Vehicle lamp and vehicle lamp system

Abstract

The high-beam lamp unit (42H) comprises: a rotating reflector (65) which reflects visible light emitted from a visible light source (44) and infrared light emitted from an infrared light source (45) while rotating, and makes the visible light and infrared light scan in the horizontal direction of an imaginary vertical screen arranged at a predetermined distance from the vehicle; and a photodiode (47) which receives infrared light emitted from the infrared light source (45) and reflected by an object. The lamp control unit (43) makes the emission time of the infrared light of the first IR-LED different from the emission time of the infrared light of the second IR-LED, so that the first IR-LED and the second IR-LED of the infrared light source (45) do not emit infrared light at the same time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp used in vehicles such as automobiles and a vehicle lamp system. Background Art

[0002] Reference document 1 discloses a vehicle lighting device that reflects visible light from a visible light source and infrared light from an infrared light source by different optical components, respectively, and irradiates the visible light and infrared light toward the front of the vehicle (see patent document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-154615 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp and a vehicle lamp system having improved sensing function using infrared light.

[0008] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp and a vehicle lamp system capable of realizing highly refined light distribution for illumination that can be changed according to the situation around a vehicle with a simple structure.

[0009] Technical solutions to the problem

[0010] A vehicle lamp according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises:

[0011] a first light source, the first light source being used to irradiate visible light toward the periphery of the vehicle;

[0012] a second light source, the second light source emitting infrared light to obtain information about the surroundings of the vehicle;

[0013] a rotating reflector that reflects the visible light emitted from the first light source and the infrared light emitted from the second light source while rotating, so that the visible light and the infrared light are scanned in a horizontal direction on an imaginary vertical screen disposed at a predetermined distance from the vehicle;

[0014] a light receiving unit that receives infrared light emitted from the second light source and reflected by an object; and

[0015] a control unit, the control unit controlling the first light source, the second light source and the rotating reflector,

[0016] The second light source comprises a first light emitting element and a second light emitting element.

[0017] The control unit makes the emission timing of infrared light by the first light emitting element different from the emission timing of infrared light by the second light emitting element so that the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element do not emit infrared light at the same time.

[0018] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp having an improved sensing function using infrared light.

[0019] In addition, a first scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the first light emitting element and a second scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the second light emitting element may at least partially overlap.

[0020] The control unit is configured to perform one scan in the horizontal direction of the second scanning range every time one scan in the horizontal direction of the first scanning range is completed.

[0021] According to this configuration, it is possible to focus on the area around the vehicle where sensing is most necessary.

[0022] In addition, a first scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the first light emitting element and a second scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the second light emitting element may at least partially overlap.

[0023] The control unit is configured to switch between emission of infrared light by the first light emitting element and emission of infrared light by the second light emitting element at predetermined time intervals.

[0024] According to this configuration, it is possible to focus on the area around the vehicle where sensing is most necessary.

[0025] A vehicle lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises:

[0026] A first vehicle lamp, the first vehicle lamp comprising: a first light source for irradiating visible light to the periphery of a vehicle; a second light source for emitting infrared light to obtain information about the periphery of the vehicle; and a first rotating reflector for reflecting the visible light irradiated from the first light source and the infrared light irradiated from the second light source while rotating, so that the visible light and the infrared light are scanned in a horizontal direction on an imaginary vertical screen arranged at a predetermined distance from the vehicle;

[0027] a second vehicle lamp, the second vehicle lamp comprising: a third light source for irradiating visible light to the periphery of the vehicle; a fourth light source for emitting infrared light to obtain information about the periphery of the vehicle; and a second rotating reflector for reflecting the visible light irradiated from the third light source and the infrared light irradiated from the fourth light source while rotating, so that the visible light and the infrared light are scanned in a horizontal direction on an imaginary vertical screen arranged at a predetermined distance from the vehicle;

[0028] a light receiving unit that receives the infrared light emitted from the second light source and reflected by the object and the infrared light emitted from the fourth light source and reflected by the object; and

[0029] a control unit, the control unit controlling the second light source and the fourth light source,

[0030] The control unit makes the emission timing of the infrared light of the second light source different from the emission timing of the infrared light of the fourth light source so that the second light source and the fourth light source do not emit infrared light at the same time.

[0031] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp having an enhanced sensing function around the vehicle using infrared light.

[0032] In addition, the first scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the second light source may at least partially overlap with the second scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the fourth light source.

[0033] The control unit is configured to perform one scan in the horizontal direction of the second scanning range every time one scan in the horizontal direction of the first scanning range is completed.

[0034] According to this configuration, it is possible to focus on the area around the vehicle where sensing is most necessary.

[0035] In addition, the first scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the second light source may at least partially overlap with the second scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the fourth light source.

[0036] The control unit is configured to switch between emission of infrared light by the second light source and emission of infrared light by the fourth light source at predetermined time intervals.

[0037] According to this configuration, it is possible to focus on the area around the vehicle where sensing is most necessary.

[0038] In addition, the light receiving unit may include: a first light receiving unit, which is arranged in the first vehicle lamp and receives the infrared light emitted from the second light source and reflected by the object; and a second light receiving unit, which is arranged in the second vehicle lamp and receives the infrared light emitted from the fourth light source and reflected by the object.

[0039] According to this structure, since the reflected light of the infrared light after being reflected by the object can be received near the position where the infrared light is emitted, the angle of the return light relative to the emitted light can be reduced, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting the direction (angular coordinates) and distance of the object.

[0040] Furthermore, the first vehicle lamp may be a left headlamp, and the second vehicle lamp may be a right headlamp.

[0041] According to this configuration, the sensing function using infrared light can be enhanced in front of the vehicle.

[0042] A vehicle lamp according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises:

[0043] a first light source, the first light source being used to irradiate visible light toward the periphery of the vehicle;

[0044] a second light source, the second light source emitting infrared light to obtain information about the surroundings of the vehicle;

[0045] a rotating reflector that reflects the visible light emitted from the first light source and the infrared light emitted from the second light source while rotating so that the visible light and the infrared light are scanned in a horizontal direction on an imaginary vertical screen disposed at a predetermined distance from the vehicle; and

[0046] a light receiving unit that receives infrared light emitted from the second light source and reflected by an object;

[0047] The second light source includes: a first light emitting element that emits infrared light of a first wavelength; and a second light emitting element that emits infrared light of a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength.

[0048] According to this configuration, it is possible to realize high-definition light distribution for illumination that can be changed according to the situation around the vehicle with a simple configuration.

[0049] In addition, a first scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the first light emitting element and a second scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the second light emitting element may at least partially overlap.

[0050] According to this configuration, it is possible to realize high-definition light distribution for illumination that can be changed according to the situation around the vehicle with a simple configuration.

[0051] A vehicle lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises:

[0052] A first vehicle lamp, the first vehicle lamp comprising: a first light source for irradiating visible light to the periphery of a vehicle; a second light source for emitting infrared light of a first wavelength to obtain information about the periphery of the vehicle; and a first rotating reflector for reflecting the visible light irradiated from the first light source and the infrared light irradiated from the second light source while rotating, so that the visible light and the infrared light are scanned in a horizontal direction on an imaginary vertical screen arranged at a predetermined distance from the vehicle;

[0053] a second vehicle lamp, the second vehicle lamp comprising: a third light source for irradiating visible light to the periphery of the vehicle; a fourth light source for emitting infrared light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength to obtain information about the periphery of the vehicle; and a second rotating reflector for reflecting the visible light irradiated from the third light source and the infrared light irradiated from the fourth light source while rotating so that the visible light and the infrared light scan in a horizontal direction on the imaginary vertical screen; and

[0054] A light receiving unit receives the infrared light emitted from the second light source and reflected by the object, and the infrared light emitted from the fourth light source and reflected by the object.

[0055] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp system capable of realizing highly detailed light distribution for illumination that can be changed according to the situation around the vehicle with a simple configuration.

[0056] Furthermore, the first vehicle lamp may be a left headlamp, and the second vehicle lamp may be a right headlamp.

[0057] According to this configuration, the sensing function using infrared light can be enhanced in front of the vehicle.

[0058] In addition, a first scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the second light source at least partially overlaps with a second scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the fourth light source.

[0059] According to this configuration, it is possible to realize high-definition light distribution for illumination that can be changed according to the situation around the vehicle with a simple configuration.

[0060] In addition, the light receiving unit may include: a first light receiving unit, which is arranged in the first vehicle lamp and receives the infrared light emitted from the second light source and reflected by the object; and a second light receiving unit, which is arranged in the second vehicle lamp and receives the infrared light emitted from the fourth light source and reflected by the object.

[0061] According to this structure, since the reflected light of the infrared light after being reflected by the object can be received near the position where the infrared light is emitted, the angle of the return light relative to the emitted light can be reduced, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting the direction (angular coordinates) and distance of the object.

