Patent Publication Number: US-6981790-B2

Title: Two-light headlamp

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1) Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a two-light headlamp in which a predetermined light distribution pattern for passing by and a predetermined light distribution pattern for driving can be obtained from one light source respectively by switching, and for example, relates to a projector-type two-light headlamp. 
     2) Description of the Related Art 
     As this type of headlamps, there can be mentioned, for example, one disclosed in European Patent Publication No. 0 794 382 A2,one disclosed in U.S. Pat. Publication No. 5,673,990,one disclosed in U.S. Pat. Publication No. 5,899,559 and one disclosed in U.S. Pat. Publication No. 6,312,147 B2. 
     The headlamp will be explained below. The headlamp comprises, one light source, a reflector which reflects light from the one light source, a condenser lens which irradiates the reflected light from the reflector forward, a shade which switches the irradiated light from the condenser lens to low beam and high beam, and a solenoid which switches the shade to a low-beam position and a high-beam position. 
     In the headlamp, the light source is lighted. The light from the light source is reflected by the reflector. The reflected light is irradiated forwards through the condenser lens. Here, the solenoid is driven to switching the shade to the low-beam position or a high-beam position. The irradiated light is then switched to the low beam or high beam. As a result, a predetermined light distribution pattern for passing by, by the low beam, and a predetermined light distribution pattern for driving, by the high beam, can be obtained by switching by the low beam and the high beam, respectively. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a headlamp whose production cost is cheap, and which can accurately switch the low beam and the high beam. 
     In order to achieve the above object, this invention comprises a shade which is constituted of a thin plate structure, and switches the light from a light source to a low beam or a high beam, a plate spring which switches the shade to a low-beam position by a spring force and holds the shade in that position, and a solenoid which switches the shade to a high-beam position by a driving force when the electric supply is ON and holds the shade in that position. 
     As a result, this invention can reduce the weight of the shade, because the shade is constituted of a thin plate structure. Thereby, this invention can reduce the driving force of the solenoid and the spring force of the plate spring, which switch the position of the shade either to the low-beam position or to the high-beam position. Accordingly, in this invention, a cheap solenoid having a small driving force and a cheap spring member having a small spring force can be used, thereby enabling reduction of the production cost. In this invention, since the weight of the shade is light, the switching operation of the shade can be easily and accurately performed by the solenoid and the plate spring. As a result, with this invention, the low beam and the high beam can be accurately switched. 
     In this invention, the shade is switched to a high-beam position by a driving force of the solenoid and held in the position, and on the other hand, the shade is switched to a low-beam position by a spring force of the plate spring and held in the position. Therefore, a pull-type solenoid which is cheap and efficient can be used as the solenoid. As a result, with this invention, the production cost is cheap, and the low beam and high beam can be accurately switched. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are specifically set forth in or will become apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an elevational view which shows a first embodiment of a headlamp of this invention, 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view taken along the line II—II in  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view taken along the line III—III in  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 4  is a view in the direction of arrow IV in  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 5  is a partially exploded perspective view which shows a shade, a plate spring, a solenoid and a stopper section, 
         FIG. 6A  is a view in the direction of arrow VI in  FIG. 5 , which shows the state that a thin plate is set on a neck portion and a mounting portion,  FIG. 6B  is a diagram which shows the state that the neck portion and the mounting portion are inserted into a second hole,  FIG. 6C  is a diagram which shows the state that the neck portion is moved from the second hole to a third hole, and  FIG. 6D  is a diagram which shows the state that the neck portion is located in a first hole, 
         FIG. 7  is a partially exploded perspective view which shows the state that the shade, the plate spring, the solenoid and the stopper section are assembled, 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view taken along the line VIII—VIII in  FIG. 7 , 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view taken along the line IX—IX in  FIG. 7 , 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view taken along the line X—X in  FIG. 7 , 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view taken along the line XI—XI in  FIG. 7 , 
         FIG. 12A  is a development drawing which shows a movable portion on the rear side of the shade and the plate spring in an integral configuration,  FIG. 12B  is a development drawing which shows the movable portion on the front side of the shade, and  FIG. 12C  is a development drawing which shows the state that the movable portion on the rear side of the shade, having the integral configuration with the plate spring, and the movable portion on the front side are riveted together, 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view which shows the shade and the plate spring in the integral configuration, 
         FIG. 14  is a view in the direction of arrow XIV in  FIG. 13 , 
         FIG. 15  is a view in the direction of arrow XV in  FIG. 14 , 
         FIG. 16  is a view in the direction of arrow XVI in  FIG. 13 , 
         FIG. 17  is a plan view which shows a fixed portion of the shade, 
         FIG. 18  is a view in the direction of arrow XVIII in  FIG. 17 , 
         FIG. 19  is a view in the direction of arrow XIX in  FIG. 17 , 
         FIG. 20A  is a diagram which shows a light distribution pattern for passing by, and  FIG. 20B  is a diagram which shows a light distribution pattern for driving, 
         FIG. 21  is a partially exploded perspective view which shows a shade, a plate spring, a solenoid and a stopper section, which shows a second embodiment of the headlamp of this invention, 
         FIG. 22  is a view in the direction of arrow XXII in  FIG. 21 , 
         FIG. 23  is a diagram which shows the state that the neck portion and the mounting portion are inserted into the second hole, 
         FIG. 24  is a diagram which shows the state that the neck portion is moved from the second hole to the first hole, 
         FIG. 25  is a diagram which shows the state that the neck portion is located in the first hole, 
         FIG. 26  is a sectional view taken along the line XXVI—XXVI in  FIG. 25 , 
         FIG. 27  is a diagram which shows the state that the solenoid is charged with electricity to change the position of the shade from a low-beam position to a high-beam position, 
         FIG. 28  is a diagram which shows the state that a stopper section is operated, 
         FIG. 29  is a diagram which shows the state that charging of the solenoid with electricity is cut off to change the position of the shade from the high-beam position to the low-beam position, 
         FIG. 30  is a plan view of a shade and a plate spring, which shows a third embodiment of the headlamp of this invention, 
         FIG. 31  is a view in the direction of arrow XXXI in  FIG. 30 , 
         FIG. 32  is a view in the direction of arrow XXXII in  FIG. 30 , 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view which shows the shade and the plate spring, 
         FIG. 34A  is a diagram which shows the light distribution pattern for passing by, and  FIG. 34B  is a diagram which shows the light distribution pattern for driving, 
         FIG. 35A  is a diagram which shows a modification example of the third embodiment,  FIG. 35B  is a diagram which shows the light distribution pattern for passing by, and  FIG. 35C  is a diagram which shows the light distribution pattern for driving, and 
         FIG. 36  is a side view of a shade and a plate spring in another modification example of the third embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS 
     Embodiments of the headlamp according to this invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this invention is by no means limited by the embodiments. 
