Vehicle headlamp

Abstract

The vehicle headlamp (10) includes a light source unit (30) having a plurality of light-emitting elements (35), a reflector (39) that scans the light from the plurality of light-emitting elements (35) to form a light distribution pattern (350), and a control unit (60). The light distribution pattern (350) includes an overlapping region (PA) where the light from at least two light-emitting elements (35) overlaps. When a signal indicating that an object located in front of the vehicle 10 is detected is input from the detection device (110), the control unit (60) controls the light source unit (30) so that the light quantity of the light irradiated from a part of the light-emitting elements that irradiate the light to the specified region (AR) overlapping the object in the overlapping region (PA) does not change, and the light quantity of the light irradiated from the other part of the light-emitting elements to the specified region (AR) overlapping the object changes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a headlamp for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] As a headlamp for a vehicle typified by an automotive headlamp, there is known a headlamp for a vehicle capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light. For example, Patent Document 1 below describes a headlamp for a vehicle that includes a light source unit having a plurality of light emitting elements and a reflector that moves in a repeating periodic motion, and the reflector reflects light from the plurality of light emitting elements and scans it to form a predetermined light distribution pattern. Patent Document 1 below describes that the light distribution pattern of the emitted light is changed by adjusting the emission of light from the plurality of light emitting elements.

[0003] In addition, conventionally, there is known a headlamp system for a vehicle that detects a self-luminous object such as a vehicle ahead and a retroreflective object that does not self-luminate but retroreflects light at a predetermined spreading angle, such as a road sign. Such a headlamp system for a vehicle is disclosed in Patent Document 2. The headlamp system for a vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes: a headlamp that alternately repeats light irradiation and non-irradiation; and a photographing unit that photographs the front of the own vehicle during irradiation and non-irradiation, respectively, to generate an irradiation-time image and a non-irradiation-time image. In addition, the headlamp system for a vehicle includes a detection unit that determines a high-luminance portion in the non-irradiation-time image as a self-luminous object and determines a high-luminance portion that is in the irradiation-time image but not in the non-irradiation-time image as a retroreflective object.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019 / 073994

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-110999 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The headlamp for a vehicle according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a light source unit having a plurality of light-emitting elements; a reflector that reflects light from the plurality of light-emitting elements by repeating periodic motion, scans the light, and forms a prescribed light distribution pattern; and a control unit that controls the light source unit. The prescribed light distribution pattern includes an overlapping region where light from at least two of the light-emitting elements overlaps. When a signal indicating that an object located in front of the vehicle is detected is input from a detection device, the control unit controls the light source unit such that the amount of light irradiated from a part of the light-emitting elements that irradiate light to a prescribed region overlapping with the object in the overlapping region does not change, and the amount of light irradiated from another part of the light-emitting elements to the prescribed region overlapping with the object changes.

[0009] In this headlamp for a vehicle, according to the situation in front of the vehicle, the light distribution pattern of the emitted light changes, and the amount of light irradiated to the object changes. In addition, in this headlamp for a vehicle, even when an object is detected, the amount of light irradiated from a part of the light-emitting elements to a prescribed region overlapping with the object does not change. Therefore, in this headlamp for a vehicle, even if the light distribution pattern of the emitted light changes, light from a part of the light-emitting elements irradiates the object. If light irradiates the object, compared with the case where the light distribution pattern of the emitted light changes and the light does not irradiate the object, the situation where the object is difficult to visually confirm can be suppressed, and driving can be facilitated. In addition, in this headlamp for a vehicle, compared with the case where the amount of light emitted from all the light-emitting elements that irradiate light to a prescribed region overlapping with the object changes, the number of light-emitting elements whose emitted light amount changes is smaller. Therefore, according to this headlamp for a vehicle, compared with this situation, the control of the light source unit by the control unit can be simplified. In addition, for example, when an object is detected by a detection device and the object is a pedestrian or the like, the amount of light irradiated to the person changes. For example, when the amount of light irradiated to the person increases, in the headlamp for a vehicle, compared with the case where the amount of light irradiated to the person does not change, the person can be easily visually confirmed and driving can be facilitated. In addition, when an object is detected by a detection device and the object is a retroreflective object such as a sign, the amount of light irradiated to the retroreflective object changes. When the retroreflective object reflects light from the headlamp for a vehicle, there is a tendency that the stronger the intensity of the light irradiated to the retroreflective object, the stronger the intensity of the reflected light from the retroreflective object to the vehicle. For example, when the amount of light irradiated to the retroreflective object decreases, compared with the case where the amount of light irradiated to the retroreflective object does not change, the intensity of the light irradiated to the retroreflective object can be suppressed, and the intensity of the reflected light can be suppressed. Therefore, in the headlamp for a vehicle, glare to the driver of the vehicle can be suppressed, and driving can be facilitated.

[0010] Alternatively, the width of the specified area overlapping the object in the left - right direction may vary according to the distance between the vehicle and the object.

[0011] From the driver's viewpoint, the closer the distance between the vehicle and the object, the larger the object appears. Therefore, by adopting the above - described configuration, compared with the case where the width in the left - right direction of the specified area where the amount of light irradiated varies according to the distance between the vehicle and the object does not change, the amount of light irradiated to the object can be appropriately varied.

[0012] Alternatively, when the object is a person, the control unit controls the light source unit so that the amount of light irradiated from the other part of the light - emitting elements to the specified area overlapping the object increases.

[0013] By adopting this configuration, compared with the case where the amount of light irradiated to a person or the like does not change, the person can be easily visually confirmed and driving can be facilitated.

[0014] Alternatively, when the object is a retro - reflective object, the control unit controls the light source unit so that the amount of light irradiated from the other part of the light - emitting elements to the specified area overlapping the object decreases.

[0015] By adopting this configuration, compared with the case where the amount of light irradiated to the retro - reflective object does not change, glare to the driver of the vehicle can be suppressed and driving can be facilitated.

[0016] Alternatively, the control unit controls the light source unit so that the amount of light irradiated from the other part of the light - emitting elements to the specified area overlapping the object varies according to the distance between the vehicle and the object.

[0017] With this configuration, the amount of light irradiated onto the object changes according to the distance between the vehicle and the object. There is a tendency for the driver to find it more difficult to visually confirm the person as the distance between the vehicle and the person increases. Therefore, for example, the further the distance between the vehicle and the person, the greater the amount of light irradiated onto the person. In this case, in the vehicle headlamp, it is easier to visually confirm the person compared to the case where the amount of light irradiated onto the person does not change according to the distance between the vehicle and the person. Additionally, when the retroreflective object reflects the light from the vehicle headlamp, there is a tendency for the intensity of the reflected light from the retroreflective object towards the vehicle to be stronger as the distance between the host vehicle and the retroreflective object decreases. Therefore, for example, the closer the distance between the vehicle and the retroreflective object, the less the amount of light irradiated onto the retroreflective object. In this case, in the vehicle headlamp, it is possible to suppress glare to the driver of the host vehicle compared to the case where the amount of light irradiated onto the retroreflective object does not change according to the distance between the vehicle and the retroreflective object.

[0018] Alternatively, when the object is a retroreflective object and the control unit controls the light source unit in such a way that the amount of light irradiated from some of the other light-emitting elements onto the specified area overlapping the object decreases, the control unit controls the light source unit in such a way that the amount of light irradiated from some of the other light-emitting elements onto the specified area overlapping the object decreases according to the intensity of the light from the object towards the vehicle.

[0019] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately suppress glare to the driver of the host vehicle.

[0020] Or, alternatively, the control unit controls the light source unit in such a way that the smaller the angle formed by the traveling direction of the vehicle and the direction from the vehicle towards the object, the less the amount of light irradiated from some of the other light-emitting elements onto the specified area overlapping the object.

[0021] Generally, in the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp, there is a tendency for the intensity of the light to be stronger towards the center side. Therefore, there is a tendency for the intensity of the light irradiated onto the object to become stronger as the angle between the traveling direction of the vehicle and the direction from the vehicle towards the object decreases. Therefore, for example, by controlling the light source unit in such a way that the smaller the angle, the less the amount of light irradiated onto the specified area overlapping the retroreflective object as the object, it is possible to appropriately suppress glare to the driver of the host vehicle.

[0022] Alternatively, when the control unit controls the light source unit in such a way that the amount of light irradiated from the other part of the light emitting elements to the specified area overlapping the object changes according to the distance between the vehicle and the object or the intensity of the light reflected from the retroreflective object toward the vehicle, when the number of the light emitting elements that irradiate light to the specified area overlapping the object is three or more, the control unit changes the number of the light emitting elements in the other part to change the amount of light irradiated from the light emitting elements in the other part to the specified area overlapping the object.

[0023] Alternatively, the reflector is a rotary reflector that reflects the light from the plurality of light emitting elements while rotating.

[0024] Alternatively, a determination unit is further provided. When a signal indicating the state of the object is input from the detection device, the determination unit determines whether the object satisfies a specified necessary condition that the amount of light of the reflected light from the object is equal to or greater than a specified value. Each of the scanning areas through which the points of light from the light emitting elements scanned by the reflector in the specified light distribution pattern pass is divided into a pair of end portions including the end portions in the scanning direction and having a width equal to or greater than the width of the point in the scanning direction, and a central portion sandwiched by the pair of end portions. Each of the scanning areas is arranged offset in the scanning direction. A part of the central portion of each of the scanning areas overlaps a part of the central portion of all the other scanning areas, and the end portions of each of the scanning areas do not overlap the end portions of all the other scanning areas. When the first state where the specified area is located within the central portion of all the scanning areas corresponding to the other part of the light emitting elements becomes the second state where the specified area moves in the scanning direction and overlaps the end portion in at least one of the scanning areas corresponding to the other part of the light emitting elements, and the specified area is located within the central portion of the scanning area corresponding to at least one of the light emitting elements in the part of the light emitting elements, the control unit controls the light source unit in the following manner: restoring the amount of light irradiated from the light emitting elements in the other part corresponding to the scanning area overlapping the specified area and the end portion to the specified area to the amount of light irradiated to the specified area when the determination unit does not determine that the object satisfies the specified necessary condition, and changing the amount of light irradiated from at least one of the light emitting elements in the part of the light emitting elements corresponding to the scanning area where the specified area is located within the central portion, so that the amount of light irradiated to the specified area in the second state becomes the amount of light in the first state.

[0025] In the vehicle headlamp, as described above, a light distribution pattern is formed by the periodic scanning of light from a plurality of light-emitting elements. In such a vehicle headlamp, for example, when a predetermined region overlapping an object is near an end portion in the scanning direction of the scanning region through which the point of light from the light-emitting element passes, the distance between the end portion and the predetermined region may be narrower than the width in the scanning direction of the point. However, the shortest length capable of scanning light is the width in the scanning direction of the point. Therefore, in the above-described case, it is not possible to change the amount of light irradiated between the end portion and the predetermined region and thus not possible to change the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region. Therefore, the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region and the amount of light irradiated between the above-described end portion and the predetermined region also change, and the region where the amount of light changes sometimes becomes extremely large, and the driver may feel discomfort. On the other hand, in this vehicle headlamp, each scanning region corresponding to each light-emitting element is divided into a pair of end portions and a central portion, and the width of the end portion is equal to or greater than the width of the point. Further, the control unit controls the light source unit such that, in a second state where the end portion of the scanning region corresponding to the light-emitting element that emits light whose amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region changes overlaps the predetermined region, the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element is restored to the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region in a state where the determination unit has not determined that the object satisfies the predetermined necessary conditions. Therefore, according to this vehicle headlamp, the distance between the end portion of the scanning region corresponding to the light-emitting element that can change the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region and the predetermined region is not less than the width in the scanning direction of the condensing point. Further, in this case, the control unit controls the light source unit such that the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region changes by changing the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region from the light-emitting element in which the predetermined region is located within the central portion of the scanning region among the light-emitting elements that emit light whose amount of light does not change, so that the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region in the second state becomes the amount of light in the first state. Therefore, according to this vehicle headlamp, it is possible to suppress the change in the amount of light irradiated near the predetermined region, and it is possible to keep the brightness of the predetermined region unchanged, thereby suppressing discomfort to the driver.

[0026] Alternatively, the predetermined region in the second state may be located within the central portion of the scanning region corresponding to two or more of the part of the light-emitting elements. When changing from the first state to the second state, the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region changes from the light-emitting element corresponding to the scanning region having the shortest distance between the center in the scanning direction of the central portion and the predetermined region among the two or more of the part of the light-emitting elements.

[0027] In the headlamp for a vehicle, the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element corresponding to the scanning area with the shortest distance from the center of the central portion to the specified area to the specified area changes. Therefore, even if the specified area moves further to one side or the other side in the scanning direction, it is unlikely that the end of the scanning area corresponding to the light-emitting element overlaps with the specified area. When the light-emitting element changes from the first state to the second state, the amount of light emitted to the specified area changes. Thus, according to this headlamp for a vehicle, an increase in the number of times the control unit controls the light source unit as described above can be suppressed.

[0028] Alternatively, the state satisfying the specified necessary condition may be a state where the distance between the object and the vehicle is less than a specified distance.

[0029] Alternatively, the state satisfying the specified necessary condition may be a state where the apparent size of the object is equal to or greater than a specified value.

[0030] The headlamp for a vehicle according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a plurality of light source units; a reflector that reflects light from the plurality of light source units and scans the light by repeating a periodic motion; and a control unit that controls the plurality of light source units. The reflector reflects the light from the plurality of light source units so that a first light distribution pattern formed by scanning the light from a part of the plurality of light source units and a second light distribution pattern formed by scanning the light from another part of the plurality of light source units partially overlap in the vertical direction of the vehicle. When a signal indicating that a retroreflective object located in front of the vehicle is detected is input from a detection device, the control unit controls the plurality of light source units so that the amount of light emitted to a specified area that overlaps with the retroreflective object in one of the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern becomes less than when a signal indicating that the retroreflective object is not detected is input from the detection device.

