Vehicle headlights

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle headlight that can suppress the effects of heat on the light distribution pattern of the low beam. [Solution] The vehicle headlight 1 comprises a first light-emitting optical system LE1 that emits a first light L1 that forms a low beam light distribution pattern toward the front, a projection lens 35 positioned in front of the first light-emitting optical system LE1 and through which the first light L1 is transmitted, and a plate-shaped shade 50 positioned between the first light-emitting optical system LE1 and the projection lens 35, on which a part of the first light L1 is irradiated onto the upper surface 50S1 to form a part of the low beam light distribution pattern PL. At least one of a pair of outer parts 52 located outward in the left-right direction from the central part 51 of the shade 50 is provided with a bent part 55 that extends toward the rearward side from the front edge 52E1 of the outer part 52 and connects a first part 56 that is directed upward toward the central part 51 side and a second part 57 that is directed downward toward the center.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A vehicle headlamp that forms a low beam light distribution pattern using a plate-shaped shade is known, and such a vehicle headlamp is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] The vehicle headlamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 below includes a light emitting optical system, a projection lens disposed forward of the light emitting optical system, and a plate-shaped shade disposed between the light emitting optical system and the projection lens. A part of the light from the light emitting optical system is irradiated on the upper surface of the shade, a cut-off line is formed in the light distribution pattern formed by the light from the light emitting optical system, and the light distribution pattern becomes the light distribution pattern of the low beam. The light of the low beam light distribution pattern thus formed exits from the projection lens.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Since a part of the light from the light emitting optical system is irradiated on the upper surface of the shade, the shade is heated by the light, and the light distribution pattern of the low beam may be affected. For this reason, there is a demand to suppress the influence of heat on the light distribution pattern of the low beam.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlamp that can suppress the influence of heat on the light distribution pattern of the low beam.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the vehicle headlight of the present invention comprises: a light-emitting optical system that emits light toward the front to form a low beam light distribution pattern; a projection lens positioned in front of the light-emitting optical system and through which the light passes; and a plate-shaped shade positioned between the light-emitting optical system and the projection lens, to which a portion of the light is irradiated on its upper surface to form a portion of the low beam light distribution pattern, wherein at least one of a pair of outer portions located outward in the left-right direction from the central portion of the shade is provided with a bent portion that extends toward the rearward side from the front edge of the outer portion and connects a first portion that extends upward toward the central portion and a second portion that extends downward toward the central portion.

[0008] In the headlight shade for this vehicle, as described above, a pair of outer sections are provided with a bent section that extends from the leading edge of the outer section toward the rear and connects a first section that extends upward toward the central section and a second section that extends downward toward the central section. When a plate-shaped member is bent, its strength against stress in the direction perpendicular to the bend line in the planar direction tends to decrease. For this reason, the bent section can become a weaker part with reduced strength against stress in the lateral direction compared to the central section. Therefore, with this headlight for vehicle, even if the central section of the shade is heated and expands due to light from the light-emitting optical system, the bent section can deform to absorb this expansion and suppress the curvature of the central section in the vertical direction. Consequently, with this headlight for vehicle, deformation of the low beam light distribution pattern due to heat can be suppressed and the influence of heat on the low beam light distribution pattern can be suppressed.

[0009] The bent portions are provided on a pair of the outer portions, and the distance between the pair of bent portions provided on the outer portions in the left-right direction may be generally constant in the front-rear direction.

[0010] With this configuration, compared to the case where a bent portion is provided on only one of the pair of outer parts, thermal expansion of the shade can be absorbed more effectively, and the thermal influence on the low beam's light distribution pattern can be more suppressed. In addition, compared to the case where the distance between the two bent portions is narrower towards the rear, less light can be irradiated onto the bent portion, and less light reflected by the bent portion and irradiated onto unintended areas can be reduced.

[0011] The outer portion may be provided with a slit cut out from the leading edge.

[0012] With this configuration, thermal expansion of the shade can be absorbed by the deformation of the bent portion and the slit, thereby further suppressing the thermal influence on the light distribution pattern of the low beam.

[0013] The slit may be located between the edge of the folded portion on the central side and the edge on the opposite side of the central side. At least one of the edges of the folded portion on the central side and the edge on the opposite side of the central side may be connected to the slit.

[0014] With the former and latter configurations, it is possible to suppress the shade from becoming larger in the left-right direction compared to the case where the folded portion and the slit are separated.

[0015] The bent portion may protrude downwards.

[0016] With this configuration, compared to the case where the folded portion protrudes upward, the amount of light illuminating the folded portion can be reduced, and the amount of light reflected by the folded portion and illuminating unintended areas can be reduced.

[0017] The edge of the folded portion on the central side may be located above the edge of the folded portion on the opposite side of the central side.

[0018] With this configuration, the amount of light irradiated onto the bent portion can be reduced, and the amount of light reflected by the bent portion and irradiated onto unintended areas can be reduced.

[0019] The angle formed by the first part and the second part may be an acute angle.

[0020] According to such a configuration, compared with the case where the angle formed by the first part and the second part is an obtuse angle, the strength of the bent portion against the stress in the left - right direction can be reduced, and the expansion of the shade due to heat can be easily absorbed by the deformation of the bent portion.

[0021] The thickness of the bent portion may be thinner than the thickness of the central portion.

[0022] According to such a configuration, compared with the case where the thickness of the bent portion is greater than or equal to the thickness of the central portion, the strength of the bent portion against the stress in the left - right direction can be reduced, and the expansion of the shade due to heat can be easily absorbed by the deformation of the bent portion.

[0023] The above - mentioned vehicle headlamp may further include another light - emitting optical system that is located behind the shade and below the light - emitting optical system, and emits light forward to form an additional light - distribution pattern that is added to the light - distribution pattern of the low beam to form the light - distribution pattern of the high beam.

