rotation axis (LL2) to the light source bracket (14L), and capable of adjusting a relative angle of the second lamp unit (10L) relative to the first lamp unit (10M) by adjusting an advance angle of the light source bracket (14L) relative to the link bracket (LLB) about the second rotation axis (LL2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to headlights for vehicles and lamp units. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a vehicle headlight having a linkage unit that can uniformly control the posture of multiple lamp units.

[0003] Furthermore, in the alignment device described in Patent Document 1, an alignment device is disclosed that can determine the alignment angle by moving a screw.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-017016 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In vehicle headlights with multiple lamp units, it is known that linkage units are used to ensure consistent posture of the multiple lamp units. In such cases, a position adjustment mechanism is sometimes provided to allow for position adjustment of each lamp unit. However, this position adjustment mechanism is prone to wobbling.

[0009] The primary objective of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle headlight capable of adjusting the left-right orientation of the lamp unit and suppressing swaying.

[0010] Furthermore, in recent years, due to design trends, the demand for thinner lenses in headlights has increased, leading to a requirement for miniaturization of headlight units. As disclosed in Patent Document 1, when adjusting the optical axis by rotating the lamp unit through the linear displacement of the adjusting screw, if the aligned rotation axis and the area where the screw operates are relatively short, more fine-tuning of the angle of the rotating screw is required than before. Additionally, the miniaturization of headlight units in multi-lens units necessitates fine-tuning of the relative optical axis offsets of the multiple lamp units.

[0011] The second objective of this disclosure is to provide a headlight and lamp unit for a vehicle, wherein a fine adjustment of the alignment angle is possible in a mechanism that controls the fine adjustment of the optical axis of the headlight unit by the linear motion of a screw.

[0012] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0013] A vehicle headlight according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a first lamp unit rotatable about a first rotation axis; a second lamp unit rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis; a drive mechanism that rotates the first lamp unit about the first axis; and a linkage unit that transmits power from the drive mechanism to the second lamp unit, causing the second lamp unit to rotate about the second rotation axis. The second lamp unit includes: a light source unit; a support shaft extending along the second rotation axis; a light source bracket supported on the support shaft in a manner rotatable about the second rotation axis, supporting the light source unit; and a linkage bracket supported on the support shaft in a manner rotatable about the second rotation axis and connected to the linkage unit. The adjustment unit transmits the rotational force of the linkage bracket about the second rotation axis to the light source bracket. By adjusting the advance angle of the light source bracket relative to the linkage bracket about the second rotation axis, the relative angle of the second lamp unit to the first lamp unit can be adjusted.

[0014] A lamp unit according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a light source unit; a bracket that supports the light source unit so that it can rotate about an alignment axis; an adjusting screw that engages with the light source unit and the bracket to adjust the relative position of the light source unit and the bracket about the alignment axis, wherein a first groove with a first spacing and a second groove with a second spacing different from the first spacing are formed on the adjusting screw, a first threaded hole that engages with the first groove is formed on the bracket, and a second threaded hole that engages with the second groove is formed on the light source unit.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to this disclosure, a vehicle headlight is provided that can adjust the left-right orientation of the lamp unit and suppress swaying.

[0017] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, a vehicle headlight and lamp unit can be provided, in which a small alignment angle can be adjusted in a mechanism that controls the fine adjustment of the optical axis of the headlight unit by means of the linear motion of a screw. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle headlight according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a 3D view of the lamp unit, leveling unit, and rotation unit.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded 3D view of the main unit.

[0021] Figure 4It is an exploded 3D view of the rotating unit.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the mounting structure of the first bracket, the rotating unit, and the first splined shaft.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a 3D view of the first spline shaft.

[0024] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the first output gear and the first spline shaft in a section orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a 3D diagram representing the lamp unit and the leveling unit.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a 3D view of the disassembly tool used when disassembling the first splined shaft.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the vehicle headlight according to the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a side view of the left sub-unit.

[0029] Figure 12 Using XII-XII line Figure 11 View of the cut section.

[0030] Figure 13 Use XIII-XIII line to Figure 12 View of the cut section.

[0031] Figure 14 Use XIV-XIV line to Figure 12 View of the cut section.

[0032] Figure 15 This is a top view of the lamp unit when multiple lamp units are rotated as a whole.

[0033] Figure 16 This is a top view of the lamp unit when multiple lamp units are rotated as a whole.

[0034] Figure 17 This is a side view of the adjusting screw used in the lamp unit disclosed herein.

[0035] Figure 18 It means from Figure 12 The diagram shows the state of the left lamp unit, which tilts the light source unit forward through the pre-alignment unit.

[0036] Figure 19 Figure shows the application of the adjusting screw to a pre-alignment unit with a structure different from that of the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In the following description, the directions of front, back, left, right, up, and down are defined from the perspective of an occupant of a vehicle equipped with headlights. Unless otherwise specified, the directions of front, back, left, right, up, and down are defined when the headlights are positioned to illuminate the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, "frontal view" means viewing the headlights from the front.

[0038] <First Implementation>

[0039] (Overall structure)

[0040] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle headlight according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle headlight 1 includes a housing 100 and an outer lens 200 made of a light-transmitting material that forms a lamp housing together with the housing 100. The vehicle headlight 1 has a lamp unit 10, a rotating unit 20, a leveling unit 30, and an extension section Sa within the lamp housing. It should be noted that, in the following description, the unit formed by combining the lamp unit 10, the rotating unit 20, and the leveling unit 30 is referred to as the main unit M.

[0041] The extension section Sa is located between the outer lens 200 and the main unit M. It is a component that prevents the components inside the lamp housing and the inner surface of the housing 100 from being seen from the outside through the outer lens 200, thereby improving the aesthetics of the vehicle headlight 1.

[0042] The rotating unit 20 causes the lamp unit 10 and the leveling unit 30 to rotate relative to the housing 100 about the rotation axis L1 extending in the vertical direction.

[0043] The leveling unit 30 supports the lamp unit 10 so that it can rotate relative to the rotating unit 20 about the leveling axis L2 that extends in the left-right direction.

[0044] The lamp unit 10 illuminates a high beam light distribution pattern and a low beam light distribution pattern. The lamp unit 10 includes a light source 17, optical components such as a reflector and lens that direct light emitted from the light source 17 forward, a heat sink, and a lamp bracket 14 (described later) for mounting these components. Figure 2 It should be noted that the example shown illustrates a single lens L, but multiple lenses or reflectors can also be used. Additionally, a single light source 17 or multiple light sources 17 can be provided.

[0045] In the vehicle headlight 1 of this first embodiment, a single lamp unit 10 is mounted displaceably relative to the housing 100 via a rotating unit 20 and a leveling unit 30.

[0046] Figure 2This is a perspective view of the lamp unit 10, leveling unit 30, rotating unit 20, and lamp bracket 14. The lamp unit 10, leveling unit 30, and rotating unit 20 are interconnected to form a main unit M. A forward-protruding mounting portion 110 (110U, 110R, 110L) is provided on the front surface of the housing 100. In the illustrated example, three mounting portions 110U, 110R, and 110L are provided. The main unit M is mounted to the housing 100 via these mounting portions 110U, 110R, and 110L.

[0047] (Main Unit M)

[0048] Figure 3 This is the exploded 3D diagram of the main unit M. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the main unit M includes a first bracket B1, a first splined shaft S1, a rotating unit 20, a second bracket B2, a second splined shaft S2, a leveling unit 30, and a lamp unit 10. It should be noted that... Figure 3 In order to facilitate drawing, the first spline shaft S1 and the second spline shaft S2 are depicted in approximate shape.

[0049] (First bracket B1)

[0050] The first bracket B1 is fixed to the outer casing 100. The first bracket B1 has three mounting portions 11 (11U, 11R, 11L). The mounting portions 11 are portions that extend in the front-back direction or the left-right direction. An insertion hole 11H is formed in the mounting portion 11 for inserting the mounting portion 110 of the outer casing 100 into the interior. By inserting the mounting portion 110 of the outer casing 100 into the mounting portion 11 of the first bracket B1, the first bracket B1 is fixed to the outer casing 100 in a non-displaceable manner.