[0062] Effects of the Invention

[0063] According to the vehicle lamp and the vehicle lamp system according to the present invention, the sensing function using infrared light can be improved.

[0064] In addition, it is possible to realize high-definition light distribution for lighting that can be changed according to the situation around the vehicle with a simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle system equipped with a vehicle lamp according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 2 This is a block diagram schematically showing a partial configuration of a vehicle system according to the first embodiment.

[0067] Figure 3 It is a plan view of the high-beam lamp unit according to the first embodiment.

[0068] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of the high beam lamp unit.

[0069] Figure 5 It is a front view of a first wiring board included in the high-beam lamp unit.

[0070] Figure 6 It is a front view of a second wiring board included in the high-beam lamp unit.

[0071] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an image of point light formed on a virtual vertical screen using visible light emitted from each visible light emitting element provided on the first wiring substrate.

[0072] Figure 8The diagram shows a light distribution pattern on a virtual vertical screen in a state where visible light emitted from each visible light emitting element provided on the first wiring substrate is scanned by the rotation of the rotating reflector.

[0073] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an image of point light formed on a virtual vertical screen using visible light emitted from each visible light emitting element provided on the second wiring substrate.

[0074] Fig.10 The diagram shows a light distribution pattern on a virtual vertical screen in a state where visible light emitted from each visible light emitting element provided on the second wiring substrate is scanned by the rotation of the rotating reflector.

[0075] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen by visible light irradiated forward from a low-beam lamp unit and a high-beam lamp unit.

[0076] Fig.12 This diagram shows an image of point light of infrared light formed on a virtual vertical screen by infrared light irradiated from each infrared light emitting element provided on the first wiring substrate and the second wiring substrate.

[0077] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern in a state where infrared light emitted from each infrared light emitting element is scanned by the rotation of the rotating reflector.

[0078] Fig.14 Schematic diagram showing a range irradiated by infrared light emitted from the infrared light source R of the left headlamp and the right headlamp according to the third embodiment.

[0079] Fig.15 It means being Fig.14 A graph showing the intensity of infrared light reflected by an object and received by a photodiode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings based on the embodiments. The same or equivalent components, parts, and processes shown in the drawings are marked with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted. In addition, the embodiments do not limit the invention, but are only examples, and all the features or their combinations described in the embodiments are not necessarily the essence of the invention.

[0081] Figure 1 A block diagram showing a vehicle system 2 (an example of a vehicle lighting system) mounted on a vehicle 1 .

[0082] like Figure 1As shown, the vehicle system 2 involved in this embodiment includes a vehicle control unit 3 (an example of a control unit), a headlight 4, a sensor 5, a camera 6, a radar 7, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 8, a GPS (Global Positioning System) 9, a wireless communication unit 10, and a map information storage unit 11. The vehicle system 2 also includes a steering actuator 12, a steering device 13, a brake actuator 14, a brake device 15, an acceleration actuator 16, and an acceleration device 17.

[0083] The vehicle control unit 3 is configured to control the driving of the vehicle 1. The vehicle control unit 3 is, for example, composed of an electronic control unit (ECU). The electronic control unit includes a microcontroller including a processor and a memory, and other electronic circuits (such as transistors, etc.). The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing various vehicle control programs (for example, artificial intelligence (AI) programs for autonomous driving, etc.) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) temporarily storing various vehicle control data. The processor is configured to run a program specified from the various vehicle control programs stored in the ROM on the RAM, and perform various processes by cooperating with the RAM.

[0084] The headlight 4 is a lighting device mounted on the front of the vehicle 1, and includes a lamp unit 42 for irradiating light toward a road around the vehicle 1, and a lamp control unit 43 (an example of a control unit). The detailed configurations of the lamp unit 42 and the lamp control unit 43 will be described later.

[0085] For example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the vehicle control unit 3 generates an instruction signal for controlling the lighting and extinguishing of the lamp unit 42, and transmits the instruction signal to the lamp control unit 43. The lamp control unit 43 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the lamp unit 42 based on the received instruction signal.

[0086] The sensor 5 includes an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor, a gyro sensor, etc. The sensor 5 is configured to detect the driving state of the vehicle 1 and output the driving state information to the vehicle control unit 3. The sensor 5 may also include a seat sensor for detecting whether the driver is sitting in the driver's seat, a face orientation sensor for detecting the driver's face direction, an external weather sensor for detecting the external weather state, and a human sensor for detecting whether there is a person in the vehicle. In addition, the sensor 5 may also include an illumination sensor for detecting the illumination of the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1.

[0087] The camera 6 is a camera including an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary MOS). The imaging of the camera 6 is controlled by a signal sent from the vehicle control unit 3. For example, the camera 6 can capture images at a frame rate that matches the frequency of the lighting and extinguishing of the lamp unit 42. Thus, the camera 6 can obtain both images when the lamp unit 42 is lit and images when it is extinguished.

[0088] Radar 7 is a millimeter wave radar, a microwave radar or a laser radar, etc. Radar 7 may also have LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging). LiDAR is generally a sensor that emits non-visible light in front of it and obtains information such as the distance to the object, the shape of the object, and the material of the object based on the emitted light and the returned light. Camera 6 and radar 7 are configured to detect the surrounding environment of vehicle 1 (other vehicles, pedestrians, road shape, traffic signs, obstacles, etc.), and output the surrounding environment information to the vehicle control unit 3.

[0089] The HMI 8 is composed of an input unit that receives input operations from the driver and an output unit that outputs driving information to the driver. The input unit includes a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a driving mode switch that switches the driving mode of the vehicle 1, etc. The output unit is a display that displays various driving information.

[0090] The GPS 9 is configured to obtain the current position information of the vehicle 1 and output the obtained current position information to the vehicle control unit 3. The wireless communication unit 10 is configured to receive information related to other vehicles located around the vehicle 1 (e.g., driving information) from other vehicles and send information related to the vehicle 1 (e.g., driving information) to other vehicles (vehicle-to-vehicle communication). In addition, the wireless communication unit 10 is configured to receive infrastructure information from infrastructure equipment such as traffic lights and sign lights and send driving information of the vehicle 1 to the infrastructure equipment (road-to-vehicle communication). The map information storage unit 11 is an external storage device such as a hard disk drive that stores map information, and is configured to output the map information to the vehicle control unit 3.

[0091] When the vehicle 1 is traveling in the automatic driving mode, the vehicle control unit 3 automatically generates at least one of a steering control signal, an acceleration control signal, and a braking control signal based on driving state information, surrounding environment information, current position information, map information, etc. The steering actuator 12 is configured to receive a steering control signal from the vehicle control unit 3, and control a steering device 13 based on the received steering control signal. The brake actuator 14 is configured to receive a brake control signal from the vehicle control unit 3, and control a brake device 15 based on the received brake control signal. The acceleration actuator 16 is configured to receive an acceleration control signal from the vehicle control unit 3, and control an acceleration device 17 based on the received acceleration control signal. In this way, in the automatic driving mode, the driving of the vehicle 1 is automatically controlled by the vehicle system 2.

[0092] On the other hand, when the vehicle 1 is traveling in the manual driving mode, the vehicle control unit 3 generates a steering control signal, an acceleration control signal, and a braking control signal according to the driver's manual operation of the accelerator pedal, the brake pedal, and the steering wheel. In this way, in the manual driving mode, the steering control signal, the acceleration control signal, and the braking control signal are generated by the driver's manual operation, so the driving of the vehicle 1 is controlled by the driver.

[0093] Next, the driving mode of the vehicle 1 is described. The driving mode includes an automatic driving mode and a manual driving mode. The automatic driving mode includes a fully automatic driving mode, a highly driven driving assistance mode, and a driving assistance mode. In the fully automatic driving mode, the vehicle system 2 automatically performs all driving controls of the steering control, the braking control, and the acceleration control, and the driver is not in a state where he can drive the vehicle 1. In the highly driven driving assistance mode, the vehicle system 2 automatically performs all driving controls of the steering control, the braking control, and the acceleration control, and the driver is in a state where he can drive the vehicle 1, but does not drive the vehicle 1. In the driving assistance mode, the vehicle system 2 automatically performs a part of the driving control of the steering control, the braking control, and the acceleration control, and the driver drives the vehicle 1 with the driving assistance of the vehicle system 2. On the other hand, in the manual driving mode, the vehicle system 2 does not automatically perform driving control, and the driver drives the vehicle 1 without the driving assistance of the vehicle system 2.

