HEADLIGHT UNIT AND SPREAD SEAT VEHICLE

Abstract

Headlight unit, including: two outer lenses for dipped beam headlights, arranged side by side on the left and right at a distance, which allow dipped beam headlights to pass forward; and a single outer lens for high beam, which is arranged on a right side with respect to a left end of one of the two outer lenses for low beam, which is arranged on a left side, and simultaneously on a left side with respect to a right end of one of the two outer lenses for low beam, which is arranged above or below the two outer lenses for low beam at a distance and transmits a high beam forward, characterized in that the outer lens for high beam is arranged below the outer lenses for low beam and rearward with respect to the front ends of the outer lenses for low beam.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a headlight unit and a spread-seat vehicle. STATE OF THE ART:

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a headlight unit for a split-seat vehicle with an outer lens in which a high beam and a low beam are illuminated. Patent document 2 discloses a split-seat vehicle with a headlight unit in which a high beam is arranged above the low beams. Patent document Patent Document 1: JP 2021-30755 A Patent document 2: EP 3 115 286 B1 SUMMARY Problems to be solved by the invention

[0003] According to the headlight assembly described in JP 2021-30755 A, since a single outer lens contains a light source for emitting high beam and low beam, the size of the outer lens is correspondingly large.

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a headlight unit with a reduced-size outer lens and a split-seat vehicle containing such a headlight unit. Solutions to the problems

[0005] The present invention is defined in the independent claims. The dependent claims define embodiments of the invention.

[0006] According to the headlight unit of the present disclosure, a single outer lens for high beam is arranged in the left-right direction between the left and right outer lenses for low beam and is positioned below the outer lenses for low beam at a distance. The lenses for low beam and high beam are different from each other. Therefore, light sources for emitting high beam and low beam respectively do not need to be housed in a single lens; it is therefore possible to make the size of each outer lens smaller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of a front part of a spread-seat vehicle containing a headlight unit, according to the present embodiment; Fig. 2 is a front view of the headlight unit according to the present embodiment; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the headlight unit according to the present embodiment; and Fig. Figure 4 is an exploded view of a headlight from the front according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings may have been simplified in some parts for ease of understanding.

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of the front part of a spread-seat vehicle 100, which includes a headlight unit 1, according to the present embodiment. In this description, "front," "rear," "left," and "right" refer to the front, rear, left, and right directions, respectively, as seen by a driver operating the spread-seat vehicle 100. Additionally, a vertical direction of the spread-seat vehicle 100 is defined. For example, the left-right direction corresponds to the width direction of the spread-seat vehicle 100.

[0009] The headlight unit 1 of the present embodiment is a lamp unit for illuminating the area in front of the spread-seat vehicle 100 and is mounted on the front of the vehicle. Behind the headlight unit 1, the vehicle 100 is equipped with a motor that serves as a drive source, rotating a drive wheel of the vehicle 100, and with a vehicle body frame that supports the motor. Behind the headlight unit 1, the motor includes a radiator 102, which cools the heated motor with a refrigerant. The vehicle 100 is further equipped with an air slot for directing air towards the radiator 102.

[0010] The headlight unit 1 of the present embodiment is supported by a bracket that carries a front fork. The headlight unit 1, together with the front fork, is angularly displaced relative to the vehicle body frame by means of a steering action of the handlebars. Compared to a case in which the headlight unit 1 is attached to the vehicle body frame, the headlight unit 1 according to the present embodiment can be arranged closer to the front fork. This arrangement can reduce the size of the headlight unit 1 in the front-to-rear direction, thereby achieving a weight reduction. A smaller size may also be preferred with regard to the shape of the headlight unit. Furthermore, one front end of the headlight unit 1 according to the present embodiment is positioned rearward relative to a front wheel.

[0011] One dimension of the headlight unit 1 in the vertical direction gradually increases from the front end towards the rear. One dimension of the headlight unit 1 in the left-right direction gradually increases from the front end towards the rear (see Fig. 3).

[0012] Fig. Figure 2 is a front view of the headlight unit 1. The headlight unit 1 comprises a headlight 2 and an upper cover 3 that conceals the headlight 2. An outer lens 12 is attached to the headlight 2, which transmits the light forward. The material of the outer lens 12 is translucent, in particular a transparent resin. The upper cover 3 is opaque and conceals an area of ​​the headlight 2, excluding the outer lens 12.

