Vehicle headlamp

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle headlamp that projects light forward, comprising: a plurality of light sources arranged along a left-right direction; a plurality of first optical elements arranged along the left-right direction so as to correspond to the light sources; and a second optical element having at least one output surface. Each of the plurality of first optical elements is configured to output, as collimated light, light output from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources toward the second optical element. At least a portion of the collimated light output from each of the plurality of first optical elements and entering the second optical element is output from the same output surface and projected onto different positions in the left-right direction.

Description

Vehicle headlights

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle headlamp that includes an optical unit in which a reflector that reflects light from a light source and a lens that deflects the light reflected by the reflector and irradiates it outside the optical unit are integrally formed with a translucent member that transmits the light from the light source.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-241349

[0004] However, in an optical unit having such a light-transmitting member, if the length of the light-transmitting member in the front-to-rear direction is greater than the length of the light-transmitting member in the left-to-right direction, it becomes difficult to obtain a diffused component in the left-to-right direction in the light distribution.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle headlamp that is capable of forming a diffused light distribution pattern.

[0006] A vehicle headlamp according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle headlamp that emits light forward, and includes: a plurality of light sources arranged along a left-right direction; a plurality of first optical elements arranged along the left-right direction to correspond to the light sources; and a second optical element having at least one exit surface, wherein each of the plurality of first optical elements is configured to emit light emitted from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources to the second optical element as parallel light, and at least a portion of the parallel light emitted from each of the plurality of first optical elements and incident on the second optical element is emitted from the same exit surface and is irradiated at different positions in the left-right direction.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlamp that can form a diffused light distribution pattern.

[0008] 6 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an optical unit mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a cross section taken along line II-II in FIG. 1 as viewed from the direction of the arrows. FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an optical unit mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an optical unit mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to a first modified example of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a cross section taken along line V-V in FIG. 4 as viewed from the direction of the arrows. FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an optical unit mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a cross section taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6 as viewed from the direction of the arrows. FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an optical unit mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an optical unit mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a cross section taken along line X-X in FIG. 1 as viewed from the direction of the arrows. FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an optical unit mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a cross section taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 11 as viewed from the direction of the arrows. Fig. 13 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an optical unit mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to Modification 2 of the present disclosure. Fig. 14 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an optical unit mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to Modification 3 of the present disclosure.

[0009] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing used in the following description, the scale has been changed as necessary so that each component can be recognized. In addition, in the drawings, arrow U indicates the upward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow D indicates the downward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow F indicates the forward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow B indicates the backward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow R indicates the rightward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow L indicates the leftward direction of the illustrated structure. These directions are relative directions set for the optical unit 10 shown in FIG. 1, and the direction of light irradiation from the optical unit 10 is the forward direction.

[0010] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an optical unit 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a cross section taken along line II-II in Fig. 1 as viewed from the direction of the arrows.

[0011] The optical unit 10 is mounted in a vehicle headlamp and configured to form a low-beam light distribution pattern including a cut-off line ahead. The vehicle headlamp includes an outer lens and a housing (not shown) in addition to the optical unit 10 shown in Fig. 1, and the optical unit 10 is disposed within a lamp chamber formed by the outer lens and the housing.

[0012] 1 , the optical unit 10 includes a plurality of light sources 11, a plurality of reflectors 12, and a lens element 13. The reflectors 12 are an example of a first optical element. The lens element 13 is an example of a second optical element.

[0013] The light sources 11 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. In this example, three light sources 11A, 11B, and 11C are arranged in a row (straight line) in the left-right direction.

[0014] The expression "lined up along the left-right direction" used in this specification does not only mean that multiple light sources or other components are lined up in a row (straight line) along the left-right direction, but also includes cases where they are lined up, for example, along a virtual line curved along the left-right direction. Furthermore, the expression "lined up in a row along the left-right direction" used in this specification does not only mean that multiple light sources or other components are lined up in a row in the left-right direction, but also includes cases where they are arranged in a row in a direction located within a range of less than ±45 degrees from the left-right direction.

[0015] Each of the plurality of light sources 11 is mounted on a substrate 14 with its light-emitting surface facing rearward. A heat sink may be provided on the front surface of the substrate 14. A substrate 14 is provided for each light source 11, but the plurality of light sources 11 may be arranged on a single substrate 14. As the light source 11, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an LD (Laser Diode) may be used.

[0016] The multiple reflectors 12 are lined up in the left-right direction so as to correspond to the multiple light sources 11. The number of reflectors 12 is the same as the number of light sources 11. In this example, three reflectors 12A, 12B, and 12C are lined up in a row in the left-right direction. The reflectors 12 are attached to, for example, a substrate 14 on which the corresponding light sources 11 are arranged.

[0017] Each of the plurality of reflectors 12 is configured to convert light emitted from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources 11 into parallel light and emit it to the lens element 13 .

[0018] Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the reflector 12 has a reflecting surface 121 that reflects light emitted from the light source 11. For example, the reflecting surface 121 is formed as a parabolic surface. In this example, the parabolic surface is a paraboloid of revolution obtained by rotating a parabola around an axis extending in the vertical direction. The reflecting surface 121 formed as a parabolic surface is configured as a total reflection surface that reflects light emitted from the focus of the parabola downward as parallel light. The light source 11 is disposed near the focus of the parabolic surface that constitutes the reflecting surface 121.

[0019] The lens element 13 has an incident surface 131, a plurality of reflecting surfaces 132, and a plurality of exit surfaces 133. The lens element 13 is formed of, for example, a transparent resin material or a glass material.

[0020] Each of the multiple reflecting surfaces 132 is configured to reflect, toward the exit surface 133, the parallel light emitted from a corresponding one of the multiple reflectors 12 and incident on the lens element 13 from the entrance surface 131.

[0021] The plurality of reflective surfaces 132 are formed on the rear surface of the lens element 13. In other words, the rear surface of the lens element 13 is divided into the plurality of reflective surfaces 132. The number of reflective surfaces 132 is formed to be equal to or greater than the number of light sources 11 and reflectors 12. In this example, three reflective surfaces 132A, 132B, and 132C are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0022] Furthermore, the multiple reflecting surfaces 132 are configured so that some of the parallel light beams emitted from the multiple reflectors 12 and incident on the lens element 13 reach the same exit surface 133. Specifically, the multiple reflecting surfaces 132 are configured to reflect the parallel light beams emitted from the multiple reflectors 12 in different directions from each other. In this example, the reflecting surfaces 132A, 132B, and 132C each have a rearward convex shape when viewed from above, and the reflecting surface 132A is formed to face forward, the reflecting surface 132B is formed to face diagonally forward to the right, and the reflecting surface 132C is formed to face diagonally forward to the left.

[0023] Each of the plurality of light exit surfaces 133 is configured to refract incident parallel light in a desired direction and emit light to create a desired light distribution pattern. Each of the plurality of light exit surfaces 133 has a forward convex lens shape with a single focal point. The plurality of light exit surfaces 133 are aligned in the left-right direction.

[0024] The plurality of light exit surfaces 133 are formed on the front surface of the lens element 13. In other words, the front surface of the lens element 13 is divided into the plurality of light exit surfaces 133. The number of light exit surfaces 133 is greater than the number of light sources 11 and reflectors 12. In this example, five light exit surfaces 133 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction.