[0051] In the illustrated example, the mounted portion 11 is composed of an upper mounted portion 11U, a left mounted portion 11L located below the upper mounted portion 11U, and a right mounted portion 11R. When the lamp unit 10 is viewed from the front, the right mounted portion 11R is located to the right of the left mounted portion 11L. In the illustrated example, when the lamp unit 10 is viewed from the front, the upper mounted portion 11U, the left mounted portion 11L, and the right mounted portion 11R are located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle.

[0052] The upper mounting portion 11U and the left mounting portion 11L are connected by a left beam portion 12L. The upper mounting portion 11U and the right mounting portion 11R are connected by a right beam portion 12R. A plate-shaped bottom portion 13 extending in the front-back direction and the left-right direction is provided between the left mounting portion 11L and the right mounting portion 11R. A through hole 13H extending in the vertical direction is formed in this bottom portion 13.

[0053] It should be noted that a lance structure can be used in the fitting of the mounting part 110 and the mounted part 11. Through the lance structure, the mounting part 110 and the mounted part 11 are positioned relative to each other at a predetermined position.

[0054] (First spline axis S1)

[0055] The first spline shaft S1 is fixed to the bottom 13 of the first bracket B1. The first spline shaft S1 is a hollow shaft extending along a rotation axis L1 extending in the vertical direction. The first spline shaft S1 passes through a through hole 13H in the bottom 13 of the first bracket B1 from below, and the upper part of the first spline shaft S1 protrudes upward beyond the bottom 13 of the first bracket B1.

[0056] (Rotation unit 20)

[0057] The rotating unit 20 causes the lamp unit 10 to rotate about a rotation axis L1 extending in the vertical direction. The rotating unit 20 also causes the optical axis of the lamp unit 10 to rotate in the horizontal direction. The rotating unit 20 is mounted on the first spline shaft S1 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the rotation axis L1. The rotating unit 20 engages with the first spline shaft S1 at a position higher than the bottom 13 of the first bracket B1.

[0058] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the rotating unit 20. (Example) Figure 4 As shown, the rotating unit 20 has a first housing 21 that includes a first motor MO, a first reduction unit D, and a first circuit board C.

[0059] The first housing 21 has a first housing 21A, a partition plate 21B, and a second housing 21C. The first housing 21A and the partition plate 21B form a substrate storage chamber CR, and the second housing 21C and the partition plate 21B form a motor storage chamber MR.

[0060] The first circuit board C is housed in the board housing chamber CR. The first motor MO and the first reduction unit D are housed in the motor housing chamber MR. The output axis of the first motor MO transmits torque to the first reduction unit D. The first reduction unit D consists of a first gear T1, a second gear T2, a third gear T3, and a first output gear TO1.

[0061] The first gear T1 meshes with the output shaft of the first motor MO and the second gear T2. The second gear T2 meshes with the first gear T1 and the third gear T3. The third gear T3 meshes with the second gear T2 and the first output gear TO1.

[0062] The first output gear TO1 is along... Figure 3The cylindrical component extending along the rotation axis L1 is shown. The first output gear TO1 has a toothed surface (first gear) TS on a portion of its outer circumferential surface that meshes with the third gear T3. The first gear T1, the second gear T2, and the third gear T3 are positioned in the direction of extension of the rotation axis L1, overlapping the outer circumferential surface of the first output gear TO1.

[0063] The first output gear TO1 is fixed to Figure 3 The first splined shaft S1 is shown and meshes with the third gear T3. The rotation axes of the first gear T1, the second gear T2, the third gear T3, and the first output gear TO1 are all parallel to the rotation axis L1. The torque of the first motor MO is transmitted to the first output gear TO1 via the first gear T1, the second gear T2, and the third gear T3.

[0064] (Axial fixation)

[0065] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the mounting structure of the first bracket B1, the rotating unit 20, and the first spline shaft S1. Figure 5 This represents a cross-section along the rotation axis L1. The first output gear TO1 is disposed inside the first housing 21 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the rotation axis L1 but prevents it from displacing along the rotation axis L1. Additionally, as... Figure 4 As shown, the first output gear TO1 is a hollow component, into which the first splined shaft S1 can be inserted. A radially penetrating window W is provided on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first output gear TO1.

[0066] Figure 6 This is a 3D view of the first spline shaft S1. (See diagram below.) Figure 6 As shown, the first spline shaft S1 has a flat, annular flange 22 extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis L1, and a leg 23 extending from the flange 22 along the rotation axis L1. A locking pawl 23L is provided at the axial front end of the leg 23. The leg 23 is a relatively long portion in the axial direction, and its front end is capable of elastic deformation in the radial direction.

[0067] return Figure 5 The first bracket B1 is held with the first splined shaft S1 inserted into the through hole 13H. Since the first splined shaft S1 is also inserted into the first output gear TO1, the first output gear TO1 and the first bracket B1 are coaxial. The bottom 13 of the first bracket B1 is held by the rotating unit 20 and the flange 22 of the first splined shaft S1.

[0068] If the first splined shaft S1 is inserted into the first output gear TO1, the front end of the leg 23 in the insertion direction is pressed by the inner circumferential surface of the first output gear TO1 and elastically deformed radially inward. When the first splined shaft S1 is further inserted into the first output gear TO1, as... Figure 5 As shown, the locking pawl 23L engages with the window portion W of the first output gear TO1, and the leg 23 elastically recovers its radial inward deformation. With the locking pawl 23L engaged with the window portion W, the locking pawl 23L is in contact with the window portion W, therefore the first spline shaft S1 cannot move in the direction of the rotation axis L1.

[0069] (Circumferential and radial fixation)

[0070] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first spline shaft S1 has a plurality of first mounting tongues FT1 and a plurality of second mounting tongues FT2 protruding from the flange portion 22 toward the rotation axis L1. The plurality of first mounting tongues FT1 are spaced apart circumferentially. Each of the second mounting tongues FT2 is disposed between the first mounting tongues FT1 circumferentially.

[0071] Each first mounting tongue FT1 has a leg 23 with a locking claw 23L at its front end, a circumferential abutment portion 24, and a first insertion guide portion 25. A pair of circumferential abutment portions 24 are provided on both sides of the leg 23, spaced apart from it. The circumferential abutment portions 24 extend from the flange 22 and are longer than the leg 23. The pair of circumferential abutment portions 24 extend obliquely such that their separation interval narrows as they move away from the flange 22. The ends of the circumferential abutment portions 24 opposite to the flange 22 are connected circumferentially via the first insertion guide portion 25. The locking claw 23L at the front end of the leg 23 is not connected to the first insertion guide portion 25. The outer circumferential surface of the first insertion guide portion 25 opposite to the flange 22 is a conical shape with an outer diameter that decreases as it moves away from the flange 22. In the illustrated example, the pair of circumferential abutment portions 24 are provided at three points circumferentially separated from the first spline shaft S1.

[0072] The second mounting tongue FT2 has a main body 26 protruding from the flange 22 toward the rotation axis L1, and a second insertion guide 27 disposed at the front end of the main body 26. The outer peripheral surface of the second insertion guide 27, like the first insertion guide 25, is a conical shape in which the outer diameter decreases as it moves away from the flange 22.

[0073] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the first output gear TO1 and the first splined shaft S1 in a section orthogonal to the rotation axis L1. The locking pawl 23L of the first splined shaft S1 is located in a position where it engages with the window W of the first bracket B1. Because the locking pawl 23L is in contact with the wall surface of the window W, the relative rotation of the first splined shaft S1 and the first output gear TO1 about the rotation axis L1 is prevented.

