Light distribution variable head light

Abstract

To improve flux of light emitted forward from a lens of a light distribution variable head light and light distribution efficiency.SOLUTION: A light distribution variable headlight 10 comprises a plurality of light sources 9 arranged in a traverse direction of a vehicle for emitting light, a plurality of reflectors 40 provided for each of the light sources 9 for collecting light rays from the light sources 9 and reflecting the light rays toward the front of the vehicle, and a lens 61 for irradiating reflected light from all of the reflectors 40 toward the front of the vehicle. Each of the reflectors 40 includes a surface composed of a spheroid. A first focus point f1 of the spheroid is positioned at the light source or in the vicinity of the light source, and a position of a second focus point f2 is set so that a light ray reflected at the reflector 40 and emitted from the center of the light source 9 passes through the center region of a rear surface 61a of the lens 61, the rear surface 61a being the rear side of the lens 61 relative to the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a variable light distribution headlamp. [Background technology]

[0002] Variable light distribution headlights (headlights with ADB function) are known that can dim or turn off the high beam light distribution pattern only in the areas of oncoming vehicles and preceding vehicles to prevent dazzling the drivers of oncoming and preceding vehicles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special table number 2021-533537 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a type of vehicle headlamp in which light rays from each LED light source are collected and reflected by each reflector, and the reflected light projected from each reflector is irradiated forward via a lens.

[0005] When such a vehicle headlamp is configured as a variable light distribution headlamp, the reflector has a shape based on an ellipsoid of revolution with the major axis along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Therefore, the reflector has two focal points, one at the front and one at the back, and depending on the shape and arrangement of the reflector, the first focal point f1 can be located near the light source and the second focal point can be located near the lens.

[0006] The above-mentioned variable light distribution headlamp has multiple reflectors to accommodate various light distribution patterns, and the reflectors are arranged so that their second focal points coincide with each other. However, if the positions of the second focal points of all reflectors corresponding to one lens are the same, some of the reflected light from reflectors that are far from the center line of the lens in the left-right direction of the vehicle will not enter the lens, and the luminous flux emitted forward from the lens will decrease accordingly, which may result in a decrease in light distribution efficiency.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to improve the light flux emitted forward from the lens of a variable light distribution headlamp and the light distribution efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A variable light distribution headlamp of one aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of light sources which are arranged laterally of a vehicle and emit light, a plurality of reflectors each provided for each light source which collects light rays from the light sources and reflects them towards the front of the vehicle, and a lens which illuminates the reflected light projected from all of the reflectors towards the front of the vehicle, wherein the reflector includes a surface which is a spheroid, a first focus of the spheroid is located at or near the light source, and the position of a second focus of the spheroid is set so that light rays from the center of the light source reflected by the reflector pass through a central region of the back surface of the lens which is on the rear side of the vehicle. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the light flux emitted forward from the lens of a variable light distribution headlamp and the light distribution efficiency. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a variable light distribution headlamp according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the variable light distribution headlamp in FIG. 1 taken along line II-II and viewed from the direction of the arrow. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a top view of the variable light distribution headlamp in FIG. 1, showing the path of the light rays from the light source near the center. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a top view of the variable light distribution headlamp in FIG. 1, showing light rays from a reflector. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a top view of the variable light distribution headlamp in FIG. 1, showing light rays from a reflector. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of a variable light distribution headlamp in a first modified example, as viewed from above, showing the path of light rays from a light source near the center. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of a variable light distribution headlamp in a second modified example, as viewed from above, showing the path of light rays from a light source near the center. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing, on a screen, a light distribution area formed by reflected light of a reflector of a sixth light source in the variable light distribution headlamp according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view of a variable light distribution headlamp in a comparative example, seen from above, showing the path of light rays from the light source near the center. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a top view of a variable light distribution headlamp in a comparative example, seen from above, showing light rays from a reflector. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a top view of the variable light distribution headlamp in the comparative example as viewed from above, showing light rays from the reflector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The variable light distribution headlamp 10 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the left-right direction refers to a direction parallel to the pitching axis of the vehicle and is synonymous with the x-axis direction. The front-rear direction refers to a direction parallel to the rolling axis of the vehicle and is synonymous with the y-axis direction. Furthermore, the up-down direction refers to a direction parallel to the yawing axis of the vehicle and is synonymous with the z-axis direction.