[0013] The outer lens 12 has three sections. In particular, the outer lens 12 comprises: two outer lenses for low beam 12a, which transmit a low beam forward; and a single outer lens for high beam 12b, which transmits a high beam forward. The outer lenses for low beam 12a and the outer lens for high beam 12b are each designed separately from one another and arranged at intervals.

[0014] Low beam headlights are used when passing an oncoming vehicle and, for example, emit light in front of the vehicle so that a traffic obstacle positioned 40 meters ahead can be seen at night. High beam headlights are used while driving and, for example, emit light in front of the vehicle so that a traffic obstacle positioned 100 meters ahead can be seen at night. As described above, the beam direction of the high beam is adjusted so that it is possible to see an obstacle at a greater distance compared to the low beam headlights. While driving, the low beam headlights are always illuminated, and the high beam headlights are activated by the driver as needed.

[0015] The two outer lenses for low beam 12a are arranged side by side, one on the left and one on the right, and are symmetrically spaced in the left-right direction with respect to a left-right center C1 of the headlight 2 (the center line passing through the midpoint between the left and right ends of a front housing 10 that forms the headlight 2). The two outer lenses for low beam 12a are arranged at a vertical center C2 of the headlight 2 (the center line passing through the midpoint between the upper and lower ends of the front housing 10). In other words, the vertical center C2 of the headlight is positioned between the upper edges 12a1 and 12a2 and the lower edge 12a4 of the outer lenses for low beam 12a.In a front view, the outer lenses for low beam 12a each have a first upper edge 12a1 that is inclined upwards from the inside in the left-right direction towards the outside. The lower edge 12a4 of each outer lens for low beam 12a is also inclined upwards from the inside in the left-right direction towards the outside.

[0016] The outer lens for high beam 12b is positioned in the left-right direction between the two outer lenses for low beam 12a. The outer lens for high beam 12b is arranged symmetrically with respect to the left-right center C1 of the headlight 2. In particular, the outer lens for high beam 12b is located on the right side with respect to the left end of the outer lens for low beam 12a located on the left side, is simultaneously located on the left side with respect to the right end of the outer lens for low beam 12a located on the right side, and is positioned below the lower ends of the two outer lenses for low beam 12a at a distance.

[0017] More precisely, an upper edge 12b1 of the outer lens for high beam 12b is positioned on the right side relative to a right end of the lower edge 12a4 of the outer lens for low beam 12a located on the left side, and simultaneously on the left side relative to a left end of the lower edge 12a4 of the outer lens for low beam 12a located on the right side. Additionally, the upper edge 12b1 of the outer lens for high beam 12b is positioned below the lower edges 12a4 of the two outer lenses for low beam 12a.

[0018] Additionally, the outer ends of the outer high beam lens 12b are positioned on their outer sides in the left-right direction relative to the ends of the inner sides of the outer low beam lenses 12a. This means that, in a top view, the outer high beam lens 12b has a portion that overlaps the two outer low beam lenses 12a in the left-right direction. In a front view, the upper edge 12b1 and a lower edge 12b4 of the outer high beam lens 12b extend parallel in the left-right direction.

[0019] Each outer lens for dipped beam 12a has an essentially pentagonal shape in a front view, and the pentagonal shape is formed by a first upper edge 12a1 on the side of the left-right center C1 of the headlight, a second upper edge 12a2 on the side opposite the left-right center C1, a first lateral edge 12a3 on the side opposite the left-right center C1, the lower edge 12a4 and a second lateral edge 12a5 on the side of the left-right center C1.

[0020] The second side edge 12a5 is inclined upwards from the outer side in the left-right direction towards the inner side. Therefore, the angle between the first upper edge 12a1 and the second side edge 12a5 is an acute angle. Therefore, one dimension of the outer lens for low beam 12a in the vertical direction (the vertical distance between the first upper edge 12a1 and the lower edge 12a4) on the outer side in the left-right direction is larger than one dimension of the outer lens for low beam 12a in the vertical direction (the vertical distance between the first upper edge 12a1 and the second side edge 12a5) on the inner side in the left-right direction.Furthermore, each outer lens for low beam 12a has a region that is arranged on its outer side in the left-right direction relative to the outer lens for high beam 12b, and this region has a dimension in the vertical direction that is larger than the dimension of the outer lens for high beam 12b in the vertical direction. As a result, the outer lenses for low beam 12a can emit light outwards in the left-right direction more easily than the outer lens for high beam 12b.