       FIGS. 1 to 20  explain a first embodiment of the headlamp according to this invention. Although the shown headlamp is a projector-type two-light headlamp, the headlamp may be any of the two-light headlamps. 
     In  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 4 , reference symbol  1  denotes a projector-type headlamp. This headlamp  1  comprises a discharge lamp  2  as a light source, a reflector  3 , a condenser lens  4 , a shade  5 , and a solenoid  6  and a plate spring  7  as a switching unit. 
     The discharge lamp  2  is, for example, a high-pressure metal vapor discharge lamp such as a so-called metal halide lamp, or a high intensity discharge lamp (HID). The discharge lamp  2  is detachably fitted to the reflector  3  via a socket mechanism  8 . The light emitting section of the discharge lamp  2  is located in the vicinity of a first focal point F 1  of the reflector  3 . 
     The inner concave surface of the reflector  3  comprises a reflecting surface formed by aluminum evaporation or silver plating, such that for example the vertical section in  FIG. 2  forms an ellipsoid, and the horizontal section in  FIG. 3  forms a paraboloid or a deformed paraboloid. Therefore, the reflecting surface of the reflector  3  has a first focal point F 1  and a second focal point (focal line on the horizontal section) F 2 . The reflector  3  is fixed and held by a holder (or a frame)  9 . 
     The condenser lens  4  has a focal plane (meridional image surface) on the object space side, in the vicinity of the second focal point F 2  of the reflector  3  and on the front side than the second focal point F 2  (on the condenser lens  4  side with respect to the discharge lamp  2 ). This focal plane on the object space side is not shown. The condenser lens  4  is fixed and held by the holder  9 . 
     The shade  5  is for switching the irradiated light from the condenser lens  4  to a low beam by which a predetermined light distribution pattern LP for passing by shown in  FIG. 20A  is obtained, or to a high beam by which a predetermined light distribution pattern HP for driving shown in  FIG. 20B  is obtained.  FIGS. 20A and 20B  are diagrams which show light distribution patterns projected onto a screen 10 m ahead from the headlamp  1  in the first embodiment. Reference symbol “HL–HR” in these figures indicates a horizontal line on the right and left on the screen, and reference symbol “VU–VD” indicates a vertical line on the up and down of the screen. 
     The solenoid  6  and the plate spring  7  as the switching unit are for switching the shade  5  to a low-beam position where the low beam can be obtained (a position shown by a solid line in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 16 ), or to a high-beam position where the high beam can be obtained (a position shown by a two-dot chain line in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 16 ). 
     The shade  5  comprises movable portions  10  and  11  as a switching portion to switch to the low beam or to the high beam, and a fixed portion  12  as other portions. The movable portions  10 ,  11  and the fixed portion  12  respectively comprise a thin plate structure having resilience such as a SUS (spring steel sheet). The plate thickness of the movable portions  10  and  11  is thinner than that of the fixed portion  12 . 
     The movable portions  10  and  11  are portions which are switched to a low-beam position or to a high-beam position by the solenoid  6  and the plate spring  7 . The movable portions  10  and  11  are composed of, as shown in  FIG. 12C  and  FIG. 13 , two thin plates ( 10 ,  11 ), which are formed by fixing a thin plate ( 10 ) on the front side (on the condenser lens  4  side) and a thin plate ( 11 ) on the rear side (on the discharge lamp  2  side) by caulking  32  (or riveting or spot welding). 
     The size of the movable portions  10  and  11  are the same as that of a stroke of the movable portions  10  and  11  which are moved by switching by the solenoid  6  and the plate spring  7 . In this example, as shown in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 16 , since the movable portions  10  and  11  are moved vertically (in the vertical direction when the headlamp  1  is mounted on a vehicle), the vertical size of the movable portions  10  and  11  is substantially the same as that of the stroke in the vertical movement of the movable portions  10  and  11 . 
     The movable portions  10  and  11  have, as shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 13 , a curved shape as seen from the above, such that the central portion protrudes towards the discharge lamp  2  side. 
     An edge portion  13  of the shade  5 , which forms a cut line CL of the light distribution pattern LP for passing by, is formed respectively on the upper edge of the two thin plates, that is, the movable portions  10  and  11 . The edge portion  13  has, as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 14 , a difference in level slanting by about 45° at the center. By this difference in level, as shown in  FIG. 20A , in the light distribution pattern LP for passing by, a cut line slanting by about 45° is formed between the driving lane and the opposing lane. 
     The fixed portion  12  is a portion fixed to the holder  9 . The fixed portion comprises, as shown in  FIG. 17  to  FIG. 19 , a ring-shaped fixed part  17  in which a part thereof (lower portion) is notched as seen from the front, a flat-shaped stopper section  18  arranged substantially horizontally in this notched portion of this fixed part  17 , and a shade portion  19  formed by being bent obliquely and substantially vertically from the stopper section  18 . 
     The fixed part  17  is fixed by a screw  20  with being put between the holder  9  and the reflector  3 . The stopper section  18  is a stopper which restricts the low-beam position of the shade  5  at the time of cutting the electricity to the solenoid  6  (at the time of cutting off charging with electricity). A notch  21  is provided at the center of this stopper section  18 . One side of the notch  21  forms a straight line and the other forms a circular arc. The shade portion  19  has a function of intercepting the reflected light from the reflector  3  and a function of intercepting heat from the discharge lamp  2  with respect to the solenoid  6 . A rectangular long notch  22  is provided at the center of a joint of the shade portion  19  and the stopper section  18 . 