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 7As shown, the cross-section of the through hole TOH of the output gear TO1 is not circular, and the first bracket B1 has multiple protrusions P protruding radially inward. The first mounting tongue FT1 of the first spline shaft S1 enters between these protrusions P in the circumferential direction. Conversely, the protrusions P of the output gear TO1 enter between the multiple first mounting tongues FT1 of the first spline shaft S1 in the circumferential direction. The circumferential abutment portion 24 of the first spline shaft S1 abuts against the protrusions P. Thus, the relative rotation of the first spline shaft S1 and the first output gear TO1 about the rotation axis L1 is prevented.

[0075] It should be noted that, as Figure 6 As shown, the pair of circumferential abutment portions 24 of the first spline shaft S1 are inclined such that the separation interval between them narrows as they move away from the flange portion 22. As the first spline shaft S1 is inserted into the first output gear TO1, the force of the circumferential abutment portions 24 pressing against the protrusion P increases, making it difficult for circumferential wobble to occur between the first spline shaft S1 and the first output gear TO1.

[0076] return Figure 7 When the first splined shaft S1 is not inserted into the first output gear TO1, the outer diameter of the second mounting tongue FT2 of the first splined shaft S1, as well as the outer diameters of the locking claw 23L of the first mounting tongue FT1, the first insertion guide 25, and the second insertion guide 27, are slightly larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole of the first output gear TO1. Therefore, when the first splined shaft S1 is inserted into the first output gear TO1, the first splined shaft S1 becomes elastically deformed radially inward. In this state, an elastic restoring force acts to displace the second mounting tongue FT2, the locking claw 23L of the first mounting tongue FT1, the first insertion guide 25, and the second insertion guide 27 radially outward. That is, when the first splined shaft S1 is inserted into the first output gear TO1, an elastic restoring force that presses the inner circumference of the insertion hole of the output gear radially outward acts on the first splined shaft S1, making it difficult for radial wobble to occur between the first splined shaft S1 and the first output gear TO1.

[0077] With this structure, the first spline shaft S1 and the first output gear TO1 are fixed so that they cannot be displaced relative to each other. The first output gear TO1 is fixed to the first spline shaft S1, and the first spline shaft S1 is fixed to the housing 100 via the first bracket B1.

[0078] (Second bracket B2)

[0079] return Figure 3 The second bracket B2 will be described.

[0080] The second bracket B2 is fixed to the rotating unit 20. The second bracket B2 supports the leveling unit 30 so that it can rotate about the leveling axis L2. The second bracket B2 is located above the rotating unit 20. The second bracket B2 has a rotation fixing part 28 fixed to the first housing 21 of the rotating unit 20 and a leveling support part 29A for fixing the second spline shaft S2.

[0081] In the illustrated example, the second bracket B2 is a plate-shaped component that appears approximately U-shaped when viewed from the front. The second bracket B2 has a rotating fixing part 28, a leveling support part 29A, and an auxiliary support part 29B located at the bottom of the U-shape. The leveling support part 29A is located on the left side of the rotating fixing part 28. The auxiliary support part 29B is located on the right side of the rotating fixing part 28.

[0082] The rotating fixing part 28 is a plate-shaped part extending in the front-back direction and the left-right direction. The leveling support part 29A and the auxiliary support part 29B are plate-shaped parts extending in the front-back direction and the up-down direction.

[0083] A through-hole 28H is formed in the rotating fixing part 28 of the second bracket B2. The through-hole 28H engages with the fitting part 20L provided on the upper surface of the first housing 21 of the rotating unit 20, thereby fixing the second bracket B2 to the rotating unit 20.

[0084] A support hole 29H extending in the left-right direction is formed in the leveling support portion 29A of the second bracket B2. The support hole 29H extends along the leveling axis L2.

[0085] It should be noted that the second spline shaft S2 has the same structure as the first spline shaft S1. That is, by using the same structure as the first spline shaft S1 that fixes the positional relationship between the first bracket B1 and the rotating unit 20, the second spline shaft S2 fixes the positional relationship between the second bracket B2 and the leveling unit 30.

[0086] The leveling unit 30 has the same structure as the rotating unit 20. The motors of the rotating unit 20 and the leveling unit 30 differ only in their output torque and magnitude; as constituent components, they are identical. Compared to the leveling unit 30, the reduction unit of the rotating unit 20 differs in the size, number of teeth, number of gears, and reduction ratio of the gears, but they are similar in that they both have a structure with multiple gears.

[0087] The connection structure of the leveling support 29A of the second spline shaft S2 and the second bracket B2 with the leveling unit 30 is the same as the connection structure of the first spline shaft S1, the first bracket B1 and the rotating unit 20 described above. Therefore, their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0088] (Fixing structure of lamp unit 10 and leveling unit 30)

[0089] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view showing the lamp unit 10 and the leveling unit 30. (Example) Figure 8 As shown, the lamp unit 10 includes a lamp bracket 14, a lens holder 15, a projection lens 16, and a light source 17. In the illustrated example, the lamp bracket 14 is made of metal and has fins that function as a heat sink. The lens holder 15 is mounted on the front surface of the lamp bracket 14. This lens holder 15 supports the projection lens 16.

[0090] The lamp holder 14 includes: a base portion 14A on which a lens holder 15 is mounted; and a leveling support plate portion 14B, which is a plate-shaped component extending in both vertical and horizontal directions, located on the side of the lamp holder 14. The leveling support plate portion 14B has a fitting hole (insertion hole) 14D with a recess 14C formed on its inner circumferential surface. The second housing 31 of the leveling unit 30 has an insertion portion 31A for inserting into the fitting hole 14D. A fitting portion (claw portion) 31B is formed on the outer periphery of the insertion portion 31A, capable of penetrating the recess 14C. The fitting hole 14D is coaxial with the leveling axis L2.

[0091] With the insertion part 31A inserted into the fitting hole 14D and the fitting part 31B penetrating the recess 14C, the lamp unit 10 rotates relative to the leveling unit 30 along the circumferential direction of the insertion part 31A, thereby fitting the fitting part 31B into the leveling support plate part 14B.

[0092] Furthermore, the leveling support plate portion 14B has a boss portion 14F protruding toward the leveling unit 30. A threaded hole (first threaded hole) 14G is formed on the front end face of the boss portion 14F. A screw mounting portion 31D with a threaded hole (second threaded hole) 31C is also provided on the second housing 31 of the leveling unit 30. The leveling unit 30 and the lamp unit 10 are fixed by screwing a screw that passes through the screw mounting portion 31D of the leveling unit 30 into the boss portion 14F of the leveling support plate portion 14B.

[0093] <Action>

[0094] When the rotating unit 20 operates, the first motor MO generates torque that causes the first output gear TO1 to rotate relative to the first housing 21. The first output gear TO1 is fixed to the first bracket B1 via the first spline shaft S1, which is also fixed to the housing 100. That is, the first output gear TO1 is fixed to the housing 100. As a result, if torque is generated in the first output gear TO1, the first motor MO and the first housing 21 supporting the first motor MO rotate about the rotation axis L1 due to the reaction force. The lamp unit 10 is fixed to the first housing 21 via the second bracket B2 and the leveling unit 30, so the lamp unit 10 also rotates about the rotation axis L1 together with the first housing 21. As described above, when the rotating unit 20 operates, the lamp unit 10 rotates about the rotation axis L1, and the optical axis of the lamp unit 10 rotates about the rotation axis L1.

