Optical Unit

Abstract

SOLUTION: An optical unit includes: a first light source; a second light source; a rotation reflector that rotates around a rotation axis while reflecting a first light emitted from the first light source; and a projection lens for projecting the first light reflected by the rotation reflector in a light irradiation direction of the optical unit as a first light distribution pattern. The second light source is arranged so that an emitted second light is made incident into the projection lens without being reflected by the rotation reflector. The projection lens is configured so that the second light is projected in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit as a second light distribution pattern, which is to be overlapped with end parts in the right-left direction of the first light distribution pattern. A right and left diffusion part 36 that diffuses the second light mainly in the right-left direction is formed in a part of the projection lens.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical unit. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, devices have been devised that reflect light emitted from a light source forward of a vehicle and scan the area forward of the vehicle with the reflected light to form a predetermined light distribution pattern.For example, an optical unit is known that includes a rotating reflector that rotates in one direction about a rotation axis while reflecting light emitted from the light source, and a light source consisting of a light-emitting element, and the rotating reflector is provided with a reflective surface so that the light from the light source reflected while rotating forms a desired light distribution pattern (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] This optical unit includes a first light source, a second light source, a rotating reflector that rotates about a rotation axis while reflecting the first light emitted from the first light source, and a projection lens that projects the first light reflected by the rotating reflector in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit. The second light source is positioned so that the emitted second light is incident on the projection lens without being reflected by the rotating reflector, and the projection lens projects the second light in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-67523 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] (1) The high-beam light distribution pattern formed by the optical unit described above is a combination of a concentrated light distribution pattern and a diffused light distribution pattern, and therefore the boundary between the area where the diffused light distribution pattern overlaps with the concentrated light distribution pattern may be noticeable.

[0006] (2) The high-beam light distribution pattern formed by the optical unit is a combination of a concentrated light distribution pattern and a diffused light distribution pattern. The diffused light distribution pattern mainly illuminates the outer area of ​​the concentrated light distribution pattern, thereby widening the illumination area of ​​the high-beam light distribution pattern.

[0007] (3) The first light source of the optical unit includes a plurality of light-emitting modules arranged in an array, and a focusing lens consisting of a plurality of lens portions corresponding to each light-emitting surface is disposed on the light-emitting surface side of each light-emitting module. Furthermore, since the focusing light distribution pattern formed by the optical unit corresponds to the pattern of the light-emitting surface (light exit surface) of the focusing lens, in order to expand the irradiation area, it is necessary to expand the light-emitting surface of the focusing lens itself.

[0008] (4) Furthermore, the first light source of the optical unit has a plurality of light-emitting modules arranged in an array, and a focusing lens consisting of a plurality of lens portions corresponding to each light-emitting surface is arranged on the light-emitting surface side of each light-emitting module.

[0009] However, since the lens sections are located close to each other, part of the light emitted from the light emitting modules is incident on the lens section corresponding to the adjacent light emitting module, which causes glare.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and (1) one of its exemplary purposes is to provide a new technology that contributes to the formation of a light distribution pattern that is less unnatural.

[0011] (2) Another exemplary purpose is to provide a new technology that can increase the maximum luminous intensity while widening the illumination area of ​​the light distribution pattern.

[0012] (3) Another exemplary purpose is to widen the illumination area of ​​the light distribution pattern by devising the configuration of the optical members.

[0013] (4) Another exemplary purpose is to provide a new optical element that suppresses the occurrence of glare. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] (1) To solve the above problems, an optical unit according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first light source, a second light source, a rotating reflector that rotates about a rotation axis while reflecting first light emitted from the first light source, and a projection lens that projects the first light reflected by the rotating reflector as a first light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit. The second light source is positioned so that the emitted second light is incident on the projection lens without being reflected by the rotating reflector. The projection lens is configured to project the second light as a second light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit so as to overlap with the left and right ends of the first light distribution pattern, and left and right diffusion portions that diffuse the second light mainly in the left and right directions are formed in a part of the projection lens.

[0015] According to this aspect, the second light projected as a second light distribution pattern that overlaps with the left and right ends of the first light distribution pattern is diffused left and right by the left and right diffusion section formed in part of the projection lens, so that the boundary between the overlapping portion of the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern becomes inconspicuous.

[0016] The projection lens may have an entrance surface including a first entrance area into which the first light is incident and a second entrance area into which the second light is incident. The second entrance area may have left and right diffusion portions formed therein. This allows the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern to have different degrees of diffusion.

[0017] The left and right diffusion portions have a smaller area than the second incident region, which makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the luminous intensity of the second light distribution pattern due to diffusion, compared to when the left and right diffusion portions are formed over the entire second incident region.

[0018] The projection lens may further have an exit surface from which the first light and the second light exit. The exit surface may be formed with upper and lower diffusion sections that diffuse the first light and the second light mainly in the vertical direction. By separately forming the upper and lower diffusion sections on the exit surface and the left and right diffusion sections on the entrance surface in this manner, it is possible to vary the degree of diffusion in the vertical and horizontal directions for each region through which the light passes.

[0019] The first incident area may be a non-diffusing portion, which allows the first light distribution pattern to be diffused only in the vertical direction.

[0020] (2) An optical unit according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first light source, a second light source having a plurality of light-emitting elements, a rotary reflector that rotates about a rotation axis while reflecting first light emitted from the first light source, a projection lens that projects the first light reflected by the rotary reflector as a first light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit, and an optical member that changes the optical path of second light emitted from the second light source so that the second light is directed toward the projection lens and not toward the rotary reflector. The projection lens is configured to project the second light as a second light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit so as to illuminate outer regions on the left and right of the first light distribution pattern, and the optical member is configured so that the second light distribution pattern is formed by superimposing partial light distribution patterns formed by each element light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0021] According to this embodiment, the maximum luminous intensity of the second light distribution pattern can be increased.

[0022] The optical member may have a light control surface that separately controls the optical paths of the light beams emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements, thereby allowing the optical paths of the plurality of light-emitting elements to be separately controlled by a single optical member.

[0023] The light control surface may have an incident surface including a first light control surface onto which the second light emitted from one of the plurality of light-emitting elements is incident, and a second light control surface different from the first light control surface onto which the second light emitted from the other of the plurality of light-emitting elements is incident. This allows the optical paths of the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements to be controlled separately. Note that the first light control surface and the second light control surface may partially overlap.

[0024] The first light control surface and the second light control surface may be arranged side by side in the vertical direction, which makes it possible to reduce the width of the optical unit, for example.

[0025] The light control surface may have an exit surface as a continuous third light control surface from which the second light incident from the first light control surface and the second light incident from the second light control surface both exit. This makes it easier to design the exit surface because both the second light incident from the first light control surface and the second light incident from the second light control surface exit from the third light control surface, which is a common exit surface.

