Headlight device

Abstract

The headlamp device (100) comprises: a light source portion (1) which emits a first light; a first optical portion (2) which changes a light distribution pattern of the incident first light; a light receiving portion (4) which detects the incident second light; a second optical portion (3) which projects the light distribution pattern in a predetermined projection direction and allows incident light traveling in the opposite direction of the projection direction to be incident; a third optical portion (5) which emits the first light toward the second optical portion (3) and emits the incident light that has passed through the second optical portion (3) as the second light toward the light receiving portion (4); and a fourth optical portion (6) which focuses the second light emitted from the third optical portion (5) and directs it toward the light receiving portion (4). A portion of the optical axis of a projection optical system (110) including a light source section (1), a first optical section (2) and a second optical section (3) coincides with a portion of the optical axis of an imaging optical system (120) including a second optical section (3), a fourth optical section (6) and a light receiving section (4), and a light distribution pattern is controlled based on a detection result of a second light in the light receiving section (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a headlamp device. Background Art

[0002] A headlamp device is proposed that controls the light distribution pattern of light emitted from a lamp unit, for example, performs ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) control, to prevent dizziness to drivers of other vehicles located in the emission direction of the light (for example, see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the light distribution pattern is switched based on an image captured by a camera so that light is irradiated to a target area and light is not irradiated to other areas.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-166633 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in Patent Document 1, a camera is arranged at a position different from the lamp unit of the headlamp device. That is, in Patent Document 1, the optical axis of the lamp unit is different from the optical axis of the camera. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, the distance at which the field of view of the camera coincides with the irradiation area of ​​the light distribution pattern of the light emitted by the lamp unit is limited. Therefore, it is necessary to perform calibration to make the field of view of the camera coincide with the irradiation area of ​​the light distribution pattern. In addition, when ADB control is also performed on other vehicles located outside the distance at which the field of view of the camera coincides with the irradiation area of ​​the light distribution pattern, an offset occurs between the field of view of the camera and the irradiation area of ​​the light distribution pattern, and therefore, there is a problem of having to unnecessarily increase the extinguishing area.

[0008] The present invention is completed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a headlamp device that suppresses the offset between the field of view for detecting other vehicles located in the emission direction of light (i.e., the field of view of the sensor) and the irradiation area of ​​the light distribution pattern, and improves the control accuracy of the light distribution pattern based on the sensor information as the detection result.

[0009] Means used to solve problems

[0010] A headlamp device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a light source unit that emits a first light; a first optical unit that changes a light distribution pattern of the incident first light; a light receiving unit that detects the incident second light; a second optical unit that projects the light distribution pattern in a predetermined projection direction and allows incident light traveling in a direction opposite to the projection direction to be incident; a third optical unit that emits the first light toward the second optical unit and emits the incident light that has passed through the second optical unit as the second light toward the light receiving unit; and a fourth optical unit that focuses the second light emitted from the third optical unit and directs it toward the light receiving unit, wherein a portion of an optical axis of a projection optical system including the light source unit, the first optical unit, and the second optical unit coincides with a portion of an optical axis of an imaging optical system including the second optical unit, the fourth optical unit, and the light receiving unit, and the light distribution pattern is controlled based on a detection result of the second light in the light receiving unit.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a headlamp device that suppresses the occurrence of a deviation between the field of view of a sensor and the irradiation area of ​​the light distribution pattern and improves the control accuracy of the light distribution pattern of the irradiated light based on sensor information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a side view schematically showing a main structure of the headlamp device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a plan view schematically showing a main structure of the headlamp device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 and 2 A diagram showing the structure of a light source unit.

[0016] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 and 2 The diagram shows the structure of the light receiving unit.

[0017] Figure 5 is shown with Figure 3 A diagram showing an example of a plurality of light distribution patterns corresponding to a plurality of light emitting surfaces shown.

[0018] Figure 6 (A) is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of the first light projected onto the virtual projection plane. Figure 6 (B) is a diagram showing another example of the light distribution pattern of the first light projected onto the virtual projection plane.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a functional block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the headlamp device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 1 A flowchart of the control contents of the control unit shown.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 4 One of the multiple light-receiving surfaces shown and Figure 3 A diagram of an illumination area of ​​a first light emitted from one of a plurality of light emitting surfaces shown.

[0022] Fig.10 (A) is a side view showing an example of a light distribution changing lens. Fig.10 (B) is a plan view showing an example of a light distribution changing lens.

[0023] Fig.11 (A) is a side view showing another example of the light distribution changing lens. Fig.11 (B) is a plan view showing another example of the light distribution changing lens.

[0024] Fig.12 (A) shows a part of the light receiving portion and the light from the headlamp device of the modified example of the first embodiment. Figure 3 A diagram of an illumination area of ​​a first light emitted from one of the plurality of light emitting surfaces shown. Fig.12 (B) is a diagram showing a part of a light receiving portion and a portion of a light receiving portion in a headlamp device according to another modified example of the first embodiment. Figure 3 A diagram of an illumination area of ​​a first light emitted from one of the plurality of light emitting surfaces shown.

[0025] Fig.13 (A) is a diagram showing a configuration of a light source portion of a headlamp device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig.13 (B) shows the light receiving portion and the light from the headlamp device in the second embodiment. Fig.13 (A) is a diagram of multiple irradiation areas of the first light emitted from multiple light-emitting surfaces.

[0026] Fig.14 (A) is a diagram showing a configuration of a light source portion of a headlamp device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig.14 (B) is a diagram showing a light receiving portion and a light receiving portion in a headlamp device according to the third embodiment. Fig.14 (A) is a diagram of multiple irradiation areas of the first light emitted from multiple light-emitting surfaces.

[0027] Fig.15 It is a side view schematically showing a main structure of a headlamp device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, a headlamp device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0029] The headlamp device of the embodiment is, for example, a vehicle headlamp device. The vehicle is, for example, a four-wheeled motor vehicle, a three-wheeled motor vehicle, a two-wheeled motor vehicle, or the like.

[0030] In the following description, the case where the illumination state of light irradiated from the headlamp device of the embodiment is a high beam indicating the illumination state of light for driving is described as an example. The light irradiated by the high beam has a light distribution pattern with a wide range and high illumination compared to the light irradiated by the low beam indicating the illumination state of light for meeting. Therefore, when the headlamp device irradiates light by the high beam, the field of vision of the driver of the vehicle equipped with the headlamp device is ensured to be good. However, when the light is irradiated by the high beam, the driver of the vehicle in front and the oncoming vehicle may feel dizzy. In order to prevent the dizziness, in the headlamp device of the embodiment, control such as ADB control is performed to adjust the light distribution pattern of the light. In the headlamp device of the embodiment, the light distribution pattern of the light irradiated by the high beam is adjusted so that the target area (for example, the area other than the vehicle in front and the oncoming vehicle) becomes the illumination area of ​​the light.

[0031] In the figure, the coordinate axes of the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system are shown for easy understanding of the description. The X-axis is a coordinate axis parallel to the left-right direction of the vehicle. That is, the X-axis direction is the width direction of the vehicle. When facing the front of the vehicle, the left direction is the -X-axis direction, and the right direction is the +X-axis direction. The Y-axis is a coordinate axis parallel to the up-down direction of the vehicle. The upper direction of the vehicle is the +Y-axis direction, and the lower direction of the vehicle is the -Y-axis direction. That is, the +Y-axis side of the vehicle is the sky side, and the -Y-axis side is the road side. The Z-axis is a coordinate axis orthogonal to the X-axis and the Y-axis. The Z-axis direction is the direction of travel of the vehicle. In the following description, the "+Z-axis direction" is also referred to as "front".

[0032] Implementation Method 1

[0033] 〈Structure of headlamp device〉

[0034] Figure 1 This is a side view schematically showing a main structure of the headlamp device 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 1 is a plan view schematically showing the main structure of the headlamp device 100 according to Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, an example in which the headlamp device 100 includes one headlamp module 100a is described. Therefore, in Embodiment 1, the headlamp device 100 is also referred to as a headlamp module 100a.

[0035] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the headlamp device 100 includes a light source unit 1, a first optical unit 2, a second optical unit 3, a light receiving unit 4, a third optical unit 5, and a fourth optical unit 6. Figure 1 and 2 The structure shown.

[0036] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 and 2 The diagram shows the structure of the light source unit 1. Figure 3 Observed from the +Z axis side Figure 1 and 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram of the light source unit 1 shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the light source unit 1 may also include a plurality of light emitting elements 10. The light emitting element 10 is a solid light source. A solid light source is a directional light source. For example, a solid light source is a semiconductor light source. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the light emitting element 10 is a light emitting diode. Alternatively, the solid light source may be an organic electroluminescent light source or a light source that emits light by irradiating excitation light to a phosphor coated on a flat surface.

[0037] In the following description, the surface on the +Z axis side of the light emitting element 10 is referred to as a light emitting surface 11. The light source unit 1 includes a plurality of light emitting surfaces 11. The plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 include N light emitting surfaces 11 arranged along a predetermined arrangement direction. Figure 3 In the above description, N is 5. In addition, N may be an integer greater than 2. The arrangement direction of the plurality of light-emitting surfaces 11 is the X-axis direction. In the following description, the plurality of light-emitting surfaces 11 arranged along the X-axis direction are also denoted as 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, and 11e. Figure 3 In the example shown, a plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 are arranged in a row in a straight line. Alternatively, the light source unit 1 may include a single light emitting surface 11. The light source unit 1 may include a movable shading plate (not shown) or other structure for adjusting light distribution.

[0038] The light emitting surface 11 is, for example, rectangular. Figure 3 In the embodiment, in the light emitting surface 11, the length of the side 111 extending in the X-axis direction is equal to the length of the side 112 extending in the Y-axis direction. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the light emitting surface 11 is in a square shape. However, the light emitting surface 11 is not limited to a square shape or a rectangular shape.