[0031] In the case of light reflected by a recursive reflecting object, there is a tendency that the stronger the intensity of the light from the light source unit to the recursive reflecting object, the stronger the intensity of the reflected light from the recursive reflecting object to the host vehicle. Here, a case where a signal indicating that the recursive reflecting object has been detected is input from the detection device to the control unit is compared with a case where a signal indicating that the recursive reflecting object has not been detected is not input from the detection device to the control unit. When a signal indicating that the recursive reflecting object has been detected is input to the control unit, compared with the case where a signal indicating that the recursive reflecting object has not been detected is not input to the control unit, the light quantity of the light irradiated to a specified area overlapping with the recursive reflecting object in one of the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern decreases. This light is part of the light forming one of the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern. If the light quantity of this light decreases, compared with the case where the light quantity does not decrease, the intensity of the light to the recursive reflecting object can be suppressed, and the intensity of the reflected light can be suppressed. Thereby, even if the reflected light travels to the host vehicle, glare caused to the driver of the host vehicle can be suppressed. Therefore, according to this vehicle headlamp, a decrease in the visibility of the driver can be suppressed.

[0032] Alternatively, it may further include a determination unit that, when a signal indicating the state of the recursive reflecting object is input from the detection device, determines whether the recursive reflecting object satisfies a specified necessary condition that the light quantity of the reflected light from the recursive reflecting object is equal to or greater than a specified value. The light source unit that emits the light irradiated to the specified area includes a plurality of light-emitting elements, and the control unit controls the light source unit such that, when the determination unit determines that the recursive reflecting object satisfies the specified necessary condition, compared with the case where the determination unit determines that the recursive reflecting object does not satisfy the specified necessary condition, the light quantity of the light from a part of the plurality of light-emitting elements and the light quantity of the light from another part of the plurality of light-emitting elements decrease respectively.

[0033] According to this vehicle headlamp, compared with the state where the recursive reflecting object does not satisfy the specified necessary condition, in the state where the recursive reflecting object satisfies the specified necessary condition, the irradiation of light to the recursive reflecting object can be suppressed, and the intensity of the reflected light can be further suppressed. Therefore, according to this vehicle headlamp, a decrease in the visibility of the driver can be further suppressed.

[0034] Alternatively, it may also be provided with a determination unit that, when a signal indicating the state of the retroreflective object is input from the detection device, determines whether the retroreflective object satisfies a specified necessary condition that the amount of light of the reflected light from the retroreflective object is equal to or greater than a specified value. The light source unit that emits light to the specified area has a plurality of light-emitting elements, and the control unit controls the light source unit such that, when the determination unit determines that the retroreflective object satisfies the specified necessary condition, the amount of light of the light from a part of the plurality of light-emitting elements becomes less than that in the case where the determination unit determines that the retroreflective object does not satisfy the specified necessary condition, and the amount of light of the light from another part of the plurality of light-emitting elements is the same.

[0035] When the retroreflective object is in a state that satisfies the specified necessary condition and when the retroreflective object is not in a state that satisfies the specified necessary condition, if the amount of light of the light from another part of the light-emitting elements is the same, the control unit can perform the same control on the other part of the light-emitting elements in either case. For example, even when switching from a state where the retroreflective object does not satisfy the specified necessary condition to a state where the retroreflective object satisfies the specified necessary condition, the control unit may not need to change the amount of power supplied to the other part of the light-emitting elements. Therefore, the control unit can more easily control the other part of the light-emitting elements when the retroreflective object is in a state that satisfies the specified necessary condition and when the retroreflective object is not in a state that satisfies the specified necessary condition, compared to the case where the amount of light of the light from another part of the light-emitting elements changes.

[0036] Alternatively, the state that satisfies the specified necessary condition may be a state where the distance between the retroreflective object and the vehicle is less than a specified distance.

[0037] Alternatively, the state that satisfies the specified necessary condition may be a state where the size of the retroreflective object in appearance is equal to or greater than a specified value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 is a top view conceptually showing a vehicle.

[0039] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing one lamp of the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the layout of the light-emitting elements of the light source unit of the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 4It is a diagram showing a scanning area through which the focus points of light from the respective light-emitting elements in the first embodiment pass.

[0042] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the scanning area of the first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 6 It is a timing diagram showing the lighting and extinguishing states of the light-emitting elements in the first embodiment.

[0044] Figure 7 It is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle headlamp.

[0045] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining the scanning of the focus point in step S4.

[0046] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing a specified light distribution pattern in step S4.

[0047] Figure 10 It is a diagram for explaining the scanning of the focus point in step S5.

[0048] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing a specific light distribution pattern in step S5.

[0049] Figure 12 It is a diagram for explaining the scanning area in a modification of the first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing an example of setting the light quantity change area in step S5 in a modification of the first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 14 It is a diagram showing another example of setting the light quantity change area in step S5 in a modification of the first embodiment.

[0052] Figure 15 It is a diagram schematically showing a lamp in the second embodiment.

[0053] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing the layout of the light-emitting elements of the plurality of light source units in the second embodiment.

[0054] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing a scanning area through which the focus points of light from the respective light-emitting elements in the second embodiment pass.

[0055] Figure 18 It is a diagram showing the scanning area of the second embodiment.

[0056] Figure 19 It is a diagram for explaining the scanning of the focus point in step S4.

[0057] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern in step S4.

[0058] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating the scanning of the focal point in step S5.

[0059] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern in step S5. Detailed Implementation Modes

[0060] Hereinafter, while referring to the appended Figure 1 drawings, preferred implementation modes of the vehicle headlamp of the present invention will be described in detail. The implementation modes exemplified below are for easily understanding the present invention and are not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its gist. In addition, the constituent elements in the following exemplified implementation modes can be appropriately combined in the present invention. In addition, for easy understanding, sometimes a part is exaggeratedly depicted in each drawing.

[0061] (First Implementation Mode)

[0062] The first implementation mode as the first aspect of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is a conceptual top view showing the vehicle 100. As Figure 1 shown, the vehicle 100 includes a vehicle headlamp 10 and a detection device 110.

[0063] The vehicle headlamp 10 in the present implementation mode is a headlamp for an automobile. The vehicle headlamp 10 mainly includes a pair of lamps 20 disposed on the left and right in the front portion of the vehicle 100, a determination unit 50, a control unit 60, and a recording unit 70. In addition, in this specification, "right" means the right side in the traveling direction of the vehicle 100, and "left" means the left side in the traveling direction of the vehicle 100.

[0064] The pair of lamps 20 have substantially symmetric shapes with respect to each other in the left - right direction of the vehicle 100. The pair of lamps 20 in the present implementation mode emit low beam or high beam forward of the vehicle 100. The configuration of one lamp 20a among the pair of lamps 20 is the same as that of the other lamp 20b among the pair of lamps 20 except for the substantially symmetric shape. Therefore, hereinafter, the configuration of each of the lamps 20a and 20b will be described using the lamp 20a.

[0065] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing Figure 1 the lamp 20a of the first implementation mode shown in Figure 2 As shown, the lamp 20a includes a light source unit 30, a reflector 39, a drive unit 41, and a projection lens 43 as main components.

[0066] The light source unit 30 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 35 mounted on a circuit board 33. The plurality of light-emitting elements 35 are arranged in a row along a specified direction. As the light-emitting element 35, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like is used. In Figure 2 , a light source unit 30 having five light-emitting elements 35 is shown. In addition, the number of light-emitting elements 35 in the light source unit 30 is not particularly limited as long as it is two or more.

[0067] Each light-emitting element 35 is supplied with power via the circuit board 33. By adjusting the power supplied to each light-emitting element 35, the light quantity of the light emitted from each light-emitting element 35 is adjusted. This light is emitted toward the reflector 39.

[0068] As the reflector 39 of the present embodiment, for example, a rotary reflector can be cited. The reflector 39 is fixed to an output shaft (not shown) of the drive unit 41 and rotates about a rotation axis (not shown) of the drive unit 41 passing through the center of the output shaft by the rotational force from the drive unit 41. The reflector 39 repeats a periodic motion by rotation. As the drive unit 41, for example, a motor having an encoder (not shown) that detects the rotational position of the output shaft from a reference position can be cited. The encoder outputs a signal of rotational position information indicating the detected rotational position of the output shaft to the control unit 60. In addition, the lighting fixture 20a may include a sensor that detects rotational position information of the reflector 39 from a reference position instead of the encoder. In this case, the sensor outputs a signal indicating the rotational position information to the control unit 60. The reflector 39 includes two reflecting blades 39a that reflect the light from the light source unit 30 toward the projection lens 43.

[0069] The projection lens 43 of the present embodiment is an aspherical plano-convex lens. In this projection lens 43, the surface on the side where the light reflected by the reflecting blade 39a of the reflector 39 is incident, that is, the incident surface, is planar, and the surface on the side where the incident light exits, that is, the exit surface, is convex and bulges in the exit direction.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the plurality of light-emitting elements 35 of the light source unit 30 emit light toward the reflector 39, and the reflector 39 rotates. As a result, the reflector 39 reflects the light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 35 toward the projection lens 43 side by repeating the rotational motion as a periodic motion, and scans this light in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100. If this light passes through the projection lens 43 and is emitted forward of the vehicle 100 and is scanned in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100, a specified light distribution pattern 350 is formed on the vertical plane 200 in front of the vehicle 100. Therefore, the reflector 39 reflects the light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 35 by repeating the periodic motion, scans this light periodically, and forms a specified light distribution pattern 350. Figure 2The specified light distribution pattern 350 shown represents a light distribution pattern of a high beam that is rectangular and horizontally long in the left - right direction of the vehicle 100. In the present embodiment, the shape of the reflecting surface of the reflecting blade 39a that reflects the light from the plurality of light - emitting elements 35 and the positions of the plurality of light - emitting elements 35 relative to the reflecting blade 39a are adjusted to form the specified light distribution pattern 350. Although it will be described in detail later, by controlling the emission of light from the plurality of light - emitting elements 35, the formed specified light distribution pattern 350 can be changed.

[0071] Here, return Figure 1 , and continue to describe the vehicle.

[0072] The control unit 60 determines whether a control signal is input from a lamp switch (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 100. The control signal is a signal indicating the start of light emission from the light source units 30 of the lamps 20a and 20b, respectively. When the control signal is input to the control unit 60, the control unit 60 drives the light source unit 30 and also drives the drive unit 41. When the control signal is not input to the control unit 60, the control unit 60 stops the drive of the light source unit 30 and also stops the drive of the drive unit 41.

[0073] The control unit 60 can use, for example, an integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, an IC (Integrated Circuit), an LSI (Large - scale Integrated Circuit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an NC (Numerical Control) device. In addition, when using an NC device, the control unit 60 may or may not use a machine learning device.

[0074] The detection device 110 detects an object located in front of the vehicle 100. Examples of the object detected by the detection device 110 include a retro - reflective object and an object other than the retro - reflective object. The retro - reflective object in the present embodiment is an object that does not emit light by itself but retro - reflects the light irradiating the retro - reflective object at a specified spread angle. Examples of such a retro - reflective object include road signs installed beside the road. In addition, examples of objects other than the retro - reflective object include vehicles such as a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle, and pedestrians.

[0075] As the configuration of the detection device 110, the detection device 110 mainly includes, for example, a camera (not shown), an image processing unit, a detection unit, etc. The camera is installed at the front of the vehicle 100 and captures the front of the vehicle 100. The captured image captured by the camera includes at least a part of the area irradiated by the light emitted from the pair of lamps 20. The image processing unit performs image processing on the captured image captured by the camera. When detecting an object, the detection unit outputs a signal indicating the object to the control unit 60 via the determination unit 50. Additionally, the detection unit may directly output this signal to the control unit 60. Further, the detection unit detects the state of the object based on the information processed by the image processing unit. As the state of the object, for example, the presence of the object, the presence position of the object in the captured image, the type of the object, and the ratio of the object in the captured image can be cited. When the detection device 110 detects an object located in front of the vehicle 100, it outputs a signal indicating the state of the object to the determination unit 50 and outputs the captured image to the recording unit 70. The detection device 110 recognizes and detects a retroreflective object and a person as objects as described later. Further, when there is no object in front of the vehicle 100 and the object is not detected, the detection device 110 outputs a signal indicating that the object has not been detected to the determination unit 50 and outputs the captured image to the recording unit 70. This signal is also a signal indicating the absence of the object. Additionally, when the object is not detected, the detection device 110 may not output a signal. Further, the object detected by the detection device 110, the number of types of the object, and the configuration of the detection device 110 are not particularly limited. As the configuration of the image processing unit and the detection unit, for example, the same configuration as that of the control unit 60 can be cited. Additionally, it may be that the control unit 60 is integrally formed with at least one of the image processing unit and the detection unit of the detection device 110, and the control unit 60 has at least one of the image processing unit and the detection unit.

[0076] Next, an example of detecting the presence of a retroreflective object from a captured image will be described. In addition, the retroreflective object will be described as a road sign. The recording unit 70 has pre-recorded the image data of each road sign. When the object in the captured image corresponds to the image data of the road sign recorded in the recording unit 70, the detection unit detects the object as a retroreflective object. As another example of detection, generally, the shape of a road sign is circular, rectangular, or triangular, and the road sign combines colors such as red, white, blue, yellow, black, and green. It is also possible that if the outer shape of the object in the captured image taken by the camera is one of circular, rectangular, or triangular, and the color inside the outer shape of the object is a combination of the above colors, the detection unit detects the object as a retroreflective object. It is also possible to combine the above two examples of detection. In addition, when the retroreflective object is a roadside outline marker, the reflected light from the roadside outline marker is, for example, orange. The detection unit can also detect the object as a retroreflective object when the light from the object in the captured image taken by the camera is orange. In addition, the detection of the retroreflective object by the detection unit is not limited to the above.

[0077] Next, an example of detecting the presence of a person from a captured image will be described. The detection unit detects the object as a person when authenticating the face reflected in the captured image. Alternatively, the detection unit may include a human sensor that detects infrared rays near the body temperature emitted by a person. When the human sensor detects infrared rays and the infrared rays are reflected in the captured image, the detection unit may also detect the object that is reflected in the captured image and emits infrared rays as a person. In addition, the detection of a person by the detection unit is not limited to the above.

