Vehicle lighting

Abstract

A vehicle lamp (100) includes a variable light distribution lamp (110) and a controller (120). When changing from a first light distribution pattern to a second light distribution pattern having a number of light shielding portions that differs from the first light distribution pattern by 1, the controller (120) switches a method of gradually changing the light distribution pattern according to a positional relationship between light shielding portions included in the first light distribution pattern and light shielding portions included in the second light distribution pattern.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp used in automobiles and the like. Background Art

[0002] Vehicle lamps are generally switchable between low beam and high beam. Low beam illuminates the area around the vehicle at a specified illumination level, and is specified in a manner that does not cause glare to oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead. It is mainly used when driving in urban areas. On the other hand, high beam illuminates a large area ahead and far away at a relatively high illumination level, and is mainly used when driving at high speeds on roads with fewer oncoming vehicles and vehicles ahead. Therefore, high beam has better visual recognition for the driver than low beam, but has the problem of causing glare to drivers of vehicles in front of the vehicle and pedestrians.

[0003] In recent years, ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) technology has been proposed to dynamically and adaptively control the high beam light distribution pattern based on the state of the vehicle's surroundings. ADB technology detects the presence of vehicles ahead, oncoming vehicles, or pedestrians in front of the vehicle, and dims the area corresponding to the vehicle or pedestrian, thereby reducing the glare caused to the vehicle or pedestrian.

[0004] As a method for realizing the ADB function, a shutter method, a rotation method, an LED array method, etc. of controlling an actuator are proposed. The shutter method and the rotation method can continuously change the width of the light shielding part, but the number of light shielding parts is limited to one. The LED array method can set multiple light shielding parts, but the width of the light shielding part is discrete because it is restricted by the irradiation width of the LED chip.

[0005] As an ADB method that can solve these problems, the applicant has proposed a blade scanning method (see patent documents 1 and 3). The blade scanning method refers to incident light on a rotating reflector (blade), reflecting the incident light at an angle corresponding to the rotation position of the reflector to scan the reflected light in front of the vehicle, turning on and off the light source or changing the light amount according to the rotation position of the reflector, thereby forming a desired light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle.

[0006] [Prior art literature]

[0007] [Patent Document]

[0008] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2016 / 104319

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-205357

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-224317

[0011] Patent Document 4: International Publication No. 2016 / 167250A1 Summary of the invention

[0012] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0013] 1. The scanning variable lamp can generate two or more light-shielding parts. Figure 1 (a) Figure 1 (b) is a diagram for explaining the transition of the light distribution pattern. Figure 1 (a) shows an example of a light distribution pattern. In this example, two object marks (a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle) 600 and 601 are detected by the sensor, and in order to avoid glare to the object marks 600 and 601, their locations are set as light shielding portions. The light distribution pattern 500_1 includes two light shielding portions 502 and 503.

[0014] Figure 1 (b) shows another example of a light distribution pattern. The light distribution pattern 500_2 includes a light shielding portion 504. Figure 1 The light distribution pattern 500_1 of (a) is transformed to Figure 1 In the case of the light distribution pattern 500_2 of (b), in other words, when the number of light-shielding objects decreases from 2 to 1, if the light-shielding portion corresponding to the disappeared object is instantly lit up, it will induce sight guidance and cause discomfort.

[0015] One of the exemplary objects of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp that reduces discomfort.

[0016] 2. The present inventors have studied a lamp that combines a scanning lamp and a non-scanning lamp. Figure 2 (a)~ Figure 2 (c) is a diagram for explaining light distribution patterns formed by a scanning lamp and a non-scanning lamp. Figure 2 (a) shows a normal state light distribution pattern 900. Light distribution pattern 900 includes a scanning area 910 formed by a scanning lamp and non-scanning areas 920 and 922 formed by a non-scanning lamp. The scanning lamp irradiates the scanning area 910 by repeatedly scanning the irradiation point 912 at 100 Hz or more in the horizontal direction. The non-scanning lamp irradiates the non-scanning areas 920 and 922.

[0017] The lamp can achieve variable light distribution by inserting a light-shielding portion at any position in the scanning area 910 or switching the non-scanning areas 920 and 922 on and off.

[0018] Figure 2 (b) Figure 2(c) shows an example of light distribution control in a lamp that combines the scanning method and the non-scanning method. Figure 2 (b) shows a light distribution pattern 901 when an object (hereinafter referred to as a light shielding object, in this example, a preceding vehicle) 800 that should not cause glare exists in the scanning area 910. In this case, a light shielding portion 916 is set in the scanning area 910. The scanning lamp turns off the irradiation point 912 while the irradiation point 912 passes through the light shielding portion.

[0019] Figure 2 (c) shows the light distribution pattern 902 when there are light-shielding objects (in this example, the preceding vehicle 800 and the oncoming vehicle 802) that should not cause glare in the scanning area 910 and the non-scanning area 922. In this case, the light-shielding portion 916 is set in the scanning area 910, and the non-scanning area 922 is closed.

[0020] From Figure 2 The light distribution pattern 901 of (b) is Figure 2 The following issues were discovered by studying the transition of the light distribution pattern 902 of (c). If the light distribution pattern 901 is instantly changed to the light distribution pattern 902, the previously bright place will instantly become dark, which may cause discomfort to the driver. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce a gradual change control so that the light distribution pattern changes slowly from the light distribution pattern 901 to the light distribution pattern 902 over a transition time of hundreds of milliseconds to several seconds.

[0021] Figure 3 9 is a diagram for explaining gradual change control of a light distribution pattern. Before time t0, a light distribution pattern 901 is formed, and a light distribution pattern 902 is set after transition to time t0. Light distribution patterns 903 and 904 represent intermediate light distribution patterns generated at times t1 and t2 during transition.

[0022] At time t1 after time t0, the non-scanning lamp is turned off, and the non-scanning area 922 on the right is closed. In addition, the scanning lamp moves the right end of the light shielding portion 916 in the scanning area 910 to the right as time passes. Then, at time t3, when the position θ of the right end of the light shielding portion 916 is R When the right end of the scan area 910 is reached, the transition ends.

[0023] exist Figure 3 In the gradual change control, during the transition process, as shown at time t2, after the non-scanning area 922 is turned off, the irradiated portion 914R of the scanning area 910 remains in the non-scanning area 922. The remaining irradiated portion 914R may cause discomfort to the driver.

[0024] [Technical solutions for solving technical problems]

[0025] 1. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes: a variable light distribution lamp; and a controller that controls the variable light distribution lamp in a manner to obtain a light distribution pattern indicated by control data. When changing from a first light distribution pattern to a second light distribution pattern having a number of light shielding portions that differs from the first light distribution pattern by 1, the controller switches a method of gradually changing the light distribution pattern according to a positional relationship between light shielding portions included in the first light distribution pattern and light shielding portions included in the second light distribution pattern.

[0026] 2. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes: a scanning lamp that scans a light beam in a first range θ1 to θ2 in the horizontal direction; and a non-scanning lamp that illuminates a second range θ3 to θ4 (θ1<θ3<θ2<θ4) that partially overlaps the first range θ1 to θ2. An extinguishing range θ5 to θ6 that satisfies θ3<θ5<θ6<θ4 is determined, and one end of the light shielding portion is moved from an initial position θ INIT (<θ3) to the target position θ REF When (>θ5) moves, if one end of the light shielding portion reaches the extinguishing range, the non-scanning lamp is extinguished.

[0027] Another embodiment of the present invention is also a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes: a scanning lamp that scans a light beam in a first range θ1 to θ2 in the horizontal direction; and a non-scanning lamp that illuminates a second range θ3 to θ4 (θ1<θ3<θ2<θ4) that partially overlaps the first range θ1 to θ2. An extinguishing range θ5 to θ6 that satisfies θ3<θ5<θ6<θ4 is determined, and one end of the light shielding portion is moved from an initial position θ INIT (>θ5) to the target position θ REF When (<θ3) moves, if one end of the light shielding portion leaves the extinguishing range, the non-scanning lamp lights up.

[0028] Furthermore, any combination of the above-described constituting elements, and embodiments in which the constituting elements and expressions in methods, apparatuses, systems, etc. of the present invention are mutually replaced may also be practiced as additional modes of the present invention.

