JP4461886B2 - Vehicle headlamp - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular headlamp such as a projector-type headlamp or fog lamp that irradiates light in front of a vehicle to illuminate a road surface in front of the vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp suitable for traveling on a wet road surface at night (referred to as “wet road” in this specification).

  When driving on a wet road at night, there is a problem of glare on the driver of the oncoming vehicle and the driver of the preceding vehicle. Hereinafter, the generation principle of glare in this night wet road will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, the wet path 103 becomes a kind of mirror surface. For this reason, when the vehicle travels on a wet road at night, the light 102 emitted from the vehicle headlamp 101 of the host vehicle 100 is specularly reflected by the wet road 103, and the reflected light 104 is reflected by the oncoming vehicle. (Or preceding vehicle) 105 enters the eyes of the driver and becomes glare. In this way, the reflection from the wet road 103 gives glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 105. In particular, as shown by a curve 106 in FIG. 18, when the distance between the host vehicle 100 and the oncoming vehicle 105 is about 10 to 25 m, glare is most imparted to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 105. In FIG. 18, the vertical axis is the illuminance in front of the eye, the unit is (lx), the horizontal axis is the distance between the host vehicle 100 and the oncoming vehicle 105, the unit is (m), and the curve 106 Is for wet roads and curve 107 is for dry roads.

  Further, in FIG. 17 described above, in the case of a light distribution pattern by downward irradiation light such as a light distribution pattern for passing, the light 102 emitted from the vehicle headlamp 101 is directed downward. The illuminance (luminous intensity) of the reflected light 104 that is specularly reflected in the wet path 103 increases, and the possibility of occurrence of glare increases accordingly. Furthermore, recent vehicle headlamps tend to increase illuminance (luminosity) by ensuring visibility, and thus the problem of glare due to specular reflection of the wet path 103 tends to increase.

  Therefore, a vehicular headlamp (for example, Patent Document 1) that can prevent glare due to specular reflection of a wet road by a rain light distribution pattern when driving on a wet road at night is proposed. . Hereinafter, the vehicle headlamp will be described. In addition, the code | symbol with a parenthesis respond | corresponds to patent document 1, respectively. This vehicle headlamp is disposed between a reflecting mirror (10) having at least a substantially elliptical shape, a light source (14), a lens (18), and the reflecting mirror (10) and the lens (18). Shaded (22) and shielding device (36) and adjusting element (40).

  Hereinafter, the operation of the vehicle headlamp will be described. When the light source (14) is turned on, the light from the light source (14) is reflected by the reflecting mirror (10) in a convergent form, and a part of the converged reflected light is cut off by the shade (22), and the remaining light is reflected. The reflected light passes through the projection lens in a predetermined light distribution pattern (first light distribution pattern or passing light distribution pattern) and is irradiated forward. When the road surface is wet, the shielding element (36) is turned by operating the adjustment element (40). Then, a part of the converged reflected light that is not cut off by the shade (22) is shielded by the shielding device (36), and the remaining reflected light is extracted from the light in the central zone (86) (second distribution). A light pattern or a rain light distribution pattern (hereinafter referred to as a rain light distribution pattern) is transmitted through the projection lens and irradiated forward. The rain light distribution pattern in which the light in the central zone (86) is extracted weakens the illumination in the vicinity of the front of the vehicle, so that it does not give glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle due to the specular reflection of the wet road. Suitable for road driving.

  However, the vehicular headlamp shields part of the convergent reflected light with the shielding device (36), so that the central zone (86) from which the light distribution pattern for rain is extracted and its surroundings As a result, the difference in brightness of the vehicle becomes uneven and the visibility of the driver of the host vehicle decreases. For this purpose, the vehicle headlamp is provided with means for reducing the difference in brightness between the central zone (86) from which the light distribution pattern for rain is extracted and the surrounding area. There are problems such as high manufacturing costs.

JP 2000-195311 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that the vehicle headlamp is provided with means for reducing the difference in brightness between the zone where the light distribution pattern for rain is extracted and its surroundings. The manufacturing cost increases accordingly.

According to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1), the posture can be switched between the shade and the projection lens, and when switching to the first posture, the reflected light that has passed through the shade is passed through the projection lens to a predetermined distribution. When the first light distribution pattern of the light pattern is obtained and switched to the second posture, a part of the diffused reflected light that has passed through the shade and diffused through the second focus is converted between the second focus and the projection lens. A light shielding means for obtaining a second light distribution pattern obtained by reducing the illuminance within a predetermined range of the first light distribution pattern, a switching means for switching the light shielding means between the first posture and the second posture, a reflector, It is arranged between the projection lens so that the posture can be switched, and it is based on a rotating paraboloid focusing on the vicinity of the first focal point of the reflecting surface and reflects normally invalid light from the light source. It has a sub-reflecting surface to be used, In other words, a diffused light distribution pattern that overlaps the first light distribution pattern is obtained, and when the second posture is switched, the light distribution of the condensing system that overlaps above a predetermined range in which the illuminance of the second light distribution pattern is lowered. A sub-reflector from which a light pattern can be obtained; and a switching unit that switches the sub-reflector between a first posture and a second posture. The switching means for switching the attitude of the sub-reflector comprises a single switching means .

  Further, according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 2), a primary reflection surface which is provided in the light shielding means and primarily reflects the reflected light blocked in the second posture, and a primary reflection reflected by the primary reflection surface. The vehicle traveling lane is provided in the middle of the light path and is based on a rotating paraboloid whose virtual focus is the position of the virtual image of the primary reflection surface, and secondary reflection of the primary reflection light as secondary reflection light. A secondary reflecting surface that irradiates the white line shoulder line or guide rail on the side, or the white line center line, or the white line shoulder line or guide rail and white line center line on the vehicle lane. Features.

Further, the present invention (the invention according to claim 3 ) combines a detection means for detecting a wet road surface and outputting a detection signal , and a drive signal for inputting the detection signal from the detection means and switching to the second posture. Control means for outputting to one switching means for use.

In the vehicle headlamp of the present invention (the invention according to claim 1), the light (light flux) is diffused by the light shielding means, contrary to the diffused shape (light (light flux) converged) that has passed through the second focal point. A second light distribution pattern in which the illuminance in a predetermined range is reduced among the first light distribution patterns by blocking a part of the (radiated diffusing type) reflected light is obtained. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention does not use a means for reducing the difference in brightness as compared with the conventional vehicle headlamp that shields a part of the convergent reflected light. The difference in brightness between the predetermined range where the illuminance of the second light distribution pattern is lowered and the surrounding area can be reduced. As described above, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention does not use a means for reducing the difference in brightness, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) includes a light distribution pattern of a diffusing system effective for the first light distribution pattern, the light that is normally invalid among the light from the light source, and the first light distribution pattern. The light distribution pattern can be effectively utilized by changing to a light distribution pattern that is effective for the two light distribution patterns. In addition, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) can reduce the number of parts, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced correspondingly.

  In addition, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 2) provides the glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle when traveling on a wet road at night by means for solving the above-mentioned problems. In addition, the road alignment visibility of the driver of the host vehicle is improved.

