Vehicle headlight

Abstract

This vehicle headlight (1) comprises: a light emission unit (32) that emits, downward, light that forms a first additional light distribution pattern (PA1) formed in a region including a side above a light distribution pattern (PL) of a low beam; a reflector (35) that is disposed so as to cover the light emission unit (32) from below, and that reflects the light emitted from the light emission unit (32) forward; a light emission unit (42) that emits, downward, light that forms a second additional light distribution pattern (PA2) different than the first additional light distribution pattern (PA1) and formed in a region including a side above the light distribution pattern (PL) of the low beam; and a reflector (45) that is disposed so as to cover the light emission unit (42) from below, and that reflects the light emitted from the light emission unit (42) forward. A portion of the reflector (35) is positioned below the reflector (45), and another portion of the reflector (35) overlaps the reflector in the front-rear direction.

Description

Vehicle headlights

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

[0002] A known vehicle headlamp includes a lamp unit that emits a low beam and an additional lamp unit that emits light of a light distribution pattern that is added to the low beam light distribution pattern. Patent Document 1 listed below discloses such a vehicle headlamp.

[0003] The vehicle headlamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 below includes a low beam lamp unit that emits a low beam, a first additional lamp unit, and a second additional lamp unit. The first additional lamp unit emits light of a first additional light distribution pattern formed in an area including an upper side of the low beam light distribution pattern. The second additional lamp unit is formed in an area including an upper side of the low beam light distribution pattern and emits light of a second additional light distribution pattern different from the first additional light distribution pattern. In the vehicle headlamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, the first additional light distribution pattern and the second additional light distribution pattern are added to the low beam light distribution pattern to form a high beam light distribution pattern. The first additional lamp unit and the second lamp unit each include a light emitting portion that emits light forward and a reflector that surrounds the light emitting portion and reflects the light from the light emitting portion forward.

[0004] The vehicle headlamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 below includes two substrates extending in the left-right direction and a heat sink to which the two substrates are fixed. The two substrates intersect with a reference plane that passes through the center of the heat sink in the left-right direction and extends in the front-rear direction and vertically. The two substrates are also equipped with a plurality of light-emitting elements as light-emitting units, and connectors are attached to electrically connect the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0005] Furthermore, a vehicle headlamp that includes a light emitting portion and a reflector that reflects the light emitted from the light emitting portion is known. Patent Document 2 listed below discloses such a vehicle headlamp.

[0006] The vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 2 below includes a substrate extending horizontally, a light emitting portion mounted on the underside of the substrate and emitting light downward, a reflector, and a heat sink. The reflector is disposed so as to cover the light emitting portion from below and reflects the light emitted from the light emitting portion forward, and the substrate and the reflector are fixed to the heat sink.

[0007] JP 2017-212170 A JP 2015-222662 A

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp comprising: a first light-emitting portion that emits downward light to form a first additional light distribution pattern formed in an area including an upper side of a low-beam light distribution pattern; a first reflector that is arranged to cover the first light-emitting portion from below and reflects light emitted from the first light-emitting portion forward; a second light-emitting portion that is formed in an area including an upper side of the low-beam light distribution pattern and emits downward light to form a second additional light distribution pattern different from the first additional light distribution pattern; and a second reflector that is arranged to cover the second light-emitting portion from below and reflects light emitted from the second light-emitting portion forward, wherein a portion of the first reflector is located below the second reflector and another portion of the first reflector overlaps with the second reflector in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0009] In the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, as described above, a portion of the first reflector is located below the second reflector, and another portion of the first reflector overlaps with the second reflector in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, with the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, it is possible to prevent the vehicle headlamp from increasing in size in the left-to-right direction compared to when the first reflector and the second reflector are aligned in the left-to-right direction. Furthermore, with the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, it is possible to prevent the vehicle headlamp from increasing in size in the up-to-down direction compared to when the first reflector and the second reflector do not overlap in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, with the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, it is possible to increase the size in the left-to-right and up-to-down directions.

[0010] In the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the first light emitting portion and the second light emitting portion may emit light diagonally downward and rearward.

[0011] According to this configuration, it is possible to make it easier for the first light emitting portion and the second light emitting portion to reflect light forward, compared to when the first light emitting portion and the second light emitting portion emit light downward in the vertical direction.

[0012] The vehicle headlamp of the first aspect described above may further include a shading member that blocks a portion of the light reflected by the first reflector, the first reflector being positioned rearward of the second reflector, and at least a portion of the shading member being located between the first reflector and the second reflector.

[0013] In the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, as described above, the first reflector is disposed rearward of the second reflector. Therefore, a portion of the light from the first light-emitting portion that is reflected by the first reflector may be directed toward the second reflector. However, the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect includes a light-blocking member, at least a portion of which is located between the first reflector and the second reflector. Therefore, even in the above-described case, the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect can prevent the light from the first light-emitting portion that is reflected by the first reflector from being irradiated onto the second reflector, thereby preventing the second reflector from being overheated.

[0014] In this case, the first light emitting portion may be one or more light emitting elements mounted on a first substrate, and the light blocking member may be the first substrate.

[0015] With this configuration, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

[0016] The vehicle headlamp of the first aspect described above may further include a first substrate, a first heat sink to which the first substrate and the first reflector are fixed, a second substrate, and a second heat sink to which the second substrate and the second reflector are fixed, wherein the first light-emitting portion is one or more light-emitting elements mounted on the first substrate, the second light-emitting portion is one or more light-emitting elements mounted on the second substrate, the second heat sink is detachably attached to the first heat sink so that the second reflector is positioned forward of the first reflector, and light from the first light-emitting portion reflected by the first reflector may not be irradiated onto the second substrate, the second reflector, and the second heat sink.

[0017] According to this configuration, the first additional light distribution pattern can be prevented from changing whether the second heat sink is attached to or detached from the first heat sink.

[0018] As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlamp that can suppress an increase in size.

[0019] A second aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp comprising a plurality of substrates extending in the left-right direction, each substrate having a light-emitting portion mounted thereon and a connector electrically connected to the light-emitting portion attached thereto, and a heat sink to which the plurality of substrates are fixed, wherein the plurality of substrates intersect with a reference plane that passes through the left-right center of the heat sink and extends in the front-rear and vertical directions, and the connectors attached to each of the substrates are attached to the same side of the reference plane.

[0020] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, as described above, the connectors attached to the respective boards are attached on the same side of the reference plane, which makes it easier to organize the cables connected to the connectors attached to the respective boards, and prevents the vehicle headlamp from becoming larger due to the cables.

[0021] In a second aspect of the vehicle headlamp, the light-emitting portion on at least one of the substrates may be a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in the left-right direction, and the connector on the at least one of the substrates may overlap with the plurality of light-emitting elements in the left-right direction.

[0022] With this configuration, the size of the board can be prevented from increasing compared to when the plurality of light-emitting elements and the connector do not overlap in the left-right direction.

[0023] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, a portion of at least one of the substrates to which the connector is attached may protrude from the heat sink.

[0024] This configuration can prevent the heat sink from becoming too large compared to when the connector mounting portion of the board does not protrude from the heat sink. Also, this configuration can make it easier to use the connector mounting portion of the board as a card edge connector to which the connector is connected.

[0025] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the connectors on at least two of the boards may overlap each other in the vertical direction.

[0026] This configuration makes it easier to bundle together cables connected to connectors that overlap each other in the vertical direction.

[0027] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the at least two substrates may be inclined at different angles relative to the horizontal direction.

[0028] As described above, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlamp that can suppress an increase in size.

[0029] A third aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp comprising a substrate that slopes downward toward the front, a light-emitting portion mounted on the underside of the substrate and emitting light downward, a reflector that is arranged to cover the light-emitting portion from below and reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting portion toward the front, and an air passage that allows air flowing upward in the space between the substrate and the reflector to flow outside the space.

[0030] As described above, the vehicle headlamp of the third aspect includes an air passage that allows air flowing upward in the space between the substrate and the reflector to flow out of the space. Therefore, with the vehicle headlamp of the third aspect, it is possible to prevent the air heated by the light emitting portion from remaining in the space between the substrate and the reflector and to prevent the air from being overheated, compared to a case in which the air passage is not formed.

[0031] In the vehicle headlamp of the third aspect, a rear end of the substrate may be located rearward of a rear end of the reflector, and the air passage may be a gap between the rear end of the reflector and the substrate.

[0032] The vehicle headlamp of the third aspect described above may further include a heat sink including a main body to which the substrate and the reflector are fixed, and a plurality of heat dissipation fins fixed to the main body and arranged at intervals from each other, and the heat sink may include another air passage that allows air that has passed through the air passage to flow out into the space between adjacent heat dissipation fins.

[0033] This configuration can improve cooling efficiency compared to a heat sink that does not include a separate ventilation path.

[0034] In the vehicle headlamp of the third aspect, when the substrate and the reflector are viewed from the front side along the lower surface of the substrate, the air passage may overlap the light emitting portion.

[0035] The air heated by the light emitting portion tends to rise along the substrate. With the above-described configuration, the air heated by the light emitting portion can be directed toward the ventilation path, and the heated air can be further prevented from remaining in the space between the substrate and the reflector.

