Vehicle headlamp

Abstract

A vehicle headlamp (1) includes a lamp unit (10), a leveling unit (30) fixed to the lamp unit (10), and a bracket (B2) that supports the lamp unit (10) and the leveling unit (30) so as to be rotatable.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Previously, techniques for adjusting the optical axis of a lamp unit in the vertical direction were known. For example, the lamp unit is supported by a support portion located above it, and an actuator actuation portion located below the lamp unit moves linearly in the horizontal direction. This causes the lamp unit to rotate around the support portion, thereby adjusting the optical axis of the lamp unit in the vertical direction.

[0003] In addition, vehicle headlights with structures that suspend and support optical units from above the housing are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle headlight with a structure that uses a leveling actuator and a rotary actuator to rotate an optical unit that is suspended and supported from above the housing.

[0004] Furthermore, vehicle headlights with structures that suspend and support optical units from above the housing are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle headlight with a structure that uses a leveling actuator and a rotation actuator to rotate an optical unit that is suspended and supported from above the housing.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-113788 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, in the vehicle headlight described in Patent Document 1, the relationship between the distance of the linear motion of the actuator and the angle of rotation of the lamp unit varies depending on the vehicle model. Therefore, the optical axis adjustment of the lamp unit needs to be designed differently for each vehicle model.

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle headlight that is easy to design and does not require different designs for each vehicle model.

[0011] Furthermore, the aforementioned vehicle headlight assembly process requires two steps: fixing the actuator to the housing and assembling the main unit, including the optical unit, onto the housing. In addition to the actuator and main unit, the housing also needs to accommodate components such as optical adjustment screws that support and rotate the main unit. This necessitates a complex housing shape for mounting these components. Moreover, since the optical adjustment screws are inserted through the back of the housing, waterproof O-rings are required at the insertion point of the screws.

[0012] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle headlight that is easy to assemble and does not require waterproof components.

[0013] In addition, the headlights used in these vehicles cannot maintain the orientation of the optical unit when the vehicle vibrates up and down, and the illumination range of the optical unit may change.

[0014] The purpose of this disclosure is to ensure that the rotational force always acts on the lamp unit in a specified direction, thereby improving the accuracy of alignment and leveling.

[0015] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0016] A vehicle headlight according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a lamp unit; a leveling unit fixed to the lamp unit; and a bracket that supports the lamp unit and the leveling unit so as to be rotatable.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle headlight having a housing and a main unit, the main unit having a leveling unit, a rotating unit, an optical unit and a first bracket, the main unit being mounted to the housing via the first bracket.

[0018] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle headlight having a lamp unit and a leveling unit, the leveling unit having a drive unit that rotates the lamp unit about a leveling axis, wherein, in the non-drive state of the drive unit, a rotational force acts on the lamp unit about the leveling axis due to the weight of the lamp unit.

[0019] Invention Effects

[0020] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide vehicle headlights that are easy to design and do not require different designs for each vehicle model.

[0021] In addition, according to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlight that is easy to assemble and does not require waterproofing components.

[0022] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, the rotational force always acts on the lamp unit in a predetermined direction, thereby improving the accuracy of alignment and leveling. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle headlight according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional view of the lamp unit, leveling unit, rotating unit, and lamp bracket.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded 3D view of the main unit.

[0026] Figure 4 It is an exploded 3D view of the rotating unit.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the mounting structure of the first bracket, the rotating unit, and the first splined shaft.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a 3D view of the first spline shaft.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a 3D diagram representing the lamp unit and the leveling unit.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a 3D view of the disassembly tool used when disassembling the first splined shaft.

[0032] Figure 10 This diagram shows the structure of the screws in the screw mounting part of the leveling unit and the boss part of the lamp bracket.

[0033] Figure 11 It means Figure 10 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the screw mounting part of the leveling unit and the boss part of the lamp bracket.

[0034] Figure 12 It means Figure 10 An enlarged view showing the screw inserted into the boss.

[0035] Figure 13 Is Figure 2 A partial horizontal cross-sectional view of the main unit installed in the casing.

[0036] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the vehicle headlight according to the second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 15 This is a side view of the left sub-unit.

[0038] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The XVI-XVI line section view of the left sub-unit is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] 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.

[0040] <First Implementation Method> (Overall Structure)

[0041] 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.

[0042] The extension part Sa or appearance design component is disposed between the outer lens 200 and the main unit M. It is a component that suppresses the view of the lamp housing from the outside through the outer lens 200 and the inner surface of the housing 100, thereby improving the aesthetics of the vehicle headlight 1.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The lamp unit 10 illuminates both 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 in the illustration depicts a single lens 16, but multiple lenses or multiple reflectors can also be used. Additionally, a single light source 17 can be provided, or multiple light sources 17 can be provided.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Figure 2 This 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.

[0048] (Main Unit M)

[0049] Figure 3This 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.

[0050] (First bracket B1)

[0051] 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. The mounting portions 11 are provided with insertion holes 11H for inserting the mounting portions 110 of the outer casing 100 into the interior. By inserting the mounting portions 110 of the outer casing 100 into the mounting portions 11 of the first bracket B1, the first bracket B1 is fixed to the outer casing 100 in a way that prevents displacement.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 13 extending in both the front-back and left-right directions is provided between the left mounting portion 11L and the right mounting portion 11R. A through hole 13H extending in the vertical direction is provided in this bottom 13. It should be noted that the fitting of the mounting portion 110 and the mounted portion 11 can adopt a lance structure. With the lance structure, the mounting portion 110 and the mounted portion 11 are positioned relative to each other at a predetermined position.

[0054] (First spline axis S1)

[0055] The first splined shaft S1 is fixed to the bottom 13 of the first bracket B1. The first splined shaft S1 is a hollow shaft extending along a rotation axis L1 extending in the vertical direction. The first splined 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 splined shaft S1 protrudes upward beyond the bottom 13 of the first bracket B1 and is connected to the rotating unit 20. The first splined shaft S1 has a flat annular flange 22 extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis L1. When the first splined shaft S1 is fixed to the bottom 13, the flange 22 engages with the bottom 13 and is integrally integrated with the rotation axis L1 without displacement.

[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 shaft Lo of the first motor MO transmits torque to the first reduction unit D. The first reduction unit D is composed 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 Lo 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 in the direction of the rotation axis L1.

[0066] In addition, such 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. By making the first output gear TO1 a hollow component, the rigidity of the first output gear TO1 can be ensured, and weight reduction can be achieved.

[0067] 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.