[0095] The operation of the leveling unit 30 is essentially the same as that of the rotating unit 20. When the leveling unit 30 operates, its motor generates torque that causes the output gear to rotate relative to the second housing 31 of the leveling unit 30. The output gear of the leveling unit 30 is fixed to the second bracket B2 via the second spline shaft S2. The second bracket B2 is fixed to the rotating unit 20. That is, the output gear of the leveling unit 30 is fixed to the rotating unit 20. As a result, if torque is generated in the output gear of the leveling unit 30, the motor of the leveling unit 30 and the second housing 31 supporting the motor rotate about the leveling axis L2 due to the reaction force. The lamp unit 10 is fixed to the second housing 31 of the leveling unit 30 via the lamp bracket 14, so the lamp unit 10 also rotates about the leveling axis L2 together with the second housing 31. As described above, when the leveling unit 30 operates, the lamp unit 10 rotates about the leveling axis L2, and the optical axis of the lamp unit 10 is leveled about the leveling axis L2.

[0096] <Other>

[0097] According to the vehicle headlight 1 disclosed herein, when the main unit M is pre-assembled, the first bracket B1 can be installed together with the main unit M onto the housing 100. Compared with the case where the lamp unit 10, the rotating unit 20, the leveling unit 30, etc. are installed separately on the housing 100, the work efficiency is significantly improved.

[0098] Furthermore, when the lamp unit 10, rotating unit 20, and leveling unit 30 are individually mounted on the housing 100, their mounting positions differ depending on the type of vehicle headlight 1. However, according to the vehicle headlight 1 disclosed herein, even when different types of vehicle headlight 1 exist, since only the mounting structure of the first bracket B1 to the housing 100 differs, the structure of the main unit M, including the lamp unit 10, rotating unit 20, and leveling unit 30, can be universalized across different types of vehicle headlight 1. Alternatively, even when different types of vehicle headlight 1 exist, the mounting structure of the first bracket B1 to the housing 100 can be universalized, easily achieving component universality.

[0099] Unlike the vehicle headlight 1 disclosed herein, when rotating around the rotation axis L1 and the leveling axis L2 using screws, it is difficult to move instantaneously. However, according to the vehicle headlight 1 disclosed herein, since the rotating unit 20 and the leveling unit 30 use a motor M, the optical axis of the lamp unit 10 can be moved quickly compared to the case where rotating around the rotation axis L1 and the leveling axis L2 using screws.

[0100] Unlike the vehicle headlight 1 disclosed herein, the optical axis alignment of the vehicle headlight 1 is performed at the factory using an aligning unit. However, according to the vehicle headlight 1 disclosed herein, the alignment operation only requires setting the initial position of the motor M, so no aligning unit is needed except for the rotation unit 20 and the leveling unit 30.

[0101] It should be noted that in the vehicle headlight 1 disclosed herein, a 6-axis sensor (not shown) and a gyroscope sensor are mounted on the leveling unit 30. The leveling unit 30 is fixed to the lamp unit 10 and moves together with the lamp unit 10. Therefore, the posture of the lamp unit 10 can be directly controlled through the 6-axis sensor and the gyroscope sensor.

[0102] The 6-axis sensor and gyroscope sensor can be directly mounted on the lamp unit 10, or they can be mounted on the leveling unit 30 fixed to the lamp unit 10. When mounted on the leveling unit 30, they can also be mounted on the circuit board CR. When the 6-axis sensor and gyroscope sensor are mounted on the circuit board CR, the sensor can be easily fixed and powered on the circuit board.

[0103] (Separation of the spline shaft)

[0104] return Figure 5 A disassembly guide 25R is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the leg 23. In the cross-section shown in the figure, the disassembly guide 25R is hook-shaped, with its front end protruding radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the leg 23 and folding back towards the flange 22. In addition, the inner circumferential surface of the front end of the hook-shaped barb is formed as an inclined surface that expands in diameter axially as it moves away from the flange 22.

[0105] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the disassembly tool SJ used when removing the first spline shaft S1 from the first output gear TO1. Figure 9 As shown, the disassembly tool SJ has a cylindrical base SJB and a cylindrical insertion part SJI with a diameter smaller than that of the base SJB. The outer diameter of the insertion part SJI is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the first spline shaft S1. Multiple disassembly tongues SJT, extending axially along the first spline shaft S1 and separated circumferentially, are provided at the front end of the insertion part SJI of the disassembly tool SJ. Each disassembly tongue SJT is arc-shaped when viewed from the axial direction. The inner diameter of each disassembly tongue SJT decreases clockwise. An anti-rotation part SJS, protruding radially outward from the outer circumferential surface, is provided at the clockwise front end of each disassembly tongue SJT.

[0106] The disassembly steps for removing the first splined shaft S1 from the rotating unit 20 and the first bracket B1 using the disassembly tool SJ are described. First, the insertion part SJI of the disassembly tool SJ is inserted into the first splined shaft S1, and the disassembly tool SJ is rotated counterclockwise until the leg 23 of the first splined shaft S1 abuts against the anti-rotation part SJS. When the disassembly tool SJ is rotated counterclockwise, the inner circumferential surface of the disassembly tongue SJT contacts the wall surface of the disassembly guide part 25R of the first splined shaft S1. Since the inner diameter of the disassembly tongue SJT decreases clockwise, the disassembly guide part 25R is pulled radially inward when the disassembly tool SJ is continuously rotated clockwise. When the disassembly guide part 25R is pulled radially inward, the first mounting tongue FT1 of the first splined shaft S1 is displaced radially inward, and the locking pawl 23L disengages from the first output gear TO1. Once in this state, the disassembly tool, along with the first spline shaft S1, can be pulled out from the rotating unit 20 and the first bracket B1.

[0107] It should be noted that the above description refers to the second bracket B2, which is U-shaped when viewed from the front, but the shape of the second bracket B2 is not limited to this. For example, the second bracket B2 may also be a quadrilateral frame when viewed from the front. That is, it may be made into a shape where an upper frame portion connecting the upper end of the leveling support portion 29A to the upper end of the auxiliary support portion 29B is added to the U-shaped second bracket B2. This upper frame portion may also have a support portion that is supported so that it can rotate about the rotation axis L1 relative to the housing 100. With this support portion and the first spline shaft S1, the second bracket B2 can be supported without wobbling about the rotation axis L1.

[0108] <Second Implementation>

[0109] In the first embodiment described above, the structure in which the first bracket B1 is fixed to the outer shell 100, the rotating unit 20 enables the second bracket B2, the leveling unit 30 and the lamp unit 10 to rotate relative to the first bracket B1 about the rotation axis L1, and the leveling unit 30 enables the lamp unit 10 to rotate relative to the second bracket B2 about the leveling axis L2 has been described, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0110] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the vehicle headlight 1' according to the second embodiment. Figure 10 As shown, the vehicle headlight 1' has: a third bracket B3 fixed to the housing (not shown); a leveling unit 30 that rotates relative to the third bracket B3 about the main leveling axis ML2; a fourth bracket B4 fixed to the leveling unit 30; and three sub-units S (SM, SL, SR) supported so that they can rotate relative to the fourth bracket B4 about the rotation axes ML1, LL1, and RL1, respectively.

[0111] exist Figure 10In the example, sub-unit S includes the leftmost sub-unit SL, the rightmost sub-unit SR, and the central sub-unit SM located between the left sub-unit SL and the right sub-unit SR.

[0112] The central subunit SM can rotate about the central rotation axis ML1 relative to the fourth bracket B4 via the rotating unit 20. The connection structure between the rotating unit 20 and the fourth bracket B4 is the same as the connection structure between the rotating unit 20 and the first bracket B1 in the first embodiment described above. In addition, the rotating unit 20 of this embodiment has the same structure as the rotating unit 20 of the first embodiment, including a motor, multiple gears, etc.

[0113] Thus, a rotating unit 20 is provided in the central subunit SM to rotate the lamp unit 10 of the central subunit SM around the central rotation axis ML1, but no rotating unit 20 is provided in the left subunit SL and the right subunit SR. The rotation of the rotating unit 20 of the central subunit SM is transmitted to the left subunit SL and the right subunit SR via the linkage unit LU provided in the fourth bracket B4.