Furthermore, the vehicle headlamp of the present invention (the invention according to claim 3 ) can automatically switch between the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern by means for solving the above-mentioned problems. it can.

  Below, one example of the example of the headlight for vehicles concerning this invention is described in detail based on an accompanying drawing. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  Hereinafter, the structure of the vehicle headlamp according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the drawings, the symbol “F” indicates the front side of the vehicle C (the forward direction side of the vehicle C). The symbol “B” indicates the rear side of the vehicle C. The symbol “U” indicates the upper side viewed from the driver side. The symbol “D” indicates the lower side as viewed from the driver side. Symbol “L” indicates the left side when the front side F is viewed from the driver side. The symbol “R” indicates the right side when the front side F is viewed from the driver side. In the claims, “front side” and “front side” have the same meaning as “front side” in the specification and drawings. In the drawings, reference sign “VU-VD” indicates vertical lines on the upper and lower sides of the screen. Reference sign “HL-HR” indicates horizontal lines on the left and right of the screen. In the specification and drawings, the case where the vehicle C is on the left side will be described. When the vehicle C is right-hand traffic, the left-hand traffic is reversed.

  The first light distribution pattern in FIG. 8A (passing light distribution pattern LP), the second light distribution pattern in FIG. 8B (rain light distribution pattern RP), and the optimum in FIG. 10B. In the light distribution pattern MP for rain, the center isoluminous curve indicates 20000 cd, and the other curves indicate 10000 cd, 5000 cd, 2000 cd, 1000 cd, 500 cd, and 200 cd as they go outward. In the roadside shoulder light distribution pattern GP in FIG. 10A, the central isoluminous curve indicates 5000 cd, and the other curves indicate 2000 cd, 1000 cd, 500 cd, and 200 cd as they go outward. In the first light distribution pattern (passing light distribution pattern LP) in FIG. 9A, the central iso-illuminance curve indicates 200 lx, and the other curves are 150 lx, 100 lx, and 70 lc as they go outward. , 50lc, 30lx, 20lx, 10lx, 5lx, respectively. In the second light distribution pattern (rain light distribution pattern RP) in FIG. 9B and the optimum rain light distribution pattern MP in FIG. 11, the central illuminance curve indicates 150 lx, The curves show 100 lx, 70 lc, 50 lc, 30 lx, 20 lx, 10 lx, 5 lx as they go outward. Moreover, the unit of the numbers in FIGS. 9A and 9B and FIG. 11 is m.

  1, 2 and 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a vehicle headlamp according to this embodiment. The vehicle headlamp 1 is, for example, a projector-type four-lamp headlamp for low-pass. The vehicle headlamp 1 includes a main reflector 2 as a reflector, a discharge lamp 3 as a light source, a shade means 4 as a shade, a projection lens (condensing lens) 5, a light shielding means 6, A next reflecting means 7, a sub reflector 8, and a switching means 9 are provided.

  The main reflector 2 has a shape in which the front side is opened and the rear side is closed. A through hole through which the discharge lamp 3 is inserted is provided at the center of the rear part of the main reflector 2. An inner concave surface of the main reflector 2 is subjected to aluminum vapor deposition or silver coating, and a main reflection surface 10 is provided as a reflection surface based on a spheroid. The main reflecting surface 10 includes a reflecting surface in which the vertical cross section in FIGS. 1 and 2 forms an elliptical surface, and the horizontal cross section in FIG. 3 forms a paraboloid or a deformed paraboloid. For this purpose, the main reflecting surface 10 has a first focal point F1 and a second focal point (a focal line on the horizontal section) F2. The main reflector 2 is fixedly held by a holder (frame) 11. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main reflecting surface 10 reflects a part of the light L1 out of the light L1 and L2 from the discharge lamp 3 to reflect a first light distribution pattern of a predetermined light distribution pattern. (Light distribution pattern LP for passing (see FIGS. 8A, 9A, 12A, and 13A), hereinafter referred to as light distribution pattern LP for passing), and , Second light distribution pattern (rain light distribution pattern RP (see FIG. 8B, FIG. 9B, FIG. 12B, FIG. 13B)), hereinafter, rain light distribution pattern (Referred to as RP). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the light L2 other than the light L1 reflected by the main reflecting surface 10 among the lights L1 and L2 from the discharge lamp 3 is normally invalid light.

  The discharge lamp 3 is a so-called high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp such as a metal halide lamp, a high intensity discharge lamp (HID), or the like. The discharge lamp 3 is detachably attached to the main reflector 2 via a socket mechanism 12. The light emitting portion 13 of the discharge lamp 3 is located in the vicinity of the first focal point F <b> 1 of the main reflecting surface 10 of the main reflector 2.

  The shade means 4 is fixedly held by the holder 11 near the second focal point F2 of the main reflecting surface 10 of the main reflector 2 and between the discharge lamp 3 and the second focal point F2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shade means 4 cuts off a part of the reflected light (not shown) out of the reflected light L3 reflected by the main reflecting surface 10, and the rest. The reflected light L4 forms the light distribution pattern LP for passing and the light distribution pattern RP for rain. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, the shade means 4 is arranged in the lamp axis (the axis of the discharge lamp 3 and the optical axis of the projection lens 5) in the front and rear direction (F−B) in the ZZ direction. It is composed of two fixed shades 14 and 15. A cut-off line CL (see FIGS. 12A and 12B) of the light distribution pattern LP for passing and the light distribution pattern RP for rain is formed on the upper edges of the two fixed shades 14 and 15. Each edge is provided. Since the edges of the two fixed shades 14 and 15 are located on the lamp axis ZZ and located away from the second focal point F2, the light distribution pattern LP for passing and the raining pattern LP are used. Spectral colors can be prevented from occurring in the cut-off line CL of the light distribution pattern RP, and the vicinity of the cut-off line can be blurred.

  Although not shown, the projection lens 5 has an object space-side focal plane (meridional image plane) in front of the second focal point F2. The projection lens 5 is fixedly held by the holder 11 on the front side F of the second focal point F2 and the shade means 4. The projection lens 5 reflects the reflected light L4 from the main reflecting surface 10 other than the reflected light L4 cut off by the shade means 4, and the passing light distribution pattern LP and the rain light. The light distribution pattern RP is projected forward from the outside.

  The light shielding means 6 is disposed between the shade means 4 and the projection lens 5 and can be switched in posture at a position below the lamp axis ZZ and the second focal point F2. . That is, the light shielding means 6 is held by the rotating shaft 16 so as to be rotatable around the rotation center line OO of the rotating shaft 16 by the holder 11. The light shielding means 6 is made of a material such as a light-impermeable metal or resin, and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 5 to 7, a horizontal portion 17 that blocks a part L5 of the reflected light L4. And a plate shape composed of an oblique portion 18 and a vertical portion 19. When the light shielding means 6 is switched to the first posture shown in FIG. 2 (solid line in FIG. 5) by the switching means 9, the reflected light L4 that has passed through the shade means 4 is passed to the projection lens 5 side. Further, the light distribution pattern LP for passing is obtained through the projection lens 5. Further, when the light shielding means 6 is switched to the second posture shown in FIG. 1 (two-dot chain line in FIG. 5) by the switching means 9, a part L5 of the reflected light L4 that has passed through the shade means 4. Is blocked between the second focal point F2 and the projection lens 5, and the remaining light (not shown) is passed to the projection lens 5 side and transmitted through the projection lens 5 so that the rain light is distributed. An optical pattern RP is obtained.