[0012] [structure] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a variable light distribution headlamp 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the variable light distribution headlamp 10 in Fig. 1 cut along line II-II and viewed from the direction of the arrow. For ease of understanding, Fig. 1 omits the upper unit 22.

[0013] In addition, in Fig. 1, the portion where the lead wire is attached as the light source 9 is not, strictly speaking, the light source 9, but the portion directly below the light source 9 on the reflector 40 as shown in Fig. 2. However, since this portion is directly below the light source 9 and the light beam has not yet been diffused significantly, it will be described as the light source 9 for convenience. The same applies to Figs. 3 and onwards.

[0014] The variable light distribution headlamp 10 includes a housing unit 20 having a light source 9, and a lens unit 60.

[0015] The housing unit 20 constitutes the housing of the variable light distribution headlamp 10, and functions as a support member that supports various components. The housing unit 20 has a lower unit 21 and an upper unit 22 (FIG. 2). The lower unit 21 and the upper unit 22 are stacked vertically to define a space therein, and light travels straight through the space approximately forward.

[0016] The lower unit 21 has a lower light-shielding portion 23 and a reflector 40 .

[0017] The upper surface of the lower light-shielding portion 23 is formed in a wave shape in which convex portions 23a and concave portions 23b extending in the left-right direction are alternately arranged in the front-rear direction. As a result, when a ray of light traveling through the space defined between the lower light-shielding portion 23 and the upper unit 22 is incident on the upper surface of the lower light-shielding portion 23, the ray of light is diffusely reflected, preventing it from entering the lens 61.

[0018] The reflector 40 reflects the light incident from the light source 9 and emits the light toward the lens 61. The reflector 40 will be described in detail later.

[0019] The upper unit 22 has an upper light-shielding portion 24, a substrate 25, and a substrate mounting portion 26.

[0020] The lower surface of the upper light-shielding portion 24 is formed in a wave shape in which convex portions 24a and concave portions 24b extending in the left-right direction are alternately arranged in the front-rear direction. This prevents light rays traveling through the space defined between the upper light-shielding portion 24 and the lower unit 21 from being directly incident on the lower surface of the upper light-shielding portion 24 through diffuse reflection.

[0021] LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) serving as light sources 9 are attached to the bottom surface of substrate 25. Substrate 25 has 12 LEDs arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. All 12 LEDs are provided on substrate 25 in a direction that emits light downward. The number of LEDs may be more or less than 12.

[0022] The substrate mounting part 26 has the substrate 25 attached to its lower part, and is composed of a heat sink 27 that dissipates heat from the substrate 25. The substrate mounting part 26 also has a shielding part 28 located in front of the light source 9, which prevents light emitted from the light source 9 from directly entering the lens 61. The substrate mounting part 26 may be integrally formed with the upper light shielding part 24.

[0023] The reflector 40 is formed in a part of the rear of the lower unit 21, and is provided for each light source 9. The reflector 40 is a surface that collects light rays from the light source 9 and reflects them toward the front of the vehicle. The reflectors 40 each include an ellipsoid of revolution at least in part, and 12 of them are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0024] Each reflector 40 is disposed at a position corresponding to each of the twelve light sources 9. That is, one reflector 40 is disposed directly below each light source 9, and is disposed so that the first focal point f1 of the ellipsoid of revolution substantially coincides with the light source 9 (FIG. 1). Note that in FIG. 1, since the position of the first focal point f1 of each reflector 40 substantially coincides with each of the six light sources 9, the reference numeral for the first focal point f1 is omitted from the illustration.

[0025] The shape, size and orientation of the spheroid of the reflector 40 are set so that the second focal point f2 of the spheroid is located near the lens 61.

[0026] The lens unit 60 has a structure in which two single lenses 61 are joined in the left-right direction. The lens unit 60 is disposed at the front of the housing unit 20, and when the lower unit 21 and the upper unit 22 are overlapped, the lens unit 60 is sandwiched between the lower unit 21 and the upper unit 22 and fixed integrally with the housing unit 20 (FIG. 2).