[0025] In FIG. 1 , a virtual plane passing through the focal positions f of the five exit surfaces 133 and perpendicular to the optical axis of each exit surface 133 is defined as a focal plane f10. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the lens element 13 has a cutoff line forming portion 134 near the focal position f of each exit surface 133. The cutoff line forming portion 134 is formed by the boundary between the first surface 135 and the second surface 136. The first surface 135 extends to the focal position f of the exit surface 133 on a plane including the front-rear and left-right directions. The second surface 136 extends to the focal position f of the exit surface 133 on a plane including the up-down and left-right directions. The cutoff line forming portion 134 has a shape corresponding to the cutoff line of the low-beam light distribution pattern. For example, the cutoff line forming portion 134 extends in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, and a step is formed in its center.

[0026] Of the light that enters lens element 13 and heads toward exit surface 133, light that heads toward a region below cutoff line forming portion 134 is totally reflected by first surface 135 and reaches exit surface 133. As a result, the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from exit surface 133 becomes a light distribution pattern having a cutoff line that corresponds to cutoff line forming portion 134. The light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from each exit surface 133 are superimposed to form a low-beam light distribution pattern.

[0027] Here, in the optical unit 10, as described above, at least a portion of the parallel light emitted from the multiple light sources 11 and incident on the lens element 13 is emitted from the same exit surface 133 and irradiated at different positions in the left and right directions.

[0028] 1 and 2, light L11 emitted from light source 11A is reflected by the corresponding reflector 12A as parallel light toward incident surface 131 of lens element 13. A portion of the parallel light L11 incident on incident surface 131 of lens element 13 is reflected forward by reflecting surface 132A and directed toward exit surface 133A. Light L11 reaching exit surface 133A is refracted by exit surface 133A and emitted forward.

[0029] Furthermore, light L12, at least a part of the parallel light emitted from light source 11B, reflected by reflector 12B, and incident on lens element 13, is reflected diagonally forward to the right by reflecting surface 132B and proceeds toward exit surface 133A. Light L12 that reaches exit surface 133A is refracted by exit surface 133A and is emitted in a direction further to the right than light L11.

[0030] Furthermore, light L13, at least a part of the parallel light emitted from light source 11C, reflected by reflector 12C, and incident on lens element 13, is reflected diagonally forward left by reflecting surface 132C and proceeds to exit surface 133A. Light L13 that reaches exit surface 133A is refracted by exit surface 133A and is emitted in a direction further left than light L11.

[0031] Thus, according to the optical unit 10 of the first embodiment, a portion of the light emitted from the same exit surface 133 is diffused in the left-right direction, making it possible to form a diffused light distribution pattern with a simple configuration.

[0032] Second Embodiment Fig. 3 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an optical unit 20 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the optical unit 20 is basically the same as the cross-sectional shape of the optical unit 10 shown in Fig. 2, and therefore a cross-sectional view is omitted.

[0033] In the optical unit 10 according to the first embodiment, the shapes of the multiple reflecting surfaces 132 of the lens element 13 are designed so that some of the parallel light beams incident from the multiple reflectors 12 reach the same exit surface 133. In contrast, in the optical unit 20 according to the second embodiment, the shapes of the multiple reflecting surfaces of the lens element and the arrangement of the multiple light sources and reflectors are designed so that some of the parallel light beams incident from the multiple reflectors reach the same exit surface. Note that the rest of the configuration of the optical unit 20 is basically the same as that of the optical unit 10 according to the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0034] 3, the optical unit 20 includes a plurality of light sources 21, a plurality of reflectors 22, and a lens element 23. The reflectors 22 are an example of a first optical element. The lens element 23 is an example of a second optical element.

[0035] The light sources 21 are arranged in a line in the left-right direction. Each of the light sources 21 is mounted on a substrate 24 with its light-emitting surface facing rearward. The light sources 21 may be LEDs or LDs.

[0036] The plurality of reflectors 22 are arranged in the left-right direction so as to correspond to the plurality of light sources 21. The number of reflectors 22 is the same as the number of light sources 21. The reflectors 22 are attached to corresponding substrates 24, for example.

[0037] Each of the plurality of reflectors 22 is configured to convert light emitted from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources 21 into parallel light and emit it to the lens element 23. Specifically, the reflector 22 has a reflective surface (not shown) formed as a parabolic surface that reflects the light emitted from the light source 21. The light source 21 is disposed near the focus of the parabolic surface that constitutes the reflective surface.

[0038] The lens element 23 has an incident surface 231 (see FIG. 2), a plurality of reflecting surfaces 232, and a plurality of exit surfaces 233. The lens element 23 is formed of, for example, a transparent resin material or a glass material.

[0039] Each of the plurality of reflecting surfaces 232 is configured to reflect, toward the exit surface 233, the parallel light emitted from the corresponding one of the plurality of reflectors 22 and incident on the lens element 23 from the entrance surface 231. The number of reflecting surfaces 232 is formed to be equal to or greater than the number of light sources 21 and reflectors 22. In this example, three reflecting surfaces 232A, 232B, and 232C are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0040] Each of the plurality of exit surfaces 233 is configured to refract incident parallel light in a desired direction and emit light to form a desired light distribution pattern. Each of the plurality of exit surfaces 233 has a forward convex lens shape with a single focal point. The plurality of exit surfaces 233 are lined up in the left-right direction. The number of exit surfaces 233 is formed so that the number of exit surfaces 233 is greater than the number of light sources 21 and reflectors 22. In this example, five exit surfaces 233 are lined up in a row in the left-right direction.

[0041] The lens element 23 has a cutoff line forming portion (not shown) near the focal position f of each light exit surface 233. The cutoff line forming portion has a shape corresponding to the cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern. The light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the light exit surface 233 is a light distribution pattern having a cutoff line corresponding to the cutoff line forming portion. The light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from each light exit surface 233 are superimposed to form the low beam light distribution pattern.

[0042] Here, in the optical unit 20, the arrangement of the multiple light sources 21 and the multiple reflectors 22, as well as the shape of the multiple reflecting surfaces 232, are designed so that some of the parallel light emitted from the multiple reflectors 22 and incident on the lens element 23 reaches the same exit surface 233.

[0043] Specifically, the plurality of light sources 21 and the plurality of reflectors 22 are configured so that the parallel light beams emitted from the plurality of reflectors 22 are emitted in different directions. In this example, when viewed from above, pairs of light sources 21 and reflectors 22 are arranged at an angle relative to other pairs of light sources 21 and reflectors 22, and the plurality of pairs of light sources 21 and reflectors 22 are lined up on an imaginary line curved along the left-right direction.

[0044] In this example, the exit surface of light source 21B is tilted to the left relative to the exit surface of light source 21A, and the exit surface of light source 21C is tilted to the right relative to the exit surface of light source 21A, and the three light sources 21A, 21B, and 21C are lined up on a virtual line curved along the left-right direction.

[0045] In addition, the reflective surface of reflector 22B is inclined to the left relative to the reflective surface of reflector 22A, and the reflective surface of reflector 22C is inclined to the right relative to the reflective surface of reflector 22A, and the three reflectors 22A, 22B, and 22C are lined up on an imaginary line curved along the left-right direction.