[0026] The second light source may be arranged so that the second light transmitted through the optical member is incident on an area outside the area where the first light is incident on the projection lens, thereby projecting the second light distribution pattern in an area outside the first light distribution pattern in the left-right direction.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention is an optical unit. The optical unit includes a light source having a plurality of light-emitting elements, a first lens that projects light emitted from the light source as a light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit, and a second lens that directs the optical path of the light emitted from the light source toward the first lens. The second lens is configured so that the light distribution pattern is formed by superimposing partial light distribution patterns formed by element light emitted from each of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0028] According to this embodiment, the maximum luminous intensity of the light distribution pattern can be increased without improving the performance of the light emitting element.

[0029] (3) An optical unit according to one aspect of the present invention includes a light source having a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in an array, an optical element having a plurality of first lenses corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting elements and concentrating light emitted from the light source, and a second lens projecting light transmitted through the optical element as a light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit. At least one of the plurality of first lenses has a concentrating lens portion located in front of the light-emitting surface of the corresponding light-emitting element, and an expanding lens portion that receives light obliquely emitted from the light-emitting surface and emits it toward the front of the first lens, thereby expanding the light-emitting area of ​​the first lens.

[0030] According to this aspect, the light emitting area of ​​the first lens is expanded by the expansion lens portion, so that the illumination area of ​​the light distribution pattern can be widened.

[0031] The extension lens portion may be a Fresnel lens, which allows the extension lens portion to be thin.

[0032] The extended lens portion may have a reflecting surface that totally reflects incident light toward the front surface of the first lens, thereby allowing light emitted from the light-emitting surface in a direction closer to the horizontal direction to also be emitted toward the front surface of the first lens.

[0033] The optical element may further include a rotating reflector that rotates around a rotation axis while reflecting light that has passed through the optical element. The rotating reflector may form part of the light distribution pattern by reflecting and scanning the pattern of the light-emitting area of ​​the first lens. This allows the illumination area of ​​the light distribution pattern to be further expanded.

[0034] The upper region of the light distribution pattern may be formed by reflecting and scanning the pattern of the portion of the light-emitting region of the first lens that corresponds to the extended lens portion, thereby expanding the vertical area of ​​the light distribution pattern.

[0035] The optical element may be configured such that the light-emitting area of ​​the first lens or a virtual image of the light-emitting area is located near the focal point of the second lens, whereby the light-emitting area of ​​the first lens is projected in front of the second lens as a light source.

[0036] Another aspect of the present invention is an optical unit. This optical unit includes a light source having a light-emitting element, a first lens corresponding to the light-emitting element and concentrating light emitted from the light-emitting element, and a second lens projecting light transmitted through the first lens as a light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit. The first lens has a concentrating lens portion located in front of the light-emitting surface of the corresponding light-emitting element, and an expanding lens portion that expands the light-emitting area of ​​the first lens by receiving light obliquely emitted from the light-emitting surface and emitting it toward the front of the first lens.

[0037] According to this aspect, the light emitting area of ​​the first lens is expanded by the expansion lens portion, so that the illumination area of ​​the light distribution pattern can be widened.

[0038] (4) An optical unit according to one aspect of the present invention includes a light source having a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in an array, an optical element having a plurality of first lenses corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting elements and concentrating light emitted from the light source, and a second lens projecting the light transmitted through the optical element as a light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit. At least one of the plurality of first lenses has an optical path changing portion that changes the optical path of the light emitted by the corresponding light-emitting element so that the light emitted by the corresponding light-emitting element does not directly enter another adjacent first lens.

[0039] According to this aspect, it is difficult for light emitted by the light-emitting element to be incident directly on another adjacent first lens other than the corresponding first lens, thereby suppressing the occurrence of glare that may occur when light emitted by the light-emitting element is incident directly on another adjacent first lens.

[0040] The optical path changing section may have a reflecting surface that totally reflects incident light toward the exit surface of another adjacent first lens, thereby changing the optical path of light that exits from the exit surface of the other adjacent first lens.

[0041] The optical path changing unit may have a reflecting surface configured to prevent light emitted from the exit surface of another adjacent first lens from heading toward the second lens, thereby suppressing glare caused by light emitted from another adjacent first lens being projected by the second lens.

[0042] The optical path changing unit may have an incident portion into which light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element obliquely toward another adjacent first lens, rather than toward the corresponding first lens, is incident. The incident portion may be a protrusion that protrudes from the side of the first lens facing the light-emitting element. The protrusion may be provided in a region between adjacent first lenses. This makes it easier for light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element obliquely toward the other adjacent first lens to be incident.

[0043] The optical element may further include a rotating reflector that rotates about a rotation axis while reflecting light that has passed through the optical element toward the second lens. The light source may be arranged so that the vertical direction of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element and the optical axis of the second lens intersect, the rotating reflector may be arranged so that the rotation axis is oblique to the vertical direction of the light-emitting surface and the optical axis, the optical element may be arranged between the plurality of light-emitting elements and the rotating reflector, and the optical path changing unit may be configured so that light emitted from the emission surface of another adjacent first lens is directed toward a gap region between the second lens and the rotating reflector. In this way, the light whose optical path has been changed by the optical path changing unit is not projected forward by the second lens, thereby suppressing the occurrence of glare in the forward direction.

[0044] Any combination of the above components and conversion of the present invention into a method, device, system, etc. are also valid aspects of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0045] (1) According to the present invention, a new optical unit can be provided that can form a light distribution pattern that is less unnatural. Alternatively, (2) according to the present invention, the maximum luminous intensity of the light distribution pattern can be increased. Alternatively, (3) according to the present invention, the illumination area of ​​the light distribution pattern can be expanded. Alternatively, (4) according to the present invention, the occurrence of glare can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1 is a horizontal cross-sectional schematic view of a vehicle headlamp according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a front view of a vehicle headlamp according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an optical path of emitted light in the optical unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of a light distribution pattern formed by the optical unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a convex lens according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the convex lens shown in FIG. 5 as viewed from the light exit surface side. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the convex lens shown in FIG. 5 as seen from the incident surface side. [Figure 8] 1 is a horizontal cross-sectional schematic view of a vehicle headlamp according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is a front view of a vehicle headlamp according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an optical path of emitted light in the optical unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic view seen from the direction of arrow B in FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of light distribution patterns formed by the optical unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a top view of the circuit board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15]FIG. 2 is a front view of the optical member according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the optical member according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] 16 is a side view of the optical member shown in FIG. 15 as viewed from direction B. FIG. [Figure 18] 18(a) is a side view of the optical member shown in FIG. 15 as seen from direction C, and FIG. 18(b) is a side view of the optical member shown in FIG. 15 as seen from direction D. FIG. [Figure 19] 16 is an E-E cross-sectional view of the optical member shown in FIG. [Figure 20] Figure 20(a) is a schematic diagram showing the irradiation range when the light-emitting area of ​​the first light source in this embodiment is reflected and projected while the rotating reflector is stationary, and Figure 20(b) is a schematic diagram of the light distribution pattern formed by the optical unit in this embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a condenser lens according to a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a top view of the optical member according to the embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the optical member according to the embodiment. [Figure 25] 24 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section BB of the optical member shown in FIG. 23. [Figure 26] 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the optical path of light emitted obliquely from the light emitting element according to the present embodiment toward the optical member. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The present invention will be described below based on embodiments with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, parts, and processes shown in each drawing will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, the embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the invention, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention.