[0094] In addition, the driving mode of the vehicle 1 can be switched by operating the driving mode switching switch. In this case, the vehicle control unit 3 switches the driving mode of the vehicle 1 between four driving modes (fully automatic driving mode, high driving assistance mode, driving assistance mode, and manual driving mode) according to the driver's operation of the driving mode switching switch. In addition, the driving mode of the vehicle 1 can also be automatically switched based on information about the drivable area where the automatic driving vehicle can travel, the prohibited area where the automatic driving vehicle is prohibited from traveling, or information about the external weather conditions. In this case, the vehicle control unit 3 switches the driving mode of the vehicle 1 based on this information. Moreover, the driving mode of the vehicle 1 can also be automatically switched by using a seat sensor, a face orientation sensor, etc. In this case, the vehicle control unit 3 switches the driving mode of the vehicle 1 based on the output signals from the seat sensor and the face orientation sensor.

[0095] (First Embodiment)

[0096] Next, refer to Figure 2 etc. will describe a specific configuration of the vehicle system 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a part of the structure of the vehicle system 2. The headlights 4 mounted on the vehicle system 2 are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the front part of the vehicle, but in order to simplify the drawing, the headlights 4 are not shown. Figure 2 In the figure, only the left headlamp of the left and right headlamps is shown.

[0097] like Figure 2As shown, in the vehicle system 2 involved in this embodiment, as the camera 6, there are: a visible light camera 6A, which can use visible light to shoot the surroundings of the vehicle 1; and an infrared camera 6B, which can use infrared light to shoot the surroundings of the vehicle 1. In addition, a single camera can be provided instead of setting the visible light camera 6A and the infrared camera 6B, and the single camera uses a camera element that can use both visible light and infrared light to simultaneously shoot color images and infrared images. In addition, the vehicle system 2 is equipped with an image processing unit 18 and a monitor 19. The infrared camera 6B is a camera that can shoot the surroundings of the vehicle by detecting infrared rays (infrared light), especially at night. The image processing unit 18 processes the images captured by the visible light camera 6A and the infrared camera 6B, and sends the processed image signals to the vehicle control unit 3 and the monitor 19.

[0098] The lamp unit 42 of the headlamp 4 includes a low-beam lamp unit 42L that forms a low-beam light distribution pattern and a high-beam lamp unit 42H (an example of a vehicle lamp) that forms a high-beam light distribution pattern. The low-beam lamp unit 42L is a parabolic or projector-type lamp unit. In the low-beam lamp unit 42L, an incandescent lamp having a filament such as a halogen lamp, an HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamp such as a metal halide lamp, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), or the like is used as a light source.

[0099] The high-beam lamp unit 42H includes a visible light source 44 (an example of the first light source and the third light source), an infrared light source 45 (an example of the second light source and the fourth light source), an optical component 46, and a photodiode 47 (an example of a light receiving unit, a first light receiving unit, and a second light receiving unit).

[0100] The light control unit 43 of the headlight 4 is composed of an electronic control unit (ECU), and is configured to set the lighting state of the light unit 42 to a predetermined lighting state based on information related to the automatic driving of the vehicle 1. The lighting state mentioned here includes the lighting and extinguishing of each light emitting element constituting the light unit 42, the flashing cycle (on / off cycle of pulse lighting), etc. The light control unit 43 is electrically connected to a power supply not shown, and includes: a microcontroller 50, which includes a processor such as a CPU and an MPU, and a memory such as a ROM and a RAM; LED drivers 51 and 52; a motor driver 53; a current-voltage conversion / amplification circuit 54 for the photodiode 47; and a measurement circuit 55. The LED drivers 51 and 52 are drivers for driving each light emitting element (LED) constituting the visible light source 44 and the infrared light source 45, respectively. The motor driver 53 is a driver for driving the optical component 46 (specifically, the rotating reflector 65 described later). The current-voltage conversion / amplification circuit 54 is a circuit for converting a current signal (sensor signal) output from the photodiode 47 into a voltage signal and amplifying the voltage signal. The measuring circuit 55 receives the driving signal of the infrared light source 45 from the LED driver 52 driving the infrared light source 45, and receives the signal after the current signal from the photodiode 47 is converted into a voltage signal by the current-voltage conversion / amplification circuit 54. Then, the measuring circuit 55 measures the difference between the emission time of the infrared light from the infrared light source 45 and the light reception time of the reflected light of the infrared light of the photodiode 47 based on these received signals, and sends the result to the microcontroller 50. The microcontroller 50 controls these drivers 51 to 53 and each circuit 54, 55 respectively. The emission time of the infrared light source 45 refers to the time when each light-emitting element constituting the infrared light source 45 emits infrared light. The light reception time of the photodiode 47 is the time when the reflected light of the infrared light is detected to be incident on the photodiode 47 (the photodiode 47 receives the reflected light of the infrared light). In addition, in the present embodiment, the vehicle control unit 3 and the light control unit 43 are provided as separate structures, but they can also be integrally configured. That is, the light control unit 43 and the vehicle control unit 3 can also be configured by one electronic control unit.

[0101] Figure 3 It is a top view of the high-beam lamp unit 42H. Figure 4 It is a partial enlarged view of the high-beam lamp unit 42H.

[0102] like Figure 3As shown, the high-beam lamp unit 42H is provided with a bracket 60 for mounting various components. The bracket 60 is mounted on a housing (not shown) of the high-beam lamp unit 42H. A first wiring substrate 61 is mounted on the bracket 60, and the first wiring substrate 61 is provided with a part of the visible light source 44 and a part of the infrared light source 45. A control box 63 is arranged on the right side of the first wiring substrate 61, and the control box 63 accommodates the components of the light control unit 43. In addition, a second wiring substrate 62 is mounted on a portion of the bracket 60 separated from the portion where the first wiring substrate 61 is mounted, and the second wiring substrate 62 is provided with another part of the visible light source 44 and another part of the infrared light source 45. In addition, a photodiode 47 is arranged on a part of the control box 63 (here, the front side of the lamp).

[0103] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , a rotating reflector 65 as one component of the optical component 46 is mounted on the bracket 60 at a position opposite to the first wiring substrate 61 and the second wiring substrate 62. In addition, a lens 66 as another component of the optical component 46 is mounted on the bracket 60. The lens 66 is disposed at a position closer to the front side of the lamp than the rotating reflector 65. The lens 66 is formed by Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first lens portion 67 shown on the right side of the lamp and the second lens portion 68 formed continuously with the first lens portion 67 on the left side of the first lens portion 67 are respectively configured as plano-convex aspheric lenses with a convex front side surface and a flat rear side surface. The light emitted from the visible light source 44 and the infrared light source 45 is reflected by the rotating reflector 65 and irradiated to the front of the lamp through the first lens portion 67 or the second lens portion 68.

[0104] The rotating reflector 65 is driven by a motor driver 53 (see Figure 2 ) rotates in one direction around the rotation axis R. The rotating reflector 65 is configured to reflect the visible light emitted from the visible light source 44 while rotating, and form a desired light distribution pattern in front of the lamp. In addition, the rotating reflector 65 is configured to reflect the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 45 while rotating, and irradiate it in front of the lamp.

[0105] The rotating reflector 65 is provided with two blades 65a of the same shape functioning as a reflecting surface around a cylindrical rotating portion 65b. The rotating axis R of the rotating reflector 65 is inclined relative to the optical axis Ax1 of the first lens portion 67 and the optical axis Ax2 of the second lens portion 68. The blades 65a of the rotating reflector 65 have a twisted shape as follows: the angle formed by the optical axes Ax1 and Ax2 and the reflecting surface changes as it moves toward the circumferential direction centered on the rotating axis R. Thus, the blades 65a rotate and reflect the light emitted from the visible light source 44 and the infrared light source 45, so that scanning using the light of each light source can be performed.

[0106] Figure 5 is a front view of the first wiring substrate 61, Figure 6 It is a front view of the second wiring substrate 62.

[0107] like Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of (nine in this example) light emitting elements (hereinafter referred to as visible light LEDs) 44-1 to 44-9 capable of emitting visible light as visible light sources 44 are arranged on the first wiring substrate 61. When the first wiring substrate 61 is viewed from the front, the visible light LEDs 44-1 to 44-9 are arranged in an inverted U-shape starting from the visible light LED 44-1. The light emitted from these visible light LEDs 44-1 to 44-9 forms a light-collecting portion in the high-beam light distribution pattern.

[0108] In addition, a plurality of (two in this example) infrared light emitting elements (hereinafter referred to as IR-LEDs) 45-1 and 45-2 capable of emitting infrared light as the infrared light source 45 are arranged on the first wiring substrate 61. When the first wiring substrate 61 is viewed from the front, the IR-LED 45-1 is arranged on the left side of the visible light LED 44-3. When the first wiring substrate 61 is viewed from the front, the IR-LED 45-2 is arranged on the right side of the visible light LED 44-7.

[0109] like Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of (two in this example) visible light LEDs 44-10 and 44-11 capable of emitting visible light as visible light sources 44 are arranged in parallel on the second wiring substrate 62. The light emitted from these visible light LEDs 44-10 and 44-11 is used to form a diffusion portion in the high beam light distribution pattern. In addition, an infrared light LED 45-3 capable of emitting infrared light as an infrared light source 45 is arranged on the second wiring substrate 62. When the second wiring substrate 62 is viewed from the front, the IR-LED 45-3 is arranged on the left and above the visible light LED 44-10.