[0078] The determination unit 50 determines whether the object is in a state that satisfies a specified necessary condition that the amount of light reflected from the object to the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a specified value, based on a signal indicating the state of the object from the detection device 110 that detects an object located in front of the vehicle 100. The state that satisfies the specified necessary condition, for example, indicates a state where the distance between the object and the vehicle 100 is less than a specified distance. The specified distance is, for example, 30 m. It is also possible that the numerical value of this distance is recorded in the recording unit 70 as a threshold value and can be appropriately changed according to the driving conditions of the vehicle 100 such as day or night, the type of the object, etc. In addition, the numerical value of this distance can also be set according to the type of the object. For example, the determination unit 50 mainly includes a calculation unit and a determination main body unit. The calculation unit calculates the distance between the object and the vehicle 100 based on the above ratio in the state of the object from the detection device 110. A signal indicating the calculated distance is output to the determination main body unit. The determination main body unit reads out the specified distance as a threshold value from the recording unit 70, compares the calculated distance with the specified distance, and determines whether the calculated distance is greater than the specified distance. When the calculated distance is equal to or greater than the specified distance, the determination main body unit determines that the object is not in a state that satisfies the specified necessary condition. In addition, when the calculated distance is less than the specified distance, the determination main body unit determines that the object is in a state that satisfies the specified necessary condition. Then, when the determination unit 50 determines, by the determination main body unit, that the object is in a state that satisfies the specified necessary condition, the determination unit 50 outputs a signal indicating the state of the object, such as the distance calculated by the calculation unit, the position of the object in the captured image, and the type of the object, to the control unit 60. The configuration of the determination unit 50 may be, for example, the same as the configuration of the control unit 60. In addition, it is also possible that the control unit 60 and the determination unit 50 are integrally configured, and the control unit 60 has the function of the determination unit 50.

[0079] The recording unit 70 records the captured image output from the detection device 110 and the above-mentioned threshold value, i.e., the specified distance, in the determination unit 50. As the recording unit 70, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a magnetic disk, etc. can be cited.

[0080] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the formation of the specified light distribution pattern 350.

[0081] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the layout of the light emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5 of the light source unit 30 of the present embodiment. As described above, the light source unit 30 includes five light emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5.

[0082] Figure 4The figure shows scanning areas SR1 to SR5 through which the focal points of each light pass when the light from each light emitting element 35-1 to 35-5 is scanned by the reflector 39 to form a predetermined light distribution pattern 350. The focal point is a point formed by the light from each light emitting element 35-1 to 35-5 and is projected toward the front of the vehicle 100. Figure 4 In , H represents a horizontal line along the left-right direction of the vehicle 100, and V represents a vertical line along the up-down direction of the vehicle 100. The scanning area Sri of the present embodiment represents the area through which the focal point formed by the light from the i-th (1≤i≤5) light emitting element 35-i passes. The scanning areas SR1 to SR5 are rectangular shapes that are horizontally long in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100, and are set to be approximately the same size. The positions of the scanning areas SR1 to SR5 in the up-down direction are approximately the same, but the positions in the left-right direction are different. Therefore, the scanning areas SR1 to SR5 are arranged to be staggered in the left-right direction so that a portion of each of the scanning areas SR1 to SR5 overlaps a portion of the other scanning areas. In addition, in Figure 4 In order to facilitate understanding, the scanning areas SR1 to SR5 are described as being staggered in the vertical direction. The shape of the set of scanning areas SR1 to SR5 is equivalent to Figure 2 The outer shape of the predetermined light distribution pattern 350 is shown.

[0083] Among scanning areas SR1 to SR5, scanning area SR1 is located at the far left, and scanning areas SR1 to SR5 are arranged so as to be gradually staggered toward the right in the order of scanning areas SR1 to SR5. Therefore, the center of scanning area SR2 in the left-right direction is located to the right of the center of scanning area SR1 in the left-right direction, and a part of scanning area SR2 overlaps with a part of scanning area SR1. In addition, the center of scanning area SR3 in the left-right direction is located to the right of the center of scanning area SR2 in the left-right direction, and a part of scanning area SR3 overlaps with a part of scanning areas SR1 to SR2. The center of scanning area SR4 in the left-right direction is located to the right of the center of scanning area SR3 in the left-right direction, and a part of scanning area SR4 overlaps with a part of scanning areas SR1 to SR3. The center of scanning area SR5 in the left-right direction is located to the right of the center of scanning area SR4 in the left-right direction, and a part of scanning area SR5 overlaps with a part of scanning areas SR1 to SR4.

[0084] The central region CA is located at the central part in the left-right direction of the set of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5 of the set. In the central region CA, a part of the five scanning regions SR1 to SR5 overlaps with each other, and light from the five light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5 can be irradiated to the central region CA. In the first left region LS1 located on the left side of the central region CA, a part of the four scanning regions SR1 to SR4 overlaps with each other. In the first right region RS1 located on the right side of the central region CA, a part of the four scanning regions SR2 to SR5 overlaps with each other. In the second left region LS2 located on the left side of the first left region LS1, a part of the three scanning regions SR1 to SR3 overlaps with each other. In the second right region RS2 located on the right side of the first right region RS1, a part of the three scanning regions SR3 to SR5 overlaps with each other. In the third left region LS3 located on the left side of the second left region LS2, a part of the two scanning regions SR1 and SR2 overlaps with each other. In the third right region RS3 located on the right side of the second right region RS2, a part of the two scanning regions SR4 and SR5 overlaps with each other. The fourth left region LS4 located on the left side of the third left region LS3 is composed of a part of the scanning region SR1, and the fourth right region RS4 located on the right side of the third right region RS3 is composed of a part of the scanning region SR5. Therefore, light from four light-emitting elements can be irradiated to the first left region LS1 and the first right region RS1, light from three light-emitting elements can be irradiated to the second left region LS2 and the second right region RS2. In addition, light from two light-emitting elements can be irradiated to the third left region LS3 and the third right region RS3, and light from one light-emitting element can be irradiated to the fourth left region LS4 and the fourth right region RS4.

[0085] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the control of the light-emitting element 35-i in the scanning region SRi. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the scanning region SRi. Figure 5 The range without hatched lines in the scanning region SRi shown represents the light quantity change region 311, and the hatched range represents the light quantity non-change region 313. The light quantity non-change region 313 is a region where the light quantity of the light from the light-emitting element 35-i is set to a substantially specified quantity. On the other hand, the light quantity change region 311 is a region where the light quantity of the light from the light-emitting element 35-i is different from the light quantity of the light irradiated to the light quantity non-change region 313. Figure 6 is a timing diagram showing the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-i. Figure 6 TS shown represents the scanning period.

[0086] Figure 5The indicated SCi represents the position of the condensing point of the light from the light-emitting element 35-i at a certain moment. The condensing point SCi scans from left to right in the figure. Assume that at a certain moment t0, the left end LE of the condensing point SCi is located at the left end of the scanning area SRi. The control unit 60 grasps the position of the condensing point SCi in the scanning area SRi based on the rotational position information from the driving unit 41, and controls the brightness of the light-emitting element 35-i in synchronization with the rotational position information. In addition, in Figure 5 For ease of understanding, the size of the condensing point SCi relative to the scanning area SRi is larger than the actual size.

[0087] In the light quantity non-changing area 313, the control unit 60 controls the brightness of the light-emitting element 35-i during the period when the condensing point SCi passes through the light quantity non-changing area 313 so that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-i corresponding to the condensing point SCi becomes a first specified value. The first specified value represents the value of the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-i in the light quantity non-changing area 313. In addition, the first specified value is set to, for example, 80% of the maximum value of the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-i.

[0088] In addition, in the light quantity changing area 311, the control unit 60 controls the brightness of the light-emitting element 35-i during the period when the condensing point SCi passes through the light quantity changing area 311 so that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-i corresponding to the condensing point SCi becomes a second specified value. Specifically, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the control unit 60 controls the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-i to the second specified value at the timing tA when the right end RE of the condensing point SCi reaches the light quantity changing area 311. In addition, the control unit 60 controls the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-i to the first specified value at the timing tB when the left end LE of the condensing point SCi reaches the right end of the light quantity changing area 311. The second specified value represents the value of the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-i in the light quantity changing area 311. The second specified value is a value different from the first specified value. In Figure 6 an example where the second specified value is lower than the first specified value is shown. In the case where the second specified value is lower than the first specified value, the second specified value is set to, for example, 30% or zero of the maximum value of the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-i. In addition, the second specified value may be higher than the first specified value. In this case, the second specified value is set to, for example, the maximum value of the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-i. In the case where the second specified value is zero, the light from the light-emitting element 35-i is extinguished.

[0089] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle headlamp 10 in the present embodiment. As Figure 7As shown, the flowchart of this embodiment includes steps S1 to S5.

[0090] (Step S1)

[0091] The detection device 110 captures the front of the vehicle 100 through a camera. When the detection device 110 detects an object in front of the vehicle 100 from the captured image, it outputs a signal indicating the detected object to the control unit 60 via the determination unit 50, and outputs a signal indicating the state of the object to the determination unit 50. In addition, when the detection device 110 does not detect an object in front of the vehicle 100 from the captured image, it outputs a signal indicating that no object is detected to the determination unit 50. In this embodiment, the detection device 110 recognizes and detects a retroreflective object and a person as objects. If an input signal is received, the process moves to step S2.

[0092] (Step S2)

[0093] In this step, the control unit 60 determines whether to emit light based on the control signal from the lamp switch. When the control signal is not input to the control unit 6, the control unit 60 stops the driving of the plurality of light source units 30 and stops the driving of the driving unit 41, does not emit light, and the process returns to step S1. In addition, when the control signal is input to the control unit 60, light is emitted, and the process moves to step S3.

[0094] (Step S3)

[0095] In this step, the determination unit 50 determines whether the object satisfies the specified necessary conditions based on the signal indicating the state of the object from the detection device 110. When the determination unit 50 determines that the object is not in a state that satisfies the specified necessary conditions, the process moves to step S4. In addition, when a signal indicating that no object is detected is input to the determination unit 50, it is considered that the object does not satisfy the specified necessary conditions, and the process moves to step S4. On the other hand, when the determination unit 50 determines that the object is in a state that satisfies the specified necessary conditions, the determination unit 50 outputs a signal indicating the state of the object such as the distance between the object calculated by the calculation unit and the vehicle 100, the position of the object in the captured image, and the type of the object to the control unit 60. If the determination unit 50 outputs a signal, the process moves to step S5. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the state of satisfying the specified necessary conditions is a state where the distance between the object and the vehicle 100 is less than the specified distance. In addition, hereinafter, it is assumed that the object is located in the left front of the vehicle 100 for description.

[0096] (Step S4)

[0097] In this step, as described in step S3, the detection device 110 detects the retroreflective object as the object, and the distance between the retroreflective object and the vehicle 100 is equal to or greater than a specified distance, or the object is not detected by the detection device 110. In this case, the control unit 60 controls the driving of the light source unit 30 and the driving of the driving unit 41. Figure 8 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the scanning of the condensing points SC1 to SC5 in this step. Figure 9 FIG. is a diagram showing a specified light distribution pattern 350 formed when the distance between the retroreflective object 401 as the object and the vehicle 100 is equal to or greater than a specified distance. In addition, Figure 9 The specified light distribution pattern 350 shown in Figure 2 is the same as the specified light distribution pattern 350 shown in

[0098] Here, first, with reference to Figure 8 , the scanning of the condensing points SC1 to SC5 in this step will be described. In Figure 8 , for easy observation, the plurality of scanning regions SR1 to SR5 are arranged in a staggered manner. The condensing points SC1 to SC5 scan the scanning regions SR1 to SR5 from left to right in the figure. When the distance between the object and the vehicle 100 is equal to or greater than a specified distance and when the object is not detected by the detection device 110, the control unit 60 sets each of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5 as a light quantity non-changing region 313. Next, the control unit 60 controls the light emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5 so that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5 corresponding to the condensing points SC1 to SC5 becomes a first specified value.

[0099] When the light emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5 controlled as described above emit light, the light is reflected by the reflector 39 rotated by the driving unit 41 toward the projection lens 43. In addition, the light passes through the projection lens 43 and is emitted forward of the vehicle 100, and scans in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100. Through the scanning of this light, a specified light distribution pattern 350 is formed in front of the vehicle 100 as shown in Figure 9 . As shown in Figure 9 , when the retroreflective object 401 is a road sign provided beside the road, the retroreflective object 401 is supported by, for example, a metal column, i.e., a support portion 403, erected beside the road. In Figure 9 , H represents the horizontal line, the specified light distribution pattern 350 is represented by a thick line, and the specified light distribution pattern 350 is set as a light distribution pattern formed on a vertical plane, for example, 25 m away from the vehicle 100. In addition, in Figure 9 , the left and right edges of each of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5 are represented by dashed lines.

[0100] As described above, the central region CA is a region where a part of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5 overlap each other. Therefore, Figure 9 In the region of the specified light distribution pattern 350 shown in Figure 9 that overlaps with the central region CA, the light from the five light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5 overlaps with each other. In addition, this overlap of light also includes the overlap of light in the human visual sense. In addition, in the region of the specified light distribution pattern 350 that overlaps with the first left region LS1 and the first right region RS1, the light from the four light-emitting elements overlaps with each other, and in the region that overlaps with the second left region LS2 and the second right region RS2, the light from the three light-emitting elements overlaps with each other. In addition, in the region of the specified light distribution pattern 350 that overlaps with the third left region LS3 and the third right region RS3, the light from the two light-emitting elements overlaps with each other, and the region that overlaps with the fourth left region LS4 and the fourth right region RS4 is formed by the light from one light-emitting element. As described above, the scanning regions SR1 to SR5 are respectively set as the light quantity non-varying regions 313. In this case, in the specified light distribution pattern 350, the stronger the intensity of the light in the region where the number of overlapping scanning regions is larger. Therefore, in the light distribution pattern 350, the intensity of the light in the region that overlaps with the central region CA in the light distribution pattern 350 is the strongest, and the intensity of the light becomes weaker as it goes further to the outer side in the left-right direction of the light distribution pattern 350. In addition, the overlapping region PA that coincides with the region composed of the region CA, LS1 to LS3, and RS1 to RS3 in the specified light distribution pattern 350 is a region where the light from at least two light-emitting elements overlaps with each other, and the specified light distribution pattern 350 includes such an overlapping region PA. In addition, in Figure 9 Figure 9 , the overlapping region PA is indicated by a single dotted line.