[0036] As described above, according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlamp that can suppress overheating.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp according to an embodiment of the present invention as a first, second, and third aspects. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing a lamp unit according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion including a heat sink in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a view showing the heat sink, the low-light source unit, the first additional light source unit, and the second additional light source unit as viewed from the front. FIG. 5 is a view showing the first additional light source unit as viewed from the front along the underside of the board. FIG. 6 is a view showing the first additional light source unit as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the underside of the board. FIG. 7 is a view showing the second additional light source unit as viewed from the front along the underside of the board. FIG. 8 is a view showing the second additional light source unit as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the underside of the board. FIG. 9 is a view showing the vicinity of three connectors as viewed from above. FIG. 10 is a view showing a low-beam light distribution pattern from the right vehicle headlamp according to this embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram similar to Fig. 10 showing a first additional light distribution pattern formed by light from the first additional light source unit of the right vehicle headlamp of this embodiment. Fig. 12 is a diagram similar to Fig. 10 showing second additional light distribution patterns formed by light from the second additional light source units of the left and right vehicle headlamp of this embodiment. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit in this embodiment. Fig. 14 is a diagram similar to Fig. 10 showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern. Fig. 15 is a diagram similar to Fig. 3 showing a lamp unit in a modified example of the third aspect.

[0038] Preferred embodiments of a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments exemplified below are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit thereof. The present invention may also be implemented by appropriately combining the components in the embodiments exemplified below. Note that in the drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each component may be changed to facilitate understanding. Also, in the drawings, for ease of viewing, similar components may be assigned reference symbols only in some cases, and some reference symbols may be omitted.

[0039] First, second, and third aspects of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with vehicle headlights according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle VE includes a pair of left and right vehicle headlights 1, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 101, and a detection device 110. In the present embodiment, the right and left sides refer to the right and left sides when facing the direction of travel of the vehicle VE.

[0040] Each vehicle headlamp 1 includes a lamp unit 5 and a control unit CO. Generally, the lamp unit 5 of the right-side vehicle headlamp 1 is disposed on the right side of a forward portion of the vehicle VE, and the lamp unit 5 of the left-side vehicle headlamp 1 is disposed on the left side of the forward portion. In this embodiment, the configuration of the right-side vehicle headlamp 1 is the same as the configuration of the left-side vehicle headlamp 1, except that the shape of the lamp unit 5 is roughly symmetrical and the light distribution pattern of the emitted light is different. Therefore, the following description will focus on the right-side vehicle headlamp 1, and a description of the left-side vehicle headlamp 1 will be omitted as appropriate. The light distribution pattern refers to both the shape of a light image formed on a virtual vertical screen, for example, 25 m ahead of the vehicle, and the light intensity distribution in the image.

[0041] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the lighting unit 5 of this embodiment. The lighting unit 5 mainly comprises a housing 6 and a lighting unit LU.

[0042] The housing 6 mainly comprises a housing 7 and a front cover 8. The front cover 8 transmits light emitted from the lamp unit LU. The housing 7 is configured in a box shape with an opening at the front, and the front cover 8 is fixed to the housing 7 so as to close the opening. In this way, an accommodation space surrounded by the housing 7 and the front cover 8 is formed in the housing 6, and the lamp unit LU is disposed in this accommodation space.

[0043] The lighting unit LU of this embodiment mainly comprises a heat sink 10, a low light source section 20, a first additional light source section 30, a second additional light source section 40, a shade 60, and a lens member 70 arranged in front of the low light source section 20, the first additional light source section 30, and the second additional light source section 40.

[0044] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion including the heat sink 10 in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a view of the heat sink 10, the low light source unit 20, the first additional light source unit 30, and the second additional light source unit 40 as seen from the front side. In Fig. 4, a reference plane RS that passes through the center of the heat sink 10 in the left-right direction and extends in the front-rear and vertical directions is shown by a dashed line.

[0045] First, the heat sink 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0046] 3 and 4, the heat sink 10 of this embodiment includes a first heat sink 11 and a second heat sink 16. In this embodiment, the first heat sink 11 includes a plate-shaped main body 12 extending in the front-rear and left-right directions, a plurality of first heat dissipation fins 13, a plurality of second heat dissipation fins 14, and a plurality of third heat dissipation fins 15. Note that in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first to third heat dissipation fins 13, 14, and 15 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0047] The main body portion 12 of this embodiment includes a front side portion 12a extending generally horizontally, a first inclined portion 12b extending rearward and diagonally downward from the rear end of the front side portion 12a, a second inclined portion 12c extending rearward and diagonally upward from the rear end of the first inclined portion 12b, and a rear side portion 12d extending rearward and horizontally from the rear end of the second inclined portion 12c.

[0048] The first fins 13 protrude upward from the upper surfaces of the first inclined portion 12b, the second inclined portion 12c, and the rear portion 12d and are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The second fins 14 protrude downward from the lower surface of the front portion 12a and are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The third fins 15 protrude downward from the lower surface of the rear portion 12d and are spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0049] The second heat sink 16 includes a plate-shaped main body 17 extending in the front-rear and left-right directions and multiple heat dissipation fins 18. The main body 17 includes a front side portion 17a extending generally horizontally and an inclined portion 17b extending rearward and diagonally upward from the rear end of the front side portion 17a. The multiple heat dissipation fins 18 protrude upward from the front side portion 17a and the upper surfaces of the inclined portion 17b and are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. The second heat sink 16 is detachably attached to the first heat sink 11 with the rear end of the inclined portion 17b abutting against the underside of the first inclined portion 12b of the first heat sink 11. The second heat sink 16 can be attached to the first heat sink 11, for example, by bolts.

[0050] When the second heat sink 16 is attached to the first heat sink 11, the inclination of the inclined portion 17b of the second heat sink 16 relative to the horizontal direction and the inclination of the second inclined portion 12c of the first heat sink 11 relative to the horizontal direction are approximately the same, for example, 30°. These inclinations may be different from each other. Furthermore, the left-right width of the second heat sink 16 and the left-right width of the first heat sink 11 are approximately the same, but may be different from each other. Examples of materials that constitute the heat sink 10 include metals such as aluminum.

[0051] Next, the low light source unit 20 of this embodiment will be described.

[0052] The low beam light source unit 20 of this embodiment mainly includes a substrate 21, a light emitting unit 22, and a reflector 25. The low beam light source unit 20 emits light that forms a low beam light distribution pattern toward the lens member 70.

[0053] In this embodiment, the substrate 21 is placed on the upper surface of the front portion 12a of the first heat sink 11. Therefore, the substrate 21 extends in the left-right and front-rear directions and is generally parallel to the horizontal. The substrate 21 also intersects with a reference plane RS. The light-emitting portion 22 is composed of two light-emitting elements 22a and 22b. The light-emitting elements 22a and 22b are mounted on the upper surface of the substrate 21 so as to be spaced apart in the left-right direction and emit light upward to form a low-beam light distribution pattern. The reference plane RS passes between the light-emitting elements 22a and 22b. Examples of the light-emitting elements 22a and 22b include light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The substrate 21 has an outer shape that is elongated in the left-right direction. The right end 21o of the substrate 21 protrudes rightward from the front portion 12a and is narrower in the front-rear direction than other portions of the substrate 21. The right end 21o is provided with terminals (not shown) that are electrically connected to the light-emitting elements 22a and 22b via a circuit (not shown), and the right end 21o functions as a card edge connector. A connector 23 is attached to the right end 21o, and a cable 24 that is connected to a power supply unit (not shown) is connected to the connector 23. That is, the connector 23 is electrically connected to the light-emitting elements 22a and 22b, and power from the power supply unit is supplied to the light-emitting elements 22a and 22b via the cable 24 and the connector 23. The connector 23 is located to the right of the reference plane RS and overlaps with the two light-emitting elements 22a and 22b in the left-right direction. A control unit CO (described below) controls the power supply unit to control whether the light-emitting elements 22a and 22b emit light or not.

[0054] The reflector 25 is a member that reflects light emitted from the light-emitting elements 22a and 22b and is arranged to cover the light-emitting elements 22a and 22b from above. In this embodiment, the reflector 25 includes two reflecting portions 26 and a pair of left and right fixing portions 27. One reflecting portion 26 is a plate-shaped member that covers one light-emitting element 22a from above, and the other reflecting portion 26 is a plate-shaped member that is arranged to cover the other light-emitting element 22b from above. The two reflecting portions 26 are connected via a plate-shaped connecting portion 28. The surface of each reflecting portion 26 facing the light-emitting elements 22a and 22b serves as a reflecting surface 26r that reflects light. The reflecting surface 26r is based on an ellipsoidal surface, with the light-emitting elements 22a and 22b located at or near the first focal point of the ellipsoidal surface, and the second focal point of the ellipsoidal surface is located between the first focal point and the lens member 70. At least a portion of the light from the light emitting elements 22a and 22b is reflected by the reflecting surface 26r toward the lens member 70. Most of this reflected light is collected on the light emitting elements 22a and 22b side of the lens member 70 and directed toward the lens member 70.