[0046] The multiple reflecting surfaces 232 are configured to reflect the parallel light beams emitted from the multiple reflectors 22 in different directions. In this example, the reflecting surfaces 232A, 232B, and 232C each have a rearward convex shape when viewed from above, with the reflecting surface 232A facing forward, the reflecting surface 232B facing diagonally forward to the right, and the reflecting surface 232C facing diagonally forward to the left. The shape of the reflecting surface 232 is appropriately designed depending on the arrangement of the multiple light sources 21 and the multiple reflectors 22. For example, the reflecting surface 232 is formed to have a gentler curve when viewed from above than the reflecting surface 132 of the first embodiment.

[0047] In the optical unit 20 configured as described above, some of the parallel light emitted from the multiple reflectors 22, incident on the lens element 23, and reaching the same exit surface 233 is irradiated to different positions in the left and right directions from the exit surface 233.

[0048] 3, light L21 emitted from light source 21A is reflected by the corresponding reflector 22A as parallel light toward incident surface 231 (see FIG. 2) of lens element 23. Light L21, a portion of the parallel light incident on incident surface 231 of lens element 23, is reflected forward by reflecting surface 232A and directed toward exit surface 233A. Light L21 that reaches exit surface 233A is refracted at exit surface 233A and emitted forward.

[0049] Furthermore, light L22, at least a part of the parallel light emitted from light source 21B, reflected by reflector 22B, and incident on lens element 23, is reflected diagonally forward to the right by reflecting surface 232B and proceeds toward exit surface 233A. Light L22 that reaches exit surface 233A is refracted by exit surface 233A and is emitted in a direction further to the right than light L21.

[0050] Furthermore, light L23, at least a part of the parallel light emitted from light source 21C, reflected by reflector 22C, and incident on lens element 23, is reflected diagonally forward left by reflecting surface 232C and proceeds toward exit surface 233A. Light L23 that reaches exit surface 233A is refracted by exit surface 233A and is emitted in a direction further left than light L21.

[0051] In this way, also in the optical unit 20 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitted from the same emission surface 233 is diffused in the left-right direction and emitted, so that a diffuse light distribution pattern can be formed.

[0052] In the first and second embodiments, the light source and the reflector are disposed on the upper side, and the lens element is disposed on the lower side. However, the light source and the reflector may be disposed on the lower side, and the lens element may be disposed on the upper side.

[0053] (Modification 1) Fig. 4 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the optical unit 30 mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to Modification 1 of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a cross section taken along line VV in Fig. 4 as viewed from the direction of the arrows.

[0054] In the optical unit 20 according to the second embodiment, the reflector 22 as the first optical element and the lens element 23 as the second optical element are configured as separate bodies. In contrast, the optical unit 30 according to the first modification is configured as a one-piece molded product in which a plurality of first optical elements and second optical elements are integrally formed.

[0055] 4, the optical unit 30 includes a plurality of light sources 31 and lens elements 32. The lens elements 32 are an example of the first optical elements and the second optical elements.

[0056] Each of the plurality of light sources 31 is mounted on a substrate (not shown) with its light-emitting surface facing downward. The light sources 31 may be LEDs or LDs.

[0057] The light sources 31 are arranged in a line along the left-right direction. In this example, when viewed from above, the light source 31B is tilted leftward relative to the light source 31A, and the light source 31C is tilted rightward relative to the light source 31A, and the three light sources 31A, 31B, and 31C are arranged on a virtual line curved along the left-right direction.

[0058] The lens element 32 has a plurality of incident surfaces 321, a plurality of reflecting surfaces 322, and a plurality of exit surfaces 323. The lens element 32 is formed of, for example, a transparent resin material or a glass material.

[0059] The multiple incident portions 321 are provided to correspond to the multiple light sources 31. The number of incident portions 321 is the same as the number of light sources 31. In this example, when viewed from above, incident portions 321B and 321C are provided further forward than incident portion 321A, and the three incident portions 321A, 321B, and 321C are lined up on an imaginary line curved along the left-right direction.

[0060] Each of the plurality of incident portions 321 is configured to refract or reflect light emitted from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources 31 to form parallel light.

[0061] Specifically, the incident portion 321 has a first incident surface 3211, a second incident surface 3212, and a reflecting surface 3213. The first incident surface 3211 is provided at a position facing the light source 31. The second incident surface 3212 is provided as a vertical wall surrounding the periphery of the first incident surface 3211. The reflecting surface 3213 is provided so as to surround the periphery of the second incident surface 3212. Light incident from the light source 31 to the first incident surface 3211 is refracted by the first incident surface 3211 and travels toward the reflecting surface 322 as parallel light. Light incident from the light source 31 to the second incident surface 3212 is reflected by the reflecting surface 3213 and travels toward the reflecting surface 322 as parallel light.

[0062] Each of the plurality of reflecting surfaces 322 is configured to reflect the parallel light that has been refracted or reflected from a corresponding one of the plurality of incident portions 321 and has entered the reflecting surface 322, toward the plurality of exit surfaces 323. The number of reflecting surfaces 322 is formed so that the number is equal to or greater than the number of light sources 31 and incident portions 321. In this example, three reflecting surfaces 322A, 322B, and 322C are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0063] In this example, reflective surfaces 322A, 322B, and 322C each have a convex shape facing rearward when viewed from above, with reflective surface 322A formed to face forward, reflective surface 322B formed to face diagonally forward to the right, and reflective surface 322C formed to face diagonally forward to the left.

[0064] Each of the plurality of exit surfaces 323 is configured to refract incident parallel light in a desired direction and emit light to create a desired light distribution pattern. Each of the plurality of exit surfaces 323 has a forward convex lens shape with a single focal point. The plurality of exit surfaces 323 are lined up in the left-right direction. The number of exit surfaces 323 is formed so that the number of exit surfaces 323 is greater than the number of light sources 31 and incident portions 321. In this example, five exit surfaces 323 are lined up in a row in the left-right direction.

[0065] The lens element 32 has a cutoff line forming portion 324 near the focal position f of each light exit surface 323. The cutoff line forming portion 324 is formed by the boundary between the first surface 325 and the second surface 326. The first surface 325 extends to the focal position f of the light exit surface 323 on a plane including the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The second surface 326 extends to the focal position f of the light exit surface 323 on a plane including the up-down direction and the left-right direction. The cutoff line forming portion 324 has a shape corresponding to the cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern. For example, the cutoff line forming portion 324 extends in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, and a step is formed in the center.

[0066] Of the light that enters lens element 32 and heads toward exit surface 323, light that heads toward a region below cutoff line forming portion 324 is totally reflected by first surface 325 and reaches exit surface 323. As a result, the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from exit surface 323 becomes a light distribution pattern having a cutoff line that corresponds to cutoff line forming portion 324. The light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from each exit surface 323 are superimposed to form a low-beam light distribution pattern.

[0067] In the optical unit 30 configured as described above, at least a portion of the parallel light emitted from the multiple light sources 31 and incident on the lens element 32 is emitted from the same exit surface 323 and irradiated at different positions in the left and right directions.

[0068] 4 and 5, light L31 emitted from light source 31A enters corresponding incident portion 321A and is refracted or reflected as parallel light toward reflecting surface 322A. Part of the parallel light L31 that reaches reflecting surface 322A is reflected forward by reflecting surface 322A and travels toward exit surface 323A. Light L31 that reaches exit surface 323A is refracted at exit surface 323A and emitted forward.