[0101] (Step S5)

[0102] In this step, the detection device 110 detects the retroreflective object as the object, and the distance between the retroreflective object and the vehicle 100 is less than the specified distance. In this case, the control unit 60 controls the driving of the light source unit 30 and also controls the driving of the driving unit 41. Figure 10 Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining the scanning of the focal points SC1 to SC5 in this step. Figure 11 Figure 11 is a diagram showing a specific light distribution pattern 360 formed when the distance between the retroreflective object 401 and the vehicle 100 is less than the specified distance. In addition, in Figure 11 Figure 11 , the left and right edges of each of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5 are indicated by dotted lines. Here, it is assumed that the retroreflective object overlaps with the overlapping region PA for explanation.

[0103] In this step, the control unit 60 sets the region where the retroreflective object overlaps in the overlapping region PA as the specified region AR based on the signal from the determination unit 50. AsFigure 11 As shown, the specified region AR is a region that extends linearly from the upper end to the lower end of the overlapping region PA and is located within the central region CA. Therefore, when Figure 9 the light distribution pattern 350 shown is formed with the above-mentioned specified region AR, in the specified region AR, the light from the five light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5 overlaps with each other. The position of the specified region AR in the left-right direction changes according to the position of the retroreflective object 401 relative to the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, the center of the specified region AR in the left-right direction substantially coincides with the center of the retroreflective object 401 in the left-right direction. In addition, the center of the specified region AR in the left-right direction may not coincide with the center of the retroreflective object 401 in the left-right direction. In addition, the width of the specified region AR in the left-right direction changes according to the distance between the vehicle 100 and the retroreflective object 401. In the present embodiment, the entire retroreflective object 401 overlaps with the specified region AR, and the width of the specified region AR in the left-right direction is wider when the distance to the retroreflective object 401 is closer. In addition, the width of the specified region AR in the left-right direction may not change according to the distance between the vehicle 100 and the retroreflective object 401. The width of the specified region AR in the left-right direction is narrower than the width of the central region CA, but may also be the same as the central region CA.

[0104] Next, as Figure 10 shown, when the control unit 60 forms the Figure 9 light distribution pattern 350 shown, in the light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5 that irradiate the specified region AR (not shown in Figure 9 ), the light quantity change region 311 is not set in a part of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5, and the light quantity change region 311 is set in another part of the scanning regions. In the present embodiment, Figure 10 shows a state where the light quantity change region 311 is not set in three scanning regions SR1, SR3, and SR5, and the light quantity change region 311 is set in two scanning regions SR2 and SR4. In addition, in Figure 10 , similar to Figure 8 , for easy observation, the multiple scanning regions SR1 to SR5 are arranged staggeredly. The light quantity change region 311 corresponds to the specified region AR, the position of the light quantity change region 311 in the left-right direction is the same as that of the specified region AR, and the width of the light quantity change region 311 in the left-right direction is the same as that of the specified region AR. In addition, the control unit 60 sets a light quantity non-change region 313 in the regions where the light quantity change region 311 is not set in each of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5.

[0105] In addition, when the specified region AR is located within the first left region LS1, if it is formed Figure 9In the case of the light distribution pattern 350 shown, in the specified area AR, the light from the four light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-4 overlaps each other. In this case, the control unit 60 forms Figure 9 In the case of the light distribution pattern 350 shown, the light quantity change area 311 is not set in a part of the scanning areas SR1 to SR4 of the light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-4 that irradiate the specified area AR with light, but in another part of the scanning areas. Therefore, the control unit 60 does not set the light quantity change area 311 in a part of the scanning areas of the light-emitting elements that do not irradiate the specified area AR in the light distribution pattern 350 formed when the distance between the object and the vehicle 100 is equal to or greater than the specified distance, but in another part of the scanning areas.

[0106] In addition, when the distance between the object and the vehicle 100 is less than the specified distance, the number of scanning areas where the light quantity change area 311 is set changes according to the distance between the vehicle 100 and the object. For example, when the object is the retroreflective object 401, the closer the distance between the vehicle 100 and the retroreflective object 401, the greater the number. For example, when the distance between the vehicle 100 and the retroreflective object 401 is closer than the distance Figure 11 shown in the state, a greater number of light quantity change areas 311 are set than the distance Figure 10 shown in the state. In this case, for example, the light quantity change area 311 is set in three scanning areas SR1, SR2, and SR4. In addition, for example, when the object is a person, the farther the distance between the vehicle 100 and the person, the greater the number of scanning areas where the light quantity change area 311 is set. In addition, the number of scanning areas where the light quantity change area 311 is set may not change according to the distance between the vehicle 100 and the retroreflective object or person that is the object. In addition, the scanning areas where the light quantity change area 311 is not set are not particularly limited and may also change according to the position of the object in the left-right direction with respect to the overlapping area PA.

[0107] In addition, the control unit 60 sets a second specified value based on the information from the determination unit 50. When the object is a retroreflective object, in other words, when a signal indicating that the object is a retroreflective object is input to the control unit 60, the control unit 60 sets the second specified value to a specified value lower than the first specified value. In addition, when the object is a person, in other words, when a signal indicating that the object is a person is input to the control unit 60, the control unit 60 sets the second specified value to be higher than the first specified value. In Figure 7 In the flowchart shown, since the object is the retroreflective object 401, the control unit 60 sets the second specified value to a specified value lower than the first specified value.

[0108] Next, when the object is the retroreflective object 401, the control unit 60 controls the light-emitting elements 35-1, 35-3, and 35-5 so that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 35-1, 35-3, and 35-5 corresponding to the condensing points SC1, SC3, and SC5 in the scanning regions SR1, SR3, and SR5 that scan the non-light quantity change region 311 becomes the first specified value. In addition, when the object is the retroreflective object 401, while the condensing points SC2 and SC5 in the scanning regions SR2 and SR4 where the light quantity change region 311 is set are passing through the non-light quantity change region 313, the control unit 60 controls the light-emitting elements 35-2 and 35-4 so that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 35-2 and 35-4 corresponding to the condensing points SC2 and SC4 becomes the first specified value. In addition, when the object is the retroreflective object 401, while the condensing points SC2 and SC4 are passing through the light quantity change region 311, the control unit 60 controls the light-emitting elements 35-2 and 35-4 so that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 35-2 and 35-4 corresponding to the condensing points SC2 and SC4 reaches the second specified value. Then, the process returns to step S1.

[0109] When the light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5 emit light controlled as described above, the light is reflected by the reflector 39 rotated by the drive unit 41 toward the projection lens 43. The reflected light passes through the projection lens 43 and is emitted forward of the vehicle 100, and scans in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100. Through the scanning of this light, a Figure 11 specific light distribution pattern 360 as shown is formed in front of the vehicle 100. As described above, while the condensing points SC2 and SC4 are passing through the light quantity change region 311, the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 35-2 and 35-4 corresponding to the condensing points SC2 and SC4 is set to the second specified value lower than the first specified value. Therefore, the light quantity of the light irradiated from the condensing points SC2 and SC4 to the specified region AR changes in such a way that the light quantity decreases in a state where the retroreflective object does not satisfy the specified necessary conditions as determined by the determination unit 50. Thus, when Figure 11 the specific light distribution pattern 360 as shown is compared with Figure 9 the specified light distribution pattern 350 as shown, the light quantity of the light irradiated to the specified region AR in the specific light distribution pattern 360 is less than the light quantity of the light irradiated to the region corresponding to the specified region AR in the specified light distribution pattern 350, and the light quantity of the light irradiated to the retroreflective object 401 decreases.

[0110] Here, as described above, when the object overlaps with the region where the object overlaps with at least two scanning regions, the control unit 60 does not set the light quantity change region 311 in a part of the scanning regions, and sets the light quantity change region 311 in another part of the scanning regions. Therefore, in this step, the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30 so that the light quantity of the light irradiated from a part of the light emitting elements that irradiate the light to the specified region AR that overlaps with the object in the overlapping region PA where the light from at least two light emitting elements in the light distribution pattern 350 shown in Figure 9 does not change, and the light quantity of the light irradiated from the other part of the light emitting elements to the specified region AR that overlaps with the object changes.

[0111] In addition, in this step, when the detection device 110 detects a person as the object and the determination unit 50 determines that the person satisfies the specified necessary conditions, the control unit 60 sets the second specified value to be higher than the first specified value as described above. When the second specified value is higher than the first specified value, the light quantity irradiated from the light emitting elements 35-2 and 35-4 to the specified region AR is larger than the light quantity in the state where the determination unit 50 determines that the person does not satisfy the specified necessary conditions. If the light quantity increases, the light quantity irradiated to the specified region AR that overlaps with the person in the specific light distribution pattern 360 in the state where the determination unit 50 determines that the person satisfies the specified necessary conditions is larger than the light quantity irradiated to the region corresponding to the specified region AR in the specified light distribution pattern 350 in the state where the determination unit 50 determines that the person does not satisfy the specified necessary conditions. Therefore, the light quantity of the light irradiated to the person increases in the state where the person satisfies the specified necessary conditions compared to the state where the person does not satisfy the specified necessary conditions.

[0112] In addition, in this step, as described above, when the distance between the retroreflective object 401, which is the object, and the vehicle 100 is less than a specified distance, the closer the distance between the vehicle 100 and the retroreflective object 401, the larger the number of scanning areas of the light quantity change area 311. Therefore, the closer the distance between the vehicle 100 and the retroreflective object 401, the less the light quantity of the light irradiated to the retroreflective object. In addition, as described above, when the distance between a person, who is the object, and the vehicle 100 is less than a specified distance, the farther the distance between the vehicle 100 and the person, the larger the number of scanning areas of the light setting quantity change area 311. Therefore, the farther the distance between the vehicle 100 and the person, the more the light quantity of the light irradiated to the person. Therefore, the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30 according to the distance between the vehicle 100 and the object so that the light quantity of the light irradiated from a part of the light emitting elements that irradiate the light to the specified area AR overlapping with the object in the overlapping area PA does not change, and the light quantity of the light irradiated from the other part of the light emitting elements to the specified area AR overlapping with the object changes.

[0113] However, for example, when the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp provided in the own vehicle irradiates a retroreflective object such as a sign, a part of the light sometimes travels from the retroreflective object toward the own vehicle as reflected light, causing glare to the driver of the own vehicle. In addition, when the light quantity of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp and irradiated to a pedestrian or the like is small, the driver sometimes has difficulty visually confirming the person. Therefore, it is required to make driving easier.

[0114] Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment includes a light source unit 30, a reflector 39, and a control unit 60 that controls the light source unit 30. The light source unit 30 has a plurality of light emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5. The reflector 39 repeats a periodic motion, reflects the light from the plurality of light emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5, and periodically scans the light to form a specified light distribution pattern 350. The specified light distribution pattern 350 includes an overlapping area PA where the light from at least two light emitting elements overlaps. When the control unit 60 inputs a signal indicating that an object located in front of the vehicle 100 is detected from the detection device 110, the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30 so that the light quantity of the light irradiated from a part of the light emitting elements that irradiate the light to the specified area AR overlapping with the object in the overlapping area PA does not change, and the light quantity of the light irradiated from the other part of the light emitting elements to the specified area AR overlapping with the object changes.

[0115] In the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, the light distribution pattern of the emitted light changes according to the conditions in front of the vehicle 100, and the light quantity of the light irradiated to the object changes. In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, even when an object is detected, the light quantity of the light irradiated from a part of the light emitting elements to a predetermined area AR overlapping with the object does not change. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, even if the light distribution pattern of the emitted light changes, the light from a part of the light emitting elements is irradiated to the object. If the light is irradiated to the object, compared with the case where the light is not irradiated to the object due to the change of the light distribution pattern of the emitted light, the situation where it is difficult to visually confirm the object can be suppressed, and driving can be facilitated. In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, compared with the case where the light quantity of the light emitted from all the light emitting elements that irradiate the predetermined area AR overlapping with the object changes, the number of the light emitting elements whose emitted light quantity changes is smaller. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, compared with this case, the control of the light source unit 30 by the control unit 60 can be simplified. In addition, when an object is detected by the detection device and, for example, as Figure 11 shown, when the object is the retroreflective object 401, the light quantity of the light irradiated to the retroreflective object 401 changes. When the retroreflective object 401 reflects the light from the vehicle headlamp 10, the intensity of the reflected light from the retroreflective object 401 to the own vehicle has a tendency to become stronger as the intensity of the light irradiated to the retroreflective object 401 becomes stronger. In the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, since the light quantity of the light irradiated to the retroreflective object 401 becomes smaller, compared with the case where the light quantity of the light irradiated to the retroreflective object 401 does not change, the intensity of the light irradiated to the retroreflective object 401 can be suppressed, and the intensity of the reflected light can be suppressed. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, glare to the driver of the own vehicle can be suppressed, and driving can be facilitated. In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, when an object is detected by the detection device and the object is a person, the light quantity of the light irradiated to the person changes. In the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, since the light quantity of the light irradiated to the person becomes larger, compared with the case where the light quantity of the light irradiated to the person does not change, the person can be easily visually confirmed, and driving can be facilitated. In addition, the control unit 60 may also determine that an object is detected when inputting the determination result of the determination unit 50 indicating whether the object satisfies a predetermined necessary condition. In this case, the detection device 110 may not output a signal indicating that an object is detected to the control unit 60.

[0116] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, the width in the left-right direction of the specified region AR that overlaps the object varies according to the distance between the vehicle 100 and the object. From the driver's viewpoint, the closer the distance between the vehicle 100 and the object, the larger the object appears. Therefore, with such a configuration, the amount of light irradiated onto the object can be appropriately varied compared to the case where the width in the left-right direction of the specified region AR, where the amount of light irradiated varies according to the distance between the vehicle 100 and the object, does not change.