[0055] The pair of fixing portions 27 are plate-shaped members. One fixing portion 27 extends from the right side of the right reflecting portion 26 along the upper surface of the substrate 21, and the other fixing portion 27 extends from the left side of the left reflecting portion 26 along the upper surface of the substrate 21. Each fixing portion 27 is fixed to the first heat sink 11 together with the substrate 21 by a screw 29. In this embodiment, the reflecting portion 26, the fixing portion 27, and the connecting portion 28 are integral with each other. The integral member may be configured, for example, by a main body and a light-reflecting film provided on the surface of the main body. The main body may be made of a material such as resin, and the light-reflecting film may be a vapor-deposited metal film such as aluminum. The two members being integral with each other means that a connecting portion connecting the two members is not formed.

[0056] Next, the first additional light source unit 30 of this embodiment will be described.

[0057] 3, the first additional light source unit 30 of this embodiment mainly includes a substrate 31 as a first substrate, a light emitting unit 32 as a first light emitting unit, and a reflector 35 as a first reflector. The first additional light source unit 30 emits, toward the lens member 70, light that forms a first additional light distribution pattern that is formed in an area including an upper side of the low beam light distribution pattern.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a view of the first additional light source unit 30 viewed from the front side along the underside of the substrate 31, and FIG. 6 is a view of the first additional light source unit 30 viewed from a direction perpendicular to the underside of the substrate 31. Note that the reference plane RS is indicated by a dashed line in FIGS. 5 and 6 . As shown in FIGS. 3 , 5 , and 6 , in this embodiment, the substrate 31 is placed on the underside of the second inclined portion 12 c of the first heat sink 11. Therefore, the substrate 31 extends in the left-right direction and tilts downward toward the front. In other words, the in-plane direction of the main surface of the substrate 31 tilts downward toward the front. Therefore, the tilt of the substrate 31 relative to the horizontal direction differs from the tilt of the substrate 21 relative to the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the substrate 31 intersects with the reference plane RS. The light-emitting unit 32 includes two light-emitting elements 32a and 32b mounted on the underside of the substrate 31, spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The light-emitting elements 32a and 32b emit light that forms the first additional light distribution pattern diagonally downward and rearward. A reference plane RS passes between the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b. Examples of the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b include LEDs. The substrate 31 has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the left-right direction. A right end 31o of the substrate 31 protrudes to the right beyond the second inclined portion 12c and is narrower in the front-to-rear direction than other portions of the substrate 31. Terminals (not shown) are provided on the right end 31o, which are electrically connected to the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b via a circuit (not shown), and the right end 31o functions as a card edge connector. A connector 33 is attached to the right end 31o, and a cable 34 is connected to a power supply (not shown). That is, the connector 33 is electrically connected to the light-emitting elements 32 a, 32 b, and power from the power supply unit is supplied to the light-emitting elements 32 a, 32 b via the cable 34 and the connector 33. The connector 33 is located to the right of the reference plane RS and overlaps with the two light-emitting elements 32 a, 32 b in the left-right direction. A control unit CO, which will be described later, controls the power supply unit to control whether the light-emitting elements 32 a, 32 b emit light or not.

[0059] The reflector 35 is a member that reflects light emitted from the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b, and is disposed so as to cover the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b from below. The reflector 35 of this embodiment is configured approximately vertically symmetrical to the reflector 25, and includes two reflecting portions 36 and a pair of left and right fixing portions 37. One reflecting portion 36 is a plate-shaped member that covers one light-emitting element 32a from below, and the other reflecting portion 36 is a plate-shaped member that covers the other light-emitting element 32b from below. The two reflecting portions 36 are connected via a plate-shaped connecting portion 38. The surface of each reflecting portion 36 facing the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b is a reflecting surface 36r that reflects light. The reflecting surface 36r is based on an ellipsoidal surface, with the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b located at or near a first focal point of this ellipsoidal surface, and the second focal point of this ellipsoidal surface located between the first focal point and the lens member 70. At least a portion of the light from the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b is reflected by the reflecting surface 36r toward the lens member 70. Most of this reflected light is collected on the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b side of the lens member 70 and directed toward the lens member 70.

[0060] The pair of fixing portions 37 are plate-shaped members. One fixing portion 37 is located to the right of the right reflecting portion 36 and extends along the underside of the substrate 31. The right end of the right reflecting portion 36 is connected to the left end of the underside of the one fixing portion 37. The other fixing portion 37 is located to the left of the left reflecting portion 36 and extends along the underside of the substrate 31. The left end of the left reflecting portion 36 is connected to the right end of the underside of the other fixing portion 37. Therefore, the two reflecting portions 36 and the connecting portion 38 are located below the fixing portions 37 and are separated from the substrate 31. Each fixing portion 37 is fixed to the first heat sink 11 together with the substrate 31 by a screw 39. In this embodiment, the reflecting portion 36, the fixing portion 37, and the connecting portion 38 are integral with each other, and the configuration of this integral member may be, for example, the same as the configuration described for the reflector 25.

[0061] The rear end of the reflector 35 is located forward of the rear end of the substrate 31, and the entire rear end of the reflector 35 overlaps the substrate 31 in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the substrate 31. As described above, the two reflecting portions 36 and the connecting portion 38 are spaced apart from the substrate 31, so a gap 35G is formed between the rear ends of the two reflecting portions 36 and the connecting portion 38 and the bottom surface of the substrate 31. The gap 35G is located above the front ends of the substrate 31 and the reflector 35. Therefore, air flowing upward in the space 35S between the substrate 31 and the reflector 35 flows out of the space 35S through the gap 35G. In other words, the gap 35G is an air passage that allows air flowing upward in the space 35S to flow out of the space 35S. Furthermore, no member is formed between the reflector 35 and the second heat dissipation fin 14. Therefore, the air that passes through the gap 35G as an air passage flows out into the space between adjacent second heat dissipation fins 14. In other words, the heat sink 10 can be understood to include another air passage that allows the air that passes through the gap 35G to flow out into the space between adjacent second heat dissipation fins 14. Note that the air flow is indicated by arrows in Figure 3. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, when the substrate 31 and the reflector 35 are viewed from the front along the underside of the substrate 31, the gap 35G overlaps with the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b.

[0062] Next, the second additional light source unit 40 of this embodiment will be described.

[0063] 3, the second additional light source unit 40 of this embodiment mainly includes a substrate 41 as a second substrate, a light emitting unit 42 as a second light emitting unit, and a reflector 45 as a second reflector. The second additional light source unit 40 emits, toward the lens member 70, light that forms a second additional light distribution pattern that is formed in an area including an area above the low beam light distribution pattern.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a view of the second additional light source unit 40 viewed from the front side along the underside of the substrate 41, and FIG. 8 is a view of the second additional light source unit 40 viewed from a direction perpendicular to the underside of the substrate 41. Note that the reference plane RS is indicated by a dashed line in FIGS. 3, 7, and 8. As shown in FIGS. 3, 7, and 8, in this embodiment, the substrate 41 is placed on the underside of the inclined portion 17b of the second heat sink 16. Therefore, the substrate 41 extends in the left-right direction and tilts downward toward the front. That is, the in-plane direction of the main surface of the substrate 41 tilts downward toward the front. As described above, the inclination of the inclined portion 17b of the second heat sink 16 relative to the horizontal direction is generally the same as the inclination of the second inclined portion 12c of the first heat sink 11 relative to the horizontal direction. Therefore, the inclination of the substrate 41 relative to the horizontal direction is generally the same as the inclination of the substrate 31 relative to the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the substrate 41 intersects with the reference plane RS. The light-emitting unit 42 includes four light-emitting elements 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d. The four light-emitting elements 42a to 42d are mounted on the underside of the substrate 41, spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction, and emit light that forms a second additional light distribution pattern, different from the first additional light distribution pattern, diagonally downward and rearward. Of the four light-emitting elements 42a to 42d, the reference plane RS passes between the second light-emitting element 42b from the right and the second light-emitting element 42c from the left. Examples of these light-emitting elements 42a to 42d include LEDs. The substrate 41 has an outer shape that is elongated in the left-right direction. The right end 41o of the substrate 41 protrudes to the right beyond the inclined portion 17b and is narrower in the front-to-rear direction than other portions of the substrate 41. Terminals (not shown) are provided on the right end 41o, which are electrically connected to the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d via a circuit (not shown), and the right end 41o functions as a card edge connector. A connector 43 is attached to this right end portion 41o, and a cable 44 that is connected to a power supply unit (not shown) is connected to the connector 43. In other words, the connector 43 is electrically connected to the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d, and power from the power supply unit is supplied to the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d via the cable 44 and the connector 43. The connector 43 is located to the right of the reference plane RS, and overlaps with the four light-emitting elements 42a to 42d in the left-right direction.A control unit CO, which will be described later, controls the power supply unit, thereby controlling whether the light emitting elements 42a to 42d emit light or not, and adjusting the light amount.