[0048] [First embodiment] An optical unit having a lens unit according to the present embodiment can be used in various vehicle lamps. First, an outline of a vehicle headlamp that can be equipped with an optical unit according to the embodiment described below will be described.

[0049] (vehicle headlights) Fig. 1 is a horizontal cross-sectional schematic view of a vehicle headlamp according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view of the vehicle headlamp according to the present embodiment. Note that some components are omitted in Fig. 2.

[0050] The vehicle headlamp 10 according to this embodiment is a right-side headlamp mounted on the right side of the front end of an automobile, and has the same structure as the headlamp mounted on the left side except that it is bilaterally symmetrical. Therefore, the following will describe the right-side vehicle headlamp 10 in detail, and a description of the left-side vehicle headlamp will be omitted.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle headlamp 10 includes a lamp body 12 with a recess that opens forward. The front opening of the lamp body 12 is covered by a transparent front cover 14, forming a lamp chamber 16. The lamp chamber 16 functions as a space that houses an optical unit 18. The optical unit 18 is a lamp unit configured to emit a variable high beam. The variable high beam is controlled to change the shape of the high beam light distribution pattern, and can, for example, create a non-illuminated area (light-blocking area) in part of the light distribution pattern. Here, the light distribution pattern refers to the illuminated area formed by the lamp on a screen (virtual screen) installed 25 to 50 meters ahead of the lamp.

[0052] The optical unit 18 of this embodiment includes a first light source 20, a focusing lens 24 as a primary optical system (optical element) that changes the optical path of the first light L1 emitted from the first light source 20 and directs the first light L1 toward the blade 22a of the rotating reflector 22, a rotating reflector 22 that rotates around the rotation axis R while reflecting the first light L1, a convex lens 26 as a projection lens that projects the first light L1 reflected by the rotating reflector 22 in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit (toward the right in Figure 1), a second light source 28 arranged between the first light source 20 and the convex lens 26, a diffusing lens 30 as a primary optical system (optical element) that changes the optical path of the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 28 and directs the second light L2 toward the convex lens 26, and a heat sink 32 that mounts the first light source 20 and the second light source 28.

[0053] Each light source uses a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED, an EL, or an LD. In the first light source 20 according to this embodiment, a plurality of LEDs 20a are arranged in an array on a circuit board 33. Each LED 20a is configured to be able to be turned on and off individually.

[0054] The second light source 28 according to the present embodiment has two LEDs 28a arranged side by side in the horizontal direction in an array, and each LED 28a is configured to be able to be turned on and off individually. The second light source 28 is also arranged so that the second light L2 is incident on the convex lens 26 without being reflected by the rotating reflector 22. This allows the optical characteristics of the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 28 to be selected without taking into consideration that the second light L2 will be reflected by the rotating reflector 22. Therefore, for example, by diffusing the light emitted from the second light source 28 with the diffusing lens 30 and then making it incident on the convex lens 26, a wider range can be irradiated, and therefore the second light source 28 can be used as a light source that irradiates an area outside the vehicle.

[0055] The rotating reflector 22 rotates in one direction around a rotation axis R by a drive source such as a motor 34. The rotating reflector 22 has two blades 22a of the same shape provided around a cylindrical rotating portion 22b. The blades 22a function as a reflective surface configured to scan the light emitted from the first light source 20 forward with the reflected light while rotating, thereby forming a desired light distribution pattern.

[0056] The rotation axis R of the rotating reflector 22 is oblique to the optical axis Ax and is provided in a plane including the optical axis Ax and the first light source 20. In other words, the rotation axis R is provided approximately parallel to the scanning plane of the light (illumination beam) of the LED 20a that scans in the left-right direction by rotation. This allows the optical unit to be made thinner. Here, the scanning plane can be considered as, for example, a sector-shaped plane formed by continuously connecting the light trajectories of the LED 20a, which is the scanning light.

[0057] The shape of the convex lens 26 may be selected appropriately depending on the required light distribution characteristics, such as the light distribution pattern and illuminance distribution, but an aspherical lens or a free-form lens may also be used. For example, the convex lens 26 according to this embodiment can be formed with a notch 26a, in which part of the outer periphery is cut out in the vertical direction, by devising the arrangement of the light sources and the rotating reflector 22. This allows the size of the optical unit 18 in the vehicle width direction to be reduced.

[0058] Furthermore, the presence of the cutout portion 26a makes it less likely that the blade 22a of the rotating reflector 22 will interfere with the convex lens 26, allowing the convex lens 26 to be closer to the rotating reflector 22. Furthermore, when the vehicle headlamp 10 is viewed from the front, the formation of a non-circular (straight line) portion on the outer periphery of the convex lens 26 makes it possible to realize a vehicle headlamp with an innovative design having a lens with an external shape that combines curves and straight lines when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0059] (Light distribution pattern) Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the optical path of emitted light in the optical unit according to the present embodiment, and Fig. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern formed by the optical unit according to the present embodiment.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, first light L1 emitted from first light source 20 of optical unit 18 according to this embodiment is reflected by rotary reflector 22 that rotates around rotation axis R. Reflecting surface 22d of blade 22a of rotary reflector 22 has a twisted shape such that the angle between optical axis Ax and the reflecting surface changes along the circumferential direction around rotation axis R. As a result, blade 22a functions as a reflecting surface configured to scan forward with the first light that is reflected while rotating, the light emitted from first light source 20, and form desired first light distribution patterns P1', P1''.

[0061] The light distribution pattern P1' shown in FIG. 4 is formed by scanning light emitted from some of the LEDs 20a of the first light source 20, and the light distribution pattern P1'' is formed by scanning light emitted from other LEDs 20a of the first light source 20.

[0062] Furthermore, the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 28 is incident on the end of the convex lens 26 (a region away from the optical axis Ax) without being reflected by the rotary reflector 22. The normal to the exit surface at the end of the convex lens 26 is significantly inclined with respect to the optical axis Ax. Therefore, the second light L2 passing through the end of the convex lens 26 is significantly refracted, and forms a second light distribution pattern P2 to the left of the first light distribution pattern P1', P1" (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "first light distribution pattern P1" as appropriate), as shown in FIG. 4.

[0063] In this way, the optical unit 18 according to the present embodiment forms the high beam light distribution pattern PH by superimposing the first light distribution pattern P1 and the second light distribution pattern P2. When forming a light distribution pattern using light emitted from multiple light sources (light-emitting elements) in this way, the following problems must be considered.

[0064] (1) When a plurality of light distribution patterns P1′, P1″ are formed by the plurality of LEDs 20a of the first light source 20 in a direction (direction of line VV) intersecting with the scanning direction of the first light L1 (arrow D1 shown in FIG. 4), the non-light-emitting areas in the gaps between the LEDs 20a are projected as dark areas.

[0065] (2) The second light distribution pattern P2 has a clear boundary because it is a direct projection of the light source image of the second light source 28. Therefore, in the area where the second light distribution pattern P2 overlaps with the first light distribution pattern P1, the boundary of the second light distribution pattern P2 is conspicuous, which may cause discomfort to the driver.