[0021] The outer high beam lens 12b has an essentially hexagonal shape in a front view, and the hexagonal shape is formed by the upper edge 12b1, two upper side edges 12b2, two lower side edges 12b3, and the lower edge 12b4. Additionally, the midpoint of the upper edge 12b1 and the midpoint of the lower edge 12b4 are positioned on the left-right center C1, and the center position of the outer high beam lens 12b coincides with the left-right center C1. Because the outer high beam lens 12b is thus positioned closer to the left-right center C1, it is easier, compared with the outer low beam lenses 12a, to project light towards a relatively far-reaching area in the direction of travel.

[0022] The upper side edges 12b2 of the outer lens for high beam 12b are inclined downwards towards the outer sides in the left-right direction, and the inclination directions of the upper side edges 12b2 are the same as the inclination directions of the second side edges 12a5 of the outer lenses for low beam 12a. Since the corresponding side edges 12b2 and 12a5 are inclined in the same directions, it is possible to easily secure the distance along the inclination direction between the corresponding side edges 12b2 and 12a5 and to easily arrange the upper cover 3 between the outer lenses for low beam 12a and the outer lens for high beam 12b.

[0023] In a front view, the area of ​​the outer lens for high beam 12b is smaller than the area of ​​each outer lens for low beam 12a.

[0024] In Fig. 1 The front end of the outer lens for high beam 12b is positioned rearward relative to the front ends of the outer lenses for low beam 12a. Additionally, the outer lens for high beam 12b is inclined downwards from its front end in a rearward direction, forming a so-called reverse slant. Therefore, when the airflow collides with the outer lens for high beam 12b while the vehicle 100 is in motion, the airflow is directed rearward and downwards along the inclination of the outer lens for high beam 12b. In this case, the airflow is directed towards the radiator 102, which is positioned behind and below the headlight unit 1. This allows the airflow to be actively directed towards the radiator 102.

[0025] The outer lenses for the low beam 12a are also inclined downwards from their front ends in a rearward direction, forming so-called inverted inclined shapes. As a result, the outer lenses for the low beam 12a can be made inconspicuous. Furthermore, when the airflow collides with the outer lenses for the low beam 12a while the vehicle 100 is in motion, the airflow is directed downwards and outwards in a left-right direction along the inclinations of the outer lenses for the low beam 12a. This prevents the airflow from flowing towards the top of the headlight unit 1. Therefore, the flow of air towards the driver along the top of the headlight can be suppressed.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 shows a view of headlight unit 1 when viewed obliquely from above. Fig. The outer lenses for the low beam 12a are inclined rearward from their inner side ends in the left-right direction towards their outer sides in the left-right direction. Similarly, the headlight 2 and the upper cover 3 are inclined rearward from their inner sides in the left-right direction towards their outer sides in the left-right direction. Additionally, the headlight 2 and the upper cover 3 each have an upper surface inclined upward from their front end towards the rear. As a result, the shape of the headlight unit 1, like that of the spread-seat vehicle 100, can be brought close to a streamlined shape that directs the airflow to the rear.

[0027] The outer lenses for low beam 12a extend in the left-right and vertical directions, and in the front-back and vertical directions. In other words, each outer lens for low beam 12a has a principal inclined surface 12a6 that is inclined outwards in the left-right direction from the front end in the rearward direction and downwards and rearwards from the upper edges 12a1 and 12a2. The principal inclined surfaces 12a6 are each flat surfaces that have a larger area than the other surface of the surface forming the corresponding outer lens for low beam 12a. The principal inclined surfaces 12a6 each constitute a portion through which the low beam is transmitted.

[0028] The outer lens for high beam 12b extends in the left-right direction and in the vertical direction. In other words, the outer lens for high beam 12b has a main inclined surface 12b5 that extends in the left-right direction and is inclined downwards and backwards from the upper edge 12b1. The main inclined surface 12b5 is a portion through which the high beam is transmitted.

[0029] In Fig. 2 includes the upper fairing 3, a first upper fairing 30, which covers an upper part of the headlight 2, and a second upper fairing 31, which covers a lower part of the headlight 2.

[0030] The first upper panel 30 is arranged along the upper edges 12a1 and 12a2 of the outer lenses for low beam 12a and the second upper panel 31 is arranged along the side edges 12a3 and 12a5 and the lower edges 12a4 of the outer lenses for low beam 12a.

[0031] The front end of the first upper cover 30 is positioned in front of the front ends of the outer lenses for low beam 12a. In particular, the front end of the first upper cover 30 projects forward along the upper edges 12a1 and 12a2 of the outer lenses for low beam 12a. This arrangement prevents the outer lenses for low beam 12a from being exposed when the headlight assembly 1 is viewed from above.