[0029] [Effects of the invention]

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the discomfort caused to the driver. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 (a) Figure 1 (b) is a diagram for explaining the transition of the light distribution pattern.

[0032] Figure 2 (a)~ Figure 2 (c) is a diagram for explaining light distribution patterns formed by a scanning lamp and a non-scanning lamp.

[0033] Figure 3 It is a diagram for explaining the gradation control of the light distribution pattern.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a lamp system including the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 5 (a) Figure 5 (b) is a diagram for explaining the first control method.

[0036] Figure 6 (a) Figure 6 (b) is a diagram illustrating the second control method.

[0037] Figure 7 (a) Figure 7 (b) is a diagram illustrating the third control method.

[0038] Figure 8 (a) Figure 8 (b) is a diagram illustrating the fourth control method.

[0039] Fig. 9 (a)~ Fig. 9 (c) is a diagram illustrating the fifth control method.

[0040] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining the sixth control method.

[0041] Fig.11 It is a perspective view of the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Fig.12 This is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a lighting circuit.

[0043] Fig.13 Yes Description Fig.12 A diagram of the operation of the lighting circuit.

[0044] Fig.14 It is a block diagram of a lamp system including a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment.

[0045] Fig.15 It is explained based on Fig.14 A diagram of parameters used in controlling a light distribution pattern of a vehicle lamp.

[0046] Fig.16 It is a diagram for explaining the light-off control of the non-scanning area accompanying the switching of the light distribution pattern.

[0047] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 Timing diagram of the transition of the light distribution pattern.

[0048] Fig.18 It is a diagram for explaining lighting control of a non-scanning area accompanying switching of a light distribution pattern.

[0049] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 Timing diagram of the transition of the light distribution pattern.

[0050] Fig. 20 This is a timing diagram of the transition of the light distribution pattern of a comparative technique.

[0051] Fig.21 It is a block diagram of the right headlamp according to the embodiment.

[0052] Fig. 22 It is a perspective view of the right headlamp according to the embodiment.

[0053] Fig.23 This is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a headlamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] (Implementation Method 1)

[0055] One embodiment disclosed in the present specification relates to a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes: a variable light distribution lamp; and a controller that controls the variable light distribution lamp in a manner to obtain a light distribution pattern indicated by control data. When the controller changes from a first light distribution pattern to a second light distribution pattern whose number of light shielding portions differs from that of the first light distribution pattern by 1, the controller switches a method of gradually changing the light distribution pattern according to a positional relationship between light shielding portions included in the first light distribution pattern and light shielding portions included in the second light distribution pattern.

[0056] By switching the gradation control method according to the positional relationship of the light-shielding parts, the discomfort can be alleviated.

[0057] When the first light distribution pattern before the transition includes the first light shielding portion and the second light shielding portion and the second light distribution pattern after the transition includes the third light shielding portion, that is, when the light shielding portion is reduced, the following four types of control are switched.

[0058] (1) First control method

[0059] When both the first light shielding portion and the second light shielding portion are included in the same lighting portion of the second light distribution pattern, the first control method is selected. In the first control method, one of the first light shielding portion and the second light shielding portion that is closer to the third light shielding portion is transformed into the third light shielding portion, and the other of the first light shielding portion and the second light shielding portion that is farther from the third light shielding portion disappears over time.

[0060] Both ends of the other of the first light-shielding portion and the second light-shielding portion that is farther from the third light-shielding portion may be moved toward the midpoint.

[0061] According to the first control mode, the light shielding portions that are located closer before and after the transition are controlled to follow up in correspondence with each other, while the width of the light shielding portions that are farther away is reduced over time, thereby reducing the sense of discomfort.

[0062] (Second control method)

[0063] When the first light shielding portion and the second light shielding portion are included in different lighting portions of the second light distribution pattern, the second control mode is selected. In the second control mode, the left end of the first light shielding portion moves toward the left end of the third light shielding portion, the right end of the second light shielding portion moves toward the right end of the third light shielding portion, and the right end of the first light shielding portion and the left end of the second light shielding portion move toward a target position included in the third light shielding portion.

[0064] The target position may be the center of the third light-shielding portion.

[0065] (Third control method)

[0066] When one of the first light shielding portion and the second light shielding portion overlaps with the third light shielding portion and the other of the first light shielding portion and the second light shielding portion is included in the lighting portion of the second light distribution pattern, the third control mode is selected. One of the first light shielding portion and the second light shielding portion changes to the third light shielding portion, and the other of the first light shielding portion and the second light shielding portion disappears over time.

[0067] The other ends of the first light-shielding portion and the second light-shielding portion may be moved toward their midpoints.

[0068] According to the third control mode, the light shielding portions that are located closer before and after the transition are controlled to follow up in correspondence with each other, while the width of the light shielding portions that are farther away is reduced over time, thereby reducing the sense of discomfort.

[0069] (Fourth control method)

[0070] When both the first light shielding portion and the second light shielding portion overlap with the third light shielding portion, the fourth control mode is selected. In the fourth control mode, the left end of the first light shielding portion moves toward the left end of the third light shielding portion, the right end of the second light shielding portion moves toward the right end of the third light shielding portion, and the right end of the first light shielding portion and the left end of the second light shielding portion move toward a target position included in the third light shielding portion. The target position may also be the center of the third light shielding portion.

[0071] When the first light distribution pattern before the transition includes the fourth light shielding portion and the second light distribution pattern after the transition includes the fifth light shielding portion and the sixth light shielding portion, that is, when the light shielding portion increases, the following two controls are switched.

[0072] (Fifth control method)

[0073] When both the fifth light shielding portion and the sixth light shielding portion are included in the same lighting portion of the first light distribution pattern, or when the fifth light shielding portion and the sixth light shielding portion are included in different lighting portions of the first light distribution pattern, or when one of the fifth light shielding portion and the sixth light shielding portion overlaps with the fourth light shielding portion and the other of the fifth light shielding portion and the sixth light shielding portion is included in the lighting portion of the first light distribution pattern, the fifth control mode is selected. In the fifth control mode, (i) the fourth light shielding portion changes to the one of the fifth light shielding portion and the sixth light shielding portion that is closer to the fourth light shielding portion, and (ii) the other of the fifth light shielding portion and the sixth light shielding portion that is farther from the fourth light shielding portion gradually appears over time.

[0074] For example, a narrow slit may be formed at the midpoint of the other of the fifth light-shielding portion and the sixth light-shielding portion that is farther from the fourth light-shielding portion, and the slit may be shifted toward the other that is farther away.

[0075] (Sixth control method)

[0076] When both the fifth light shielding portion and the sixth light shielding portion overlap with the fourth light shielding portion, the sixth control mode is selected. In the sixth control mode, the left end of the fourth light shielding portion moves toward the left end of the fifth light shielding portion, and the right end of the fourth light shielding portion moves toward the right end of the sixth light shielding portion. In addition, a new light-on portion sandwiched by the fifth light shielding portion and the sixth light shielding portion gradually appears over time. For example, a light-on portion with a narrow width that becomes a seed with a narrow width may be generated at the midpoint of the new light-on portion, and the seed may be transferred to the new light-on portion.

[0077] (Detailed description of implementation mode 1)

[0078] Embodiment 1 is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the respective drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted. In addition, the embodiments do not limit the invention but are exemplified, and all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily the essential contents of the invention.

[0079] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a lamp system 2 including a vehicle lamp 100 according to Embodiment 1. The vehicle lamp 100 receives control data indicating a light distribution pattern from an ADB ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 4 and forms a light distribution pattern corresponding to the control data in front of the vehicle. The ADB ECU 4 may also be built into the vehicle lamp 1.

[0080] The vehicle lamp 100 includes a low beam unit 102 and a high beam unit 104. The low beam unit 102 has a fixed light distribution pattern and illuminates a predetermined area 702 on a virtual vertical screen 700.

[0081] The high beam unit 104 is an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) and is configured to appropriately control a light distribution pattern 704 according to the situation ahead of the vehicle or the state of the vehicle. The high beam unit 104 includes a variable light distribution lamp 110 and a controller 120 .