[0024] According to such a configuration, the emitted light can be switched between low beam and high beam.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] As described above, according to the present invention, a vehicle headlamp capable of suppressing the influence of heat on the light - distribution pattern of the low beam can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a vehicle headlamp in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a lamp unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a lamp unit. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting unit along line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting unit along the VV line in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the shade and reinforcing members. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a plan view showing the shade. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the folded portion viewed from the front. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a front view showing the shade with the reinforcing member superimposed on it. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 4, showing an example of the optical paths of the first light emitted from the first light source and the second light emitted from the second light source. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the light distribution pattern of the low beam in this embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the light distribution pattern of the high beam in this embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a plan view showing the shade of Modified Example 1. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a plan view showing the shade of modified example 2. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a view of the folded portion in modified example 3 from the front. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a view of the folded portion in modified example 4 from the front. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the vehicle headlight according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments illustrated below are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved within the scope of the claims without departing from its spirit. In addition, in the drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each component may be shown differently for the purpose of facilitating understanding. Also, in the drawings, for the sake of readability, reference numerals may be assigned to only some of the similar components, and some reference numerals may be omitted.

[0028] Figure 1 is a side view showing a vehicle headlight in an embodiment of the present invention. Vehicle headlights are generally provided on both the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle. In this specification, "right" means the right side in the direction of travel, and "left" means the left side in the direction of travel. The left and right vehicle headlights have the same configuration, except that their shape is generally symmetrical in the left-right direction. For this reason, one of the vehicle headlights will be described below.

[0029] The vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment mainly comprises a housing 10 and a luminaire unit LU. In Figure 1, the housing 10 is shown in a vertical cross-section. The housing 10 has a lamp housing 11 and a light-transmitting front cover 12. The front of the lamp housing 11 is open, and the front cover 12 is fixed to the lamp housing 11 so as to close this opening. The space formed by the lamp housing 11 and the front cover 12 is a lamp chamber R, and the luminaire unit LU is housed in this lamp chamber R.

[0030] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the luminaire unit LU, which is an exploded perspective view of the luminaire unit LU viewed from the front and diagonally above. Figure 3 is a front view showing the luminaire unit LU, which is a front view of the luminaire unit LU viewed from the front. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the luminaire unit LU along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the luminaire unit LU of this embodiment mainly comprises a heat sink 20, a light source unit 30, a projection lens 35, a light guide 40, a shade 50, a reinforcing member 60, and a holder 80.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heat sink 20 of this embodiment has a metal base plate 21 that extends generally vertically and horizontally, and a plurality of heat dissipation fins 22 are integrally provided with the base plate 21 on the rear and front sides. Three bosses 23 that protrude forward are integrally provided with the base plate 21 on the front side. Screw holes 24 are provided in each boss 23 along the boss 23 from the tip surface. Note that two components being integral means that the two components are made of the same material and there is no joint between the two components.

[0032] The light source unit 30 of this embodiment includes three first light sources 31a, 31b, and 31c, a second light source 32, and a circuit board 33. The circuit board 33 is placed on the front surface of the base plate 21 of the heat sink 20 and is fixed to the base plate 21 by screws (not shown). The first light sources 31a, 31b, 31c and the second light source 32 are mounted on the circuit board 33 and emit white light forward when power is supplied from the circuit board 33. In this embodiment, the first light sources 31a, 31b, 31c and the second light source 32 are LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The first light source 31a is positioned to the right of the first light source 31b with a gap in between, and the first light source 31c is positioned to the left of the first light source 31b with a gap in between, and these first light sources 31a, 31b, and 31c are aligned in the left-right direction. The first light sources 31a, 31b, and 31c are light sources for the low beam and emit first light forward to form the low beam light distribution pattern. The second light source 32 is positioned below the first light sources 31a, 31b, and 31c, and the second light source 32 and the first light source 31b are generally aligned vertically. The second light source 32 is a light source for the high beam and emits second light forward to form an additional light distribution pattern. The additional light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern that is added to the low beam light distribution pattern to form the high beam light distribution pattern. The light distribution pattern refers to both the shape of the light image formed on a virtual vertical screen, for example, 25m in front of the vehicle, and the intensity distribution of light in that image. The types and number of the first light sources 31a, 31b, and 31c and the second light source 32 are not particularly limited.

[0033] The projection lens 35 is a lens that changes the divergence angle of transmitted light and is positioned in front of the first light sources 31a, 31b, 31c and the second light source 32. In this embodiment, the projection lens 35 is a biconvex aspherical lens with an outer shape that is elongated in the left-right direction and is generally oval-track shaped. As shown in Figure 4, the optical axis 35C of the projection lens 35 extends in the front-rear direction and passes between the first light source 31b and the second light source 32. Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the luminaire unit LU along the optical axis 35C. The outer circumferential surface of the projection lens 35 is provided with a flange portion 36 that protrudes outward and extends around its entire circumference. Examples of materials that make up the projection lens 35 include resin and glass.

[0034] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the luminaire unit LU along the VV line in Figure 3, and is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the luminaire unit LU passing through the first light sources 31a, 31b, and 31c. Note that the heat sink 20 is not shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the light guide 40 is positioned between the first light sources 31a, 31b, and 31c and the second light source 32 and the projection lens 35, and guides the first light emitted from the first light sources 31a, 31b, and 31c and the second light emitted from the second light source 32 to enter the projection lens 35.

[0035] The light guide 40 of this embodiment has three first incident surfaces 41a, 41b, and 41c and a second incident surface 42 on the rear side, and an exit surface 43 on the front side. First light from the first light source 31a is incident on the first incident surface 41a, first light from the first light source 31b is incident on the first incident surface 41b, first light from the first light source 31c is incident on the first incident surface 41c, and second light from the second light source 32 is incident on the second incident surface 42. In addition, plate-shaped flange portions 48 are provided on the upper part and both left and right sides of the front end of the light guide 40, projecting outward and extending along the outer edge of the front end of the light guide 40.