[0065] The reflector 45 is a member that reflects light emitted from the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d and is disposed so as to cover the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d from below. The reflector 45 of this embodiment includes four reflecting portions 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d and a pair of left and right fixing portions 47. The reflecting portions 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d are plate-shaped members. The reflecting portion 46a covers the light-emitting element 42a from below, the reflecting portion 46b covers the light-emitting element 42b from below, the reflecting portion 46c covers the light-emitting element 42c from below, and the reflecting portion 46d covers the light-emitting element 42d from below. These reflecting portions 46a to 46d are aligned in the left-right direction. The surfaces of the reflecting portions 46a to 46d facing the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d are reflecting surfaces 46ar, 46br, 46cr, and 46dr that reflect light. These reflecting surfaces 46ar to 46dr are based on ellipsoidal surfaces, with the light emitting elements 42a to 42d located at or near a first focal point of the ellipsoidal surface, and the second focal point of the ellipsoidal surface located between the first focal point and the lens member 70. At least a portion of the light from the light emitting elements 42a to 42d is reflected by the reflecting surfaces 46ar to 46dr toward the lens member 70. Most of this reflected light is collected on the light emitting elements 42a to 42d side of the lens member 70 and directed toward the lens member 70.

[0066] The reflecting portion 46a is connected to the reflecting portion 46b, the reflecting portion 46c is connected to the reflecting portion 46d, and the reflecting portions 46b and 46c are connected via a plate-shaped connecting portion 48.

[0067] The pair of fixing portions 47 are plate-shaped members. One fixing portion 47 is located to the right of the rightmost reflecting portion 46a and extends along the underside of the substrate 41. The right end of the reflecting portion 46a is connected to the left end of the underside of the one fixing portion 47. The other fixing portion 47 is located to the left of the leftmost reflecting portion 46d and extends along the underside of the substrate 41. The left end of the reflecting portion 46d is connected to the right end of the underside of the other fixing portion 47. Therefore, the four reflecting portions 46a to 46d and the connecting portion 48 are located below the fixing portions 47 and are separated from the substrate 41. Each fixing portion 47 is fixed to the second heat sink 16 together with the substrate 41 by a screw 49. In this embodiment, the reflecting portions 46a to 46d, the fixing portion 47, and the connecting portion 48 are integral with each other, and the configuration of this integral member may be, for example, the same as the configuration described for the reflector 25.

[0068] The rear end of the reflector 45 is located forward of the rear end of the substrate 41, and the entire reflector 45 overlaps with the substrate 41 in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the substrate 41. As described above, the reflecting portions 46a to 46d and the connecting portion 48 are spaced apart from the substrate 41, and therefore a gap 45G is formed between the rear ends of the reflecting portions 46a to 46d and the connecting portion 48 and the bottom surface of the substrate 41. This gap 45G is located above the front ends of the substrate 41 and the reflector 45. Therefore, air flowing upward in the space 45S between the substrate 41 and the reflector 45 flows out of the space 45S through the gap 45G. In other words, the gap 45G is an air passage that allows air flowing upward in the space 45S to flow out of the space 45S. As shown in FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, the first inclined portion 12b of the first heat sink 11 has a through-hole 12bh penetrating the thickness direction. The through-hole 12bh is located rearward and above the gap 45G, and the opening of the through-hole 12bh on the side opposite the gap 45G is located between adjacent first heat dissipation fins 13. Therefore, air passing through the gap 45G as an air passage flows out through the through-hole 12bh into the space between adjacent first heat dissipation fins 13. In other words, the through-hole 12bh is another air passage that allows air passing through the gap 45G to flow into the space between adjacent first heat dissipation fins 13. Note that the air flow is indicated by arrows in FIG. 3 . Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the substrate 41 and the reflector 45 are viewed from the front along the underside of the substrate 41, the gap 45G overlaps with the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d.

[0069] 3 , a lower portion of the reflector 35 of the first additional light source unit 30 is located below the reflector 45 of the second additional light source unit 40, and an upper portion of the reflector 35 overlaps the reflector 45 in the front-to-rear direction. The reflector 35 is located rearward of the reflector 45. The reflector 45 is fixed to the second heat sink 16, which is detachably attached to the first heat sink 11. That is, the second heat sink 16 is detachably attached to the first heat sink 11 so that the reflector 45 is located forward of the reflector 35. A substrate 31 is located between the reflectors 35 and 45. The substrate 31 is a non-light-transmitting member and blocks a portion of the light reflected by the reflector 35. Therefore, the substrate 31 can be understood as a light-blocking member that is located between the reflectors 35 and 45 and blocks a portion of the light reflected by the reflector 35. The light from the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b that is reflected by the reflector 35 does not irradiate the substrate 41, the reflector 45, or the second heat sink 16.

[0070] 9 is a view from above of the vicinity of the three connectors 23, 33, and 43. In this embodiment, the connector 23 and the connector 43 overlap in the vertical direction, and the connector 33 does not overlap with the other connectors 23 and 43.

[0071] Next, the shade 60 will be described.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 2 , the shade 60 is a non-transparent member disposed between the low light source unit 20 and the lens member 70. In this embodiment, the shade 60 is a plate-like member extending vertically and horizontally. The upper end surface of the shade 60 is a flat surface extending generally horizontally and is located at or near the second focal point of the elliptical curved surface of the reflective surface 26r of each reflective portion 26 of the reflector 25. A step portion (not shown) is formed on the upper end surface of the shade 60. A portion of the light emitted from the low light source unit 20 is irradiated onto the upper end portion of the shade 60, including the upper end surface, and the light is blocked. Furthermore, another portion of the light emitted from the low light source unit 20 is not blocked by the shade 60 and is directed toward the lens member 70. Thus, light of a low beam light distribution pattern with a cutoff line corresponding to the shape of the upper end of the shade 60 is directed toward the lens member 70. The configuration of the shade 60 is not limited as long as it is a configuration that forms a cutoff line, and for example, the shade 60 may be a part of the heat sink 10 .

[0073] The lens member 70 is an optical member that adjusts the divergence angle of the transmitted light. The lens member 70 of this embodiment includes a low-use projection lens 71 and an additional projection lens 72 that is disposed below the low-use light source unit 20. The low-use projection lens 71 and the additional projection lens 72 are integrated, but the low-use projection lens 71 and the additional projection lens 72 may be separate bodies.

[0074] The low-light projection lens 71 of this embodiment is a biconvex lens in which a surface 71i on the low-light source unit 20 side and a surface 71o on the opposite side from the low-light source unit 20 side are convexly curved. In this embodiment, the vertical and horizontal cross sections of the surface 71i are arc-shaped, convexly curved toward the low-light source unit 20 side. The vertical cross section of the surface 71o is arc-shaped, convexly curved toward the opposite side from the low-light source unit 20 side, and the horizontal cross section of the surface 71o is generally linear and parallel to the left-right direction. The rear focal point of the low-light projection lens 71 is located at or near the second focal point of the reflecting surface 26r of the reflecting unit 26 of the reflector 25. Therefore, the configuration consisting of the low-light source unit 20, the shade 60, and the low-light projection lens 71 is a so-called projector-type lighting unit. Of the light emitted from the low light source unit 20, the light of the low beam light distribution pattern that is not blocked by the shade 60 and heads toward the lens member 70 passes through the low projection lens 71 and is irradiated ahead of the vehicle VE.

[0075] Like the low-light projection lens 71, the additional projection lens 72 of this embodiment is a biconvex lens in which a surface 72i on the first additional light source unit 30 side and a surface 72o on the opposite side from the first additional light source unit 30 side are convexly curved. In this embodiment, the vertical and horizontal cross sections of the surface 72i are arc-shaped, convexly curved toward the first additional light source unit 30 side. The vertical cross section of the surface 72o is arc-shaped, convexly curved toward the opposite side from the first additional light source unit 30 side, and the horizontal cross section of the surface 72o is generally linear and parallel to the left-right direction. The rear focal point of the additional projection lens 72 is located forward of the first additional light source unit 30 and the second additional light source unit 40. Therefore, the configuration consisting of the first additional light source unit 30 and the additional projection lens 72 and the configuration consisting of the second additional light source unit 40 and the additional projection lens 72 are projector-type lighting units, and they share the additional projection lens 72. Light emitted from the first additional light source unit 30 passes through the additional projection lens 72 and is irradiated forward of the vehicle VE, and light emitted from the second additional light source unit 40 passes through the additional projection lens 72 and is irradiated forward of the vehicle VE.

[0076] Next, a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 will be described.