     The solenoid  6  has a columnar plunger (an advancing and retreating rod)  14  that can advance and retreat. The solenoid  6  is fixed to the holder  9  together with the plate spring  7  by screws  16 , and arranged below the movable portions  10  and  11  of the shade  5 . A mounting portion  24  is provided at the tip (the upper end) of the plunger  14  of the solenoid  6 , via a neck portion  23  narrowed in the middle. This neck portion  23  and the mounting portion  24  are, for example, in a short columnar shape. The diameter (the size) of the mounting portion  24  is larger than the diameter of the neck portion  23  and smaller than that of the plunger  14 . The mounting portion  24  is directly fitted to the plate spring  7  which is integral with the movable portions  10  and  11  of the shade  5 . 
     The solenoid  6  is for making the plunger  14  retreat against a spring force of the plate spring  7  by a driving force when the electric supply is ON, to thereby linearly switch the movable portions  10  and  11  of the shade  5  from the low-beam position to the high-beam position and hold these in the high-beam position. As the solenoid  6 , a pull type (tension type or retractable type) solenoid which is cheap and efficient can be used. At the time of cutting the electricity, the plunger  14  of the solenoid  6  is in a free condition. In other words, the plunger  14  can freely advance or retreat (vertically movable). 
     In this example, the plate spring  7  comprises a thin plate structure such as SUS (spring steel sheet) having resilience, like the shade  5 . As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 14 , the plate spring  7  has a dome-shaped structure, that is, semicircular portions at the right and left opposite ends and upper and lower linear portions form an integral structure. As shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 12A , the upper central portion of the plate spring  7  and the central portion at the lower edge of the movable portion  11  on the rear side of the shade  5  are coupled to each other. 
     In other words, the movable portion  11  on the rear side of the shade  5  having a thin plate structure and the plate spring  7  also having a thin plate structure are integrally formed by press working or the like (see  FIG. 12A ). On the other hand, the movable portion  10  on the front side of the shade  5  having a thin plate structure is separately formed by press working or the like (see  FIG. 12B ). The movable portion  11  on the rear side integral with the plate spring  7  and the separate movable portion  10  on the front side are fixed by caulking  32  (see the arrow of a solid line in  FIG. 12C ). Thereby, the shade  5  composed of two movable portions  10  and  11  and the plate spring  7  form an integral structure. 
     The plate spring  7  is for linearly switching the movable portions  10  and  11  of the shade  5  from the high-beam position to the low-beam position and holding these in the low-beam position by a spring force, at the time of cutting the electricity to the solenoid  6 . 
     Mounting portions  15  are provided integral with the plate spring  7  so as to be orthogonal to each other, at the central portion on the lower side of the plate spring  7 . The mounting portions  15  are fixed to the holder  9  together with the solenoid  6  by the screws  16 . The mounting portions  15  are respectively formed, as shown in  FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 12C , at the opposite ends of the plate spring  7 , which are overlapped on each other to make the plate spring  7  curve in a dome shape, and are fixed by caulking  32 . In  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 16 , reference numeral  31  denotes beads (ruggedness in a small semicircular shape in section) for reinforcement provided in the shade  5  and the plate spring  7 . 
     A thin plate  25  is provided on the side of the shade  5  and the plate spring  7 . In other words, the thin plate  25  is formed of the upper central portion of the plate spring  7 , and is formed in a flat plate shape substantially orthogonal to the switching direction (vertical direction) of the shade  5 . As shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , the thin plate  25  is provided with a first hole  26 , a second hole  27 , a third hole  28 , a latch  29 , and a stopper piece  30 . 
     The diameter of the first hole  26  is larger than that of the neck portion  23 , and smaller than that of the mounting portion  24 . The first hole  26  is a hole to engage the upper face of the peripheral edge of the first hole  26  with the lower face of the mounting portion  24 . 
     The diameter of the second hole  27  is larger than that of the neck portion  23  and the mounting portion  24 . The second hole  27  is a hole for the mounting portion  24  and the neck portion  23  to be inserted therein so that the neck portion  23  is located from the second hole  27  to the first hole  26 . 
     The width of the third hole  28  is larger than the diameter of the neck portion  23  and smaller than that of the mounting portion  24 . The third hole  28  is provided between the first hole  26  and the second hole  27 , facing the latch  29 . This third hole  28  is a guiding hole which guides the neck portion  23  from the second hole  27  to bypass the latch  29 , and to be located in the first hole  26 . 
     The latch  29  is provided between the edge of the first hole  26  and the edge of the second hole  27 , crosswise with respect to the moving direction of the neck portion  23  from the second hole  27  to the first hole  26  (in the direction of an arrow of a solid line in  FIG. 5 ). The latch  29  is for restricting that the neck portion  23  located in the first hole  26  moves in the direction opposite to the moving direction, to thereby prevent the engagement state of the peripheral edge of the first hole  26  with the mounting portion  24  from coming off. The moving direction agrees with the direction that the semicircular portions at the opposite ends of the plate spring  7  elastically deform from the inside towards the outside (in the direction shown by an arrow of a solid line in  FIG. 14 ), and from the outside towards the inside. 
     The stopper piece  30  is formed by being bent substantially vertically at the edge of the thin plate  25 , opposite to the edge where the movable portion  11  is located. This stopper piece  30  is inserted in the long notch  22 , when the shade  5  is in the low-beam position. 
     A mounting method of the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  to the plunger  14  side of the solenoid  6  will be explained below, with reference to  FIG. 6 . The solenoid  6  and the plate spring  7  are respectively fixed to the holder  9 , so that at the time of completion of fitting, the center O of the neck portion  23  substantially agrees with the center O 1  of the first hole  26 . 
     The thin plate  25  on the plate spring side  7  is set on the neck portion  23  and the mounting portion  24  on the plunger  14  side. In this set condition, the thin plate  25  is moved in the direction of an arrow of a solid line, against an elastic force (spring force) of the plate spring  7  (see  FIG. 6A ). 