[0036] The light guide 40 directs or totally reflects the first light incident from the first incident surfaces 41a, 41b, and 41c to the exit surface 43, and directs or totally reflects the second light incident from the second incident surface 42 to the exit surface 43. The exit surface 43 emits the first and second light thus guided toward the projection lens 35. In this embodiment, the exit surface 43 is curved concave toward the rear. As shown in Figure 4, a shade 50, which will be described later, is placed between the exit surface 43 and the projection lens 35. The region above the rear end of the shade 50 on the exit surface 43 is the first exit region 43a, which emits the first light. The region below the rear end of the shade 50 is the second exit region 43b, which emits the second light. The light guide 40 guides the first and second light in this manner. Therefore, a first light-emitting optical system LE1 is formed by the first light sources 31a, 31b, and 31c and the light guide 40, which emits the first light forward. In addition, a second light-emitting optical system LE2 is formed by the second light source 32 and the light guide 40, which emits the second light forward, and the first light-emitting optical system LE1 and the second light-emitting optical system LE2 share the light guide 40. The first part of the first light-emitting optical system LE1 that emits the first light is the first emission region 43a on the emission surface 43. The second part of the second light-emitting optical system LE2 that emits the second light is the second emission region 43b on the emission surface 43, and this second emission region 43b is located below the first part, the first emission region 43a. The optical axis LE1C of the light emitted from the first light-emitting optical system LE1 is tilted downward toward the front, and the optical axis LE2C of the light emitted from the second light-emitting optical system LE2 is tilted upward toward the front.

[0037] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the shade 50 and reinforcing member 60, and is a perspective view of the shade 50 and reinforcing member 60 viewed from the front and diagonally above. Figure 7 is a plan view showing the shade 50, and is a plan view of the shade 50 viewed from above. In Figure 7, the upper side is the front side of the vehicle, and the lower side is the rear side of the vehicle. As will be described in detail later, the reinforcing member 60 is superimposed on the shade 50.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the shade 50 of this embodiment is a flat, plate-like member that extends in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, and is elongated in the left-to-right direction. The shade 50 includes a central portion 51 located in the center in the left-to-right direction, and a pair of outer portions 52 located outside the central portion 51 in the left-to-right direction, and the outer shape of the shade 50 is generally symmetrical. In Figure 7, the boundary between the central portion 51 and the outer portions 52 is shown by a dashed line.

[0039] The leading edge 51E1 of the central portion 51 is curved in an arc shape that is concave towards the rear, and the trailing edge 51E2 of the central portion 51 is curved in an arc shape that is convex towards the rear. The leading edges 52E1 of the pair of outer portions 52 extend linearly in the left-right direction. The trailing edges 52E2 of the pair of outer portions 52 include a portion that is located on the extension of the trailing edge 51E2 and connects to the trailing edge 51E2, and a portion that is located outside of that portion and extends linearly in the left-right direction.

[0040] In this embodiment, the central portion 51 is provided with a first stepped portion 53, a projection 54, and a fitting through hole 51h.

[0041] The first stepped portion 53 is formed by folding the central portion 51. In this embodiment, the first stepped portion 53 is located in the center of the central portion 51 in the left-right direction and extends along a straight line that is generally parallel to the front-rear direction from the front edge 51E1 to the rear edge 51E2. The first stepped portion 53 is formed by an inclined portion that slopes upward from the left side to the right side. The height of the first stepped portion 53 is constant in the direction of extension of the first stepped portion 53, but it does not have to be constant. Also, the first stepped portion 53 may extend in a direction that is not parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0042] The projection 54 in this embodiment is a hemispherical projection that protrudes upward and is formed by curving the central portion 51. The projection 54 is located to the right of the first stepped portion 53 and near the leading edge 51E1. The position of the projection 54 is not limited, and the projection 54 may not be provided. The portion of the central portion 51 other than the first stepped portion 53 and the projection 54 is generally a flat plate extending in the horizontal direction.

[0043] In this embodiment, the fitting through hole 51h is located to the left of the first stepped portion 53 and near the trailing edge 51E2. The fitting through hole 51h is generally circular.

[0044] In this embodiment, each of the pair of outer portions 52 is provided with a bent portion 55, two through holes 52h1 and 52h2, and two fitting through holes 52h3.

[0045] Figure 8 is a view of the folded portion 55 from the front, and shows the folded portion 55 on the left outer portion 52. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the folded portion 55 is a portion where a first portion 56 that extends upward toward the central portion 51 and a second portion 57 that extends downward toward the central portion 51 are connected, and it extends from the front edge 52E1 of the outer portion 52 toward the rear. In this embodiment, the folded portion 55 is formed by folding the outer portion 52. Also, the folded portion 55 extends from the front edge 52E1 to the rear edge 52E2 along a straight line that is generally parallel to the front-rear direction. For this reason, the distance between the two folded portions 55 in the left-right direction is generally constant in the front-rear direction.

[0046] Incidentally, when a plate-shaped member is bent, its strength against stress in the direction perpendicular to the bending line tends to decrease. Furthermore, the bent portion 55 is a weaker portion than the central portion 51, with reduced strength against stress in the left-right direction.

[0047] In this embodiment, the two bent portions 55 are generally symmetrical. The first portion 56 is located closer to the central portion 51 than the second portion 57 and extends generally linearly upward toward the central portion 51. The second portion 57 extends generally linearly downward toward the central portion 51. The bent portion 55 protrudes downward. The first portion 56 and the second portion 57 are connected via a connecting portion 58 that curves convexly on the opposite side from the first portion 56 and the second portion 57. Therefore, the bent portion 55 includes the first portion 56, the second portion 57, and the connecting portion 58 and protrudes downward. The angle between the first portion 56 and the second portion 57 is acute. The inclination of the second portion 57 with respect to the vertical direction is smaller than the inclination of the first portion 56 with respect to the vertical direction. The edge 55E1 of the folded portion 55 on the central portion 51 side is located above the edge 55E2 on the opposite side of the folded portion 55. The vertical width 55W1 and the horizontal width 55W2 of the folded portion 55 are constant in the direction of extension of the folded portion 55. Furthermore, the thickness 55t of the folded portion 55 is thinner than the thickness of the central portion 51 and the thickness of the outer portion 52 other than the folded portion 55, for example, less than half the thickness of the central portion 51.