[0077] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a low-beam light distribution pattern from a right-hand vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 10 , S denotes a horizontal line, V denotes a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle in the lateral direction, and a low-beam light distribution pattern PL formed on a virtual vertical screen positioned 25 m ahead of the vehicle VE is shown by a thick line. The low-beam light distribution pattern PL is formed by light from the low-beam light source unit 20. The reflector 25 of the low-beam light source unit 20 and the low-beam projection lens 71 are shaped so that the light distribution pattern of light from the light-emitting elements 22 a and 22 b forms the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. The low-beam light distribution pattern PL according to this embodiment is suitable for countries and regions where vehicles drive on the left side of the road. The cutoff line CL, which is the upper edge of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL, corresponds to the shape of the upper end of the shade 60, and a step portion CLa is formed in the cutoff line CL. In this embodiment, the low beam light distribution pattern PL formed by the right-side vehicle headlight 1 and the low beam light distribution pattern formed by the left-side vehicle headlight 1 are generally the same, and the outer edges of these low beam light distribution patterns are overlapped so that they coincide.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a diagram similar to FIG. 10 , illustrating a first additional light distribution pattern formed by light from the first additional light source unit 30 of the right-hand vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment. Note that in FIG. 11 , the low-beam light distribution pattern PL is indicated by a dotted line. The first additional light distribution pattern PA1 is formed by light from the first additional light source unit 30, and the reflecting portion 36 of the reflector 35 of the first additional light source unit 30 and the additional projection lens 72 are shaped so that the light distribution pattern of light from the light-emitting elements 32 a, 32 b forms the first additional light distribution pattern PA1. The first additional light distribution pattern PA1 is formed in an area including an upper side of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL, and the lower part of the first additional light distribution pattern PA1 overlaps with the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. The first additional light distribution pattern PA1 is added to the low-beam light distribution pattern PL to form a high-beam light distribution pattern. In this embodiment, the first additional light distribution pattern PA1 formed by the right-side vehicle headlight 1 and the first additional light distribution pattern formed by the left-side vehicle headlight 1 are generally the same, and the outer edges of these first additional light distribution patterns are superimposed so that they coincide.

[0079] FIG. 12 is a diagram similar to FIG. 10 , illustrating second additional light distribution patterns formed by light from the second additional light source units 40 of the left and right vehicle headlamps 1 of this embodiment. Note that in FIG. 12 , the low-beam light distribution pattern PL and the first additional light distribution pattern PA1 are indicated by dotted lines. As shown in FIG. 12 , in this embodiment, the second additional light distribution pattern PA2 enclosed by the dashed line is formed by light distribution patterns P1R, P2R, P3R, P4R, P1L, P2L, P3L, and P4L. The light distribution patterns P1R to P4R are light distribution patterns of light from the second additional light source unit 40 in the right vehicle headlamp 1. Specifically, the light distribution pattern P1R is a light distribution pattern of light from the light-emitting element 42a, the light distribution pattern P2R is a light distribution pattern of light from the light-emitting element 42b, the light distribution pattern P3R is a light distribution pattern of light from the light-emitting element 42c, and the light distribution pattern P4R is a light distribution pattern of light from the light-emitting element 42d. Furthermore, light distribution patterns P1L, P2L, P3L, and P4L are light distribution patterns of light from the second additional light source unit 40 in the left-side vehicle headlamp 1. Specifically, light distribution pattern P1L is a light distribution pattern of light from light-emitting element 42a, light distribution pattern P2L is a light distribution pattern of light from light-emitting element 42b, light distribution pattern P3L is a light distribution pattern of light from light-emitting element 42c, and light distribution pattern P4L is a light distribution pattern of light from light-emitting element 42d. For ease of viewing, in FIG. 12 , the light distribution patterns P1R and P3R are shown slightly offset in the vertical direction with respect to the light distribution patterns P2R and P4R, and the light distribution patterns P1L and P3L are shown slightly offset in the vertical direction with respect to the light distribution patterns P2L and P4L.

[0080] The light distribution patterns P1R to P4R and P1L to P4L are formed in an area including the upper side of the low beam light distribution pattern PL. The light distribution patterns P1R to P4R and P1L to P4L are aligned in the left-right direction, with adjacent light distribution patterns partially overlapping each other. Furthermore, the lower portions of the light distribution patterns P1R to P4R and P1L to P4L overlap with the low beam light distribution pattern PL. The light distribution patterns P1R to P4R are located to the right of the light distribution patterns P1L to P4L. The arrangement order of the light distribution patterns P1R to P4R is opposite to the arrangement order of the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d, with the light distribution pattern P4R being located at the far right. The arrangement order of the light distribution patterns P1L to P4L formed by light from the left vehicle headlamp 1 is symmetrical to the arrangement order of the light distribution patterns P1R to P4R, and therefore a description of this arrangement order will be omitted. In this embodiment, the entire area where the second additional light distribution pattern PA2 is formed overlaps with a part of the area where the first additional light distribution pattern PA1 is formed. Note that, among the light distribution patterns P1R to P4R and P1L to P4L, adjacent light distribution patterns do not have to overlap with each other, and adjacent light distribution patterns may be spaced apart.

[0081] Next, the control unit CO, the ECU 101, and the detection device 110 will be described.

[0082] Returning to FIG. 1 , the control unit CO is electrically connected to the low light source unit 20, the first additional light source unit 30, and the second additional light source unit 40. The control unit CO is composed of, for example, an integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, an integrated circuit (IC), a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or an NC (numerical control) device. The control unit CO may or may not use a machine learning device. The control unit CO is also electrically connected to the ECU 101. The control unit CO may or may not be located within the accommodation space of the housing 6.

[0083] The ECU 101 has a configuration generally similar to that of the control unit CO, for example, and supplies information to the vehicle headlamp 1. The ECU 101 may also perform engine control, airbag control, transmission control, and the like.

[0084] The detection device 110 includes an image acquisition unit 111 and a determination unit 112 and detects objects such as pedestrians and other vehicles located ahead of the vehicle VE. Other vehicles include leading and oncoming vehicles. The image acquisition unit 111 may include, for example, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) device, a camera, etc. When the image acquisition unit 111 is a LiDAR device, the image acquisition unit 111 may, for example, scan the area ahead of the vehicle VE with a laser beam, receive the reflected laser beam, generate a signal related to the image based on the received laser beam, and output the signal to the determination unit 112. When the image acquisition unit 111 is a camera, examples of the camera include a charged coupled device (CCD) camera and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera. In this case, the image acquisition unit 111 captures an image ahead of the vehicle VE and outputs a signal related to the captured image to the determination unit 112. The determination unit 112 is electrically connected to the ECU 101. The determination unit 112 has a configuration generally similar to that of the control unit CO, for example, and determines whether an image of an object is included in the signal related to the image input from the image acquisition unit 111. If the signal related to the image includes an image of the object, the determination unit 112 calculates the position coordinates of the object. If the image of the object is included, the determination unit 112 outputs a signal including data related to the position coordinates of the object to the ECU 101.

[0085] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 will be described.

[0086] 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit CO in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, the operation of the control unit CO includes steps S1 to S7. Unless otherwise specified, the left and right vehicle headlamps 1 perform the same operation.

[0087] (Step S1) In this step, the next step is determined depending on whether an ON signal is input from a light switch (not shown). In this step, if the ON signal is not input from the light switch, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step S2, and if an ON signal is input, the control flow advances to step S3. The ON signal from the light switch may be input to the control unit CO directly or via the ECU 101.

[0088] (Step S2) This step is a step of causing the vehicle headlamp 1 to stop emitting light. In this step, the control unit CO controls the low light source unit 20, the first additional light source unit 30, and the second additional light source unit 40 to stop emitting light. Note that when the control unit CO controls the low light source unit 20, the first additional light source unit 30, and the second additional light source unit 40 to stop emitting light, it is sufficient that light is not emitted from these light sources. For example, if light is not being emitted from the low light source unit 20, the first additional light source unit 30, and the second additional light source unit 40 when proceeding from step S1 to this step, the control unit CO simply maintains that state. Therefore, in this case, the control unit CO does not need to output any control signal. After this step, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step S1.

[0089] (Step S3) This step determines the next step depending on whether an ON signal is input from a high beam switch (not shown). In this step, if the ON signal is not input from the high beam switch, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step S4, and if an ON signal is input from the high beam switch, the control flow advances to step S5. The ON signal from the high beam switch may be input directly to the control unit CO or may be input via the ECU 101.

[0090] (Step S4) This step is a step of emitting a low beam from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this step, the control unit CO controls the low light source unit 20, the first additional light source unit 30, and the second additional light source unit 40 to emit light only from the light-emitting elements 22a and 22b of the low light source unit 20. The light from the low light source unit 20 is partially blocked by the shade 60, resulting in light of the low beam light distribution pattern PL, which is then emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this way, the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a low beam. Note that if light is being emitted from the low light source unit 20 when proceeding from step S3 to this step, the control unit CO may maintain that state. In this case, the control unit CO does not need to output any control signal to the low light source unit 20. After this step, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step S1.

[0091] (Step S5) This step is a step in which the next step is changed depending on the signal from the detection device 110. In this step, if the signal from the detection device 110 does not indicate that an object has been detected, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step S6. If the signal from the detection device 110 indicates that an object has been detected, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step S7. A case in which the signal from the detection device 110 indicates that an object has been detected is, for example, a case in which the signal from the detection device 110 includes data related to the position coordinates of the object. In addition, a case in which the signal from the detection device 110 does not indicate that an object has been detected includes a case in which a signal indicating that an object has not been detected is input from the detection device 110 to the control unit CO, or a case in which no signal is input from the detection device 110 to the control unit CO.