     The second hole  27  is located on the mounting portion  24  and the neck portion  23 , and the mounting portion  24  and the neck portion  23  are inserted into the second hole  27  (see  FIG. 6B ). 
     The thin plate  25  is moved in the direction of the arrow of a solid line against the elastic force of the plate spring  7 , while being made to return in the direction of an arrow of a broken line by an elastic returning force (spring force) of the plate spring  7 , so that the neck portion  23  is made to bypass the latch  29  along from the second hole  27  to the third hole  28  (see  FIG. 6C ). 
     When the neck portion  23  has just bypassed the latch  29 , the thin plate  25  is returned to two directions shown by the broken lines, by the elastic returning force of the plate spring  7 . The neck portion  23  is thereby located in the first hole  26  (see  FIG. 6D ). At this time, the neck portion  23  is restricted from moving from the first hole  26  to the second hole  27  by the latch  29 , and hence the fitted state of the side of the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  with the plunger  14  side of the solenoid  6  is prevented from coming off. 
     As described above, in the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, the side of the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  can be fitted to the plunger  14  side of the solenoid  6 , without using fittings such as an E ring, and the fitted state does not easily come off. 
     At the time of cutting the electricity to the solenoid  6 , the stopper section  18  of the fixed portion  12  is placed on the thin plate  25  of the plate spring  7  fitted with the plunger  14 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 11 , the stopper section  18  is put between the movable portion  11  on the rear side of the shade  5  and the stopper piece  30  of the plate spring  7 . The mounting portion  24  of the plunger  14  is located, as shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 9 , at the circular notch  21  of the stopper section  18 . Further, the stopper piece  30  of the plate spring  7  is, as shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 10 , inserted in the long notch  22  of the fixed portion  12 . As a result, the stopper section  18  restricts that the neck portion  23  and the thin plate  25  relatively move in the direction of the latch  29  being provided (in  FIG. 5 , crosswise direction with respect to the direction shown by the arrow of a solid line). 
     In the headlamp  1  according to this embodiment, there are equipped a first restriction unit, a second restriction unit, and a third restriction unit, which respectively restrict the low-beam position of the shade  5  in three directions substantially orthogonal to each other. 
     The first restriction unit is constituted of the thin plate  25  provided in the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  on the movable side, and the stopper section  18  provided in the fixed portion  12  on the fixed side with respect to the movable side. When the shade  5  is switched from the high-beam position to the low-beam position, as shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , the upper face of the thin plate  25  abuts against the lower face of the stopper section  18 . Thereby, the low-beam position of the shade  5  is restricted in the switching direction of the shade  5 . 
     The second restriction unit is constituted of the stopper section  18  on the fixed side and two clamping pieces provided on the movable side, that is, the movable portion  11  on the rear side of the shade  5  and the stopper piece  30 . When the shade  5  is switched from the high-beam position to the low-beam position, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the stopper section  18  is put between the movable portion  11  on the rear side of the shade  5  and the stopper piece  30 . Thereby, the low-beam position of the shade  5  is restricted in the direction substantially orthogonal to the restriction direction of the first restriction unit. 
     The third restriction unit is constituted of wall faces at the opposite ends of the long notch  22  provided on the fixed side and opposite end faces of the stopper piece  30 . When the shade  5  is switched from the high-beam position to the low-beam position, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the stopper piece  30  is inserted in the long notch  22 . By the wall faces at the opposite ends of the long notch  22  and the opposite end faces of the stopper piece  30 , the low-beam position of the shade  5  is restricted in the direction substantially orthogonal to the restriction direction of the first restriction unit and the restriction direction of second restriction unit. 
     The discharge lamp  2 , the reflector  3 , the condenser lens  4 , the shade  5 , the solenoid  6 , the plate spring  7 , the socket mechanism  8  and the holder  9 , being the components of the headlamp  1 , are arranged in a lamp chamber (not shown) divided by an outer lens or an outer cover (not shown), and a lamp housing (not shown), to thereby form the headlamp  1 . 
     The headlamp  1  according to this embodiment is constituted as described above. The operation thereof will be explained below. 
     The discharge lamp  2  is lighted. The light from the discharge lamp  2  is reflected by the reflector  3 . The reflected light is condensed at the second focal point F 2  of the reflector  3 , and diffused through the second focal point F 2 , and further irradiated forward through the condenser lens  4 . The irradiated light is irradiated forward respectively, as a low beam by which the predetermined light distribution pattern LP for passing by shown in  FIG. 20A  is obtained, and as a high beam by which the predetermined light distribution pattern HP for driving shown in  FIG. 20B  is obtained. 
     At the time of cutting the electricity to the solenoid  6 , as shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , the plunger  14  of the solenoid  6  is in the advanced state (extended state) by the spring force of the plate spring  7 , and the upper face of the thin plate  25  abuts against the lower face of the stopper section  18 . The movable portions  10  and  11  of the shade  5  are in the low-beam position shown by a solid line in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 16 , and this low-beam position is being kept. 
     At this low-beam position, as described below, the position is restricted in the three directions by the first restriction unit, the second restriction unit and the third restriction unit. As a result, with the headlamp  1  according to this first embodiment, the low-beam position of the shade  5  can be position-restricted at high accuracy, without requiring highly accurate tolerance with respect to the solenoid  6 , and hence the predetermined light distribution pattern LP for passing by can be obtained at high accuracy. In other words, the switching direction (vertical direction) of the shade  5  is restricted by the spring force of the plate spring  7  and the stopper operation of the stopper section  18 , being the first restriction unit. The width direction of the stopper section  18  substantially orthogonal to the switching direction of the shade  5  is restricted by the stopper section  18 , and the movable portion  11  and the stopper piece  30  which put the stopper section  18  therebetween, being the second restriction unit. Further, the direction of elastic deformation of the plate spring  7 , which is substantially orthogonal to the switching direction of the shade  5  and the width direction of the stopper section  18 , is restricted by the wall faces at the opposite ends of the long notch  22  and the opposite end faces of the stopper piece  30  inserted in the long notch  22 , being the third restriction unit. 