[0032] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the second upper fairing 31 includes: a first projection 31a, which extends forward from the second side edges 12a5 of the outer lenses for dipped beam 12a along the upper edge 12b1 of the outer lens for main beam 12b; and a pair of second projections 31b, one on the left and one on the right, which extend forward from the lower edges 12a4 of the outer lenses for dipped beam 12a along the side edges 12b2, 12b3, one on the left and one on the right, of the outer lens for main beam 12b.

[0033] The first projection 31a covers the outer high beam lens 12b in a top view, and the second projections 31b cover the outer high beam lens 12b in a side view. In other words, the outer high beam lens 12b is positioned rearward with respect to the front end of the second upper cover 31. Specifically, the outer high beam lens 12b is positioned rearward with respect to the first projection 31a. Additionally, the outer high beam lens 12b is positioned rearward with respect to the left and right second projections 31b. As a result, the upper cover 3 prevents the outer high beam lens 12b from being exposed in both a top and a side view.

[0034] The first projection 31a and the second projections 31b of the present embodiment project forward with respect to the outer lenses for low beam 12a. As a result, it is possible to further prevent the outer lens for high beam 12b from being exposed, compared to the case in which the first projection 31a and the second projections 31b do not project forward with respect to the outer lenses for low beam 12a. For example, it can be made less likely that external light, such as sunlight or road light, will enter the outer lens for high beam 12b.

[0035] From the second upper fairing 31, a partial area extends along each of the side edges 12b2 and 12a5, covering a region between the second side edges 12a5 of the outer lenses for low beam 12a and the upper side edges 12b2 of the outer lens for high beam 12b. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in width in the direction between the side edges 12b2 and the side edges 12a5, so that it is possible to easily allow the partial area to project forward from the outer lenses for low beam 12a.

[0036] The second upper fairing 31 further includes a third projection 31c, which extends forward along the lower edge 12b4 of the outer high-beam lens 12b. The forward projection of the third projection 31c is smaller than the forward projection of the first projection 31a. This arrangement prevents the airflow colliding with the outer high-beam lens 12b from deflecting upwards and directs the airflow towards the radiator 102 located below the headlight assembly 1. Additionally, because the second projections 31b extend from the left and right side edges 12b2 and 12b3 of the outer high-beam lens 12b, respectively, it is also possible to suppress the airflow from side to side.

[0037] The underside of the first projection 31a, that is, the surface of the first projection 31a on the side of the outer lens for high beam 12b, is inclined downwards from the front end in a rearward direction. Furthermore, the inner surfaces of the second projections 31b, that is, the surfaces of the second projections 31b on the sides of the outer lens for high beam 12b, are inclined inwards in the left-right direction from the front ends in a rearward direction. As a result, the high beam transmitted through the outer lens for high beam 12b is hardly blocked by the first projection 31a or the second projections 31b, and the high beam can be emitted over a wide area.

[0038] Of the second upper cover 31, sections along the lower edges 12a4 of the outer lenses for low beam 12a are inclined downwards and forwards. Furthermore, sections along the first side edges 12a3 of the outer lenses for low beam 12a are inclined outwards and forwards in the left-right direction. Additionally, sections along the second side edges 12a5 of the outer lenses for low beam 12a are inclined inwards and forwards in the left-right direction. As a result, the low beam transmitted through the outer lenses for low beam 12a is hardly blocked by the aforementioned sections and can be emitted over a wide area.

[0039] In Fig. The headlight 2 comprises: a front housing 10 to which the outer lens 12 is attached; and a rear housing 11 which is attached to the front housing 10.

[0040] Fig.Figure 4 is an exploded view of the headlight 2 from the front, with the front housing 10 and the outer lens 12 removed. The headlight 2 is provided with: two dipped beam reflectors 13, arranged in positions corresponding to the two outer dipped beam lenses 12a in a front view; and a single main beam reflector 20, arranged in a position corresponding to the single outer main beam lens 12b in a front view.

[0041] Each dipped beam reflector 13 has a shape similar to that of the corresponding outer dipped beam lens 12a, and has an upper edge inclined downwards towards the left-right center C1, and the side edge on the side away from the left-right center C1 is inclined upwards towards the left-right center C1.

[0042] A low-beam light source 14 is provided on the upper part of each of the two low-beam reflectors 13, which emits low-beam light in the direction of the corresponding low-beam reflector. Each low-beam light source 14 is provided with a low-beam substrate that supplies power to the low-beam light source 14, and a low-beam heat sink that cools the low-beam substrate.