[0039] like Figure 1 and 2As shown, the first optical part 2 is located on the emission direction side (in this example, the +Z axis side) of the light L0 emitted by the light source part 1. The light L0 is incident on the first optical part 2. The first optical part 2 changes the light distribution pattern of the incident light L0. The first optical part 2 is, for example, a light distribution changing lens 20. In addition, the first optical part 2 can also be composed of a reflector. The light distribution changing lens 20 is, for example, a lens with positive optical power.

[0040] The light distribution changing lens 20 is, for example, a convex lens. However, a concave lens may be used as the light distribution changing lens 20. The light distribution changing lens 20 is made of, for example, a transparent resin. Figure 1 and 2 In the embodiment, the light distribution changing lens 20 is composed of a single lens. Alternatively, the light distribution changing lens 20 may be a lens group composed of a plurality of lenses.

[0041] exist Figure 1 In the figure, the optical axis of the light source unit 1 is represented by C1. The optical axis of the light distribution changing lens 20 is represented by C2. The optical axis C1 and the optical axis C2 are, for example, located on the same straight line. That is, the optical axis C1 is consistent with the optical axis C2. In addition, the optical axis C1 of the light source unit 1 and the optical axis C2 of the light distribution changing lens 20 do not necessarily have to be located on the same straight line. At least at the position on the Z axis of the light distribution changing lens 20, the optical axis of the light L0 emitted by the light source unit 1 is consistent with the optical axis C2 of the light distribution changing lens 20. The light distribution changing lens 20 may also have a rotationally asymmetric shape. After using Fig.10 (A) and (B), Fig.11 (A) and (B) describe an example of the light distribution changing lens 20. In the following description, the first light L0 emitted from the light distribution changing lens 20 is denoted as light L1. The light L1 travels in the +Z axis direction, passes through the beam splitter 50, and then enters the projection lens 30.

[0042] The second optical section 3 projects the light distribution pattern of the light L1 formed by the light distribution change lens 20 to a predetermined projection direction (i.e., +Z axis direction) (hereinafter also referred to as "projection"). The second optical section 3 is, for example, a projection lens 30. In addition, the second optical section 3 may also be constituted by a reflector or a combination of a reflector and a lens. In this example, the projection lens 30 is arranged at a position closer to the +Z axis side than the light source section 1 and the light distribution change lens 20. In the Z axis direction, the distance from the light source section 1 to the projection lens 30 is, for example, less than 50 mm. The light L1 incident on the projection lens 30 is transmitted through the projection lens 30 and emitted toward a predetermined irradiation area in front. Here, the "predetermined irradiation area" may also be a predetermined area on the irradiation surface 90 arranged on the +Z axis side (projection direction side) of the projection lens 30.

[0043] The irradiation surface 90 is a virtual projection surface on which the light distribution pattern of the light L1 changed by the light distribution changing lens 20 is projected. Here, the position where the irradiation surface 90 is arranged is the position where the illuminance or photometric intensity of the headlamp device 100 is measured. In the vehicle headlamp device, the position where the illuminance or photometric intensity of the headlamp device is measured is predetermined according to road traffic regulations, etc. For example, the photometric intensity measurement position of the headlamp device determined by UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) is a position separated by 25m from the light source of the headlamp device, and the photometric intensity measurement position determined by JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) is a position separated by 10m from the light source of the headlamp device. In embodiment 1, the irradiation surface 90 is arranged at a position separated by 25m from the light source unit 1 of the headlamp device 100 in the +Z axis direction. In the following description, the light distribution pattern of the light L1 projected onto the irradiation surface 90 is denoted by D.

[0044] The projection lens 30 projects the light distribution pattern D of the light L1 onto the irradiation surface 90. The projection lens 30 is, for example, a lens having positive refractive power. Figure 1 and 2 In the embodiment, the projection lens 30 is composed of one lens. Alternatively, the projection lens 30 may be a lens group composed of a plurality of lenses. However, when the projection lens 30 is a lens group, the more the number of lenses increases, the lower the light utilization efficiency. Therefore, the projection lens 30 is preferably composed of one or two lenses. The projection lens 30 is made of, for example, a transparent resin.

[0045] exist Figure 1 and 2 In FIG. 1 , the optical axis of the projection lens 30 is represented by C3. The projection lens 30 may also have a rotationally symmetrical shape with the optical axis C3 as the rotation axis. Here, the optical axis C1 of the light source unit 1 and the optical axis C3 are located on the same straight line. That is, the optical axis C1 and the optical axis C3 are consistent. In addition, the optical axis C2 and the optical axis C3 of the light distribution changing lens 20 are located on the same straight line. That is, the optical axis C2 and the optical axis C3 are consistent.

[0046] The incident light L2 traveling in the opposite direction (-Z axis direction) to the projection direction enters the projection lens 30. The incident light L2 passes through the projection lens 30 and is reflected by the beam splitter 50, and then enters the light receiving unit 4 as the light L3.

[0047] The light receiving unit 4 is arranged between the light distribution changing lens 20 and the projection lens 30 in the Z-axis direction. The light receiving unit 4 is a light detecting unit that detects the second light, that is, the light L3, which is emitted from a predetermined light receiving area in front and incident through the projection lens 30. The light L3 is the detection light detected by the light receiving unit 4. Here, the "predetermined light receiving area" may also be a predetermined area existing on the +Z-axis side (projection direction side) of the projection lens 30. The predetermined light receiving area may also be, for example, an area at least including the above-mentioned "predetermined irradiation area". For example, when there is an object emitting light in the irradiation area of ​​the irradiated light L1 on the +Z-axis side of the projection lens 30, the light L3 may also be light emitted from the object. As an example, when there is an oncoming vehicle in the predetermined light receiving area in front, the light L3 may also be light irradiated from the headlight of the oncoming vehicle. In addition, when the predetermined light receiving area in front includes the preceding vehicle, the light L3 may also be light irradiated from the taillight of the preceding vehicle. Furthermore, for example, when there is an object that reflects light in the irradiated area of ​​the irradiated light L1 on the +Z axis side relative to the projection lens 30, the light L3 may also be the light L1 reflected by the object. As an example, when there is a pedestrian wearing a reflective material or a road surface or guardrail coated with a reflective material in a predetermined light receiving area in front, the light L3 may also be the light reflected by these objects. In this way, the object serving as the light emitting point of the light L3 may be any object (the road surface, an oncoming vehicle, a preceding vehicle, a pedestrian, etc.) located on the +Z axis side relative to the projection lens 30. In addition, as described later, by making the detection timing in the light receiving unit 4 different from the light emission timing of the light source unit 1, the light L3 may also be limited to the light emitted from other objects (that is, the reflected light of the light L1 is excluded from the light L3).

[0048] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 and 2 The diagram shows the structure of the light receiving unit 4. Figure 4 Viewed from the -Y axis side Figure 1 and 2 FIG. 4 is a diagram of the light receiving portion 4 shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the light receiving unit 4 may also include a plurality of light receiving elements 40. The light receiving element 40 is, for example, a semiconductor element that converts the energy of received light into an electrical signal. The light receiving element 40 is, for example, a photodiode, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxiside Semiconductor) image sensor, etc. The light receiving unit 4 may also be a line sensor including a plurality of light receiving elements 40. In the following description, the surface on the -Y axis side of the light receiving element 40 is referred to as the light receiving surface 41.

[0049] The light receiving portion 4 includes a plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 arranged along the X-axis direction. In the following description, the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 arranged along the X-axis direction will also be denoted as 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, and 41e. The plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 include M light receiving surfaces 41 arranged along a direction corresponding to the arrangement direction of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11. Here, the "direction corresponding to the arrangement direction of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11" includes a direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 and a direction that is not parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 but is inclined relative to the arrangement direction of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 are arranged along the X-axis direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11. Figure 4 In the embodiment 1, the number M of the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 is equal to Figure 3 The number N of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 shown is equal. Therefore, in Embodiment 1, the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 corresponds to the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 one by one. M is preferably an integer greater than 2. In addition, the light receiving unit 4 may include only one light receiving surface 41.

[0050] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 may be arranged in a straight line in a row. The light receiving surface 41 is, for example, rectangular. Figure 4 In the example shown, in the light receiving surface 41, the side 412 extending along the Z axis direction is longer than the side 411 extending along the X axis direction. That is, the light receiving surface 41 is a rectangular shape that is longer in the Z axis direction. This is because by providing a margin in the up-down direction (i.e., the Z axis direction) of the light receiving surface 41, a vehicle or pedestrian in front of the moving body can be reliably detected. However, the light receiving surface 41 is not limited to a rectangular shape.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the third optical part 5 is an optical component arranged between the light distribution change lens 20 and the projection lens 30 in the Z-axis direction. The third optical part 5 is, for example, a beam splitter 50. In addition, the third optical part 5 can also be composed of a dichroic mirror. The beam splitter 50 can also emit the incident light L1 in the +Z-axis direction. The light source part 1 is arranged at a position closer to the -Z-axis side than the beam splitter 50. The beam splitter 50 emits the light L1 incident from the -Z-axis side in the +Z-axis direction as illumination light. In the following description, the "+Z-axis direction" is also referred to as the "emitting direction".

[0052] In addition, the light receiving unit 4 is arranged at a position closer to the +Y axis side than the beam splitter 50. The beam splitter 50 guides the incident light L2 incident via the projection lens 30 to the light receiving unit 4. Specifically, the beam splitter 50 emits the incident light L2 traveling in the opposite direction (i.e., the -Z axis direction) to the emission direction of the light L1 as the light L3 toward the light receiving unit 4. In Embodiment 1, the beam splitter 50 transmits the light L1 and emits it in the emission direction, and reflects the incident light L2 and emits it as the light L3 toward the light receiving unit 4.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the beam splitter 50 has a property of transmitting the light L1, that is, light transmittance. In addition, the beam splitter 50 includes a surface 50a that reflects the incident light L2. The angle of the surface 50a relative to the optical axis C1 is 45 degrees. However, the angle is not limited to 45 degrees. The incident light L2 is reflected by the surface 50a, and the incident light L2 travels in the +Y axis direction as the light L3 toward the light receiving unit 4.