[0066] (projection lens) The inventors of the present application discovered that one way to mitigate both phenomena (1) and (2) is to diffuse (blur) each light distribution pattern, and focused on the projection lens as a configuration to achieve this.

[0067] Therefore, a projection lens according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a convex lens 26 according to this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a front view of the convex lens 26 shown in Fig. 5, seen from the exit surface side. Fig. 7 is a rear view of the convex lens 26 shown in Fig. 5, seen from the entrance surface side.

[0068] The convex lens 26 has a convex emission surface 26b and a substantially flat incidence surface 26c. As described above, the convex lens 26 projects the second light distribution pattern P2 so that it overlaps with the left and right ends of the first light distribution pattern P1. A left and right diffusion portion 36 that diffuses the second light L2 mainly in the left and right directions (the left and right directions of the convex lens 26 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) is formed in a part of the convex lens 26.

[0069] The left and right diffusion portions 36 according to this embodiment are so-called diffusion steps on the incident surface 26c of the convex lens 26, onto which the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 28 is incident, and the step pitch is about 3 to 5 mm. Note that although the left and right diffusion portions 36 according to this embodiment are diffusion steps formed on the incident surface 26c, the left and right diffusion portions may also be formed inside the convex lens 26. Furthermore, the left and right diffusion portions 36 may have a shape other than a diffusion step, such as waves or grain, formed in a predetermined region of the incident surface 26c.

[0070] As a result, the second light L2 projected as the second light distribution pattern P2 overlapping the left and right ends of the first light distribution pattern P1 is diffused left and right by the left and right diffusion section 36 formed in part of the convex lens 26, so that the boundary of the second light distribution pattern P2 at the overlapping portion of the first light distribution pattern P1 and the second light distribution pattern P2 becomes inconspicuous.

[0071] The incident surface 26c of the convex lens 26 has a first incident region R1 into which the first light L1 is incident and a second incident region R2 into which the second light L2 is incident. The second incident region R2 according to this embodiment is formed with left and right diffusion portions 36, while the first incident region R1 is not formed with left and right diffusion portions. This allows the degree of diffusion to differ between the first light distribution pattern P1 and the second light distribution pattern P2. Furthermore, the first incident region R1 according to this embodiment is a non-diffusion portion, and the first light distribution pattern P1 can be diffused only in the vertical direction.

[0072] Furthermore, the left and right diffusion portions 36 according to the present embodiment are formed in a region that is smaller in area than the second incident region R2, which makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the luminous intensity of the second light distribution pattern P2 due to diffusion, compared to when the left and right diffusion portions are formed in the entire second incident region R2.

[0073] The first light L1 and the second light L2 exit from the exit surface 26b of the convex lens 26. Furthermore, an up-and-down diffusion portion 38 that diffuses the first light L1 and the second light L2 mainly in the vertical direction is formed over the entire surface of the exit surface 26b. This causes the entire first light distribution pattern P1 to be diffused in the vertical direction, making it possible to make the dark portion 39 between the first light distribution pattern P1' and the first light distribution pattern P1" less noticeable.

[0074] The upper and lower diffusion sections 38 according to this embodiment are formed over the entire surface of the exit surface 26b of the convex lens 26, and are so-called diffusion steps from which the first light L1 and the second light L2 exit, with a step pitch of approximately 1 to 3 mm. Note that although the upper and lower diffusion sections 38 according to this embodiment are diffusion steps formed on the exit surface 26b, the upper and lower diffusion sections may also be formed inside the convex lens 26. Furthermore, the upper and lower diffusion sections 38 may have a shape other than a diffusion step, such as waves or graining, formed in a predetermined region of the exit surface 26b.

[0075] Furthermore, in the convex lens 26 according to the present embodiment, by separately forming the upper and lower diffusion portions 38 on the exit surface 26b and the left and right diffusion portions 36 on the entrance surface 26c, it is possible to vary the degree of diffusion in the upper, lower, left and right directions for each region through which light passes. Furthermore, since the first light L1 is diffused only in the up and down directions by the upper and lower diffusion portions 38 and not in the left and right directions, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the luminous intensity of the first light distribution pattern P1 due to diffusion.

[0076] [Second embodiment] (vehicle headlights) Fig. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional schematic diagram of a vehicle headlamp according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 is a front view of the vehicle headlamp according to this embodiment. Note that some components are omitted in Fig. 9. The vehicle headlamp according to this embodiment shown in Figs. 8 and 9 differs from the vehicle headlamp according to the first embodiment in that two LEDs 28a in the second light source 28 are arranged vertically in an array. Therefore, a detailed description of the vehicle headlamp shown in Figs. 8 and 9 will be omitted. (Light distribution pattern) Fig. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the optical path of emitted light in the optical unit according to this embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram as viewed from the direction of arrow B in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern formed by the optical unit according to this embodiment.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 10, first light L1 emitted from a first light source 20 of an optical unit 18 according to this embodiment is reflected by a rotary reflector 22 that rotates about a rotation axis R. The reflective surfaces 22d of the blades 22a of the rotary reflector 22 have a twisted shape such that the angle between the optical axis Ax and the reflective surface changes as the blades 22a move in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis R. As a result, the blades 22a function as reflective surfaces configured to scan the light emitted from the first light source 20 forward with the first light L1 reflected while rotating, thereby forming a desired first light distribution pattern P1. The light distribution pattern P1 shown in Fig. 12 is formed by scanning the light emitted from some or all of the LEDs 20a of the first light source 20.

[0078] In the second light source 28 according to the present embodiment, a diffusion lens 30 is disposed in front of the light-emitting surfaces of two LEDs 28a arranged vertically. The second light source 28 is disposed so that second light L2', L2" transmitted through the diffusion lens 30 enters a second entrance region R2 that is outside the first entrance region R1 where the first light L1 enters the convex lens 26. As a result, the second light distribution pattern P2 is projected onto the outer regions in the left-right direction of the first light distribution pattern P1.

[0079] The diffusion lens 30 is an optical member that controls the optical path of each LED 28a so as to form a second light distribution pattern P2, which is a diffused light distribution pattern. As shown in FIG. 11, the diffusion lens 30 has an entrance surface 30a and an exit surface 30b that serve as control surfaces that separately control the optical paths of the second light L2', L2" emitted by each LED 28a. This allows one diffusion lens 30 to separately control the optical paths of the multiple LEDs 28a.

[0080] The incident surface 30a has a first light control surface 30a1 onto which the second light L2' emitted from the LEDs 28a located above the second light source 28 is incident, and a second light control surface 30a2 onto which the second light L2" emitted from the LEDs 28a located below the second light source 28 is incident. This makes it possible to separately control the optical paths of the second light L2', L2" emitted from the multiple LEDs 28a. Furthermore, since the first light control surface 30a1 and the second light control surface 30a2 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, it is possible to reduce, for example, the width of the optical unit 18.