[0069] Furthermore, light L32, at least a part of the parallel light emitted from light source 31B and reaching reflecting surface 322B via incident portion 321B, is reflected diagonally forward to the right by reflecting surface 322B and proceeds toward exit surface 323A. Light L32 reaching exit surface 323A is refracted by exit surface 323A and is emitted in a direction further to the right than light L31.

[0070] Furthermore, light L33, at least a part of the parallel light emitted from light source 31C and reaching reflecting surface 322C via incident portion 321C, is reflected diagonally forward left by reflecting surface 322C and proceeds toward exit surface 323A. Light L33 reaching exit surface 323A is refracted by exit surface 323A and is emitted further left than light L31.

[0071] In this way, also in the optical unit 30 according to the first modification of the present disclosure, the light emitted from the same emission surface 323 is diffused in the left-right direction and emitted, so that a diffuse light distribution pattern can be formed.

[0072] Furthermore, the need for positional adjustment between the first optical element and the second optical element is eliminated, and light utilization efficiency is improved compared to when the first optical element and the second optical element are configured as separate components.

[0073] In the above modified example, the light source 31 and the incident portion 321 of the lens element 32 are positioned on a virtual line curved along the left-right direction, but they may also be configured to be positioned in a line along the left-right direction, as in the first embodiment above.

[0074] (Third embodiment) Fig. 6 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an optical unit 40 mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a cross section taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 6 as viewed from the direction of the arrows.

[0075] 6, the optical unit 40 includes a plurality of light sources 41, a plurality of primary lenses 42, and a lens element 43. The primary lenses 42 are an example of a first optical element. The lens elements 43 are an example of a second optical element.

[0076] The light sources 41 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. In this example, three light sources 41A, 41B, and 41C are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. Each of the light sources 41 is mounted on a substrate (not shown) with its light-emitting surface facing forward. An LED or an LD can be used as the light source 41.

[0077] The multiple primary lenses 42 are lined up in the left-right direction so as to correspond to the multiple light sources 41. The number of primary lenses 42 is the same as the number of light sources 41. In this example, three primary lenses 42A, 42B, and 42C are lined up in a row in the left-right direction.

[0078] Each of the multiple primary lenses 42 is configured to convert light emitted from a corresponding one of the multiple light sources 41 into parallel light and emit it to the lens element 43. As the primary lens 42, for example, a collimating lens such as a TIR (Total Internal Reflection) lens can be used.

[0079] The lens element 43 has a plurality of incident surfaces 431 and a plurality of exit surfaces 432. The lens element 43 is made of, for example, a transparent resin material or a glass material.

[0080] Each of the multiple incident surfaces 431 is configured to refract the parallel light emitted from the corresponding primary lens 42 among the multiple primary lenses 42 and incident on the lens element 43 toward the exit surface 432.

[0081] The plurality of incident surfaces 431 are formed on the rear surface of the lens element 43. In other words, the rear surface of the lens element 43 is divided into the plurality of incident surfaces 431. The number of incident surfaces 431 is formed so that it is equal to or greater than the number of light sources 41 and primary lenses 42. In this example, three incident surfaces 431A, 431B, and 431C are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0082] Furthermore, the multiple incident surfaces 431 are configured so that some of the parallel light beams emitted from the multiple primary lenses 42 and incident on the lens element 43 reach the same exit surface 432. Specifically, the multiple incident surfaces 431 are configured to refract the parallel light beams emitted from the multiple primary lenses 42 in directions different from each other.

[0083] In this example, incident surfaces 431A, 431B, and 431C each have a convex shape facing rearward when viewed from above, with incident surface 431A formed to face rearward, incident surface 431B formed to face diagonally rearward to the left, and incident surface 431C formed to face diagonally rearward to the right.

[0084] Each of the plurality of light exit surfaces 432 is configured to refract incident parallel light in a desired direction and emit light to create a desired light distribution pattern. Each of the plurality of light exit surfaces 432 has a forward convex lens shape with a single focal point. The plurality of light exit surfaces 432 are aligned in the left-right direction.

[0085] The plurality of exit surfaces 432 are formed on the front surface of the lens element 43. In other words, the front surface of the lens element 43 is divided into the plurality of exit surfaces 432. The number of exit surfaces 432 is formed so that the number of exit surfaces 432 is greater than the number of light sources 41 and primary lenses 42. In this example, five exit surfaces 432 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction.

[0086] The lens element 43 has a cutoff line forming portion 433 near the focal position f of each light exit surface 432. The cutoff line forming portion 433 is formed by the boundary between the first surface 434 and the second surface 435. The first surface 434 extends to the focal position f of the light exit surface 432 on a plane including the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The second surface 435 extends to the focal position f of the light exit surface 432 on a plane including the up-down direction and the left-right direction. The cutoff line forming portion 433 has a shape corresponding to the cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern. For example, the cutoff line forming portion 433 extends in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, and a step is formed in the center.

[0087] Of the light that enters lens element 43 and heads toward exit surface 432, light that heads toward a region below cutoff line forming portion 433 is totally reflected by first surface 434 and reaches exit surface 432. As a result, the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from exit surface 432 becomes a light distribution pattern having a cutoff line that corresponds to cutoff line forming portion 433. The light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from each exit surface 432 are superimposed to form a low-beam light distribution pattern.

[0088] Here, in the optical unit 40, as described above, at least a portion of the parallel light emitted from the multiple light sources 41 and incident on the lens element 43 is emitted from the same exit surface 432 and irradiated at different positions in the left and right directions.

[0089] 6 and 7, light L41 emitted from light source 41A is emitted as parallel light by the corresponding primary lens 42A toward the incident surface 431A of lens element 43. Light L41, a portion of the parallel light incident on the incident surface 431A of lens element 43, is refracted by the incident surface 431A and directed toward the exit surface 432A. Light L41 that reaches the exit surface 432A is refracted at the exit surface 432A and emitted forward.

[0090] Furthermore, at least a portion of light L42 emitted from light source 41B, collimated by primary lens 42B, and incident on incident surface 431B of lens element 43 is refracted by incident surface 431B diagonally forward to the right and proceeds toward exit surface 432A. Light L42 that reaches exit surface 432A is refracted by exit surface 432A and emitted in a direction further to the right than light L41.

[0091] Furthermore, at least a portion of light L43 emitted from light source 41C, collimated by primary lens 42C, and incident on incident surface 431C of lens element 43 is refracted by incident surface 431C diagonally forward to the left and proceeds toward exit surface 432A. Light L43 that reaches exit surface 432A is refracted by exit surface 432A and emitted further left than light L41.

[0092] In this way, also in the optical unit 40 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitted from the same emission surface 432 is diffused in the left-right direction and emitted, so that a diffused light distribution pattern can be formed.

[0093] 8 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an optical unit 50 mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the optical unit 50 is basically the same as the cross-sectional shape of the optical unit 40 shown in FIG. 7, and therefore a cross-sectional view is omitted.

[0094] In the optical unit 30 according to the third embodiment, the shapes of the multiple incident surfaces 431 of the lens elements 43 are designed so that some of the parallel light beams incident from the multiple primary lenses 42 reach the same exit surface 432. In contrast, in the optical unit 50 according to the fourth embodiment, the shapes of the multiple incident surfaces of the lens elements and the arrangement of the multiple light sources and primary lenses are designed so that some of the parallel light beams incident from the multiple primary lenses reach the same exit surface. Note that the rest of the configuration of the optical unit 50 is basically the same as that of the optical unit 30 according to the third embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] 8, the optical unit 50 includes a plurality of light sources 51, a plurality of primary lenses 52, and a lens element 53. The primary lenses 52 are an example of a first optical element. The lens elements 53 are an example of a second optical element.