[0027] The lens unit 60 directs the reflected light projected from all the reflectors 40 toward the front of the vehicle. The left lens 61 emits the reflected light from the six light sources 9 arranged on the left side. The right lens 61 emits the reflected light from the six light sources 9 arranged on the right side (FIG. 1).

[0028] Although not shown, a partition wall is provided in the front-rear direction in the space defined by the lower unit 21 and the upper unit 22, approximately in the center in the left-right direction, dividing the space into left and right spaces. Six light sources 9 are arranged in each of the left and right spaces, and one lens 61 is arranged in each of the left and right spaces. In the present embodiment, the area to the right of the partition wall will be described below, but the same can be said about the area to the left of the partition wall.

[0029] In the right-side region, a portion of the light reflected by each reflector 40 enters the right-side lens 61 and is irradiated forward of the vehicle. Of the light reflected by each reflector 40, a portion of the light on the left side enters the partition wall and does not directly enter the lens 61. Conversely, a portion of the light on the right side enters the inner walls of the lower unit 21 and upper unit 22 and does not directly enter the lens 61. In this way, of the light reflected from the right-side reflector 40, the light that enters the partition wall, lower unit 21, and upper unit 22 is referred to as "light not entering the lens 61."

[0030] The variable light distribution headlamp 10 is configured as described above, and is provided on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle. The variable light distribution headlamp 10 forms a high beam when all light sources 9 are fully lit. The variable light distribution headlamp 10 ensures the driver's visibility by shining light ahead of the vehicle when it is dark, such as at night or when the vehicle is traveling through a tunnel.

[0031] The variable light distribution headlamp 10 also has an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) function. When the variable light distribution headlamp 10 detects an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle while illuminating the road ahead with a high beam, the ADB function changes the light distribution area in real time so that only the areas of the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle are not illuminated by the light, thereby preventing other drivers from being dazzled.

[0032] The variable light distribution headlamp 10 changes the light distribution area by changing the blinking and illuminance of each light source 9. The light distribution area may be changed only by blinking the light source 9, or may also be changed by adjusting the illuminance.

[0033] [Position of the second focus] Here, the relationship between the position of the second focal point f2 of the spheroid of revolution of the reflector 40 and the light distribution efficiency will be described. In the following description, "light distribution efficiency" refers to the proportion of the light flux emitted from the light source 9 that can be used to illuminate the front as a headlight.

[0034] (Comparative Example) First, a comparative example will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B.

[0035] Fig. 8 is a top view of the variable light distribution headlamp 100 in a configuration according to a comparative example, seen from above, and shows the path of the light rays from the light source 109 near the center. Fig. 9A is a top view of the variable light distribution headlamp 100 in a configuration according to a comparative example, seen from above, and shows the light rays from the reflector 140. Fig. 9B is a top view of the variable light distribution headlamp 100 in a configuration according to a comparative example, seen from above, and shows the light rays from the reflector 140.

[0036] In the following, in order to ensure clarity of the drawings, only the part on the right side of the variable light distribution headlamp 100 consisting of six light sources 109 will be described, but the same can be said for the part on the left side consisting of six light sources.

[0037] 8, 9A, and 9B, the six light sources 109 on the right side are referred to, from left to right, as a first light source 191, a second light source 192, a third light source 193, a fourth light source 194, a fifth light source 195, and a sixth light source 196 for convenience. Note that, as the variable light distribution headlamp, it is also possible to adopt a configuration according to a comparative example as shown in FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B.

[0038] 8, the second light source 192 is disposed on or adjacent to the center line of the lens 161, which passes through approximately the center of the rear surface 161a of the lens 161 in the front-rear direction. A light ray 192P emitted from the second light source 192 is designed to be reflected by the reflector 140 near the light source, and then reflected toward a second focal point f21 of the reflector 140. The light ray 192P passes through approximately the center of the rear surface 161a of the lens 161, and then is emitted from the front of the lens 161.