[0068] return Figure 5 The first output gear TO1 is positioned coaxially with the through hole 13H located at the bottom 13 of the first bracket B1. The first spline shaft S1 passes through the through hole 13H of the first bracket B1 and is inserted into the first output gear TO1 by means of the rotating unit 20 and the flange portion 22 of the first spline shaft S1 clamping the bottom 13 of the first bracket B1.

[0069] 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 elastic deformation of the leg 23 in the radially inward direction is released. In this state where the locking pawl 23L is engaged with the window portion W, the locking pawl 23L contacts the window portion W, and the front end of the first insertion guide portion 25 abuts against the step portion formed on the inner surface of the first output gear TO1, so the first spline shaft S1 cannot move in the direction of the rotation axis L1.

[0070] (Circumferential and radial fixation)

[0071] 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 second mounting tongue FT2 is disposed between the first mounting tongues FT1 circumferentially. In this embodiment, three first mounting tongues FT1 and three second mounting tongues FT2 are formed in the circumferential direction, but the number of each of the first mounting tongues FT1 and the second mounting tongues FT2 is not limited to three.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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 located 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.

[0074] Figure 7This 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 positioned to engage 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.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, the cross-section of the through hole TOH of the first output gear TO1 is not circular, and the first output gear TO1 has multiple protrusions P protruding radially inward. The first mounting tongue FT1 of the first spline shaft S1 enters between the protrusions P in the circumferential direction. Conversely, the protrusions P of the first output gear TO1 enter between the multiple first mounting tongues FT1 of the first spline shaft S1 in the circumferential direction, and the multiple body portions 26 of the first spline shaft S1 respectively engage with the multiple protrusions P of the first output gear TO1. The circumferential abutment portion 24 of the first spline shaft S1 abuts against the side of 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.

[0076] 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 pressing the circumferential abutment portions 24 against the protrusion P increases, and no circumferential wobble occurs between the first spline shaft S1 and the first output gear TO1.

[0077] return Figure 7 When the first spline shaft S1 is not inserted into the first output gear TO1, the outer diameter of the second mounting tongue FT2 of the first spline shaft S1, as well as the outer diameters of the locking pawl 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 spline shaft S1 is inserted into the first output gear TO1, the first spline shaft S1 becomes elastically deformed radially inward. In this state, an elastic restoring force acts to displace the second mounting tongue FT2, the locking pawl 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 spline shaft S1 is inserted into the first output gear TO1, the first spline shaft S1 is subjected to an elastic restoring force that presses the inner circumference of the insertion hole of the output gear radially outward, and no radial wobble occurs between the first spline shaft S1 and the first output gear TO1.

[0078] 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.

[0079] (Second bracket B2)

[0080] return Figure 3 The second bracket B2 will be described.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] The rotating fixing part 28 of the second bracket B2 is provided with a through-hole 28H in the vertical direction. 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 and the rotating unit 20.

[0085] The leveling support portion 29A of the second bracket B2 is provided with a support hole 29H that extends in the left-right direction. The support hole 29H extends along the leveling axis L2.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Thus, by incorporating the first reduction unit D into the leveling unit 30, the sliding resistance between the gears in the first reduction unit D is large, thereby preventing the lamp unit 10 from swaying in the vertical direction due to vehicle vibration and maintaining the vertical position of the lamp unit 10. Furthermore, by sharing components between the leveling unit 30 and the rotating unit 20, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0089] 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.

[0090] (Fixing structure of lamp unit 10 and leveling unit 30)

[0091] 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 holder 14, a lens holder 15, a projection lens 16, and a light source 17. In the illustrated example, the lamp holder 14 is made of metal and, in addition to supporting the light source 17 and the lens holder 15, also has fins that function as a heat sink. The lens holder 15 is mounted on the front surface of the lamp holder 14. This lens holder 15 supports the projection lens 16.

[0092] 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 disposed on the side of the lamp holder 14 and is a plate-shaped component extending in the vertical and horizontal directions. 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, which can pass through the recess 14C. The fitting hole 14D is coaxially arranged with the leveling axis L2.

[0093] With the insertion part 31A inserted into the fitting hole 14D and the fitting part 31B passing through the recess 14C, the lamp unit 10 rotates relative to the leveling unit 30 along the circumferential direction of the insertion part 31A, causing the fitting part 31B to engage with the leveling support plate part 14B. This engagement of the fitting part 31B with the leveling support plate part 14B prevents the lamp unit 10 from moving relative to the leveling unit 30 along the leveling axis L2.

[0094] 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 provided 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.

[0095] As described above, in the vehicle headlight described in Patent Document 1, since the size of the alignment structure varies depending on the vehicle model, the relationship between the change in the optical axis of the lamp unit 10 and the stroke of the linear actuator varies depending on the vehicle model, making the design complicated.

[0096] In contrast, in the vehicle headlight 1 disclosed herein, the leveling unit 30, which serves as a component supporting the lamp unit 10, rotates around the leveling axis L2. Therefore, the rotation angle of the leveling unit 30 is the same as the rotation angle of the lamp unit 10. Consequently, the design of the optical axis for adjusting the vertical direction of the lamp unit 10 does not require different designs for each vehicle model, making the design simple.

[0097] Furthermore, since the leveling axis L2 overlaps with the lamp unit 10, the distance between the leveling axis L2 and the first motor MO is shorter compared to conventional leveling structures. Therefore, even when rotating by the same angle, the length of the arc-shaped displacement trajectory of the lamp unit 10 is shorter than before, making it less likely for the lamp unit 10 to interfere with surrounding components such as the extension section Sa. In other words, the gap between the lamp unit 10 and surrounding components such as the extension section Sa can be designed to be smaller, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing design.

[0098] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the leveling unit 30 and the lamp unit 10 are fixed by inserting screws into the threaded hole 31C of the screw mounting portion 31D and the threaded hole 14G of the boss portion 14F, but the fixing structure is not limited to the structure described above. For example, a structure in which an elastically deformable clamp is inserted into the threaded hole 31C and the threaded hole 14G instead of a screw may also be used.

[0099] <Action>

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] <Other>

[0103] 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.

[0104] Furthermore, when the lamp unit 10, rotating unit 20, leveling unit 30, etc., are respectively mounted on the housing 100, their mounting positions differ depending on the type of vehicle headlight 1. However, according to the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, even when the types of vehicle headlight 1 differ, only the mounting structure of the first bracket B1 to the housing 100 is different, making the structure of the main unit M, including the lamp unit 10, rotating unit 20, and leveling unit 30, universal across different types of vehicle headlight 1. Alternatively, even when the types of vehicle headlight 1 differ, the mounting structure of the first bracket B1 to the housing 100 can be universalized, easily achieving component universality.