  The rain light distribution pattern RP is a light distribution pattern in which the illuminance of the predetermined range T of the passing light distribution pattern LP is lowered, and is obtained by switching the light shielding means 6 to the second posture. . As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the predetermined range T includes a point T1 on the vertical line VU-VD that is about 2 ° from the left and right horizontal line LH-LR to the lower side D, and the left and right sides. Point T2 about 4 ° from the horizontal line LH-LR to the lower side D and about 2 ° to the left side L from the upper and lower vertical lines VU-VD, and about 2 ° to the lower side D from the left and right horizontal line LH-LR A point T3 of about 3.5 ° on the right side R from the vertical line VU-VD, about 4 ° on the lower side D from the left and right horizontal lines LH-LR, and about 4.5 ° on the right side R from the upper and lower vertical lines VU-VD A trapezoidal zone surrounding the point T4. When all the illuminances in the trapezoidal zone T are 100 lx (10000 cd) or more (in the case of the light distribution pattern LP for passing shown in FIG. 8A), the driver of the oncoming vehicle is in the driving on the wet road at night. May give glare. On the contrary, when the illuminance of the trapezoid zone T is suppressed to about half (in the case of the rain light distribution pattern RP shown in FIG. 8B), when the oncoming vehicle travels on a wet road at night. Does not give glare to the driver. The illuminance of the trapezoid zone T shown in FIG. 8B is a line connecting the points T1 and T3 (the upper side of the trapezoid zone T, a line of about 2 ° from the left and right horizontal lines LH-LR to the lower side D). 1500 cd or less, and 5000 cd or less in a line connecting the points T2 and T4 (the lower side of the trapezoid zone T and a line of about 4 ° from the left and right horizontal lines LH-LR to the lower side D).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, since the illuminance in the range of about 8 to 13 m ahead of the vehicle C is 200 lx or more, the passing light distribution pattern LP is opposed to when passing on a wet road at night. It may give glare to the driver of the vehicle. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, the light distribution pattern RP for rain is 100 to 150 lx, which is about half of the illuminance in the range of about 6 to 15 m ahead of the vehicle C. No glare is given to the driver of the oncoming vehicle when driving.

  The light shielding means 6 is provided with a primary reflecting surface 20 that primarily reflects part or all of the reflected light L5 blocked in the second posture. That is, part or all of the reflected light L5 blocked by the horizontal portion 17 is allowed to pass to the oblique portion 18 side in a portion of the horizontal portion 17 of the light shielding means 6 that is close to the boundary with the oblique portion 18. An opening 21 is provided. The primary reflection surface 20 is provided on the rear B surface (the surface facing the lower D surface of the horizontal portion 17) of the oblique portion 18.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, and 6, the secondary reflecting means 7 is in the middle of the path of the primary reflected light L <b> 6 reflected by the primary reflecting surface 20, and the lamp axis Z−. It is provided on the lower side D from Z. The secondary reflection means 7 is provided with a secondary reflection surface 22 for secondary reflection of the primary reflected light L6. The secondary reflecting surface 22 is a rotating paraboloid (see a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6) having a pseudo focal point F3 in the vicinity of the lamp axis ZZ between the shade means 4 and the projection lens 5. The keynote. That is, the secondary reflection surface 22 is composed of a NURBS curved surface based on a rotating paraboloid with the virtual image position of the primary reflection surface 20 as a virtual focal point F3. The second focal point F2 is the position of the real image of the primary reflecting surface 20. Further, the optical axis Z1-Z1 of the secondary reflecting surface 22 based on the rotating paraboloid is substantially coincident with the lamp axis ZZ.

  The secondary reflected light L7 secondarily reflected by the secondary reflecting surface 22 does not pass through the projection lens 5 but passes through the lower side D of the projection lens 5 as the light distribution pattern GP for the road shoulder. Irradiated to the front left side L. As shown in FIG. 10A, the roadside light distribution pattern GP is mainly on the left side of the elbow point T5 (see FIGS. 12A and 12B) of the rain light distribution pattern RP. Redistributed to L. As shown in FIG. 10 (A), the road shoulder light distribution pattern GP is applied to the left-side L white shoulder road 29 or a guard rail (not shown) serving as an object in the vertical direction. The white shoulder line 29 takes into account the retroreflectivity in rainy weather. On the other hand, retroreflective properties are taken into consideration for the guide rail regardless of the weather or daytime and nighttime such as rainy weather or sunny weather. As a result, the secondary reflected light L7 of the reflected light L5 blocked by the light shielding means 6 is irradiated onto the left shoulder white road shoulder 29 or the guide rail as a road shoulder light distribution pattern GP, thereby obtaining the secondary light. Since the reflected light L7 strikes the white shoulder road 29 or the guide rail on the left side L and is retroreflected, the alignment of the running road can be easily grasped.

  When the rain light distribution pattern RP shown in FIG. 9B is combined with the road shoulder light distribution pattern GP shown in FIG. 10A, the optimum light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 10B is obtained. A light distribution pattern MP for rain is obtained. As shown in FIG. 10B, the optimal rain light distribution pattern MP has an illuminance within a predetermined range T, and illuminates the white shoulder line 29 or the guide rail on the left side L over 20000 cd. The range of has been expanded. As a result, the optimal rain light distribution pattern MP improves the road linear visibility of the driver of the host vehicle without glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle when traveling on a wet road at night. .

  In FIGS. 10A and 10B, symbols T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, and T11 indicate positions (distances) from the own vehicle to the eyes of the driver of the oncoming vehicle, which are 100 m, 50 m, 25 m, 15 m, 10 m and 5 m. Reference numeral 30 denotes a host vehicle traveling lane between a white shoulder line 29 on the left side L and a white line center line 31. Further, reference numeral 32 denotes an oncoming vehicle traveling lane between the white line center line 31 and the right R white line shoulder line 33.

  The sub-reflector 8 is composed of a left sub-reflector 8L and a right sub-reflector 8R that form a substantially rectangular shape with a vertical (UD) width of, for example, about 20 mm. The inner concave surfaces of the sub-reflector 8 (the left sub-reflector 8L and the right sub-reflector 8R) are subjected to aluminum vapor deposition or silver coating, and the vicinity of the first focal point F1 of the main reflecting surface 10 is defined as a focal point F0. NURBS curved sub-reflective surfaces 23L and 23R based on the rotating paraboloid are formed. The sub-reflecting surfaces 23L and 23R of the sub-reflector 8 reflect and effectively use the normally ineffective light L2 out of the light L1 and L2 from the discharge lamp 3.