     As a result, of the reflected light, the reflected light advancing substantially to the upper half of the condenser lens  4  is cut off by the movable portions  10  and  11  of the shade  5 , and irradiated forward as a low beam. Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 20A , the predetermined light distribution pattern LP for passing by can be obtained. 
     The solenoid  6  is then charged with electricity. The plunger  14  of the solenoid  6  then retreats against the spring force of the plate spring  7 . Accompanying this, the movable portions  10  and  11  of the shade  5  come down linearly, and the position of the shade  5  is switched from the low-beam position shown by the solid line in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 16  to the high-beam position shown by the two-dot chain line in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 16 . 
     As a result, the reflected light advances over the whole surface of the condenser lens  4 , and is irradiated forwards as a high beam. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 20B , the predetermined light distribution pattern HP for driving can be obtained. 
     Charging of electricity to the solenoid  6  is then cut off. The plate spring  7 , which is in a bent state shown by the two-dot chain line in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 16 , elastically returns to the original state shown by the solid line in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 16 . Accompanying this, the plunger  14  of the solenoid  6  advances. The movable portions  10  and  11  of the shade  5  go up linearly together with the advancement, and the position of the shade  5  is switched from the high-beam position shown by the two-dot chain line in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 16  to the low-beam position shown by the solid line in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 16 . As a result, as shown in  FIG. 20A , the predetermined light distribution pattern LP for passing by can be obtained. 
     The headlamp  1  in this first embodiment has the above-described configuration, and the effects thereof will be explained below. 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, the shade  5  comprises a thin plate structure, and hence the weight of the shade  5  can be reduced. Thereby, the driving force of the solenoid  6  and the spring force of the plate spring  7 , as the units which switch the shade  5  either to the low-beam position or to the high-beam position, can be made small. Accordingly, a cheap solenoid  6  having a small driving force and a cheap spring member  7  having a small spring force can be used, thereby enabling reduction in the production cost. Since the weight of the shade  5  is light, the switching operation of the shade  5  can be performed easily and accurately by the solenoid  6  and the plate spring  7 . Hence, accurate switching between the low beam and the high beam becomes possible. 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, the shade  5  is switched to the high-beam position by the driving force of the solenoid  6  and maintained in this position, and on the other hand, the shade  5  is switched to the low-beam position by the spring force of the plate spring  7  and maintained in this position. Thereby, a pull-type solenoid  6  which is cheap and efficient can be used as the solenoid  6 . As a result, the production cost can be reduced, and the low beam and the high beam can be accurately switched. 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, since the solenoid  6  and the plate spring  7 , being the switching units, are directly fitted to the shade  5 , the configuration of the solenoid  6  and the plate spring  7 , being the switching units, becomes simpler compared to one in which a driving force transmission unit is provided between the solenoid and the shade. Hence, the production cost can be reduced. Further, since the configuration of the solenoid  6  and the plate spring  7 , being the switching units, is simple, the switching operation of the shade  5  can be easily and accurately performed, thereby enabling accurate switching between the low beam and the high beam. 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, since the solenoid  6  is arranged below the shade  5 , when the shade  5  is dropped against the spring force of the plate spring  7  at the time of charging with electricity, the weight of the shade  5  works. Therefore, the driving force of the solenoid  6  needs only be slightly larger than the spring force of the plate spring  7 . Therefore, a cheap solenoid  6  having a small driving force can be used. On the other hand, the spring force of the plate spring  7  needs only be a force for supporting the weight of the shade  5  and the weight of the plunger  14  of the solenoid  6  at the time of normal operation, and a force for raising the shade  5  and the plunger  14  to be returned to the original position at the time of cutting electricity. Therefore, a cheap spring member  7  having a small spring force can be used. Thereby, the production cost can be also reduced. 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, the plunger  14  of the solenoid  6  and the plate spring  7  are directly fitted to the shade  5  respectively, to thereby linearly move the shade  5  vertically by driving force of the solenoid  6  and the spring force of the plate spring  7 . Therefore, the switching operation of the shade  5  can be easily and accurately performed, thereby enabling accurate switching between the low beam and the high beam. 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, at the time of normal operation, the shade  5  is in the low-beam position by the spring force of the plate spring  7 , and at the time of charging the solenoid  6  with electricity, the shade  5  is in the high-beam position by the driving force of the solenoid  6 . Therefore, when the shade  5  is in the high-beam position, if any failure occurs in the solenoid  6  and the electric system, the driving force of the solenoid  6  becomes zero, and the shade  5  is automatically returned from the high-beam position to the low-beam position by the spring returning force of the plate spring  7 . Therefore, the fail-safe function is equipped. 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, since the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  are integrally formed, the number of parts can be reduced, and hence the production cost can be also reduced. 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, since the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  have an integral structure of a thin steel plate, the heat of the reflected light from the reflector  3  can be efficiently radiated. In other words, in the shade  5  that intercepts the reflected light from the reflector  3 , even if the heat of the reflected light is concentrated, the heat is transmitted to the plate spring  7  through the shade  5 , and is efficiently radiated in the plate spring  7  by the heat dissipating action. Thereby, since the solenoid  6  can be protected from the heat of the reflected light from the reflector  3 , a decrease of the driving force of the solenoid  6  due to heat can be prevented. As a result, a cheap solenoid  6  having a small driving force can be used, thereby enabling reduction in the production cost. 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, since the plate spring  7  has a dome-shaped structure, the vibration resistance can be improved. 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, the plate spring  7  having a dome-shaped structure is used, in which two semicircular portions are coupled with each other. Therefore, when the plate spring  7  returns by the spring force and reaches the top dead center, the two semicircular portions pull each other, and hence the plate spring  7  stops at the top dead center reliably and within a short period of time. Therefore, vibrations in the direction of the spring action are extremely small, and hence the shade  5  can be stopped at a predetermined position reliably and within a short period of time. 