[0081] Furthermore, the exit surface 30b according to this embodiment is a continuous third light control surface from which the second light L2' incident from the first light control surface 30a1 and the second light L2" incident from the second light control surface 30a2 both exit. This makes it easier to design the exit surface 30b, as both the second light L2' incident from the first light control surface 30a1 and the second light L2" incident from the second light control surface 30a2 exit from the third light control surface, which is the common exit surface 30b.

[0082] Furthermore, the second light L2', L2" emitted from the second light source 28 is not reflected by the rotating reflector 22 and enters the end of the convex lens 26 (a region away from the optical axis Ax). The normal to the exit surface at the end of the convex lens 26 is significantly inclined with respect to the optical axis Ax. Therefore, the second light L2', L2" passing through the end of the convex lens 26 is significantly refracted, and forms a second light distribution pattern P2 (P2', P2") on the left side of the first light distribution pattern P1, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0083] The partial light distribution pattern P2' constituting a part of the second light distribution pattern P2 is formed by scanning the second light L2' emitted from the LED 28a arranged on the upper side of the second light source 28. The partial light distribution pattern P2'' constituting the other part of the second light distribution pattern P2 is formed by scanning the second light L2'' emitted from the LED 28a arranged on the lower side of the second light source 28.

[0084] As described above, the optical unit 18 according to the present embodiment includes the convex lens 26 that projects the first light L1 reflected by the rotating reflector 22 in the light irradiation direction (forward) of the optical unit as the first light distribution pattern P1, and the diffusing lens 30 that changes the optical path of the second light L2′, L2″ emitted from the second light source 28 so that the second light L2′, L2″ is not directed toward the rotating reflector 22 and is directed toward the convex lens 26.

[0085] The convex lens 26 projects the second light L2', L2" in the light irradiation direction (forward) of the optical unit as a second light distribution pattern P2 so as to irradiate the outer regions in the left and right directions of the first light distribution pattern P1. The diffusion lens 30 is configured so that the second light distribution pattern P2 is formed by superimposing the partial light distribution patterns P2', P2" formed by the element light emitted by each of the multiple LEDs 28a.

[0086] This makes it possible to increase the maximum luminous intensity in the portion of the second light distribution pattern P2 where the partial light distribution patterns P2', P2" overlap (near 10° of the HH line). In this way, the diffusing lens 30 according to this embodiment does not project the light source images of the multiple LEDs 28a of the second light source 28 as they are, but rather the lens surface is designed so that the projected images of the LEDs 28a overlap.

[0087] (Variation) Although the optical unit 18 according to the above-described embodiment includes the first light source 20 and the rotating reflector 22, the optical unit may not include these elements. For example, an optical unit according to a modified example includes a second light source 28 having a plurality of LEDs 28a, a convex lens 26 that projects light emitted from the second light source 28 as a light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit, and a diffusing lens 30 that directs the optical path of second light L2′, L2″ emitted from the second light source 28 toward the convex lens 26. The diffusing lens 30 is configured so that the second light distribution pattern P2 is formed by superimposing partial light distribution patterns P2′, P2″ formed by the element light emitted by each of the plurality of LEDs 28a. This makes it possible to increase the maximum luminous intensity of the second light distribution pattern P2 without improving the performance of the LEDs 28a.

[0088] [Third embodiment] (first light source) Next, the layout of the multiple semiconductor light-emitting elements included in the first light source will be described. Fig. 13 is a top view of a circuit board according to this embodiment. The circuit board 33 according to this embodiment is mounted with eight LEDs 20a1 (20a) that illuminate an area including the HH line of the high beam light distribution pattern, and two LEDs 20a2 (20a) that illuminate an area above the HH line. Note that the up-down, front-rear directions shown in Fig. 13 are determined by assuming that the direction of the optical axis Ax of the vehicle headlamp 10 is the forward direction.

[0089] (Optical components) Next, an optical member according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the optical member according to this embodiment. Fig. 15 is a front view of the optical member according to this embodiment. Fig. 16 is a rear view of the optical member according to this embodiment. Fig. 17 is a side view of the optical member shown in Fig. 15, seen from direction B. Fig. 18(a) is a side view of the optical member shown in Fig. 15, seen from direction C, and Fig. 18(b) is a side view of the optical member shown in Fig. 15, seen from direction D. Note that the up, down, front, and rear directions shown in Fig. 15 are determined such that the direction of the optical axis Ax of the vehicle headlamp 10 is the forward direction.

[0090] Optical member 40 according to this embodiment includes condenser lens 24 as an optical control unit that controls light incident on back side 24a and outputs it from front side 24b, and plate-shaped base 42 adjacent to condenser lens 24. Condenser lens 24 includes eight lens portions 24c1 corresponding to the light emitted from eight LEDs 20a1, respectively, and two lens portions 24c2 corresponding to the light emitted from two LEDs 20a2, respectively. Controlling light means, for example, directing light in a desired pattern, direction, or area.

[0091] The distance between the light-emitting surface of the LED 20a and the incident surface of the condensing lens 24 according to this embodiment is about 0.2 to 1 mm, preferably about 0.2 to 0.5 mm. The thickness of the base 42 is about 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably about 2 to 3 mm. The diameter of the dome-shaped lens portion 24c2 is about 2 to 4 mm.

[0092] Here, the lens portions 24c1 and 24c2 in the optical member 40 according to this embodiment have a shape that refracts light that passes through them and thereby focuses the light. The lens portion 24c1 according to this embodiment has a convex shape on both the back side 24a and the front side 24b. The lens portion 24c2 has an extended lens portion 24c3, which will be described later. In addition, the optical control unit functions, for example, as a light-emitting surface of a pseudo light source, in the surface area of ​​the front side 24b, through which the light emitted from the LED 20a passes and exits.

[0093] The optical member 40 according to this embodiment is an injection-molded product made of a transparent material, such as heat-resistant silicone, acrylic, polycarbonate, or glass. From the viewpoint of heat resistance, heat-resistant silicone (heat-resistant temperature of 180°C or higher) or glass is preferably used. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of freedom in designing the shape of the optical member, heat-resistant silicone is more preferable because it is relatively easy to forcibly remove from a mold. This allows optical members with somewhat complex shapes to be manufactured using simple mold configurations and manufacturing methods.

[0094] (extension lens part) Fig. 19 is an E-E cross-sectional view of the optical member shown in Fig. 15. Optical unit 18 according to this embodiment includes first light source 20 in which a plurality of LEDs 20a1, 20a2 are arranged in an array, optical member 40 having a plurality of lens portions 24c1, 24c2 corresponding to the plurality of LEDs 20a1, 20a2, respectively, and convex lens 26 that collects light emitted from first light source 20, and projects light that has passed through optical member 40 as a light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit.

[0095] At least one of the lenses included in the optical member 40 has a condensing lens portion 24c2 located in front of the light-emitting surface of the corresponding LED 20a2, and an extended lens portion 24c3 that extends the light-emitting area of ​​the lens by receiving light L1' obliquely emitted from the light-emitting surface and emitting it toward the front of the lens. As shown in FIG. 19, the extended lens portion 24c3 according to this embodiment is a Fresnel lens. This allows the extended lens portion 24c3 to be made thin. The Fresnel lens-formed extended lens portion 24c3 according to this embodiment is approximately 3 to 5 mm long and 3 to 5 mm wide when viewed from the front, and approximately 3 to 5 mm high when viewed from the side.