[0105] Furthermore, when using a screw to rotate around the rotation axis L1 and the leveling axis L2, rapid movement is difficult. However, according to the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, the rotation unit 20 and the leveling unit 30 use a first motor MO to change the optical axis of the lamp unit 10. Therefore, compared to the case where the operator changes the optical axis of the lamp unit 10 by rotating the screw, the optical axis of the lamp unit 10 can be moved rapidly.

[0106] Furthermore, unlike the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, conventional vehicle headlights use an alignment unit for factory-installed optical axis alignment. However, according to the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, the initial position of the first motor MO is set for the alignment operation, so no alignment unit is needed except for the rotation unit 20 and the leveling unit 30.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] (Separation of the spline shaft)

[0110] return Figure 5A 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.

[0111] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the disassembly tool SJ used to remove the first splined shaft S1 from the first output gear TO1. (See diagram below.) 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] (Structure of support lamp unit 10)

[0114] Refer again Figure 8 As described above, the second housing 31 of the leveling unit 30 is fixed to the lamp bracket 14 of the lamp unit 10. Furthermore, the second housing 31 and the second bracket B2 of the leveling unit 30 are supported on the outer peripheral surface of the first output gear TO1 of the leveling unit 30, allowing them to slide. Additionally, the first output gear TO1 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the second spline shaft S2.

[0115] Therefore, the lamp unit 10 is not only supported by the first reduction unit D provided in the leveling unit 30, but also by the second housing 31 of the leveling unit 30, the first output gear TO1, the first spline shaft S1, and the second bracket B2. Thus, the load on the first reduction unit D is reduced, improving its durability. Furthermore, the lamp unit 10 can be reliably supported on the second spline shaft S2 fixed to the second bracket B2, increasing the support rigidity of the lamp unit 10.

[0116] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the first output gear TO1 in the first reduction unit D and the outer diameter of the second splined shaft S2 inserted inside the first output gear TO1 are preferably 10 mm or more. This ensures that with a larger outer diameter of the first output gear TO1 and the second splined shaft S2, a larger contact area between the second housing 31 and the first output gear TO1, and a larger contact area between the first output gear TO1 and the second splined shaft S2. This reduces the surface pressure on the second housing 31, the first output gear TO1, and the second splined shaft S2, thereby further improving the durability of the first reduction unit D, the first output gear TO1, and the second splined shaft S2.

[0117] (The structure of the screws that fix the lamp unit 10 and the leveling unit 30)

[0118] Figure 10 This indicates insertion. Figure 8 The diagram shows the structure of the screw mounting portion 31D of the leveling unit 30 and the screw 41 of the boss portion 14F of the lamp bracket 14. Figure 11 It means Figure 10 The cross-sectional view shows the state in which the screw 41 is inserted into the screw mounting part 31D of the leveling unit 30 and the boss part 14F of the lamp bracket 14.

[0119] like Figure 10 As shown, the screw 41 has a head 42 and a body 43. A tool hole 42A in the shape of a cross and a slit 42B that bends along the side of the head 42 are formed on the upper surface of the head 42, that is, on the side opposite to the body 43.

[0120] The main body portion 43 has a first main body portion 44 and a second main body portion 45 extending along the length direction and facing each other. The first main body portion 44 and the second main body portion 45 are connected at the base end, which is the head 42 side, and are separated from each other at the front end, which is the side opposite to the head 42. In addition, the first main body portion 44 and the second main body portion 45 can be elastically deformed such that their front ends approach each other.

[0121] like Figure 11As shown, if the insertion direction of the screw 41 relative to the screw mounting portion 31D and the boss portion 14F is defined as "direction X", then the first main body portion 44 has a first protrusion 44A at its front end that protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the X direction and away from the second main body portion 45. Furthermore, the first main body portion 44 has a second protrusion 44B at a position closer to its base end than the first protrusion 44A that protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the X direction and away from the second main body portion 45.

[0122] Like the first main body 44, the second main body 45 has a second protrusion 45A at its front end, protruding in a direction orthogonal to the X direction and away from the first main body 44. Additionally, the second main body 45 has a second protrusion 45B at a position closer to its base than the second protrusion 45A, protruding in a direction orthogonal to the X direction and away from the first main body 44. Both the first protrusion 44A and the second protrusion 45A have a tapered shape that tapers towards the front end.

[0123] Figure 12 This is an enlarged view showing the state of screw 41 inserted into boss 14F. (See attached image.) Figure 12 As shown, two locking portions 14H protruding radially toward the center of the boss portion 14F are formed at the X-direction end of the boss portion 14F.

[0124] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the threaded hole 14G in the boss portion 14F gradually narrows along the X direction. Specifically, the boss portion 14F is provided with a spiral portion 14J extending spirally along the inner wall of the threaded hole 14G. The thickness of each spiral portion 14J gradually increases along the X direction.

[0125] When fixing the lamp unit 10 and the leveling unit 30, insert the tool. Figure 10 The screw 41 is inserted into the screw mounting portion 31D and the boss portion 14F while rotating the screw 41 around an axis extending in the X direction through the tool hole 42A shown. At this time, the first body portion 44 and the second body portion 45 of the screw 41 elastically deform in a direction that brings them closer to each other.

[0126] If the screw 41 is further inserted, the first protrusion 44A and the second protrusion 45A are guided by the helical portion 14J, and further approach each other and penetrate the threaded hole 14G. Furthermore, with the first protrusion 44A and the second protrusion 45A penetrating the threaded hole 14G, as... Figure 11 As shown, the second protrusion 44B and the second protrusion 45B abut against the locking portion 14H.

[0127] In this state, the head 42 abuts against the screw mounting portion 31D. For example... Figure 10As shown, since a slit 42B is formed in the head 42, the head 42 deforms in a slightly reduced diameter manner when it is in contact with the screw mounting part 31D. The force of the head 42 abutting against the screw mounting part 31D increases due to the elasticity of the head 42, thus preventing the screw 41 from shaking in the direction intersecting the X direction.

[0128] Furthermore, the surfaces of the first protrusion 44A and the second protrusion 45A facing the lamp holder 14 are formed as inclined surfaces whose diameter decreases as they face the direction opposite to the X direction. Therefore, even if the screw 41 attempts to leave the lamp holder 14, this inclined surface exerts a pulling force on the screw 41 in the X direction. It should be noted that the dimension from the X-direction end face of the head 42 to this inclined surface is preferably slightly shorter than the sum of the thickness of the screw mounting portion 31D of the leveling unit 30 and the height of the boss portion 14F of the lamp holder 14. This suppresses wobble of the screw 41 in the X direction.