[0054] In Embodiment 1, the surface 50a reflects the incident light L2 by Fresnel reflection. The surface 50a may also be a surface that is coated with a semi-mirror film or the like. When the surface 50a is a surface that reflects the incident light L2 by Fresnel reflection, light transmittance is improved compared to when the surface 50a is a surface that is coated with a semi-mirror film. Therefore, the light L1 can be efficiently incident on the projection lens 30.

[0055] The fourth optical portion 6 is arranged between the beam splitter 50 and the light receiving portion 4 in the Y-axis direction. The light L3 is incident on the fourth optical portion 6. The fourth optical portion 6 focuses the incident light L3 and directs it toward the light receiving portion 4. The fourth optical portion 6 is, for example, a focusing lens 60. In addition, the fourth optical portion 6 may also be composed of a reflector. The focusing lens 60 is, for example, a lens having positive optical power. The focusing lens 60 is, for example, a convex lens. Since the focusing lens 60 and the projection lens 30 have positive optical power, the light L3 incident on the focusing lens 60 via the projection lens 30 and the beam splitter 50 is imaged in the light receiving portion 4. In this way, the focusing lens 60 is a lens for imaging the scenery in front of the vehicle equipped with the headlamp device 100 in the light receiving portion 4. Therefore, the focusing lens 60 has an optical power different from that of the light distribution change lens 20.

[0056] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment 1, the optical axis of the light receiving unit 4 is represented by C4, and the optical axis of the focusing lens 60 is represented by C6. The optical axis C4 and the optical axis C6 are located on the same straight line. That is, the optical axis C4 and the optical axis C6 are consistent. In embodiment 1, the focusing lens 60 may also have a rotationally symmetrical shape with the optical axis C6 as the rotation axis. The optical axis C6 is consistent with the optical axis C3 of the projection lens 30 on the +Z axis side of the beam splitter 50.

[0057] The light source unit 1, the light distribution changing lens 20, and the projection lens 30 of the headlamp device 100 constitute a projection optical system 110, and the projection optical system 110 irradiates the light L1 as illumination light toward a predetermined irradiation area in front of the vehicle equipped with the headlamp device 100. In addition, the projection lens 30, the condenser lens 60, and the light receiving unit 4 of the headlamp device 100 constitute an imaging optical system 120 for photographing the front of the vehicle equipped with the headlamp device 100. That is, the projection optical system 110 and the imaging optical system 120 share the projection lens 30 as the second optical unit 3.

[0058] As described above, the optical axis C6 of the condenser lens 60 constituting the imaging optical system 120 coincides with the optical axis C3 of the projection lens 30 constituting the projection optical system 110 on the +Z axis side of the beam splitter 50. That is, a portion of the optical axis of the projection optical system 110 coincides with a portion of the optical axis of the imaging optical system 120.

[0059] In the projection optical system 110 and the camera optical system 120, a part of the optical axis is shared, and the projection lens 30 is shared, thereby making it easy to make the irradiation range of the light L1 irradiated from the headlamp device 100 consistent with the incident range of the incident light L2 incident on the headlamp device 100, and suppressing the offset between the field of view for detecting a vehicle located in the irradiation direction of the light L1 and the irradiation range of the light distribution pattern of the light L1.

[0060] In the headlamp device 100 described above, the light source unit 1 is arranged at a position on the -Z axis side relative to the beam splitter 50, and the light receiving unit 4 is arranged at a position on the +Y axis side relative to the beam splitter 50. Therefore, the beam splitter 50 is an optical component that transmits the light L1 and emits it in the +Z axis direction, and reflects the incident light L2 and directs it toward the light receiving unit 4, but the beam splitter 500 may be another optical component. For example, in the headlamp device 100, the light receiving unit 4 may be arranged at a position on the -Z axis side relative to the beam splitter 50, and the light source unit 1 may be arranged at a position on the +Y axis side relative to the beam splitter 50. That is, the beam splitter 50 may be an optical component that reflects the light L1 and directs it in the +Z axis direction, and transmits the incident light L2 and directs it toward the light receiving unit 4.

[0061] 〈Light distribution pattern〉

[0062] Next, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The light distribution pattern D of the light L1 shown will be described. Figure 5 is shown with Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of light distribution patterns Da to De corresponding to the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 a to 11 e , respectively. Figure 6 (A) is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern D of the light L1.

[0063] Figure 5 The multiple light distribution patterns Da to De shown are light distribution patterns of multiple lights L0 emitted from the multiple light emitting surfaces 11a to 11e. For example, the light distribution pattern Da is the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the light emitting surface 11a. The multiple light distribution patterns Da to De before entering the light distribution change lens 20 are, for example, square shapes similar to the shapes of the multiple light emitting surfaces 11a to 11e. The result of changing (also called "forming") such multiple light distribution patterns Da to De into a rectangular shape through the light distribution change lens 20 and synthesizing them is, for example, forming Figure 6 The light distribution pattern D of the light L1 shown in (A) is projected onto the irradiation surface 90.

[0064] in addition, Figure 5 The simulation results before the plurality of light distribution patterns Da to De are synthesized by the light distribution changing lens 20 are shown. Figure 6 (A) is shown in Figure 3 The diagram is a diagram showing the simulation result of the light distribution pattern D projected onto the irradiation surface 90 when all of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 a to 11 e are turned on.

[0065] here, Figure 3 The multiple light-emitting surfaces 11 shown are Figure 4 Specifically, the multiple regions where the multiple light distribution patterns Da to De are projected onto the irradiation surface 90 correspond to the multiple detection regions of the light L3 detected by the multiple light receiving surfaces 41. That is, the light L3 incident on the multiple light receiving surfaces 41 ( Figure 1 As shown) from projecting a plurality of light distribution patterns Da to De onto the irradiation surface 90 ( Figure 6 It emits from multiple areas as shown in (A).

[0066] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown in (A), the light receiving surfaces 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, and 41e detect incident light emitted from positions overlapping with the positions where the light distribution patterns Da, Db, Dc, Dd, and De are projected (i.e., a portion of the incident light L2). The plurality of light receiving surfaces 41a to 41e transmit the detection results (e.g., detection signals corresponding to the detected light) to the respective Figure 1 and 2 The control unit 7 outputs the detection result. The detection result may be, for example, a signal indicating the amount of light received, or a flag indicating whether the amount of light received is greater than a predetermined threshold value T1. The above detection result is only an example. The control unit 7 performs the following control, for example: the light-emitting surface 11 corresponding to the light-receiving surface 41 that detects the light having a light received amount greater than the predetermined threshold value T1 among the plurality of light-emitting surfaces 11 is turned off, and the other light-emitting surfaces 11 are turned on.

[0067] Figure 6(B) is a diagram showing another example of the light distribution pattern D of the light L1. Figure 6 (B) is in Figure 3 The simulation result of the light distribution pattern D projected onto the irradiation surface 90 when the four light-emitting surfaces 11a, 11b, 11d, and 11e are turned on is shown in FIG. Figure 6 In (B), the light emitting surface 11c is off. Figure 6 The light distribution pattern D shown in (B) has a first light distribution pattern D1 and a second light distribution pattern D2. The first light distribution pattern D1 is a light distribution pattern formed by combining the light distribution pattern Da and the light distribution pattern Db. The second light distribution pattern D2 is a light distribution pattern formed by combining the light distribution pattern Dd and the light distribution pattern De. That is, Figure 6 In (B), Figure 6 The light distribution pattern Dc shown in (A) is not projected onto the irradiation surface 90 .

[0068] 〈Control Department〉

[0069] Next, the details of the control unit 7 will be described. Figure 7 1 is a functional block diagram showing the structure of the headlamp device 100. Figure 7 As shown, the headlamp device 100 may also include a control unit 7 connected to the light source unit 1 and the light receiving unit 4. The control unit 7 causes the light source unit 1 to adjust the light distribution pattern of the light L1 based on the detection signal corresponding to the light L3 detected by the light receiving unit 4. Here, the detection signal output from the light receiving unit 4 is a signal corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 4. The control unit 7 controls the light emission of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 based on the signal corresponding to the amount of light received by the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41, thereby causing the light source unit 1 to adjust the light distribution pattern.

[0070] The light source unit 1 includes a Figure 3 The driving circuit (not shown) of the light source driving unit drives the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 shown. Figure 3 The plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 shown are turned on and off respectively, so that the light source unit 1 emits the light L0 as the first light.

[0071] In this example, a unit that can control the amount of light emitted (including turning on and off) independently of each other is sometimes referred to as a "control unit". Below, as an example of such a "control unit", a light-emitting surface 11 and a light-emitting element 10 corresponding to the light-emitting surface 11 are illustrated. However, the control unit and the light-emitting surface 11 (and thus the light-emitting element 10) do not necessarily have to be consistent. For example, multiple control units can also share one optical surface. Even in the case where the boundaries of such a light-emitting surface are unclear, a case where there are multiple units that can independently control the amount of light emitted is also regarded as having multiple light-emitting surfaces 11. In addition, in such a case, the expression "multiple light-emitting surfaces 11" can also be replaced by "multiple control units that emit light through one or more light-emitting surfaces included in the light source unit 1".

[0072] In addition, in this example, the unit that can detect the amount of light received (including the determination of the presence or absence of light reception) independently of each other is sometimes referred to as a "detection unit". Figure 4 As shown, a light receiving surface 41 and a light receiving element 40 corresponding to the light receiving surface 41 are illustrated. However, the detection unit and the light receiving surface 41 (and thus the light receiving element 40) do not necessarily have to be consistent. For example, a plurality of detection units can also share one optical surface. Even in the case where the boundary of such a light receiving surface is unclear, a case where there are a plurality of units that can independently detect the amount of light received is also regarded as having a plurality of light receiving surfaces 41. In addition, in this case, the expression "a plurality of light receiving surfaces 41" can also be replaced by "a plurality of detection units that receive light through one or more light receiving surfaces included in the light receiving portion 4".