  The sub-reflectors 8, 8 </ b> L, and 8 </ b> R are disposed on both the left and right sides between the opening end of the main reflector 2 and the edge of the projection lens 5 so that the posture can be switched. That is, the sub reflectors 8, 8 </ b> L, and 8 </ b> R are held by the holder 11 so as to be rotatable around the rotation center line OO by the rotating shaft 16. When the sub-reflectors 8, 8L, 8R are switched to the first posture shown by the solid lines in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 by the switching means 9, the sub-reflectors 8, 8L, 8R are moved to the lamp axis Z−. The optical axis Z0-Z0 of the sub-reflecting surfaces 23L and 23R is also tilted forward and downward with respect to the lamp axis ZZ. FD). For this reason, the invalid light L2 from the discharge lamp 3 is reflected by the sub-reflecting surfaces 23L and 23R inclined obliquely forward and downward (FD), and this reflected light L8 (see solid line arrow in FIG. 3). Is transmitted through the left side L and the right side R of the projection lens 5 without being transmitted through the projection lens 5, and is directly irradiated to the outside of the outside, so that the diffusion system shown in FIGS. 12 (A) and 13 (A) can be obtained. A light distribution pattern WP is obtained. Since the light distribution pattern WP of the diffusing system illuminates a nearby road over a wide area, the light distribution pattern WP overlaps with the light distribution pattern LP for passing, so that the vehicle C is suitable for traveling on a dry road surface. A light distribution pattern LP (see FIGS. 12A and 13A) is obtained. The light distribution pattern LP suitable for passing when the vehicle C travels on a dry road surface can illuminate a road with a wide light distribution pattern of about 10 to 20 m from the vehicle C to the front side F. A light distribution with a sense of power can be obtained as a light distribution for passing (low beam).

  On the other hand, when the sub reflectors 8, 8L, 8R are switched to the second posture shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 and the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 3 and 5 by the switching means 9, the sub reflectors 8, 8L, 8R. Are positioned substantially parallel to the lamp axis ZZ, and the optical axes Z0-Z0 of the sub-reflecting surfaces 23L, 23R are also positioned substantially parallel to the lamp axis ZZ. For this reason, the invalid light L2 from the discharge lamp 3 is reflected by the substantially parallel sub-reflecting surfaces 23L and 23R, and the reflected light L9 (see the two-dot chain line arrow in FIG. 3) is transmitted through the projection lens 5. Without passing through the left side L and the right side R of the projection lens 5 and irradiating directly to the outside front, the light distribution pattern SP of the condensing system shown in FIGS. 12B and 13B is obtained. It is done. Since the light distribution pattern SP of the light condensing system illuminates a distant road with a high light intensity (high illuminance) in a relatively narrow range, it is overlapped with the light distribution pattern RP for rain so that the vehicle C can travel at high speed. A suitable rain light distribution pattern RP (see FIGS. 12B and 13B) is obtained. In particular, the light distribution pattern SP of the light condensing system is in a predetermined range where the illuminance of the light distribution pattern RP for rain is lowered and between the upper side U of the trapezoidal zone T and the lower side D of the cut line CL. By overlapping, it is possible to increase the illuminance (light intensity) in the distance without giving glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle, and furthermore, it is possible to obtain a light distribution pattern RP for rain suitable for high-speed driving on a wet road at night.

  The light shielding means 6 and the sub-reflectors 8, 8L, 8R have an integral structure as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, and particularly FIG. That is, the left sub-reflector 8L and the right sub-reflector 8R are integrally connected by the connecting member 24. Further, one end of the horizontal portion 17 of the light shielding means 6 (the end opposite to the oblique portion 18) is integrally connected to the substantially central portion of the connecting member 24. The light shielding means 6 and the sub-reflectors 8, 8L, 8R having an integral structure are held on the holder 11 by the rotary shaft 16 so as to be rotatable around the rotation center line OO, that is, to be switchable in posture. ing. The light shielding means 6 and the sub reflectors 8, 8 </ b> L, 8 </ b> R having an integral structure are simultaneously switched between the first attitude and the second attitude by the switching means 9. The rotation center line OO of the rotating shaft 16 is located on the front side F of the first focal point F1 of the main reflecting surface 10 and the focal point F0 of the sub-reflecting surfaces 23L and 23R, and the lamp axis ZZ And located below the optical axis Z0-Z0 of the sub-reflecting surfaces 23L, 23R, and does not intersect the lamp axis ZZ and the optical axes Z0-Z0 of the sub-reflecting surfaces 23L, 23R. It is in a positional relationship of twist.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, the switching means 9 is composed of a solenoid (a push-type solenoid in which an advance / retreat rod (plunger) 26 advances when energized). The solenoid 25 is fixed to the holder 11 so as to face the lower surface of the horizontal portion 17 of the light shielding means 6. The lower surface of the horizontal portion 17 of the light shielding means 6 is in contact with the distal end portion of the advance / retreat rod 26 of the solenoid 25 due to the weight of the light shielding means 6 and the sub reflectors 8, 8 </ b> L, 8 </ b> R having an integral structure. Since the tip of the advance / retreat rod 26 has a part of a spherical shape, the advance / retreat rod 26 advances and retreats in the linear direction and the rotation center line OO of the horizontal portion 17 of the light shielding means 6. The deviation from the arc movement centering on the center is absorbed, and thereby the light shielding means 6 and the sub-reflectors 8, 8L, 8R having an integral structure can be smoothly switched between the first posture and the second posture. .

  When the solenoid 25 is in a non-energized state, the integral light shielding means 6 and the sub reflectors 8, 8L, 8R are switched to the first posture by their own weight. At the same time, the advance / retreat rod 26 is in a retracted state (state shown in FIG. 2) through the horizontal portion 17 of the light shielding means 6. On the other hand, when the solenoid 25 is energized, the advance / retreat rod 26 is in the forward state (state shown in FIG. 1) against the weight of the light shielding means 6 and the sub-reflectors 8, 8L, 8R having an integral structure. In addition, the light shielding means 6 and the sub-reflectors 8, 8L, 8R having an integral structure are switched to the second posture. Further, when the solenoid 25 is switched from the energized state to the non-energized state, the light shielding means 6 and the sub-reflectors 8, 8L, 8R having a single structure return to the first posture by their own weight, and the advance / retreat rod 26 is in the retracted state. Return to. Thus, the switching means 9 includes the switching means for switching the attitude of the light shielding means 6 between the first attitude and the second attitude, and the attitudes of the sub-reflectors 8, 8L, 8R to the first attitude and the It consists of one switching means that also serves as the switching means for switching to the second posture.

  The switching means 9 is connected to the control means 27 as shown in FIG. Detection means 28 is connected to the control means 27. The detection means 28 detects a wet road and outputs a detection signal to the control means 27. The detection means 28 includes, for example, a rain sensor (raindrop sensor), a wiper drive switch, an imaging device such as a CCD camera, an illuminance sensor, or the like, or one or a plurality of combinations. Further, the control means 27 receives a detection signal from the detection means 28 and outputs a drive signal for switching the attitude of the light shielding means 6 and the sub reflectors 8, 8L, 8R to the second attitude. Is output. As the control device 27, a computer mounted on the vehicle C, for example, a car navigation (navigation system) computer, a control circuit unit, an ECU / electronic control unit computer, or the like is used.

The vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described below.

  First, when the vehicle C travels on a dry road surface, as shown by the solid lines in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the solenoid 25 of the switching unit 9 is in a non-energized state, and the light shielding unit has an integral structure. 6 and sub-reflectors 8, 8L, 8R are in a state of being switched to the first posture by their own weight. In the state of this first posture, the discharge lamp 3 is turned on. Then, a part of the light L1 out of the light L1 and L2 from the discharge lamp 3 is reflected by the main reflecting surface 10. The reflected light L3 is collected at the second focal point F2 of the main reflecting surface 10. A part of the condensed reflected light L3 is cut off by the shade means 4. The remaining reflected light L4 that has not been cut off, that is, the reflected light L4 that has passed through the shade means 4, is diffused through the second focal point F2 of the main reflecting surface 10, and is irradiated to the outside front through the projection lens 5. The As a result, the light distribution pattern LP for passing shown in FIGS. 8A and 9A is obtained.

  At the same time, of the lights L1 and L2 from the discharge lamp 3, the light that is normally invalid without being reflected by the main reflecting surface 10, that is, the invalid light L2, is the sub reflectors 8 and 8L in the first posture state. , 8R are reflected by the sub-reflecting surfaces 23L, 23R. The reflected light L8 passes through the left side L and the right side R of the projection lens 5 without being transmitted through the projection lens 5, and is irradiated to the front outside, so that the diffusion system shown in FIGS. 12 (A) and 13 (A). The light distribution pattern WP is obtained. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 13A, the light distribution pattern WP of the diffusing system illuminates a nearby road over a wide area. Therefore, the light distribution pattern effective for the light distribution pattern LP for passing. It becomes. That is, a light distribution pattern LP for passing which is suitable when the vehicle C travels on a dry road surface is obtained, which is preferable in terms of traffic safety.

  Next, when the vehicle C travels on the wet road, the detection means 28 detects the wet road and outputs a detection signal to the control means 27, and the control means 27 is based on the detection signal input from the detection means 28. Then, a drive signal for switching to the second posture is output to the switching means 9, and the solenoid 25 of the switching means 9 is energized as shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 and the two-dot chain line in FIGS. Then, the light shielding means 6 and the sub reflectors 8, 8 </ b> L, 8 </ b> R having an integral structure are switched to the second posture. In this second posture state, the discharge lamp 3 is turned on. Then, a part of the light L1 out of the light L1 and L2 from the discharge lamp 3 is reflected by the main reflecting surface 10. The reflected light L3 is collected at the second focal point F2 of the main reflecting surface 10. A part of the condensed reflected light L3 is cut off by the shade means 4. The remaining reflected light L4 that has not been cut off, that is, a part L5 of the reflected light L4 that has passed through the shade means 4, is shaded by the second attitude light shielding means 6 and the second focal point F2 of the main reflecting surface 10 and the projection lens 5 Is blocked between. That is, a part L5 of the reflected light L4 is blocked by the light shielding means 6 in the second posture as diffused light diffused through the second focal point F2 of the main reflecting surface 10. On the other hand, light (not shown) that has not been blocked by the light blocking means 6 in the second posture is irradiated to the front outside through the projection lens 5 as diffused light. As a result, the rain light distribution pattern RP shown in FIGS. 8B and 9B is obtained.

  The light distribution pattern RP for rain shown in FIG. 8B has an illuminance in the predetermined range T (trapezoid zone T) of about half that of the light distribution pattern LP for passing shown in FIG. It is. For this reason, the light distribution pattern RP for rain does not give glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle when traveling on a wet road at night.

  Further, the light L5 blocked by the horizontal portion 17 of the light shielding means 6 in the second posture passes through the opening 21 of the horizontal portion 17 and is reflected by the primary reflecting surface 20 as shown in FIGS. Primary reflected. The primary reflected light L6 that has been primarily reflected is secondarily reflected by the secondary reflecting surface 22. The secondary reflected light L7 that has been secondarily reflected passes through the lower side D of the projection lens 5 and is irradiated to the left front side L. As a result, the road shoulder light distribution pattern GP shown in FIG. 10A is obtained.

  The road shoulder light distribution pattern GP shown in FIG. 10A is mainly redistributed to the left side L of the elbow point T5 of the rain light distribution pattern RP, and the white line road shoulder line 29 or guardrail of the left side L is distributed. Is irradiated. For this reason, the secondary reflected light L7 of the light distribution pattern GP for the road shoulders is retroreflected by hitting the white shoulder road 29 or the guide rail on the left side L, so that the linearity of the running road can be easily grasped.

  Further, the rain light distribution pattern RP shown in FIG. 8B and the road shoulder light distribution pattern GP shown in FIG. 10A are combined to obtain the optimum rain use light pattern shown in FIG. 10B. The light distribution pattern MP is obtained. As shown in FIG. 10B, this optimal rain light distribution pattern MP has an illuminance of a predetermined range T and illuminates the white shoulder line 29 or the guide rail on the left side L of 20000 cd or more. The range of has been expanded. As a result, the optimal light distribution pattern MP for rain does not give glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle when driving on a wet road at night, and improves the road linear visibility of the driver of the own vehicle. .

  The optimum rain light distribution pattern MP shown in FIG. 10B is obtained, and at the same time, of the light L1 and L2 from the discharge lamp 3, the light that is normally invalid without being reflected by the main reflecting surface 10, that is, The ineffective light L2 is reflected by the sub-reflecting surfaces 23L and 23R of the sub-reflectors 8, 8L and 8R in the second posture state. The reflected light L9 passes through the left side L and the right side R of the projection lens 5 without being transmitted through the projection lens 5, and is irradiated to the outside front, thereby condensing as shown in FIGS. 12 (B) and 13 (B). A system light distribution pattern SP is obtained. As shown in FIGS. 12B and 13B, the light distribution pattern SP of the condensing system illuminates a distant road with a high luminous intensity (high illuminance) in a relatively narrow range. This is an effective light distribution pattern for the optimal rain light distribution pattern MP shown in B) (and the rain light distribution pattern RP shown in FIG. 8B). That is, a more optimal rain light distribution pattern MP suitable for high-speed travel of the vehicle C is obtained, which is preferable in terms of traffic safety. In particular, the light distribution pattern SP of the condensing system is a predetermined one in which the illuminance of the optimum rain light distribution pattern MP shown in FIG. 10B (and the rain light distribution pattern RP shown in FIG. 8B) is lowered. By overlapping between the upper side U of the range T (trapezoid zone T) and the lower side D of the cut line CL, it is possible to increase the illuminance (luminance) in the distance without giving glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle. In addition, a more optimal rain light distribution pattern MP suitable for high-speed driving on wet roads at night can be obtained.

  The vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment has the above-described configuration and action, and the effects thereof will be described below.