[0114] The linkage unit LU includes a central linkage bracket MLB located in the central subunit SM, a left linkage bracket LLB located in the left subunit SL, a right linkage bracket RLB located in the right subunit SR, a left arm LA mounted on the central linkage bracket MLB and the left linkage bracket LLB, a right arm RA mounted on the central linkage bracket MLB and the right linkage bracket RLB, a rotatable left connecting part LC connecting the left arm LA and the left linkage bracket LLB, a rotatable right connecting part RC connecting the right arm RA and the right linkage bracket RLB, and a rotatable central connecting part MC connecting the left arm LA, the right arm RA, and the central linkage bracket MLB. If the central linkage bracket MLB rotates about the central rotation axis ML1, the rotation of the central linkage bracket MLB is transmitted to the left arm LA and the right arm RA, and the left linkage bracket LLB and the right linkage bracket RLB rotate about the left rotation axis LL1 and the right rotation axis RL1, respectively.

[0115] Through the link element LU, the rotation amount of the central sub-unit SM around the central rotation axis, the rotation amount of the left sub-unit SL around the left rotation axis, and the rotation amount of the right sub-unit SR around the right rotation axis are equal.

[0116] Figure 11 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the left subunit SL. Figure 11 This is a side view of the left subunit SL. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The view shown is a section view along line XII-XII of the left sub-unit SL. Figure 11 , Figure 12As shown, the left subunit SL has a left lamp unit 10L, a third spline shaft S3, a fixed cylinder FC, a left lamp bracket 14L for fixing the left lamp unit 10L, a left connecting rod bracket LLB, a left pre-alignment unit 30L, a left phase adjustment unit PU, and a left vibration suppression unit BU.

[0117] The third splined shaft S3 passes through the fourth bracket B4 and the left connecting rod bracket LLB and is fixed to the fixed cylindrical portion FC. The output gear window W of the first embodiment is provided in the fixed cylindrical portion FC of this embodiment, and the locking pawl 23L of the third splined shaft S3 engages with the fixed cylindrical portion FC. On the outer periphery of the fixed cylindrical portion FC, the left lamp bracket 14L and the left connecting rod bracket LLB are rotatably provided about the left rotation axis LL1. The left lamp bracket 14L and the left connecting rod bracket LLB slide relative to the outer periphery of the fixed cylindrical portion FC.

[0118] The left pre-alignment unit 30L is mounted on the left lamp holder 14L. The left pre-alignment unit 30L supports the left lamp unit 10L so that it can rotate relative to the left lamp holder 14L about a left pre-alignment axis AA parallel to the main leveling axis ML2. When the left pre-alignment unit 30L is activated, the left lamp unit 10L rotates about the left pre-alignment axis AA. The left pre-alignment unit 30L can adjust the vertical orientation of the left lamp unit 10L more precisely than the leveling unit 30.

[0119] The left phase adjustment unit PU connects the left lamp holder 14L and the left link bracket LLB. The left phase adjustment unit PU transmits the rotational force of the left link bracket LLB about the left rotation axis LL1 to the left lamp holder 14L. If the left link bracket LLB rotates about the left rotation axis LL1 via the link unit LU, then the left lamp holder 14L rotates about the left rotation axis LL1 via the left phase adjustment unit PU. The left phase adjustment unit PU can change the advance angle of the left lamp unit 10L and the left link bracket LLB about the left rotation axis LL1. The advance angle represents the amount (degree) by which the left lamp unit 10L advances relative to the left link bracket LLB about the left rotation axis LL1 compared to a reference angle.

[0120] The left vibration suppression unit BU makes it difficult for the left connecting rod bracket LLB and the left lamp bracket 14L to wobble. The left vibration suppression unit BU always applies a force rotating in one direction around the left rotation axis LL1 to the left lamp bracket 14L. As a result, it is difficult for a gap to be generated between the left connecting rod bracket LLB and the left lamp bracket 14L, and it is difficult to produce abnormal noise when vibrations act on the vehicle headlight 1'.

[0121] Thus, if the rotating unit 20 is activated, the central lamp unit 10M rotates around the central rotation axis ML1, and via the link unit LU, the left lamp unit 10L rotates around the left rotation axis LL1, and via the link unit LU, the right lamp unit 10R rotates around the right rotation axis RL1.

[0122] Furthermore, if the leveling unit 30 is activated, the third bracket B3 rotates relative to the outer casing 100 about the leveling axis L2. The third bracket B3 is equipped with a central lamp unit 10M, a left lamp unit 10L, and a right lamp unit 10R. Therefore, if the leveling unit 30 is activated, the central lamp unit 10M, the left lamp unit 10L, and the right lamp unit 10R rotate together.

[0123] Next, the left phase adjustment unit PU and the left vibration suppression unit BU of the vehicle headlight 1' of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0124] As described above, in this embodiment, the rotation of the plurality of lamp units 10M, 10L, and 10R as a whole is performed by the rotation unit 20. However, depending on the dimensional accuracy and assembly accuracy of the components, the optical axes of each lamp unit 10M, 10L, and 10R are sometimes not parallel to each other. Therefore, in the vehicle headlight 1' of this disclosure, the leveling direction of each lamp unit 10M, 10L, and 10R can be adjusted to be parallel to each other by means of a phase adjustment unit. The phase adjustment unit is provided on the lamp units 10L and 10R.

[0125] Furthermore, by providing phase adjustment units in each lamp unit 10L and 10R, it is possible for wobbling to occur between the phase adjustment units and other components. Therefore, vibration adjustment units are provided in lamp units 10L and 10R. The phase adjustment units and vibration suppression units provided in lamp units 10L and 10R have the same structure, so the left phase adjustment unit PU and the left vibration suppression unit BU provided in the left lamp unit 10L will be described below.

[0126] (Structure of the phase adjustment unit)

[0127] First, use Figure 12 The left phase adjustment unit (PU) is described in detail. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the left phase adjustment unit PU has an adjustment screw PU1, a screw support PU2, and an engagement part PU3.

[0128] The adjusting screw PU1 is located on the screw support PU2 and is a component that can engage with the engagement part PU3. The left lamp bracket 14L and the left connecting rod bracket LLB are easily connected by screwing the adjusting screw PU1. That is, the adjusting screw PU1 transmits the rotational movement of the left connecting rod bracket LLB about the left rotation axis to the left lamp bracket 14L.

[0129] The screw support PU2 is a roughly U-shaped component extending vertically from the left lamp bracket 14L. The screw support PU2 supports the adjusting screw PU1 from below, allowing it to rotate freely without axial movement.

[0130] The engaging portion PU3 is a component extending from the left connecting rod bracket LLB in the left-right direction, with a generally U-shaped cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction of the adjusting screw PU1. The adjusting screw PU1 engages with the engaging portion PU3 on the inner circumferential surface of the generally U-shaped component. At least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the engaging portion PU3 is configured in an arc shape, protruding toward the adjusting screw PU1. At least two surfaces of the arc-shaped inner circumferential surface of the engaging portion PU3 engage with the adjusting screw PU1.

[0131] (Operation of the phase adjustment unit)

[0132] Next, use Figure 13 The phase adjustment method of the left phase adjustment unit (PU) is described in detail. Figure 13 Use XIII-XIII line to Figure 12 The cut section is shown in the view. For example... Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, the adjusting screw PU1 engages with a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the engaging part PU3. Here, as... Figure 13 As shown, the engagement part PU3 is formed into an arc shape to match the curvature of the left connecting rod bracket LLB. Therefore, even if the adjusting screw PU1 is a straight line, by feeding the adjusting screw PU1, the left connecting rod bracket LLB can rotate relative to the third spline shaft S3 and the fixed cylinder FC.