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, since the shade  5  is divided into the movable portion and the fixed portion, the portion of the shade  5  which is moved by the solenoid  6  and the plate spring  7  is only the movable portion. Therefore, the portion of the shade  5  which is moved can be made small and light in weight, and hence a cheap solenoid  6  having a small driving force and a cheap spring member  7  having a small spring force can be used, thereby enabling reduction in the production cost. Further, by setting the size of the movable portion to be the same size as that of the moving stroke of the movable portion, the predetermined light distribution pattern for passing by and the predetermined light distribution pattern for driving are not affected. 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, of the shade  5  comprising a thin plate structure, particularly the fixed portion can function also as a heat shielding plate which shields the solenoid  6  against the heat from the discharge lamp  2 . Thereby, since the solenoid  6  can be shielded from the heat of the discharge lamp  2 , a decrease of the driving force of the solenoid  6  due to the heat can be prevented. As a result, a cheap solenoid  6  having a small driving force can be used, thereby enabling reduction in the production cost. 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, the portion of the shade  5  which switches between the low beam and the high beam has a curved shape in which the central portion protrudes towards the discharge lamp  2  side, as seen from the above, and the edge portion  13  of the shade  5 , which forms a cut line of the light distribution pattern for passing by, is formed by the two thin plates  10  and  11 . As a result, by the shade  5  having a thin plate structure, the edge portion  13  comprising the two thin plates  10 ,  11  can be easily produced. Further, by adequately controlling the positions of the edge portion  13  comprising the two thin plates  10 ,  11  and the second focal point F 2  of the projector type headlamp, spectral colors can be eliminated. 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, as the reflector  3 , the shade  5 , the solenoid  6 , the plate spring  7 , the socket mechanism  8  and the holder  9 , being the components, are applied with aluminum evaporation or silver plating, there can be obtained a sealing effect of noise at the time of lighting the discharge lamp  2 . 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, the shade  5  is composed of the movable portions  10  and  11 , and the fixed portion  12 . Therefore, even if the movable portions  10  and  11  vertically move, the direct light from the discharge lamp  2  and the reflected light from the reflector  3  can be reliably shielded by the fixed portion  12 . 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, the solenoid  6  can be made small. Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 1 , most part of the solenoid  6  can be housed within a dead space of light distribution (that is, in the space above the line UL of the vehicle frame, which is the lowermost part of the vehicle frame (not shown) to which the headlamp  1  is fitted, and which does not contribute to the formation of the light distribution pattern at all), thereby the amount of the lower part OL of the solenoid  6  protruding from the line UL of the lowermost part of the vehicle frame can be made small. As a result, it is possible to fit the headlamp to various kinds of vehicles. A so-called minor change is possible. 
     Particularly, in the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, the side of the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  can be fitted to the plunger  14  side of the solenoid  6 , without using fittings such as an E ring, and the fitted state does not easily come off. As a result, since fittings such as an E ring is not used, the number of mounting parts is reduced, and the assembly process becomes simple, thereby enabling reduction in the production cost. 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, by the guiding function of the third hole  28 , the neck portion  23  can be located in the first hole  26  reliably and easily by bypassing the latch  29  from the second hole  27 . 
     In the headlamp  1  according to the first embodiment, by the stopper section  18 , relative movement of the neck portion  23  and the thin plate  25  in the direction of the latch  29  being provided is restricted, and hence the neck portion  23  is completely restricted from moving from the first hole  26  to the second hole  27 . Therefore, the fitted state between the side of the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  and the plunger  14  side of the solenoid  6  does not come off at all. 
       FIG. 21  to  FIG. 29  show a second embodiment of the headlamp according to this invention. In these figures, the same reference symbols as in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 20  denote the same parts, respectively. 
     The second embodiment relates to a modification example of the mounting structure between the side of the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  and the plunger  14  side of the solenoid  6 . In other words, the thin plate according to the second embodiment comprises a first thin plate bent towards substantially the same direction as the switching direction of the shade  5 , and a second thin plate bent towards the direction substantially orthogonal to the switching direction of the shade  5 . The first thin plate is a movable portion  11  on the rear side of the shade  5 , and the second thin plate is the thin plate  25  in the first embodiment. 
     The thin plate  25  as the second thin plate is provided with a first hole  33  rectangular as seen from the above. The movable portion  11  as the first thin plate is provided with a second hole  34  in a T shape as seen from the front, continuous from the first hole  33 . The movable portion  11  is further provided with a latch  35 . The latch  35  is provided in the direction substantially orthogonal to the moving direction of the neck portion  23  from the second hole  34  to the first hole  33  (in the direction shown by an arrow of a solid line and in the width direction of the plate spring  7  in  FIG. 23  and  FIG. 24 ). 
     In the figures, reference symbol  36  denotes a stopper section provided in the fixed portion  12 . This stopper section  36  is inclined, and functions in the same manner as the stopper section  18  in the first embodiment. At one end of the stopper section  36 , a concave portion  37  is provided. 
     A fitting method between the side of the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  and the plunger  14  side of the solenoid  6  will be explained below. The solenoid  6  and the plate spring  7  are respectively fixed to the holder  9  to be in the condition shown in  FIG. 25  and  FIG. 26 , at the time of completion of fitting. 
     The movable portion  11  as the first thin plate on the side of the shade  5  and the plate spring  7 , and the thin plate  25  as the second thin plate are set on the neck portion  23  and the mounting portion  24  of the plunger  14  side (see  FIG. 21 ). In this set condition, the thin plate  25  is moved in the direction of an arrow of a solid line against an elastic force (spring force) of the plate spring  7 , and the neck portion  23  and the mounting portion  24  are moved in the direction of an arrow of a solid line (see  FIG. 22 ). 
     The neck portion  23  and the mounting portion  24  are then lifted in the direction of the arrow of a solid line against the weight of the plunger  14 , to insert these into the second hole  34 , in the direction of the arrow of a solid line (see  FIG. 23 ). Further, the neck portion  23  and the mounting portion  24  are moved in the direction of the arrow of a solid line, from the second hole  34  to the first hole  33 , and located there (see  FIG. 24 ). 