  In the vehicle headlamp 1 in this embodiment, a part L5 of the diffused reflected light L3 that has passed through the second focal point F2 is blocked by the light shielding means 6 and a predetermined range T of the passing light distribution pattern LP. The light distribution pattern RP for rain with reduced illuminance is obtained. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp 1 in this embodiment uses a means for reducing the difference in brightness compared to the conventional vehicle headlamp that shields part of the convergent reflected light. Instead, as shown in FIG. 8B, the difference in brightness between the predetermined range T where the illuminance of the light distribution pattern RP for rain is lowered and the surrounding area can be reduced. Thus, since the vehicle headlamp 1 in this embodiment does not use a special means for reducing the difference in brightness, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Further, the vehicle headlamp 1 in this embodiment gives glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle by specular reflection of the wet road by making the predetermined range T for decreasing the illuminance correspond to the specular reflection range on the wet road. There is nothing. Moreover, the vehicle headlamp 1 in this embodiment can blur the predetermined range T in which the illuminance of the light distribution pattern RP for rain is reduced and the surroundings of the predetermined range T by reducing the brightness difference. Visibility is improved for the driver.

  In particular, in the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment, the light L5 blocked by the light blocking means 6 is distributed by the primary reflecting surface 20 and the secondary reflecting surface 22 for the road shoulder shown in FIG. The pattern GP is irradiated to the left shoulder L 29 of the left line or the guard rail. For this reason, the vehicular headlamp 1 according to this embodiment is retroreflected when the secondary reflected light L7 of the road shoulder light distribution pattern GP hits the white shoulder road 29 on the left side L or the guide rail and is retroreflected. Can easily grasp the road alignment.

  Here, when driving on wet roads at night, in addition to the problem of glare on the driver of the oncoming vehicle and the driver of the preceding vehicle (the problem solved as described above), the road alignment of the driver of the own vehicle There is a problem that visibility to be grasped (hereinafter referred to as road alignment visibility) is lowered. Hereinafter, the principle that the road alignment visibility is lowered will be described. Since the road surface originally has a low retroreflection coefficient, when the road surface gets wet, the wet road becomes a kind of mirror surface and the retroreflection coefficient is further reduced. As a result, even if light is irradiated forward from the vehicle headlamp of the host vehicle, the light is specularly reflected and is not retroreflected. This makes it difficult to easily grasp the road alignment. That is, the road alignment visibility of the driver of the host vehicle is lowered. Therefore, as described above, the vehicular headlamp according to the first embodiment uses the secondary reflected light L7 of the reflected light L5 blocked by the light shielding means 6 as the light distribution pattern GP for the road shoulder, and the road shoulder of the white line on the left side L. By irradiating the line or the guide rail, the secondary reflected light L7 strikes a white shoulder or guide rail on the left side L and is retroreflected, so that it is possible to easily grasp the alignment of the running road. It can contribute to road safety. In addition, the vehicular headlamp according to the first embodiment can reuse the light L5 blocked by the light blocking means 6 as the road shoulder light distribution pattern GP.

  The vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment is a combination of the rain light distribution pattern RP shown in FIG. 8 (B) and the road shoulder light distribution pattern GP shown in FIG. 10 (A). An optimal rain light distribution pattern MP shown in FIG. 10 (B) can be obtained. As shown in FIG. 10B, this optimal rain light distribution pattern MP has an illuminance of a predetermined range T and illuminates the white shoulder line 29 or the guide rail on the left side L of 20000 cd or more. The range of has been expanded. As a result, the vehicular headlamp 1 according to this embodiment has an optimum rain light distribution pattern MP, and does not give glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle when traveling on a wet road at night. The road alignment visibility of the vehicle driver is improved.

  Furthermore, the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment passes the light L2 that is normally disabled from the light L1 and L2 from the discharge lamp 3 by the sub-reflecting surfaces 23L and 23R of the sub-reflectors 8, 8L and 8R. The light distribution pattern WP of the diffusion system effective for the light distribution pattern LP for light and the light distribution pattern SP of the light collection system effective for the light distribution pattern RP for rain can be used effectively. For this reason, in the vehicle headlamp 1 in this embodiment, the light distribution pattern WP of the diffusing system illuminates a nearby road over a wide area as shown in FIGS. 12 (A) and 13 (A). Therefore, the light distribution pattern is effective for the light distribution pattern LP for passing. That is, a light distribution pattern LP for passing which is suitable when the vehicle C travels on a dry road surface is obtained, which is preferable in terms of traffic safety. On the other hand, in the vehicle headlamp 1 in this embodiment, the light distribution pattern SP of the condensing system is high on a distant road in a relatively narrow range as shown in FIGS. 12 (B) and 13 (B). Since it illuminates at light intensity (high illuminance), it becomes an effective light distribution pattern for the optimal rain light distribution pattern MP (and rain light distribution pattern RP). That is, a more optimal rain light distribution pattern MP suitable for high-speed travel of the vehicle C is obtained, which is preferable in terms of traffic safety. In particular, the cut line from the upper side U of a predetermined range T (trapezoid zone T) where the illuminance of the light distribution pattern MP for rain (and the light distribution pattern RP for rain) that is optimal for the light distribution pattern SP of the condensing system is lowered. It is possible to increase the illuminance (luminosity) in the distance without giving glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle, and more suitable for high-speed driving on the wet road at night. A light distribution pattern MP for rain is obtained.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment, the light shielding means 6 and the sub-reflectors 8, 8L, 8R form an integral structure, and the switching means for switching the attitude of the light shielding means 6 and the sub-reflector The switching means for switching the postures of 8, 8L, and 8R is composed of a single switching means 9 for dual use. For this reason, the vehicular headlamp 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the number of parts, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced accordingly.

  Furthermore, the vehicular headlamp 1 according to this embodiment has a detection unit 28 that detects a wet road surface and outputs a detection signal, and inputs the detection signal from the detection unit 28 to the second posture. And a control unit 27 that outputs a switching drive signal to one switching unit 9 that is also used as a switching signal. For this reason, the vehicular headlamp 1 according to this embodiment automatically passes a light distribution pattern LP for passing (light distribution pattern LP for passing which is suitable when the vehicle C travels on a dry road surface). And a rain light distribution pattern RP (a further optimal rain light distribution pattern MP suitable for high-speed traveling of the vehicle C, and an optimal rain light distribution pattern MP).

  Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the holder 11 is disposed between the opening edge of the main reflector 2 and the edge of the projection lens 5. The holder 11 can prevent the direct light traveling obliquely upward from the discharge lamp 3 from leaking to the outside. That is, LP, RP, MP, GP such as the light distribution pattern can be obtained with certainty.

  Hereinafter, modified examples of the posture switching structure of the light shielding means 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the figure, the same reference numerals as in FIGS.

  FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing a first modification of the posture switching structure of the light shielding means, and FIG. 14B is a side view of the same. This first modification uses a light shielding means 6 made of an elastic material such as a light-impermeable spring material and having a plate structure. The fixed end 34 of the horizontal portion 17 of the light shielding means 6 is fixed to the shade means 4 or the holder 11. The lower surface of the horizontal portion 17 is brought into elastic contact with the distal end portion of the advance / retreat rod 26 of the solenoid 25 of the switching means 9. When the solenoid 25 is in a non-energized state, the light shielding means 6 is elastically deformed with the fixed end portion 34 as a fulcrum due to its own weight (load) of the light shielding means 6 and the advancing / retreating rod 26, and the first posture (FIG. 14B) (See solid line shading means 6). On the other hand, when the solenoid 25 is energized, the advancing / retreating rod 26 moves forward against the weight of the light shielding means 6 and the advancing / retreating rod 26, so that the light shielding means 6 is elastically deformed with the fixed end portion 34 as a fulcrum and is second It is switched to the posture (see the light-shielding means 6 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 14B).

  FIG. 15A is a perspective view showing a second modification of the posture switching structure of the light shielding means, and FIG. 15B is a side view of the same. This second modification uses a light shielding means 6 made of a material such as a light-impermeable metal or resin and having a plate structure. An intermediate portion of the rotating shaft 35 is fixed to the horizontal portion 17 of the light shielding means 6. Both ends of the rotary shaft 35 are rotatably supported by a pair of support convex portions 36 fixed to the solenoid 25. A compression type return spring 37 is provided between the horizontal portion 17 and the solenoid 25, and the lower surface of the horizontal portion 17 is brought into contact with the tip of the advance / retreat rod 26 of the solenoid 25 of the switching means 9. When the solenoid 25 is in a non-energized state, the light shielding means 6 is centered on the rotation shaft 35 in the first posture (FIG. 15B) due to the spring force of the return spring 37 and the weight of the light shielding means 6 and the advance / retreat rod 26. (See solid line shading means 6). On the other hand, when the solenoid 25 is energized, the advancing / retreating rod 26 moves forward against the spring force of the return spring 37 and the weight of the light shielding means 6 and the advancing / retreating rod 25, so that the light shielding means 6 is centered on the rotating shaft 35. It has been rotated and switched to the second posture (see the two-dot chain light shielding means 6 in FIG. 15B).

  FIG. 16A is a perspective view showing a third modification of the posture switching structure of the light shielding means, and FIG. 16B is a side view of the same. This third modification uses a light shielding means 6 made of a material such as a light-impermeable metal or resin and having a plate structure. A guide hole 38 is provided in the horizontal portion 17 of the light shielding means 6. Through the guide pin 39 fixed to the solenoid 25 through the guide hole 38, the lower surface of the horizontal portion 17 is brought into contact with the tip of the advance / retreat rod 26 of the solenoid 25 of the switching means 9. When the solenoid 25 is in a non-energized state, due to the weight of the light shielding means 6 and the advance / retreat rod 26, the light shielding means 6 slides to the lower side D with the guide hole 38 and the guide pin 39 as a guide and is in the first posture (FIG. 16 ( B) (see solid line shading means 6). On the other hand, when the solenoid 25 is energized, the advancing / retreating rod 26 moves forward against the weight of the light shielding means 6 and the advancing / retreating rod 25, so that the light shielding means 6 moves to the upper side U with the guide hole 38 and the guide pin 39 as a guide. The slide position is switched to the second position (see the two-dot chain line shading means 6 in FIG. 16B).

The first, second, and third modifications of the light shielding means posture switching structure can achieve substantially the same operational effects as the light shielding device posture switching structure according to the above-described embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the first reflection surface 20 and the second reflection surface 22 are provided, and the light L5 blocked by the light shielding means 6 is used as the secondary reflected light L7 of the road shoulder light distribution pattern GP. By irradiating the white shoulder line or the guide rail, the road alignment visibility of the driver of the host vehicle when traveling on a wet road at night is improved. However, according to the present invention, the white line center line 31 on the right R, which is considered to be retroreflective in the rain, like the white shoulder line 29 on the left L, that is, the white line center line 31 located on the right R The light L5 blocked by the light blocking means 6 may be irradiated as the secondary reflected light L7 of the center light distribution pattern. For example, the secondary reflected light L7 from the vehicle headlamp 1 on the left side L and the vehicle headlamp 1 on the right side R may be irradiated to the white shoulder line 29 or the guide rail of the left side L, or The white line center line 31 located on the right R may be irradiated. Alternatively, the secondary reflected light L7 from the left-side L vehicle headlamp 1 is applied to the white L road shoulder 29 or the guide rail, and the secondary reflected light L7 from the right-side R vehicle headlamp 1 is irradiated. May be applied to the center line 31 of the white line on the right side R. In addition, in the present invention, the first reflecting surface 20 and the second reflecting surface 22 need not be provided. That is, in the present invention, the light L5 blocked by the light shielding means 6 does not have to be reused as the secondary reflected light L7.

  In this embodiment, the sub-reflecting surfaces 23L and 23R of the sub-reflectors 8, 8L and 8R are provided so that the light L2, which is normally invalid, out of the lights L1 and L2 from the discharge lamp 3 is used as the light distribution for passing. The light distribution pattern WP of the diffusion system effective for the pattern LP and the light distribution pattern SP of the light condensing system effective for the rain light distribution pattern RP are changed and effectively used. However, in the present invention, the sub-reflecting surfaces 23L and 23R of the sub-reflectors 8, 8L and 8R may not be provided. That is, in the present invention, it is not necessary to effectively use the light L2 that is normally invalid among the lights L1 and L2 from the discharge lamp 3.

  Further, in this embodiment, the light shielding means 6 and the sub reflectors 8, 8L, 8R form an integral structure, and the switching means for switching the attitude of the light shielding means 6 and the attitudes of the sub reflectors 8, 8L, 8R are switched. The switching means 9 comprises a single switching means 9 that is also used as a switching means. However, in the present invention, the light shielding means 6 and the sub-reflectors 8, 8L, 8R may be separate structures, or the switching means for switching the attitude of the light shielding means 6 and the sub-reflectors 8, 8L, 8R. The switching means for switching the posture may be a separate switching means.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection means 28 for detecting a wet road surface and outputting a detection signal, and the drive signal for inputting the detection signal from the detection means 28 and switching to the second posture are also used. Control means 27 for outputting to the individual switching means 9. However, in the present invention, the detection means 28 and the control means 27 need not be provided. That is, according to the present invention, instead of automatically, manually, a light distribution pattern LP for passing (light distribution pattern LP for passing when the vehicle C travels on a dry road surface) and a light distribution pattern for rain are used. You may make it switch to the light pattern RP (The more optimal rain light distribution pattern MP suitable for the high-speed driving | running | working of the vehicle C, and the optimal rain light distribution pattern MP).