[0073] In Embodiment 1, the control unit 7 controls the light source unit 1 to adjust the light distribution pattern by changing the light emission of each of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11. Here, the control of changing the light emission of each of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 includes not only the control of changing the light emission of each of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 continuously or in stages, but also the control of turning on and off the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11. In the following description, the control of the control unit 7 turning on and off the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 is taken as an example.

[0074] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the control unit 7 includes a threshold determination unit 71 and a light source control unit 72. The detection signal output from the light receiving unit 4 is input to the threshold determination unit 71. The detection signal output from the light receiving unit 4 includes the detection signal output from the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 ( Figure 4 Multiple signals output by the device.

[0075] The threshold determination unit 71 determines whether the intensity of the light L3 detected by the light receiving unit 4 is above a predetermined threshold value based on a plurality of signals output from a plurality of light receiving surfaces 41. The threshold value is set based on the structure of the optical system of the headlamp device 100 or the specifications of the light receiving unit 4. The threshold value is set, for example, based on the amount of light irradiated from another vehicle that is located at a position separated from the headlamp device 100 by a predetermined distance (e.g., 100 m) in the +Z axis direction. In Embodiment 1, the threshold determination unit 71 determines whether the intensity of the light L3 detected by the light receiving unit 4 is above a threshold value during the off time when the light source unit 1 is off. In addition, the threshold determination unit 71 determines whether the intensity of the light L3 detected by each of the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 is above a threshold value.

[0076] When determining that the intensity of the light L3 detected by at least one of the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 is equal to or greater than the threshold, the threshold determination unit 71 outputs a signal indicating the determination result to the light source control unit 72 .

[0077] The light source control unit 72 performs the operation based on the signal output from the threshold determination unit 71. Figure 3 Specifically, the light source control unit 72 controls the light emitting surface 11 corresponding to the light receiving surface 41 incident with the light L3 having an intensity greater than a predetermined threshold value among the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 to be turned off and the other light emitting surfaces 11 to be turned on.

[0078] Furthermore, the light source control unit 72 controls the light source unit 1 so that the light source unit 1 periodically repeats an operation of lighting up during a predetermined lighting time and turning off during a turning off time shorter than the lighting time.

[0079] The control unit 7 may not include the threshold determination unit 71. For example, the control unit 7 may control the light emission of the light source unit 1 to continuously decrease or turn off the light source unit 1 based on the light reception amount of the light L3 detected by the light receiving unit 4.

[0080] The control unit 7 is, for example, a control circuit formed of a semiconductor integrated circuit or a processor that executes a program stored in a memory.

[0081] Figure 8 7 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the control unit 7. Figure 8 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 is used to control the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 ( Figure 3 The method of emitting light is described as shown in FIG. Figure 8 In the flowchart shown, a loop process is performed in which the processes of steps S1 to S4 are repeated.

[0082] First, it is determined whether the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 receive light (step S1). In step S1, if it is determined that the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 do not receive light L3, that is, if there is no preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle, the control unit 7 controls all the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 to light up (step S2). Figure 6 The light distribution pattern D shown in (A) is projected onto the irradiation surface 90 .

[0083] In step S1, when it is determined that at least one of the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 receives the light L3, that is, when there is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle in front, it is determined whether the amount of light received by the light receiving surface 41 is greater than a threshold value (step S3). In step S3, when it is determined that the amount of light received is less than the threshold value, the process returns to step S1.

[0084] In step S3, when it is determined that the amount of received light is greater than the threshold, the control unit 7 controls the light emitting surface 11 corresponding to the light receiving surface 41 that detects the light L3 having a light receiving amount greater than the threshold among the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 to turn off (step S4). Figure 4 When the light receiving amount of the light L3 detected by the light receiving surface 41c among the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41a to 41e shown is equal to or greater than the threshold value, Figure 3 The light-emitting surface 11c corresponding to the light-receiving surface 41c among the plurality of light-emitting surfaces 11a to 11e shown in the figure is turned off, and the other light-emitting surfaces 11a, 11b, 11d, and 11e continue to light up. Figure 6 The light distribution pattern D shown in (B) is projected onto the irradiated surface 90. In this way, the light distribution pattern D is controlled based on the detection result of the light receiving unit 4.

[0085] Next, other control methods of the control unit 7 are described. Figure 8 In the control method shown, when a certain light receiving surface 41 detects a light receiving amount exceeding a threshold value, the light distribution pattern is changed. Therefore, when a certain light receiving surface 41 repeatedly detects light having a light receiving amount exceeding the threshold value, the control unit 7 repeatedly switches the light distribution pattern. As a result, the driver riding in the vehicle irradiated with the light L1 feels uncomfortable. Therefore, the control unit 7 may also perform control for adjusting the light distribution pattern when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0086] Specifically, the threshold determination unit 71 may also determine whether the number of times the intensity of the light L3 incident on the light receiving unit 4 becomes above a predetermined threshold value becomes above a predetermined reference number of times within a predetermined time. Here, the "predetermined time" is preferably set to a time of less than 1 second. This is because, if the predetermined time is too long, the vehicle equipped with the headlamp device 100 is too close to the distance of other vehicles (for example, oncoming vehicles) and the light distribution pattern cannot be appropriately changed.

[0087] 〈Relationship between the light-receiving surface and the area irradiated by the illumination light〉

[0088] Next, the relationship between the light receiving surface 41 and the irradiation area of ​​the light L1 as the illumination light will be described. Fig. 9 In the headlamp device 100 of the first embodiment, Figure 4 One of the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 shown in FIG. 41a and the Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an irradiation area R20 of light emitted from one light emitting surface 11a among the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 shown in FIG. Fig. 9 and the following Fig.12 (A), (B), Fig.13 (B) and Fig.14 In (B), in order to explain the correspondence between the light receiving surface and the irradiation area of ​​the light L1, the irradiation area R20 is shown superimposed on the light receiving surface.

[0089] In addition, Fig. 9 and the following Fig.12 (A), (B), Fig.13 (B) and Fig.14 In (B), in order to facilitate the understanding of the description of the light receiving unit, the X1Y1Z1 orthogonal coordinate system is used as a new coordinate system. The X1Y1Z1 orthogonal coordinate system is a coordinate system in which the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is observed from the -Y axis side. The X1 axis is the same as the X axis. The Z1 axis is parallel to the Y axis. In the following description, Figure 4 The light receiving area of ​​one of the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 shown is denoted as R10. Figure 3 The irradiation region of the light L1 emitted from one light emitting surface 11 among the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 shown is denoted as R20.

[0090] like Fig. 9As shown, the irradiation area R20 includes a first irradiation area R21 as the central area of ​​the irradiation area R20 and a second irradiation area R22 as an annular area outside the first irradiation area R21. The first irradiation area R21 is an irradiation area irradiated with light having a light amount (i.e., light intensity) greater than a predetermined threshold value T2. The second irradiation area R22 is an irradiation area irradiated with light having a light amount (i.e., light intensity) less than the threshold value T2. In this example, both the first irradiation area R21 and the second irradiation area R22 are elliptical shapes that are longer in the Y-axis direction.

[0091] The length A of the side in the Z1 axis direction of the light receiving surface 41a is consistent with or greater than the major diameter C of the elliptical first irradiation area R21. The light receiving area R10 of the light receiving surface 41a includes a first light receiving area R11 and a second light receiving area R12. The first light receiving area R11 is an area corresponding to the irradiation area R20. Specifically, the first light receiving area R11 is a region for the light L3 ( Figure 1 The area where the detection is performed is shown.

[0092] The second light receiving region R12 is disposed adjacent to the first light receiving region R11 in the Z1-axis direction. Fig. 9 As shown, the light receiving region R10 may also have two second light receiving regions R12. In addition, the light receiving region R10 may also have one second light receiving region R12. Since the light receiving region R10 has the second light receiving region R12, the size of the light receiving region R10 is larger than the size of the irradiation region R20 in the Z1 axis direction. That is, the size of the light receiving surface 41a is larger than the size of the irradiation region R20 in the Z1 axis direction. In addition, in Embodiment 1, an example is shown in which the size of each of the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 is larger than the size of the irradiation region R20, but the size of at least one of the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 may be larger than the size of the irradiation region R20.

[0093] The second light receiving area R12 is a light receiving area that does not correspond to the irradiation area R20. That is, the light receiving area R10 of the light receiving surface 41a may also include an area other than the area corresponding to the irradiation area R20 of the light L1 emitted from the light emitting surface 11a, wherein the light emitting surface 11a constitutes a control unit corresponding to the light receiving surface 41a. Light emitted from the outside of the irradiation area R20 is incident on the second light receiving area R12. Specifically, light emitted from the outside of the irradiation area R20 in the up and down directions is incident on the second light receiving area R12. That is, light emitted from an area larger than the irradiation area R20 of the light L1 is incident on the light receiving surface 41a as incident light. It is predicted that the light detected by the second light receiving area R12 is incident on the first light receiving area R11 after being incident on the second light receiving area R12.

[0094] The light receiving unit 4 sends a signal corresponding to the light detected in the first light receiving region R11 and a signal corresponding to the light detected in the second light receiving region R12 to the control unit 7 ( Figure 1 and 2 The control unit 7 controls the light source unit 1 ( Figure 1 and 2 In addition, the control unit 7 can adjust the light distribution pattern of the light source unit 1 before the light L3 having a light amount greater than the threshold value T1 is incident on the first light receiving area R11 based on the prediction signal corresponding to the light detected in the second light receiving area R12. Fig. 9 Although two second light receiving regions R12 are shown in the figure, the number of the second light receiving regions R12 may be one, or may be three or more.