[0039] 8, light ray 196P emitted from sixth light source 196 is reflected by reflector 140 near the light source, and then projected towards lens 161. The light ray passes through a position away from the center of rear surface 161a of lens 161 to the right, and then is emitted from the front of lens 161.

[0040] Comparing the second light source 192 and the sixth light source 196, the light ray 192P of the second light source 192 passes through the central region of the back surface 161a of the lens 161, whereas the light ray 196P of the sixth light source 196 passes through a position away from the center to the right side of the back surface 161a of the lens 161. The effect of this on the light distribution efficiency will be described with reference to Figures 9A and 9B.

[0041] 9A, the light beams from the second light source 192 are distributed in a triangular shape that increases in left-right width toward the front with the light beam 192P at the center. The light beams from the second light source 192 are disposed approximately evenly on the left and right of the light beam 192P, and the amount of light beams in the regions La1 and Ra1 that are not incident on the lens 161 is relatively small.

[0042] 9B, in the case of light rays from the sixth light source 196, the light rays to the left of the light ray 196P are relatively few in the region Lb1 that does not enter the lens 161, whereas the light rays to the right of the light ray 196P are many in the region Rb1 that does not enter the lens 161. This leads to a decrease in the light flux emitted forward from the lens 161 and a decrease in the light distribution efficiency.

[0043] In addition, the centers of the light rays emitted from the third light source 193, the fourth light source 194, and the fifth light source 195 all pass through the second focal point f21, and therefore the center of the light rays gradually shifts to the right from the center of the back surface 161a of the lens 161 as they move to the right. Therefore, the farther the light source 109 is from the second light source 192 to the right, the farther the light rays are to the right, and therefore the decrease in the light flux emitted forward from the lens 161 and the decrease in the light distribution efficiency become greater.

[0044] On the other hand, since the first light source 191 is located to the left of the second light source 192, when the center of the light ray passes through the second focal point f21 of the reflector 140 of the second light source 192, the light ray is located to the left of the center of the back surface 161a of the lens 161. In this case, contrary to the sixth light source 196, the proportion of the light rays on the right side that do not enter the lens 161 is relatively small, whereas the proportion of the light rays on the left side that do not enter the lens 161 is large. This leads to a decrease in the light flux emitted forward from the lens 161 and a decrease in the light distribution efficiency.

[0045] (Present embodiment) Next, this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a top view of the variable light distribution headlight 10 in Fig. 1 seen from above, showing the path of the light rays from the light source 9 near the center. Fig. 4A is a top view of the variable light distribution headlight 10 in Fig. 1 seen from above, showing the light rays from the reflector 40. Fig. 4B is a top view of the variable light distribution headlight 10 in Fig. 1 seen from above, showing the light rays from the reflector 40.

[0047] In the following, in order to ensure clarity of the drawings, only the part on the right side of the variable light distribution headlamp 10 consisting of six light sources 9 will be described, but the same can be said for the part on the left side consisting of six light sources.

[0048] 3, 4A and 4B, the six light sources on the right side are referred to as a first light source 91, a second light source 92, a third light source 93, a fourth light source 94, a fifth light source 95 and a sixth light source 96 from the left for convenience.

[0049] In the variable light distribution headlamp 10 of this embodiment, the position of the second focal point f2 is set so that the light ray emitted from the light source 9 and reflected by the reflector 40 passes through the central area of ​​the rear surface 61a of the lens 61 toward the front.

[0050] 3, since the light ray 92P emitted from the second light source 92 passes through approximately the center of the back surface 61a of the lens 61, it is not necessary to displace the position of the second focal point f2 in this state. On the other hand, for the sixth light source 96, the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 of the sixth light source 96 is displaced leftward from the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 of the second light source 92 so that the light ray 96P emitted from the sixth light source 96 passes through approximately the center of the back surface 61a of the lens 61.

[0051] Furthermore, the second focal point f2 of each reflector 40 of the light beams emitted from the third light source 93, the fourth light source 94, and the fifth light source 95 is also displaced stepwise to the left as it moves to the right. In contrast, since the first light source 91 is located to the left of the second light source 92, the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 of the first light source 91 is displaced to the right from the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 of the second light source 92 so that the light beam emitted from the first light source 91 passes through approximately the center of the back surface 61a of the lens 61.