[0096] (Light distribution pattern) Figure 20(a) is a schematic diagram showing the irradiation range when the light-emitting area of ​​the first light source in this embodiment is reflected and projected while the rotating reflector is stationary, and Figure 20(b) is a schematic diagram of the light distribution pattern formed by the optical unit in this embodiment.

[0097] In the optical unit 18 according to this embodiment, when all of the LEDs 20a of the first light source 20 are turned on while the rotation of the rotating reflector 22 is stopped, the surfaces of the eight lens portions 24c1 and two lens portions 24c2 of the condenser lens 24 become light-emitting areas. Then, an image of the light-emitting area is reflected by the surface of the stationary rotating reflector 22 and projected forward via the convex lens 26 (see FIG. 20(a)).

[0098] In optical unit 18 according to the present embodiment, the light beams emitted from eight lens portions 24c1 form eight rectangular illumination regions R3 on line HH. Furthermore, the light beams emitted from lens portion 24c2 and extended lens portion 24c3 form two rectangular illumination regions R4 above illumination region R3. Extended lens portion 24c3 according to the present embodiment vertically expands the light-emitting region of lens portion 24c2, so illumination region R4 is a rectangular region that is longer in the vertical direction.

[0099] Furthermore, if concentrating lens 24 only has lens portion 24c, it can only illuminate a range up to about +4° in the vertical direction on the screen in front of the vehicle. On the other hand, concentrating lens 24 having extended lens portion 24c3 in this embodiment can illuminate a range up to about +6° in the vertical direction on the screen in front of the vehicle. In this way, optical unit 18 according to this embodiment can widen the illumination area because the light-emitting area of ​​lens portion 24c2 is extended in the vertical direction by extended lens portion 24c3.

[0100] When the rotating reflector 22 rotates, the irradiation areas R3 and R4 are scanned in the left-right direction, and partial light distribution patterns P1 and P2 are formed, respectively. In this embodiment, the partial light distribution patterns P1 and P2 are superimposed to form the high beam light distribution pattern PH.

[0101] In this way, the rotating reflector 22 according to this embodiment reflects and scans the pattern of the light emitting area of ​​the condenser lens 24 to form part or all of the high beam light distribution pattern PH.

[0102] The optical unit 18 according to the present embodiment forms the upper region P2' of the high beam light distribution pattern PH by reflecting and scanning the pattern of the portion (region R4') of the light-emitting region of the concentrating lens 24 that corresponds to the extended lens portion 24c3. This allows the vertical illumination region of the high beam light distribution pattern PH to be further widened.

[0103] The optical member 40 is configured so that a virtual image of the light-emitting area of ​​the converging lens 24 formed by the rotating reflector 22 is located near the focal point of the convex lens 26. Alternatively, the optical member 40 may be configured so that the light-emitting area of ​​the converging lens 24 is located near the focal point of the convex lens 26. This allows the light-emitting area of ​​the converging lens 24 to be projected in front of the convex lens 26 as a light source.

[0104] (Variation) Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of the concentrating lens 24 according to a modified example of the present embodiment. The concentrating lens 44 shown in Fig. 21 has a lens portion 24c2 and an extended lens portion 24c4 arranged in front of the LED 20a2. The extended lens portion 24c4 has an incident portion 24c5 onto which light L1' emitted obliquely from the light-emitting surface of the LED 20a2 is incident, and a reflecting surface 24c6 that totally reflects the incident light L1' toward the front of the concentrating lens 44. This allows light L1' emitted from the light-emitting surface in a direction closer to the horizontal to also be emitted toward the front of the concentrating lens 44.

[0105] [Fourth embodiment] An optical unit having the optical member according to this embodiment can be used in various vehicle lamps.

[0106] (condensing lens) Next, an optical member according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the optical member according to this embodiment. Fig. 23 is a top view of the optical member according to this embodiment. Fig. 24 is a rear view of the optical member according to this embodiment.

[0107] Optical member 40 according to this embodiment includes condenser lens 124 as an optical control unit that controls light incident on back side 124a and outputs it from front side 124b, and plate-shaped base 42 adjacent to condenser lens 124. Condenser lens 124 includes multiple lens portions (first lenses) 124c corresponding to the light emitted from multiple LEDs 20a serving as light-emitting elements. Controlling light means, for example, directing light in a desired pattern, direction, or area.

[0108] Here, the lens portion 124c in the optical member 40 according to the present embodiment has a shape that refracts light that passes through it and focuses the light, and one lens portion 124c corresponds to one LED 20a. The lens portion 124c according to the present embodiment has a convex shape on both the back side 124a and the front side 124b. In addition, in the optical control unit, for example, the surface area of ​​the front side 124b, through which the light emitted from the LED 20a passes and exits, functions as a light-emitting surface of a pseudo light source.

[0109] The optical member 40 is a thin component, with the thickness of the base 42 being 0.1 mm or more, preferably about 0.3 mm to 5 mm. The optical member 40 according to this embodiment is a member having a large area other than the condenser lens 124. Therefore, if one attempts to manufacture the optical member 40 integrally with the transparent condenser lens 124, it must be made entirely of a transparent material.

[0110] The optical member 40 according to this embodiment is an injection-molded product made of a transparent material, such as heat-resistant silicone, acrylic, polycarbonate, or glass. From the viewpoint of heat resistance, heat-resistant silicone (heat-resistant temperature of 180°C or higher) or glass is preferably used. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of freedom in designing the shape of the optical member, heat-resistant silicone is more preferable because it is relatively easy to forcibly remove from a mold. This allows optical members with somewhat complex shapes to be manufactured using simple mold configurations and manufacturing methods.

[0111] (Optical path changing section) As described above, the optical unit 18 of this embodiment includes a first light source 20 in which a plurality of LEDs 20a are arranged in an array, a focusing lens 124 having a plurality of lens portions 124c corresponding to each of the plurality of LEDs 20a and focusing the light emitted from the first light source 20, a rotating reflector 22 that rotates around a rotation axis while reflecting the light that has passed through the focusing lens 124, and a convex lens 26 that projects the light reflected by the rotating reflector 22 in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit 18 (forward of the vehicle).

[0112] As shown in Figures 22 to 24, the collecting lens 124 according to this embodiment has five lens portions 124c (124c1 to 124c5) arranged in a row. Figure 25 is a schematic diagram showing the BB cross section of the optical member shown in Figure 23. Figure 26 is a schematic diagram showing the optical path of light obliquely emitted from the light emitting element according to this embodiment toward the optical member.

[0113] Since the lens portions 124c1-124c5 according to the present embodiment are closely spaced and connected in an array, there is a risk that light emitted from the corresponding LEDs 20a1-20a5 may be directly incident on the adjacent lens portions 124c1-124c5. For example, light L3 emitted from the LED 20a2 corresponding to the lens portion 124c2 shown in Fig. 25 is directly incident on the incident surface 124a1 of the adjacent lens portion 124c1 without being refracted and is then emitted from the exit surface 124b1, and may be incident on the convex lens 26 as shown in Fig. 26.