[0043] When the low beam light sources 14 shine the low beam light towards the low beam reflectors 13, the low beam reflectors 13 reflect the low beam light forward as the low beam. The low beam reflected forward by the low beam reflectors 13 passes through the outer low beam lenses 12a and is emitted in front of the vehicle 100.

[0044] At the upper part of the two low-beam reflectors 13, position lights 18 are provided on the inner sides in the left-right direction relative to the low-beam light sources 14. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the outer lenses for the low beam 12a compared to the case where the position lights 18 are provided on the outer sides in the left-right direction of the upper parts of the low-beam reflectors 13. The position lights are intended to indicate the presence of the vehicle with the split-seat configuration.

[0045] On an upper part of the high beam reflector 20, high beam light sources 21 are provided side by side on the left and right, emitting high beam light towards the high beam reflector 20. Each high beam light source 21 is provided with a high beam substrate that supplies power to the high beam light sources 21, and a high beam heat sink that cools the high beam substrate. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are used as the low beam light sources 14 and the high beam light sources 21 of the present embodiment.

[0046] When the high beam light sources 21 emit high beam light towards the high beam reflector 20, the high beam reflector 20 reflects the high beam light forward. The high beam reflected forward by the high beam reflector 20 passes through the outer high beam lens 12b and is emitted in front of the vehicle 100.

[0047] The high beam light sources 21 are arranged in a front view on the right side with respect to the left end of the low beam reflector 13 located on the left side, and simultaneously on the left side with respect to the right end of the low beam reflector 13 located on the right side, and are arranged vertically between the two low beam reflectors 13 and the high beam reflector 20. Additionally, in a top view, the high beam reflector 20 and the high beam light sources 21 overlap the two low beam reflectors 13 in the left-right direction.

[0048] The high beam reflector 20 has a high beam reflective surface 20a and a non-reflective surface 20b. The high beam reflective surface 20a is located opposite the high beam light sources 21 from below and reflects light emitted by the high beam light sources 21 forward. The high beam reflective surface 20a is curved backward and downward. The non-reflective surface 20b is located on a surface of the high beam reflector 20, excluding the high beam reflective surface 20a. The non-reflective surface 20b is positioned above the high beam reflective surface 20a and extends essentially flat in the front-back and left-right directions. The high beam reflector 20 also has a pair of side surfaces 20c that extend in the vertical direction at both ends, left and right, from the high beam reflective surface 20a and the non-reflective surface 20b.

[0049] The reflective surface for the high beam 20a is formed, for example, by vapor deposition of aluminum onto the resin reflector for the high beam 20. Furthermore, the non-reflective surface 20b is masked during the vapor deposition step, so that no aluminum is deposited onto the non-reflective surface 20b. Therefore, the aluminum sheen is formed on the reflective surface for the high beam 20a, while the non-reflective surface 20b shows the color of the resin material (for example, black). Consequently, the non-reflective surface 20b has a lower reflectivity than the reflective surface for the high beam 20a.

[0050] Each low beam reflector 13 has a low beam reflective surface 13a on its underside, which reflects the low beam light forward. The low beam reflective surfaces 13a are each positioned below a corresponding low beam light source 14, are inclined downwards and forwards, and are curved backwards and downwards. Similar to the high beam reflective surface 20a, a reflective film is formed on each low beam reflective surface 13a by a vapor deposition process.

[0051] The light sources 14 and 21 and the reflectors 13 and 20 are supported by a aiming bracket for adjusting the direction of each beam. By adjusting the angle of the aiming bracket relative to the housings 10 and 11, the beam directions of the low beam and the high beam are adjusted.

[0052] The headlight unit 1 and the spread-seat vehicle 100 including the headlight unit 1 according to the present embodiment have the following effects.

[0053] (1) The headlight unit 1 contains: two outer lenses for dipped beam 12a, arranged side by side on the left and right at a distance and allowing dipped beam light to pass forward; and a single outer lens for high beam 12b, which is arranged on a right side in relation to a left end of one of the two outer lenses for low beam 12a, which is arranged on a left side, and simultaneously on a left side in relation to a right end of one of the two outer lenses for low beam 12a, which is arranged below the two outer lenses for low beam 12a at a distance and allows a high beam to pass forward.

[0054] As a result, the sizes of the outer lenses 12a and 12b can be reduced compared to a headlight unit that emits a high beam and a low beam with one outer lens.

[0055] (2) The outer lens for high beam 12b is arranged below the outer lenses for low beam 12a and towards the rear in relation to the front ends of the outer lenses for low beam 12a.