[0117] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30 according to the distance between the vehicle 100 and the object, so that the amount of light irradiated from a part of the light-emitting elements that irradiate the specified region AR that overlaps the object in the overlapping region PA does not change, and the amount of light irradiated from the other part of the light-emitting elements to the specified region AR that overlaps the object changes. Therefore, the amount of light irradiated onto the object varies according to the distance between the vehicle 100 and the object. There is a tendency for the driver to find it more difficult to visually confirm a person as the distance between the vehicle and the person increases. In the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, the farther the distance between the vehicle and the person, the more light is irradiated onto the person. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, compared to the case where the amount of light irradiated onto the person does not vary according to the distance between the vehicle 100 and the person, the person can be more easily visually confirmed, and driving becomes easier. In addition, when a retroreflective object reflects the light from the vehicle headlamp 10, there is a tendency for the intensity of the reflected light from the retroreflective object to the vehicle to be stronger as the distance between the host vehicle and the retroreflective object is closer. In the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, the closer the distance between the vehicle 100 and the retroreflective object, the less light is irradiated onto the retroreflective object. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment can suppress glare to the driver of the host vehicle and enables easier driving compared to the case where the amount of light irradiated onto the retroreflective object does not vary according to the distance between the vehicle 100 and the retroreflective object.

[0118] Further, in step S5, the control unit 60 does not need to control the other part of the light-emitting elements, which are different from a part of the light-emitting elements that irradiate light to the specified area AR overlapping with the object in the overlapping area PA, so that the light quantity of the light emitted from the other part of the light-emitting elements toward the specified area AR overlapping with the object always becomes the second specified value. For example, the control unit 60 may set the light quantity change area 311 in a specified scanning cycle. Moreover, the control unit 60 may control the other part of the light-emitting elements so that the light quantity of the light emitted from the other part of the light-emitting elements toward the specified area AR becomes the second specified value during the period when the condensing point in the specified scanning cycle passes through the light quantity change area 311. In addition, when the other part of the light-emitting elements are plural, the light quantities of the light emitted from the plural light-emitting elements toward the specified area AR may be different from each other. For example, in the case where the other part of the light-emitting elements are two light-emitting elements 35-2 and 35-4 as in the above-described embodiment and the object is a retroreflective object, the control unit 60 may control the two light-emitting elements 35-2 and 35-4 so that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-2 toward the specified area AR becomes the second specified value and the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-4 toward the specified area AR becomes a third specified value lower than the second specified value.

[0119] In addition, in step S5, the control unit 60 does not need to control the light source unit 30 according to the distance between the vehicle 100 and the object, so that the amount of light irradiated from a part of the light emitting elements that irradiate light to the specified area AR overlapping with the object in the overlapping area PA does not change, and the amount of light irradiated from the other part of the light emitting elements to the specified area AR changes. For example, when the detection device 110 can detect a retroreflective object as the object and can detect the intensity of the light from the retroreflective object toward the vehicle 100, the control unit 60 can also control the light source unit 30 according to the intensity of the light from the retroreflective object toward the vehicle 100, so that the amount of light irradiated from a part of the light emitting elements that irradiate light to the specified area AR overlapping with the retroreflective object in the overlapping area PA does not change, and the amount of light irradiated from the other part of the light emitting elements to the specified area AR becomes less. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately suppress glare to the driver of the own vehicle. In addition, the detection device 110 detects the intensity of the light from the retroreflective object toward the vehicle 100 based on, for example, the luminance value in the captured image. In addition, for example, when the detection device 110 can detect a retroreflective object as the object and can detect the angle formed by the traveling direction of the vehicle 100 and the direction from the vehicle 100 toward the retroreflective object, the control unit 60 can also control the light source unit 30 such that the smaller the angle, the less the amount of light irradiated from a part of the light emitting elements that irradiate light to the specified area AR overlapping with the retroreflective object in the overlapping area PA changes, and the amount of light irradiated from the other part of the light emitting elements to the specified area AR becomes less. Generally, in the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp, there is a tendency that the intensity of the light is stronger toward the center side. Therefore, there is a tendency that the intensity of the light irradiated to the object becomes stronger as the above angle becomes smaller. Therefore, for example, the light source unit 30 is controlled such that the smaller the above angle, the less the amount of light irradiated to the specified area AR overlapping with the retroreflective object, thereby being able to appropriately suppress glare to the driver of the own vehicle. In addition, when the number of the light emitting elements 35 that irradiate light to the specified area AR overlapping with the object is three or more, the control unit 60 can also change the number of the other part of the light emitting elements so that the amount of light irradiated from the other part of the light emitting elements to the specified area AR overlapping with the object changes.

[0120] In addition, the control unit 60 can also change the scanning area of the set light amount change area 311 according to the position in the left-right direction of the specified area AR. Hereinafter, a modification example of the change in the scanning area of the set light amount change area 311 will be described. In addition, for the components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and repeated descriptions are omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0121] In this modified example, for example, as Figure 12 shown, the scanning regions SR1 to SR5 corresponding to the respective light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5 are divided into three regions in the left-right direction, which is the scanning direction, namely, a pair of end portions EP1-1 to EP1-5, EP2-1 to EP2-5, and a central portion CP1 to CP5. In addition, in Figure 12 order to facilitate understanding, the scanning regions SR1 to SR5 are arranged with an offset in the vertical direction, and the sizes of the pair of end portions corresponding to each scanning region are larger than the actual sizes.

[0122] One end portion EP1-1 to EP1-5 is a region including the left end portions of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5. The widths W1-1 to W1-5 in the left-right direction are widths greater than the widths of the light spot centers SC1 to SC5 in the left-right direction, for example, 10 times the widths of the light spot centers SC1 to SC5 in the left-right direction. The other end portion EP2-1 to EP2-5 is a region including the right end portions of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5. The widths W2-1 to W2-5 in the left-right direction are widths greater than the widths of the light spot centers SC1 to SC5 in the left-right direction, for example, 10 times the widths of the light spot centers SC1 to SC5 in the left-right direction. The central portion CP1 to CP5 is a region sandwiched between the one end portion EP1-1 to EP1-5 and the other end portion EP2-1 to EP2-5.

[0123] The scanning regions SR1 to SR5 are arranged with an offset in the left-right direction, and the centers C1 to C5 in the left-right direction of the central portions CP1 to CP5 are also offset from each other in the left-right direction. However, a part of each central portion CP1 to CP5 overlaps with a part of the central portions of all other scanning regions. In addition, the end portions EP1-1 to EP1-5 and EP2-1 to EP2-5 do not overlap with the end portions in all other scanning regions.

[0124] Figure 13 FIG. is an example for explaining the setting of the light quantity change region 311 in step S5 in this modified example. In addition, in Figure 13 order to facilitate understanding, the sizes of the pair of end portions corresponding to each scanning region are larger than the actual sizes. In addition, in Figure 13 it shows a state in which in step S5, the light quantity change region 311 is not set in the three scanning regions SR1, SR2, and SR3, and the light quantity change region 311 is set in the two scanning regions SR4 and SR5. In addition, the specified region AR is located within the central portions CP4 and CP5 of all the scanning regions SR4 and SR5 where the light quantity change region 311 is set. In addition, in Figure 13In the example shown, the specified area AR is also located within the central portions CP1 to CP3 of the scanning areas SR1 to SR3 where the light quantity change area 311 is not set. In this state, for example, when the vehicle 100 moves such that the specified area AR moves in the left-right direction, the light quantity change area 311 will also move in the left-right direction. Therefore, as Figure 14 shown, in the two scanning areas SR4 and SR5, there are cases where the ends overlap with the light quantity change area 311. In other words, in the two scanning areas SR4 and SR5, there are cases where the ends overlap with the specified area AR. Here, in Figure 14 the example shown, one end EP1-5 of the scanning area SR5 overlaps with the specified area AR, and the specified area AR is located within the central portions CP1 to CP4 of the scanning areas SR1 to SR4.

[0125] When the specified area AR changes from the Figure 13 first state shown to the Figure 14 second state shown, the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30 as follows. The first state is a state where the specified area AR is located within the central portions CP4 and CP5 of all the scanning areas SR4 and SR5 where the light quantity change area 311 is set, as shown in Figure 13 . In addition, the second state is a state where the specified area AR overlaps with one end EP1-5 of the scanning area SR5 and is located within the central portions CP1 to CP3 of the scanning areas SR1 to SR3 where the light quantity change area 311 is not set, as shown in Figure 14 . The control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30 so that the light quantity irradiated from the light emitting elements corresponding to the scanning areas where the ends of the light emitting elements 35-4 and 35-5 overlap with the specified area AR to the specified area AR is restored to the light quantity irradiated to the specified area AR before this light quantity change. Specifically, the control unit 60 removes the light quantity change area 311 from the scanning area SR5 where the end EP1-5 overlaps with the specified area AR. Therefore, the light quantity irradiated from the light emitting element 35-1 corresponding to the scanning area SR5 to the specified area AR is restored to the light quantity irradiated to the specified area AR before the light quantity change area 311 was set in the scanning area SR5. That is, the light quantity irradiated from the light emitting element 35-1 to the specified area AR is restored to the light quantity irradiated to the specified area AR in a state where the determination unit 50 has not determined that the object satisfies the specified necessary conditions.

[0126] In addition, the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30 such that the amount of light irradiated to the specified area AR in the second state becomes the amount of light in the first state by changing the amount of light irradiated to the specified area AR from at least one of the light emitting elements 35-1 to 35-3 corresponding to the scanning area located in the central part of the specified area AR. Here, in this modified example, as in the above-described embodiment, the amount of light emitted from each light emitting element 35-i when the condensing point SCi passes through the non-light amount changing area 313 becomes the first specified value. Therefore, the control unit 60 sets the light amount changing area 311 in one scanning area corresponding to the scanning area located in the central part of the specified area AR among the three scanning areas SR1 to SR3. Here, since the ends of the three scanning areas SR1 to SR3 do not overlap with the specified area AR, the light amount changing area 311 is set in one of the three scanning areas SR1 to SR3. In this modified example, the control unit 60 sets the light amount changing area 311 in the scanning area SR2 where the distance between the centers C1 to C3 in the left-right direction of the central parts CP1 to CP3 of the three scanning areas SR1 to SR3 and the specified area AR is the shortest. Therefore, the amount of light irradiated to the specified area AR from the light emitting element 35-2 corresponding to the scanning area SR2 changes, and the amount of light irradiated to the specified area AR in the second state becomes the amount of light in the first state. Then, the process returns from step S5 to step S1. In addition, the control unit 60 only needs to control the light source unit 30 by setting the light amount changing area 311 in one of the three scanning areas SR1 to SR3 such that the amount of light irradiated to the specified area AR in the second state becomes the amount of light in the first state. The method of selecting the scanning area is not particularly limited, and the light amount changing area 311 may be set in a plurality of scanning areas. In the case where the light amount changing area 311 is set in a plurality of scanning areas, the amount of light emitted from the light emitting element when the condensing point passes through the light amount changing area 311 is adjusted such that the amount of light irradiated to the specified area AR in the second state becomes the amount of light in the first state.

[0127] Here, in this modified example, similar to the above-described embodiment, a light distribution pattern is formed by periodically scanning the light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5. In such a vehicle headlamp, for example, when a predetermined region AR overlapping with an object is near an end portion in the scanning direction of a scanning region SRi through which a condensing point SCi of the light from the light-emitting element 35-i passes, the distance between the end portion and the predetermined region AR may sometimes be narrower than the width in the scanning direction of the condensing point SCi. However, the shortest length capable of scanning the light is the width in the scanning direction of the condensing point SCi. Therefore, in the case as described above, it is not possible to change the amount of light irradiated between the end portion and the predetermined region AR to change the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region AR. Therefore, the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region AR and the amount of light between the above-described end portion and the predetermined region AR also change, and the region where the amount of light changes sometimes rapidly increases, and the driver may feel discomfort.

[0128] The headlight 10 for a vehicle according to this modification further includes a determination unit 50 that determines whether an object is in a state that satisfies a predetermined necessary condition such that the amount of reflected light from the object becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value when a signal indicating the state of the object is input from the detection device 110. Further, in the headlight 10 for a vehicle according to this modification, as described above, the respective scanning regions SR1 to SR5 through which the condensing points SC1 to SC5 of the light from the respective light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5 scanned by the reflector 39 in the predetermined light distribution pattern 350 pass are divided into a pair of end portions EP1-1 to EP1-5, EP2-1 to EP2-5 and a central portion CP1 to CP5. One end portion EP1-1 to EP1-5 is a region including the left end portion of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5, and the other end portion EP2-1 to EP2-5 is a region including the right end portion of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5. The central portions CP1 to CP5 are regions sandwiched between the one end portion EP1-1 to EP1-5 and the other end portion EP2-1 to EP2-5 in the scanning direction. The widths in the scanning direction of the end portions EP1-1 to EP1-5, EP2-1 to EP2-5 in each of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5 are equal to or greater than the widths in the scanning direction of the condensing points SC1 to SC5. The respective scanning regions SR1 to SR5 are arranged offset from each other in the scanning direction, a part of the central portions CP1 to CP5 of each of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5 overlaps a part of the central portions of all the other scanning regions, and the end portions EP1-1 to EP1-5, EP2-1 to EP2-5 of each of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5 do not overlap the end portions of all the other scanning regions. Moreover, when the predetermined region AR changes from the first state to the second state, the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30 as follows. Here, the first state is a state in which the predetermined region AR is located within the central portions CP4, CP5 of all the scanning regions SR4, SR5 corresponding to the light-emitting elements 35-4, 35-5 in which the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region AR changes. Further, the second state is a state in which the end portion of at least one of the scanning regions corresponding to the light-emitting elements 35-4, 35-5 in which the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region AR changes as the predetermined region AR moves in the scanning direction overlaps the predetermined region AR, and the predetermined region AR is located within the central portion of at least one of the scanning regions corresponding to the light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-3 in which the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region AR does not change. The control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30 so that the amount of light irradiated from the light-emitting element 35-5 corresponding to the scanning region SR5 in which the predetermined region AR overlaps the end portion among the light-emitting elements 35-4, 35-5 in which the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region AR changes is restored to the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined region AR when the determination unit 50 does not determine that the object satisfies the predetermined necessary condition.Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp 10 according to this modification example, the distance between the end of the scanning area corresponding to the light-emitting element that can change the light quantity of the light irradiated to the specified area AR and the specified area AR is not less than the width in the scanning direction of the condensing point. In addition, the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30 such that the light quantity of the light irradiated to the specified area AR in the second state becomes the light quantity in the first state by changing the light quantity of the light irradiated to the specified area AR from at least one of the light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-3 whose light quantity of the light irradiated to the specified area AR does not change and that corresponds to the scanning area within the central part of the specified area AR. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp 10 according to this modification example, it is possible to suppress the change in the light quantity irradiated near the specified area AR, and to keep the brightness of the specified area AR unchanged, thereby suppressing discomfort to the driver.