[0092] (Step S6) This step is a step of emitting a high beam from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this step, the control unit CO controls the low light source unit 20, the first additional light source unit 30, and the second additional light source unit 40 to emit light from the light-emitting elements 22a and 22b of the low light source unit 20 and the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b of the first additional light source unit 30, and to place the second additional light source unit 40 in a non-light-emitting state. In this way, light of the first additional light distribution pattern PA1 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 along with the low beam, and the first additional light distribution pattern PA1 is added to the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. In other words, a high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Note that when proceeding from step S5 to this step, if light is emitted from the low light source unit 20 and the first additional light source unit 30 and light is not emitted from the second additional light source unit 40, the control unit CO may maintain that state. After this step, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step S1.

[0093] (Step S7) This step is a step of causing the vehicle headlamp 1 to emit light of an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the object. In this step, the control unit CO controls the low light source unit 20, the first additional light source unit 30, and the second additional light source unit 40 to emit light from the low light source unit 20 and the second additional light source unit 40, and causes the first additional light source unit 30 to put into a non-light-emitting state. In controlling the second additional light source unit 40, if the coordinates of the object are not located in a position overlapping with the second additional light distribution pattern PA2, the control unit CO causes all of the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d of the second additional light source unit 40 to emit light. As a result, light of the second additional light distribution pattern PA2 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 together with the low beam, and the second additional light distribution pattern PA2 is added to the low beam light distribution pattern PL. Furthermore, when the coordinates of the target are located at a position overlapping with the second additional light distribution pattern PA2, the control unit CO emits light from the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d whose light distribution pattern does not overlap with the coordinates of the target, and dims or does not emit light from the light-emitting elements whose light distribution pattern overlaps with the coordinates of the target. As a result, light of a light distribution pattern in which a portion of the second additional light distribution pattern PA2 is dimmed or turned off is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 along with the low beam, and this light distribution pattern is added to the low beam light distribution pattern PL. In this way, light of an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the target is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0094] FIG. 14 is a diagram similar to FIG. 10 , illustrating an example of an ADB light distribution pattern. In the example shown in FIG. 14 , the object OB is an oncoming vehicle, and the position of the object OB overlaps with the light distribution patterns P2R and P3R formed by the light from the light-emitting elements 42b and 42c. Therefore, the control unit CO dims or turns off the light-emitting elements 42b and 42c. Therefore, the ADB light distribution pattern PADB is a light distribution pattern in which the light distribution patterns P2R and P3R of the second additional light distribution pattern PA2 are dimmed or turned off and added to the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. This reduces glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle, which is the object OB. After this step, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step S1.

[0095] The first and second additional lamp units of the aforementioned Patent Document 1 are so-called direct-projection lamp units. A lamp unit is known that includes a light-emitting portion that emits light downward and a reflector that is arranged to cover the light-emitting portion from below and reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting portion forward. There is a demand for a lamp unit that has the configuration of the first and second additional lamp units. In this case, because the reflector is arranged to cover the light-emitting portion from below, it tends to be larger than a direct-projection lamp unit, raising concerns that the vehicle headlamp will become larger.

[0096] Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment as a first aspect includes a light-emitting portion 32, 42 and a reflector 35, 45. The light-emitting portion 32 emits light downward to form a first additional light distribution pattern PA1, which is formed in an area including an upper side of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. The reflector 35 is arranged to cover the light-emitting portion 32 from below and reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting portion 32 forward. The light-emitting portion 42 is formed in an area including an upper side of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL and emits light downward to form a second additional light distribution pattern PA2, which is different from the first additional light distribution pattern PA1. The reflector 45 is arranged to cover the light-emitting portion 42 from below and reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting portion 42 forward. A portion of the reflector 35 is located below the reflector 45, and another portion of the reflector 35 overlaps with the reflector 45 in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, with the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the vehicle headlamp 1 from increasing in size in the left-to-right direction compared to when the reflectors 35 and 45 are aligned in the left-to-right direction. Furthermore, with the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the vehicle headlamp 1 from increasing in size in the up-to-down direction compared to when the reflectors 35 and 45 do not overlap in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, with the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to increase the size in the left-to-right and up-to-down directions.

[0097] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment as a first aspect, the light-emitting portions 32, 42 emit light diagonally downward and rearward. According to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the light-emitting portions 32, 42 can more easily reflect light forward than when the light-emitting portions 32, 42 emit light vertically downward. Note that the light-emitting portions 32, 42 may emit light downward, for example, vertically downward.

[0098] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment as a first aspect, the reflector 35 is disposed rearward of the reflector 45. Therefore, a portion of the light from the light-emitting portion 32 that is reflected by the reflector 35 may be directed toward the reflector 45. However, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the substrate 31 as a light-blocking member blocks a portion of the light reflected by the reflector 35 and is located between the reflectors 35 and 45. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, even if the reflector 35 is disposed rearward of the reflector 45, it is possible to prevent the light from the light-emitting portion 32 that is reflected by the reflector 35 from being irradiated onto the reflector 45, and it is possible to prevent the reflector 45 from being overheated.

[0099] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment as a first aspect, the light emitting portion 32 is two light emitting elements 32a, 32b mounted on a substrate 31, and the substrate 31 is located between the reflector 35 and the reflector 45. Therefore, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed compared to when a light blocking member different from the substrate 31 is located between the reflector 35 and the reflector 45. Note that, from the viewpoint of suppressing the light from the light emitting portion 32 reflected by the reflector 35 from being irradiated onto the reflector 45, it is sufficient that at least a part of the light blocking member is located between the reflector 35 and the reflector 45. For example, the light blocking member may be a part of the heat sink 10.

[0100] The vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment as a first aspect further includes a first heat sink 11 and a second heat sink 16. A substrate 31 and a reflector 35 are fixed to the first heat sink 11. The light emitting portion 42 is four light emitting elements 42a to 42d mounted on the substrate 41, and the substrate 41 and the reflector 45 are fixed to the second heat sink 16. The second heat sink 16 is detachably attached to the first heat sink 11 so that the reflector 45 is located forward of the reflector 35. Light from the light emitting portion 32 that is reflected by the reflector 35 does not irradiate the substrate 41, the reflector 45, or the second heat sink 16. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the first additional light distribution pattern PA1 can be maintained unchanged whether the second heat sink 16 is attached to or detached from the first heat sink 11. The second heat sink 16 does not have to be detachable from the first heat sink 11, and for example, the second heat sink 16 and the first heat sink 11 may be integrated. Furthermore, a portion of the light from the light emitting portion 32 that is reflected by the reflector 35 may be irradiated onto at least one of the substrate 41, the reflector 45, and the second heat sink 16.

[0101] In the vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 1, the connector on one of the two boards is located to the right of the reference plane, and the connector on the other board is located to the left of the reference plane. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 1, the cable connected to the connector on one board is considered to be led out to the right side of the heat sink, and the cable connected to the connector on the other board is considered to be led out to the left side of the heat sink. If the cables are led out to both the left and right sides of the heat sink in this way, it becomes difficult to organize the cables, which raises concerns about the vehicle headlamp becoming larger.

[0102] Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment as a second aspect includes a plurality of substrates 21, 31, 41 and a heat sink 10 to which the plurality of substrates 21, 31, 41 are fixed. The substrate 21 extends in the left-right direction, has a light emitting portion 22 mounted thereon, and has a connector 23 attached thereto that is electrically connected to the light emitting portion 22. The substrate 31 extends in the left-right direction, has a light emitting portion 32 mounted thereon, and has a connector 33 attached thereto that is electrically connected to the light emitting portion 32. The substrate 41 extends in the left-right direction, has a light emitting portion 42 mounted thereon, and has a connector 43 attached thereto that is electrically connected to the light emitting portion 42. The plurality of substrates 21, 31, 41 intersect with a reference plane RS that passes through the center of the heat sink 10 in the left-right direction and extends in the front-rear and vertical directions. The connectors 23, 33, 43 attached to the respective substrates 21, 31, 41 are attached to the same side, i.e., the right side, of the reference plane RS. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to easily bundle the cables 24, 34, 44 connected to the connectors 23, 33, 43 attached to each of the boards 21, 31, 41, and it is possible to prevent the vehicle headlamp 1 from becoming larger due to the cables 24, 34, 44.

[0103] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment as a second aspect, the light-emitting portion 22 on the substrate 21 is two light-emitting elements 22a, 22b aligned in the left-right direction, and the connector 23 on the substrate 21 overlaps the two light-emitting elements 22a, 22b in the left-right direction. Therefore, the substrate 21 can be prevented from becoming larger in size compared to a case where the light-emitting elements 22a, 22b and the connector 23 do not overlap in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the light-emitting portion 32 on the substrate 31 is two light-emitting elements 32a, 32b aligned in the left-right direction, and the connector 33 on the substrate 31 overlaps the two light-emitting elements 32a, 32b in the left-right direction. Therefore, the substrate 31 can be prevented from becoming larger in size compared to a case where the light-emitting elements 32a, 32b and the connector 33 do not overlap in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the light-emitting portion 42 on the substrate 41 is four light-emitting elements 42a to 42d aligned in the left-right direction, and the connector 43 on the substrate 41 overlaps the four light-emitting elements 42a to 42d in the left-right direction. This can prevent the substrate 41 from becoming larger than when the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d do not overlap the connector 43 in the left-right direction. Note that the light-emitting elements 22a, 22b do not have to overlap the connector 23 in the left-right direction, the light-emitting elements 32a, 32b do not have to overlap the connector 33, and the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d do not have to overlap the connector 43. Note that it is preferable that, on at least one substrate, multiple light-emitting elements lined up in the left-right direction overlap the connector.