[0129] As a result, the positional relationship between the lamp unit 10 with the lamp bracket 14 and the leveling unit 30 with the screw mounting part 31D can be fixed more reliably.

[0130] (Outer shell 100)

[0131] return Figure 2 The outer casing 100 includes at least three mounting portions 110U, 110R, and 110L protruding toward the first bracket B1 and supporting the mounted portions 11U, 11R, and 11L respectively; and a planar support portion 110S connecting the plurality of mounting portions 110U, 110R, and 110L to each other. Furthermore, the plurality of mounting portions 110U, 110R, and 110L are respectively inserted into the plurality of mounted portions 11U, 11R, and 11L, thereby fixing the main unit M to the outer casing 100. Additionally, the planar support portion 110S contacts the left beam portion 12L and the right beam portion 12R of the first bracket B1 with curved surfaces. This curved surface contact between the planar support portion 110S and the left beam portion 12L and the right beam portion 12R of the first bracket B1 can suppress bending deformation of the left beam portion 12L and the right beam portion 12R due to the weight of the main unit M.

[0132] Figure 13 Is Figure 2 A partial horizontal cross-sectional view at section LH with the main unit M fixed to the outer shell 100. (See figure) Figure 13As shown, in the cross section intersecting the erection directions of the left beam 12L and the right beam 12R, the left beam 12L, the right beam 12R, and the planar support portion 110S form a generally hollow circular shape CS. Thus, by forming a semi-load-bearing structure with the left beam 12L, the right beam 12R, and the planar support portion 110S forming a generally hollow circular shape, the deflection deformation of the mounted portions 11U, 11R, and 11L of the first bracket B1 can be suppressed.

[0133] (Connection of the output shaft Lo of the first motor MO, the first gear T1, the second gear T2, the third gear T3, and the first output gear TO1)

[0134] return Figure 1 The lamp unit 10 is configured such that its center of gravity G is located away from the leveling axis L2. Therefore, due to its own weight, the rotational force always acts on the lamp unit 10 in a predetermined direction. At this time, the range of rotational angles of the lamp unit 10 is less than ±5° in the horizontal direction, centered on the leveling axis L2. Therefore, the rotational angle of the lamp unit 10 will not rotate relative to the leveling axis L2 to the vertical direction. Thus, even if the vehicle experiences vertical vibrations, the posture of the lamp unit 10 can be easily maintained.

[0135] Furthermore, since the rotational force always acts on the lamp unit 10 in a predetermined direction, the output shaft Lo of the first motor MO is connected to the first gear T1, the first gear T1 to the second gear T2, the second gear T2 to the third gear T3, and the third gear T3 to the first output gear TO1, respectively, in a state without backlash. As a specific example, at least a portion of the gear on the output shaft Lo is in contact with at least a portion of the gear on the first gear T1. Therefore, the posture of the lamp unit 10 is easily maintained by the frictional force between the gears.

[0136] As described above, the vehicle headlight 1 disclosed herein includes a lamp unit 10, a leveling unit 30 fixed to the lamp unit 10, and a second bracket (support) B2 that supports the lamp unit 10 and the leveling unit 30 so as to be rotatable. With this structure, the rotation angle of the leveling unit 30 is consistent with the rotation angle of the lamp unit 10. Therefore, the design for adjusting the optical axis in the vertical direction of the lamp unit 10 does not need to be designed differently for each vehicle model, making it easy to design.

[0137] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 1, the leveling unit 30 has a first output gear (fixed part) TO1 fixed relative to the second bracket B2, and a second housing (rotating part) 31 that rotates relative to the first output gear TO1 about the leveling axis L2. The second housing 31 is fixed to the lamp unit 10. With this structure, compared to conventional vehicle headlights where a support structure is provided above the lamp unit and a rotating mechanism is provided below the lamp unit, the space required for rotating the lamp unit 10 can be reduced, allowing for miniaturization of the vehicle headlight 1.

[0138] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 1, the first output gear TO1, fixed to the second bracket B2, is a shaft component extending along the leveling axis L2. Additionally, the second housing 31, which rotates around the leveling axis L2, includes a first motor MO that rotates the second housing 31 relative to the first output gear TO1. This structure allows the second housing 31, including the first motor MO, to rotate sideways around the first output gear TO1.

[0139] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 1, the first output gear TO1 is a hollow component along the leveling axis L2. This structure easily ensures the rigidity of the first output gear TO1 and achieves weight reduction.

[0140] The sensor for measuring the rotation angle of the lamp unit 10 is preferably located in the leveling unit 30. Since the sensor rotates together with the lamp unit 10, it can directly detect the rotation angle of the lamp unit 10. If the first output gear TO1 is a hollow component, the wiring extending from the sensor can pass through the first output gear TO1, which is the rotation center of the sensor. Even if the lamp unit 10 rotates, the wiring will not move significantly, and the wiring is unlikely to interfere with other components.

[0141] Furthermore, the vehicle headlight 1 also includes a second splined shaft S2 that fixes the positional relationship between the first output gear TO1 and the second bracket B2. The second splined shaft S2 is a hollow component. With this structure, the weight of the second splined shaft S2 itself can be suppressed, and the positional relationship between the leveling unit 30 and the second bracket B2 can be fixed using the second splined shaft S2, which has high rigidity relative to forces from all directions.

[0142] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 1, within the leveling unit 30, the second housing 31 is slidably supported on the outer peripheral surface of the first output gear TO1. With this structure, the lamp unit 10 fixed to the leveling unit 30 is not supported solely by the first reduction unit D provided in the second housing 31, but rather by both the first reduction unit D and the outer peripheral surface of the first output gear TO1. This reduces the load on the first reduction unit D, thereby improving the durability of the first reduction unit D within the leveling unit 30.

[0143] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 1, the outer diameter of the first output gear TO1 is 10 mm or more. By ensuring a sufficiently large outer diameter for the first output gear TO1, a large contact area between the second housing 31 and the outer peripheral surface of the first output gear TO1 can be achieved. This reduces the surface pressure on both the second housing 31 and the first output gear TO1, thereby further improving the durability of the first reduction unit D and the first output gear TO1 housed in the second housing 31.