[0129] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 10 according to this modification example, the specified area AR in the second state is located within the central part of the scanning areas corresponding to two or more of the light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-3 whose light quantity of the light irradiated to the specified area AR does not change. Moreover, when changing from the first state to the second state, the light quantity of the light irradiated to the specified area AR changes for the light-emitting element 35-2 corresponding to the scanning area SR2 in which the distance between the centers C1 to C3 in the scanning direction of the central parts CP1 to CP3 and the specified area AR is the shortest among two or more of the light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-3 whose light quantity of the light irradiated to the specified area AR does not change. Therefore, even if the specified area AR moves further to one side or the other side in the scanning direction, it is less likely that the end of the scanning area SR2 corresponding to the light-emitting element 35-2 overlaps with the specified area AR, and the light quantity of the light irradiated to the specified area AR by the light-emitting element 35-2 changes when changing from the first state to the second state. Thus, in the vehicle headlamp 10 according to this modification example, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of times the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30 as described above.

[0130] In addition, in this modification example, in the first state, the light quantity change areas 311 are provided in the scanning areas SR4 and SR5. However, the scanning area where the light quantity change area 311 is provided and the number of scanning areas where the light quantity change area 311 is provided are not particularly limited. In addition, the length in the scanning direction of each scanning area is not particularly limited. In addition, the widths of the ends in these scanning areas may be different from each other or the same. In addition, the widths in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction in these scanning areas may be different from each other or the same. In addition, these scanning areas may be offset in the scanning direction and in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction. In addition, a part of the light distribution pattern may be formed by scanning the light from these five light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5, and another part of the light distribution pattern may be formed by scanning the light from other light-emitting elements.

[0131] (Second Embodiment)

[0132] Next, a second embodiment as the second mode of the present invention will be described. In addition, for components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used and repeated descriptions will be omitted, unless otherwise specified. In the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, the configuration of the light source unit 30 in the lamps 20a and 20b is different from the configuration of the light source unit 30 in the lamps 20a and 20b of the first embodiment. The configurations of the lamps 20a and 20b in the present embodiment are the same, so the lamp 20a will be used to describe the configuration of each of the lamps 20a and 20b.

[0133] Figure 15 is a diagram schematically showing the lamp 20a of the present embodiment. As Figure 15 shown, in the lamp 20a of the present embodiment, a plurality of light source units 30 are arranged.

[0134] In Figure 15 , each light source unit 30 is indicated by a dashed line. This dashed line is shown for the convenience of indicating each light source unit 30, and does not mean that the shape of each light source unit 30 is as shown by the dashed line. Each light source unit 30 is arranged in a row along one direction in the up-down direction of the paper surface as Figure 15 . In addition, each light source unit 30 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 35 mounted on a circuit board 33. The plurality of light emitting elements 35 are arranged in a row along another direction different from the one direction. The other direction is, for example, a direction orthogonal to the one direction. In Figure 15 , an example is shown in which two light source units 30 are arranged in a row along one direction. In addition, in Figure 15 , an example is shown in which in a part of the light source units 30, i.e., the light source unit 30a, five light emitting elements 35 are arranged in a row along the other direction, and in another part of the light source units 30, i.e., the light source unit 30b, two light emitting elements 35 are arranged in a row along the other direction. The light source unit 30a corresponds to the light source unit 30 in the first embodiment. In addition, the number of the light source units 30 and the number of the light emitting elements 35 in each light source unit 30 are not particularly limited. In addition, for example, each light source unit 30 may also be configured to include one light emitting element 35.

[0135] In each light source unit 30, power is supplied to each light emitting element 35 via the circuit board 33. By adjusting the power supplied to each light emitting element 35, the light quantity of the light emitted from each light emitting element 35 is adjusted. The light is emitted toward the reflector 39. The reflecting blades 39a of the reflector 39 reflect the light from the plurality of light source units 30 toward the projection lens 43.

[0136] In the present embodiment, if a plurality of light source units 30 emit light toward the reflector 39 and the reflector 39 rotates, the reflector 39 repeats a periodic motion, thereby reflecting the light from the plurality of light source units 30 toward the projection lens 43 side and scanning the light in the left - right direction of the vehicle 100. The light passes through the projection lens 43 and is emitted forward of the vehicle 100, and is scanned in the left - right direction of the vehicle 100, and a first light distribution pattern 201 and a second light distribution pattern 203 are formed on the vertical plane 200 in front of the vehicle 100. The first light distribution pattern 201 is a light distribution pattern formed by scanning the light from the light source unit 30a, and the second light distribution pattern 203 is a light distribution pattern formed by scanning the light from the light source unit 30b. The first light distribution pattern 201 partially overlaps the second light distribution pattern 203 in the up - down direction of the vehicle 100. For example, when the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203 are rectangular shapes that are horizontally long in the left - right direction of the vehicle 100, the upper end portion of the first light distribution pattern 201 overlaps the lower end portion of the second light distribution pattern 203. Here, the reflector 39 reflects the light from the plurality of light source units 30 so that the first light distribution pattern 201 partially overlaps the second light distribution pattern 203 in the up - down direction of the vehicle 100. In addition, in Figure 15 the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203 are shown in rectangular shapes, but the shapes of the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203 are not limited to rectangular shapes.

[0137] Figure 16 And Figure 17 are diagrams for explaining the formation of the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203.

[0138] Figure 16 is a diagram showing the layout of the light - emitting elements 35 - 1 to 35 - 7 of the plurality of light source units 30 in the present embodiment. As described above, the light source unit 30a includes five light - emitting elements 35 - 1 to 35 - 5, and the light source unit 30b includes two light - emitting elements 35 - 6 to 35 - 7.

[0139] Figure 17 is a diagram showing the scanning regions SR1 to SR7 through which the focus points of the respective lights pass when the light from each of the light - emitting elements 35 - 1 to 35 - 7 is scanned by the reflector 39 in order to form the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203. The scanning region SRi in the present embodiment represents the region through which the focus point formed by the light from the i - th (1 ≤ i ≤ 7) light - emitting element 35 - i passes. The set of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5 corresponds to the first light distribution pattern 201, and the set of the scanning regions SR6 to SR7 corresponds to the second light distribution pattern 203.

[0140] The arrangement of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5 in this embodiment is the same as that of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5 in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. In Figure 17 for the sake of clarity of illustration, the reference numerals of the regions CA, LS1 to LS4, and RS1 to RS4 shown in Figure 4 are omitted.

[0141] The scanning regions SR6 to SR7 are rectangular in shape and horizontally long in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100, and are set to be of substantially the same size. The scanning region SR6 is wider than the scanning region SR1. The vertical positions of the scanning regions SR6 to SR7 are substantially the same, and the left-right positions are different. Accordingly, the scanning regions SR6 to SR7 are arranged so as to be offset from each other in the left-right direction such that a part of each of the scanning regions SR6 to SR7 overlaps with a part of the other scanning regions. The overlapping region overlaps with the vertical line V and is located above the horizontal line H. In addition, the lower end portions of the scanning regions SR6 to SR7 respectively overlap with a part of the upper end portions of the scanning regions SR1 to SR5. The overlapping region is located above the horizontal line H.

[0142] Figure 18 is a diagram for explaining the control of the light-emitting element 35 - i in the scanning region SRi. Figure 18 is a diagram showing the scanning region SRi. Figure 18 In the scanning region SRi shown, the non-hatched range represents the non-irradiation region 211, and the hatched range represents the irradiation region 213. The non-irradiation region 211 represents a region where light is not irradiated in the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203, or a region where a relatively small amount of light that will not cause glare to the driver of the vehicle 100 due to the reflected light from the retroreflective object is irradiated in the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203. The irradiation region 213 represents a region where light is irradiated in the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203. The amount of light in the irradiation region 213 is larger than the amount of light in the non-irradiation region 211. The timing chart of this embodiment showing the lighting and extinguishing states of the light-emitting element 35 - i is the same as the Figure 6 timing chart shown.

[0143] In the irradiation region 213, the control unit 60 controls the brightness of the light-emitting element 35 - i such that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 35 - i corresponding to the focal point SCi becomes a first specified value during the period when the focal point SCi passes through the irradiation region 213. The first specified value represents the value of the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 35 - i in the irradiation region 213. In addition, the first specified value is, for example, the maximum value of the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 35 - i, or 80% of the maximum value, etc.

[0144] In addition, in the non-irradiation area 211, while the condensing point SCi passes through the non-irradiation area 211, the control unit 60 controls the brightness of the light-emitting element 35-i such that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-i corresponding to the condensing point SCi becomes a second specified value. Specifically, as Figure 6 and Figure 18 shown, at the timing tA when the right end RE of the condensing point SCi reaches the non-irradiation area 211, the control unit 60 controls the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-i to be the second specified value, and at the timing tB when the left end LE of the condensing point SCi reaches the right end of the non-irradiation area 211, the control unit 60 controls the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-i to be the first specified value. The second specified value represents the value of the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-i in the non-irradiation area 211. The second specified value in the present embodiment is a value smaller than the first specified value. The second specified value is, for example, 30% of the maximum light quantity or zero. When the second specified value is zero, the light from the light-emitting element 35-i is extinguished.

[0145] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 10 in the present embodiment will be described. The control flowchart of this operation is the same as that of the first embodiment, and includes step SP1 to step SP5. Steps SP1 to SP3 in the present embodiment are the same as steps SP1 to SP3 in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted. Steps SP4 to SP5 in the present embodiment are different from steps SP4 to SP5 in the first embodiment, and will be described below. In addition, the object in the present embodiment is a retroreflective object located in the left front oblique direction of the vehicle 100. In addition, hereinafter, the distance between the retroreflective object and the vehicle 100 may be simply referred to as the distance.

[0146] (Step S4)

[0147] In this step, similar to step SP4 of Embodiment 1, the detection device 110 detects the retroreflective object, and the distance is equal to or greater than a specified distance, or the detection device 110 does not detect the retroreflective object. In this case, the control unit 60 controls the driving of the plurality of light source units 30 and controls the driving of the driving unit 41. Figure 19 is a diagram for explaining the scanning of the condensing points SC1 to SC7 in this step. Figure 20 is a diagram showing the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203 when the distance is equal to or greater than the specified distance. Figure 20 The first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203 shown Figure 15 are the same as the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203 shown.

[0148] Here, first, refer to Figure 19, the scanning of the light concentration points SC1 to SC7 in this step will be described. In Figure 19 , for easy observation, a plurality of scanning regions SR1 to SR7 are arranged staggeredly. The light concentration points SC1 to SC7 scan the scanning regions SR1 to SR7 from left to right in the figure. When the distance is above a specified distance and the retroreflective object is not detected by the detection device 110, the control unit 60 sets each of the scanning regions SR1 to SR7 as the irradiation region 213. Next, the control unit 60 controls the light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-7 so that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-7 corresponding to the light concentration points SC1 to SC7 becomes a first specified value.

[0149] When the light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-7 emit light controlled as described above, the light is reflected by the rotating reflector 39 toward the projection lens 43. In addition, the light passes through the projection lens 43 and is emitted forward of the vehicle 100, and scans in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100. Through the scanning of this light, as Figure 20 shown, a first light distribution pattern 201 and a second light distribution pattern 203 are formed in front of the vehicle 100. As Figure 20 shown, when the retroreflective object 401 is a road sign provided beside the road, the retroreflective object 401 is supported by, for example, a metal pillar, i.e., a support portion 403, erected beside the road. In Figure 20 , H represents the horizontal line, the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203 are represented by thick lines, and the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203 are set as light distribution patterns formed on a vertical plane, for example, 25 m away from the vehicle 100. The first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203 partially overlap in the vertical direction of the vehicle 100.

[0150] (Step S5)

[0151] In this step, the retroreflective object is detected by the detection device 110 and the distance is less than the specified distance. In this case, the control unit 60 controls the driving of the plurality of light source units 30 and controls the driving of the driving unit 41. Figure 21 is a diagram for explaining the scanning of the light concentration points SC1 to SC7 in this step. Figure 22 is a diagram showing the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203 when the distance is less than the specified distance. Here, it is assumed that the upper end portion of the first light distribution pattern 201 and the lower end portion of the second light distribution pattern 203 partially overlap in the vertical direction of the vehicle 100, and the retroreflective object overlaps with the second light distribution pattern 203, which is one of the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203, for explanation.

[0152] In this step, based on the signal from the determination unit 50, the control unit 60 detects a specified area AR that overlaps with the retroreflective object in the second light distribution pattern 203, and sets the specified area AR as the non-irradiation area 211. This signal represents the state of an object such as the existence position of the retroreflective object. Next, the control unit 60 controls the driving of the light source unit 30a that emits light to form the first light distribution pattern 201 and the driving of the light source unit 30b that emits light to form the second light distribution pattern 203. The driving of the light source unit 30a and the light source unit 30b in this step will be described below.

[0153] Here, first, with reference to Figure 21 , the scanning of the condensing points SC1 to SC7 in this step will be described. In Figure 21 , similar to Figure 19 , for easy observation, the multiple scanning areas SR1 to SR7 are arranged in a staggered manner. The condensing points SC1 to SC7 scan the scanning areas SR1 to SR7 from left to right in the figure.