[0096] The light sources 51 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. Each of the light sources 51 is mounted on a substrate (not shown) with its light-emitting surface facing forward. The light sources 51 may be LEDs or LDs.

[0097] The multiple primary lenses 52 are arranged in the left-right direction so as to correspond to the multiple light sources 51. The number of primary lenses 52 is the same as the number of light sources 51.

[0098] Each of the plurality of primary lenses 52 is configured to convert light emitted from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources 51 into parallel light and emit it to the lens element 53. As the primary lens 52, for example, a collimator lens can be used.

[0099] The lens element 53 has a plurality of incident surfaces 531 and a plurality of exit surfaces 532. The lens element 53 is formed of, for example, a transparent resin material or a glass material.

[0100] Each of the multiple incident surfaces 531 is configured to refract parallel light emitted from a corresponding one of the multiple primary lenses 52 and incident on the lens element 53, toward the multiple exit surfaces 532. The number of incident surfaces 531 is formed so that it is equal to or greater than the number of light sources 51 and primary lenses 52. In this example, three incident surfaces 531A, 531B, and 531C are aligned in the left-right direction.

[0101] Each of the plurality of exit surfaces 532 is configured to refract incident parallel light in a desired direction and emit light to create a desired light distribution pattern. Each of the plurality of exit surfaces 532 has a forward convex lens shape with a single focal point. The plurality of exit surfaces 532 are lined up in the left-right direction. The number of exit surfaces 532 is formed so that the number of exit surfaces 532 is greater than the number of light sources 51 and primary lenses 52. In this example, five exit surfaces 532 are lined up in a row in the left-right direction.

[0102] The lens element 53 has a cutoff line forming portion (not shown) near the focal position f of each light exit surface 532. The cutoff line forming portion has a shape corresponding to the cutoff line of the low-beam light distribution pattern. The light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the light exit surface 532 is a light distribution pattern having a cutoff line corresponding to the cutoff line forming portion. The light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from each light exit surface 532 are superimposed to form the low-beam light distribution pattern.

[0103] Here, in the optical unit 50, the arrangement of the multiple light sources 51 and multiple primary lenses 52, as well as the shape of the multiple incident surfaces 531, are designed so that some of the parallel light emitted from the multiple primary lenses 52 and incident on the lens element 53 reaches the same exit surface 532.

[0104] Specifically, the plurality of light sources 51 and the plurality of primary lenses 52 are configured so that the parallel light beams emitted from the plurality of primary lenses 52 are emitted in mutually different directions. In this example, when viewed from above, pairs of light source 51 and primary lens 52 are disposed at an angle relative to other pairs of light source 51 and primary lens 52, and are aligned on an imaginary line curved along the left-right direction.

[0105] In this example, the exit surface of light source 51B is tilted to the right relative to the exit surface of light source 51A, and the exit surface of light source 51C is tilted to the left relative to the exit surface of light source 51A, and the three light sources 51A, 51B, and 51C are lined up on a virtual line curved along the left-right direction.

[0106] Furthermore, the primary lens 52B is tilted to the right relative to the primary lens 52, and the primary lens 52C is tilted to the left relative to the primary lens 52A, and the three primary lenses 52A, 52B, and 52C are arranged on a virtual line curved along the left-right direction.

[0107] The multiple incident surfaces 531 are configured to refract the parallel light beams emitted from the multiple primary lenses 52 in different directions. In this example, the incident surfaces 531A, 531B, and 531C each have a rearward convex shape when viewed from above, with the incident surface 531A facing rearward, the incident surface 531B facing diagonally rearward to the left, and the incident surface 531C facing diagonally rearward to the right. The shape of the incident surface 531 is designed appropriately depending on the arrangement of the multiple light sources 51 and the multiple primary lenses 52. For example, the incident surface 531 is formed to have a shape different from that of the incident surface 431 of the third embodiment. For example, the incident surface 531 is formed to have a more gentle curve when viewed from above than the incident surface 431 of the third embodiment.

[0108] In the optical unit 50 configured as described above, some of the parallel light emitted from the multiple primary lenses 52, incident on the lens element 53, and reaching the same exit surface 532 is irradiated to different positions in the left and right directions from the exit surface 532.

[0109] 8, for example, light L51 emitted from light source 51A is emitted as parallel light by the corresponding primary lens 52A toward incident surface 531A of lens element 53. Part of the parallel light L51 incident from incident surface 531A of lens element 53 is refracted by incident surface 531A and directed toward exit surface 532A. Light L51 reaching exit surface 532A is refracted by exit surface 532A and emitted forward.

[0110] Furthermore, at least a portion of light L52 emitted from light source 51B, collimated by primary lens 52B, and incident on incident surface 531B of lens element 53 is refracted diagonally forward to the right by incident surface 531B and proceeds toward exit surface 532A. Light L52 that reaches exit surface 532A is refracted by exit surface 532A and is emitted in a direction further to the right than light L51.

[0111] Furthermore, at least a portion of light L53 emitted from light source 51C, collimated by primary lens 52C, and incident on incident surface 531C of lens element 53 is refracted by incident surface 531C diagonally forward to the left and proceeds toward exit surface 532A. Light L53 reaching exit surface 532A is refracted at exit surface 532A and emitted further left than light L51.

[0112] In this way, also in the optical unit 50 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitted from the same emission surface 532 is diffused in the left-right direction and emitted, so that a diffused light distribution pattern can be formed.

[0113] Fifth Embodiment Fig. 9 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an optical unit 60 mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a cross section taken along line X-X in Fig. 9 as viewed from the direction of the arrows.

[0114] The optical unit 60 is configured to form a high beam light distribution pattern ahead that is capable of adaptive driving beam (ADB) light distribution control, which controls the irradiation of light in each divided individual region.

[0115] 9 , the optical unit 60 includes a plurality of light sources 61, a plurality of reflectors 62, and a lens element 63. The reflector 62 is an example of a first optical element. The lens element 63 is an example of a second optical element.

[0116] The plurality of light sources 61 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. In this example, three light sources 61A, 61B, and 61C are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. Each of the plurality of light sources 61 is mounted on a substrate 64 with its light-emitting surface facing rearward. The plurality of light sources 61 are configured so that their lighting can be individually controlled by, for example, a control unit (not shown). The light sources 61 may be LEDs or LDs.

[0117] The multiple reflectors 62 are lined up in the left-right direction so as to correspond to the multiple light sources 61. The number of reflectors 62 is the same as the number of light sources 61. The reflectors 62 are attached to, for example, a substrate 64 on which the corresponding light sources 61 are arranged. In this example, three reflectors 62A, 62B, and 62C are lined up in a row in the left-right direction.

[0118] Each of the plurality of reflectors 62 is configured to output light emitted from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources 61 as parallel light toward the lens element 63. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10 , the reflector 62 has a reflective surface 621 that reflects the light emitted from the light source 61. For example, the reflective surface 621 is formed as a parabolic surface. In this example, the parabolic surface is a paraboloid of revolution obtained by rotating a parabola around an axis extending in the vertical direction. The reflective surface 621 formed as a parabolic surface is configured as a total reflection surface that reflects light emitted from the focus of the parabola downward as parallel light. The light source 61 is disposed near the focus of the parabolic surface that constitutes the reflective surface 621.