[0144] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 1, the lamp unit 10 includes a leveling support plate portion (plate-shaped member) 14B having a fitting hole (insertion hole) 14D with a recess 14C formed on its inner peripheral surface, and the leveling unit 30 includes an insertion portion 31A that inserts into the fitting hole 14D. Additionally, a fitting portion (claw portion) 31B that can pass through the recess 14C is formed on the outer periphery of the insertion portion 31A. Furthermore, with the insertion portion 31A inserted into the fitting hole 14D and the fitting portion 31B passing through the recess 14C, the fitting portion 31B engages with the leveling support plate portion 14B by rotating the lamp unit 10 relative to the leveling unit 30 along the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 31A. This structure facilitates the assembly of the lamp unit 10 and the leveling unit 30.

[0145] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 1, a leveling support plate 14B is provided on the side of the lamp unit 10. This structure makes the assembly of the lamp unit 10 and the leveling unit 30 even easier.

[0146] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 1, a threaded hole (first threaded hole) 14G is formed in the lamp unit 10. Additionally, in the leveling unit 30, a threaded hole (second threaded hole) 31C is formed at a position corresponding to the threaded hole 14G when the lamp unit 10 is installed. With this structure, by having a screw 41 pass through both the threaded hole 14G and the threaded hole 31C, the lamp unit 10 and the leveling unit 30 can be more reliably secured.

[0147] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 1, the first output gear TO1 has a toothed surface (first gear) TS, and the second housing 31 has a first reduction unit (reducer) D that meshes with the toothed surface TS. The first reduction unit D is positioned overlapping the first output gear TO1 in the extending direction of the leveling axis L2. With this structure, the first output gear TO1 and the first reduction unit D at least partially overlap in the extending direction of the leveling axis L2, thus enabling miniaturization of the leveling unit 30.

[0148] It should be noted that in the aforementioned vehicle headlight 1, the first output gear TO1 in the leveling unit 30 is equivalent to a fixing part that is fixed to the second bracket B2 via the second spline shaft S2. Furthermore, the second housing 31 in the leveling unit 30, which is fixed to the lamp unit 10, is equivalent to a rotating part that rotates around the leveling axis L2 under the action of the first motor MO.

[0149] However, it is not limited to such a structure. For example, the second housing 31 can also be a fixed part that is fixed relative to the second bracket B2, and the first output gear TO1 can also be a rotating part that rotates around the leveling axis L2.

[0150] Furthermore, while the above description describes a second bracket B2 that is U-shaped when viewed from the front, 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 formed by adding an upper frame portion to the aforementioned U-shaped second bracket B2, connecting the upper end of the leveling support portion 29A to the upper end of the auxiliary support portion 29B. This upper frame portion may also have a support portion that is supported so that it can rotate relative to the housing 100 about the rotation axis L1. Through this support portion and the first spline shaft S1, the second bracket B2 can be supported without wobbling about the rotation axis L1.

[0151] Additionally, the vehicle headlight 1 has a housing 100 and a main unit M, the main unit M having a leveling unit 30, at least one rotating unit 20, at least one optical unit and a first bracket B1, the main unit M being mounted on the housing 100 via the first bracket B1.

[0152] This enables the provision of vehicle headlights that are easy to assemble and do not require waterproofing components.

[0153] In addition, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, the first bracket B1 has at least three convex supported portions (the mounted portions in the present disclosure described above), and the housing 100 has at least three convex support portions (the mounted portions 110U, 110R, and 110L in the present disclosure described above), which protrude toward the first bracket B1 and respectively support the convex supported portions; and a planar support portion 110S, which connects the plurality of convex support portions to each other.

[0154] Therefore, the planar support portion can suppress the convex supported portion of the first bracket from deflecting and deforming due to the weight of the main unit.

[0155] In addition, such as Figure 2As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, a plurality of the convex support portions are respectively inserted into a plurality of the convex supported portions, thereby fixing the main unit M to the housing 100.

[0156] As a result, the installation of the main unit into the housing becomes easier, reducing the number of parts such as screws.

[0157] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, the plurality of convex supported portions include an upper convex supported portion (the upper mounted portion 11U in the above disclosure) and a lower convex supported portion (the left mounted portion 11L and the right mounted portion 11R in the above disclosure) located below the upper convex supported portion.

[0158] In this way, the multiple convex supported parts are composed of an upper convex supported part and a lower convex supported part, thereby suppressing the convex supported parts of the first bracket from bending and deforming due to the weight of the main unit.

[0159] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, a plurality of the convex supported portions extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0160] In this way, by having multiple convex supported portions extend approximately parallel to each other, it is possible to suppress the flexural deformation of the convex supported portions of the first bracket due to the weight of the main unit.

[0161] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, the main unit M further includes a second bracket B2. The second bracket B2 has at least one rotating bracket portion (rotating fixing portion 28 in this disclosure) that supports the optical unit so that it can rotate about a vertical axis, and a leveling bracket portion (leveling support portion 29A in this disclosure) that supports the optical unit so that it can rotate about a horizontal axis. The rotating unit 20 is fixed to the rotating bracket portion, and the leveling unit 30 is fixed to the leveling bracket portion.

[0162] Therefore, the planar support portion can suppress the convex supported portion of the first bracket from deflecting and deforming due to the weight of the main unit.

[0163] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, the leveling unit 30 is fixed to the leveling bracket via a leveling shaft (the second spline shaft in this disclosure mentioned above).

[0164] Therefore, the leveling unit 30 can be fixed in the horizontal direction and can rotate freely around the horizontal axis.

[0165] In addition, such as Figure 3As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, the rotating unit 20 is fixed to the rotating bracket portion by a rotating shaft (the first spline shaft S1 in this disclosure mentioned above).

[0166] Therefore, the leveling unit 30 can be fixed in the vertical direction and can rotate freely around the vertical axis.

[0167] In addition, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, the first bracket B1 has a beam portion (left beam portion 12L and right beam portion 12R in the above disclosure) mounted between a plurality of convex supported portions, and the planar support portion 110S is in surface contact with the beam portion.

[0168] Therefore, the planar support portion can suppress the convex supported portion of the first bracket from deflecting and deforming due to the weight of the main unit.

[0169] In addition, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, the planar support portion 110S and the beam portion are in surface contact with each other.

[0170] Therefore, the planar support portion can suppress the convex supported portion of the first bracket from deflecting and deforming due to the weight of the main unit.

[0171] In addition, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1 disclosed herein, in a cross section intersecting the erection direction of the beam portion, the beam portion and the planar support portion 110S are approximately hollow circular in shape.

[0172] In this way, the semi-load-bearing structure, in which the beam and the planar support are roughly hollow circular in shape, can suppress the flexural deformation of the bracket's convex support.