[0154] First, the driving of the light source unit 30a will be described. The control unit 60 sets each of the scanning areas SR1 to SR5 as the irradiation area 213. Next, the control unit 60 controls the light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5 so that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5 corresponding to the condensing points SC1 to SC5 becomes a first specified value.

[0155] Next, the driving of the light source unit 30b will be described. The control unit 60 sets a part of each of the scanning areas SR6 to SR7 as the non-irradiation area 211 and sets the other part of each of the scanning areas SR6 to SR7 as the irradiation area 213. The control unit 60 controls the light-emitting elements 35-6 and 35-7 so that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 35-6 and 35-7 corresponding to the condensing points SC6 and SC7 becomes the first specified value during the period when the condensing points SC6 and SC7 pass through the irradiation area 213. In addition, the control unit 60 controls the light-emitting elements 35-6 and 35-7 so that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 35-6 and 35-7 corresponding to the condensing points SC6 and SC7 becomes a second specified value during the period when the condensing points SC6 and SC7 pass through the non-irradiation area 211.

[0156] If the light-emitting elements 35-1 to 35-7 emit light as controlled above, the light is reflected by the rotating reflector 39 toward the projection lens 43. In addition, the light passes through the projection lens 43 and is emitted forward of the vehicle 100, and scans in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100 to form the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203 in front of the vehicle 100.

[0157] In this step, when the determination unit 50 determines that the retroreflective object 401 satisfies the specified necessary conditions, the amount of light irradiated to the specified area AR that overlaps with the retroreflective object 401 in the second light distribution pattern 203, which is one of the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203, is less than that in the case where the determination unit 50 determines that the retroreflective object 401 does not satisfy the specified necessary conditions. As a result, compared with the second light distribution pattern 203 in step S4, the second light distribution pattern 203 is projected in front of the vehicle 100 with a small amount of light in the retroreflective object 401.

[0158] Next, an example of the control of the second specified value will be described using numerical values. This second specified value is the value of the amount of light irradiated to the specified area AR. The numerical values used here are described for the purpose of facilitating an impression of the magnitude relationship of the amount of light, and do not represent the actual numerical value of the amount of light irradiated to the specified area AR.

[0159] Here, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-6 of the light source unit 30b that emits light irradiated to the specified area AR is defined as the first light, and the amount of light of the first light is defined as the first light amount for description. In addition, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-7 of the light source unit 30b is defined as the second light, and the amount of light of the second light is defined as the second light amount for description.

[0160] When the distance is equal to or greater than the specified distance, the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30b, for example, so that the first light amount becomes "100" and the second light amount becomes "100". In this case, the sum of the first light amount and the second light amount is "200".

[0161] On the other hand, when the distance is less than the specified distance, the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30b so that the first light amount becomes "80" and the second light amount becomes "80". In this case, the sum of the first light amount and the second light amount is "160".

[0162] Next, a comparison between the total “200” of the first light quantity and the second light quantity when the distance is greater than or equal to a specified distance, and the total “160” of the first light quantity and the second light quantity when the distance is less than the specified distance will be described. When comparing the respective totals, the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30b such that when the distance is less than the specified distance, the total of the first light quantity and the second light quantity becomes smaller than when the distance is greater than or equal to the specified distance. Next, a comparison between the first light quantity “100” and the second light quantity “100” when the distance is greater than or equal to the specified distance, and the first light quantity “80” and the second light quantity “80” when the distance is less than the specified distance will be described. When comparing them, the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30b such that when the distance is less than the specified distance, the first light quantity and the second light quantity become smaller than when the distance is greater than or equal to the specified distance, respectively.

[0163] In addition, in the present embodiment, as long as the total of the first light quantity and the second light quantity becomes smaller as described above when the distance is less than the specified distance compared to when the distance is greater than or equal to the specified distance. For example, the control unit 60 may also control the light source unit 30b such that one of the first light quantity and the second light quantity becomes “80” and the other becomes “100”. Here, a comparison between the first light quantity “100” and the second light quantity “100” when the distance is greater than or equal to the specified distance, and the first light quantity “80” and the second light quantity “100” when the distance is less than the specified distance will be described. When comparing them, the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30b such that when the distance is less than the specified distance, the first light quantity becomes smaller and the second light quantity is the same compared to when the distance is greater than or equal to the specified distance.

[0164] If the total of the first light quantity and the second light quantity is controlled as described above, the process returns to step S1.

[0165] However, when light from a vehicle headlamp provided in the own vehicle irradiates a retroreflective object such as a sign, a part of the light is reflected from the retroreflective object toward the own vehicle as reflected light, and sometimes it may cause glare to the driver of the own vehicle. As a result, there is a risk of reduced visibility of the driver.

[0166] Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of light source units 30, a reflector 39 that reflects light from the plurality of light source units 30 by repeating periodic motion and scans the light in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100, and a control unit 60 that controls the plurality of light source units 30. The reflector 39 reflects the light from the plurality of light source units 30 so that a first light distribution pattern 201 formed by scanning the light from a part of the plurality of light source units 30, i.e., the light source unit 30a, and a second light distribution pattern 203 formed by scanning the light from another part of the plurality of light source units 30, i.e., the light source unit 30b, partially overlap in the up-down direction of the vehicle 100. The control unit 60 controls the plurality of light source units 30 such that when a signal indicating that a retroreflective object located in front of the vehicle 100 is detected is input from the detection device 110, the amount of light irradiated to a specified area AR that overlaps with the retroreflective object in the second light distribution pattern 203, which is one of the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203, becomes less than when a signal indicating that no retroreflective object is detected is input from the detection device 110.

[0167] When the retroreflective object reflects light, there is a tendency that the stronger the intensity of the light from the light source unit 30 to the retroreflective object, the stronger the intensity of the reflected light from the retroreflective object to the host vehicle. Here, compare the case where a signal indicating that a retroreflective object is detected is input from the detection device 110 to the control unit 60 and the case where a signal indicating that no retroreflective object is detected is input from the detection device 110 to the control unit 60. When a signal indicating that a retroreflective object is detected is input to the control unit 60, the amount of light irradiated to a specified area AR that overlaps with the retroreflective object in the second light distribution pattern 203, which is one of the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203, becomes less than when a signal indicating that no retroreflective object is detected is input to the control unit 60. This light is part of the light that forms the second light distribution pattern 203. If the amount of this light decreases, compared with the case where the amount of this light does not decrease, the intensity of the light to the retroreflective object can be suppressed, and the intensity of the reflected light from the retroreflective object can be suppressed. Thus, even if the reflected light travels to the host vehicle, glare to the driver of the host vehicle can be suppressed. Therefore, according to this vehicle headlamp 10, a decrease in the visibility of the driver can be suppressed.

[0168] In addition, the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment may further include a determination unit 50. When a signal indicating the state of a retroreflective object is input from the detection device 110, the determination unit 50 determines whether the retroreflective object satisfies a specified necessary condition that the light quantity of the reflected light from the retroreflective object is equal to or greater than a specified value. When the determination unit 50 determines that the retroreflective object satisfies the specified necessary condition, the control unit 60 controls the plurality of light source units 30 to reduce the light quantity of the light irradiated to a specified area AR that overlaps with the retroreflective object in the second light distribution pattern 203, which is one of the first light distribution pattern 201 and the second light distribution pattern 203, compared with the case where the determination unit 50 determines that the retroreflective object does not satisfy the specified necessary condition. In this case, as described above, the intensity of the light emitted to the retroreflective object can be suppressed, and the intensity of the reflected light from the retroreflective object can be suppressed. As a result, even if the reflected light travels to the host vehicle, glare caused to the driver of the host vehicle can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 10, a reduction in the visibility of the driver can be suppressed.

[0169] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, the light source unit 30b that emits light irradiated to the specified area AR among the plurality of light source units 30 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 35. When the determination unit 50 determines that the retroreflective object satisfies the specified necessary condition, the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30b to reduce the light quantity of the light from a part of the plurality of light emitting elements 35, i.e., the light emitting element 35-6, and the light quantity of the light from another part of the plurality of light emitting elements 35, i.e., the light emitting element 35-7, respectively, compared with the case where the determination unit 50 determines that the retroreflective object does not satisfy the specified necessary condition.

[0170] According to the vehicle headlamp 10, compared with the state where the retroreflective object does not satisfy the specified necessary condition, when the retroreflective object satisfies the specified necessary condition, the irradiation of light to the retroreflective object can be suppressed, and the intensity of the reflected light can be further suppressed. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 10, a reduction in the visibility of the driver can be further suppressed.

[0171] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, when the determination unit 50 determines that the retroreflective object satisfies the specified necessary condition, the control unit 60 controls the light source unit 30 to reduce the light quantity of the light from a part of the plurality of light emitting elements 35, i.e., the light emitting element 35-6, and keep the light quantity of the light from another part of the plurality of light emitting elements 35, i.e., the light emitting element 35-7, the same, compared with the case where the determination unit 50 determines that the retroreflective object does not satisfy the specified necessary condition.

[0172] When the recursive reflection object is in a state that satisfies the specified necessary conditions and when the recursive reflection object is not in a state that satisfies the specified necessary conditions, if the amount of light from the light-emitting elements 35-7 of another part is the same, the control unit 60 can control the light-emitting elements 35-7 in the same way in either case. For example, even when switching from the case where the recursive reflection object is not in a state that satisfies the specified necessary conditions to the case where the recursive reflection object satisfies the specified necessary conditions, the control unit 60 does not need to change the amount of power supplied to the light-emitting elements 35-7. Therefore, the control unit 60 is more likely to control the light-emitting elements 35-7 when the recursive reflection object is in a state that satisfies the specified necessary conditions and when the recursive reflection object is not in a state that satisfies the specified necessary conditions, compared to the case where the amount of light from the light-emitting elements 35-7 changes.

[0173] As described above, the present invention has been described by taking the above-described embodiments as examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0174] In each of the above-described embodiments, a flowchart including steps S1 to S5 has been described as an example, but the flowchart is not particularly limited.

[0175] The number of the reflection blades 39a is not particularly limited.

[0176] The reflector 39 only needs to reflect the light from the plurality of light source units 30 toward the projection lens 43 side by repeating a periodic motion and scan the light in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100. For example, the reflector 39 can also be a mirror that can swing about an axis parallel to the reflection surface. Additionally, for example, if the reflector 39 is a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) mirror, the drive unit 41 can also be a resonator as an actuator.

[0177] Each light source unit 30 of each embodiment only needs to be configured to irradiate light toward the reflector 39. Additionally, the light source unit 30 of the second embodiment can be the same as the light source unit 30 of the first embodiment and further include at least one light-emitting element different from the plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a line along a specified direction. In this case, the plurality of light-emitting elements in the light source unit can also be arranged in two or more columns along the specified direction.

[0178] In the light source unit 30b of the second embodiment, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-6 can be used as the second light, and the light emitted from the light-emitting element 35-7 can be used as the first light.

[0179] In the case where the light source unit 30b includes only one light emitting element, when the determination unit 50 determines that the retroreflective object satisfies the specified necessary conditions, the control unit 60 may control the light source unit 30b to reduce the light quantity of the light from one light emitting element 35 as compared with the case where the determination unit 50 determines that the retroreflective object does not satisfy the specified necessary conditions.

[0180] In step S5 of the second embodiment, the control unit 60 may also control the light source unit 30b so that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light emitting elements 35-6 and 35-7 corresponding to the condensing points SC6 and SC7 becomes zero during the period when the condensing points SC6 and SC7 pass through the non-irradiation area 211. Alternatively, the control unit 60 may control the light source unit 30b so that the light quantity of the light emitted from one of the light emitting elements 35-6 and 35-7 becomes zero, and the light quantity of the light emitted from the other of the light emitting elements 35-6 and 35-7 becomes a second specified value other than zero.

[0181] In step S5 of the second embodiment, when the distance between the retroreflective object and the vehicle 100 is less than the specified distance, it is sufficient to reduce the total light quantity of the light irradiated to the specified area AR overlapping the retroreflective object in the second light distribution pattern 203 as compared with the case where the distance between the retroreflective object and the vehicle 100 is equal to or greater than the specified distance. Alternatively, if the total light quantity is reduced, the control unit 60 may control the light source unit 30b, for example, so that the light quantity of the light emitted from one of the light emitting elements 35-6 and 35-7 becomes the second specified value, and the light quantity of the light emitted from the other of the light emitting elements 35-6 and 35-7 becomes a specified value greater than the first specified value. Or, the control unit 60 may control the light source unit 30b so that, for example, the light quantity of the light emitted from one of the light emitting elements 35-6 and 35-7 becomes the second specified value, and the light quantity of the light emitted from the other of the light emitting elements 35-6 and 35-7 becomes a third specified value less than the second specified value.

[0182] In step S5 of the second embodiment, the control unit 60 does not need to control the light emitting elements 35-6 and 35-7 so that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light emitting elements 35-6 and 35-7 always becomes the second specified value during the light scanning period. For example, the control unit may also control the light emitting elements 35-6 and 35-7 so that the light quantity always becomes the second specified value during a certain scanning period of the scanning period. Or, the control unit 60 may also control the light emitting elements 35-6 and 35-7 so that the light quantity always becomes the second specified value during a certain specified scanning period of the scanning period.

[0183] In addition, in step S5 of the second embodiment, the control unit 60 may also control the light source unit 30a such that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5 becomes a second specified value. Alternatively, the control unit 60 may also control the light source unit 30a such that the light quantity of the light emitted from the light emitting elements 35-1 to 35-5 becomes a specified value greater than the first specified value. In this case, for example, the first specified value is 80% of the maximum value of the light quantity, and the specified value greater than the first specified value is the maximum value of the light quantity.

[0184] In the second embodiment, based on the information from the detection device 110, the control unit 60 detects a specified area AR that overlaps with the retroreflective object in the second light distribution pattern 203, and sets the specified area AR as the non-irradiation area 211, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit 60 may also detect a specified area AR that overlaps with a human face in the second light distribution pattern 203 based on the information from the detection device 110, and set the specified area AR as the non-irradiation area 211.