[0110] Each visible light LED 44-1 to 44-11 as the visible light source 44 is composed of, for example, a white LED capable of emitting visible light. As the visible light source 44 and the infrared light source 45, a semiconductor light emitting element such as an EL element or an LD element may be used as a light source instead of an LED. In particular, in the control for not emitting a part of the high beam light distribution pattern described later, a light source that can be turned on and off with high accuracy in a short time is preferred.

[0111] The first lens portion 67 on the right side of the lens 66 is arranged at a position through which visible light emitted from the visible light LEDs 44-1 to 44-9 arranged on the first wiring substrate 61 and reflected by the rotating reflector 65, and infrared light emitted from the IR-LEDs 45-1 and 45-2 and reflected by the rotating reflector 65 can pass. That is, the visible light and infrared light of the light-concentrating portion for forming the high-beam light distribution pattern pass through the first lens portion 67 and are irradiated toward the front of the lamp. In addition, the second lens portion 68 on the left side of the lens 66 is arranged at a position through which visible light emitted from the visible light LEDs 44-10 and 44-11 arranged on the second wiring substrate 62 and reflected by the rotating reflector 65, and infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3 and reflected by the rotating reflector 65 can pass. That is, the visible light and infrared light of the light-diffusing portion for forming the high-beam light distribution pattern pass through the second lens portion 68 and are irradiated toward the front of the lamp. The shape of the lens 66 may be appropriately selected according to a desired light distribution pattern, illumination distribution or other light distribution characteristics, and a free-form surface lens may be used instead of an aspherical lens, for example.

[0112] Figure 7 The diagram shows an image of point light formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed at a position 25 m in front of the vehicle, for example, by visible light emitted from the visible light LEDs 44 - 1 to 44 - 9 provided on the first wiring board 61 . Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern P1 on a virtual vertical screen in a state where the visible light emitted from the visible light LEDs 44 - 1 to 44 - 9 is scanned by the rotation of the rotating reflector 65 .

[0113] The visible light emitted from each visible light LED 44-1 to 44-9 is reflected by the rotating reflector 65, and is reversed up and down and left and right through the first lens portion 67, forming a virtual vertical screen as shown in FIG. Figure 7 The image of the point light shown. Figure 7In the figure, image S1 is an image of the point light irradiated from the visible light LED 44-1, image S2 is an image of the point light irradiated from the visible light LED 44-2, image S3 is an image of the point light irradiated from the visible light LED 44-3, image S4 is an image of the point light irradiated from the visible light LED 44-4, image S5 is an image of the point light irradiated from the visible light LED 44-5, image S6 is an image of the point light irradiated from the visible light LED 44-6, image S7 is an image of the point light irradiated from the visible light LED 44-7, image S8 is an image of the point light irradiated from the visible light LED 44-8, and image S9 is an image of the point light irradiated from the visible light LED 44-9. Images S1 to S9 are arranged in a U-shaped manner on the imaginary vertical screen and irradiated. Among them, images S3, S4, S5, S6, and S7 are irradiated onto the horizontal line HH on the imaginary vertical screen.

[0114] When the images S1 to S9 of the point lights of the visible light emitted from the visible light LEDs 44-1 to 44-9 are scanned in the left-right direction by the rotation of the rotating reflector 65, Figure 8 The light distribution pattern P1 shown. The light distribution pattern P1 is formed as a focusing portion of the high beam light distribution pattern described later. The illumination of the portion where the visible light emitted from the plurality of visible light LEDs repeatedly irradiates in the light distribution pattern P1 becomes particularly high. Specifically, the light distribution pattern P1 is formed so that the illumination of the portion where the vertical line VV and the horizontal line HH on the imaginary vertical screen intersect is the highest.

[0115] Fig. 9 4 is a diagram showing an image of point light formed on a virtual vertical screen using visible light emitted from each visible light LED 44-10, 44-11 provided on the second wiring substrate 62. Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern P2 on a virtual vertical screen in a state where the visible light emitted from the visible light LEDs 44 - 10 and 44 - 11 is scanned by the rotation of the rotating reflector 65 .

[0116] The visible light emitted from the visible light LED 44-10 and the visible light LED 44-11 is reflected by the rotating reflector 65, and is reversed up and down and left and right through the second lens portion 68, forming a virtual vertical screen as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 The image of the point light shown. Fig. 9 In the figure, image S10 is an image of the point light emitted from the visible light LED 44-10, and image S11 is an image of the point light emitted from the visible light LED 44-11. The sizes of image S10 and image S11 are formed to be relatively Figure 7The size of the images S1 to S9 of the point lights of visible light emitted by the visible light LEDs 44-1 to 44-9 shown is large. The images S10 and S11 formed by the visible light LEDs 44-10 and 44-11 mounted on the left headlight are irradiated in parallel along the horizontal line HH on the left side of the vertical line VV on the virtual vertical screen. In addition, although the illustration is omitted, the images S10 and S11 formed by the visible light LEDs 44-10 and 44-11 mounted on the right headlight are irradiated in parallel along the horizontal line HH on the right side of the vertical line VV on the virtual vertical screen.

[0117] When the images S10 and S11 of the point light of the visible light emitted from the visible light LED 44-10 and the visible light LED 44-11 are scanned in the left-right direction by the rotation of the rotating reflector 65, a Fig.10 The light distribution pattern P2 is formed as a part of the diffusion part of the light distribution pattern for high beam described later. As described above, the images S10 and S11 formed by the visible light LEDs 44-10 and 44-11 mounted on the left headlamp are irradiated to the left of the vertical line VV on the imaginary vertical screen, so the light distribution pattern P2 forming a part of the diffusion part is formed in the left part of the irradiation area of ​​the light distribution pattern P1 forming the focusing part. In addition, although the illustration is omitted, the images S10 and S11 formed by the visible light LEDs 44-10 and 44-11 mounted on the right headlamp are irradiated to the right of the vertical line VV on the imaginary vertical screen, so the other part of the diffusion part is formed in the right part of the irradiation area of ​​the light distribution pattern P1 for the focusing part.

[0118] In this way, the light distribution pattern for the diffuser is formed by combining the light distribution pattern (light distribution pattern P2) of the visible light LEDs 44-10 and 44-11 of the left headlight and the light distribution pattern of the visible light LEDs 44-10 and 44-11 of the right headlight. Fig.11 The high beam light distribution pattern shown.

[0119] Fig.11 A light distribution pattern P3 formed on a virtual vertical screen by visible light irradiated forward from the low-beam lamp unit 42L and the high-beam lamp unit 42H is shown.

[0120] Fig.11The light distribution pattern P3 of visible light shown is formed by synthesizing the visible light irradiated from the low-beam lamp unit 42L and the high-beam lamp unit 42H. That is, the light distribution pattern P3 is formed by synthesizing the low-beam light distribution pattern P4 of visible light irradiated from the low-beam lamp unit 42L and the high-beam light distribution patterns P1 and P2 of visible light irradiated from the high-beam lamp unit 42H. The light distribution pattern P3 controls the light distribution by turning off each visible light LED 44-1 to 44-11 at a time corresponding to the area to avoid irradiating light to the upper part of the oncoming vehicle 100 (the position of the driver of the oncoming vehicle 100) and its surrounding area in the area in front of the vehicle, for example. As a result, glare for the driver of the oncoming vehicle 100 can be suppressed.

[0121] Fig.12 The diagram shows an image of infrared point light formed on a virtual vertical screen using infrared light irradiated from the IR-LEDs 45 - 1 and 45 - 2 provided on the first wiring board 61 and the IR-LED 45 - 3 provided on the second wiring board 62 . Fig.13 1 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern P5 in a state where infrared light emitted from the IR-LEDs 45 - 1 , 45 - 2 , and IR-LED 45 - 3 is scanned by the rotation of the rotating reflector 65 .

[0122] The infrared light emitted from each IR-LED 45-1, 45-2 is reflected by the rotating reflector 65, passes through the first lens portion 67, and is inverted up and down and left and right, forming a virtual vertical screen as shown in FIG. Fig.12 In addition, the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3 is reflected by the rotating reflector 65, passes through the second lens portion 68, and is inverted up and down and left and right, forming an image on the virtual vertical screen as shown in FIG. Fig.12 The image of the point light shown. Fig.12 In, like S IR 1 is an image of a point light of infrared light emitted from IR-LED 45-1, and image S IR 2 is an image of the point light of infrared light irradiated from IR-LED 45-2, and image S IR 3 is an image of the point light of infrared light emitted from IR-LED 45-3. IR 1. S IR 2 Illuminate the horizontal line HH on the imaginary vertical screen at a certain distance. IR 3 Image S on the horizontal line HH that is irradiated to the left of the vertical line VV on the imaginary vertical screen IR 1 and like S IR 2. Like S IR The size of 3 is formed as S IR 1. S IR2 is large. Although not shown in the figure, the image S formed by the IR-LED 45-3 mounted on the right headlight IR 3 Illuminate along the horizontal line HH on the right side of the vertical line VV on the imaginary plumb screen.