[0133] When the adjusting screw PU1 is rotated, the adjusting screw PU1 itself does not move axially, but the part of the engaging portion PU3 that engages with the adjusting screw PU1 moves axially. The adjusting screw PU1 is supported by the screw support portion PU2 extending from the left lamp holder 14L and cannot move. The engaging portion PU3 is part of the left connecting rod holder LLB. In addition, the left lamp holder 14L can rotate about the left rotation axis. Therefore, when the left connecting rod holder LLB is stationary, if the adjusting screw PU1 is rotated, the left lamp holder 14L rotates relative to the left connecting rod holder LLB about the left rotation axis. In this way, the advance angle of the left lamp holder 14L relative to the left connecting rod holder LLB about the left rotation axis LL1 can be adjusted by adjusting the adjusting screw PU1.

[0134] According to the vehicle headlight disclosed herein, the left lamp unit 10L rotates about a second rotation axis (left rotation axis LL1) via a drive mechanism (rotation unit 20) through a linkage unit LU. At this time, the advance angle of the light source bracket (left lamp unit 10L) relative to the left linkage bracket LLB about the second rotation axis is adjusted by the left phase adjustment unit PU, thereby adjusting the relative angle of the second lamp unit (left lamp unit 10L) relative to the first lamp unit (central lamp unit 10M). Therefore, the optical axes of the first lamp unit (central lamp unit 10M) and the second lamp unit (left lamp unit 10L) can be changed while keeping their orientations aligned.

[0135] Furthermore, according to the structure disclosed herein, at least a portion of the engagement portion PU3 is bent into an arc shape such that it remains in contact with the adjusting screw even when the left lamp bracket 14L rotates relative to the left connecting rod bracket LLB about the left rotation axis LL1. According to this structure, compared to the case where the threaded groove is cut in a straight line shape in the engagement portion, the engagement area between the adjusting screw and the engagement portion is increased, resulting in a more secure fixation.

[0136] (Structure of the vibration suppression unit)

[0137] Next, refer to Figure 12 and Figure 14 The left vibration suppression unit BU is described in detail. Figure 14 Use XIV-XIV line to Figure 12 View of the cut section.

[0138] like Figure 12 , Figure 14 As shown, the left vibration suppression unit BU has a contacted part BU1, an elastic member BU2, and a flange part BU3.

[0139] The abutting part BU1 is a component that extends downward from the flange part FC1, which extends radially outward from the fixed cylinder part FC.

[0140] The elastic component BU2 is a component that abuts against the abutted part BU1 and always continuously exerts a force relative to the abutted part BU1 in a direction of rotation about the left rotation axis LL1.

[0141] The flange portion BU3 is a component that extends from the left connecting rod bracket LLB in the left-right direction. A hole BU31 is formed in the flange portion BU3 to accommodate the elastic component BU2.

[0142] like Figure 14 As shown, the hole BU31 is formed on the left rotation axis LL1 (refer to...). Figure 12 The hole BU31 is sandwiched between the abutting part BU1 in the circumferential direction. The inner circumferential surface of the hole BU31 has a first abutting part BU41 and a second abutting part BU42. In this embodiment, an elastic member BU2 is provided between the first abutting part BU41 and the abutting part BU1, and the abutting part BU1 and the second abutting part BU42 directly abut against each other.

[0143] It should be noted that the structure within the hole BU31 is not limited to the above-described manner. For example, it could also be a structure in which elastic members BU2 are provided on both sides, between the first abutting part BU41 and the abutted part BU1, and between the second abutting part BU42 and the abutted part BU1.

[0144] (Operation of the vibration suppression unit)

[0145] Next, refer to Figure 14The function of the left vibration suppression unit BU is explained in detail.

[0146] If the abutting part BU1 attempts to move toward the second abutting part BU42, then the abutting part BU1 abuts against the second abutting part BU42, thus preventing the abutting part BU1 from moving toward the second abutting part BU42.

[0147] On the other hand, if the abutting part BU1 wants to move towards the first abutting part BU41, the elastic member BU2 applies a spring force to the abutting part BU1 in the opposite direction to the direction of the desired movement, and the movement of the abutting part BU1 towards the first abutting part BU41 is suppressed.

[0148] Furthermore, the connecting rod bracket LLB, which has a hole BU31, is a component that rotates around the left rotation axis LL1. To ensure smooth rotation of the connecting rod bracket LLB, a gap is provided between the connecting rod bracket LLB and the fixed cylinder FC. Therefore, without the left vibration suppression unit BU, when vibration acts on the vehicle headlight, the connecting rod bracket LLB contacts the fixed cylinder FC, producing abnormal noise. Alternatively, when the connecting rod bracket LLB rotates from a clockwise to a counterclockwise position, it also contacts the fixed cylinder FC, producing abnormal noise.

[0149] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the adjusting screw PU1 of the left phase adjustment unit PU is fixed to the left connecting rod bracket LLB via the engaging part PU3. Therefore, there is a possibility that when the vehicle headlight is subjected to vibration, the adjusting screw PU1 may separate from or come into contact with the engaging part PU3, resulting in abnormal noise.

[0150] However, according to the structure of this disclosure, the abutting part BU1 of the left vibration suppression unit BU is always subjected to a force by the elastic member BU2, causing it to rotate in one direction about the left rotation axis LL1. Therefore, the abutting part BU1 is always in contact with the second abutting part BU42. Thus, the swaying between the fixed cylinder part FC and the left connecting rod bracket LLB can be suppressed.

[0151] Figure 15 , Figure 16 This is a top view of the lamp units 10M, 10L, and 10R when they are rotated as a whole. Figure 15 This indicates the lamp units 10M, 10L, and 10R before rotation. Figure 16 The rotating lamp units 10M, 10L, and 10R are indicated. According to the vehicle headlight 1' of this disclosure, the rotating unit 20... Figure 15In the illustrated operating condition, the rotation of the central lamp unit 10M is transmitted from the central link bracket MLB through the link unit LU to the left link bracket LLB and the right link bracket RLB. At this time, for example, in the left lamp unit 10L, the left link bracket LLB rotates relative to the fixed cylinder FC (see reference...). Figure 12 Therefore, as Figure 16 As shown, during rotation, the left vibration suppression unit BU is abutted by the contact part BU1 and the elastic member BU2. Therefore, even when the optical axes of multiple lamp units 10M, 10L, and 10R are adjusted simultaneously by the rotation unit 20, the vibration suppression unit can suppress the vibration of the lamp units 10L and 10R.

[0152] Furthermore, according to the vehicle headlight disclosed herein, the left vibration suppression unit BU is located on the opposite side of the left phase adjustment unit PU, separated by the fixed cylinder portion FC. In vehicle headlights equipped with an adjustment unit, the adjustment unit PU connects the link bracket LLB and the left lamp bracket 14L in an adjustable manner, thus potentially causing wobbling between the link bracket LLB and the left lamp bracket 14L. However, according to the above structure, the vibration suppression unit is located on the opposite side of the phase adjustment unit, separated by the fixed cylinder portion. Therefore, a vibration suppression unit that suppresses vibration is provided at a location away from the phase adjustment unit that causes wobbling, thus effectively suppressing wobbling.

[0153] <Basic Structure of the Pre-alignment Unit>

[0154] Next, the left pre-alignment unit 30L of the vehicle headlight 1' will be described in detail.

[0155] Left pre-alignment unit 30L is provided in each lamp unit 10M, 10L, and 10R. The left pre-alignment units 30L provided in each lamp unit 10M, 10L, and 10R have the same structure, so the left pre-alignment unit 30L provided in the left lamp unit 10L will be described below.

[0156] like Figure 11 As shown, the left lamp unit 10L includes a light source unit 1002 and a left pre-alignment unit 30L. The light source unit 1002 includes a light source 1003 and a heat sink 1004. The light source unit 1002 is supported on the left lamp bracket 14L in a manner that allows it to rotate about the pre-alignment axis AA. The pre-alignment axis AA is an axis parallel to the main alignment axis ML2. The light source unit 1002 has a shaft portion (not shown) extending along the pre-alignment axis AA. The left lamp bracket 14L has a shaft support portion (not shown) that supports this shaft portion for rotation.