[0095] 〈Light distribution change lens〉

[0096] Next, the light distribution changing lens 20 will be described in detail. Fig.10 (A) is a side view showing an example of the light distribution changing lens 20 . Fig.10 (B) is a top view showing an example of the light distribution changing lens 20. Fig.10 As shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 1 , the light distribution changing lens 20 is, for example, a toroidal lens. Fig.10 The shape of the surface 20 a in the Y-axis direction shown in (A) is a convex curve having a curvature in the Y-axis direction. Fig.10 The shape of the surface 20b in the X-axis direction shown in (B) is a convex curve having a curvature in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the light distribution changing lens 20 has positive refractive power in the X-axis direction and positive refractive power in the Y-axis direction. Fig.10 In the examples of (A) and (B), the curvature of the surface 20a in the Y-axis direction is greater than the curvature of the surface 20b in the X-axis direction. That is, the positive optical power in the Y-axis direction is greater than the positive optical power in the X-axis direction. Here, the optical power is the refractive power.

[0097] As described above, the light L0 emitted from the light source unit 1 is incident on the light distribution changing lens 20. Figure 3 When all the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 shown are lit, if the light L0 is incident on the light distribution changing lens 20, the plurality of light distribution patterns Da to De ( Figure 5 As shown) are arranged along the X-axis direction on the irradiation surface 90.

[0098] In addition, the shapes of the plurality of light distribution patterns Da to De are each a rectangular shape in which the square shape of the light emitting surface 11 is stretched along the Y-axis direction by the positive refractive power of the light distribution change lens 20 in the Y-axis direction. That is, the light distribution pattern of the light L0 from each light emitting surface 11 before entering the light distribution change lens 20 is a square shape, but the light distribution pattern after passing through the light distribution change lens 20 is a rectangular shape that is longer in the Y-axis direction. For example, the ends of the plurality of light distribution patterns Da to De projected onto the irradiation surface 90 in the Y-axis direction are much more blurred than the ends in the X-axis direction. That is, the boundary lines of the ends of the light distribution patterns Da to De in the Y-axis direction become unclear.

[0099] In this example, the annular lens comprises a cylindrical lens. Fig.11 (A) is a side view showing a cylindrical lens as another example of the annular lens. Fig.11 (B) is a plan view showing a cylindrical lens as another example of the annular lens. Fig.11 The shape of the surface 20 a in the Y-axis direction shown in (A) is a convex curve having a curvature in the Y-axis direction. Fig.11 The shape of the surface 20b in the X-axis direction shown in (B) is a straight line without curvature in the X-axis direction. Fig.11 The light distribution changing lens 20 shown in (A) and (B) has positive optical power in the Y-axis direction and does not have positive optical power in the X-axis direction. In addition, the light distribution changing lens 20 may be, for example, a free-form surface lens as long as it can form a light distribution pattern that stretches the aspect ratio of the light emitting surface 11 of the light source unit 1 in the Y-axis direction. For example, the light distribution changing lens 20 may also be a free-form surface lens having different curvatures in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In addition, the above example is an example for making the light distribution pattern of light emitted by the light source unit 1 having a plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 arranged along the Z-axis direction become a light distribution shape required for a vehicle lamp, and is not limited to this when there is one light emitting surface 11 or when a plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 are arranged along the Y-axis direction. In addition, as described later, this is not limited to the case of stretching using the projection lens 30.

[0100] In addition, the lens for changing the light distribution pattern of the light L0 is not limited to the light distribution changing lens 20, and may also be Figure 1 and Figure 2 That is, the projection lens 30 may also be Fig.10 (A) and (B), Fig.11 The annular lens or free-form surface lens shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 2 may also be a lens 20 for changing the light distribution and a lens 30 for projecting light. Fig.10 (A) and (B), Fig.11In addition, when the curvature of the projection lens 30 is made different in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, the curvature of the focusing lens 60 can also be made different in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction to absorb (also called "invalidate") the change (also called "difference") of the curvature of the projection lens 30 between the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0101] In the first embodiment, the light distribution pattern D ( Figure 6 (A) and (B) are projected onto Figure 1 In the following description, the composite focus of the light distribution changing lens 20 and the projection lens 30 in the X-axis direction is represented by F1. In addition, the focus of the focusing lens 60 on the light receiving unit 4 side is represented by F2. The composite focus F1 is the focus on the -Z axis side of the light distribution changing lens 20 and the projection lens 30. Figure 2 As shown, the position of the synthetic focus F1 in the Z-axis direction overlaps with the position of the light source unit 1 in the Z-axis direction. In this way, the light distribution changing lens 20 and the projection lens 30 are arranged so that the position of the synthetic focus F1 in the X-axis direction overlaps with the position of the light emitting surface 11 of the light source unit 1 in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the image of the light emitting surface 11 is magnified in the X-axis direction and projected onto the virtual projection plane.

[0102] In addition, the position of the synthetic focus F1 may be a position offset in the ±Z-axis direction compared to the position of the light-emitting surface 11 of the light source unit 1. For example, the position of the synthetic focus F1 may be less than ±2 mm relative to the position of the light-emitting surface 11 of the light source unit 1. Here, the virtual projection plane 90 may be a plane located at the position of the focus of the light-receiving unit 4. In this case, it may be configured so that the distance on the optical axis of the imaging optical system 120 from the virtual projection plane 90 to the focus F2 on the light-receiving unit 4 side of the condenser lens 60 is substantially consistent with the distance on the optical axis of the projection optical system 110 from the virtual projection plane 90 to the synthetic focus F1 (within an error of 1 mm). Thus, it is possible to generate appropriate blurring of the boundaries of the multiple light distribution patterns Da to De of the light L0 irradiated from the multiple light-emitting surfaces 11 in the X-axis direction. That is, in the light distribution pattern D formed by the multiple light distribution patterns Da to De, the boundaries of the multiple light distribution patterns Da to De can be made unclear, so that the illumination unevenness in the light distribution pattern actually projected after they are overlapped can be suppressed. Therefore, by appropriately setting the positions of the light distribution changing lens 20 and the projection lens 30 in the Z-axis direction, it is possible to suppress uneven illumination in the light distribution pattern D projected onto the irradiation surface 90 .

[0103] As described above, the irradiation surface 90 in the X-axis direction is in an imaging relationship with the light source unit 1, so that Figure 6The light distribution pattern D is projected onto the irradiation surface 90 as shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. Specifically, the light source unit 1 is in an imaging relationship with respect to any point on the irradiation surface 90, so that at least the edge in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the light distribution pattern D can be clearly projected onto the irradiation surface 90. Here, in the Y-axis direction, the irradiation surface 90 and the light source unit 1 may not be in an imaging relationship.

[0104] <Effects of Implementation Method 1>

[0105] According to the headlamp device 100 of the first embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained.

[0106] In the headlamp device 100, in the projection optical system 110 and the camera optical system 120, a part of the optical axis is common to each other, and the projection lens 30 is shared, thereby making it easy to make the irradiation range of the light L1 irradiated from the headlamp device 100 consistent with the incident range of the incident light L2 incident on the headlamp device 100, and suppressing the offset between the field of view for detecting a vehicle located in the irradiation direction of the light and the irradiation range of the light distribution pattern.

[0107] Furthermore, by using the projection lens 30 in common in the projection optical system 110 and the imaging optical system 120 , the appearance of the headlamp device 100 can be improved.

[0108] In addition, in the headlamp device 100, the projection optical system 110 includes a light distribution change lens 20, and the camera optical system 120 includes a focusing lens 60. Thus, by making the shape or curvature of the light distribution change lens 20 different from the shape or curvature of the focusing lens 60, the shape or blur amount of the irradiation area of ​​the light distribution pattern of the light L1 and the camera area in front of the vehicle can be controlled.

[0109] Furthermore, by making the curvature of the light distribution changing lens 20 different in the X-axis direction (i.e., horizontal direction) and the Y-axis direction (i.e., vertical direction), it is possible to control the blur amount in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction for the light distribution pattern D projected onto the irradiation surface 90. In Embodiment 1, the light distribution pattern D generates more blur at the end in the Y-axis direction than at the end in the X-axis direction, so that the longitudinal edge (i.e., Y-axis direction) in the light distribution pattern D can be clearly projected onto the irradiation surface 90, and the edge in the X-axis direction becomes soft. That is, the light distribution pattern D can be controlled with high precision in the X-axis direction (for example, the irradiation area to be extinguished can be extinguished with high precision), and the light L1 including blur can be irradiated over a wide range in the Y-axis direction.

[0110] Furthermore, by irradiating the blurred light L1 in a wide range in the Y-axis direction, the driver of the vehicle equipped with the headlamp device 100 can notice the existence of other vehicles at an early stage and can recognize that the other vehicles gradually appear clearly thereafter.

[0111] In addition, in the headlamp device 100, a plurality of detection units (a plurality of light receiving surfaces 41) correspond to a plurality of control units (a plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 in the first embodiment) on a one-to-one basis. In addition, the control unit 7 controls the light emission of each of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 based on the signal output from the light receiving surfaces 41 corresponding to the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 among the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41, thereby causing the light source unit 1 to adjust the light distribution pattern. As a result, the light L1 is appropriately and continuously irradiated to the target area, and thus the field of vision of the driver of the vehicle equipped with the headlamp device 100 is well ensured.

[0112] Furthermore, in the headlamp device 100 , when the light distribution pattern of the light L1 is adjusted by turning on and off each of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 in the light source unit 1 , the light distribution pattern can be adjusted with a simple configuration.