[0123] When the rotating reflector 65 rotates, the image S of the point light of the infrared light emitted from the IR-LEDs 45-1 and 45-2 is IR 1. S IR 2 and the image S of the point light of the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3 IR 3 When scanning in the left and right directions, Fig.13 The light distribution pattern P5 is formed on the horizontal line HH. In addition, for infrared light, which is non-visible light, there is no need to consider the glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle. Therefore, the light distribution pattern P5 is a light distribution pattern that uses the image S of the point light of infrared light emitted from the IR-LEDs 45-1 and 45-2. IR 1. S IR 2, no matter how the high beam light distribution patterns P1 and P2 of visible light are controlled, the entire area of ​​the horizontal line HH is roughly uniformly illuminated. In addition, the light distribution pattern P5 is a light distribution in which the area illuminated by the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3 (an example of the second scanning range) overlaps at least a part of the area illuminated by the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-1 and 45-2 (an example of the first scanning range). In addition, as described above, the image S formed by the IR-LED 45-3 mounted on the left headlamp is IR 3 is irradiated to the left of the vertical line VV on the imaginary vertical screen, so the area irradiated by the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3 is located at the left position in the irradiation area of ​​the light distribution pattern P5. Although not shown in the figure, the image S formed by the IR-LED 45-3 mounted on the right headlamp IR 3 is irradiated to the right of the vertical line VV on the virtual vertical screen, so the area irradiated with the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3 is located at the right position in the irradiation area of ​​the light distribution pattern P5.

[0124] The infrared light irradiated along the horizontal line HH as in the light distribution pattern P5 is reflected by the object (object) in front of the vehicle. The photodiode 47 of the high-beam lamp unit 42H receives the infrared light reflected by the object and outputs it as a current signal. The output current signal of the infrared light is converted into a voltage signal by the current-voltage conversion / amplification circuit 54 and further amplified, and sent to the measurement circuit 55. The measurement circuit 55 sends the emission time of the infrared light and the light reception time of the reflected light of the infrared light, and the signal related to the light intensity of the reflected light to the microcontroller 50 based on the driving signal of the infrared light source 45 received from the LED driver 52 and the voltage signal sent from the current-voltage conversion / amplification circuit 54. The microcontroller 50 obtains information such as the distance to the object, the shape of the object, and the material of the object based on the signal related to the infrared light received from the measurement circuit 55 (the signal related to the emitted light and the returned light (reflected light)). As a result, the microcontroller 50 can detect the presence of pedestrians and oncoming vehicles in front of the vehicle. Furthermore, the microcontroller 50 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the visible light source 44 (visible light LEDs 44-1 to 44-11) to avoid glare to pedestrians and oncoming vehicles in front of the vehicle detected based on the infrared light signal. In addition, the microcontroller 50 sends a signal related to the information about the surroundings of the vehicle detected based on the infrared light signal to the vehicle control unit 3. When the vehicle 1 is traveling in the automatic driving mode, the vehicle control unit 3 can automatically generate at least one of the steering control signal, the acceleration control signal, and the braking control signal based on the surrounding environment information obtained from the microcontroller 50.

[0125] In the present embodiment, as described above, in the light distribution pattern P5, the area irradiated by the infrared light emitted from the IR-LEDs 45-1 and 45-2 overlaps with the area irradiated by the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3. Therefore, it is difficult to identify whether the infrared light received by the photodiode 47 is the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-1 or the IR-LED 45-2 and reflected by the object, or the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3 and reflected by the object.

[0126] The lamp control unit 43 of the present embodiment makes the emission timing of the infrared light of the IR-LEDs 45-1 and 45-2 different from the emission timing of the infrared light of the IR-LED 45-3, so that the IR-LEDs 45-1, 45-2 and the IR-LED 45-3 do not emit infrared light at the same time. For example, when the IR-LEDs 45-1, 45-2 and the IR-LED 45-3 are pulse-lit and emit infrared light at a predetermined cycle and time, respectively, the microcontroller 50 of the lamp control unit 43 generates a pulse signal so that the cycle and time of the infrared light emitted by the IR-LEDs 45-1 and 45-2 do not overlap with the cycle and time of the infrared light emitted by the IR-LED 45-3. That is, the pulse signal is generated in a manner that the emission of the infrared light of the IR-LEDs 45-1 and 45-2 and the emission of the infrared light of the IR-LED 45-3 are switched every predetermined time. The LED driver 52 that receives the pulse signal from the microcontroller 50 performs pulse lighting control on the IR-LEDs 45-1, 45-2, and IR-LED 45-3 based on the pulse signal. Alternatively, the light control unit 43 may also be configured such that each time the infrared light emitted from the IR-LEDs 45-1, 45-2 scans the scanning range to be scanned once, the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3 is scanned once. Thus, the IR-LEDs 45-1, 45-2, and IR-LED 45-3 are controlled so that when one is lit (emitting infrared light), the other is not lit (not emitting infrared light).

[0127] The infrared light emitted from the IR-LEDs 45-1 and 45-2 and the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3 are respectively reflected by the object (object) in front of the vehicle and enter the photodiode 47 at different times. The measuring circuit 55 determines the IR-LED (IR-LED 45-1, 45-2 or IR-LED 45-3) that emits infrared light based on the driving signal of the infrared light source 45 received from the LED driver 52, and detects its emission time. In addition, the measuring circuit 55 detects the light reception time of the reflected light of the infrared light that enters the photodiode 47 after the infrared light is emitted from the determined IR-LED (and before the infrared light is emitted from other IR-LEDs, for example, before the driving signal of the infrared light source 45 received from the LED driver 52 is newly received) based on the voltage signal received from the current-voltage conversion / amplification circuit 54. Then, the measuring circuit 55 calculates the difference between the emission time of the infrared light of the detected IR-LED and the reception time of the reflected light of the infrared light, and sends the result to the microcontroller 50 .

[0128] As described above, in the high-beam lamp unit 42H according to the first embodiment, the lamp control unit 43 makes the emission timing of the infrared light of the IR-LEDs 45-1 and 45-2 different from the emission timing of the infrared light of the IR-LED 45-3, so that the IR-LEDs 45-1 and 45-2 and the IR-LED 45-3 of the infrared light source 45 do not emit infrared light at the same time. As a result, the sensing function using infrared light is improved, and the position of an object such as an oncoming vehicle can be detected with high accuracy. Therefore, for example, a high-precision image can be formed. Fig.11 The light distribution pattern shown suppresses glare.

[0129] Furthermore, since the visible light source 44, the infrared light source 45, and the photodiode 47 are mounted in the single high-beam lamp unit 42H, it is possible to simultaneously irradiate visible light and infrared light, and to miniaturize the high-beam lamp unit 42H.

[0130] In addition, since the infrared light source 45 and the photodiode 47 are mounted in a single high-beam lamp unit 42H, the reflected light of the infrared light reflected by the object can be received near the position where the infrared light is emitted. As a result, the angle of the return light relative to the emitted light can be reduced, and the accuracy of detecting the direction (angular coordinates) and distance of the object can be improved.

[0131] In addition, in the high beam lamp unit 42H involved in the present embodiment, the irradiation area of ​​the infrared light emitted from the IR-LEDs 45-1 and 45-2 overlaps at least a part of the irradiation area of ​​the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3. The lamp control unit 43 is configured to perform a scan of the scanning range of the IR-LED 45-3 each time a scan of the scanning range of the IR-LEDs 45-1 and 45-2 is completed. Alternatively, the lamp control unit 43 is configured to switch the emission of infrared light from the IR-LEDs 45-1 and 45-2 and the emission of infrared light from the IR-LED 45-3 at a predetermined time interval. In this way, the area that needs to be sensed most around the vehicle can be sensed intensively.

[0132] In the first embodiment, the IR-LED 45-1 and the IR-LED 45-2 are controlled to emit infrared light at the same timing, but the IR-LED 45-1 and the IR-LED 45-2 may be controlled to emit infrared light at different timings.

[0133] In the first embodiment described above, two IR-LEDs, ie, the IR-LED 45-1 and the IR-LED 45-2, are arranged on the first wiring substrate 61. However, only one of the IR-LED 45-1 and the IR-LED 45-2 may be arranged.

[0134] In the first embodiment described above, the image of the point light of infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3, that is, the image S IR 3 is formed as an image of the point light of the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-1 and the IR-LED 45-2, that is, the image S IR 1. S IR 2 large. However, like S IR 3 and like S IR 1. S IR 2 can also be formed to have the same size.