[0173] In addition, the vehicle headlight 1 has a lamp unit 10 and a leveling unit 30. The leveling unit 30 has a drive unit (the first motor MO in the present disclosure described above) that rotates the lamp unit 10 about the leveling axis L2. In the non-drive state of the drive unit, due to the weight of the lamp unit 10, the rotational force acts on the lamp unit 10 in a predetermined direction.

[0174] Therefore, since the rotational force always acts on the lamp unit in the prescribed direction, it will not wobble, thus improving the accuracy of alignment and leveling.

[0175] In addition, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, the rotatable angle range of the lamp unit 10 is less than ±5° from the horizontal direction with the leveling axis L2 as the center.

[0176] Therefore, the rotation angle of the lamp unit will not rotate to the vertical direction relative to the leveling axis, so the force that rotates in the specified direction is always applied to the lamp unit, and there will be no wobbling, which can improve the accuracy of alignment and leveling.

[0177] In addition, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, the lamp unit 10 is supported so that it can rotate about the leveling axis L2.

[0178] Therefore, since a force is always applied to the lamp unit in a specified direction for rotation, there is no wobbling, which improves the accuracy of alignment and leveling.

[0179] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, the leveling unit has a reducer, and the lamp unit maintains its posture by the frictional force between a plurality of gears in the reducer relative to the rotational force.

[0180] Therefore, although a force is always applied to the lamp unit to rotate in a specified direction, the posture of the optical unit can be maintained by the friction of the gears in the reducer.

[0181] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, within the movable range of the optical axis of the lamp unit, the drive unit and the plurality of gears are connected in a state without backlash.

[0182] Therefore, although a force is always applied to the lamp unit to rotate in a predetermined direction, the drive unit and multiple gears are connected in a backlash-free state, thus maintaining the posture of the optical unit.

[0183] In addition, such as Figures 3-8 As shown, the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure includes: a mounting portion (first output gear TO1) having an elastically connected portion and a hollow support portion, the hollow support portion including a generally cylindrical hollow portion extending in the direction of the leveling axis L2; ​​a generally cylindrical spline shaft (the second spline shaft S2 in this disclosure mentioned above) having an elastically connected portion, the spline shaft being inserted into the hollow portion, thereby elastically connecting the elastically connected portion to the elastically connected portion, and the lamp unit being assembled to the mounting portion in a state supported by the hollow support portion via the spline shaft.

[0184] Therefore, the spline shaft can be easily assembled and disassembled through the snap-fit ​​structure.

[0185] In addition, such as Figures 3-8As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1 of this disclosure, at least one tongue (the first mounting tongue FT1 in this disclosure) capable of radial elastic deformation is provided at the front end of the spline shaft in the insertion direction. The elastically joined part has at least one window W capable of radial elastic deformation at the position corresponding to the tongue when the spline shaft is assembled to the bracket. The spline shaft is inserted into the hollow part, so that the tongue and the window are elastically fitted together.

[0186] Therefore, the spline shaft can be easily assembled and disassembled using the snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0187] <Second Implementation>

[0188] 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.

[0189] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the vehicle headlight 1' according to the second embodiment. Figure 14 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.

[0190] As a subunit S, in the example shown, there is a left subunit SL located on the far left, a right subunit SR located on the far right, and a central subunit SM located between the left subunit SL and the right subunit SR.

[0191] 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.

[0192] 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.

[0193] The linkage unit LU (rotational support) 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 left connecting part LC rotatably connecting the left arm LA and the left linkage bracket LLB, a right connecting part RC rotatably connecting the right arm RA and the right linkage bracket RLB, and a central connecting part MC rotatably 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 displacement 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] Figure 15 , Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the left subunit SL. Figure 15 This is a side view of the left subunit SL. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The view shown is a section view along the XVI-XVI line of the left sub-unit SL. Figure 15 , Figure 16 As 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.

[0196] 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.

[0197] The left pre-alignment unit 30L is mounted on the left lamp bracket 14L. The left pre-alignment unit 30L supports the left lamp unit 10L so that it can rotate relative to the left lamp bracket 14L around the main alignment axis ML2 (see reference). Figure 16 The left pre-alignment axis AA rotates parallel to the left. 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.

[0198] 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 rotation 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 (in degrees) that the left lamp unit 10L advances relative to the left link bracket LLB about the left rotation axis LL1 compared to a reference angle.

[0199] The left vibration suppression unit BU prevents wobbling between the left connecting rod bracket LLB and the left lamp bracket 14L. The left vibration suppression unit BU continuously 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 gaps to form between the left connecting rod bracket LLB and the left lamp bracket 14L, and it is difficult to produce abnormal noises when vibrations act on the vehicle headlight 1'.

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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.

[0202] The vehicle headlight 1' of the second embodiment described above also includes a lamp unit 10 in the right subunit SR, a leveling unit 30 fixed to the lamp unit 10, and a fourth bracket (support) B4 that supports the lamp unit 10 and the leveling unit 30 so that they can rotate. With this structure, the rotation angle of the leveling unit 30 is the same as the rotation angle of the lamp unit 10. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, for the vehicle headlight 1' of the second embodiment, the design for adjusting the optical axis in the vertical direction of the lamp unit 10 does not need to be designed differently for each vehicle model, and is easy to design.

[0203] Additionally, the vehicle headlight 1' disclosed herein has a housing 100 and a main unit M, the main unit M having a leveling unit 30, at least one rotating unit 20, at least one optical unit, and a first bracket (the third bracket B3 in the above disclosure), the main unit M being mounted to the housing 100 via the first bracket.

[0204] Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the vehicle headlight 1' of the second embodiment can also be provided as an easy-to-assemble vehicle headlight 1' that does not require waterproofing components.

[0205] like Figure 14 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1' of this disclosure, the first bracket has at least three convex supported portions (111U, 111R, 111L), and the housing 100 has: at least three convex support portions that protrude toward the first bracket and respectively support the convex supported portions; and surface support portions that connect the plurality of convex support portions to each other.

[0206] In addition, in the vehicle headlight 1' disclosed herein, a plurality of the convex support portions are respectively inserted into a plurality of the convex supported portions, thereby fixing the main unit M to the housing 100.

[0207] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1' of this disclosure, the plurality of convex supported portions include an upper convex supported portion (the upper mounted portion 111U in the above disclosure) and a lower convex supported portion (the left mounted portion 111L and the right mounted portion 111R in the above disclosure) located below the upper convex supported portion.

[0208] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1' of this disclosure, a plurality of the convex supported portions extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0209] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the vehicle headlight 1' of this disclosure, the main unit M further has a second bracket (the fourth bracket B4 in the above disclosure), the second bracket has at least one plate-shaped rotating bracket portion extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and a plate-shaped leveling bracket portion connected to the rotating bracket portion and extending in the up-down direction, the rotating unit 20 is fixed to the rotating bracket portion, and the leveling unit 30 is fixed to the leveling bracket portion.