[0048] The through holes 52h1, 52h2, and the fitting through hole 52h3 are located on the side opposite the central portion 51 from the bent portion 55. The through holes 52h1 and 52h2 located on the left outer portion 52 are generally circular, the through holes 52h1 and 52h2 located on the right outer portion 52 are elongated in the left-right direction and are generally oval track-shaped, and the fitting through hole 52h3 is generally circular.

[0049] In this embodiment, a second stepped portion 59 is provided on the right outer portion 52. The second stepped portion 59 is formed by bending the outer portion 52. The second stepped portion 59 is located closer to the central portion 51 than the bent portion 55 and extends along a straight line generally parallel to the front-rear direction from the front edge 52E1 to the rear edge 52E2. The second stepped portion 59 is formed by a vertical portion that generally extends in the vertical direction. The height of the second stepped portion 59 is generally the same as the height of the first stepped portion 53. Therefore, the height of the part of the shade 50 to the left of the first stepped portion 53 is the same as the height of the part to the right of the second stepped portion 59. Note that the height of the second stepped portion 59 may differ from the height of the first stepped portion 53, and the second stepped portion 59 may be formed by an inclined portion that is inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0050] Examples of materials used to form the shade 50 include metal plates and plated metal plates, with examples of metals such as stainless steel and carbon steel. The thickness of the shade 50 is, for example, 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0051] As mentioned above, the reinforcing member 60 is superimposed on the shade 50. Figure 9 is a front view showing the state in which the reinforcing member 60 is superimposed on the shade 50, and is a front view of the shade 50 and the reinforcing member 60 as seen from the front.

[0052] As shown in Figures 6 and 9, the reinforcing member 60 in this embodiment is a plate-shaped member that extends in the front-rear and left-right directions. The reinforcing member 60 consists of a pair of left and right mounting portions 62 and a connecting portion 63, and the shape of the reinforcing member 60 is generally the same as that of the shade 50, except for the front edge. The upper surface 60S1 of the reinforcing member 60 and the lower surface 50S2 of the shade 50 face each other, and the reinforcing member 60 is superimposed on the shade 50 from below. Note that in Figure 7, the reinforcing member 60 is shown by a dashed line, and the position of the reinforcing member 60 is slightly offset.

[0053] The right-side mounting portion 62 overlaps only with the portion of the right outer part 52 of the shade 50 to the right of the bent portion 55. The left-side mounting portion 62 overlaps only with the portion of the left outer part 52 of the shade 50 to the left of the bent portion 55. Each mounting portion 62 is provided with through holes 60h1 and 60h2 that overlap with the through holes 52h1 and 52h2 of the outer part 52, respectively. In addition, each mounting portion 62 has a projection 62t provided at a position corresponding to the fitting through hole 52h3, and is fixed to the shade 50 by press-fitting the projection 62t into the fitting through hole 52h3.

[0054] Furthermore, the method of fixing the reinforcing member 60 to the shade 50 is not limited; for example, it may be fixed by laser welding. Also, the position of the part to which the reinforcing member 60 is fixed to the shade 50 is not particularly limited.

[0055] The connecting portion 63 extends from one mounting portion 62 to the other mounting portion 62, and at least a portion of it overlaps with the shade 50. In this embodiment, the right end of the connecting portion 63 connects to the left rear of the right mounting portion 62, and the left end of the connecting portion 63 connects to the right rear of the left mounting portion 62. The connecting portion 63 has a projection 63t provided at a position corresponding to the fitting through hole 51h, and is fixed to the shade 50 by press-fitting the projection 63t into the fitting through hole 51h. The connecting portion 63 is along the portion of the shade 50 to the left of the first stepped portion 53, and a gap GP is formed between the connecting portion 63 and the portion of the shade 50 between the first stepped portion 53 and the second stepped portion 59. The connecting portion 63 is also provided with a bent portion 65 that is bent to follow the bent portion 55 of the shade 50. Such a bent portion 65 is a weak point in the reinforcing member 60, similar to the bent portion 55 of the shade 50, with reduced strength against lateral stress compared to other parts of the reinforcing member 60. In this embodiment, the thickness of the bent portion 65 is thinner than the thickness of other parts of the reinforcing member 60, for example, less than half the thickness of those parts.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, in a plan view, the front edge 51E1 of the central portion 51 of the shade 50 is located in front of the connecting portion 63. The shade 50 includes a portion that does not overlap with the reinforcing member 60, including the front edge 51E1, and a portion that overlaps with the reinforcing member 60 and to which the reinforcing member 60 is fixed. In this embodiment, the front edge 63E of the connecting portion 63 is curved in an arc shape that is concave towards the rear, and the distance between the front edge 63E and the front edge 51E1 is maintained at a predetermined distance or more in the left-right direction.

[0057] Examples of materials forming the reinforcing member 60 include materials similar to those used for the shade 50, and the thickness of the reinforcing member 60 is, for example, 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm. In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 60 is thicker than the shade 50, but the thickness of the reinforcing member 60 may be less than or equal to the thickness of the shade 50. Also, in this embodiment, the Young's modulus of the reinforcing member 60 is higher than that of the shade 50, but the Young's modulus of the reinforcing member 60 may be less than or equal to that of the shade 50.

[0058] The bent portion 65 of the reinforcing member 60 and the bent portion 55 of the shade 50 are created, for example, as follows. First, a shade 50 without a bent portion 55 and a reinforcing member 60 without a bent portion 65 are prepared. A projection 63t is press-fitted into the fitting through hole 51h, and a projection 62t is press-fitted into the fitting through hole 52h3 to fix the reinforcing member 60 to the shade 50. Next, the bent portion 55 of the shade 50 and the bent portion 65 of the reinforcing member 60 are formed by press-forming the shade 50 and the reinforcing member 60 together. The bent portions 55 and 65 are formed in this way. The method for forming the bent portions 55 and 65 is not limited.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, the shade 50 to which the reinforcing member 60 is fixed is positioned between the light-emitting surface 43 of the light guide 40 and the projection lens 35. In this embodiment, when viewed from the front along the optical axis 35C of the projection lens 35, the shade 50 crosses the light-emitting surface 43. The optical axis 35C of the projection lens 35 passes through or near the first stepped portion 53 of the shade 50, and the rear focal point of the projection lens 35 is located at or near the front edge 51E1 of the central portion 51 of the shade 50.