[0056] As a result, the outer lens for high beam 12b can be made particularly inconspicuous when the headlight unit 1 is viewed from above or at an angle from above. Since the light emitted by the high beam is stronger than the light emitted by the low beam, the high beam is relatively conspicuous. By making the outer lens for high beam 12b inconspicuous, as in the present embodiment, the headlight unit 1 can be made to appear smaller.

[0057] (3) The outer lens for high beam 12b is inclined downwards and backwards.

[0058] As a result, the area of ​​the outer lens for high beam 12b in a front view is smaller than the area of ​​the outer lens for high beam 12b as viewed from the direction orthogonal to the front of the outer lens for high beam 12b. Therefore, it is possible to make the outer lens for high beam 12b inconspicuous while ensuring the required amount of irradiance for the high beam. Additionally, the front of the outer lens for high beam 12b is inclined backwards, and the airflow passing through the front of the outer lens for high beam 12b is easily directed to the cooler 102 located behind the headlight unit 1. As a result, the air is easily directed to the cooler 102 located behind and below the headlight unit 1, thus promoting engine cooling by the cooler 102.

[0059] (4) The headlight unit 1 also contains: a light source for high beam 21, which emits light for high beam; and a high beam reflector 20, which is arranged in a position corresponding in a front view to the outer high beam lens 12b, and which reflects forward the high beam light emitted by the high beam light source 21, the reflector for high beam 20 contains the following: a reflective surface for high beam 20a, which reflects the high beam light forward; and a non-reflective surface 20b with a reflectance that is lower than the reflectance of the high beam reflecting surface 20a.

[0060] As a result, in a case where the headlight unit 1 is illuminated with light, such as light from a street lamp, or where the high beam reflector within the headlight unit is illuminated with low beam light when the high beam is not switched on, the light, such as light from a street lamp or low beam light, is hardly reflected by the high beam reflector 20, since the high beam reflector 20 has the non-reflective surface 20b, so that the outer high beam lens 12b can be made inconspicuous.

[0061] (5) The outer lens for high beam 12b is arranged below the outer lenses for low beam 12a and the light source for high beam 21 is arranged on an upper part of the reflector for high beam 20.

[0062] As a result, the high beam light source is prevented from protruding below the high beam reflector, and the high beam reflector can be positioned as low as possible within the headlight assembly. Consequently, the heights of the high beam reflector and the outer high beam lens are reduced, and the outer high beam lens can be made less conspicuous.

[0063] (6) The outer lens for high beam 12b is arranged towards the rear in relation to the front ends of the outer lenses for low beam 12a, The reflective surface for high beam 20A is positioned opposite the light source for high beam 21 from below, and The non-reflective surface 20b is formed at least above the reflection surface for high beam 20A between a surface of the reflector for high beam 20 and the reflection surface for high beam 20A.

[0064] As a result, when external light from below the headlight unit 1, for example light reflected from a road surface, is applied to the high beam reflector 20, the reflection of the external light by the non-reflective surface 20b is suppressed. Consequently, the outer high beam lens 12b can be designed to be less conspicuous.

[0065] (7) The headlight unit 1 also contains: a light source for high beam 21, which emits light for high beam; a high beam reflector 20, which is arranged in a position corresponding in a front view to the outer high beam lens 12b, and reflects forward the high beam light emitted by the high beam light source 21; two low beam light sources 14, which emit light for low beam; and two reflectors for low beam 13, which in a front view are arranged at positions corresponding to the two outer lenses for low beam 12a, and reflect the light emitted by the two light sources for low beam 14 forwards, wherein the light source for high beam 21 is arranged on a right side with respect to a left end of one of the two reflectors for low beam 13 which is arranged on a left side, and simultaneously on a left side with respect to a right end of one of the two reflectors for low beam 13 which is arranged on a right side, and in a vertical direction between the two reflectors for low beam 13 and the reflector for high beam 20.

[0066] As a result, the light source for high beam 21 is prevented from protruding in the vertical direction in relation to the reflectors for low beam 13 and the reflector for high beam 20, and it is easy to further reduce the size of the headlight unit 1.

[0067] (8) The headlight unit 1 also contains: an outer lens 12 which contains two of the outer lenses for low beam 12a and the outer lens for high beam 12b; a headlight 2 to which the outer lens 12 is attached; and an upper fairing 3, which covers the headlight 2, where the outer lens for high beam 12b is arranged below the outer lenses for low beam 12a, and The upper fairing 3 in a top view covers the outer lens for high beam 12b.