[0052] In other words, the further the position of the reflector 40 is to the right of the vehicle from the center line of the lens 61, the more the second focal point f2 is displaced to the left of the vehicle, and the further the position of the reflector 40 is to the left of the vehicle from the center line of the vehicle, the more the second focal point f2 is displaced to the right of the vehicle.

[0053] The amount of displacement of the second focal point f2 of each reflector 40 is set so that the center of the light beam emitted from each light source 9 passes through the central region of the rear surface 61a of the lens 61. The position of the second focal point f2 is changed by adjusting, for example, the shape of the ellipsoid of revolution of the reflector 40, the position on the reflector 40 where the light beam from the light source 9 is incident, the angle of the reflector 40, etc.

[0054] As a result, the center of the light beam emitted from any one of the light sources 9 is always incident on the central region of the rear surface 61a of the lens 61. The effect of this on the light distribution efficiency will be described with reference to Figs. 4A and 4B.

[0055] 4A, the light rays from the second light source 92 are distributed in a triangular shape that increases in left and right width toward the front with the light ray 92P as the center. The light rays from the second light source 92 are arranged approximately evenly on the left and right of the light ray 92P, and the amount of light rays in the area La and the area Ra that are not incident on the lens 61 is relatively small.

[0056] 4B, the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 of the sixth light source 96 is shifted leftward from the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 of the second light source 92, and as a result, the light ray 96P is incident on the central region of the back surface 61a of the lens 61. Therefore, on the left side of the light ray 96P, there are fewer light rays in the region Lb that does not enter the lens 61, and further, on the right side of the light ray 96P, there are fewer light rays in the region Rb that does not enter the lens 61.

[0057] Similarly, the second focal point f2 of each reflector 40 is gradually displaced to the left as the light rays emitted from the third light source 93, the fourth light source 94, and the fifth light source 95 move to the right, so that the amount of light rays on the right side that do not enter the lens 61 is reduced.

[0058] In addition, since the first light source 91 is located to the left of the second light source 92, the light rays emitted from the first light source 91 that do not enter the lens 61 are mostly on the left side. However, since the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 of the first light source is displaced to the right from the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 of the second light source, the amount of light that does not enter the lens 61 is reduced.

[0059] This makes it possible to reduce the amount of light from each light source 9 that is wasted without entering the lens 61.

[0060] (First Modification) FIG. 5 is a top view of a variable light distribution headlamp 10 in a first modified example, as viewed from above, showing the path of light rays from a light source 9 near the center.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3, in the above embodiment, the further to the right the reflector 40 of each light source 9 is from the center line of the lens 61, the more the second focus f2 of the reflector 40 is displaced to the left, and the further to the left the reflector 40 is from the center line of the lens 61, the more the second focus f2 of the reflector 40 is displaced to the right.

[0062] The reason for displacing the second focal point f2 in this manner is to make the center of the light beam emitted from each light source 9 enter the central region of the rear surface 61a of the lens 61. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5, the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 of each light source 9 may be displaced forward and backward instead of being displaced left and right.

[0063] That is, the further to the right the reflector 40 of each light source 9 is from the center line of the lens 61, the further rearward the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 is displaced, and the further to the left the reflector 40 is from the center line of the lens 61, the further rearward the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 is displaced. This makes it possible to bring the center of the light beam emitted from each light source 9 closer to the center of the back surface 61a of the lens 61, thereby achieving the same effect as in the above embodiment.

[0064] As described above, this modification is the same as the present embodiment except for the direction of displacement of the second focal point f2. Therefore, the following description of the present embodiment also applies to this modification.

[0065] (Second Modification) FIG. 6 is a top view of a variable light distribution headlamp 10 in a second modified example, as viewed from above, showing the path of light rays from a light source 9 near the center.