[0082] The variable light distribution lamp 110 is configured to have variable light distribution. The configuration of the variable light distribution lamp 110 is not particularly limited, and for example, a scanning type lamp may be used.

[0083] The controller 120 receives control data S1 instructing a light distribution pattern from the ADB ECU 4. The controller 120 controls the variable light distribution lamp 110 so that the instructed light distribution pattern is formed in front of the vehicle based on the control data S1. The format and signal form of the control data S1 are not particularly limited.

[0084] The above is the basic structure of the vehicle lamp 100. Next, characteristic light distribution control by the vehicle lamp 100 will be described.

[0085] The control when the number of light-shielding object targets changes from 2 to 1, that is, when the first light distribution pattern PTN1 including two light-shielding portions changes to the second light distribution pattern PTN2 including one light-shielding portion, will be described.

[0086] When changing from a first light distribution pattern including the first light shielding portion and the second light shielding portion to a second light distribution pattern including the third light shielding portion, the controller 120 switches the method of gradually changing the light distribution pattern according to the positional relationship among the first light shielding portion, the second light shielding portion, and the third light shielding portion.

[0087] In this embodiment, four control modes can be switched according to the positional relationship.

[0088] (1) First control method

[0089] Figure 5 (a) Figure 5 (b) is a diagram illustrating the first control method. Figure 5 As shown in (a), the first light distribution pattern PTN1 includes a first light shielding portion R OFF1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2 The second light distribution pattern PTN2 includes a third light shielding portion R OFF3 .exist Figure 5 (a) Figure 5 In (b), the horizontal position is represented by an angle θ.

[0090] In the first light shielding portion R of the first light distribution pattern PTN1 OFF1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2Both are included in the same lighting portion R of the second light distribution pattern PTN1 ON In this case, select the first control method.

[0091] The light-shielding part R OFF# The left end E of (#=1, 2, 3) L# The position is marked as θ L# , the right end E R# The position is marked as θ R# .

[0092] In the first control mode, the first light shielding portion R OFF1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2 The third light shielding portion R OFF3 One of the following (in this example, R OFF1 ) to the third light shielding portion R OFF3 Transformation, the first light shielding part R OFF1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2 The third light shielding portion R OFF3 The other (in this example, R OFF2 ) disappears over time.

[0093] Figure 5 (b) is a diagram showing the change of the light distribution pattern in the first control mode. The horizontal axis represents the position of the edge (angle coordinate system), and the vertical axis represents time. At time t0, an instruction to change the light distribution pattern is generated. The first light shielding portion R OFF1 The left end E L1 and right end E R1 To the third light shielding portion R OFF3 The left end E L3 and right end E R3 The position θ L3 ,θ R3 At time t1 after the transition time τ from time t0, the left end E L1 and right end E R1 At the same time, we reach the target position θ L3 ,θ R .

[0094] On the other hand, the second light shielding portion R OFF2 The left end E L2 and right end E R2 Towards the midpoint θ C2 move.

[0095] (2) Second control method

[0096] Figure 6 (a) Figure 6 (b) is a diagram illustrating the second control method. Figure 6As shown in (a), in the first light shielding portion R OFF1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2 When a different lighting portion is included in the second light distribution pattern PTN2, the second control method is selected.

[0097] In the second control mode, the first light shielding portion R OFF1 The left end E L1 To the third light shielding portion R OFF3 The left end E L3 Move, the second light shielding part R OFF2 The right end E R2 To the third light shielding portion R OFF3 The right end E R3 Move, the first light shielding part R OFF1 The right end E R1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2 The left end E L2 To the third light shielding portion R OFF3 In this example, the target position is set to the third light shielding portion R OFF3 The center of.

[0098] Figure 6 (b) is a diagram showing the change of the light distribution pattern in the second control mode. At time t0, a change instruction of the light distribution pattern is generated. OFF1 The left end E L1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2 The right end E R2 To the third light shielding portion R OFF3 The left end E L3 and right end E R3 The position θ L3 ,θ R3 In addition, the first light shielding portion R OFF1 The right end E R1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2 The left end E L2 To the target position θ C3 =(θ L3 +θ R3 ) / 2 move.

[0099] (3) The third control method

[0100] Figure 7 (a) Figure 7 (b) is a diagram illustrating the third control method. Figure 7 As shown in (a), in the first light shielding portion R OFF1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2 One of the following (in this example, R OFF1) and the third light shielding portion R OFF3 Overlap, the first shading part R OFF1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2 The other (in this example, R OFF2 ) is included in the lighting portion of the second light distribution pattern PTN2, the third control method is selected.

[0101] In the third control mode, the first light shielding portion R OFF1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2 One of (R OFF1 ) to the third light shielding portion R OFF3 Transformation, the first light shielding part R OFF1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2 The other (R OFF2 ) disappears over time.

[0102] Figure 7 (b) is a diagram showing changes in the light distribution pattern in the third control mode. OFF1 The left end E L1 and right end E R1 To the third light shielding portion R OFF3 The left end E L3 and right end E R3 The position θ L3 ,θ R3 On the other hand, the second light shielding portion R OFF2 The left end E L2 and right end E R2 Towards the midpoint θ C2 move.

[0103] (4) The fourth control method

[0104] Figure 8 (a) Figure 8 (b) is a diagram for explaining the fourth control method. Figure 8 As shown in (a), in the first light shielding portion R OFF1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2 The two and the third light shielding part R OFF3 When the first light shielding part R OFF1 The left end E L1 To the third light shielding portion R OFF3 The left end E L3 Move, the second light shielding part R OFF2 The right side of E R2 To the third light shielding portion R OFF3 The right side of E R3 In addition, the first light shielding portion R OFF1 The right side of ER1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2 The left end E L2 To the third light shielding portion R OFF3 The target position included in is moved. The target position is set at the third light shielding part R OFF3 The center of.

[0105] Figure 8 (b) is a diagram showing changes in the light distribution pattern in the fourth control mode. At time t0, a change instruction for the light distribution pattern is generated. OFF1 The left end E L1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2 The right side of E R2 To the third light shielding portion R OFF3 The left end E L3 and right end E R3 The position θ L3 ,θ R3 In addition, the first light shielding portion R OFF1 The right side of E R1 and the second light shielding portion R OFF2 The left end E L2 To the target position θ C3 =(θ L3 +θ R3 ) / 2 move.

[0106] Next, control is considered when the number of light-shielding object targets changes from 1 to 2, that is, when the first light distribution pattern PTN1 including one light-shielding portion changes to the second light distribution pattern PTN2 including two light-shielding portions.

[0107] When changing from the first light distribution pattern including the fourth light shielding portion to the second light distribution pattern including the fifth and sixth light shielding portions, the controller 120 switches the method of gradual change control of the light distribution pattern based on the positional relationship among the fourth, fifth and sixth light shielding portions.

[0108] In this embodiment, two control methods can be switched according to the positional relationship.

[0109] (Fifth control method)

[0110] Fig. 9 (a)~ Fig. 9 (c) is a diagram illustrating the fifth control method. Fig. 9 As shown in (a), in the fifth light shielding portion R OFF5 and the sixth light shielding portion R OFF6 When both of are included in the same lighting portion of the first light distribution pattern PTN1, or when Fig. 9 As shown in (b), in the fifth light shielding portion R OFF5and the sixth light shielding portion R OFF6 When included in different lighting portions of the first light distribution pattern PTN1, or when Fig. 9 As shown in (c), in the fifth light shielding portion R OFF5 and the sixth light shielding portion R OFF6 One of the OFF5 ) and the fourth light shielding portion R OFF4 Overlap, the 5th shading part R OFF5 and the sixth light shielding portion R OFF6 The other one (in this example, R OFF6 ) is included in the lighting portion of the first light distribution pattern PTN1, the fifth control mode is selected. In the fifth control mode, (i) the fourth light shielding portion R OFF4 To the fifth light shielding portion R OFF5 and the sixth light shielding portion R OFF6 The fourth light shielding portion R OFF4 One of the following (in this example, R OFF5 ) transformation, (ii) the fifth light shielding portion R OFF5 and the sixth light shielding portion R OFF6 The fourth light shielding portion R OFF4 The other R OFF6 For example, it can also be that far away from the fourth light shielding part R OFF4 The other R OFF6 A narrow slit SLT is formed at the midpoint of the 6th light shielding portion R. OFF6 Specifically, an initial pattern PTN0 including the slits SLT may be generated, and a gradual change control may be performed from the initial pattern PTN0 to the second pattern PTN2.