[0157] The left pre-alignment unit 30L can adjust the posture of the light source unit 1002 relative to the left lamp bracket 14L (bracket). In addition, the left pre-alignment unit 30L can adjust the relative position of the light source unit 1002 with respect to the left connecting rod bracket LLB about the pre-alignment axis AA.

[0158] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the left pre-alignment unit 30L has a mounting plate portion 1020 of the left lamp bracket 14L, a screw mounting portion 1030 of the light source unit 1002, and an adjusting screw 1001.

[0159] Mounting plate portion 1020 is a plate-shaped member extending from left lamp holder 14L. A first threaded hole 1021 is formed in mounting plate portion 1020 that engages with a portion of adjusting screw 1001. Left lamp holder 14L has a side plate-shaped portion opposite to the side of light source unit 1002. The side plate-shaped portion is a plate-shaped portion extending in both the front-rear and vertical directions. Mounting plate portion 1020 is provided at the upper end of this side plate-shaped portion. Mounting plate portion 1020 is a plate-shaped portion extending in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The first threaded hole 1021 is formed such that it penetrates mounting plate portion 1020 in the front-rear direction.

[0160] The screw mounting portion 1030 is a plate-shaped member extending from the light source unit 1002, and is provided such that a second threaded hole 1031 passes through and engages with a portion of the adjusting screw 1001. The screw mounting portion 1030 protrudes laterally from the light source unit 1002. The screw mounting portion 1030 is a plate-shaped portion extending in both vertical and horizontal directions. The second threaded hole 1031 is formed such that it passes through the screw mounting portion 1030 in the front-back direction.

[0161] Next, use Figure 17 The adjusting screw 1001 in this embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 17 This is a side view of the adjusting screw 1001. In this embodiment, the adjusting screw 1001 is formed of resin. The adjusting screw 1001 has two types of threaded grooves: a first groove 1001A and a second groove 1001B. The first groove 1001A can engage with the first threaded hole 1021, and the second groove 1001B can engage with the second threaded hole 1031.

[0162] The first groove 1001A and the second groove 1001B are configured with different widths (spacings) of threaded grooves. Furthermore, the spacing (first spacing) of the first groove 1001A is larger than the spacing (second spacing) of the second groove 1001B. Figure 17In the example shown, the spacing of the first groove 1001A is 0.8 mm, and the spacing of the second groove 1001B is 0.5 mm. The difference between the first spacing and the second spacing is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less. Furthermore, as shown in this embodiment, when the first spacing is larger than the second spacing, it is preferable that the ratio of the second spacing to the first spacing is 0.5 or less.

[0163] In this embodiment, the adjusting screw 1001 also has a stepped portion 1001C. The stepped portion 1001C is provided between the first groove 1001A and the second groove 1001B. The stepped portion 1001C is provided to restrict the forward feeding of the adjusting screw 1001 so that the second groove 1001B does not enter the first threaded hole 1021.

[0164] Next, use Figure 18 The pre-alignment method of the lamp unit 10 of this disclosure will be described in detail. Figure 18 Indicates from Figure 12 The state of the left lamp unit 10L, which tilts the light source unit 1002 downward through the left pre-alignment unit 30L.

[0165] <Adjustment based on pre-alignment unit>

[0166] When Figure 12 When the adjusting screw 1001 shown is fed forward, as... Figure 18 As shown, the optical axis of the light source unit 1002 is tilted downwards.

[0167] The spacing of the first groove 1001A of the adjusting screw 1001 is larger than the spacing of the second groove 1001B. Therefore, regarding the travel amount of the adjusting screw 1001 per revolution, the travel amount of the first threaded hole 1021 engaging with the first groove 1001A is greater than the travel amount of the second threaded hole 1031 engaging with the second groove 1001B. Therefore, as the adjusting screw 1001 is fed forward, the screw mounting portion 1030 with the second threaded hole 1031 relatively approaches the mounting plate portion 1020 with the first threaded hole 1021. More specifically, in this embodiment, the spacing of the first groove 1001A of the adjusting screw 1001 is 0.8 mm, and the spacing of the second groove 1001B is 0.5 mm. That is, when the adjusting screw 1001 rotates one revolution, the screw mounting portion 1030 relatively approaches the difference in spacing between the first groove 1001A and the second groove 1001B, which is 0.3 mm, relative to the mounting plate portion 1020.

[0168] Here, even if the adjusting screw 1001 moves, the mounting plate portion 1020 will not shift because it is part of the left lamp bracket 14L. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the alignment axis AA is located below the adjusting screw 1001. Therefore, if the adjusting screw 1001 is fed forward, the screw mounting portion 1030 will approach the mounting plate portion 1020, causing the screw mounting portion 1030 to move forward.

[0169] It should be noted that, in reality, the light source unit 1002 rotates about the alignment axis AA, therefore the screw mounting part 1030 moves in a circular arc manner. Here, as... Figure 11 As shown, the adjusting screw 1001 passes through the mounting plate portion 1020 via the self-locking nut 1010, in which a first threaded hole 1021 is formed. The portion of the self-locking nut 1010 that contacts the mounting plate portion 1020 is formed by a curved surface. Therefore, the self-locking nut 1010 and the mounting plate portion 1020 are in point contact. When the adjusting screw 1001 moves forward, the contact point between the self-locking nut 1010 and the mounting plate portion 1020 moves, thereby converting the screw mounting portion 1030 into a linear motion in the back-and-forth direction.

[0170] Previously, lamp units were known to employ pre-alignment units using screws to adjust the posture of the lamp unit by separating the light source unit from the bracket supporting the light source unit. However, in conventional pre-alignment units, the separation direction between the lamp unit and the bracket is consistent with the axis (travel direction) of the adjusting screw, so the movement distance of the adjusting screw is not significantly different from the separation distance between the lamp unit and the bracket. Therefore, the spacing width of the adjusting screws usually has a significant impact on the amount of adjustment of the separation distance, i.e., the alignment angle.

[0171] However, in the pre-alignment unit, compared to a typical alignment unit, finer posture adjustments of the lamp unit are required. Therefore, to reduce the scale of the adjustment, the spacing of the adjusting screws needs to be reduced. However, the thread height of the finely spaced adjusting screws is low, so the threads can slip due to vibration of the device, potentially causing the device angle to shift.

[0172] According to the lamp unit of this disclosure, the adjusting screw 1001 has a first groove 1001A with a first spacing and a second groove 1001B with a second spacing. Furthermore, a first threaded hole 1021 engaging with the first groove 1001A is formed in the bracket, and a second threaded hole 1031 engaging with the second groove 1001B is formed in the lamp unit. Here, since the first spacing and the second spacing are different, the adjustment amount can be set by the difference between the first spacing and the second spacing.

[0173] Based on the above structure, a lamp unit can be provided that can make minute adjustments to the alignment angle without reducing the overall spacing of the adjusting screws, thus suppressing angular deviation of the device caused by vibration.

[0174] Furthermore, in the lamp unit according to the present invention, the adjusting screw 1001 is screwed into the light source unit 1002 and the left connecting rod bracket LLB at a position different from the alignment axis AA and in a direction different from the alignment axis AA. According to the above structure, it is possible to prevent the movement distance of the adjusting screw 1001 from directly becoming a change in the posture of the light source unit. Thus, a lamp unit capable of fine adjustment of the alignment angle can be provided.

[0175] Furthermore, according to the lamp unit of this disclosure, in the bracket having a self-locking nut 1010 with a first threaded hole 1021, the spacing of the first groove 1001A engaging with the first threaded hole 1021 is larger than the spacing of the second groove 1001B engaging with the second threaded hole 1031. Based on the above structure, when the threaded groove on the inner circumferential surface of the self-locking nut 1010 is formed by the engagement of the adjusting screw 1001, the mechanical strength when the first threaded hole 1021 engages with the adjusting screw 1001 is increased due to the larger spacing of the first groove 1001A.