[0066] In the present embodiment and the first modified example, the position of the second focal point f2 is set to be located in front of the lens 61. However, in the present second modified example, as shown in Fig. 6, the position of the second focal point f2 is set to be located behind the lens 61. Depending on whether the second focal point is in front of or behind the lens 61, the direction in which the reflector 40 moves away from the center line of the lens 61 in the left-right direction and the direction in which the second focal point f2 of the corresponding reflector 40 is displaced differ.

[0067] That is, in the present second modified example, the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 of each light source 9 is displaced to the right as the reflector 40 moves farther to the right from the center line of the lens 61, and the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 is displaced to the left as the reflector 40 moves farther to the left from the center line of the lens 61. This makes it possible to bring the center of the light beam emitted from each light source 9 closer to the center of the back surface 61a of the lens 61, thereby achieving the same effects as those of the above embodiment and the first modified example.

[0068] As described above, the second modified example differs from the present embodiment only in the position of the second focal point f2 and the direction of the displacement, and other matters are the same as those of the present embodiment. Therefore, the following description of the present embodiment also applies to the present modified example.

[0069] [Light distribution area] Here, a light distribution area formed by reflected light from the reflector 40 of the sixth light source 96 in the variable light distribution headlamp 10 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing, on a screen, the light distribution area formed by reflected light from the reflector 40 of the sixth light source 96 in the variable light distribution headlamp 10 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 7, the lighter the color, the stronger the luminous flux. The screen is a surface that is erected in a position in front of the vehicle and spaced a predetermined distance from the vehicle, and is perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 7, the light distribution area formed by the reflected light of the reflector 40 of the sixth light source 96 is located to the left of the vertical line V and is formed to sandwich the horizontal line H. This area is located diagonally forward to the left as seen from the driver. Such a position is, for example, a position where there are obstacles such as guardrails and curbs in addition to pedestrians and bicycles on the left side of the road. The sixth light source 96 has the largest displacement amount of the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 among all the light sources 9.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 of the sixth light source 96 is displaced to the left so that the light ray 96P emitted from the reflector 40 of the sixth light source 96 passes through the central region of the back surface 61a of the lens 61. This reduces the amount of light rays on the right side that are wasted without being incident on the lens 61, thereby improving the light distribution efficiency.

[0072] As described above, all the light rays that enter the lens 61 without being wasted are irradiated over the entire light distribution area of ​​Fig. 7. This makes it easier for the driver to recognize pedestrians, bicycles, and obstacles such as guardrails and curbs.

[0073] Similarly, the first light source 91 and the third light source 93 to the fifth light source 95 have light distribution areas different from that of the sixth light source 96, but all of them increase the overall luminous flux of the light distribution area. In all of the light sources 9, the center of the light beam emitted from the reflector 40 passes through the central area of ​​the back surface 61a of the lens 61, so that the amount of light that is wasted without entering the lens 61 is reduced, and the luminous flux increases.

[0074] As a result, when the light distribution areas formed by the reflected light of all the reflectors 40 of the first light source 91 to the sixth light source 96 are superimposed, a light distribution area during high beam is formed, and the luminous flux of the entire light distribution area increases. In the variable light distribution headlight 10, the area is dimmed or turned off mainly when an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle is detected. Therefore, if the overall luminous flux of the light distribution area during high beam increases, it is possible to prevent a shortage of luminous flux in the peripheral portion C even if the variable light distribution headlight 10 stops or weakens the irradiation of light to the central portion. This ensures the driver's forward visibility at night or when driving in a tunnel, and improves visibility of road conditions.

[0075] [effect] According to the above embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0076] The variable light distribution headlamp 10 comprises a plurality of light sources 9 which are arranged laterally of the vehicle and emit light, a plurality of reflectors 40 each provided for each light source 9 which collect light rays from the light sources 9 and reflect them towards the front of the vehicle, and a lens 61 which irradiates the reflected light projected from all of the reflectors 40 towards the front of the vehicle, the reflector 40 including a surface formed of an ellipsoid of revolution, a first focus f1 of the ellipsoid of revolution being located at or near the light source, and the position of a second focus f2 of the ellipsoid of revolution being set so that the light rays from the centre of the light source 9 reflected by the reflector 40 pass through a central region of the back surface 61a of the lens 61 which is on the rear side of the vehicle.