[0111] (Sixth control method)

[0112] Fig.10 6 is a diagram for explaining the sixth control method. Fig.10 As shown, in the 5th light shielding part R OFF5 and the sixth light shielding portion R OFF6 The two and the fourth light shielding part R OFF4 When the light shielding portion R OFF4 The left end of the 5th light shielding part R OFF5 The left end of the fourth light shielding part R OFF4 The right end of the sixth light shielding portion R OFF6 In addition, the 5th light-shielding portion R OFF5 and the sixth light shielding portion R OFF6 The new light part R ONGradually appear over time. For example, it can also be that in the new light part R ON The midpoint of the light-up portion of the narrow seed SEED is generated, and the seed SEED is transformed to the new light-up portion RON. Specifically, an initial pattern PTN0 including the seed SEED may be generated, and a gradual change control may be performed from the initial pattern PTN0 to the second pattern PTN2.

[0113] The above is the operation of the vehicle lamp 100 .

[0114] According to the vehicle lamp 100 , the uncomfortable feeling can be reduced by switching the gradual change control method according to the positional relationship of the light shielding parts.

[0115] In particular, in the first control mode and the third control mode, by correspondingly following the shading parts that exist at relatively close positions before and after the transition, a transition with less discomfort can be achieved. In addition, with respect to the shading parts that do not have corresponding shading parts after the transition, a transition with less discomfort can be achieved by gradually extinguishing them at their positions.

[0116] In addition, by gradually turning off the light to the lit part before the transition or the light-shielded part after the transition, it is possible to prevent vision guidance and reduce discomfort.

[0117] Furthermore, when the number of light-shielding portions increases, by switching between the fifth control mode and the sixth control mode, it is possible to prevent the viewpoint from being guided and reduce discomfort.

[0118] Next, a configuration example of the variable light distribution lamp 110 will be described. Fig.11 It is a perspective view of the vehicle lamp 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig.11 The vehicle lamp 1 has a variable light distribution lamp 110 of a vane scanning type, which forms a variety of light distribution patterns in front of the vehicle. The variable light distribution lamp 110 includes a light source 112, a reflector 114, a projection lens 117, and a lighting circuit 200. As described later, the light source 112 may be provided in plurality, but for ease of understanding and simplified description, a case of one light source 112 is described here.

[0119] The light source 112 is a semiconductor light source using an LED (light emitting diode) or a laser diode. The reflector 114 receives the emitted light L1 of the light source 112, and scans the reflected light L2 in the lateral direction (in the Y direction in the figure) in front of the vehicle by repeatedly performing a predetermined periodic motion. The reflector 114 is mounted on the rotor of the motor 116 and performs a rotational motion. At a certain moment, the emitted light L1 of the reflector 114 is reflected at a reflection angle corresponding to the position of the reflector 114 (rotation angle of the rotor), forming an irradiation point SP.

[0120] The reflector 114 rotates, the reflection angle changes, and the irradiation point SP scans in the Y direction. By repeating this action at a high speed, for example, at 50 Hz or more, a light distribution pattern 704 is formed in front of the vehicle. For example, when the motor speed is set to 6000 rpm, the irradiation point SP is scanned at 200 Hz, and the scanning period is 5 ms.

[0121] The lighting circuit 200 controls the light quantity (brightness) of the light source 112 in synchronization with the periodic motion of the reflector 114 so as to obtain a desired light distribution pattern. The range (region) that illuminates the irradiation point SP is referred to as the lighting portion R. ON The range (area) where the irradiation point SP is not irradiated is called the light shielding part R OFF The light distribution pattern 704 is a lighted portion R ON , shading part R OFF combination.

[0122] Fig.12 : is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of the lighting circuit 200. The ADB ECU 4 receives the camera information S3 and the vehicle information S2. The ADB ECU 4 detects the situation in front of the vehicle based on the camera information S3, specifically, the position of objects such as oncoming vehicles, preceding vehicles, and pedestrians. In addition, the ADB ECU 4 detects the current vehicle speed, steering angle, etc. based on the vehicle information S2. Based on this information, the ADB ECU 4 determines the light distribution pattern that should be irradiated to the front of the vehicle, and sends the control data S1 indicating the light distribution pattern to the vehicle lamp 1. For example, the control data S1 represents and describes the lateral illumination coordinates as angles, and may also include the lighting portion R ON With the light shielding part R OFF The coordinates (angle information) of the boundary.

[0123] For example, for easy understanding, it is assumed that the light quantity of the light source 112 is controlled only by turning on and off. In this case, the control data S1 may also include a light shielding portion R in the light distribution pattern 704 to be formed in front of the vehicle. OFF For example, the control data S1 may also include data indicating the light shielding portion R OFF The coordinates of the left end of θ L and represents the coordinates θ of the right end R In the light shielding part R OFF In the case of multiple coordinates, multiple coordinate groups (θ L ,θ R Alternatively, the control data S1 may also include the light shielding portion R OFF The center coordinate θ C and the light shielding part R OFF The group of width Δθ may also include a light shielding portion R OFF The left end coordinate θL (or the right end coordinate θ R ) and a group of the width Δθ of the light-shielding portion.

[0124] Conversely, the control data S1 may also replace the light shielding portion R OFF The data including the lighted portion R ON The data may also contain both of them.

[0125] The lighting circuit 200 controls the light quantity (brightness) of the light source 112 in synchronization with the rotation of the reflector 114 based on the control data S1. The lighting circuit 200 includes a position detector 202, a cycle calculation unit 204, a light quantity calculation unit 210, and a driver 220. The cycle calculation unit 204 and the light quantity calculation unit 210 are referred to as a lamp ECU 206. The lamp ECU 206 can be configured using a microcontroller or a microprocessor, or an ASIC (Application Specified IC). The lamp ECU 206 and Figure 5 Corresponding to the controller 120.

[0126] The position detector 202 generates a position detection signal S4 indicating the timing when a predetermined reference portion of the reflector 114 passes through a predetermined position. For example, the reference portion may be an end (boundary) between two reflectors 114 or the center of each blade, or may be any arbitrary portion.

[0127] A Hall element may also be installed in the motor 116 that rotates the reflector 114. In this case, the Hall signal from the Hall element becomes a periodic waveform corresponding to the position of the rotor, that is, the position of the blade (hereinafter referred to as the blade coordinate). The position detector 202 may also detect the timing of the polarity reversal of the Hall signal, and specifically, may also be composed of a Hall comparator that compares a pair of Hall signals.

[0128] The period calculation unit 204 calculates the period Tp of the periodic motion of the blade based on the position detection signal S4 from the position detector 202. For example, when the position detection signal S4 is the output of the Hall comparator, the period calculation unit 204 measures the edge interval (half period) of the position detection signal S4. The period calculation unit 204 can be composed of a counter that counts the edge interval using a clock signal. The period calculation unit 204 outputs period information S5 indicating the measured period.

[0129] The light amount calculation unit 210 receives the control data S1 and calculates the amount of light that the light source 112 should generate at each time based on the position detection signal S4 and the period Tp indicated by the period information S5.

[0130] For example, the light quantity calculation unit 210 is composed of a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specified IC), etc., and includes functional blocks called a position information generator 212 and a light quantity controller 214.

[0131] The position information generator 212 generates position information S6 indicating the position of the reflector 114 at each time based on the period information S5 and the position detection signal S4. For example, the position information generator 212 may be composed of a counter that is reset at each edge of the position information detection signal S4 and counts up (or counts down) at each unit time obtained by dividing the period Tp into N (N is an integer).

[0132] The light amount controller 214 calculates the target light amount (lighting on, off) of the light source 112 at each time based on the control data S1 and the position information S6 , and generates a light amount instruction value S7 indicating the target light amount.