     The plate spring  7  is returned in the direction of an arrow of a broken line by the elastic returning force (spring force). The upper face of the thin plate  25  then abuts against the lower face of the mounting portion  24 , and the neck portion  23  is located in the first hole  33  (see  FIG. 25  and  FIG. 26 ). At this time, the shade  5  is in the low-beam position, and the upper end of the stopper piece  30  abuts against the concave portion  37  of the stopper section  36 , and hence the stopper piece  30  is restricted in the direction of the arrow of a solid line in  FIG. 25  due to the inclination of the stopper section  36  and abuts against the mounting portion  24 . Since the neck portion  23  is located in the first hole  33 , the thin plate  25  is restricted in its movement in the direction of the arrow of a solid line in  FIG. 26 . As a result, when the shade  5  is in the low-beam position, the fitted state between the side of the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  and the plunger  14  side of the solenoid  6  does not come off. 
     As described above, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the side of the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  can be fitted to the plunger  14  side of the solenoid  6 , without using fittings such as an E-ring, and the fitted state does not easily come off. 
     When the solenoid  6  is charged with electricity, the plunger  14  retreats in the direction of the arrow of a solid line, and the shade  5  is switched from the low-beam position to the high-beam position (see  FIG. 27 ). At this time, since the upper end of the stopper piece  30  comes out of the concave portion  37  of the stopper section  36 , the plate spring  7  can freely move in the direction of an arrow of a broken line in  FIG. 27 . 
     When the plate spring  7  moves in the direction of the arrow of a broken line in  FIG. 27 , the mounting portion  24  and the latch  35  abut against each other, thus the movement of the plate spring  7  in the direction of the arrow of a broken line is restricted (see  FIG. 28 ). As a result, when the shade  5  is in the high-beam position, the fitted state between the side of the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  and the plunger  14  side of the solenoid  6  does not come off. 
     When charging of the solenoid  6  with electricity is cut off, the plunger  14  advances in the direction of the arrow of a solid line, and the shade  5  is switched from the high-beam position to the low-beam position (see  FIG. 29 ). At this time, since the upper end of the stopper piece  30  abuts against the stopper section  36 , the stopper piece  30  moves in the direction of an arrow of a broken line in  FIG. 29 , due to the inclination of the stopper section  36 , and finally the stopper piece  30  is in the state as shown in  FIG. 25  and  FIG. 26 . 
     As described above, by the second embodiment, there can be achieved the same effects as those of the first embodiment. 
       FIG. 30  to  FIG. 36  show a third embodiment of the headlamp according to this invention. In these figures, the same reference symbols as in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 29  denote the same parts, respectively. 
     The third embodiment relates to a modification example of a plate spring  700 . In other words, the plate spring  700  is a plate spring having a cantilever structure, and as shown in  FIG. 32 , it is to switch the shade  5  making a curve, centering on a cantilever fulcrum C. 
     The plate spring  700  comprises a thin plate structure having resilience such as SUS (spring steel sheet), as in the plate spring  7  in the first and second embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 32 , the plate spring  700  is composed of a fixed portion  70  (the portion shown by a solid line) and a movable portion  71  (the portion shown by a solid line or a two-dot chain line), which form an integral structure. The boundary between the fixed portion  70  and the movable portion  71  becomes the cantilever fulcrum C. The upper central portion of the movable portion  71  of the plate spring  700  and the central portion at the lower edge of the movable portion  11  on the rear side of the shade  5  are coupled integrally. In other words, the shade  5  having a thin plate structure and the plate spring  70  having a thin plate structure are formed integrally by press working or the like. As a result, the plate spring  700  is directly fitted to the shade  5 . A stiffening rib  74  is provided on the boundary between the plate spring  700  and the shade  5 . 
     The plate spring  700  is for holding the movable portions  10  and  11  of the shade  5  in the low-beam position at the time of normal operation, for bending at the time of charging the solenoid with electricity, and for elastically returning to move the movable portions  10  and  11  of the shade  5  making a curve at the time of cutting off the charging of the solenoid with electricity, to thereby switch the shade  5  from the high-beam position to the low-beam position and hold the shade in that position. 
     The mounting portion  15  is integrally provided at the central portion on the lower side of the fixed portion  70  of the plate spring  700 . The mounting portion  15  is provided with a through hole  75  of a small circular shape, through which a screw passes. The mounting portion  15  is fitted to the holder by a screw. The solenoid is fitted to the mounting portion  15  by the screw. 
     A thermal insulation board  76  is provided between the fixed portion  70  and the movable portion  71  of the plate spring  700 . A long groove  72  and a semicircular small convex bar  73  for reinforcement are provided in the movable portion  71  of the plate spring  700 . The plunger of the solenoid engages with the edge of the long groove  72 . When the movable portions  10  and  11  of the shade  5  are moved making a curve due to advancing and retreating of the plunger, the plunger and the movable portion  71  are relatively displaced. This long groove  72  is for absorbing the relative displacement of the plunger and the movable portion  71 . 
     The action by the third embodiment will be explained below. It is assumed that the shade  5  is in the low-beam position. At this time, as shown in  FIG. 34A , the predetermined light distribution pattern LP for passing by can be obtained. The solenoid is then charged with electricity. The plunger of the solenoid retreats against the spring force of the plate spring  700 . Accompanying this, the movable portions  10  and  11  of the shade  5  are moved making a curve, and the shade  5  is switched from the low-beam position shown by a solid line in  FIG. 32  to the high-beam position shown by a two-dot chain line in  FIG. 32 . Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 34B , the predetermined light distribution pattern HP 1  for driving can be obtained. 
     In this third embodiment, since the movable portions  10  and  11  of the shade  5  are moved making a curve, a depressed size of point B at the opposite right and left ends of the shade  5  in the vertical direction is larger than a depressed size of point A at the center of the shade  5  in the vertical direction. Therefore, in this third embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 34B , a light distribution pattern HP 1  for driving is obtained, in which the opposite right and left end portions come upwards. With this light distribution pattern HP 1  for driving in which the opposite right and left end portions come upwards, traffic signs arranged on the right and left sides of the driving lane and pedestrians can be checked well visually, and hence it is most suitable for driving in the urban area. Further, since the opposite right and left end portions coming upwards of the light distribution pattern HP 1  for driving are reflected by buildings on the right and left sides of the driving lane, a clear switching feeling can be obtained, at the time of switching between the light distribution pattern LP for passing by and the light distribution pattern HP 1  for driving. 