[0119] The lens element 63 has an incident surface 631, a plurality of reflecting surfaces 632, and a single exit surface 633. The lens element 63 is made of, for example, a transparent resin material or a glass material.

[0120] The number of the reflective surfaces 632 is equal to or greater than the number of the light sources 61 and reflectors 62. In this example, three reflective surfaces 632A, 632B, and 632C are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0121] Each of the plurality of reflecting surfaces 632 is configured to reflect, toward a single exit surface 633, the parallel light emitted from a corresponding one of the plurality of reflectors 62 and incident on the lens element 63 from the entrance surface 631. Furthermore, each of the plurality of reflecting surfaces 632 is configured so that the convergence point of the light rays from each light source 61 falls near the focal position of the exit surface 633.

[0122] In this example, reflective surfaces 632A, 632B, and 632C each have a convex shape facing rearward when viewed from above, with reflective surface 632A formed to face forward, reflective surface 632B formed to face diagonally forward to the right, and reflective surface 632C formed to face diagonally forward to the left.

[0123] The exit surface 633 has a forward convex lens shape with a single focal point, and is configured to refract incident parallel light in any direction and emit light so as to create a desired high beam distribution pattern consisting of multiple divided light distribution areas.

[0124] 9 and 10 , light L61 emitted from light source 61A is reflected by the corresponding reflector 62A as parallel light toward the incident surface 631 of lens element 63. The parallel light L61 incident on the incident surface 631 of lens element 63 is reflected by the reflecting surface 632A toward the exit surface 633, where it is condensed near the focal position of the exit surface 633 and travels toward the exit surface 633. The light L61 that reaches the exit surface 633 is refracted and emitted forward. This light L61 forms a front central region that constitutes the high-beam light distribution pattern.

[0125] Furthermore, parallel light L62 emitted from light source 61B, reflected by reflector 62B, and incident on lens element 63 is reflected diagonally forward to the right by reflecting surface 632B, condenses near the focal position of exit surface 633, and travels toward exit surface 633. Light L62 that reaches exit surface 633 is emitted in a direction to the right of light L61. This light L62 forms a forward right region that constitutes the high-beam light distribution pattern.

[0126] Furthermore, parallel light L63 emitted from light source 61C, reflected by reflector 62C, and incident on lens element 63 is reflected diagonally forward left by reflecting surface 632C, condensed near the focal position of exit surface 633, and proceeds toward exit surface 633. Light L63 that reaches exit surface 633 is emitted further to the left than light L61. This light L63 forms a forward left region that constitutes the high-beam light distribution pattern.

[0127] Thus, according to the optical unit 60 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, the light beams emitted from the plurality of light sources 61 are irradiated to different positions in the left-right direction from the single light exit surface 633, thereby forming individual light distribution areas that constitute a high-beam light distribution pattern. The ADB light distribution formula can be implemented by individually controlling the on / off of the light sources 61A, 61B, and 61C using a control unit (not shown).

[0128] In the fifth embodiment, the light sources 61 and the reflectors 62 are arranged in a line in the left-right direction. However, as in the second embodiment, the light sources 61 and the reflectors 62 may be arranged on a virtual line curved along the left-right direction.

[0129] Sixth Embodiment Fig. 11 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an optical unit 70 mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a cross section taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 11 as viewed from the direction of the arrows.

[0130] The optical unit 70 is configured to form a high beam light distribution pattern ahead that is controllable by ADB light distribution, which controls the irradiation of light in each divided individual region.

[0131] 11 , the optical unit 70 includes a plurality of light sources 71, a plurality of primary lenses 72, and a lens element 73. The primary lenses 72 are an example of a first optical element. The lens elements 73 are an example of a second optical element.

[0132] The plurality of light sources 71 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. In this example, three light sources 71A, 71B, and 71C are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. Each of the plurality of light sources 71 is mounted on a substrate (not shown) with its light-emitting surface facing rearward. The plurality of light sources 71 are configured so that their lighting can be individually controlled by a control unit (not shown), for example. The light sources 71 may be LEDs or LDs.

[0133] The multiple primary lenses 72 are lined up in the left-right direction so as to correspond to the multiple light sources 71. The number of primary lenses 72 is the same as the number of light sources 71. In this example, three primary lenses 72A, 72B, and 72C are lined up in a row in the left-right direction.

[0134] Each of the plurality of primary lenses 72 is configured to convert light emitted from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources 71 into parallel light and emit it to the lens element 73. As the primary lens 72, for example, a collimating lens can be used.

[0135] The lens element 73 has a plurality of incident surfaces 731 and a single exit surface 732. The lens element 73 is made of, for example, a transparent resin material or a glass material.

[0136] The number of incident surfaces 731 is formed to be equal to or greater than the number of light sources 71 and primary lenses 72. In this example, three incident surfaces 731A, 731B, and 731C are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0137] Each of the plurality of incident surfaces 731 is configured to refract parallel light that is emitted from a corresponding one of the plurality of primary lenses 72 and enters the lens element 73, toward a single exit surface 732. Furthermore, each of the plurality of incident surfaces 731 is configured so that the convergence point of the light rays from each light source 71 falls near the focal position of the exit surface 732.

[0138] In this example, incident surfaces 731A, 731B, and 731C each have a convex shape facing rearward when viewed from above, with incident surface 731A facing forward, incident surface 731B facing diagonally forward to the right, and incident surface 731C facing diagonally forward to the left.

[0139] The exit surface 732 has a forward convex lens shape with a single focal point, and is configured to refract incident parallel light in any direction and emit light so as to create a desired high beam distribution pattern consisting of multiple divided light distribution areas.

[0140] 11 and 12 , light L71 emitted from light source 71A is reflected by the corresponding primary lens 72A as parallel light toward incident surface 731 of lens element 73. The parallel light L71 incident on incident surface 731 of lens element 73 is refracted by incident surface 731A toward incident surface 732, condenses near the focal position of incident surface 732, and travels toward incident surface 732. The light that reaches incident surface 732 is refracted and emitted forward. This light L71 forms a front central region that constitutes a high-beam light distribution pattern.

[0141] Furthermore, parallel light L72 emitted from light source 71B, reflected by primary lens 72B, and incident on lens element 73 is refracted diagonally forward to the right by incident surface 731B, condenses near the focal position of exit surface 732, and travels toward exit surface 732. Light L72 that reaches exit surface 732 is emitted in a direction to the right of light L71. This light L72 forms a forward right region that constitutes the high-beam light distribution pattern.

[0142] Furthermore, parallel light L73 emitted from light source 71C, reflected by primary lens 72C, and incident on lens element 73 is refracted diagonally forward to the left by incident surface 731C, condenses near the focal position of exit surface 732, and travels toward exit surface 732. Light L73 that reaches exit surface 732 is emitted further to the left than light L71. This light L73 forms a forward left region that constitutes the high beam light distribution pattern.

[0143] Thus, according to the optical unit 70 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources 71 is emitted from a single light exit surface 732 and irradiated at different positions in the left-right direction to form individual light distribution areas that constitute a high-beam light distribution pattern. A control unit (not shown) can individually control the on / off of the light sources 71A, 71B, and 71C to perform ADB light distribution control.