[0135] (Second Embodiment)

[0136] Next, a specific configuration of a vehicle system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0137] In the first embodiment, in order to improve the sensing function using infrared light, the emission timing of the infrared light of IR-LED 45-1 and 45-2 is different from the emission timing of the infrared light of IR-LED 45-3, so that IR-LED 45-1, 45-2 and IR-LED 45-3 do not emit infrared light at the same time. The infrared light emitted from IR-LED 45-1, 45-2 and IR-LED 45-3 and reflected by the object is received by a photodiode 47 at different times.

[0138] In the second embodiment, in order to improve the sensing function using infrared light, the IR-LEDs 45-1, 45-2 and the IR-LED 45-3 are configured so that the wavelength of the infrared light emitted from the IR-LEDs 45-1, 45-2 is different from the wavelength of the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3. The photodiode 47 includes a photodiode 47-1 and a photodiode 47-2. The infrared light emitted from the IR-LEDs 45-1, 45-2 and reflected by the object is received by the photodiode 47-1. The infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3 and reflected by the object is received by the photodiode 47-2.

[0139] In addition, the basic structure and functions of the vehicle system of the second embodiment are different from those of the Figures 2 to 6 The configuration and function of the vehicle system 2 of the first embodiment shown are the same. In the second embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the description and illustration of the same configuration and function as those of the first embodiment are omitted.

[0140] In the infrared light source 45 of the present embodiment, the IR-LEDs 45-1, 45-2 and the IR-LED 45-3 are configured so that the wavelength of the infrared light emitted from the IR-LEDs 45-1, 45-2 is different from the wavelength of the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3. For example, the IR-LEDs 45-1, 45-2 are configured to emit infrared light of 850nm, 905nm or 1500nm, and the IR-LED 45-3 is configured to emit infrared light of a wavelength not used by the IR-LEDs 45-1, 45-2 among the wavelengths of 850nm, 905nm and 1500nm. In addition, the photodiode 47 of the present embodiment includes: the photodiode 47-1 having a light receiving sensitivity corresponding to the wavelength of the infrared light emitted by the IR-LEDs 45-1, 45-2; and the photodiode 47-2 having a light receiving sensitivity corresponding to the wavelength of the infrared light emitted by the IR-LED 45-3.

[0141] The infrared light emitted from the IR-LEDs 45-1 and 45-2 and the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3 are respectively reflected by the object (object) existing in front of the vehicle and enter the corresponding photodiodes 47-1 and 47-2. The measuring circuit 55 determines the IR-LED (IR-LED 45-1, IR-LED 45-2 or IR-LED 45-3) that emits infrared light based on the driving signal of the infrared light source 45 received from the LED driver 52, and detects the emission time. In addition, the measuring circuit 55 detects the light reception time of the reflected light of the same wavelength of infrared light that is incident on the corresponding photodiode 47 (47-1 or 47-2) after the infrared light is emitted from the determined IR-LED (IR-LED 45-1, IR-LED 45-2 or IR-LED 45-3) based on the voltage signal received from the current-voltage conversion / amplification circuit 54. In addition, the measuring circuit 55 may also pre-store information of the photodiode (47-1 or 47-2) corresponding to each IR-LED (IR-LED 45-1, IR-LED 45-2 or IR-LED 45-3). Then, the measuring circuit 55 calculates the difference between the emission time of the infrared light of the detected IR-LED and the reception time of the reflected light of the infrared light, and sends the result to the microcontroller 50.

[0142] As described above, in the high-beam lamp unit 42H according to the second embodiment, the IR-LEDs 45-1, 45-2, and IR-LED 45-3 of the infrared light source 45 emit infrared light of different wavelengths. As a result, the sensing function using infrared light is improved, and the position of an object such as an oncoming vehicle can be detected with high precision. Therefore, the light distribution for illumination that is variable according to the conditions around the vehicle can be realized with high precision with a simple structure. For example, it is possible to form a high-precision Fig.11 The light distribution pattern shown suppresses glare.

[0143] In addition, the light control unit 43 can independently control the emission timing of the IR-LEDs 45-1 and 45-2 and the emission timing of the IR-LED 45-3. For example, the IR-LEDs 45-1, 45-2 and the IR-LED 45-3 can be configured to emit infrared light at the same (same cycle and same time) emission timing. Even in this case, since the reflected light of infrared light of different wavelengths is received by the corresponding photodiodes 47-1 and 47-2, it is possible to detect infrared light for each wavelength. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform control such as detecting the light receiving timing based on the infrared light received between the emission timing of the IR-LED 45-1 and the emission timing of the IR-LED 45-3.

[0144] Furthermore, since the visible light source 44, the infrared light source 45, and the photodiode 47 are mounted in the single high-beam lamp unit 42H, it is possible to simultaneously irradiate visible light and infrared light, and to miniaturize the high-beam lamp unit 42H.

[0145] In addition, since the infrared light source 45 and the photodiode 47 are mounted in a single high-beam lamp unit 42H, the reflected light of the infrared light after being reflected by the object can be received near the position where the infrared light is emitted. As a result, the angle of the return light relative to the emitted light can be reduced, and the accuracy of detecting the direction (angular coordinates) and distance of the object can be improved.

[0146] In the second embodiment described above, the IR-LED 45-1 and the IR-LED 45-2 are described as emitting infrared light of the same wavelength, but the IR-LED 45-1 and the IR-LED 45-2 may be controlled to emit infrared light of different wavelengths.

[0147] In the second embodiment described above, two IR-LEDs, ie, the IR-LED 45-1 and the IR-LED 45-2, are arranged on the first wiring substrate 61. However, only one of the IR-LED 45-1 and the IR-LED 45-2 may be arranged.

[0148] In the second embodiment described above, the image of the point light of infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-3, that is, the image S IR 3 is formed as an image of the point light of the infrared light emitted from the IR-LED 45-1 and the IR-LED 45-2, that is, the image S IR 1. S IR 2 large. However, like S IR 3 and like S IR 1. S IR 2 can also be formed to have the same size.

[0149] (Third Embodiment)

[0150] Next, refer to Fig.14 as well as Fig.15 A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig.14 The diagram schematically shows a range irradiated with infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 45L of the left headlamp 4L and the infrared light source 45R of the right headlamp 4R according to the third embodiment. Fig.15 It means being Fig.14 FIG. 4 is a graph showing the light intensity of infrared light reflected from an object and received by the photodiodes 47L and 47R.

[0151] In the first embodiment, the case where the irradiation areas of infrared light emitted from the plurality of IR-LEDs (IR-LED 45-1, IR-LED 45-2, and IR-LED 45-3) of the infrared light source 45 disposed in the headlamp 4 overlap is described. In the present embodiment, the case where the irradiation areas of infrared light emitted from the IR-LEDs of the infrared light source 45L of the left headlamp 4L overlap with the irradiation areas of infrared light emitted from the IR-LEDs of the infrared light source 45R of the right headlamp 4R is described. In addition, since the structures of the left headlamp 4L and the right headlamp 4R are the same as those of the headlamp 4 of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted, and each structural component of the left headlamp 4L and the right headlamp 4R is labeled with "L" or "R" indicating the left or right side and described.

[0152] The left headlamp 4L is mounted on the left side of the front part of the vehicle 1. The infrared light source 45L of the left headlamp 4L is directed from -θ L (Negative θ L ) to +θ L (Positive θ L) of the irradiation range (an example of the first scanning range). The photodiode 47L of the left headlamp 4L receives the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 45L and reflected by the object (object) in front of the vehicle. The right headlamp 4R is mounted on the right side of the front part of the vehicle 1. The infrared light source 45R of the right headlamp 4R is based on the vehicle front direction from -θ R (Negative θ R ) to +θ R (Positive θ R ) of the irradiation range (an example of the second scanning range). The photodiode 47R of the right headlamp 4R receives the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 45R and reflected by the object (target) in front of the vehicle. L and θ R For the same angle, from -θ L to +θ L With -θ R to +θ R The left and right headlights 4L and 4R are arranged to be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the front and rear directions of the vehicle so that a predetermined distance d is provided between the infrared light sources 45L and 45R.

[0153] When there is an object (target) in front of the vehicle, the reflected light of infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 45L and the infrared light source 45R at different angles and reflected by the target enters the photodiode 47L of the left headlight 4L and the photodiode 47R of the right headlight 4R. Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the object 100 is located in front of the vehicle and closer to the right, in the right headlamp 4R, the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 45R at an angle of θ1 (and a predetermined angle range centered on θ1) is reflected by the object 100, and the reflected light of the infrared light is received by the photodiode 47R. In the left headlamp 4L, the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 45L at an angle of θ2 (and a predetermined angle range centered on θ2) is reflected by the object 100, and the reflected light of the infrared light is received by the photodiode 47L. θ2 becomes an angle larger than θ1 (θ2=θ1+θ2). x The position of the object 100 can be determined based on the difference between the emission time of the emitted light and the reception time of the return light detected by the left headlight 4L and the right headlight 4R, the angles θ1 and θ2 of the emitted light, and the distance d.