[0114] Since the light L3 is not controlled by being reflected by the rotating reflector 22, when it is projected forward through the convex lens 26, it may illuminate an area different from the desired light distribution pattern, which may cause glare.

[0115] Therefore, the collecting lens 124 according to the present embodiment includes optical path changing units 124d1 to 124d4 for suppressing the occurrence of glare due to the above-mentioned light L3. For example, the optical path changing unit 124d2 shown in Fig. 25 changes the optical path of part of the light L3 emitted by the LED 20a3 so that the light emitted by the LED 20a3 corresponding to the lens unit 124c3 does not directly enter the incident surface 124a2 of the adjacent lens unit 124c2.

[0116] That is, the optical path changing section 124d2 makes it difficult for a portion of light L3 emitted by the LED 20a3 to be incident as is on the adjacent lens section 124c2 other than the corresponding lens section 124c3. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of glare that may occur when the light L3 emitted by the LED 20a3 is incident as is on the incident surface 124a2 of the adjacent lens section 124c2 (the optical path of the light L3 shown by the dotted line).

[0117] The optical path changing portion 124d2 has a reflecting surface 124e2 that totally reflects the incident light L3 toward the exit surface 124b2 of another adjacent lens portion 124c2, thereby changing the optical path of the light L3' that exits from the exit surface 124b2 of the adjacent lens portion 124c2.

[0118] Furthermore, the optical path changing section 124d2 has a reflecting surface 124e2 configured so that light L3' emitted from the emission surface 124b2 of the adjacent lens section 124c2 does not head toward the convex lens 26, as shown in Fig. 26. As a result, light L3 emitted obliquely from the LED 20a3 corresponding to the lens section 124c3 becomes light L3' emitted from the adjacent lens section 124c2 and does not enter the convex lens 26, thereby preventing the light L3 from being projected by the convex lens 26 and causing glare.

[0119] The optical path changing unit 124d2 also has an incident portion 124f2 into which light L3 is incident. The light L3 is emitted obliquely from the light-emitting surface of the LED 20a3 toward the adjacent lens portion 124c2, not toward the corresponding lens portion 124c3. The incident portion 124f2 is a protrusion (protruding portion) that protrudes from the lens portion 124c3 on the side facing the LED 20a3. The incident portion 124f2, which is a protrusion, is provided in the region between the adjacent lens portion 124c2 and the lens portion 124c3. This makes it easier for light L3, which is emitted obliquely from the light-emitting surface of the LED 20a3 corresponding to the lens portion 124c3 toward the adjacent lens portion 124c2, to be incident into the optical path changing unit 124d2.

[0120] Next, a case will be described in which glare is suppressed by causing the light whose optical path has been changed by the optical path changing section 124d3 to exit from the back side 124a of the condenser lens 124 instead of exiting from the front side 124b.

[0121] 25, the optical path changing unit 124d3 is provided so that light L4 emitted by the LED 20a4 corresponding to the lens unit 124c4 does not directly enter the adjacent lens unit 124c3. The light L4 refracted at the entrance portion 124f3 of the optical path changing unit 124d3 passes through the inside of the concentrating lens 124, is totally reflected by the exit surface 124b3 of the lens unit 124c, and exits from the back side 124a of the concentrating lens 124. As a result, the oblique light L4 emitted by the LED 20a4 and directed toward the adjacent lens unit 124c3 does not exit from the front side 124b of the concentrating lens 124, thereby suppressing the occurrence of glare.

[0122] The above-mentioned optical path changing sections 124d1 to 124d4 all have the same function, but the optical path changing sections 124d1 to 124d4 may all have the same shape, or some or all of them may have different shapes or configurations.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 26 , the optical unit 18 according to this embodiment includes a rotary reflector 22 that rotates around a rotation axis R while reflecting light transmitted through the condensing lens 124 toward the convex lens 26. The first light source 20 is disposed so that the vertical direction Y of the light-emitting surface of the LED 20a intersects with the optical axis Ax of the convex lens 26. The rotary reflector 22 is disposed so that the rotation axis R is oblique to the vertical direction Y of the light-emitting surface and the optical axis Ax. Here, the optical axis can be considered, for example, as a straight line that passes through the focal point where light incident parallel to the front of the lens is condensed and is parallel to the incident light. Alternatively, the optical axis can be considered as a straight line that passes through the most convex part of the convex lens and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in a horizontal plane. Alternatively, in the case of a circular (arc) lens, the optical axis can be considered as a straight line that passes through the center of the circle (arc) and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in a horizontal plane. Therefore, it can be said that blade 22a has a twisted shape such that the angle between rotation axis R and the reflective surface changes along the circumferential direction about rotation axis R. Condenser lens 124 is disposed between the plurality of LEDs 20a and rotating reflector 22. As described above, optical path changing portions 124d1 to 124d4 are configured so that light emitted from the emission surfaces of adjacent lens portions 124c is directed toward gap region R5 between convex lens 26 and rotating reflector 22. As a result, light L3 and L4 whose optical paths are changed by optical path changing portions 124d1 to 24d4 are not projected forward by convex lens 26, and the occurrence of glare in the forward direction is suppressed.

[0124] Furthermore, optical unit 18 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to emit a variable high beam by individually turning on and off the multiple LEDs 20a. Therefore, if LED 20a2 shown in FIG. 25 is turned off and LED 20a3 is turned on, a portion of the light emitted by LED 20a3 may be emitted directly from lens portion 124c2 corresponding to the turned-off LED 20a2, thereby illuminating an area that should not be illuminated. However, optical unit 18 according to this embodiment includes optical path changing portions 124d1 to 124d4, thereby suppressing glare in non-illuminated areas (light-blocking areas) formed as part of the light distribution pattern produced by the variable high beam.

[0125] Furthermore, the optical unit according to a modified example of this embodiment may not have a rotating reflector 22, and may, for example, be arranged so that the light-emitting surface of a light source consisting of a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a matrix faces the incident surface of the projection lens, and the optical element according to this embodiment may be arranged between the projection lens and the light-emitting surface of the light source.

[0126] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and suitable combinations or substitutions of the configurations of the embodiments are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, it is possible for those skilled in the art to appropriately rearrange the combinations and processing orders in the embodiments, or to make various design changes or other modifications to the embodiments, based on their knowledge, and such modified embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0127] For example, the convex lens 26 in the above-described embodiment has left and right diffusion sections formed on a portion of the incident surface and upper and lower diffusion sections formed on almost the entire surface of the exit surface, but it may also be that upper and lower diffusion sections are formed on the entire surface of the incident surface and left and right diffusion sections are formed on a portion of the exit surface.

[0128] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a rotating reflector 22 having blades 22a is used, but a polygon mirror may be used instead of the rotating reflector 22. Alternatively, a MEMS mirror (resonant mirror) may be used instead of the rotating reflector 22. Alternatively, a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) in which a large number of movable micromirrors are arranged in a matrix may be used instead of the rotating reflector 22.