     Electricity to the solenoid is then cut off. The plate spring  700  in the bent state as shown by a two-dot chain line in  FIG. 32  is elastically returned to the state as shown by a solid line in the figure. As a result, the plunger of the solenoid advances. The movable portions  10  and  11  of the shade  5  move, making a curve, together with the advancement of the solenoid, and the position of the shade  5  is switched from the high-beam position shown by the two-dot chain line in  FIG. 32  to the low-beam position shown by the solid line in  FIG. 32 . As a result, as shown in  FIG. 34A , the predetermined light distribution pattern LP for passing by can be obtained. 
     As described above, in the third embodiment, the shade  5  is supported by the plate spring  700  having the cantilever structure. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the shade  5  moves, making a curve, between the low-beam position and the high-beam position. Thereby, even if the shift of the shade  5  is small, the amount of switching between the low beam and the high beam can be made large. That is, the operating amount of the solenoid can be made small, compared to the switching amount between the low beam and the high beam. Accordingly, in the third embodiment, a small solenoid can be used, and the production cost can be reduced thereby. 
       FIG. 35  shows a modification example of the third embodiment. This modification example is different from the third embodiment in the curved shift of the shade  5  from the low-beam position to the high-beam position. In other words, in the third embodiment, the shade  5  is moved forward, making a curve, and the depressed size of point B at the opposite right and left ends of the shade  5  in the vertical direction is made larger than a depressed size of point A at the center of the shade  5  in the vertical direction. On the other hand, in this modification example, as shown in  FIG. 35A , the shade  5  is moved rearward, making a curve, and the shade  5  is switched from the low-beam position shown by a solid line to the high-beam position shown by a two-dot chain line, thereby the point A at the center of the shade  5  is depressed, and the point B at the opposite right and left ends of the shade  5  slightly comes up. 
     As a result, in this modification example, as shown in  FIG. 35C , a light distribution pattern HP 2  for driving can be obtained, in which the central portion goes upwards. With this light distribution pattern HP 2  for driving in which the central portion goes upwards, the center of the driving lane can be seen well visually, and hence it is most suitable for high-speed driving. As shown in  FIG. 35A , when the shade  5  is in the low-beam position shown by the solid line, as shown in  FIG. 35B , a predetermined light distribution pattern LP for passing by can be obtained. This modification example can achieve the same effect as that of the third embodiment. 
       FIG. 36  shows another modification example of the third embodiment. In this other modification example, a weight member (also with a thermal insulation function)  77  is provided separately from the shade  5 , in the plate spring  700 . In other words, in this other modification example, there are two resonance points of the plate spring  700  of the cantilever structure, that is, the shade  5  and the weight member  77 . 
     As a result, in this other modification example, in the plate spring  700  of the cantilever structure, there is a resonance point respectively in the shade  5  (which functions as a spring) and the weight member  77  (which functions as a damper), the vibrations of the shade  5  and the vibrations of the weight member  77  counteract to each other, and hence the plate spring  700  of the cantilever structure becomes a vibration-resistant structure. Hence, in this other modification example, the spring member  700  of the cantilever structure becomes a vibration-resistant structure, and when the shade  5  is switched to either of the low-beam position and the high-beam position, the vibrations of the shade  5  become small, and the vibrations thereof stop within a short period of time, thereby the shade  5  can be stopped and located at a predetermined position reliably and within a short period of time. As a result, accurate switching between the low beam and the high beam becomes possible. By this other modification example, there can be achieved the same effects as those of the third embodiment and the modification example described above. 
     Examples other than the first, second and third embodiments will be explained below. 
     In the above-described embodiments, the shade  5  has a thin plate structure, but in this invention, the shade may have a structure other than the thin plate structure. 
     In the above-described embodiments, the solenoid  6  serves to switch the shade  5  to the high-beam position, and the plate spring  7  serves to switch the shade  5  to the low-beam position. However, in this invention, the configuration may be quite opposite. That is, the solenoid  6  may serve to switch the shade  5  to the low-beam position, and the plate spring  7  may serve to switch the shade  5  to the high-beam position. 
     In the above-described embodiments, the edge portion  13  has a structure of two thin plates, but in this invention, the edge portion may have a structure of one thin plate. 
     In the above-described embodiments, the movable portions  10  and  11  have a curved shape as seen from the above, such that the central portion protrudes towards the discharge lamp  2  side. But in this invention, the shape of the movable portions maybe flat, as seen from the above. Alternatively, the shape of the movable portions may be a shape bent in a trapezoid, as seen from the above, such that the central portion protrudes towards the discharge lamp side. 
     In the above-described embodiments, the discharge lamp  2  is used as a light source, but in this invention, a halogen lamp or the like may be used other than the discharge lamp  2 . 
     In the above-described embodiments, a plate spring having a dome-shaped structure is used as the plate spring  7 , but in this invention, spring members such as a coil spring and a plate spring may be used, other than the dome-shaped structure. 
     In the above-described embodiments, the thin plate  25  and the plate spring  7  form an integral structure. In this invention, however, the thin plate and the plate spring may be fixed to each other, as a separate structure. 
     In the above-described embodiments, the first restriction unit, the second restriction unit and the third restriction unit are respectively equipped, which restrict the low-beam position of the shade  5  in three directions substantially orthogonal to each other. In this invention, however, the first restriction unit, the second restriction unit and the third restriction unit may not be equipped. 
     The shape and the structure of the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  in the above-described embodiments are not particularly limited. For example, the side of the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  may be fitted to the plunger  14  side of the solenoid  6 , using an E ring, but without using the mounting structure between the side of the shade  5  and the plate spring  7  and the plunger  14  side of the solenoid  6  according to the first and second embodiments. 
     The priority applications, Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-244666, filed Aug. 10, 2001, Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-280331, filed Sep. 14, 2001, Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-176013, filed Jun. 17, 2002, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-176014, filed Jun. 17, 2002, are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     Although the invention has been described with respect to a specific embodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.