[0060] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the holder 80 of this embodiment has a support portion 81 and a protective portion 82, and supports the projection lens 35, the light guide 40, and the shade 50. As the material constituting the holder 80, for example, an opaque resin such as polycarbonate can be used, and in this embodiment, the support portion 81 and the protective portion 82 are integrally formed.

[0061] The support portion 81 is a cylindrical member extending in the front-rear direction, and a flange portion 83 protruding from the inner circumferential surface is provided at its front end. The flange portion 36 of the projection lens 35 abuts against this flange portion 83 from the front, and the flange portion 36 is fixed to the flange portion 83 by means of ultrasonic welding or laser welding, for example. The lower part of a predetermined range extending forward from the rear end of the support portion 81 is cut out, and support plates 84 extending generally horizontally outward are provided at the lower right and lower left ends of this predetermined range. In addition, a connecting wall 87 is provided at the rear end of the support portion 81, protruding from the outer surface in a direction generally perpendicular to the extending direction of the support portion 81. As shown in Figure 3, a base portion 85 protruding downward is provided on the lower surface of the support plate 84. The portion of the shade 50 outside the bent portion 55 in the left-right direction abuts against the tip of the base portion 85 from below and is fixed to the base portion 85 together with the mounting portion 62 of the reinforcing member 60. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned portion of the shade 50 and the mounting portion 62 of the reinforcing member 60 are fixed by heat scribing. Specifically, the tip of a pin that protrudes downward from the base portion 85 and passes through the through hole 52h1 of the shade 50 and the through hole 60h1 of the reinforcing member 60 is melted by heat to form a head 86 that closes the opening on the opposite side of the through hole 60h1 from the base portion 85. In this way, the above-mentioned portion of the shade 50 and the mounting portion 62 of the reinforcing member 60 are sandwiched between the base portion 85 and the head 86 and fixed to the base portion 85. In Figure 7, the portion 50a fixed to the base portion 85 by heat scribing is shown by a dashed line. Note that the method of fixing the shade 50 is not particularly limited, and it may also be fixed by laser welding, for example.

[0062] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the protective part 82 is a plate-shaped member located behind the support part 81 and surrounding both sides and the top of the light guide 40. In this embodiment, the protective part 82 surrounds both sides and the top of the front portion of the light guide 40. The front end of the protective part 82 is connected to the connecting wall 87, and the flange portion 48 of the light guide 40 abuts against the connecting wall 87 from the rear, and the flange portion 48 is fixed to the connecting wall 87 by, for example, ultrasonic welding or laser welding. In this way, the projection lens 35, the light guide 40, and the shade 50 are supported by the holder 80.

[0063] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the rear end of the protective part 82 is provided with three fixing plates 88 that protrude approximately vertically from the outer surface. The fixing plates 88 correspond to the bosses 23 of the heat sink 20 and have through holes 88h. The holder 80 is fixed to the heat sink 20 when the fixing plates 88 abut against the tip of the boss 23 from the front and a screw 89 is inserted into the through hole 88h and fastened into the screw hole 24. In this way, the projection lens 35, the light guide 40, and the shade 50 are fixed to the heat sink 20 via the holder 80.

[0064] Next, the formation of the low beam light distribution pattern by the vehicle headlight 1 will be explained. Figure 10 is an enlarged portion of Figure 4 and shows an example of the optical paths of the first light emitted from the first light source and the second light emitted from the second light source. Note that the reflection angle and refraction angle of light shown in Figure 9 may not be accurate.

[0065] When forming a low beam light distribution pattern, the first light L1 is emitted from the first light-emitting optical system LE1. Specifically, the first light L1 is emitted from the first light sources 31a, 31b, and 31c. The first light L1 from the first light source 31b enters the light guide 40 from the first incident surface 41b and is emitted from the first exit region 43a toward the projection lens 35. The same applies to the first light L1 from the first light sources 31a and 31c. Most of the first light L1 emitted from the first exit region 43a passes over the shade 50 and enters the projection lens 35 directly. A portion of the first light L1 emitted from the first exit region 43a is irradiated onto the upper surface 50S1 of the shade 50. The area on the upper surface 50S1 irradiated by the first light L1 is in contact with the entire leading edge 51E1 of the central part 51 of the shade 50. Furthermore, the upper surface of the central portion 51 of the upper surface 50S1 of the shade 50 reflects a portion of the first light L1 toward the projection lens 35. As a result, the central portion 51 forms a cutoff line in the light distribution pattern formed by the first light L1, and this light distribution pattern becomes the low beam light distribution pattern. In other words, the central portion 51 forms a cutoff line which is part of the low beam light distribution pattern, and the cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern has a shape that corresponds to the leading edge 51E1 of the central portion 51. In this embodiment, a projection 54 is located within the area irradiated by the first light L1. The projection 54 reflects and blocks the other portion of the first light L1 so that it does not enter the projection lens 35. As a result, a predetermined area in the low beam light distribution pattern can be darkened. In this way, the low beam light distribution pattern is formed by the first light L1, and the light having this low beam light distribution pattern passes through the projection lens 35 and is emitted from the vehicle headlight 1 via the front cover 12.

[0066] Figure 11 shows the light distribution pattern of the low beam in this embodiment. In Figure 10, S represents the horizontal line, V represents the vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle in the left-right direction, and the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam projected onto a virtual vertical screen placed 25 m in front of the vehicle is shown by a thick line. The light guide 40 and the shade 50 are shaped such that the light distribution pattern of the first light L1 incident on the projection lens 35 becomes this low beam light distribution pattern PL. The low beam light distribution pattern PL in this embodiment is for countries and regions where vehicles drive on the right side of the road. Furthermore, the cutoff line CL of the low beam light distribution pattern PL corresponds to the shape of the leading edge 51E1 of the central part 51 of the shade 50, and a stepped portion CLa corresponding to the first stepped portion 53 is formed on the cutoff line CL. The stepped portion CLa consists of a line that slopes upward toward the right from an elbow point EP located below the horizontal line S and on or near the vertical line V. Of the cutoff line CL, the portions to the right and left of the stepped portion CLa extend horizontally. In this embodiment, the portion of the cutoff line CL to the right of the stepped portion CLa is lower than the portion to the left of the stepped portion CLa. Furthermore, region AR1 in the low beam light distribution pattern PL is darker than the surrounding area. This region AR1 is located on the opposite lane OL side of the elbow point EP. Therefore, region AR1 can overlap with the road surface between the vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, suppressing glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle due to light reflected from the road surface. The position and shape of region AR1 can be changed by adjusting the position and shape of the projection 54. Also, if the projection 54 is not formed, region AR1 can not be darkened.