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of the main part in a state where the embodiment of the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention is shown and the light shielding means and the sub reflector are switched to the second posture by the switching means. Similarly, it is a vertical sectional view of the main part in a state where the light shielding means and the sub reflector are switched to the first posture by the switching means. Similarly, it is a horizontal sectional view of the main part in a state where the light shielding means and the sub-reflector are switched to the first attitude or the second attitude by the switching means. Similarly, it is a block diagram showing detection means, control means, and switching means. Similarly, it is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the main part in a state where the light shielding means and the sub-reflector are switched to the first attitude or the second attitude by the switching means. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the state which reuses the light interrupted | blocked by the light-shielding means as secondary reflected light. Similarly, it is a perspective view which shows the light shielding means and sub reflector of integral structure. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing of the isoluminous intensity curve which simplifies and shows the light distribution pattern for passing on the screen obtained by computer simulation, and the light distribution pattern for rain. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing seen from the plane of the isoillumination curve which simplifies and shows the light distribution pattern for passing on the road obtained by computer simulation, and the light distribution pattern for rain. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing of the isoluminous intensity curve which simplifies and shows the light distribution pattern for the road shoulder on the screen obtained by computer simulation, and the optimal light distribution pattern for rain. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing seen from the plane of the isoillumination curve which simplifies and shows the optimal light distribution pattern for rain on the road obtained by computer simulation. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the schematic light distribution pattern for passing on a screen, and the schematic light distribution pattern for motorways on a screen. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing seen from the plane which shows the rough light distribution pattern for passing on a road, and the rough light distribution pattern for motorways on a road. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the slope and side surface of the 1st modification of the attitude | position switching structure of a light-shielding means. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the slope and side surface of the 2nd modification of the attitude | position switching structure of a light-shielding means. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the slope and side surface of the 3rd modification of the attitude | position switching structure of a light-shielding means. Similarly, when traveling on a wet road at night, it is an explanatory view showing a state in which glare is given to the driver of the opposing vehicle by light from the vehicle headlamp of the own vehicle (reflection). Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the relative relationship between the illuminance before eyes and the distance between the own vehicle oncoming vehicle in a wet road and a dry road surface.

1 Vehicle headlamp 2 Main reflector (reflector)
3 Discharge lamp (light source)
4 Shade means (shade)
5 Projection Lens 6 Light Shielding Means 7 Secondary Reflecting Means 8, 8L, 8R Sub-Reflector 9 Switching Means 10 Main Reflecting Surface (Reflecting Surface)
11 Holder (frame)
12 Socket mechanism 13 Light emitting part 14, 15 Fixed shade 16 Rotating shaft 17 Horizontal part 18 Diagonal part 19 Vertical part 20 Primary reflective surface 21 Opening part 22 Secondary reflective surface 23L, 23R Sub reflective surface 24 Connecting member,
25 Solenoid 26 Advancing / retreating rod 27 Control means 28 Detection means 29 Left side road shoulder 30 Self-vehicle travel lane 31 White line center line 32 Oncoming vehicle travel lane 33 Right side white road shoulder 34 Fixed end 35 Rotating shaft 36 Supporting convex part 37 Return spring 38 Guide hole 39 Guide pin 100 Own vehicle 101 Vehicle headlight 102 Irradiation light 103 Wet road 104 Reflected light 105 Oncoming vehicle 106 Wet road 107 Dry road surface C Car F1 First focus of main reflection surface F2 Main reflection Second focal point of surface F3 Pseudo focal point of secondary reflecting surface F0 Focal point of sub reflecting surface ZZ Lamp axis Z1-Z1 Optical axis of secondary reflecting surface Z0-Z0 Optical axis of sub reflecting surface LP Light distribution pattern for passing (Light distribution pattern LP for passing which is suitable when the vehicle is traveling on a dry road surface)
RP Rain light distribution pattern MP Optimal rain light distribution pattern (more optimal rain light distribution pattern suitable for high-speed driving of vehicles)
GP Light distribution pattern for road shoulder WP Light distribution pattern for diffusion system SP Light distribution pattern for light collection system CL Cut-off line OO Rotation center line of rotating shaft L1 Light from discharge lamp reflected on main reflection surface Light L2 Light from the discharge lamp that is normally invalid L3 Reflected light from the main reflecting surface L4 Reflected light not cut off by the shade means L5 Light blocked by the light shielding means L6 Primary reflected light L7 Secondary reflected Light L8 Reflected light from the sub-reflecting surface in the first posture L9 Reflected light from the sub-reflecting surface in the second posture F Front B Rear side U Upper D Lower L Left R R Right VU-VD Vertical vertical line HL-HR Horizontal horizontal line T Predetermined range (trapezoid zone)
T1 point 1
T2 point 2
T3 point 3
T4 point 4
T5 Elbow point T6 ~ T11 Eye position of driver of oncoming vehicle

Claims (3)

In projector-type vehicle headlamps,
A reflector having a reflecting surface based on a spheroid;
A light source disposed near the first focal point of the reflecting surface;
A portion of the reflected light that is disposed in the vicinity of the second focal point of the reflecting surface and between the light source and the second focal point and is reflected by the reflecting surface; A shade that passes the remaining reflected light to form a predetermined light distribution pattern;
A projection lens that is disposed in front of the second focus and the shade, and projects the predetermined light distribution pattern to the outside front;
The position is switchable between the shade and the projection lens. When the position is switched to the first position, the reflected light that has passed through the shade passes through the projection lens and passes through the first distribution of the predetermined light distribution pattern. When a light pattern is obtained and switched to the second position, a part of the diffused reflected light that has passed through the shade and diffused through the second focus is transferred between the second focus and the projection lens. A light shielding means capable of obtaining a second light distribution pattern that is blocked by a lower light intensity within a predetermined range of the first light distribution pattern;
Switching means for switching the light shielding means between the first posture and the second posture;
Positionally switchable between the reflector and the projection lens, and based on a rotating paraboloid focusing on the vicinity of the first focal point of the reflecting surface, light that is normally invalid among the light from the light source A sub-reflecting surface that is reflected and used effectively is obtained, and when switched to the first posture, a diffused light distribution pattern that overlaps the first light distribution pattern is obtained, and when switched to the second posture, the second light distribution A sub-reflector that obtains a light distribution pattern of a condensing system that overlaps above the predetermined range with reduced illumination of the pattern;
Switching means for switching the sub-reflector between the first posture and the second posture;
Equipped with a,
The light shielding means and the sub reflector have an integral structure,
The switching means for switching the attitude of the light shielding means and the switching means for switching the attitude of the sub-reflector are composed of a single switching means.
A vehicular headlamp characterized by that. A primary reflection surface that is provided in the light shielding means and primarily reflects the reflected light blocked in the state of the second posture;
Provided in the middle of the path of the primary reflected light reflected by the primary reflecting surface, based on a rotating paraboloid with the virtual image position of the primary reflecting surface as a virtual focus, and secondarily reflecting the primary reflected light As secondary reflected light, irradiate the white road shoulder line or guide rail on the own vehicle lane side, or the white line center line, or the white line shoulder line or guide rail and white line center line on the own vehicle lane side. A secondary reflective surface;
The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, comprising: Detection means for detecting a wet road surface and outputting a detection signal;
A control means for inputting a detection signal from the detection means and outputting a drive signal for switching to the second attitude to the one switching means for dual use;
The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle headlamp is provided.

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