[0210] In addition, in the vehicle headlight 1' disclosed herein, the leveling unit 30 is fixed to the leveling bracket via a leveling shaft.

[0211] In addition, in the vehicle headlight 1' disclosed herein, the rotating unit 20 is fixed to the rotating bracket portion via a rotating shaft.

[0212] In addition, the vehicle headlight 1' disclosed herein has a lamp unit 10 and a leveling unit 30. The leveling unit 30 has a drive unit that rotates the lamp unit 10 about a leveling axis L2. In the non-drive state of the drive unit, due to the weight of the lamp unit, a rotational force acts on the lamp unit about the leveling axis.

[0213] Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, for the vehicle headlight 1' involved in the second embodiment, since the rotational force always acts on the lamp unit in a predetermined direction, there is no shaking, and the accuracy of alignment and leveling can be improved.

[0214] As stated above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification.

[0215] (1) A headlight for a vehicle, comprising: a lamp unit; a leveling unit fixed to the lamp unit; and a bracket supporting the lamp unit and the leveling unit for rotation.

[0216] (2) The vehicle headlight according to item (1), wherein the leveling unit has: a fixed part that is fixed relative to the bracket; and a rotating part that rotates relative to the fixed part about the leveling axis, the rotating part being fixed to the lamp unit.

[0217] (3) The vehicle headlight according to item (2), wherein the fixed part is a shaft component extending along the leveling axis, and the rotating part includes a motor for rotating the rotating part relative to the fixed part.

[0218] (4) The vehicle headlight according to item (2), wherein the fixed part includes a motor for rotating the rotating part relative to the fixed part, the rotating part being a shaft component extending along the leveling axis.

[0219] (5) A vehicle headlight according to item (3) or item (4), wherein the shaft component is a hollow component along the leveling axis.

[0220] (6) A vehicle headlight according to any one of items (2) to (5), wherein the vehicle headlight further comprises a spline shaft that fixes the positional relationship between the fixing part and the bracket, the spline shaft being a hollow component.

[0221] (7) The vehicle headlight according to item (6), wherein the rotating part is slidably supported on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed part.

[0222] (8) The vehicle headlight according to item (7), wherein the outer diameter of the fixing part is 10 mm or more.

[0223] (9) A vehicle headlight according to any one of items (1) to (8), wherein a component of one of the lamp unit and the leveling unit includes a plate-shaped component having an insertion hole with a recess formed on its inner circumferential surface, and a component of the other of the lamp unit and the leveling unit includes an insertion portion inserted into the insertion hole, and a claw portion formed on the outer circumference of the insertion portion capable of penetrating the recess, wherein, in a state where the insertion portion is inserted into the insertion hole and the claw portion penetrates the recess, the claw portion engages with the plate-shaped component by rotating the lamp unit relative to the leveling unit along the circumferential direction of the insertion portion.

[0224] (10) The vehicle headlight according to item (9), wherein the plate-shaped component or the insertion portion is provided on the side of the lamp unit.

[0225] (11) A vehicle headlight according to any one of items (1) to (10), wherein a first threaded hole is formed in the lamp unit, and a second threaded hole is formed in the leveling unit at a position corresponding to the first threaded hole when the lamp unit is installed.

[0226] (12) A vehicle headlight according to any one of items (2) to (8), wherein a component of one of the fixed part and the rotating part has a first gear, and a component of the other of the fixed part and the rotating part has a reducer that meshes with the first gear, the reducer being disposed in the extension direction of the leveling axis at a position overlapping with the component of the fixed part.

[0227] (13) A vehicle headlight, comprising a housing and a main unit, the main unit having a leveling unit, a rotating unit, an optical unit and a first bracket, the main unit being mounted on the housing via the first bracket.

[0228] (14) The vehicle headlight according to item (13), wherein the first bracket has at least three convex supported portions, and the housing has: at least three convex support portions protruding toward the first bracket and supporting the convex supported portions respectively; and surface support portions that connect the plurality of convex support portions to each other.

[0229] (15) The vehicle headlight according to item (14), wherein a plurality of the convex support portions are respectively inserted into a plurality of the convex supported portions, thereby fixing the main unit to the housing.

[0230] (16) A vehicle headlight according to any one of items (13) to (15), wherein the main unit further comprises a second bracket having: a rotating bracket portion that supports the optical unit to be rotatable about a vertical axis; and a leveling bracket portion that supports the optical unit to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, the rotating unit being fixed to the rotating bracket portion and the leveling unit being fixed to the leveling bracket portion.

[0231] (17) The vehicle headlight according to item (16), wherein the leveling unit is fixed to the leveling bracket by a leveling shaft.

[0232] (18) The vehicle headlight according to item (16), wherein the rotating unit is fixed to the rotating bracket via a rotating shaft.

[0233] (19) A vehicle headlight according to item (14) or item (15), wherein the first bracket has a beam portion mounted between a plurality of said convex supported portions, the planar support portion being in surface contact with the beam portion.

[0234] (20) The vehicle headlight according to item (19), wherein the planar support portion and the beam portion are in contact with each other by curved surfaces.

[0235] (21) The vehicle headlight according to item (19) or item (20), wherein, in a cross section intersecting the erection direction of the beam, the beam and the planar support are approximately hollow and circular.

[0236] (22) A headlight for a vehicle, comprising a lamp unit and a leveling unit, the leveling unit having a drive unit for rotating the lamp unit about a leveling axis, wherein, in a non-drive state of the drive unit, a rotational force acts on the lamp unit about the leveling axis due to the weight of the lamp unit.

[0237] (23) The vehicle headlight according to item (22), wherein the range of rotatable angles of the lamp unit is less than ±5° from the horizontal direction with the leveling axis as the center.

[0238] (24) A vehicle headlight according to item (22) or item (23), wherein the lamp unit is supported so as to be rotatable about the leveling axis.

[0239] (25) A vehicle headlight according to any one of items (22) to (24), wherein the leveling unit has a reducer and the lamp unit maintains its posture by friction between a plurality of gears in the reducer relative to the rotational force.

[0240] (26) The vehicle headlight according to item (25), wherein, within the movable range of the optical axis of the lamp unit, the drive unit and the plurality of gears are connected in a state without backlash.