[0077] As a result, the light rays reflected by the reflector 40 are disposed approximately evenly on the left and right sides toward the lens 61. Therefore, the amount of light rays on one of the left and right sides that are wasted without entering the lens 61 can be reduced, so that the light flux and light distribution efficiency emitted forward from the lens 61 can be increased, and the visibility for the driver can be improved.

[0078] When there are three or more reflectors 40, there are two or more reflectors 40 whose second focal points f2 are located at different positions from each other.

[0079] As a result, by simply changing the positions of the second focal points f2 of at least two of the reflectors 40, it is possible to increase the light flux emitted forward from the lens 61 and the light distribution efficiency, without having to change the positions of the second focal points f2 of all of the reflectors 40, thereby improving the driver's visibility.

[0080] The second focal point is located in front of the lens 61, and displaces the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40, which is located to the right of the vehicle away from the center line along the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle that passes through the central area of ​​the lens 61, to the left of the vehicle.

[0081] As a result, when the light reflected by the reflector 40 is biased to the right, the position of the second focal point f2 is displaced to the left to move the light closer to the center of the back surface 61a of the lens 61, thereby correcting the bias in the amount of light. Therefore, the amount of light that is wasted without entering the lens 61 can be reduced, so that the light flux emitted forward from the lens 61 and the light distribution efficiency can be increased, and the visibility for the driver can be improved.

[0082] The second focal point is located in front of the lens 61, and displaces the second focal point of the reflector, which is located to the left of the vehicle from the center line along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle that passes through the central area of ​​the lens 61, to the right of the vehicle.

[0083] As a result, when the light reflected by the reflector 40 is biased to the left, the position of the second focal point f2 is displaced to the right to move the light closer to the center of the back surface 61a of the lens 61, thereby correcting the bias in the amount of light. Therefore, the amount of light that is wasted without entering the lens 61 can be reduced, so that the light flux emitted forward from the lens 61 and the light distribution efficiency can be increased, and the visibility for the driver can be improved.

[0084] The second focal point f2 of the reflector, which is located away in the left-right direction of the vehicle from a center line along the front-rear direction of the vehicle that passes through the central area of ​​the lens 61, is displaced toward the rear of the vehicle so as to approach the lens 61.

[0085] As a result, when the light reflected by the reflector 40 is biased to the left or right, the position of the second focal point f2 is displaced backward to move the light closer to the center of the back surface 61a of the lens 61, thereby correcting the bias in the amount of light. Therefore, the amount of light that is wasted without entering the lens 61 can be reduced, so that the light flux emitted forward from the lens 61 and the light distribution efficiency can be increased, and the driver's visibility can be improved.

[0086] The second focal point is located behind the lens 61, and displaces the second focal point of the reflector, which is located to the right of the vehicle away from a center line along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle that passes through the central area of ​​the lens 61, to the right of the vehicle.

[0087] This makes it possible to correct the bias of the light beam even in the variable light distribution headlamp 10 designed so that the second focal point is located behind (on the reflector side) the lens 61. That is, when the light beam reflected by the reflector 40 is biased to the right, the second focal point f2 position is displaced to the right to move the light beam closer to the center of the rear surface 61a of the lens 61, thereby correcting the bias of the amount of light beam. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of light beam that is wasted without entering the lens 61, thereby increasing the light flux emitted forward from the lens 61 and the light distribution efficiency, thereby improving the driver's visibility.

[0088] The second focal point is located behind the lens 61, and the second focal point of the reflector, which is located away to the left of the vehicle from the center line along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle that passes through the central area of ​​the lens 61, is displaced to the left of the vehicle.

[0089] This makes it possible to correct the bias of the light beam even in the variable light distribution headlamp 10 designed so that the second focal point is located behind (on the reflector side) the lens 61. That is, when the light beam reflected by the reflector 40 is biased to one side in the left direction, the second focal point f2 position is displaced to the left to move the light beam closer to the center of the back surface 61a of the lens 61, thereby correcting the bias of the amount of light beam. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of light beam that is wasted without entering the lens 61, thereby increasing the light flux emitted forward from the lens 61 and the light distribution efficiency, thereby improving the driver's visibility.