[0154] In the present embodiment, as described above, the irradiation area of ​​the infrared light by the infrared light source 45L of the left headlight 4L overlaps with the irradiation area of ​​the infrared light by the infrared light source 45R of the right headlight 4R. Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish whether the infrared light received by the photodiode 47L of the left headlight 4L is the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 45L of the left headlight 4L and reflected by the object, or the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 45R of the right headlight 4R and reflected by the object. In addition, it is difficult to distinguish whether the infrared light received by the photodiode 47R of the right headlight 4R is the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 45L of the left headlight 4L and reflected by the object, or the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 45R of the right headlight 4R and reflected by the object.

[0155] The vehicle control unit 3 of the present embodiment makes the infrared light emission timing of the infrared light source 45L different from the infrared light emission timing of the infrared light source 45R so that the infrared light source 45L of the left headlamp 4L and the infrared light source 45R of the right headlamp 4R do not emit infrared light at the same time. For example, in the case where the infrared light source 45L and the infrared light source 45R are pulse-lit in a manner of emitting infrared light at a predetermined cycle and time, respectively, if an infrared light lighting instruction is received via the HMI 8, etc., the vehicle control unit 3 generates a pulse control instruction signal for each of the left headlamp 4L and the right headlamp 4R in a manner that the cycle and time of emitting infrared light of the infrared light source 45L and the cycle and time of emitting infrared light of the infrared light source 45R do not overlap. That is, the pulse control instruction signal is generated in a manner that the emission of infrared light of the infrared light source 45L and the emission of infrared light of the infrared light source 45R are switched every predetermined time. The left headlamp 4L and the right headlamp 4R receiving the pulse control signal from the vehicle control unit 3 respectively control the infrared light source 45L and the infrared light source 45R to pulse light up at different cycles and times. Alternatively, the vehicle control unit 3 may also be configured such that the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 45R performs one scan each time the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 45L completes one scan of the scanned scanning range. Thus, the infrared light source 45L and the infrared light source 45R are controlled so that when one of them is lit (emitting infrared light), the other is not lit (not emitting infrared light).

[0156] The measuring circuit 55L of the left headlamp 4L calculates the difference between the emission timing of the infrared light of the infrared light source 54L and the light reception timing of the reflected light of the infrared light incident on the photodiode 47L based on the driving signal of the infrared light source 45L received from the LED driver 52L and the voltage signal received from the current-voltage conversion / amplification circuit 54L. Then, the measuring circuit 55L sends the result to the microcontroller 50L. The light reception timing of the photodiode 47L is detected based on the reflected light of the infrared light incident on the photodiode 47L after the infrared light is emitted from the infrared light source 45L and before the infrared light is emitted from the infrared light source 45R. For example, the lighting control instruction signal sent from the vehicle control unit 3 to the left headlamp 4L includes the lighting control information of the infrared light source 45R of the right headlamp 4R, and the measuring circuit 55L grasps the emission timing of the infrared light of the infrared light source 45R based on the lighting control information. Similarly, the measuring circuit 55R of the right headlamp 4R measures the difference between the emission timing of the infrared light of the infrared light source 54R and the reception timing of the reflected light of the infrared light incident on the photodiode 47R based on the driving signal of the infrared light source 45R received from the LED driver 52R and the voltage signal received from the current-voltage conversion / amplification circuit 54R. Then, the measuring circuit 55R sends its result to the microcontroller 50R.

[0157] As described above, in the vehicle system 2 according to the third embodiment, the vehicle control unit 3 makes the infrared light source 45L emit infrared light at a different time from the infrared light source 45R emit infrared light, so that the infrared light source 45L and the infrared light source 45R do not emit infrared light at the same time. As a result, the sensing function using infrared light is improved, and the position of an object such as an oncoming vehicle can be detected with high accuracy. Therefore, for example, a high-precision image can be formed. Fig.11 The light distribution pattern shown suppresses glare.

[0158] In addition, since the infrared light sources 45L, 45R and the photodiodes 47L, 47R are respectively mounted in the single headlights 4L, 4R, the reflected light of the infrared light reflected by the object can be received near the position where the infrared light is emitted. Thus, the angle of the return light relative to the emitted light can be reduced, and the accuracy of detecting the direction (angular coordinates) and distance of the object can be improved.

[0159] In addition, in the vehicle system 2 involved in the present embodiment, the irradiation area of ​​the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 45R overlaps at least a part of the irradiation area of ​​the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 45L. The light control unit 43 performs a scan of the scanning range of the infrared light source 45L each time the infrared light source 45R completes a scan. Alternatively, the light control unit 43 is configured to switch the emission of infrared light from the infrared light source 45R and the emission of infrared light from the infrared light source 45L at a predetermined time interval. In this way, the area that needs to be sensed most around the vehicle can be sensed intensively.

[0160] In addition, in the third embodiment described above, the vehicle control unit 3 controls the emission timing of the infrared light of the infrared light source 45L and the emission timing of the infrared light of the infrared light source 45R. However, for example, the emission timing of the infrared light of the infrared light sources 45L and 45R may be adjusted by the light control units 43L and 43R of the left headlamp 4L and the right headlamp 4R sending and receiving signals including emission timing information to each other.

[0161] In the third embodiment described above, the structures of the left headlamp 4L and the right headlamp 4R are the same as the structure of the headlamp 4 of the first embodiment. However, the structures of the left headlamp 4L and the right headlamp 4R may be different from the structure of the headlamp 4 of the first embodiment as long as the irradiation range of the infrared light source 45 of the left headlamp 4L and the irradiation range of the infrared light source 45 of the right headlamp 4R overlap.

[0162] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0163] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0164] In the third embodiment, in order to improve the sensing function using infrared light, the emission timing of the infrared light of the infrared light source 45L is different from the emission timing of the infrared light of the infrared light source 45R, so that the infrared light source 45L of the left headlight 4L and the infrared light source 45R of the right headlight 4R do not emit infrared light at the same time.

[0165] In the fourth embodiment, in order to improve the sensing function using infrared light, the infrared light source 45L of the left headlight 4L (all optical elements constituting the infrared light source 45L) and the infrared light source 45R of the right headlight 4R (all optical elements constituting the infrared light source 45R) are constructed to emit infrared light of different wavelengths from each other.

[0166] In addition, the basic structure and functions of the vehicle system of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the vehicle system of the fourth embodiment except for the above-mentioned differences. Fig.14The structure and function of the vehicle system 2 of the third embodiment shown are the same. In the fourth embodiment, for the same structure and function as the third embodiment, the description and illustration thereof are omitted for the sake of convenience.

[0167] The vehicle system 2 of the present embodiment is configured such that the infrared light source 45L of the left headlamp 4L (all optical elements constituting the infrared light source 45L) and the infrared light source 45R of the right headlamp 4R (all optical elements constituting the infrared light source 45R) emit infrared light of different wavelengths. For example, the infrared light source 45L is configured to emit infrared light of 850 nm, 905 nm, or 1500 nm, and the infrared light source 45R is configured to emit infrared light of a wavelength not used by the infrared light source 45L among the wavelengths of 850 nm, 905 nm, and 1500 nm. In addition, the photodiode 47L of the left headlamp 4L has a light receiving sensitivity corresponding to the wavelength of the infrared light source 45L, and the photodiode 47R of the right headlamp 4R has a light receiving sensitivity corresponding to the wavelength of the infrared light source 45R.

[0168] The measuring circuit 55L of the left headlamp 4L measures the difference between the emission time of the infrared light of the infrared light source 54L and the light reception time of the reflected light of the infrared light of the same wavelength as the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 54L incident on the photodiode 47L based on the driving signal of the infrared light source 45L received from the LED driver 52L and the voltage signal received from the current-voltage conversion / amplification circuit 54L. Then, the measuring circuit 55L sends its result to the microcontroller 50L. Similarly, the measuring circuit 55R of the right headlamp 4R measures the difference between the emission time of the infrared light of the infrared light source 54R and the light reception time of the reflected light of the infrared light of the same wavelength as the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 54R incident on the photodiode 47R based on the driving signal of the infrared light source 45R received from the LED driver 52R and the voltage signal received from the current-voltage conversion / amplification circuit 54R. Then, the measuring circuit 55R sends its result to the microcontroller 50R.

[0169] As described above, in the vehicle system 2 according to the fourth embodiment, the infrared light source 45L of the left headlamp 4L and the infrared light source 45R of the right headlamp 4R emit infrared light of different wavelengths. As a result, the sensing function using infrared light is improved, and the position of an object such as an oncoming vehicle can be detected with high accuracy. Therefore, the light distribution for lighting that can be changed according to the conditions around the vehicle can be made more refined with a simple structure. For example, it is possible to form a high-precision Fig.11 The light distribution pattern shown suppresses glare.