[0113] In addition, when all the multiple light-emitting surfaces 11 are turned off, and the threshold determination unit 71 determines whether the amount of light received by the multiple light-receiving surfaces 41 is greater than the threshold value T1, since the detection signal output from the light receiving unit 4 to the threshold determination unit 71 does not include the detection signal corresponding to the light L1, the determination accuracy of the threshold determination unit 71 is improved. Therefore, the control unit 7 can make the light source unit 1 accurately adjust the light distribution pattern of the light L1. In addition, the control unit 7 makes the lighting time of the light source unit 1 longer than the off time, thereby being able to sufficiently increase the irradiation amount of the light L1.

[0114] Furthermore, in the headlamp device 100, when the light receiving area R10 of the light receiving surface 41 in the Z1 axis direction is larger than the irradiation area R20 of the light L1, the light receiving unit 4 can output a prediction signal indicating that another vehicle is approaching the irradiation area of ​​the light L1 to the control unit 7. The control unit 7 can appropriately switch the light distribution pattern at an early stage by using the prediction signal.

[0115] Furthermore, according to the headlamp device 100 , since the imaging optical system 120 of the headlamp device 100 includes the light receiving unit 4 including the light receiving element 40 , the headlamp device 100 can be made smaller in size compared to a case where the imaging optical system includes a camera.

[0116] <<Variation of Implementation Example 1>>

[0117] The structure of the light receiving unit 4 described in Embodiment 1 may be another structure. For example, the light receiving surface 41 of the light receiving unit 4 in Embodiment 1 may be another shape.

[0118] Fig.12 (A) shows a part of the light receiving unit 14 and the light from the headlamp device of the modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an irradiation area R20 of light emitted from one light emitting surface 11a among the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 shown in FIG. Fig.12 In (A), for Fig. 9 Structural elements that are identical or corresponding to the structural elements shown are marked with Fig. 9 The same reference numerals as shown in the figure will be omitted in their description. Fig.12 As shown in (A), the length A of the side in the Z1 axis direction of the light receiving surface 141a of the light receiving unit 14 is the same as the major axis C of the elliptical first irradiation region R21.

[0119] In addition, in Embodiment 1, an example is described in which the number of the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 is the same as the number of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11. However, the number M of the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 may be greater than the number N of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11. For example, the number M of the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 may be Q times the number N of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 (Q is an integer greater than or equal to 2).

[0120] Fig.12 (B) is a diagram showing a part of the light receiving portion 24 and a portion of the light receiving portion 24 in a headlamp device according to another modified example of the first embodiment. Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an irradiation area R20 of light emitted from one light emitting surface 11a among the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 shown in FIG. Fig.12 (B) Fig. 9 Structural elements that are identical or corresponding to the structural elements shown are marked with Fig. 9 The same reference numerals as shown will be omitted in their description.

[0121] exist Fig.12 In (B), the number M of the plurality of light receiving surfaces 241 is Figure 3 The example of the number N of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown in (B), two adjacent light receiving surfaces 241a and 241b among the plurality of light receiving surfaces 241 correspond to one irradiation region R20. Fig.12 In (B), two light receiving surfaces 241 a and 241 b correspond to one light emitting surface 11 .

[0122] In the headlamp device according to the modified example of the first embodiment described above, the structure of the light receiving parts 14 and 24 can be simplified.

[0123] In addition, regarding the points other than those described above, the modified examples of the first embodiment are different from those of the first embodiment. Figures 1 to 11 The examples shown are the same.

[0124] Implementation Method 2

[0125] In Embodiment 1, an example is described in which all of the plurality of light receiving surfaces 41 included in the light receiving unit 4 correspond to the plurality of light emitting surfaces 11. However, not all of the light receiving surfaces included in the light receiving unit may correspond to the plurality of light emitting surfaces.

[0126] Fig.13 (A) is a diagram showing the configuration of a light source unit 21 of a headlamp device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig.13 (B) shows the light receiving unit 34 and the light receiving unit 34 in the headlamp device of the second embodiment. Fig.13 FIG. 2A is a diagram showing multiple irradiation areas R20 of light emitted from multiple light emitting surfaces 211. Fig.13 In (B), for Fig. 9 Structural elements that are identical or corresponding to the structural elements shown are marked with Fig. 9 The same reference numerals as those shown in the figure are omitted for explanation. Fig.13 In (B), the light receiving area formed by the plurality of first light receiving surfaces 342 and the second light receiving surface 343 is represented as R1, and the light is projected from the plurality of light emitting surfaces 211 through the projection lens 30 ( Figure 1 The irradiation area of ​​the light L1 irradiated by the laser beam (as shown) is denoted as R2.

[0127] like Fig.13 As shown in (A), the light source unit 21 includes a plurality of light sources arranged along the X-axis direction (in Fig.13 (A) shows 7 light emitting surfaces 211. Light is emitted from each of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 211.

[0128] like Fig.13 As shown in (B), the number of the plurality of light receiving surfaces 341 is Fig.13 The number of the plurality of light-emitting surfaces 311 shown in (A) is greater than 9. The plurality of light-receiving surfaces 341 include a plurality of first light-receiving surfaces 342 and a plurality of second light-receiving surfaces 343. The plurality of first light-receiving surfaces 342 are Figure 1 That is, the plurality of first light receiving surfaces 342 and the plurality of irradiation areas R20 correspond to each other. Fig.13 The multiple light emitting surfaces 211 shown in (A) correspond to each other.

[0129] The second light receiving surface 343 is arranged outside the first light receiving surface 342 at the end portion located on the +X1 axis side among the plurality of first light receiving surfaces 342 ( Fig.13 (B) is the right side) and the inner side of the first light receiving surface 342 located on the -X1 axis side ( Fig.13 The light receiving portion 34 includes a second light receiving surface 343, whereby the size of the light receiving region R1 is larger than the size of the irradiation region R2.

[0130] The plurality of second light receiving surfaces 343 are not connected to the light L1 ( Figure 1 That is, the plurality of second light receiving surfaces 343 are not Fig.13 Corresponding to the multiple light-emitting surfaces 211 shown in (A). Light emitted from the outside of the irradiation area of ​​the light L1 is incident on the second light-receiving surface 343. Specifically, light emitted from the outside in the left-right direction of the irradiation area R2 of the light L1 is incident on the second light-receiving surface 343. That is, light emitted from an area larger than the irradiation area R2 of the light L1 is incident on the second light-receiving surface 343 as incident light. It is predicted that: after the light detected by the second light-receiving surface 343 is incident on the first light-receiving surface 342 adjacent to the second light-receiving surface 343, it is incident on the second light-receiving surface 343. That is, the signal corresponding to the light detected by the second light-receiving surface 343 is a predicted signal of light predicted to be incident on the first light-receiving surface 342.

[0131] The light receiving unit 34 transmits a signal corresponding to the light detected by the first light receiving surface 342 and a signal corresponding to the light detected by the second light receiving surface 343 to the control unit 7 ( Figure 1 and 2 The control unit 7 controls the light source unit 21 ( Fig.13 In addition, the control unit 7 can adjust the light distribution pattern of the light source unit 21 before the light having a light amount greater than the threshold value T1 is incident on the first light receiving surface 342 based on the prediction signal corresponding to the light detected by the second light receiving surface 343. Fig.13 In (B), two second light receiving surfaces 343 are shown, but the number of second light receiving surfaces 343 may be one, or three or more. That is, the light receiving unit 34 may have P first light receiving surfaces 342 corresponding to a plurality of control units (a plurality of light emitting surfaces 211 in Embodiment 2) and at least one second light receiving surface 343 not corresponding to a plurality of control units. Here, P is an integer greater than 2.

[0132] In the headlamp device of the second embodiment described above, the light receiving unit 34 includes the second light receiving surface 343, whereby the light receiving unit 34 can output a prediction signal indicating that another vehicle is approaching the irradiation area R2 of the light L1 to the control unit 7. Thus, the control unit 7 can cause the light source unit 21 to adjust the light distribution pattern before light having a light amount greater than or equal to the threshold value T1 is incident on the first light receiving surface 342 based on the prediction signal output from the light receiving unit 34. Therefore, in the headlamp device of the second embodiment, the control unit 7 can cause the light source unit 11 to adjust the appropriate light distribution pattern at an early stage.

[0133] In addition, the headlamp device according to the second embodiment is the same as the headlamp device 100 according to the first embodiment in terms other than the above.

[0134] Implementation Method 3

[0135] In Embodiment 1, an example is described in which a plurality of light emitting surfaces 11 are arranged linearly in one row in the light source unit 1. However, the plurality of light emitting surfaces may be arranged in a matrix with J light emitting surfaces (J is an integer greater than or equal to 2) in the Y-axis direction and N light emitting surfaces (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) in the X-axis direction.

[0136] Fig.14 (A) is a diagram showing the configuration of a light source unit 31 of a headlamp device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig.14 (B) is a diagram showing the light receiving unit 44 and the light receiving unit 44 in the headlamp device of the third embodiment. Fig.14 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing multiple irradiation areas R20 of light emitted from multiple light emitting surfaces 311. Fig.14 (B) Fig. 9 Structural elements that are identical or corresponding to the structural elements shown are marked with Fig. 9 The same reference numerals as shown will be omitted in their description.

[0137] like Fig.14 As shown in (A) of FIG. 1 , the light source unit 31 includes a plurality of rows and columns (in Fig.14 (A) includes multiple light-emitting surfaces 311 in a matrix shape of 2 rows and 7 columns.

[0138] like Fig.14 As shown in (B), the light receiving unit 44 includes a plurality of light receiving surfaces 441. One light receiving surface 441 among the plurality of light receiving surfaces 441 is a light receiving surface corresponding to two irradiation regions R20 arranged along the Y-axis direction. That is, one light receiving surface 441 corresponds to two light emitting surfaces 311 arranged along the Y-axis direction among the plurality of light emitting surfaces 311.

[0139] In the third embodiment, the plurality of light receiving surfaces 441 may correspond one to one to the plurality of light emitting surfaces 311. That is, the plurality of light receiving surfaces 441 may be arranged in a matrix of 2 rows and 7 columns.