[0129] In addition, although the above embodiment describes a combination of a light source having a plurality of light-emitting elements and an optical member having a plurality of first lenses, a combination of a light source having a single light-emitting element and an optical member having a single first lens may also be used. In this embodiment, the light-emitting area of ​​the first lens is expanded by the expansion lens portion 24c3, thereby widening the illumination area of ​​the light distribution pattern.

[0130] Furthermore, although the first light source 20 according to the above-described embodiment includes five LEDs 20a arranged in a row, the light source may be one in which a larger number of light-emitting elements are arranged in an array or atrium. [Industrial Applicability]

[0131] The present invention relates to an optical unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] L1 first light, P1 first light distribution pattern, R1 first incident area, L2 second light, P2 second light distribution pattern, R2 second incident area, 10 vehicle headlamp, 18 optical unit, 20 first light source, 20a LED, 22 rotating reflector, 22a blade, 22b rotating portion, 22d reflecting surface, 26 convex lens, 26b exit surface, 26c incident surface, 28 second light source, 28a LED, 36 left and right diffusion portion, 38 top and bottom diffusion portion.

Claims

1. A light source having a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in an array; an optical member having a plurality of first lenses corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting elements, respectively, and configured to condense light emitted from the light source; a second lens that projects the light transmitted through the optical member as a light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit, At least one of the plurality of first lenses has a condensing lens portion located in front of the light-emitting surface of the corresponding light-emitting element, and an expanding lens portion that receives light obliquely emitted from the light-emitting surface and emits the light toward the front of the first lens, thereby expanding the light-emitting area of ​​the first lens, The optical unit is characterized in that the optical unit forms an upper region of the light distribution pattern by reflecting and scanning a pattern of a portion of the light-emitting region of the first lens that corresponds to the extended lens portion.

2. The optical element further includes a rotating reflector that rotates around a rotation axis while reflecting light that has passed through the optical element, 2. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the rotating reflector forms a part of the light distribution pattern by reflecting and scanning the pattern of the light emitting area of ​​the first lens.

3. a light source in which a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged in an array; an optical member having a plurality of first lenses corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting elements, respectively, and configured to condense light emitted from the light source; a rotating reflector that rotates around a rotation axis while reflecting light that has passed through the optical member; a second lens that projects the light reflected by the rotating reflector as a light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit, At least one of the plurality of first lenses has a condensing lens portion located in front of the light-emitting surface of the corresponding light-emitting element, and an expanding lens portion that receives light obliquely emitted from the light-emitting surface and emits the light toward the front of the first lens, thereby expanding the light-emitting area of ​​the first lens, the extension lens portion extends the pattern of the light emitting area of ​​the first lens in the vertical direction; The optical unit is characterized in that the rotating reflector forms at least a part of the light distribution pattern by reflecting the pattern expanded in the vertical direction by the expansion lens portion and scanning it in the left-right direction.

4. 4. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the extended lens portion is a Fresnel lens.

5. 5. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the extension lens portion has a reflecting surface that totally reflects incident light toward a front surface of the first lens.

6. The optical unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the upper region of the light distribution pattern is formed by reflecting and scanning a pattern of a portion of the light-emitting region of the first lens that corresponds to the extended lens portion.

7. 7. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the optical element is configured such that the light-emitting area of ​​the first lens or a virtual image of the light-emitting area is located near the focal point of the second lens.

8. a light source having a light-emitting element; a first lens corresponding to the light emitting element and configured to condense light emitted from the light emitting element; a rotating reflector that rotates about a rotation axis while reflecting light that has passed through the first lens; a second lens that projects the light reflected by the rotating reflector as a light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit, The first lens has a condensing lens portion located in front of the light-emitting surface of the corresponding light-emitting element, and an expanding lens portion that receives light obliquely emitted from the light-emitting surface and emits the light toward the front of the first lens, thereby expanding the light-emitting area of ​​the first lens, the extension lens portion extends the pattern of the light emitting area of ​​the first lens in the vertical direction; The optical unit is characterized in that the rotating reflector forms at least a part of the light distribution pattern by reflecting the pattern expanded in the vertical direction by the expansion lens portion and scanning it in the left-right direction.

9. A light source having a light-emitting element; a first lens corresponding to the light emitting element and configured to condense light emitted from the light emitting element; a second lens that projects the light transmitted through the first lens as a light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit, The first lens has a condensing lens portion located in front of the light-emitting surface of the corresponding light-emitting element, and an expanding lens portion that receives light obliquely emitted from the light-emitting surface and emits the light toward the front of the first lens, thereby expanding the light-emitting area of ​​the first lens, The optical unit is characterized in that the optical unit forms an upper region of the light distribution pattern by reflecting and scanning a pattern of a portion of the light-emitting region of the first lens that corresponds to the extended lens portion.

10. a light source in which a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged in an array; an optical member having a plurality of first lenses corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting elements, respectively, and configured to condense light emitted from the light source; a second lens that projects the light transmitted through the optical member as a light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit, at least one of the plurality of first lenses has an optical path changing portion that changes an optical path of light emitted from the corresponding light-emitting element so as to prevent the light emitted from the corresponding light-emitting element from being directly incident on another adjacent first lens, The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the optical path changing portion has a reflecting surface that totally reflects incident light toward an exit surface of the adjacent other first lens.

11. The optical unit according to claim 10, characterized in that the reflecting surface of the optical path changing section is configured so that light emitted from the exit surface of the adjacent other first lens does not head toward the second lens.

12. A light source having a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in an array; an optical member having a plurality of first lenses corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting elements, respectively, and configured to condense light emitted from the light source; a second lens that projects the light transmitted through the optical member as a light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit, at least one of the plurality of first lenses has an optical path changing portion that changes an optical path of light emitted from the corresponding light-emitting element so as to prevent the light emitted from the corresponding light-emitting element from being directly incident on another adjacent first lens, The optical unit is characterized in that the optical path changing section has an incident section into which light that is emitted obliquely from the light emitting surface of the light emitting element toward the adjacent other first lens rather than toward the corresponding first lens is incident.

13. A light source having a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in an array; an optical member having a plurality of first lenses corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting elements, respectively, and configured to condense light emitted from the light source; a second lens that projects the light transmitted through the optical member as a light distribution pattern in the light irradiation direction of the optical unit; a rotating reflector that rotates around a rotation axis while reflecting the light that has passed through the optical member toward the second lens, at least one of the plurality of first lenses has an optical path changing portion that changes an optical path of light emitted from the corresponding light-emitting element so as to prevent the light emitted from the corresponding light-emitting element from being directly incident on another adjacent first lens, the light source is disposed so that a vertical direction of a light emitting surface of the light emitting element intersects with an optical axis of the second lens, the rotating reflector is disposed so that the rotation axis is oblique to a direction perpendicular to the light-emitting surface and to the optical axis, the optical member is disposed between the plurality of light-emitting elements and the rotating reflector, An optical unit characterized in that the optical path changing section is configured so that light emitted from the exit surface of the adjacent other first lens is directed toward the gap area between the second lens and the rotating reflector.

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