[0241] (27) A vehicle headlight according to any one of items (22) to (26), wherein it comprises: a mounting portion having an elastically joined portion and a hollow support portion, the hollow support portion including a generally cylindrical hollow portion extending in the direction of the leveling axis; a generally cylindrical spline shaft having an elastically joined portion, the spline shaft being inserted through the hollow portion such that the elastically joined portion is elastically joined to the elastically joined portion, the lamp unit being assembled to the mounting portion in a state supported by the hollow support portion via the spline shaft.

[0242] (28) The vehicle headlight according to item (27) wherein at least one tongue capable of radial elastic deformation is provided at the front end of the spline shaft in the insertion direction, the elastically joined part has at least one window at the position corresponding to the tongue when the spline shaft is assembled to the mounted part, the spline shaft inserts through the hollow part, thereby the tongue and the groove elastically engage.

[0243] (29) A vehicle headlight according to any one of items (22) to (28), wherein it further comprises a rotatable support portion supporting the lamp unit.

[0244] 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.

[0245] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2023-222315, 2023-222317, 2023-222317, and 2023-222320, filed on December 28, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlight, comprising: Lamp unit; A leveling unit, which is fixed to the lamp unit; and The bracket supports the lamp unit and the leveling unit so that they can rotate.

2. The vehicle headlight according to claim 1, wherein the leveling unit comprises: The fixing part is fixed relative to the bracket; and The rotating part rotates relative to the fixed part about the leveling axis. The rotating part is fixed to the lamp unit.

3. The vehicle headlight according to claim 2, The fixing part is a shaft component extending along the leveling axis. The rotating part includes a motor that rotates the rotating part relative to the fixed part.

4. The vehicle headlight according to claim 2, The fixed part includes a motor that causes the rotating part to rotate relative to the fixed part. The rotating part is a shaft component that extends along the leveling axis.

5. The vehicle headlight according to claim 3 or 4, The shaft component is a hollow component along the leveling axis.

6. The vehicle headlight according to claim 2, The vehicle headlight also has a splined shaft that fixes the positional relationship between the fixing part and the bracket. The splined shaft is a hollow component.

7. The vehicle headlight according to claim 6, The rotating part is supported on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed part in a slidable manner.

8. The vehicle headlight according to claim 7, The outer diameter of the fixing part is 10 mm or more.

9. The vehicle headlight according to claim 1, A component of either the lamp unit or the leveling unit includes a plate-shaped component having an insertion hole with a recess formed on its inner circumferential surface. The other component of the lamp unit and the leveling unit includes an insertion part that inserts into the insertion hole. A claw portion capable of penetrating the recess is formed on the outer periphery of the insertion portion. With the insertion part inserted into the insertion hole and the claw part passing through the recess, the lamp unit rotates relative to the leveling unit along the circumference of the insertion part, and the claw part engages with the plate-shaped component.

10. The vehicle headlight according to claim 9, The plate-shaped component or the insertion part is provided on the side of the lamp unit.

11. The vehicle headlight according to claim 1, A first threaded hole is formed in the lamp unit. In the leveling unit, a second threaded hole is formed at the position corresponding to the first threaded hole when the lamp unit is installed.

12. The vehicle headlight according to claim 2, One of the fixed part and the rotating part has a first gear. The component of the other of the fixed part and the rotating part has a speed reducer that meshes with the first gear. The speed reducer is positioned in the extension direction of the leveling axis at a location overlapping with one of the components.

13. A vehicle headlight having a housing and a main unit, The main unit includes a leveling unit, a rotating unit, an optical unit, and a first bracket. The main unit is mounted on the housing via the first bracket.

14. The vehicle headlight according to claim 13, The first bracket has at least three convex supported portions. The outer casing has: At least three convex support portions protruding toward the first bracket, each supporting a convex supported portion; and A planar support portion that connects the plurality of said convex support portions to each other.

15. The vehicle headlight according to claim 14, The multiple convex support portions are respectively inserted into the multiple convex supported portions, thereby fixing the main unit to the outer shell.

16. The vehicle headlight according to claim 13, The main unit also has a second bracket. The second bracket has: A rotating bracket portion that supports the optical unit so that it can rotate about a vertical axis; and The leveling bracket supports the optical unit so that it can rotate about a horizontal axis. The rotating unit is fixed to the rotating bracket portion, and the leveling unit is fixed to the leveling bracket portion.

17. The vehicle headlight according to claim 16, The leveling unit is fixed to the leveling bracket via a leveling shaft.

18. The vehicle headlight according to claim 16, The rotating unit is fixed to the rotating bracket via a rotating shaft.

19. The vehicle headlight according to claim 14, The first bracket has a beam portion that is supported between the plurality of convex portions. The planar support portion and the beam portion are in surface contact with each other.

20. The vehicle headlight according to claim 19, The planar support portion and the beam portion are in contact with each other via curved surfaces.

21. The vehicle headlight according to claim 19, In a cross section intersecting the erection direction of the beam, the beam and the planar support are approximately hollow circular in shape.

22. A vehicle headlight, comprising a lamp unit and a leveling unit, The leveling unit has a drive unit that rotates the lamp unit about the leveling axis. In the non-driving state of the drive unit, due to the weight of the lamp unit, a rotational force acts on the lamp unit around the leveling axis.

23. The vehicle headlight according to claim 22, The range of rotation angles of the lamp unit is less than ±5° from the horizontal direction with the leveling axis as the center.

24. The vehicle headlight according to claim 22, The lamp unit is supported so that it can rotate about the leveling axis.

25. The vehicle headlight according to claim 22, The leveling unit has a speed reducer. The lamp unit maintains its posture through friction between multiple gears within the reducer relative to the rotational force.

26. The vehicle headlight according to claim 25, Within the movable range of the optical axis of the lamp unit, the drive unit and the plurality of gears are connected in a backlash-free state.

27. The vehicle headlight according to claim 22, comprising: The mounting portion has an elastically connected portion and a hollow support portion, the hollow support portion including a generally cylindrical hollow portion extending in the direction of the leveling axis; A roughly cylindrical splined shaft with a flexible joint. The spline shaft is inserted through the hollow portion, thereby elastically connecting the elastic joint portion and the elastically connected portion, and the lamp unit is assembled on the mounted portion while being supported by the hollow support portion via the spline shaft.

28. The vehicle headlight according to claim 27, At least one tongue capable of radial elastic deformation is provided at the front end of the spline shaft in the insertion direction. The elastically connected part has at least one window at the position corresponding to the tongue when the spline shaft is assembled to the mounted part. The spline shaft is inserted through the hollow part, so that the tongue and the groove are elastically engaged.

29. The vehicle headlight according to claim 22, It also has a rotating support portion that supports the lamp unit in a rotatable manner.

Images