[0067] Next, we will explain how the high beam light distribution pattern is formed by the vehicle headlight 1.

[0068] When forming the high beam light distribution pattern, the first light L1 is emitted from the first light-emitting optical system LE1 and the second light L2 is emitted from the second light-emitting optical system LE2. Specifically, the first light L1 is emitted from the first light sources 31a, 31b, and 31c, and the second light L2 is emitted from the second light source 32. As a result, the low beam light distribution pattern PL is formed by the first light L1, and light having the low beam light distribution pattern PL is emitted from the vehicle headlight 1. The second light L2 emitted from the second light source 32 enters the light guide 40 from the second incident surface 42, as shown in Figure 10, and is emitted from the second emission region 43b toward the projection lens 35. Much of the second light L2 emitted from the second emission region 43b passes below the shade 50 and enters the projection lens 35 directly. A portion of the second light L2 emitted from the second emission area 43b is irradiated onto the portion of the lower surface 50S2 of the shade 50 that is exposed to the outside, the lower surface 60S2 of the reinforcing member 60, and a portion of the side surface of the reinforcing member 60. The portion of the lower surface 50S2 that is exposed to the outside reflects a portion of this second light L2 toward the projection lens 35. The area of ​​the lower surface 50S2 irradiated by the second light L2 is in contact with the entire leading edge 51E1 of the central portion 51 of the shade 50. The central portion 51 then forms a cutoff line in the light distribution pattern formed by the second light L2, and this light distribution pattern becomes an additional light distribution pattern. The cutoff line of the additional light distribution pattern has a shape corresponding to the leading edge 51E1 of the central portion 51, and this additional light distribution pattern is added to the low beam light distribution pattern PL to form the high beam light distribution pattern. Light having this additional light distribution pattern passes through the projection lens 35 and is emitted from the vehicle headlight 1 via the front cover 12. The cutoff line of the additional light distribution pattern and the cutoff line CL of the low beam light distribution pattern PL generally coincide, and the high beam light distribution pattern is a combination of the additional light distribution pattern and the low beam light distribution pattern PL. In this embodiment, the high beam light distribution pattern is formed by the superposition of the first light L1 and the second light L2, but the first light L1 and the second light L2 do not necessarily have to overlap.In this case, for example, on a virtual screen 25m away, the gap between the cutoff line of the additional light distribution pattern and the cutoff line CL of the low beam light distribution pattern PL can be made invisible to the human eye, thereby making the additional light distribution pattern and the low beam light distribution pattern PL appear connected.

[0069] Figure 12 shows the light distribution pattern of the high beam in this embodiment, and is similar to Figure 11 in that it shows the light distribution pattern of the high beam. In Figure 12, the cutoff line CL in the low beam light distribution pattern PL is shown by a dotted line. In the high beam light distribution pattern PH, the region below the cutoff line CL is formed by the first light L1, and the region above the cutoff line CL is formed by the second light L2.

[0070] As described above, the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment comprises a first light-emitting optical system LE1, a projection lens 35, and a plate-shaped shade 50. The first light-emitting optical system LE1 emits a first light L1 that forms the low beam light distribution pattern PL toward the front. The projection lens 35 is positioned in front of the first light-emitting optical system LE1 and through which the first light L1 is transmitted. The shade 50 is positioned between the first light-emitting optical system LE1 and the projection lens 35, and a portion of the first light L1 is irradiated onto its upper surface 50S1 to form a portion of the low beam light distribution pattern PL. Both of the pair of outer portions 52 located outward in the left-right direction from the central portion 51 of the shade 50 are provided with a bent portion 55 that extends toward the rearward side from the leading edge 52E1 of the outer portion 52 and connects a first portion 56 that is directed upward toward the central portion 51 and a second portion 57 that is directed downward toward the central portion 51. As mentioned above, when a plate-shaped member is bent, its strength against stress in the direction perpendicular to the bending line in the planar direction tends to decrease. For this reason, the bent portion 55 can become a weaker portion with lower strength against stress in the left-right direction than the central portion 51. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment, even if the central portion 51 of the shade 50 is heated and expands due to the first light L1, the bent portion 55 can deform to absorb this expansion, thereby suppressing the curvature of the central portion 51 in the vertical direction. Accordingly, according to the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment, deformation of the low beam light distribution pattern PL due to heat can be suppressed, and the influence of heat on the low beam light distribution pattern PL can be suppressed.

[0071] In the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment, the lateral spacing between the bent portions 55 provided on the pair of outer portions 52 is generally constant in the front-rear direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the bent portion 55 is provided on only one of the pair of outer portions 52, the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment can better absorb thermal expansion of the shade 50 and better suppress the thermal influence on the low beam light distribution pattern PL. Also, compared to the case where the spacing between the two bent portions 55 is narrower towards the rear, the amount of first light L1 irradiated onto the bent portions 55 can be reduced, and the amount of first light L1 reflected by the bent portions 55 and irradiated into unintended areas can be reduced. From this viewpoint, the spacing between the two bent portions 55 may be wider towards the rear. Alternatively, the spacing between the two bent portions 55 may be narrower towards the rear.

[0072] In the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment, the bent portion 55 protrudes downward. Therefore, with the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment, compared to the case where the bent portion 55 protrudes upward, the amount of first light L1 irradiated onto the bent portion 55 can be reduced, and the amount of first light L1 reflected by the bent portion 55 and irradiated into unintended areas can be reduced.