[0144] In the sixth embodiment, the light sources 71 and the primary lenses 72 are aligned in a row in the left-right direction. However, as in the fourth embodiment, the light sources 71 and the primary lenses 72 may be configured to be positioned on a virtual line curved along the left-right direction.

[0145] (Modification 2) Fig. 13 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an optical unit 80 mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to Modification 2 of the present disclosure. Note that in Fig. 13, dashed lines represent the optical axes of the respective light exit surfaces. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the optical unit 80 is basically the same as the cross-sectional shape of the optical unit 60 shown in Fig. 10, and therefore a cross-sectional view is omitted.

[0146] In the optical unit 60 according to the fifth embodiment, the lens element 63 has a single exit surface 633, and each of the multiple reflecting surfaces 632 is configured so that the convergence point of the light rays from each light source 61 falls near the focal position of the single exit surface 633. In contrast, in the optical unit 80 according to the second modification, the lens element has a multiple exit surfaces, and each of the multiple reflecting surfaces is configured so that the convergence point of the light rays from each light source falls near the focal position of the corresponding exit surface.

[0147] 13 , the optical unit 80 includes a plurality of light sources 81, a plurality of reflectors 82, and a lens element 83. The reflector 82 is an example of a first optical element. The lens element 83 is an example of a second optical element.

[0148] The plurality of light sources 81 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. In this example, three light sources 81A, 81B, and 81C are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. Each of the plurality of light sources 81 is mounted on a substrate 84 with its light-emitting surface facing rearward. The plurality of light sources 81 are configured so that their lighting can be individually controlled by, for example, a control unit (not shown). The light sources 81 may be LEDs or LDs.

[0149] The multiple reflectors 82 are lined up in the left-right direction so as to correspond to the multiple light sources 81. The number of reflectors 82 is the same as the number of light sources 81. In this example, three reflectors 82A, 82B, and 82C are lined up in a row in the left-right direction. The reflectors 82 are attached to, for example, a substrate on which the corresponding light sources 81 are arranged.

[0150] Each of the plurality of reflectors 82 is configured to convert light emitted from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources 81 into parallel light and emit it to the lens element 83 .

[0151] Specifically, the reflector 82 has a reflective surface (not shown) formed as a parabolic surface that reflects the light emitted from the light source 81. The light source 81 is disposed near the focus of the parabolic surface that constitutes the reflective surface.

[0152] The lens element 83 has an incident surface 831 (see FIG. 10), a plurality of reflecting surfaces 832, and a plurality of exit surfaces 833. The lens element 83 is formed of, for example, a transparent resin material or a glass material.

[0153] The number of reflecting surfaces 832 is formed to be equal to or greater than the number of light sources 81 and reflectors 82. In this example, three reflecting surfaces 832A, 832B, and 832C are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0154] Each of the plurality of reflecting surfaces 832 is configured to reflect, toward the exit surface 833, the parallel light emitted from the corresponding one of the plurality of reflectors 82 and incident on the lens element 83 from the entrance surface 831. Furthermore, each of the plurality of reflecting surfaces 832 is configured so that the convergence point of the light beam from each light source 81 falls near the focal position of the corresponding exit surface 633.

[0155] In this example, reflective surfaces 832A, 832B, and 832C each have a rearward convex shape when viewed from above, with reflective surface 832A facing forward, reflective surface 832B facing diagonally forward to the right, and reflective surface 832C facing diagonally forward to the left. Reflective surface 832A is configured so that the convergence point of light rays from light source 81A falls near the focal position of the corresponding exit surface 833A. Reflective surface 832B is configured so that the convergence point of light rays from light source 81B falls near the focal position of the corresponding exit surface 833B. Reflective surface 832C is configured so that the convergence point of light rays from light source 81C falls near the focal position of the corresponding exit surface 833C.

[0156] The multiple exit surfaces 833 are aligned in the left-right direction. In this example, three exit surfaces 833 are aligned in a row in the left-right direction. Each of the multiple exit surfaces 833 has a forward-convex lens shape with a single focal point. Each of the multiple exit surfaces 833 is configured to refract incident parallel light in any direction and emit light to form one light distribution area that constitutes the high-beam light distribution pattern. The light distribution areas formed by the light emitted from each exit surface 833 are combined to form the high-beam light distribution pattern.

[0157] 13 , light L81 emitted from light source 81A is reflected by the corresponding reflector 82A as parallel light toward incident surface 831 of lens element 83. The parallel light L81 incident on incident surface 831 of lens element 83 is reflected by reflecting surface 832A toward incident surface 833A, where it is condensed near the focal position of incident surface 833A and travels toward incident surface 833A. Upon reaching incident surface 833A, light L81 is refracted and emitted forward. This light L81 forms a front central region that constitutes a high-beam light distribution pattern.

[0158] Furthermore, parallel light L82 emitted from light source 81B, reflected by reflector 82B, and incident on lens element 83 is reflected by reflecting surface 832B toward exit surface 833B, where it is condensed near the focal position of exit surface 833B at a position to the right of the optical axis of the exit surface, and travels toward exit surface 833B. Light L82 that reaches exit surface 833B is emitted in a direction to the left of light L81. This light L82 forms a forward left region that constitutes the high-beam light distribution pattern.

[0159] Furthermore, parallel light L83 emitted from light source 81C, reflected by reflector 82C, and incident on lens element 83 is reflected by reflecting surface 832C toward exit surface 833C, where it is condensed at a position to the left of the optical axis of the exit surface near the focal position of exit surface 833C and travels toward exit surface 833C. Light L83 that reaches exit surface 833C is emitted in a direction to the right of light L81. This light L83 forms a front right region that constitutes the high beam distribution pattern.

[0160] Thus, according to optical unit 80 according to the second modification of the present disclosure, the parallel light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources 81 and incident on lens element 83 is emitted from each of the plurality of emission surfaces 833 to form individual light distribution areas that constitute the high beam light distribution pattern. ADB light distribution control can be performed by individually controlling the on / off of light sources 81A, 81B, and 81C using a control unit (not shown).

[0161] (Variation 3) Fig. 14 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an optical unit 90 mounted in a vehicle headlamp according to Variation 3 of the present disclosure. Note that in Fig. 14, dashed lines represent the optical axes of the respective exit surfaces. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the optical unit 90 is basically the same as the cross-sectional shape of the optical unit 70 shown in Fig. 12, and therefore a cross-sectional view is omitted.

[0162] In optical unit 70 according to the sixth embodiment, lens element 73 has a single exit surface 732, and each of the multiple entrance surfaces 731 is configured so that the convergence point of light rays from each light source 71 falls near the focal position of the single exit surface 732. In contrast, in optical unit 90 according to the third modification, lens element 73 has a multiple exit surfaces, and each of the multiple entrance surfaces is configured so that the convergence point of light rays from each light source falls near the focal position of the corresponding exit surface.

[0163] 14 , the optical unit 90 includes a plurality of light sources 91, a plurality of primary lenses 92, and a lens element 93. The primary lens 92 is an example of a first optical element. The lens element 93 is an example of a second optical element.

[0164] The plurality of light sources 91 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. In this example, three light sources 91A, 81B, and 81C are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. Each of the plurality of light sources 91 is mounted on a substrate (not shown) with its light-emitting surface facing rearward. The plurality of light sources 91 are configured so that their lighting can be individually controlled by, for example, a control unit (not shown). The light sources 91 may be LEDs or LDs.