[0090] The above-mentioned embodiments each show a preferred specific example of the present invention. The numerical values, components, arrangement positions of the components, and order of connection forms shown in the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Also, each drawing is not necessarily a strict illustration.

[0091] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-mentioned embodiments merely show some of the application examples of the present invention, and it is not intended that the technical scope of the present invention be limited to the specific configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0092] For example, in the above embodiment, the lens unit 60 having two lenses 61 is used, but a lens unit having three or more lenses 61 may be used. In this case as well, it is preferable that a partition wall that divides the space defined by the lower unit 21 and the upper unit 22 into left and right parts is provided along the front-rear direction, and the space is divided into spaces equal in number to the number of lenses 61.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the second focal points f2 of the reflectors 40 corresponding to all light sources 9 except for the second light source 92 located near the center line of the lens 61 are displaced, but the second focal points f2 of at least one of the reflectors 40 among the first light source 91 and the third to sixth light sources 96 may be displaced.

[0094] This makes it possible to reduce the bias of the reflected light from at least one reflector 40 with respect to the light beam, thereby reducing the amount of light that is wasted without entering the lens 61, and increasing the light flux emitted forward from the lens 61 and the light distribution efficiency.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 of each light source 9 is set in front of the lens 61, but it may be set behind the lens 61. In this case, in the second modified example, the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 is displaced in the left-right direction as the reflector 40 moves farther left-right from the center line of the lens 61, but the second focal point f2 of the reflector 40 may be displaced forward (in a direction approaching the lens 61) as the reflector 40 moves farther left-right from the center line of the lens 61. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 9 light source 10. Variable light distribution headlamp 40 Reflector 61 Lens 61a Back of lens f1 1st focal point f2 2nd focal point

Claims

1. A plurality of light sources arranged in a lateral direction of the vehicle and emitting light; a plurality of reflectors provided for each of the light sources for collecting light rays from the light sources and reflecting the light rays toward the front of the vehicle; a lens that directs the reflected light projected from all of the reflectors toward the front of the vehicle; Equipped with the reflector includes a surface configured as an ellipsoid of revolution, a first focus of the ellipsoid of revolution is located at or near the light source, The position of the second focus of the ellipsoid of revolution is set so that the light ray from the center of the light source reflected by the reflector passes through a central region of the back surface of the lens, which is on the rear side of the vehicle. A variable light distribution headlamp.

2. The variable light distribution headlamp according to claim 1, When the number of the reflectors is three or more, the positions of the second focal points of the reflectors are different from each other. A variable light distribution headlamp.

3. The variable light distribution headlamp according to claim 1, the second focal point is located in front of the lens; The second focal point of the reflector, which is located to the right of the vehicle away from a center line along the front-rear direction of the vehicle that passes through the central region of the lens, is displaced to the left of the vehicle. A variable light distribution headlamp.

4. The variable light distribution headlamp according to claim 1, the second focal point is located in front of the lens; The second focal point of the reflector, which is located to the left of the vehicle from a center line along the front-rear direction of the vehicle that passes through the central area of ​​the lens, is displaced to the right of the vehicle. A variable light distribution headlamp.

5. The variable light distribution headlamp according to claim 1, The second focal point of the reflector, which is located in a position away from a center line along the front-rear direction of the vehicle and which passes through a central area of ​​the lens, in a left-right direction of the vehicle, is displaced toward the rear of the vehicle so as to approach the lens. A variable light distribution headlamp.

6. The variable light distribution headlamp according to claim 1, the second focal point is located behind the lens; The second focal point of the reflector, which is located to the right of the vehicle away from a center line along the front-rear direction of the vehicle that passes through the central region of the lens, is displaced to the right of the vehicle. A variable light distribution headlamp.

7. The variable light distribution headlamp according to claim 1, the second focal point is located behind the lens; The second focal point of the reflector, which is located to the left of the vehicle from a center line along the front-rear direction of the vehicle that passes through the central region of the lens, is displaced to the left of the vehicle. A variable light distribution headlamp.

Images