[0133] The correspondence between the blade coordinate X (i.e., position information S6) and the illumination coordinate θ can be derived from the geometric arrangement of the light source 112 and the reflector 114. The light quantity controller 214 may include a table storing the correspondence between the position information S6 and the illumination coordinate θ, or may store an arithmetic expression describing the correspondence.

[0134] Furthermore, the light quantity controller 214 may also convert the data θ described in the irradiation coordinate θ included in the control data S1 into L ,θ R Data X converted to blade coordinates L , X R Alternatively, the light quantity controller 214 may convert the blade coordinate X indicated by the position information S6 into the irradiation coordinate θ and determine the light quantity at each time.

[0135] When the period Tp is longer than a predetermined threshold value, that is, when the rotation speed of the motor 116 is slow, the light quantity calculation unit 210 preferably turns off the light source 112. When the movement period Tp of the reflector 114 is long, the driver will feel flickering (also called flicker) if the light source 112 is turned on, so in such a situation, the discomfort can be prevented by turning off the light source 112.

[0136] For example, when the scanning frequency of the irradiation point SP is below 50 Hz, the light source 112 may be turned off. Experience has shown that if the frequency is below 50 Hz, flickering is noticeable to the human eye. In the case of using two reflectors 114, it can be said that if the rotation speed of the motor 116 is above 1500 rpm, flickering is not noticeable.

[0137] The driver 220 receives the light amount command value S7 and turns on the light source 112 so that the light amount calculated by the light amount calculation unit 210 is obtained at each time.

[0138] The above is the configuration of the lighting circuit 200 and the vehicle lamp 1 including the same. Next, the operation thereof will be described.

[0139] Fig.13 Yes Description Fig.12 The horizontal axis is the irradiation coordinate θ, the blade coordinate X, and the time t, which are in one-to-one correspondence. Here, two light shielding portions R are formed. OFF1 , R OFF2 situation.

[0140] The irradiation point SP indicates the portion irradiated by one light source 112 when the reflector 114 stops at a certain position. As the reflector 114 rotates over time, the irradiation point SP scans in a direction in which the irradiation coordinate increases (or in the opposite direction). The side of the irradiation point SP on the scanning direction side is called the front edge LE, and the opposite side is called the rear edge TE. In this embodiment, the light amount is controlled based on the coordinates of the front edge LE.

[0141] The motor 116 for positioning the reflector 114 rotates at a predetermined speed. For example, the motor 116 rotates at 6000 rpm. However, the speed of the motor 116 cannot be kept completely constant. In addition, the rotation of the motor 116 is not under the control of the lamp ECU 206. It can be said that it is in a free running state. The lamp ECU 206 controls the light source 112 while adapting to the state of the motor 116 (reflector 114).

[0142] At a certain time t0, if the position detection signal S4 is set to be valid, this time is corresponded to the reference value (for example, 0) of the blade coordinate X, and then the value of the position information S6 indicating the position of the blade increases with time. In other words, the time t and the position information S6 are corresponded one to one. The inclination is determined based on the period Tp of the position detection signal S4 calculated previously.

[0143] Light shielding part R OFF1 , R OFF2 The left end coordinates θ of each L , right end coordinate θ R The data X converted into blade coordinates X L, X R Furthermore, the light quantity controller 214 uses the light shielding portion R OFF1 , R OFF2 The light amount command value S7 is generated so that the light amount at the position becomes zero.

[0144] like Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the timing of switching the light quantity instruction value S7 from off to on is offset from the range of the light shielding portion by only ΔX. ΔX is the width of the irradiation point SP. The reason is explained below. In the blade scanning method, the light distribution pattern is formed by scanning the irradiation point SP, so the light distribution pattern 704 is given by the integral value of the irradiation point SP. Therefore, if the switching from on to on is performed based on the coordinates of the front edge LE, the light irradiating the light shielding portion R OFF Therefore, the coordinates of the light quantity controller 214 at the front edge LE become the starting end of the light shielding portion (the end of the lighting portion) X L In addition, it is preferred that the light quantity controller 214 turns on the light source 112 when the coordinates of the rear edge TE become the end of the light shielding portion (the period of the lighting portion) X R In other words, the coordinate of the front edge LE becomes X R +ΔX, the light source 112 is switched from off to on. OFF darken.

[0145] The above is the operation of the lighting circuit 200. According to the lighting circuit 200, even when the periodic motion of the reflector 114 is not under the control of the lighting circuit 200, the position of the reflector 114 at each moment can be estimated based on the period Tp of the reflector 114 and the position detection signal S4. And, based on the estimated position of the reflector 114, the position of the irradiation point SP of the reflected light can be estimated. Therefore, the light amount of the light source 112 can be changed from moment to moment according to the change of the position of the reflector 114, and a desired light distribution pattern can be formed.

[0146] A modification example related to the first embodiment will be described.

[0147] (First Modification)

[0148] In the first control mode and the third control mode, the second light shielding portion R OFF2 The method of disappearance is not limited to Figure 5 For example, the second light shielding portion R OFF2 One end of the control is fixed, and the other end is brought close to the fixed end. The same is true for the third control method.

[0149] Alternatively, the second light shielding portion R OFF2An additional lighting portion serving as a seed is generated in the center of the image, and the width of the additional lighting portion increases over time.

[0150] (Second Modification)

[0151] In the embodiment, the light distribution pattern is formed by one irradiation point SP corresponding to one light source 112 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. A plurality of light sources 112 may be provided and the light distribution pattern may be formed by a combination of lighted portions formed by the plurality of irradiation points SP.

[0152] (Third Modification)

[0153] In the embodiment, a scanning light distribution variable lamp 110 is described, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light distribution variable lamp 110 may also include a graphic device such as a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) or a liquid crystal. Alternatively, the light distribution variable lamp 110 may also include an array of light-emitting elements that can be turned on and off individually. In particular, an array of light-emitting elements (LEDs) with high resolution may also use light-emitting elements commercially available as micro LEDs.

[0154] (Fourth Modification)

[0155] Although two reflectors 114 are described, the number of reflectors is not limited and may be one or more than three. In the embodiment, the reflector 114 is described as being rotationally movable, but the reflector 114 may also be reciprocally movable.

[0156] (Implementation Method 2)

[0157] (Overview of Implementation Method 2)

[0158] A vehicle lamp according to an embodiment includes: a scanning lamp that scans a light beam in a first range θ1 to θ2 in a horizontal direction; and a non-scanning lamp that illuminates a second range θ3 to θ4 (θ1<θ3<θ2<θ4) that partially overlaps the first range θ1 to θ2. An extinguishing range θ5 to θ6 that satisfies θ3<θ5<θ6<θ4 is determined, and one end of the light shielding portion is moved from an initial position θ INIT (<θ3) to the target position θ REF When (>θ5) moves, if one end of the light shielding portion reaches the extinguishing range θ5 to θ6, the non-scanning lamp is extinguished.

[0159] According to this configuration, after a certain illuminated portion disappears, the non-scanning region originally overlapping with the illuminated portion is turned off, so that the illuminated portion can be prevented from remaining, and the discomfort caused to the driver can be reduced.

[0160] Non-scanning lamps can also be gradually extinguished over time.

[0161] The non-scanning lamp moves one end of the light shielding portion from the initial position θ INIT (>θ2) to the target position θ REF When the position θx of one end of the light shielding portion is out of the extinguishing range θ5 to θ6, the non-scanning lamp can be turned on. This control can improve the connection between the non-scanning area irradiated by the non-scanning lamp and the scanning area irradiated by the scanning lamp.

[0162] The non-scanning lamp can also be gradually lit over time. This can prevent the non-scanning area from suddenly becoming brighter, dazzling the driver, and causing sight guidance.

[0163] A vehicle lamp according to an embodiment includes: a scanning lamp that scans a light beam in a first range θ1 to θ2 in a horizontal direction; and a non-scanning lamp that illuminates a second range θ3 to θ4 (θ1<θ3<θ2<θ4) that partially overlaps the first range θ1 to θ2. An extinguishing range θ5 to θ6 that satisfies θ3<θ5<θ6<θ4 is determined, and one end of the light shielding portion is moved from an initial position θ INIT (>θ2) to the target position θ REF When (<θ3) moves, if one end of the light shielding portion leaves the extinguishing range θ5 to θ6, the non-scanning lamp is turned on.