[0140] In the headlamp device according to the third embodiment described above, the plurality of light emitting surfaces 311 are arranged in a matrix of multiple rows and columns, and therefore, the light L1 can be irradiated with a more appropriate light distribution pattern.

[0141] Furthermore, in the headlamp device according to the third embodiment, the number of the plurality of light receiving surfaces 441 is smaller than the number of the plurality of light emitting surfaces 311 , and therefore the structure of the light receiving portion 44 can be simplified.

[0142] In addition, the headlamp device according to the third embodiment is the same as the headlamp device according to the first embodiment in terms other than the above-mentioned points.

[0143] Implementation Method 4

[0144] In the first embodiment, an example of the headlamp device 100 including one headlamp module 100a is described. However, the headlamp device may include a plurality of headlamp modules 100a.

[0145] Fig.15 FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a headlamp device 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig.15 In the Figure 1 Structural elements that are identical or corresponding to the structural elements shown are marked with Figure 1 The same reference numerals are used as shown in the figure. Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 4 , the headlamp device 400 includes a plurality of headlamp modules 100a, a housing 401, and a cover 402. Figure 1 In the embodiment, one headlamp module 100a is controlled by one control unit 7, but in Fig.15 In the embodiment, the plurality of headlamp modules 100a may be controlled by a common control unit.

[0146] The housing 401 is disposed inside the vehicle body of the vehicle having the headlamp device 400. The housing 401 is box-shaped. Fig.15 In addition, the shape of the housing 401 is not limited to a box shape. For example, the housing 401 may be composed of a frame or the like, and a plurality of headlight modules 100a may be fixed to the frame.

[0147] Inside the housing 401, a plurality of headlamp modules 100a are arranged along the X-axis direction. In addition, the arrangement direction of the plurality of headlamp modules 100a is not limited to the X-axis direction, but may be other directions. For example, the plurality of headlamp modules 100a may also be arranged along the Y-axis direction. In addition, the plurality of headlamp modules 100a may also be arranged along a direction inclined relative to the Y-axis direction, a direction inclined relative to the Z-axis direction, or a direction inclined relative to both the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. By properly arranging the plurality of headlamp modules 100a, the design and functionality of the headlamp device 400 can be improved.

[0148] The cover 402 is arranged on the +Z axis side of the housing 401. The cover 402 is arranged on the surface of the vehicle body and is exposed to the outside of the vehicle body. The cover 402 is made of a transparent material, for example.

[0149] In the headlamp device 400 of the fourth embodiment described above, the plurality of headlamp modules 100a respectively irradiate the light L1 accurately to the target area (eg, an area excluding the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle). Therefore, the headlamp device 400 can irradiate the light L1 more accurately to the target area.

[0150] Furthermore, when the headlamp device 400 according to the fourth embodiment is used, the plurality of headlamp modules 100 a can be protected by the cover 402 from wind, rain, dust, and the like.

[0151] Regarding the points other than those described above, the fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.

[0152] Postscript

[0153] The above-mentioned embodiments include the inventions described in the following supplementary notes.

[0154] 〈Supplementary Note 1〉

[0155] A headlamp device, wherein:

[0156] The headlamp device comprises:

[0157] a light source unit that emits a first light and adjusts a light distribution pattern of the first light;

[0158] a light distribution changing lens for changing the light distribution pattern adjusted by the light source unit;

[0159] a light receiving unit for detecting the incident second light;

[0160] an optical component that emits the first light emitted from the light distribution changing lens in a predetermined emission direction and emits incident light traveling in a direction opposite to the emission direction as the second light toward the light receiving portion;

[0161] a projection lens configured to emit the first light emitted from the optical component in the emission direction as illumination light;

[0162] a condenser lens for condensing the second light emitted from the optical component toward the light receiving unit; and

[0163] a control unit configured to cause the light source unit to adjust the light distribution pattern based on the intensity of the second light detected by the light receiving unit,

[0164] The light source unit includes a plurality of light emitting surfaces arranged along a predetermined first direction,

[0165] The light receiving portion includes a plurality of light receiving surfaces arranged along a direction corresponding to the first direction.

[0166] The plurality of light emitting surfaces correspond to the plurality of light receiving surfaces,

[0167] When the control unit determines that the intensity of the second light incident on a light receiving surface corresponding to each of the light emitting surfaces among the light receiving surfaces is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit controls light emission of each of the light emitting surfaces to change the light distribution pattern.

[0168] 〈Supplementary Note 2〉

[0169] The headlamp device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein:

[0170] The plurality of light-emitting surfaces are N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) light-emitting surfaces arranged along the first direction,

[0171] The plurality of light-receiving surfaces are M light-receiving surfaces (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2) arranged along a direction corresponding to the first direction,

[0172] M is larger than N.

[0173] 〈Appendix 3〉

[0174] The headlamp device according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein:

[0175] The size of the light receiving area formed by the plurality of light receiving surfaces is larger than the size of the irradiation area of ​​the first light.

[0176] 〈Appendix 4〉

[0177] A headlamp device according to Appendix 2 or 3, wherein:

[0178] M is greater than or equal to Q times N (Q is an integer greater than or equal to 2), one of the N light-emitting surfaces corresponds to Q mutually adjacent light-receiving surfaces of the M light-receiving surfaces,

[0179] The control unit controls light emission of each of the N light emitting surfaces based on signals output from the Q light receiving surfaces, among the M light receiving surfaces, respectively corresponding to the N light emitting surfaces, thereby causing the light source unit to adjust the light distribution pattern.

[0180] 〈Appendix 5〉

[0181] The headlamp device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein:

[0182] The optical power of the light distribution changing lens is different from the optical power of the condensing lens.

[0183] 〈Appendix 6〉

[0184] A headlamp device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 5, wherein:

[0185] The light distribution changing lens has a first positive refractive power in the first direction, and has a second positive refractive power different from the first positive refractive power in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0186] 〈Supplementary Note 7〉

[0187] The headlamp device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein:

[0188] The control unit controls the light source unit to adjust the light distribution pattern when it is determined that the number of times the intensity of the second light detected by the light receiving unit becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number of times within a predetermined time.

[0189] 〈Supplementary Note 8〉

[0190] A headlamp device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein:

[0191] The control unit causes the light source unit to adjust the light distribution pattern based on the intensity of the second light detected by the light receiving unit during a turn-off time when the light source unit is turned off.

[0192] 〈Supplementary Note 9〉

[0193] The headlamp device according to supplementary note 8, wherein:

[0194] The control unit controls the light source unit so that the light source unit repeatedly turns on during a predetermined lighting time and turns off during the turning off time that is shorter than the lighting time.

[0195] 〈Supplementary Note 10〉

[0196] A headlamp device according to any one of appendices 1 to 9, wherein:

[0197] The plurality of light emitting surfaces are arranged in a matrix with J light emitting surfaces (J is an integer greater than or equal to 2) in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and N light emitting surfaces (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) in the first direction.

[0198] The J light emitting surfaces arranged along the second direction among the plurality of light emitting surfaces correspond to one light receiving surface among the plurality of light receiving surfaces,

[0199] The control unit controls light emission of each of the plurality of light emitting surfaces arranged in the matrix based on a signal output from the one light receiving surface corresponding to the J light emitting surfaces arranged along the second direction, thereby causing the light source unit to adjust the light distribution pattern.

[0200] 〈Supplementary Note 11〉

[0201] The headlamp device according to any one of appendices 1 to 10, wherein:

[0202] The optical component is a beam splitter that transmits the first light and emits it in the emission direction, and reflects the incident light and emits it as the second light toward the light receiving unit.

[0203] 〈Supplementary Note 12〉

[0204] The headlamp device according to any one of appendices 1 to 10, wherein:

[0205] The optical component is a beam splitter that reflects the first light and emits it in the emission direction, and transmits the incident light and emits it as the second light toward the light receiving unit.

[0206] 〈Supplementary Note 13〉

[0207] A headlamp device, wherein:

[0208] The headlamp device comprises a plurality of headlamp modules.

[0209] The plurality of headlamp modules respectively include:

[0210] a light source unit that emits a first light;

[0211] a first optical portion configured to change a light distribution pattern of the incident first light;

[0212] a light receiving unit for detecting the incident second light;

[0213] a second optical part that projects the light distribution pattern in a predetermined projection direction and receives incident light traveling in a direction opposite to the projection direction;

[0214] a third optical portion that emits the first light toward the second optical portion and emits the incident light having passed through the second optical portion as the second light toward the light receiving portion; and

[0215] a fourth optical portion that focuses the second light emitted from the third optical portion toward the light receiving portion,

[0216] A portion of the optical axis of the projection optical system including the light source unit, the first optical unit, and the second optical unit coincides with a portion of the optical axis of the imaging optical system including the second optical unit, the fourth optical unit, and the light receiving unit.

[0217] The light distribution pattern is controlled based on a detection result of the second light in the light receiving unit.

[0218] Description of Reference Numerals

[0219] 1, 21, 31 light source unit, 2 first optical unit, 3 second optical unit, 4, 14, 24, 34, 44 light receiving unit, 5 third optical unit, 6 fourth optical unit, 7 control unit, 11, 211, 311 light emitting surface, 20 light distribution changing lens, 41, 141a, 241, 341, 441 light receiving surface, 60 focusing lens, 100, 400 headlamp device, 110 projection optical system, 120 camera optical system, L0, L1 first light, L2 incident light, L3 second light.