[0176] Furthermore, according to the lamp unit of this disclosure, it is preferable that the absolute value of the difference between the second pitch and the first pitch of the adjusting screw is 0.1 or more and 0.4 or less. Based on the above structure, the overall pitch of the adjusting screw can be reduced in a low-cost manner.

[0177] Furthermore, in the lamp unit according to the present invention, the distance between the self-locking nut 1010 and the left pre-alignment axis AA can also be less than 20 mm. That is, in Figure 12 In this configuration, the distance H between the self-locking nut 1010 and the left pre-alignment axis AA can also be 20mm. Based on this structure, even in small lamp units, minute adjustments to the alignment angle are possible.

[0178] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but the lamp unit of this disclosure is not limited to the above-described manner. For example, a lamp unit employing the adjusting screw of this disclosure can also be used for a single-eye lamp unit. According to the above structure, a lamp unit that allows for minute adjustment of the alignment angle can be provided even when the single-eye lamp unit is miniaturized.

[0179] Furthermore, the adjusting screw 1001, which has a first groove 1001A with a first spacing and a second groove 1001B with a second spacing, can not only be mounted on the vehicle headlights with the above-described structure. Figure 19 The figure shows the application of the adjusting screw 1001 to the pre-alignment unit 2020, which has a different structure from the second embodiment.

[0180] like Figure 19 As shown, the light source unit 2001 is mounted on the housing 2030 via the alignment unit 2010 and the pre-alignment unit 2020.

[0181] The alignment unit 2010 is a known structure. The alignment unit 2010 includes: a first ball joint 2012 that supports the bracket 2011 so that it can swing relative to the housing 2030; and a first adjusting screw 2013 that causes the bracket 2011 to rotate relative to the housing 2030 about the first ball joint 2012 as a fulcrum.

[0182] A pre-alignment unit 2020 is disposed on a bracket 2011, supporting the light source unit 2001 so that it can be displaced relative to the bracket 2011. The pre-alignment unit 2020 includes: a second ball joint 2022, which supports the light source unit 2001 so that it can swing relative to the bracket 2011; and a second adjusting screw 2023, which causes the light source unit 2001 to rotate relative to the bracket 2011 about the second ball joint 2022 as a fulcrum.

[0183] The second adjusting screw 2023 has a first groove 2023A with a first pitch and a second groove 2023B with a second pitch different from the first pitch. The first groove 2023A engages with the light source unit 2001, and the second groove 2023B engages with the bracket 2011. When the second adjusting screw 2023 is rotated, it moves forward or backward relative to the bracket 2011 by the difference between the first pitch and the second pitch. Therefore, compared with the alignment unit 2010, the pre-alignment unit 2020 can fine-tune the posture of the light source unit 2001.

[0184] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but the technical scope of this disclosure should not be interpreted as limited by the description of these embodiments. These embodiments are merely examples, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications to the embodiments can be made within the scope of the invention as described in the claims. The technical scope of this disclosure should be determined based on the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0185] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-222318, filed on December 28, 2023, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-222319, filed on December 28, 2023, and invokes all the contents set forth in the aforementioned applications.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlight, comprising: The first lamp unit is capable of rotating about a first rotation axis; The second lamp unit is capable of rotating about a second rotation axis that is parallel to the first rotation axis; A drive mechanism that causes the first lamp unit to rotate about the first axis; as well as The linkage unit transmits the power of the drive mechanism to the second lamp unit, causing the second lamp unit to rotate about the second rotation axis. The second lamp unit has: Light source unit; A support shaft portion that extends along the second axis of rotation; A light source bracket, which is rotatable about the second rotation axis, is supported on the support shaft to support the light source unit; as well as A connecting rod bracket, which is rotatable about the second axis of rotation, is supported on the support shaft and connected to the connecting rod unit. It has an adjustment unit that transmits the rotational force of the connecting rod bracket about the second rotation axis to the light source bracket. By adjusting the advance angle of the light source bracket relative to the connecting rod bracket about the second rotation axis, the relative angle of the second lamp unit to the first lamp unit can be adjusted.

2. The vehicle headlight according to claim 1, It has a suppression unit that causes an elastic force about the second rotation axis to act between the support shaft and the connecting rod bracket, thereby suppressing the vibration of the connecting rod bracket relative to the support shaft about the second rotation axis.

3. The vehicle headlight according to claim 1 or 2, The adjustment unit has: The adjusting screw extends tangentially along the circumferential direction of the second axis of rotation; A screw support, disposed on one of the light source bracket and the connecting rod bracket, supports the adjusting screw so that it can rotate but cannot be moved forward or backward; and The engaging part, located on the other side of the light source bracket and the connecting rod bracket, engages with the adjusting screw. Rotating the adjusting screw causes the engaging portion to move circumferentially along the adjusting screw on the second rotation axis, thereby adjusting the advance angle of the light source bracket relative to the connecting rod bracket about the second rotation axis.

4. The vehicle headlight according to claim 2, The suppression unit has: The abutting portion protrudes radially outward from the support shaft portion toward the second rotation axis; The first abutting part and the second abutting part are disposed on the connecting rod bracket and are arranged such that they clamp the abutting part in the circumferential direction of the second axis of rotation; as well as An elastic member is disposed between the first abutting portion and the abutted portion, and acts as an elastic force to press the abutted portion against the second abutting portion.

5. The vehicle headlight according to claim 3, At least a portion of the engagement part is curved in an arc shape so that the light source bracket remains engaged with the adjusting screw even when the light source bracket rotates relative to the connecting rod bracket about the second rotation axis.

6. The vehicle headlight according to claim 3, In a cross section orthogonal to the axial direction of the adjusting screw, the engaging portion is approximately U-shaped.

7. The vehicle headlight according to claim 2 or 4, The suppression unit is located on the opposite side of the adjustment unit, separated from the support shaft.

8. A lamp unit for a vehicle headlight, comprising: Light source unit; A bracket that supports the light source unit so that it can rotate about an alignment axis; and An adjusting screw, which engages with the light source unit and the bracket, adjusts the relative position of the light source unit and the bracket about the alignment axis. The adjusting screw has a first groove with a first spacing and a second groove with a second spacing different from the first spacing. A first threaded hole that engages with the first groove is formed on the bracket. A second threaded hole that engages with the second groove is formed on the light source unit.

9. The lamp unit for a vehicle headlight according to claim 8, The adjusting screw is screwed into the light source unit and the bracket at a position different from the alignment axis and in a direction different from the alignment axis.

10. The lamp unit of a vehicle headlight according to claim 8 or 9, The absolute value of the difference between the second spacing and the first spacing is greater than 0.1 and less than 0.

4.

11. The lamp unit of a vehicle headlight according to any one of claims 8 to 10, The bracket has a plate-shaped mounting plate with a through hole and a self-locking nut mounted in the through hole. The first threaded hole is formed in the self-locking nut. The first spacing is larger than the second spacing.

12. The lamp unit for a vehicle headlight according to claim 11, The ratio of the second spacing to the first spacing is 0.5 or less.

13. The lamp unit for a vehicle headlight according to claim 11, The distance between the self-locking nut and the alignment axis is less than 20 mm.

14. The lamp unit of a vehicle headlight according to any one of claims 8 to 13, When the adjusting screw is adjusted, the light source unit rotates in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

15. The lamp unit of a vehicle headlight according to any one of claims 8 to 14, The adjusting screw is made of resin.

16. A type of vehicle headlight, The alignment axis extends in the left-right direction. The vehicle headlights have the following features: The lamp unit according to any one of claims 8 to 15; A common bracket is used to mount multiple of the aforementioned lamp units; as well as A leveling unit that allows the common bracket to rotate relative to the housing about an axis parallel to the alignment axis.

17. The vehicle headlight according to claim 16, The lamp units are mounted on the common bracket via a rotating unit that causes each lamp unit to rotate about a rotation axis.

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