[0073] In the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment, the edge 55E1 on the central portion 51 side of the bent portion 55 is located above the edge 55E2 on the opposite side of the central portion 51 side of the bent portion 55. Therefore, with the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment, compared to the case where the edge 55E1 is located below the edge 55E2, the amount of first light L1 irradiated onto the bent portion 55 can be reduced, and the amount of first light L1 reflected by the bent portion 55 and irradiated onto unintended areas can be reduced.

[0074] In the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment, the angle between the first part 56 and the second part 57 is acute. Therefore, with the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment, compared to the case where the angle between the first part 56 and the second part 57 is obtuse, the strength of the bent part 55 against stress in the left-right direction can be reduced, and the thermal expansion of the shade 50 can be more easily absorbed by the deformation of the bent part 55. Note that the angle between the first part 56 and the second part 57 may be obtuse.

[0075] In the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment, the thickness 55t of the bent portion 55 is thinner than the thickness of the central portion 51. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment, the strength of the bent portion 55 against stress in the left-right direction can be reduced, and thermal expansion of the shade 50 can be easily absorbed by the deformation of the bent portion 55. Note that the thickness 55t of the bent portion 55 may be greater than or equal to the thickness of the central portion 51.

[0076] The vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment further includes a second light-emitting optical system LE2, which is located behind the shade 50 and below the first light-emitting optical system LE1. The second light-emitting optical system LE2 emits a second light L2 forward, which is added to the low-beam light distribution pattern PL to form an additional light distribution pattern that forms the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. According to the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment, the emitted light can be switched between low beam and high beam.

[0077] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these.

[0078] For example, in the above embodiment, a shade 50 in which a bent portion 55 is provided on both of a pair of outer portions 52 was described as an example. However, it is sufficient if at least one of the pair of outer portions 52 is provided with a bent portion 55 that extends from the front edge of the outer portion 52 toward the rear and connects a first portion 56 toward the central portion 51 toward the upper side and a second portion 57 toward the lower side. Modifications of the shade 50 will be described below. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0079] (Variation 1) Figure 13 is a plan view showing the shade 50 of this modified example, and is a plan view of the shade 50 as seen from above. As shown in Figure 13, the shade 50 of this modified example differs from the shade 50 of the above embodiment in that both of the pair of outer portions 52 are provided with slits SL cut out from the leading edge.

[0080] In this modified example, the slit SL is V-shaped. The width of the slit SL in the left-right direction is wider than the width 55W2 of the bent portion 55 in the left-right direction, and in the front-back direction, the slit SL and the bent portion 55 overlap, with both edges 55E1 and 55E2 of the bent portion 55 connecting to the slit SL. The shape of the slit SL is not limited. According to this modified example, thermal expansion of the shade 50 can be absorbed by the deformation of the bent portion 55 and the slit SL, and the thermal influence on the low beam light distribution pattern PL can be further suppressed. Also, since both edges 55E1 and 55E2 of the bent portion 55 are connected to the slit SL, the lateral expansion of the shade 50 can be suppressed compared to the case where the bent portion 55 and the slit SL are separated. From this viewpoint, it is sufficient that at least one of the edges 55E1 and 55E2 of the bent portion 55 is connected to the slit SL. Furthermore, the edges 55E1 and 55E2 of the folded portion 55 may not be connected to the slit SL, and the folded portion 55 and the slit SL may be separated. In this case, the slit SL may be located on the central portion 51 side of the folded portion 55, or on the opposite side of the central portion 51 from the folded portion 55. Also, the width of the slit SL in the left-right direction may be less than or equal to the width 55W2 of the folded portion 55 in the left-right direction.

[0081] (Modification 2) Figure 14 is a plan view of the shade 50 of this modified example, and is a plan view of the shade 50 as seen from above. As shown in Figure 14, the positional relationship between the bent portion 55 and the slit SL in the shade 50 of this modified example mainly differs from the positional relationship in the shade 50 of Modified Example 1.

[0082] In this modified example, the width of the slit SL in the left-right direction is narrower than the width 55W2 of the bent portion 55 in the left-right direction, and the slit SL is located between the edge 55E1 and the edge 55E2 of the bent portion 55. In this modified example, the slit SL is provided extending from the first portion 56 to the second portion 57, but the slit SL may be provided only in the first portion 56 or only in the second portion 57. According to this modified example, similar to the first modified example, thermal expansion of the shade 50 can be absorbed by the deformation of the bent portion 55 and the deformation of the slit SL, and the thermal influence on the low beam light distribution pattern PL can be further suppressed. In addition, the size of the shade 50 in the left-right direction can be suppressed compared to the case where the bent portion 55 and the slit SL are separated.

[0083] (Variation 3) Figure 15 is a view of the bent portion 55 in this modified example from the front, and shows the bent portion 55 on the left outer portion 52. As shown in Figure 15, the shade 50 of this modified example differs from the shade 50 of the embodiment in that the bent portion 55 protrudes upward.

[0084] In this modified example, the first portion 56 is located closer to the central portion 51 than the second portion 57, and the bent portion 55 protrudes upward. The angle between the first portion 56 and the second portion 57 is acute, and the inclination of the second portion 57 in the vertical direction is smaller than the inclination of the first portion 56 in the vertical direction. In this way, even though the bent portion 55 protrudes upward, the deformation of the bent portion 55 can absorb the expansion of the central portion 51, as in the embodiment, and the curvature of the central portion 51 in the vertical direction can be suppressed.

[0085] (Modification 4) Figure 16 is a view of the bent portion 55 in this modified example from the front, and shows the bent portion 55 on the left outer portion 52. As shown in Figure 16, the shade 50 of this modified example differs from the shade 50 of the embodiment in that the edge 55E1 on the central portion 51 side of the bent portion 55 is located below the edge 55E2 on the opposite side of the central portion 51 side of the bent portion 55.