[0165] The multiple primary lenses 92 are lined up in the left-right direction so as to correspond to the multiple light sources 91. The number of primary lenses 92 is the same as the number of light sources 91. In this example, three primary lenses 92A, 92B, and 92C are lined up in a row in the left-right direction.

[0166] Each of the plurality of primary lenses 92 is configured to convert light emitted from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources 91 into parallel light and emit it to the lens element 93. As the primary lens 92, for example, a collimating lens can be used.

[0167] The lens element 93 has a plurality of incident surfaces 931 and a plurality of exit surfaces 932. The lens element 93 is made of, for example, a transparent resin material or a glass material.

[0168] The number of incident surfaces 931 is formed to be equal to or greater than the number of light sources 91 and primary lenses 92. In this example, three incident surfaces 931A, 931B, and 931C are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0169] Each of the multiple incident surfaces 931 is configured to refract parallel light emitted from a corresponding one of the multiple primary lenses 92 and incident on the lens element 93 from the incident surface 931 toward the corresponding exit surface 932.

[0170] Each of the plurality of incident surfaces 931 is configured so that the convergence point of the light beam from each light source 91 falls near the focal position of the corresponding exit surface 932 .

[0171] In this example, the incident surfaces 931A, 931B, and 931C each have a rearward convex shape when viewed from above, with the incident surface 931A facing rearward, the incident surface 931B facing diagonally rearward to the left, and the incident surface 931C facing diagonally rearward to the right. The incident surface 931A is configured so that the convergence point of light rays from the light source 91A falls near the focal position of the corresponding exit surface 932A. The incident surface 931B is configured so that the convergence point of light rays from the light source 91B falls near the focal position of the corresponding exit surface 932B. The incident surface 931C is configured so that the convergence point of light rays from the light source 91C falls near the focal position of the corresponding exit surface 932C.

[0172] The multiple exit surfaces 932 are aligned in the left-right direction. In this example, three exit surfaces 932 are aligned in a row in the left-right direction. Each of the multiple exit surfaces 932 has a forward-convex lens shape with a single focal point. The exit surfaces 932 are configured to refract incident parallel light in any direction and emit light to form one light distribution area that constitutes the high-beam light distribution pattern. The light distribution areas formed by the light emitted from each exit surface 932 are combined to form the high-beam light distribution pattern.

[0173] 14 , light L91 emitted from a light source 91A is reflected by the corresponding primary lens 92A as parallel light toward the incident surface 931A of the lens element 93. The parallel light L91 incident on the incident surface 931A of the lens element 93 is refracted by the incident surface 931A toward the exit surface 932A, condenses near the focal position of the exit surface 932A, and travels toward the exit surface 932A. The light L91 that reaches the exit surface 932A is refracted and emitted forward. This light L91 forms a front central region that constitutes a high-beam light distribution pattern.

[0174] Furthermore, parallel light L92 emitted from light source 91B, reflected by primary lens 92B, and incident on lens element 93 is refracted by incident surface 931B toward exit surface 932B, and is focused near the focal position of exit surface 932B at a position to the right of the optical axis of the exit surface, and then travels toward exit surface 932B. Light L92 that reaches exit surface 932B is emitted in a direction to the left of light L91. This light L92 forms a forward left region that constitutes the high beam distribution pattern.

[0175] Furthermore, parallel light L93 emitted from light source 91C, reflected by primary lens 92C, and incident on lens element 93 is refracted by incident surface 931C toward exit surface 932C, and is focused at a position to the left of the optical axis of the exit surface near the focal position of exit surface 932C, and then travels toward exit surface 932C. Light L93 that reaches exit surface 932C is emitted in a direction to the right of light L91. This light L93 forms a front right region that constitutes the high beam distribution pattern.

[0176] Thus, according to the optical unit 90 according to the third modification of the present disclosure, the parallel light beams emitted from the plurality of light sources 91 and incident on the lens element 93 are emitted from the plurality of emission surfaces 932, respectively, to form individual regions that constitute the high beam light distribution pattern. Then, a control unit (not shown) individually controls the on / off of the light sources 91A, 91B, and 91C, thereby enabling ADB light distribution control.

[0177] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be freely modified, improved, etc. The material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0178] The following configurations also constitute part of the present disclosure. Item 1: A vehicle headlamp that emits light forward, comprising: a plurality of light sources arranged along the left-right direction; a plurality of first optical elements arranged along the left-right direction to correspond to the light sources; and a second optical element having at least one exit surface, wherein each of the plurality of first optical elements is configured to emit light emitted from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources as parallel light toward the second optical element, and at least some of the parallel light emitted from each of the plurality of first optical elements and incident on the second optical element are emitted from the same exit surface to be irradiated at different positions in the left-right direction. Item 2: The vehicle headlamp according to Item 1, wherein the second optical element has a plurality of reflective surfaces, and each of the plurality of reflective surfaces of the second optical element is configured to reflect the parallel light emitted from a corresponding first optical element of the plurality of first optical elements toward the exit surface. Item 3: The vehicle headlamp according to Item 1, wherein the second optical element has a plurality of incident surfaces, and each of the plurality of incident surfaces of the second optical element is configured to refract parallel light emitted from a corresponding one of the plurality of first optical elements toward the exit surface. Item 4: The vehicle headlamp according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of light sources are aligned in a row along the left-right direction, and the plurality of first optical elements are aligned in a row along the left-right direction. Item 5: The vehicle headlamp according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the parallel light emitted from the plurality of first optical elements is emitted in directions different from each other. Item 6: The vehicle headlamp according to any one of Items 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of first optical elements and the second optical element are integrally formed as a one-piece molded product. Item 7: The vehicle headlamp according to any one of Items 1 to 6, wherein the second optical element has a cutoff line forming portion near a focal position of the exit surface, and the light emitted from the exit surface of the second optical element forms a low beam light distribution pattern.

[0179] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-003499, filed on January 12, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlamp that irradiates light forward, comprising: a plurality of light sources arranged along the left-right direction; a plurality of first optical elements arranged along the left-right direction corresponding to the light sources; and a second optical element having at least one emission surface. Each of the plurality of first optical elements is configured to emit light emitted from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources as parallel light to the second optical element. At least a part of the parallel light emitted from the plurality of first optical elements and incident on the second optical element is emitted from the same emission surface and irradiated to different positions in the left-right direction.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the second optical element has a plurality of reflection surfaces, and each of the plurality of reflection surfaces of the second optical element is configured to reflect the parallel light emitted from a corresponding first optical element among the plurality of first optical elements toward the emission surface.

3. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the second optical element has a plurality of incident surfaces, and each of the plurality of incident surfaces of the second optical element is configured to refract the parallel light emitted from a corresponding first optical element among the plurality of first optical elements toward the emission surface.

4. The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of light sources are arranged in a row along the left-right direction, and the plurality of first optical elements are arranged in a row along the left-right direction.

5. The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the parallel light emitted from the plurality of first optical elements is emitted in different directions from each other.

6. The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of first optical elements and the second optical element are integrally formed one-piece molded products.

7. The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second optical element has a cut-off line forming portion near the focal position of the emission surface, and the light emitted from the emission surface of the second optical element forms a low beam light distribution pattern.

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