[0164] According to this control, the connection between the non-scanning area irradiated by the non-scanning lamp and the scanning area irradiated by the scanning lamp can be improved.

[0165] The non-scanning lamp can also be gradually lit over time. This can prevent the non-scanning area from suddenly becoming brighter, dazzling the driver, and causing sight guidance.

[0166] (Detailed description of implementation mode 2)

[0167] Embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0168] Fig.14 1 is a block diagram of a lamp system 2 including a vehicle lamp 300 according to Embodiment 2. The vehicle lamp 300 is a scanning ADB headlamp, and a light distribution pattern is formed by superimposing scanning-based light distribution and non-scanning-based light distribution. The vehicle lamp 300 is divided into a left headlamp and a right headlamp.

[0169] The vehicle lamp 300 includes a scanning lamp 302, a non-scanning lamp 304, and a controller 306. The scanning lamp 302 changes the emission angle θ of the light beam BM to the left and right, and scans the irradiation point 912 formed by the light beam BM in the horizontal direction (H direction) to form a scanning area 910. During scanning, the scanning lamp 302 can control the opening and closing of the light beam BM at any timing, and can form a light shielding portion at any position corresponding to the closing of the light beam BM. The portion other than the light shielding portion in the scanning area 910 is called the irradiation portion.

[0170] The non-scanning lamp 304 illuminates non-scanning areas 920 and 922 partially overlapping the scanning area 910. The non-scanning lamp 304 is configured to be independently controllable to turn on and off the non-scanning areas 920 and 922. Preferably, the non-scanning lamp 304 is configured to make the illumination of the non-scanning areas 920 and 922 variable.

[0171] The controller 306 receives control data D instructing the light distribution pattern from the ADB ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 4. CNT , based on control data D CNT To control the scanning lamp 302 and the non-scanning lamp 304. For example, the control data D CNT The data specifying the light-shielded portion in the light distribution pattern may be included, the data specifying the irradiated portion in the light distribution pattern may be included, or both may be included.

[0172] Fig.15 It is explained based on Fig.14 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing parameters used in controlling the light distribution pattern of the vehicle lamp 300. The θ axis is taken as the horizontal direction, and the position of the edge of the region or portion constituting the light distribution pattern is defined by the angle θ.

[0173] The entire range of the scanning lamp 302 (the maximum width of the scanning area 910 ) is θ1 to θ2 . The scanning area 910 can be understood as a combination of the light shielding portion 916 and the irradiation portion 914 .

[0174] The following describes the cooperation between the non-scanning area 022 on the right side and the scanning area 910. The description on the left side is the opposite.

[0175] The range of the non-scanning area 922 on the right side is θ3 to θ4. In the present embodiment, a extinguishing range 923 (θ5 to θ6) satisfying θ3<θ5<θ6<θ4 is determined. The controller 306 of the vehicle lamp 300 determines the extinguishing range 923 based on the position θ of one end (right edge) of the light shielding portion 916. R The non-scanning area 922 is controlled to be turned on and off based on the positional relationship of θ2 and θ5. In this example, the turning-off range 923 is determined so that θ2=θ5.

[0176] Fig.16 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining the control of turning off the non-scanning area 922 in accordance with the switching of the light distribution pattern. A light distribution pattern 901 is formed before time t0, and a light distribution pattern 902 after the transition is set at time t0. Light distribution patterns 905 and 906 represent intermediate light distribution patterns generated at times t1 and t2 during the transition.

[0177] When a new light distribution pattern 902 is set at time t0, the scanning lamp 302 changes the position θ of the right end of the light shielding portion 916 in the scanning area 910 to R From the initial position θ INIT (<θ3) to the target position θ REF (>θ5). As the light shielding portion 916 expands, the width of the irradiated portion 914R on the right side decreases. During this period, the lighting of the non-scanning area 922 is maintained. And, if the right end of the light shielding portion 916 reaches θ2 at time t2, the irradiated portion 914R on the right side disappears.

[0178] In the present embodiment, since θ2=θ5, the right end of the light shielding portion 916 reaches the light-off range 923 at time t2, and the non-scanning area 922 is turned off.

[0179] Then, during the period from t2 to t3, the position θ of the right end of the light shielding portion 916 is R Towards the target position θ REF The movement continues, but no change is observed in the scan area 910 because the illuminated portion 914R has disappeared.

[0180] In addition, during the period from time t2 to time t3, the illumination of the non-scanning area 922 may be gradually reduced over time.

[0181] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 Timing diagram of the transition of the light distribution pattern. Fig.17 The upper part of represents the parameters in the scanning area 910, and the lower part represents the illumination in the non-scanning area 922. Fig.17 As shown in the upper part of FIG. , the position θ of the edge of the light shielding portion 916 R Towards the target value θ over time REF Move. If at time t2 it becomes θ R =θ5, the illumination of the non-scanning area 922 starts to decrease with time, and the illumination becomes zero at time t3' after a predetermined time τ. R =θ REF The non-scanning lamp 304 is controlled in such a way that the illumination becomes zero at time t3.

[0182] The above is the control of the light distribution pattern accompanied by the extinguishing control of the non-scanning area 922. According to this control, after the irradiation part 914R on the right disappears, the non-scanning area 922 on the right turns off, so as Figure 2 As shown, the irradiated portion 914R can be prevented from remaining, and the discomfort caused to the driver can be reduced.

[0183] Contrary to the description so far, a case where the light distribution pattern 902 in which the non-scanning region 922 is turned off is considered to be transitioned to the light distribution pattern 901 in which the non-scanning region 922 is turned on.

[0184] Fig.18 This is a diagram for explaining lighting control of the non-scanning area 922 accompanying switching of the light distribution pattern. Fig.18 1 shows the transition from the light distribution pattern 902 to the light distribution pattern 901. The light distribution pattern 902 is formed before time t0. In the light distribution pattern 902, the non-scanning area 922 is off, and the right end θ of the light shielding portion 916 of the scanning area 910 is R Included in the extinguishing range 923, specifically, exists in the range that satisfies θ5<θ INIT <θ6 initial position θ INIT .

[0185] The light distribution pattern 901 after the transition is set at time t0. Light distribution patterns 908 and 909 represent intermediate light distribution patterns generated at times t1 and t2 during the transition.

[0186] When a new light distribution pattern 901 is set at time t0, the scanning lamp 302 changes the position θ of the right end of the light shielding portion 916 in the scanning area 910 to R From the initial position θ INIT Towards the target position θ REF (<θ2) and starts to move to the left. However, during the period from time t0 to time t1, the scanning area 910 does not change.

[0187] At time t1, if the position θ of the right end of the light shielding portion 916 is R When the non-scanning area 922 is lit after leaving the extinguishing range 923, R <θ2, the illuminated portion 914R on the right side appears.

[0188] If the right end of the light shielding portion 916 moves in the left direction over time, the width of the light shielding portion 916 becomes narrower and the width of the irradiation portion 914R becomes wider.

[0189] Then, during the period from t2 to t3, the position θ of the right end of the light shielding portion 916 is R Towards the target position θ REF Continue moving, if you reach the target position θ at time t3 REF , the transformation ends.

[0190] Furthermore, during the period from time t1 to a predetermined time τ, the illumination of the non-scanning region 922 may be gradually increased from zero.

[0191] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 Timing diagram of the transition of the light distribution pattern. Fig.19 The upper part of represents the parameters in the scanning area 910, and the lower part represents the illumination in the non-scanning area 922. Fig.19 As shown in the upper part of FIG. , the position θ of the edge of the light shielding portion 916 R Towards the target value θ over time REF Move. If at time t1 it becomes θ R =θ5, the illumination of the non-scanning area 922 starts to increase with time and reaches the rated value at time t4 after a predetermined time τ. The position θ of the edge of the light shielding portion 916 R If the target position is reached at time t3 after further movement, the transition is completed.