[0104] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as a second aspect, the right end portions 21o, 31o, 41o of the substrates 21, 31, 41, where the connectors 23, 33, 43 are attached, protrude from the heat sink 10. Therefore, with the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the size of the heat sink 10 can be reduced compared to when the portions of the substrates where the connectors are attached do not protrude from the heat sink. Furthermore, with this configuration, as in the present embodiment, the right end portions 21o, 31o, 41o of the substrates 21, 31, 41, where the connectors 23, 33, 43 are attached, can be easily used as card edge connectors to which the connectors 23, 33, 43 are connected. Note that the portions of the substrates where the connectors are attached do not have to protrude from the heat sink 10. In this case, for example, the connectors 23, 33, 43 may be connected to sockets that are mounted on the substrates 21, 31, 41 and electrically connected to the light-emitting elements 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 42a to 42d. However, it is preferable that the portion of at least one substrate where the connector is attached protrudes from the heat sink 10.

[0105] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment as a second aspect, the connector 23 on the board 21 and the connector 43 on the board 41 overlap each other in the vertical direction. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can easily organize the cables 24, 44 connected to the connectors 23, 43 that overlap each other in the vertical direction. Note that the connectors 23, 33, 43 do not have to overlap each other in the vertical direction, but it is preferable that the connectors on at least two boards overlap each other in the vertical direction.

[0106] In a configuration such as the vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 2, the substrate may be positioned so that it is tilted downward toward the front. In this case, air heated by the light emitting portion tends to remain in the space between the substrate and the reflector, which may cause overheating.

[0107] Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment as a third aspect includes a substrate 31, 41, a light emitting portion 32, 42, and a reflector 35, 45. The substrate 31, 41 is inclined downward toward the front, and the light emitting portion 32, 42 is mounted on the underside of the substrate 31, 41 and emits light downward. The reflector 35, 45 is disposed to cover the light emitting portion 32, 42 from below and reflects light emitted from the light emitting portion 32, 42 toward the front. The rear end of the substrate 31, 41 is located rearward of the rear end of the reflector 35, 45, and a gap 35G, 45G is formed between the underside of the substrate 31, 41 and the rear end of the reflector 35, 45. The gaps 35G, 45G are ventilation paths that allow air flowing upward in the spaces 35S, 45S between the substrates 31, 41 and the reflectors 35, 45 to flow out of the spaces 35S, 45S. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the air heated by the light emitting portions 32, 42 from remaining in the spaces 35S, 45S between the substrates 31, 41 and the reflectors 35, 45, and to prevent the air from being overheated, compared to a case in which the gaps 35G, 45G are not formed.

[0108] The vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment as a third aspect further includes a heat sink 10. The heat sink 10 includes a main body 12 to which the substrate 31 and the reflector 35 are fixed, and a plurality of second heat dissipation fins 14 fixed to the main body 12 and arranged at intervals. No member is formed between the reflector 35 and the second heat dissipation fins 14. Therefore, air passing through the gaps 35G as air passages flows into the spaces between adjacent second heat dissipation fins 14. In other words, the heat sink 10 includes another air passage that allows air passing through the gaps 35G to flow into the spaces between adjacent second heat dissipation fins 14. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can improve cooling efficiency compared to a case in which the heat sink 10 does not include this other air passage. The heat sink 10 also includes a main body 17 to which the substrate 41 and the reflector 45 are fixed, and a plurality of first heat dissipation fins 13 fixed to the main body 12 to which the main body 17 is fixed and arranged at intervals. The main body 12 is provided with through holes 12bh penetrating the main body 12 in the thickness direction. The through holes 12bh are located rearward and above the gaps 45G, and the openings of the through holes 12bh on the opposite side from the gaps 45G are located between adjacent first heat dissipation fins 13. Therefore, air passing through the gaps 45G as an air passage flows out through the through holes 12bh into the spaces between adjacent first heat dissipation fins 13. In other words, the through holes 12bh are separate air passages that allow the air passing through the gaps 45G to flow into the spaces between adjacent first heat dissipation fins 13. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can improve cooling efficiency compared to a case in which the heat sink 10 does not have through holes 12bh. The through-hole 12bh may not be formed.

[0109] Air heated by the light emitting portions 32, 42 tends to rise along the substrates 31, 41. In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment as a third aspect, when the substrates 31, 41 and the reflectors 35, 45 are viewed from the front along the underside of the substrates 31, 41, the gaps 35G, 45G serving as air passages overlap with the light emitting portions 32, 42. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the air heated by the light emitting portions 32, 42 can be directed toward the gaps 35G, 45G, and the heated air can be further prevented from remaining in the spaces 35S, 45S between the substrates 31, 41 and the reflectors 35, 45. Note that when viewed as described above, the gaps 35G, 45G do not necessarily overlap with the light emitting portions 32, 42.

[0110] Although the first, second, and third aspects of the present invention have been described using the above-mentioned embodiment as an example, the first, second, and third aspects of the present invention are not limited to this.

[0111] For example, in the above embodiment, the light emitting unit 32 is two light emitting elements 32a and 32b, and the light emitting unit 42 is four light emitting elements 42a to 42d. However, in the first aspect, the light emitting units 32 and 42 may each be one or more light emitting elements, and the number of light emitting elements is not limited.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the reflector 35 includes two reflecting portions 36 that cover the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b from below, respectively, and the reflector 45 includes four reflecting portions 46a to 46d that cover the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d from below, respectively. However, in the first aspect, the reflector 35 is arranged to cover the light-emitting portion 32 from below and only needs to reflect the light emitted from the light-emitting portion 32 forward, and the reflector 45 is arranged to cover the light-emitting portion 42 from below and only needs to reflect the light emitted from the light-emitting portion 42 forward. For example, the reflecting section 36 does not have to collect light from the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b on the light-emitting element 32a and 32b side of the additional projection lens 72, and the reflecting sections 46a to 46d do not have to collect light from the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d on the light-emitting element 42a to 42d side of the additional projection lens 72. Also, the gap 35G between the substrate 31 and the reflector 35 may not be formed, and the gap 45G between the substrate 41 and the reflector 45 may not be formed.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the reflector 35 is disposed behind the reflector 45. However, in the first aspect, the reflector 35 may be disposed in front of the reflector 45. For example, in the above embodiment, the first additional light source unit 30 and the second additional light source unit 40 may be interchanged.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the additional projection lens 72 is described as an example, through which the light from the light-emitting elements 32a, 32b reflected by the reflector 35 and the light from the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d reflected by the reflector 45 passes. However, in the first aspect, the vehicle headlamp 1 may include a projection lens through which the light from the light-emitting elements 32a, 32b reflected by the reflector 35 passes, and another projection lens different from the projection lens and through which the light from the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d reflected by the reflector 45 passes.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the first additional light distribution pattern PA1 is added to the low-beam light distribution pattern PL to form a high-beam light distribution pattern. The second additional light distribution pattern PA2 is formed by arranging light distribution patterns P1R to P4R of light from the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d in the right-side vehicle headlamp 1 and light distribution patterns P1L to P4L of light from the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d in the left-side vehicle headlamp 1 in a horizontal arrangement. However, in the first aspect, the first additional light distribution pattern may be formed in an area including an upper side of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. The second additional light distribution pattern may be formed in an area including an upper side of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL and may be a light distribution pattern different from the first additional light distribution pattern.