[0068] Since the upper cover 3 covers the outer lens for high beam 12b, the outer lens for high beam 12b can be made inconspicuous, especially when the headlight unit 1 is viewed from above or at an angle from above.

[0069] (9) The headlight unit 1 also contains: an outer lens 12 which contains two of the outer lenses for low beam 12a and the outer lens for high beam 12b; a headlight 2 to which the outer lens 12 is attached; and an upper fairing 3, which covers the headlight 2, wherein the upper cover 3 covers the outer lens for high beam 12b in a side view.

[0070] As a result, since the side of the outer lens for high beam 12b is covered by the upper cover 3, the outer lens for high beam 12b can be made inconspicuous, especially when the headlight unit 1 is viewed from the side.

[0071] (10) A spread-seat vehicle 100 includes a headlight unit 1, wherein the headlight unit 1 includes the following: two outer lenses for dipped beam 12a, arranged side by side on the left and right at a distance and allowing dipped beam to pass forward; and a single outer lens for high beam 12b, which is arranged on a right side in relation to a left end of one of the two outer lenses for low beam 12a, which is arranged on a left side, and simultaneously on a left side in relation to a right end of one of the two outer lenses for low beam 12a, which is arranged below the two outer lenses for low beam 12a at a distance and allows a high beam to pass forward.

[0072] As a result, the aesthetic appearance of the spread-seat vehicle 100, including the headlight unit 1 with the reduced outer lens 12, is improved.

[0073] It should be noted that a headlight unit and a spread-seat vehicle including the headlight unit according to the present disclosure are not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment and various modifications can be made.

[0074] Although the present description discloses a motorcycle as a spread-seat vehicle, the present invention can be applied to other spread-seat vehicles. For example, the spread-seat vehicle can be a three-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled buggy vehicle.

[0075] The spread-seat vehicle can use an electric motor as its power source, which is different from an internal combustion engine, or it can be a hybrid vehicle that uses both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine.

[0076] As in the present embodiment, the headlight unit is preferably supported by a bracket that is angularly offset together with the front fork. The headlight unit of the present disclosure is suitably used in an unfaired vehicle in which the engine is partially exposed. It should be noted that the headlight unit is not limited to the above. For example, the headlight unit can be fixed to the vehicle body frame regardless of an angular offset of the front fork.

[0077] The high beam is appropriately illuminated by an operation of the driver, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the split-seat vehicle can include a sensor that detects the environmental situation, in particular the presence or absence of an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle ahead. In this case, the high beam can be activated as logically indicated by a sensor output. The high beam can be switched off when it is determined that there is an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle ahead, and the high beam can be switched on or illuminated when neither an oncoming vehicle nor a vehicle ahead is detected.

[0078] The headlight unit 1 of the present embodiment includes an upper fairing, but may not include an upper fairing. Although the upper fairing 3 of the present embodiment is divided into an upper part and a lower part, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the upper fairing 3 may be of an integral structure, or it is possible to assume another type of divided structure, such as a left-to-right divided structure.

[0079] The outer lens for high beam 12b is positioned below the two outer lenses for low beam 12a at a distance, but it can also be positioned above the two outer lenses for low beam 12a at a distance. In this case as well, each outer lens can be made smaller.

[0080] The area for the outer lens for high beam 12b is smaller in a front view than the area for each outer lens for low beam 12a, so the outer lens for high beam 12b can be made inconspicuous. However, the area for the outer lens for high beam 12b can be smaller in a front view than the entire area for the two outer lenses for low beam 12a. In this case as well, the outer lens for high beam can be made inconspicuous.

[0081] The side surfaces 20c of the high beam reflector 20 are coated with aluminum, but they may not be coated with aluminum, meaning they could be non-reflective surfaces. In a case where the side surfaces 20c of the high beam reflector 20 are non-reflective surfaces, it is less likely that light, such as light from a street lamp, will be reflected by the high beam reflector when the high beam is not switched on, and the outer high beam lens can be made less conspicuous.

[0082] The two light sources for high beam 21 are provided on the upper part of the reflector for high beam 20; however, if a single light source can provide the required light for the high beam, a single light source for high beam may be provided on the upper part of the reflector for high beam 20.