[0192] The above is the control of the light distribution pattern accompanied by the lighting control of the non-scanning area 922. According to this control, the connection between the non-scanning area 922 and the scanning area 910 can be improved. This advantage is clear by comparison with the following comparative technology. Fig. 20 It is a timing diagram of the transition of the light distribution pattern of the comparative technology. In the comparative technology, if the changed light distribution pattern 902 is given at time t0, the illuminance of the non-scanning area 922 starts to rise immediately. And at time t4 after a specified time τ from time t0, the illuminance reaches the rated value. Between time t0 and t1, the illuminated part 914R disappears, and after time t1, the illuminated part 914R slides and lights up. That is to say, during the period ΔT from time t4 to t1, the light distribution pattern does not change at all, which becomes a time lag, causing discomfort to the driver. Fig.19 In the control of Fig. 20 Such time lag is eliminated, thereby eliminating the discomfort.

[0193] Next, a specific configuration example of the vehicle lamp 300 is described. The vehicle lamp 300 is divided into a right headlamp and a left headlamp. The right headlamp has the function of irradiating the scanning area 910 and the function of irradiating the non-scanning area 922 on the right side of the vehicle lamp 300, and the left headlamp has the function of irradiating the scanning area 910 and the function of irradiating the non-scanning area 920 on the left side of the vehicle lamp 300. That is, the left headlamp and the right headlamp can be configured to be bilaterally symmetrical.

[0194] Fig.21This is a block diagram of a right headlamp 400R according to Embodiment 2. The right headlamp 400R includes a first light source unit 410A, a second light source unit 410B, a scanning optical system 430, a projection optical system 440, and a lighting circuit 200. The first light source unit 410A is a light source for scanning, and includes at least one light emitting unit 412A. The second light source unit 410B is a light source for widely irradiating the end portion in front of the vehicle in a non-scanning manner, and includes at least one light emitting unit 412B.

[0195] Fig.21 The lighting circuit 200, the first light source unit 410A, the scanning optical system 430 and the projection optical system 440 are Fig.14 The scanning lamp 302 corresponds to the scanning lamp 302. Fig.21 The lighting circuit 200, the second light source unit 410B and the projection optical system 440 are Fig.14 The non-scanning lamp 304 corresponds to the non-scanning lamp 304. Fig.21 part of Fig.14 The controller 306 corresponds to.

[0196] The scanning optical system 430 scans the light beam BM1 emitted from the first light source unit 410A in the horizontal direction by repeating periodic motion. The light beam emitted from the scanning optical system 430 is referred to as a scanning light beam BM SCAN In order to prevent flicker, the scanning frequency of the scanning optical system 430 is set to be 60 Hz or more, for example, about 200 Hz.

[0197] The projection optical system 440 projects the scanning light beam BM scanned by the scanning optical system 430. SCAN The scanning region 910 is formed, and the emission light beam BM2 of the second light source unit 410B is projected to form a non-scanning region 920 partially overlapping with the scanning region 910 .

[0198] The projection optical system 440 can be composed of a reflection optical system, a transmission optical system, or a combination thereof. In addition, the projection optical system 440 can be omitted by appropriately designing the diffusion angle and the emission angle of the light beam emitted from the first light source unit 410A and the second light source unit 410B.

[0199] The lighting circuit 200 drives the first light source unit 410A and the second light source unit 410B independently. The lighting circuit 200 can change the on and off of the irradiation point 912 according to time in synchronization with the scanning movement of the scanning optical system 430. For example, if the brightness of the first light source unit 410A is set to zero in a certain time interval during a scanning period, the area corresponding to the time interval can be shielded. Conversely, by increasing the brightness of the first light source unit 410A in a certain time interval during a scanning period, the area corresponding to the time interval can be irradiated in a point-like manner. The brightness of the first light source unit 410A can be controlled according to the amount of driving current supplied to the light-emitting unit 412A, can be controlled according to the number of light-emitting units 412A that are lit, or can be controlled according to a combination of them.

[0200] In addition, the lighting circuit 200 supplies a constant driving current to the second light source unit 410B regardless of the scanning motion of the scanning optical system 430, so that the brightness is kept constant, thereby maintaining the illumination of the non-scanning area 922 at a specified value. In addition, when switching the light distribution pattern, the lighting circuit 200 changes the brightness of the second light source unit 410B over time, so that the illumination of the non-scanning area 922 gradually changes. The brightness of the second light source unit 410B can be controlled according to the amount of driving current supplied to the light-emitting unit 412B, can be controlled according to the number of light-emitting units 412B that are lit, or can be controlled according to a combination of them.

[0201] Next, a more specific configuration example of the right headlamp 400R will be described. Fig. 22 It is a perspective view of the right headlight 400R according to the second embodiment. Fig. 22 The first light source unit 410A, the scanning optical system 430 and the projection optical system 440 are shown in the figure. As described above, the first light source unit 410A includes a plurality of light-emitting units 412A. The plurality of light-emitting units 412A are connected to the lighting circuit 200 (not shown) via the connector 413. The light-emitting unit 412A includes a semiconductor light source such as an LED (light-emitting diode) or an LD (semiconductor laser). One light-emitting unit 412A constitutes the minimum unit for controlling the brightness and lighting and extinguishing. One light-emitting unit 412A can be one LED chip (LD chip), or it can include a plurality of LED chips (LD chips) connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0202] The scanning optical system 430 receives the emitted light L1 of the first light source unit 410A, and scans the reflected light L2 in the horizontal direction (H direction in the figure) in front of the vehicle by repeated periodic motion. The projection optical system 440 projects the reflected light L2 of the scanning optical system 430 onto a virtual vertical screen in front of the vehicle. The projection optical system 440 can be composed of a reflection optical system, a transmission optical system, and a combination thereof.

[0203] Specifically, the scanning optical system 430 includes a reflector 432 and a motor 434. The reflector 432 is mounted on the rotor of the motor 434 and performs rotational motion. In this embodiment, the reflector 432 is provided with two pieces, and the emitted light L2 is scanned twice by one rotation of the motor 434. Therefore, the scanning frequency is twice the rotation speed of the motor. In addition, the number of reflectors 432 is not particularly limited.

[0204] By rotating the scanning optical system 430 at a high speed, the irradiation point is scanned on the virtual vertical screen, thereby forming a scanning area 910 in front of the vehicle.

[0205] Fig.23 4 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a lamp system including a headlamp 400 . Fig.23 Only the part related to the driving of the light emitting unit 412A of one channel is shown. The ADB ECU 4 receives the camera information S3 and the vehicle information S2. The ADB ECU 4 detects the situation in front of the vehicle based on the camera information S3, specifically, the position of objects such as oncoming vehicles, preceding vehicles, and pedestrians. In addition, the ADB ECU 4 detects the current vehicle speed, steering angle, etc. based on the vehicle information S2. Based on this information, the ADB ECU 4 determines the light distribution pattern to be irradiated in front of the vehicle, and sends the control data S1 indicating the light distribution pattern to the headlamp 400. As described above, the control data S1 includes the pattern designation data S11 indicating the light distribution pattern (basic light distribution pattern) and the shading data S12 indicating the shading portion.

[0206] The lighting circuit 200 controls the light quantity (brightness) of the light emitting unit 412A in synchronization with the rotation of the reflector 432 based on the control data S1. The lighting circuit 200 includes a position detector 202, a cycle operation unit 204, a light quantity operation unit 210, and a driver 220. The cycle operation unit 204 and the light quantity operation unit 210 are referred to as a lamp ECU 206. The lamp ECU 206 can be configured using a microcontroller or a microprocessor, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specified IC).

[0207] The position detector 202 generates a position detection signal S4 indicating the timing when a predetermined reference portion of the reflector 432 passes through a predetermined position. For example, the reference portion may be an end portion (boundary) of two reflectors 432 or the center of each reflector, or may be any portion.

[0208] A Hall element may also be installed in the motor 434 that rotates the reflector 432. In this case, the Hall signal from the Hall element becomes a periodic waveform corresponding to the position of the rotor, that is, the position of the blade (hereinafter referred to as the blade coordinate). The position detector 202 may also detect the timing of the polarity reversal of the Hall signal, and specifically, may also be composed of a Hall comparator that compares a pair of Hall signals.