Claims

1. A headlamp device, wherein: The headlamp device comprises: a light source unit that emits a first light, the light source unit including a plurality of control units capable of independently controlling light emission amounts; a first optical portion configured to change a light distribution pattern of the incident first light; a light receiving unit that detects the incident second light, the light receiving unit including a plurality of detection units that correspond to any control unit among the plurality of control units and can independently detect the amount of received light; a second optical part that projects the light distribution pattern in a predetermined projection direction and receives incident light traveling in a direction opposite to the projection direction; a third optical portion that emits the first light toward the second optical portion and emits the incident light having passed through the second optical portion as the second light toward the light receiving portion; as well as a fourth optical portion that focuses the second light emitted from the third optical portion toward the light receiving portion, A portion of the optical axis of the projection optical system including the light source unit, the first optical unit, and the second optical unit coincides with a portion of the optical axis of the imaging optical system including the second optical unit, the fourth optical unit, and the light receiving unit. The light distribution pattern is controlled by changing the light emission amount of the control unit corresponding to the plurality of detection units based on the detection results of the second light by the plurality of detection units in the light receiving section.

2. The headlamp device according to claim 1, wherein: In the vertical direction of the headlamp device, a size of a detection area where the second light is detected by at least one of the plurality of detection units is larger than a size of an irradiation area of ​​the first light emitted by the corresponding control unit.

3. The headlamp device according to claim 1, wherein: In a horizontal direction of the headlamp device, a size of a region where the light receiving unit detects the second light is larger than a region irradiated with the first light emitted from the light source unit.

4. The headlamp device according to claim 2, wherein: In a horizontal direction of the headlamp device, a size of a region where the light receiving unit detects the second light is larger than a region irradiated with the first light emitted from the light source unit.

5. The headlamp device according to claim 1, wherein: The first optical portion forms the light distribution pattern obtained by extending the aspect ratio of a plurality of light emitting surfaces of the plurality of control units as the light source portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device.

6. The headlamp device according to claim 2, wherein: The first optical portion forms the light distribution pattern obtained by extending the aspect ratio of a plurality of light emitting surfaces of the plurality of control units as the light source portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device.

7. The headlamp device according to claim 3, wherein: The first optical portion forms the light distribution pattern obtained by extending the aspect ratio of a plurality of light emitting surfaces of the plurality of control units as the light source portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device.

8. The headlamp device according to claim 4, wherein: The first optical portion forms the light distribution pattern obtained by extending the aspect ratio of a plurality of light emitting surfaces of the plurality of control units as the light source portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device.

9. The headlamp device according to claim 5, wherein: The positions of the multiple light-emitting surfaces are the first position, the position of the synthetic focus of the first optical portion and the second optical portion in the horizontal direction is the second position, the first position overlaps with the second position in the Z-axis direction, or the first position exists in the range of less than ±2 mm relative to the second position in the Z-axis direction of the headlamp device, and the Z-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

10. The headlamp device according to claim 6, wherein: The positions of the multiple light-emitting surfaces are the first position, the position of the synthetic focus of the first optical portion and the second optical portion in the horizontal direction is the second position, the first position overlaps with the second position in the Z-axis direction, or the first position exists in the range of less than ±2 mm relative to the second position in the Z-axis direction of the headlamp device, and the Z-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

11. The headlamp device according to claim 7, wherein: The positions of the multiple light-emitting surfaces are the first position, the position of the synthetic focus of the first optical portion and the second optical portion in the horizontal direction is the second position, the first position overlaps with the second position in the Z-axis direction, or the first position exists in the range of ±2 mm or less relative to the second position in the Z-axis direction of the headlamp device, and the Z-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

12. The headlamp device according to claim 8, wherein: The positions of the multiple light-emitting surfaces are the first position, the position of the synthetic focus of the first optical portion and the second optical portion in the horizontal direction is the second position, the first position overlaps with the second position in the Z-axis direction, or the first position exists in the range of ±2 mm or less relative to the second position in the Z-axis direction of the headlamp device, and the Z-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

13. The headlamp device according to claim 9, wherein: When the surface located at the position connecting the focus of the light receiving part is set as a virtual projection surface, the distance on the optical axis from the virtual projection surface to the focus on the light receiving part side of the fourth optical part is roughly the same as the distance on the optical axis from the virtual projection surface to the synthetic focus.

14. The headlamp device according to claim 10, wherein: When the surface located at the position connecting the focus of the light receiving part is set as a virtual projection surface, the distance on the optical axis from the virtual projection surface to the focus on the light receiving part side of the fourth optical part is roughly the same as the distance on the optical axis from the virtual projection surface to the synthetic focus.

15. The headlamp device according to claim 11, wherein: When the surface located at the position connecting the focus of the light receiving part is set as a virtual projection surface, the distance on the optical axis from the virtual projection surface to the focus on the light receiving part side of the fourth optical part is roughly the same as the distance on the optical axis from the virtual projection surface to the synthetic focus.

16. The headlamp device according to claim 12, wherein: When the surface located at the position connecting the focus of the light receiving part is set as a virtual projection surface, the distance on the optical axis from the virtual projection surface to the focus on the light receiving part side of the fourth optical part is roughly the same as the distance on the optical axis from the virtual projection surface to the synthetic focus.

17. The headlamp device according to claim 1, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

18. The headlamp device according to claim 2, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

19. The headlamp device according to claim 3, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

20. The headlamp device according to claim 4, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

21. The headlamp device according to claim 5, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

22. The headlamp device according to claim 6, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

23. The headlamp device according to claim 7, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

24. The headlamp device according to claim 8, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

25. The headlamp device according to claim 9, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

26. The headlamp device according to claim 10, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

27. The headlamp device according to claim 11, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

28. The headlamp device according to claim 12, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

29. The headlamp device according to claim 13, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

30. The headlamp device according to claim 14, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

31. The headlamp device according to claim 15, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

32. The headlamp device according to claim 16, wherein: In the light distribution pattern, a blur amount at an end portion in a vertical direction of the headlamp device is larger than a blur amount at an end portion in a horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

33. A headlamp device according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein: The second optical part is a light distribution changing lens. The fourth optical part is a focusing lens, The refractive power of the light distribution changing lens is different from the refractive power of the condensing lens.

34. A headlamp device according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein: The plurality of detection units correspond one-to-one to the plurality of control units.

35. The headlamp device according to claim 33, wherein: The plurality of detection units correspond one-to-one to the plurality of control units.

36. A headlamp device according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein: The headlamp device further includes a control unit configured to change the light distribution pattern by changing the light emission amount of the corresponding control unit based on the detection result of the second light by the plurality of detection units in the light receiving unit.

37. The headlamp device according to claim 33, wherein: The headlamp device further includes a control unit configured to change the light distribution pattern by changing the light emission amount of the corresponding control unit based on the detection result of the second light by the plurality of detection units in the light receiving unit.

38. The headlamp device according to claim 34, wherein: The headlamp device further includes a control unit configured to change the light distribution pattern by changing the light emission amount of the corresponding control unit based on the detection result of the second light by the plurality of detection units in the light receiving unit.

39. The headlamp device according to claim 35, wherein: The headlamp device further includes a control unit configured to change the light distribution pattern by changing the light emission amount of the corresponding control unit based on the detection result of the second light by the plurality of detection units in the light receiving unit.

40. The headlamp device according to claim 36, wherein: The control unit controls the light distribution pattern by lighting or extinguishing the corresponding control unit.

41. The headlamp device according to claim 37, wherein: The control unit controls the light distribution pattern by lighting or extinguishing the corresponding control unit.

42. The headlamp device according to claim 38, wherein: The control unit controls the light distribution pattern by lighting or extinguishing the corresponding control unit.

43. The headlamp device according to claim 39, wherein: The control unit controls the light distribution pattern by lighting or extinguishing the corresponding control unit.

44. The headlamp device according to claim 36, wherein: The light receiving unit further includes other detection units adjacent to the plurality of detection units in the horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

45. The headlamp device according to claim 37, wherein: The light receiving unit further includes other detection units adjacent to the plurality of detection units in the horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

46. ​​The headlamp device according to claim 38, wherein: The light receiving unit further includes other detection units adjacent to the plurality of detection units in the horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

47. The headlamp device according to claim 39, wherein: The light receiving unit further includes other detection units adjacent to the plurality of detection units in the horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

48. The headlamp device according to claim 40, wherein: The light receiving unit further includes other detection units adjacent to the plurality of detection units in the horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

49. The headlamp device according to claim 41, wherein: The light receiving unit further includes other detection units adjacent to the plurality of detection units in the horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

50. The headlamp device according to claim 42, wherein: The light receiving unit further includes other detection units adjacent to the plurality of detection units in the horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

51. The headlamp device according to claim 43, wherein: The light receiving unit further includes other detection units adjacent to the plurality of detection units in the horizontal direction of the headlamp device.

52. The headlamp device according to claim 44, wherein: The control unit controls the light distribution pattern by changing the light emission amount of the corresponding control unit based on the detection result of the second light detected by the other detection unit.

53. The headlamp device according to claim 45, wherein: The control unit controls the light distribution pattern by changing the light emission amount of the corresponding control unit based on the detection result of the second light detected by the other detection unit.

54. The headlamp device according to claim 46, wherein: The control unit controls the light distribution pattern by changing the light emission amount of the corresponding control unit based on the detection result of the second light detected by the other detection unit.

55. The headlamp device according to claim 47, wherein: The control unit controls the light distribution pattern by changing the light emission amount of the corresponding control unit based on the detection result of the second light detected by the other detection unit.

56. The headlamp device according to claim 48, wherein: The control unit controls the light distribution pattern by changing the light emission amount of the corresponding control unit based on the detection result of the second light detected by the other detection unit.

57. The headlamp device according to claim 49, wherein: The control unit controls the light distribution pattern by changing the light emission amount of the corresponding control unit based on the detection result of the second light detected by the other detection unit.

58. The headlamp device according to claim 50, wherein: The control unit controls the light distribution pattern by changing the light emission amount of the corresponding control unit based on the detection result of the second light detected by the other detection unit.

59. The headlamp device according to claim 51, wherein: The control unit controls the light distribution pattern by changing the light emission amount of the corresponding control unit based on the detection result of the second light detected by the other detection unit.

Images