[0086] Even with this configuration, the deformation of the bent portion 55 can absorb the expansion of the central portion 51, similar to the embodiment, and the curvature of the central portion 51 in the vertical direction can be suppressed. The edge 55E1 of the bent portion 55 may be located at the same height as the edge 55E2 of the bent portion 55. In the modified example 3, the edge 55E1 of the bent portion 55 may be located at the same height as the edge 55E2, or it may be located below the edge 55E2. In this modified example, the inclination of the second portion 57 in the vertical direction is greater than the inclination of the first portion 56 in the vertical direction.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first portion 56 and the second portion 57 were connected via a connecting portion 58 that curved convexly on the side opposite to the first portion 56 and the second portion 57. The first portion 56 extended upward in a generally straight line toward the central portion 51, the second portion 57 extended downward in a generally straight line toward the central portion 51, and the bent portion 55 was a roughly triangular convex portion. However, the connecting portion 58 may be a planar shape extending horizontally, and the bent portion 55 may be a trapezoidal convex portion. Also, the first portion 56 and the second portion 57 may be directly connected. Also, the first portion 56 may curve on the side opposite to the second portion 57, and the second portion 57 may curve on the side opposite to the first portion 56. In other words, the bent portion 55 may be a convex portion that curves in an arc.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an outer portion 52 provided with one bent portion 55 was described as an example. However, the outer portion 52 may be provided with multiple bent portions 55, in which case adjacent bent portions 55 may be connected to each other or separated.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the vertical width 55W1 of the bent portion 55 was constant in the direction of extension of the bent portion 55. However, the width 55W1 does not have to be constant in the direction of extension of the bent portion 55; for example, it may be wider towards the front. The wider the vertical width 55W1 of the bent portion 55, the more easily its strength against stress in the left-right direction decreases. For this reason, if the width 55W1 is wider towards the front, the bent portion 55 is more easily deformed towards the front. Incidentally, since the vicinity of the cutoff line CL in the low beam light distribution pattern PL is bright, the intensity of the first light L1 irradiated to the leading edge of the shade 50 tends to be stronger, and the amount of thermal expansion tends to be greater towards the leading edge of the shade 50. Therefore, according to the above configuration, thermal expansion can be appropriately absorbed by the deformation of the bent portion 55, and the influence of heat on the low beam light distribution pattern PL can be further suppressed.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the width 55W2 of the bent portion 55 in the left-right direction was constant in the direction of extension of the bent portion 55. However, the width 55W2 does not have to be constant in the direction of extension of the bent portion 55; for example, it may be wider towards the front.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment and Modification 4, the folded portion 55 was described using as an example a second portion 57 whose inclination with respect to the vertical direction is smaller than the inclination of the first portion 56 with respect to the vertical direction. Furthermore, in Modification 3, the folded portion 55 was described using as an example a second portion 57 whose inclination with respect to the vertical direction is larger than the inclination of the first portion 56 with respect to the vertical direction. However, the inclination of the first portion 56 and the second portion 57 with respect to the vertical direction is not limited; for example, the inclination of the second portion 57 with respect to the vertical direction may be the same as the inclination of the first portion 56 with respect to the vertical direction. Also, of the first portion 56 and the second portion 57, the inclination with respect to the vertical direction may be larger for the longer portion, or larger for the shorter portion.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a shade 50 having a first stepped portion 53 and a second stepped portion 59 was described as an example. However, the number of stepped portions that the shade 50 may have is not limited, and the shade 50 may not have any stepped portions at all.

[0093] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the reinforcing member 60 is superimposed on the shade 50 from below, the reinforcing member 60 may also be superimposed on the shade 50 from above. Also, the vehicle headlight 1 does not need to be equipped with the reinforcing member 60.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a first light-emitting optical system LE1 consisting of a first light source 31a, 31b, 31c and a light guide 40, and a second light-emitting optical system LE2 consisting of a second light source 32 and a light guide 40 were described as examples. However, the first light-emitting optical system LE1 and the second light-emitting optical system LE2 are not particularly limited. For example, the first light-emitting optical system LE1 and the second light-emitting optical system LE2 may have different light guides instead of sharing the light guide 40. Also, the first light-emitting optical system LE1 and the second light-emitting optical system LE2 may consist of a light source and a reflector that reflects light from the light source. In addition, the vehicle headlight 1 does not have to include the second light-emitting optical system LE2. [Industrial applicability]

[0095] According to the present invention, a vehicle headlight is provided that can suppress the influence of heat on the light distribution pattern of the low beam, and can be used in fields such as vehicle headlights for automobiles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1. Vehicle headlights 35...Projection lens 50... Shade 55...Folded section 56... Part 1 57...Second part LE1...First light-emitting optical system LE2...Second light-emitting optical system SL...Slit

Claims

1. A light-emitting optical system that emits light forward to form the low beam's light distribution pattern, A projection lens is positioned in front of the aforementioned light-emitting optical system and through which the light is transmitted, A plate-shaped shade is placed between the light-emitting optical system and the projection lens, and a portion of the light is irradiated onto its upper surface to form a portion of the low-beam light distribution pattern. Equipped with, At least one of a pair of outer portions located outward from the central portion of the shade is provided with a bent portion that extends backward from the front edge of the outer portion and connects a first portion that extends upward toward the central portion and a second portion that extends downward toward the central portion. A vehicle headlight characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned bent portion is provided on a pair of the aforementioned outer portions, The distance between the two bent portions on the outer parts in the left-right direction is generally constant in the front-to-back direction. The vehicle headlight according to feature 1.

3. The outer portion is provided with a slit cut out from the leading edge. The vehicle headlight according to feature 1.

4. The slit is located between the edge of the bent portion on the central side and the edge on the opposite side of the central portion. The vehicle headlight according to feature 3.

5. At least one of the edges of the bent portion on the central side and the edge on the opposite side of the central side is connected to the slit. The vehicle headlight according to feature 3.

6. The aforementioned bent portion protrudes downward The vehicle headlight according to feature 1.

7. The edge of the folded portion on the central side is located above the edge of the folded portion on the opposite side of the central side. The vehicle headlight according to feature 1.

8. The angle between the first part and the second part is acute. The vehicle headlight according to feature 1.

9. The thickness of the folded portion is thinner than the thickness of the central portion. A vehicle headlight according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images