[0209] The period calculation unit 204 calculates the period Tp of the periodic motion of the blade based on the position detection signal S4 from the position detector 202. For example, when the position detection signal S4 is the output of the Hall comparator, the period calculation unit 204 measures the edge interval (half period) of the position detection signal S4. The period calculation unit 204 can be composed of a counter that counts the edge interval using a clock signal. The period calculation unit 204 outputs period information S5 indicating the measured period.

[0210] The light amount calculation unit 210 receives the control data S1 and calculates the amount of light that the light emitting unit 412A should generate at each time based on the position detection signal S4 and the period Tp indicated by the period information S5.

[0211] For example, the light quantity calculation unit 210 is composed of a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specified IC), etc., and includes functional blocks called a position information generator 212 and a light quantity controller 214.

[0212] The position information generator 212 generates the position information S6 indicating the position of the reflector 432 at each time based on the period information S5 and the position detection signal S4. For example, the position information generator 212 may be composed of a counter that is reset at each edge of the position information detection signal S4 and counts up (or counts down) at each unit time obtained by dividing the period Tp into N (N is an integer).

[0213] The light amount controller 214 calculates the target light amount (lighting on, off) of the light emitting unit 412A at each time based on the control data S1 and the position information S6 , and generates a light amount instruction value S7 indicating the target light amount.

[0214] The correspondence between the blade coordinate X (i.e., position information S6) and the illumination coordinate θ can be derived from the geometric arrangement relationship between the light emitting unit 412A and the reflector 432. The light quantity controller 214 may include a table for storing the correspondence between the position information S6 and the illumination coordinate θ, or may store an arithmetic expression describing the correspondence between them.

[0215] Furthermore, the light quantity controller 214 may also convert the data θ described in the irradiation coordinate θ included in the control data S1 into L ,θ R Data X converted to blade coordinates L , X R Alternatively, the light quantity controller 214 may convert the blade coordinate X indicated by the position information S6 into the irradiation coordinate θ and determine the light quantity at each time.

[0216] The light quantity calculation unit 210 preferably turns off the light emitting unit 412A when the period Tp is longer than a predetermined threshold value, that is, when the rotation speed of the motor 434 is slow. When the movement period Tp of the reflector 432 is long, if the light emitting unit 412A is turned on, the driver will feel flicker (also called flicker), so in such a situation, the discomfort can be prevented by turning off the light emitting unit 412A.

[0217] For example, when the scanning frequency of the irradiation point SP is below 50 Hz, the light emitting unit 412A may be turned off. It is known from experience that if the frequency is below 50 Hz, the flickering will be noticed by the human eye. In the case of using two reflectors 432, it can be said that if the rotation speed of the motor 434 is above 1500 rpm, the flickering will not be noticed.

[0218] The driver 220 receives the light amount command value S7 and turns on the light emitting unit 412A so that the light amount calculated by the light amount calculation unit 210 is obtained at each time.

[0219] The present invention has been described using specific words based on the embodiments, but the embodiments merely illustrate the principles and applications of the present invention, and in the embodiments, multiple variations and configuration changes are recognized without departing from the scope of the concept of the present invention defined in the claims.

[0220] The present invention has been described using specific words based on the embodiments, but the embodiments merely illustrate the principles and applications of the present invention, and in the embodiments, multiple variations and configuration changes are recognized without departing from the scope of the concept of the present invention defined in the claims.

[0221] [Industrial Applicability]

[0222] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp used in automobiles and the like.

[0223] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0224] 1 Vehicle lighting

[0225] 2 Lighting system

[0226] 4 ECU for ADB

[0227] S1 Control Data

[0228] S2 Vehicle Information

[0229] S3 Camera Information

[0230] S4 Position detection signal

[0231] S5 cycle information

[0232] S6 Location Information

[0233] S7 Light intensity command value

[0234] 100 Vehicle lighting

[0235] 102 Low beam unit

[0236] 104 High beam unit

[0237] 110 Variable light distribution lamp

[0238] 112 Light Source

[0239] 114 Reflector

[0240] 116 Motor

[0241] 117 Projection lens

[0242] 120 Controller

[0243] 200 Lighting Circuit

[0244] 202 Position detector

[0245] 204 Cycle calculation unit

[0246] 206 Lighting ECU

[0247] 210 Light quantity calculation unit

[0248] 212 Position Information Generator

[0249] 214 Light Controller

[0250] 220 Driver

[0251] 500 light patterns

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp, It is characterized in that include: Variable light distribution lamps, and a controller for controlling the variable light distribution lamp in such a manner as to obtain a light distribution pattern indicated by the control data; The controller When changing from a first light distribution pattern to a second light distribution pattern having a number of light shielding portions different from that of the first light distribution pattern by 1, a method of gradually changing the light distribution pattern is switched according to a positional relationship between light shielding portions included in the first light distribution pattern and light shielding portions included in the second light distribution pattern, The first light distribution pattern includes a first light shielding portion and a second light shielding portion; The second light distribution pattern includes a third light shielding portion; The controller switches the mode of gradual change control of the light distribution pattern based on the positional relationship among the first light shielding portion, the second light shielding portion, and the third light shielding portion. When the first light-shielding portion and the second light-shielding portion are included in different lighting portions of the second light distribution pattern, the left end of the first light-shielding portion moves toward the left end of the third light-shielding portion, the right end of the second light-shielding portion moves toward the right end of the third light-shielding portion, and the right end of the first light-shielding portion and the left end of the second light-shielding portion move toward a target position included in the third light-shielding portion.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The target position is the center of the third light shielding portion.

3. A vehicle lamp, It is characterized in that include: Variable light distribution lamps, and a controller for controlling the variable light distribution lamp in such a manner as to obtain a light distribution pattern indicated by the control data; The controller switches the mode of gradual change control of the light distribution pattern according to the positional relationship between the light shielding portions included in the first light distribution pattern and the light shielding portions included in the second light distribution pattern when changing from the first light distribution pattern to the second light distribution pattern having the light shielding portions having the number of light shielding portions different from the first light distribution pattern by 1. The first light distribution pattern includes a first light shielding portion and a second light shielding portion; The second light distribution pattern includes a third light shielding portion; The controller switches the mode of gradual change control of the light distribution pattern based on the positional relationship among the first light shielding portion, the second light shielding portion, and the third light shielding portion. When the first light-shielding portion and the second light-shielding portion overlap with the third light-shielding portion, the left end of the first light-shielding portion moves toward the left end of the third light-shielding portion, the right end of the second light-shielding portion moves toward the right end of the third light-shielding portion, and the right end of the first light-shielding portion and the left end of the second light-shielding portion move toward the target position contained in the third light-shielding portion.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 3, characterized in that: The target position is the center of the third light shielding portion.

5. A vehicle lamp, It is characterized in that include: Variable light distribution lamps, and a controller for controlling the variable light distribution lamp in such a manner as to obtain a light distribution pattern indicated by the control data; The controller switches the mode of gradual change control of the light distribution pattern according to the positional relationship between the light shielding portions included in the first light distribution pattern and the light shielding portions included in the second light distribution pattern when changing from the first light distribution pattern to the second light distribution pattern having the light shielding portions having the number of light shielding portions different from the first light distribution pattern by 1. The first light distribution pattern includes a fourth light shielding portion; The second light distribution pattern includes a fifth light shielding portion and a sixth light shielding portion; The controller switches the mode of gradual change control of the light distribution pattern based on the positional relationship among the fourth light shielding portion, the fifth light shielding portion, and the sixth light shielding portion. When the 5th shading part and the 6th shading part overlap with the 4th shading part, the left end of the 4th shading part moves toward the left end of the 5th shading part, and the right end of the 4th shading part moves toward the right end of the 6th shading part, and a new lit part sandwiched by the 5th shading part and the 6th shading part gradually appears over time.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 5, characterized in that: A narrow lit portion serving as a seed is generated at the midpoint of the new lit portion, and the seed is caused to transition to the new lit portion.

7. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The variable light distribution lamp comprises: Semiconductor light sources, and The device receives the emitted light from the semiconductor light source and makes the reflected light scan in front of the vehicle by repeating a predetermined periodic motion.

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