[0170] In addition, since the infrared light sources 45L, 45R and the photodiodes 47L, 47R are respectively mounted in the single headlights 4L, 4R, the reflected light of the infrared light reflected by the object can be received near the position where the infrared light is emitted. Thus, the angle of the return light relative to the emitted light can be reduced, and the accuracy of detecting the direction (angular coordinates) and distance of the object can be improved.

[0171] In the fourth embodiment described above, all the light emitting elements constituting the infrared light source 45L (infrared light source 45R) emit infrared light of the same wavelength. However, it may also be configured such that, for example, all the light emitting elements constituting the infrared light source 45L (infrared light source 45R) emit infrared light of different wavelengths.

[0172] In the fourth embodiment described above, the structures of the left headlamp 4L and the right headlamp 4R are the same as the structure of the headlamp 4 of the first embodiment, except for the structure of the IR-LEDs (wavelength of the emitted infrared light) constituting the infrared light sources 45L and 45R and the structure of the photodiode 47. However, the structures of the left headlamp 4L and the right headlamp 4R may be different from the structure of the headlamp 4 of the first embodiment as long as the irradiation range of the infrared light source 45 of the left headlamp 4L and the irradiation range of the infrared light source 45 of the right headlamp 4R overlap.

[0173] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be appropriately deformed, improved, etc. In addition, the material, shape, size, value, form, quantity, configuration location, etc. of each component in the above-mentioned embodiment are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can realize the present invention.

[0174] In the first to fourth embodiments, the infrared light source 45 emitting infrared light is used as an example of a non-visible light source. However, a light source emitting non-visible light other than infrared light such as ultraviolet rays or X-rays may be used as a non-visible light source.

[0175] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, as an example of a lamp, the high beam lamp unit 42H provided in the headlamp 4 is described as an example, but it may also be configured as a stop lamp, tail lamp, or other indicator lamp provided at the rear of the vehicle. According to this structure, a single lamp unit can be used to achieve both the light distribution function of the stop lamp and tail lamp and the detection function of the object at the rear of the vehicle.

[0176] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the lens 66 is provided in the high-beam lamp unit 42H to transmit the visible light and infrared light reflected by the rotating reflector 65, but it is not necessary to provide the lens 66. It is also possible to configure such that the visible light and infrared light reflected by the rotating reflector 65 are directly irradiated to the front of the high-beam lamp unit 42H without passing through the lens.

[0177] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the infrared light irradiated to the front of the vehicle is reflected by an object in front of the vehicle, and the return light is received by the photodiode 47 mounted on the high-beam lamp unit 42H. However, the return light of the infrared light may be photographed by an infrared camera 6B provided at a position different from the headlight 4, and the black-and-white image based on the photographed infrared light may be processed by the image processing unit 18, thereby the vehicle control unit 3 detects the presence of pedestrians and oncoming vehicles in front of the vehicle. In addition, by displaying the image photographed by the infrared camera 6B on the monitor 19 provided in the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle 1 can also confirm the presence of pedestrians and oncoming vehicles in front of the vehicle.

[0178] Furthermore, the positions of the LEDs constituting the visible light source 44 and the infrared light source 45 are not limited to Figures 3 to 6 The position shown can also be configured with Figures 3 to 6 Different locations.

[0179] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-52839 filed on March 20, 2019 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-52840 filed on March 20, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that: having a first wiring substrate and a second wiring substrate, The first wiring substrate is provided with: a plurality of light emitting elements capable of emitting visible light as a first light source; and a first light emitting element in a second light source. The second wiring substrate is provided with: a plurality of light emitting elements capable of emitting visible light as the first light source; and a second light emitting element in the second light source, The light condensing portion in the high beam light distribution pattern is formed by light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements arranged on the first wiring substrate and capable of emitting visible light as the first light source. The diffusion portion in the high-beam light distribution pattern is formed by light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements arranged on the second wiring substrate and capable of emitting visible light as the first light source. The vehicle lamp comprises: The first light source is used to irradiate visible light to the periphery of the vehicle; the second light source, the second light source emitting infrared light to obtain information about the surroundings of the vehicle; a rotating reflector that reflects the visible light emitted from the first light source and the infrared light emitted from the second light source while rotating, so that the visible light and the infrared light are scanned in a horizontal direction on an imaginary vertical screen disposed at a predetermined distance from the vehicle; a light receiving unit that receives infrared light emitted from the second light source and reflected by an object; as well as a control unit, the control unit controlling the first light source, the second light source and the rotating reflector, The second light source includes the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element. The control unit makes the emission timing of the infrared light of the first light emitting element different from the emission timing of the infrared light of the second light emitting element so that the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element do not emit infrared light at the same time. The image of the point light formed on the virtual vertical screen by the infrared light irradiated from the second light emitting element through the second lens portion is larger than the image of the point light formed on the virtual vertical screen by the infrared light irradiated from the first light emitting element through the first lens portion.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the first light emitting element and a second scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the second light emitting element at least partially overlap, The control unit is configured to perform one scan in the horizontal direction of the second scanning range every time one scan in the horizontal direction of the first scanning range is completed.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the first light emitting element and a second scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the second light emitting element at least partially overlap, The control unit is configured to switch between emission of infrared light by the first light emitting element and emission of infrared light by the second light emitting element at predetermined time intervals.

4. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that: having a first wiring substrate and a second wiring substrate, A plurality of light emitting elements capable of emitting visible light as a first light source and a first light emitting element in the second light source are arranged on the first wiring substrate. A plurality of light emitting elements capable of emitting visible light as the first light source and a second light emitting element in the second light source are arranged on the second wiring substrate. The light condensing portion in the high beam light distribution pattern is formed by light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements arranged on the first wiring substrate and capable of emitting visible light as the first light source. The diffusion portion in the high-beam light distribution pattern is formed by light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements arranged on the second wiring substrate and capable of emitting visible light as the first light source. The vehicle lamp comprises: The first light source is used to irradiate visible light to the periphery of the vehicle; the second light source, the second light source emitting infrared light to obtain information about the surroundings of the vehicle; a rotating reflector that reflects the visible light emitted from the first light source and the infrared light emitted from the second light source while rotating, so that the visible light and the infrared light are scanned in a horizontal direction on an imaginary vertical screen disposed at a predetermined distance from the vehicle; as well as a light receiving unit that receives infrared light emitted from the second light source and reflected by an object, The second light source comprises: the first light emitting element, the first light emitting element emitting infrared light of a first wavelength; and a second light emitting element, the second light emitting element emitting infrared light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, The image of the point light formed on the virtual vertical screen by the infrared light irradiated from the second light emitting element through the second lens portion is larger than the image of the point light formed on the virtual vertical screen by the infrared light irradiated from the first light emitting element through the first lens portion.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the first light emitting element at least partially overlaps with a second scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the second light emitting element.

6. A vehicle lighting system, characterized in that: have: A first vehicle lamp, the first vehicle lamp comprising: a first light source, the first light source being used to irradiate visible light to the periphery of a vehicle; a second light source, the second light source emitting infrared light of a first wavelength to obtain information about the periphery of the vehicle; and a first rotating reflector, the first rotating reflector reflecting the visible light irradiated from the first light source and the infrared light irradiated from the second light source while rotating, so that the visible light and the infrared light are scanned in a horizontal direction on an imaginary vertical screen arranged at a predetermined distance from the vehicle, the first vehicle lamp being the vehicle lamp according to claim 1; a second vehicle lamp, the second vehicle lamp having: a third light source, the third light source being used to irradiate visible light toward the periphery of the vehicle; a fourth light source, the fourth light source emitting infrared light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength to obtain information about the periphery of the vehicle; and a second rotating reflector, the second rotating reflector reflecting the visible light emitted from the third light source and the infrared light emitted from the fourth light source while rotating, so that the visible light and the infrared light scan in a horizontal direction on the imaginary vertical screen; as well as A light receiving unit receives the infrared light emitted from the second light source and reflected by the object, and the infrared light emitted from the fourth light source and reflected by the object.

7. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 6, wherein: A first scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the second light source at least partially overlaps with a second scanning range for scanning the infrared light emitted from the fourth light source.

8. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The first vehicle lamp is a left headlamp, and the second vehicle lamp is a right headlamp.

9. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The light receiving unit includes: a first light receiving unit, the first light receiving unit is arranged in the first vehicle lamp, and receives infrared light emitted from the second light source and reflected by the object; and a second light receiving unit, which is disposed in the second vehicle lamp and receives infrared light emitted from the fourth light source and reflected by the object.

10. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 8, wherein: The light receiving unit includes: a first light receiving unit, the first light receiving unit is arranged in the first vehicle lamp, and receives infrared light emitted from the second light source and reflected by the object; and a second light receiving unit, which is disposed in the second vehicle lamp and receives infrared light emitted from the fourth light source and reflected by the object.

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