[0083] The light sources for high beam 21 are provided on the upper parts of the high beam reflector 20, but can also be provided for lower parts of the high beam reflector. Reference symbol list 1 headlight unit 2 headlights 3 upper panel 12 outer lens 12A Outer lens for low beam 12b outer lens for high beam 13 Reflector for low beam 14 Light source for low beam 20 Reflector for high beam 20A Reflective surface for high beam 20b non-reflective surface 21 Light source for high beam 100 spread-seat vehicle

Claims

Headlight unit comprising: two outer lenses for low beam, arranged side by side to the left and right at a distance and transmitting a low beam forward; and a single outer lens for high beam, arranged on a right side with respect to a left end of one of the two outer lenses for low beam arranged on a left side, and simultaneously arranged on a left side with respect to a right end of one of the two outer lenses for low beam arranged on a right side, above or below the two outer lenses for low beam at a distance and transmitting a high beam forward, characterized in that the outer lens for high beam is arranged below the outer lenses for low beam and to the rear with respect to the front ends of the outer lenses for low beam. Headlight unit according to claim 1, wherein the outer lens for high beam is inclined in a downward rearward direction. The headlight unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a high beam light source emitting high beam light; and a high beam reflector arranged in a position corresponding to the outer high beam lens in a front view, and reflecting forward the high beam light emitted by the high beam light source, wherein the high beam reflector comprises: a high beam reflective surface reflecting forward the high beam light; and a non-reflective surface having a reflectivity lower than that of the high beam. Headlight unit according to claim 3, wherein the outer lens for high beam is arranged below the outer lenses for low beam, and the light source for high beam is arranged on an upper part of the reflector for high beam. Headlight unit according to claim 4, wherein the outer lens for high beam is arranged rearward with respect to the front ends of the outer lenses for low beam, the reflecting surface for high beam is opposite the light source for high beam from below, and the non-reflective surface is formed at least above the reflecting surface for high beam between a surface of the reflector for high beam and the reflecting surface for high beam. Headlight unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a high beam light source emitting high beam light; a high beam reflector arranged in a position corresponding in the front view to the outer high beam lens, reflecting forward the high beam emitted by the high beam light source; two low beam light sources emitting low beam light;and two dipped beam reflectors arranged in a front view at positions corresponding to the two outer dipped beam lenses, reflecting forward the dipped beam light emitted by the two dipped beam light sources, the main beam light source being located on a right side with respect to a left end of one of the two dipped beam reflectors located on a left side, and simultaneously on a left side with respect to a right end of one of the two dipped beam reflectors located on a right side, and in a vertical direction between the two dipped beam reflectors and the main beam reflector. Headlight assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: an outer lens comprising two of the outer lenses for low beam and the outer lens for high beam; a headlight to which the outer lens is attached; and an upper cover covering the headlight, wherein the outer lens for high beam is arranged below the outer lenses for low beam, and the upper cover covers the outer lens for high beam in a top view. Headlight unit according to claim 1, further comprising: an outer lens comprising two of the outer lenses for low beam and the outer lens for high beam; a headlight to which the outer lens is attached; and an upper cover covering the headlight, wherein the upper cover covering the outer lens for high beam in a side view. A split-seat vehicle comprising a headlight unit, the headlight unit comprising: two outer lenses for dipped beam arranged side by side at a distance to the left and right, transmitting a dipped beam forward; and a single outer lens for main beam, arranged on a right side with respect to a left end of one of the two outer lenses for dipped beam arranged on a left side, and simultaneously on a left side with respect to a right end of one of the two outer lenses for dipped beam arranged on a right side, below the two outer lenses for dipped beam arranged at a distance, transmitting a main beam forward; an outer lens comprising two of the outer lenses for dipped beam and the outer lens for main beam; and an upper cover covering the headlight.wherein the outer lens for high beam is arranged below the outer lenses for low beam, and the upper fairing covers the outer lens for high beam in a top view and in a side view to prevent the outer lens for high beam from being exposed in a top view. Headlight unit comprising: two outer lenses for dipped beam, arranged side by side to the left and right at a distance and transmitting a dipped beam forward; a single outer lens for main beam, arranged on a right side in relation to a left end of one of the two outer lenses for dipped beam arranged on a left side, and simultaneously arranged on a left side in relation to a right end of one of the two outer lenses for dipped beam arranged on a right side, above or below the two outer lenses for dipped beam at a distance and transmitting a main beam forward; a main beam light source emitting main beam light;and a high beam reflector arranged in a position corresponding to the outer high beam lens in a front view, and reflecting forward the high beam light emitted by the high beam light source, the high beam reflector comprising: a high beam reflective surface that reflects the high beam light forward; and a non-reflective surface having a reflectivity less than that of the high beam reflective surface, the outer high beam lens being arranged below the outer low beam lenses, and the high beam light source being arranged at an upper part of the high beam reflector.

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