[0116] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the high-beam light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern in which the first additional light distribution pattern PA1 is added to the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. However, in the first, second, and third aspects, the high-beam light distribution pattern may be a light distribution pattern in which the first additional light distribution pattern PA1 and the second additional light distribution pattern PA2 are added to the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. In this case, among the high-beam light distribution patterns, a light distribution pattern in which the light of the second additional light distribution pattern PA2 in the light distribution patterns P1R to P4R and P1L to P4L that overlap with the coordinates of the object OB is dimmed or turned off may be used as the ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the object OB.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the low light source unit 20 is positioned above the first additional light source unit 30 and the second additional light source unit 40. However, in the first, second, and third aspects, the low light source unit 20 only needs to emit light that becomes a low beam, and the position and configuration of the low light source unit 20 are not limited.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the substrate 21 on which the light emitting portion 22, which is two light emitting elements 22a and 22b, is mounted, the substrate 31 on which the light emitting portion 32, which is two light emitting elements 32a and 32b, is mounted, and the substrate 41 on which the light emitting portion 42, which is four light emitting elements 42a to 42d, is mounted, were described as an example. However, in the second aspect, the light emitting portions 22, 32, and 42 may each be one or more light emitting elements, and the number of light emitting elements is not limited. Furthermore, the number of substrates may be two or more, and may be four or more.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the connectors 23, 33, 43 attached to the respective boards 21, 31, 41 are attached to the right side of the reference plane RS. However, in the second aspect, the connectors 23, 33, 43 attached to the respective boards 21, 31, 41 may be attached to the left side of the reference plane RS as long as they are attached to the same side of the reference plane RS.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the second heat sink 16 is detachably attached to the first heat sink 11. However, in the second and third aspects, the first heat sink 11 and the second heat sink 16 may be integral with each other.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the substrates 31 and 41 have approximately the same inclination relative to the horizontal direction, and the substrate 21 has an inclination relative to the horizontal direction different from that of the substrates 31 and 41. However, in the second aspect, the inclination relative to the horizontal direction of the multiple substrates is not limited, and all of the substrates may have the same inclination relative to the horizontal direction, or at least two of the substrates may have different inclinations relative to the horizontal direction.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the vehicle headlamp 1 is described as including the reflectors 25, 35, 45 that reflect light from the light emitting portions 22, 32, 42, and the lens member 70 through which the light reflected by the reflectors 25, 35, 45 passes. However, in the second aspect, the vehicle headlamp 1 does not need to include the reflectors 25, 35, 45, and does not need to include the lens member 70. In addition, the gap 35G between the substrate 31 and the reflector 35 may not be formed, and the gap 45G between the substrate 41 and the reflector 45 may not be formed.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the gap 35G, 45G between the lower surface of the substrate 31, 41 and the rear end of the reflector 35, 45 serves as an air passage through which air flowing upward in the space 35S, 45S between the substrate 31, 41 and the reflector 35, 45 flows out of the space 35S, 45S. However, in the third aspect, the vehicle headlamp 1 only needs to have an air passage through which air flowing upward in the space 35S, 45S flows out of the space 35S, 45S, and the air passage is not limited. FIG. 15 is a diagram similar to FIG. 3 showing a lamp unit in a modified example of the third aspect. As shown in FIG. 15, in this modified example, the substrate 31 has a through-hole 31h positioned between the light-emitting portion 32 and the rear end of the reflector 35 and penetrating in the thickness direction. The second inclined portion 12c of the first heat sink 11 has a through-hole 12ch penetrating in the thickness direction at a position overlapping the through-hole 31h. Therefore, air flowing upward in the space 35S flows out of the space 35S through the through-holes 31h and 12ch. The substrate 41 also has a through-hole 41h that is located between the light emitting portion 42 and the rear end of the reflector 45 and penetrates the substrate 41 in the thickness direction. The inclined portion 17b of the second heat sink 16 also has a through-hole 17bh that is located overlapping the through-hole 41h and penetrates the substrate 41 in the thickness direction. Therefore, air flowing upward in the space 45S flows out of the space 45S through the through-holes 41h and 17bh. This configuration, similar to the above embodiment, can prevent air heated by the light emitting portion 32, 42 from remaining in the spaces 35S, 45S between the substrates 31, 41 and the reflectors 35, 45, thereby preventing overheating. In this modification, the openings of the through-holes 17bh on the side opposite the substrate 41 are located between adjacent heat dissipation fins 18. Therefore, the air that has passed through the through-holes 41h and the through-holes 17bh flows out into the spaces between the adjacent heat dissipation fins 18. Therefore, according to this modification, the cooling efficiency can be further improved.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the heat sink 10 is described with an example in which the through-holes 12bh serve as another air passage, allowing air that has passed through the gaps 45G as an air passage to flow into the space between adjacent first heat dissipation fins 13. However, in the third aspect, the another air passage may allow air that has passed through an air passage that allows air flowing upward in the space between the substrate and the reflector to flow out of the space to flow into the space between adjacent heat dissipation fins. Although not shown in the drawings, for example, the another air passage may be a through-hole located behind the substrate 41 and penetrating the inclined portion 17b of the second heat sink 16 in the thickness direction. Such a through-hole allows air that has passed through the gaps 45G as an air passage to flow into the space between adjacent heat dissipation fins 18.

[0125] In the above-described embodiment, the rear ends of the substrates 31 and 41 are located rearward of the reflectors 35 and 45. However, in the third aspect, the rear ends of the substrates 31 and 41 may be located forward of the rear ends of the reflectors 35 and 45.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the light emitting unit 32 is two light emitting elements 32a and 32b, and the light emitting unit 42 is four light emitting elements 42a to 42d. However, in the third aspect, the light emitting units 32 and 42 may each be one or more light emitting elements, and the number of light emitting elements is not limited.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the reflector 35 includes two reflecting portions 36 that cover the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b from below, respectively, and the reflector 45 includes four reflecting portions 46a to 46d that cover the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d from below, respectively. However, in the third aspect, the reflector 35 is arranged to cover the light-emitting portion 32 from below and only needs to reflect the light emitted from the light-emitting portion 32 forward, and the reflector 45 is arranged to cover the light-emitting portion 42 from below and only needs to reflect the light emitted from the light-emitting portion 42 forward. For example, the reflecting unit 36 ​​does not have to focus the light from the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b on the side of the light-emitting elements 32a and 32b from the additional projection lens 72, and the reflecting units 46a to 46d do not have to focus the light from the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d on the side of the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d from the additional projection lens 72.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the additional projection lens 72 is described as an example, through which the light from the light-emitting elements 32a, 32b reflected by the reflector 35 and the light from the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d reflected by the reflector 45 passes. However, in the third aspect, the vehicle headlamp 1 may include a projection lens through which the light from the light-emitting elements 32a, 32b reflected by the reflector 35 passes, and another projection lens different from the projection lens and through which the light from the light-emitting elements 42a to 42d reflected by the reflector 45 passes.

[0129] According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, a vehicle headlamp that can suppress an increase in size is provided, and according to the third aspect of the present invention, a vehicle headlamp that can suppress overheating is provided, and can be used in fields such as vehicle headlamp for automobiles and the like.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlamp comprising: a first light-emitting portion that emits light downward to form a first additional light distribution pattern formed in an area including the upper side of a low-beam light distribution pattern; a first reflector that is arranged so as to cover the first light-emitting portion from below and reflects the light emitted from the first light-emitting portion forward; a second light-emitting portion that is formed in an area including the upper side of the low-beam light distribution pattern and emits light downward to form a second additional light distribution pattern different from the first additional light distribution pattern; and a second reflector that is arranged so as to cover the second light-emitting portion from below and reflects the light emitted from the second light-emitting portion forward; wherein a part of the first reflector is located below the second reflector, and another part of the first reflector overlaps with the second reflector in the longitudinal direction.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the first light-emitting portion and the second light-emitting portion emit light diagonally downward and rearward.

3. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, further comprising a light-blocking member that blocks a portion of the light reflected by the first reflector, the first reflector being positioned rearward of the second reflector, and at least a portion of the light-blocking member being located between the first reflector and the second reflector.

4. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 3, wherein the first light emitting portion is one or more light emitting elements mounted on a first substrate, and the light blocking member is the first substrate.

5. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, further comprising: a first substrate; a first heat sink to which the first substrate and the first reflector are fixed; a second substrate; and a second heat sink to which the second substrate and the second reflector are fixed; wherein the first light-emitting portion is one or more light-emitting elements mounted on the first substrate; the second light-emitting portion is one or more light-emitting elements mounted on the second substrate; the second heat sink is detachably attached to the first heat sink so that the second reflector is positioned forward of the first reflector; and light from the first light-emitting portion reflected by the first reflector does not irradiate the second substrate, the second reflector, or the second heat sink.

6. A vehicle headlamp comprising: a plurality of substrates extending in the left-right direction, each substrate having a light emitting portion mounted thereon and a connector electrically connected to said light emitting portion attached thereto; and a heat sink to which said plurality of substrates are fixed; wherein said plurality of substrates intersect with a reference plane that passes through the center of said heat sink in the left-right direction and extends in the front-rear and vertical directions; and wherein said connectors attached to each of said substrates are attached to the same side of said reference plane.

7. A vehicle headlamp as described in claim 6, characterized in that the light emitting portion of at least one of the substrates is a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in the left-right direction, and the connector of the at least one of the substrates overlaps with the plurality of light emitting elements in the left-right direction.

8. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 6, wherein a portion of at least one of the substrates to which the connector is attached protrudes from the heat sink.

9. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 6, wherein the connectors on at least two of the boards overlap each other in the vertical direction.

10. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 6, wherein the inclinations of at least two of the substrates relative to the horizontal direction are different from each other.

11. A vehicle headlamp comprising: a substrate that slopes downward as it faces forward; a light emitting portion mounted on the underside of said substrate and emitting light downward; a reflector that is arranged to cover said light emitting portion from below and reflects light emitted from said light emitting portion forward; and an air passage that allows air flowing upward in the space between said substrate and said reflector to flow out of said space.

12. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 11, wherein the rear end of the substrate is located rearward of the rear end of the reflector, and the air passage is a gap between the rear end of the reflector and the substrate.

13. A vehicle headlamp as described in claim 11, further comprising a heat sink including a main body to which the substrate and the reflector are fixed, and a plurality of heat dissipation fins fixed to the main body and arranged at intervals from one another, wherein the heat sink includes another air passage that allows air that has passed through the air passage to flow out into spaces between adjacent heat dissipation fins.

14. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 11, wherein when the substrate and the reflector are viewed from the front side along the underside of the substrate, the air passage overlaps with the light emitting portion.

Images