[0185] In the second embodiment, the case where the specified area AR overlaps with the second light distribution pattern 203 has been described. However, even if the specified area AR overlaps with the first light distribution pattern 201, the control unit 60 may control the light source unit 30b in the same manner as in the case where the specified area AR overlaps with the second light distribution pattern 203.

[0186] Although the configuration of the lamp 20a is set to be the same as that of the lamp 20b, it may also be different from the configuration of the lamp 20b.

[0187] The captured image may be at least one of a moving image and a still image.

[0188] The detection device 110 detects the presence of an object, the presence position of the object, the type of the object, etc. from the captured image captured by the camera, but it is not limited thereto. When a millimeter wave radar, a lidar, etc. capable of detecting an object are mounted, the detection device 110 may also detect the presence of an object, the presence position of the object, the type of the object, etc. based on the signals input from the millimeter wave radar, the lidar, etc. In addition, the detection device 110 may also detect them based on the captured image captured by the camera and the signals input from the millimeter wave radar, the lidar, etc. In addition, the calculation unit may also calculate the distance between the retroreflective object and the vehicle 100 based on the signals input from the millimeter wave radar, etc. In addition, the detection device 110 may not identify and detect the retroreflective object and the human as the object, and may also detect either the retroreflective object or the human. In addition, the signals indicating the retroreflective object and the human as the object may also be input from a configuration different from the determination unit 50, for example, the detection device 110 to the control unit 60.

[0189] In addition, the millimeter-wave radar transmits millimeter waves to the object and receives the reflected waves that reach the object and are reflected. The millimeter-wave radar outputs a signal representing the reception result to the calculation unit. The reception result may also be included in the state of the object. The calculation unit may also calculate the distance between the vehicle 100 and the object based on the reception result input from the millimeter-wave radar.

[0190] In addition, the detection device 110 may also include a stereo camera that photographs the front of the vehicle 100. The stereo camera includes two cameras and outputs the captured images captured by each camera to the calculation unit. The captured images may also be included in the state of the object. The calculation unit may also calculate the distance between the vehicle 100 and the object based on stereo matching that obtains the disparity of corresponding pixels, which are the pixels corresponding to each other in the two captured images. Therefore, the calculation unit calculates the distance between the vehicle 100 and the object based on the captured images from the stereo camera.

[0191] In addition, the detection unit of the detection device 110 may also detect the temporal change amount of the size of the object in the captured image from the captured image processed by the image processing unit. The change amount is included in the signal representing the state of the object. When the vehicle 100 that is moving away from the object over time approaches the object, the change amount of the size of the retroreflective object 401 becomes smaller. When the vehicle 100 that is moving forward over time and approaching the object further approaches the object, the change amount of the size of the object becomes larger. The size of the object represents, for example, the area of the object, the width of the object, etc. When the detection device 110 detects an object located in front of the vehicle 100, it outputs a signal representing the state of the object, such as the ratio of the object in the captured image and the above change amount, to the calculation unit. The calculation unit may also calculate the distance based on the above ratio and the above change amount.

[0192] In addition, in a state where the light quantity of the light emitted from the pair of lamps 20 remains unchanged, if the distance between the retroreflective object 401, which is the object, and the vehicle 100 becomes less than a specified distance, the intensity of the reflected light from the retroreflective object 401 to the host vehicle tends to be stronger than in a state where the distance is greater than or equal to the specified distance. However, in the vehicle headlamp 10 of the present embodiment, the state that satisfies the specified necessary condition is a state where the distance between the retroreflective object 401, which is the object, and the vehicle 100 is less than the specified distance. In the case of this state where the distance is less than the specified distance, the control unit 60 controls the pair of lamps 20 as described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment. Therefore, if the state where the distance is less than the specified distance is achieved, compared with the state where the distance is greater than or equal to the specified distance, the intensity of the reflected light traveling from the retroreflective object 401 to the host vehicle can be suppressed, glare can be suppressed, and a reduction in the visibility of the driver can be suppressed.

[0193] The specified necessary condition is not particularly limited and may not be a distance, but may be the size of the object on the appearance as described above. When the specified necessary condition is the size of the object on the appearance, the state of satisfying the specified necessary condition indicates a state where the size of the object on the appearance is equal to or greater than a specified value. In this case, as described above, the detection unit of the detection device 110 detects the size of the object in the captured image from the captured image processed by the image processing unit. The determination unit 50 determines whether the object is in a state of satisfying the specified necessary condition based on the size of the object. The specified value is recorded in the recording unit 70 as a threshold value and may be changed according to the driving conditions of the vehicle 100 such as day or night. Even when the distance between the object and the vehicle 100 is equal to or greater than a specified distance, when the size of the object on the appearance is equal to or greater than the specified value, compared with the case where the size of the object on the appearance is less than the specified value, a part of the light from the vehicle 100 is reflected from the object toward the vehicle 100 as reflected light, which has a risk of causing glare to the driver of the vehicle. As described above, when the state of satisfying the specified necessary condition is a state where the size of the object on the appearance is equal to or greater than the specified value, the control unit 60 controls the pair of lamps 20 as described above. Therefore, even when the distance between the object and the vehicle 100 is equal to or greater than a specified distance and the size of the object on the appearance is equal to or greater than the specified value, it is possible to suppress the intensity of the reflected light traveling from the object to the vehicle, suppress glare, and suppress a decrease in the visibility of the driver. In the above description, the size of the object on the appearance is used for explanation, but the specified necessary condition may also be the ratio of the object in the captured image. When the specified necessary condition is this ratio, the state of satisfying the specified necessary condition is a state where this ratio is equal to or greater than the specified value.

[0194] In the above, the state of satisfying the specified necessary condition is a state where the size of the object on the appearance is equal to or greater than the specified value, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the state of satisfying the specified necessary condition may also be a state in which a certain state combination of the state where the distance between the object and the vehicle 100 described in the embodiment is less than the specified distance, the state where the size of the object on the appearance is equal to or greater than the specified value, and the state where the ratio is equal to or greater than the specified value.

[0195] The configuration of the detection device 110 may also be included in the configuration of the vehicle headlamp 10. In this case, the camera of the detection device 110 may be disposed inside the housing of the lamp 20.

[0196] The control unit 60 may also set the area where the retroreflective object cannot be detected as the light quantity non-changing area 313 and the irradiation area 213 when the retroreflective object is no longer in a state of satisfying the specified necessary condition.

[0197] As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle headlamp that can be easily driven can be provided, and this vehicle headlamp can be utilized in the field of vehicle headlamps for automobiles and the like. In addition, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle headlamp that can suppress a reduction in the visibility of a driver can be provided, and this vehicle headlamp can be utilized in the field of vehicle headlamps for automobiles and the like.

Claims

1. A headlamp for a vehicle, characterized in that, Comprising: A light source unit having a plurality of light emitting elements; A reflector that reflects light from the plurality of light emitting elements by repeating periodic motion and scans the light to form a specified light distribution pattern; And A control unit that controls the light source unit, The specified light distribution pattern includes an overlapping region where light from at least two of the light emitting elements overlaps, When a signal indicating that an object located in front of the vehicle is detected is input from a detection device, the control unit controls the light source unit so that the light quantity of the light irradiated from a part of the light emitting elements that irradiate the light to the specified region overlapping with the object in the overlapping region does not change, and the light quantity of the light irradiated from another part of the light emitting elements to the specified region overlapping with the object changes, It further comprises a determination unit that determines, when a signal indicating the state of the object is input from the detection device, whether the object satisfies a specified necessary condition that the light quantity of the reflected light from the object is equal to or greater than a specified value, Each scanning region through which the light point of each light emitting element scanned by the reflector in the specified light distribution pattern passes is divided into a pair of end portions including the end portion in the scanning direction and having a width in the scanning direction of the point or more, and a central portion sandwiched between the pair of end portions, Each of the scanning regions is arranged offset in the scanning direction, a part of the central portion of each of the scanning regions overlaps with a part of the central portion of all other scanning regions, and the end portions of each of the scanning regions do not overlap with the end portions of all other scanning regions, When a first state where the specified region is within the central portion of all the scanning regions corresponding to the other part of the light emitting elements becomes a second state where the specified region moves in the scanning direction and overlaps with the end portion in at least one of the scanning regions corresponding to the other part of the light emitting elements, and the specified region is within the central portion of the scanning region corresponding to at least one of the light emitting elements in the part of the light emitting elements, The control unit controls the light source unit in such a manner that the light quantity of the light irradiated from the light emitting elements corresponding to the scanning regions where the specified region and the end portion overlap among the other part of the light emitting elements is restored to the light quantity irradiated to the specified region when the determination unit does not determine that the object satisfies the specified necessary condition, and by changing the light quantity of the light irradiated from at least one of the light emitting elements corresponding to the scanning regions where the specified region is within the central portion among the part of the light emitting elements, the light quantity irradiated to the specified region in the second state becomes the light quantity in the first state.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, characterized in that The width in the left - right direction of the specified area overlapping with the object changes according to the distance between the vehicle and the object.

3. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the object is a person, the control unit controls the light source unit in such a way that the amount of light emitted from the light - emitting elements of the other part and irradiated onto the specified area overlapping with the object increases.

4. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the object is a retro - reflective object, the control unit controls the light source unit in such a way that the amount of light emitted from the light - emitting elements of the other part and irradiated onto the specified area overlapping with the object decreases.

5. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit controls the light source unit in such a way that the amount of light emitted from the light - emitting elements of the other part and irradiated onto the specified area overlapping with the object changes according to the distance between the vehicle and the object.

6. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the control unit controls the light source unit in such a way that the amount of light emitted from the light - emitting elements of the other part and irradiated onto the specified area overlapping with the object decreases according to the intensity of the light from the object toward the vehicle.

7. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the control unit controls the light source unit in such a way that the smaller the angle between the traveling direction of the vehicle and the direction from the vehicle toward the object, the less the amount of light emitted from the light - emitting elements of the other part and irradiated onto the specified area overlapping with the object.

8. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that when there are three or more light - emitting elements that irradiate light onto the specified area overlapping with the object, the control unit changes the number of the light - emitting elements of the other part to change the amount of light emitted from the light - emitting elements of the other part and irradiated onto the specified area overlapping with the object.

9. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reflector is a rotary reflector that reflects the light from the plurality of light - emitting elements while rotating.

10. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the specified area in the second state is located within the central part of the scanning area corresponding to two or more of the light - emitting elements of the part of the light - emitting elements, when changing from the first state to the second state, the amount of light emitted from the light - emitting element corresponding to the scanning area with the shortest distance between the center in the scanning direction of the central part and the specified area among the two or more light - emitting elements of the part of the light - emitting elements and irradiated onto the specified area changes.

11. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that A state satisfying the necessary conditions of the specified requirements is a state in which the distance between the object and the vehicle is less than a specified distance.

12. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that A state satisfying the necessary conditions of the specified requirements is a state in which the size of the object in appearance is equal to or greater than a specified value.

13. A headlamp for a vehicle, characterized in that, Comprising: A plurality of light source units; A reflector that reflects the light from the plurality of light source units by repeating a periodic motion and scans the light; and A control unit that controls the plurality of light source units, The reflector reflects the light from the plurality of light source units so that a first light distribution pattern formed by scanning the light from a part of the plurality of light source units and a second light distribution pattern formed by scanning the light from another part of the plurality of light source units partially overlap in the vertical direction of the vehicle. When a signal indicating that a retroreflective object located in front of the vehicle is detected is input from the detection device, the control unit controls the plurality of light source units to reduce the light quantity of the light irradiated to a specified area overlapping with the retroreflective object in one of the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern compared with the case where a signal indicating that the retroreflective object is not detected is input from the detection device. It further includes a determination unit that, when a signal indicating the state of the retroreflective object is input from the detection device, determines whether the state of the retroreflective object satisfies the specified necessary condition that the light quantity of the reflected light from the retroreflective object is equal to or greater than a specified value. The light source unit that emits the light irradiated to the specified area has a plurality of light emitting elements. When it is determined by the determination unit that the state of the retroreflective object satisfies the specified necessary condition, the control unit controls the light source unit to reduce the light quantity of the light from a part of the plurality of light emitting elements and the light quantity of the light from another part of the plurality of light emitting elements respectively compared with the case where it is determined by the determination unit that the state of the retroreflective object does not satisfy the specified necessary condition.

14. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 13, characterized in that A state satisfying the specified necessary condition is a state in which the distance between the retroreflective object and the vehicle is less than a specified distance.

15. The headlamp for a vehicle according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that A state satisfying the specified necessary condition is a state in which the size of the retroreflective object in appearance is equal to or greater than a specified value.

16. A headlamp for a vehicle, characterized in that, Comprising: A plurality of light source units; A reflector that reflects the light from the plurality of light source units by repeating a periodic motion and scans the light; and A control unit that controls the plurality of light source units, The reflector reflects the light from the plurality of light source units, so that a first light distribution pattern formed by scanning the light from a part of the plurality of light source units overlaps locally with a second light distribution pattern formed by scanning the light from another part of the plurality of light source units in the vertical direction of the vehicle. When a signal indicating that a retroreflective object located in front of the vehicle is detected is input from the detection device, the control unit controls the plurality of light source units so that the amount of light irradiated to a specified area overlapping with the retroreflective object in one of the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern is reduced compared to the case where a signal indicating that the retroreflective object is not detected is input from the detection device. It further includes a determination unit that, when a signal indicating the state of the retroreflective object is input from the detection device, determines whether the retroreflective object is in a state that satisfies a specified necessary condition that the amount of reflected light from the retroreflective object is equal to or greater than a specified value. The light source unit that emits the light irradiated to the specified area has a plurality of light emitting elements. When the determination unit determines that the retroreflective object is in a state that satisfies the specified necessary condition, the control unit controls the light source unit so that the amount of light from a part of the plurality of light emitting elements is reduced compared to the case where the determination unit determines that the retroreflective object does not satisfy the specified necessary condition, and the amount of light from another part of the plurality of light emitting elements is the same.

17. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 16, wherein: The state that satisfies the specified necessary condition is a state where the distance between the retroreflective object and the vehicle is less than a specified distance.

18. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The state that satisfies the specified necessary condition is a state where the apparent size of the retroreflective object is equal to or greater than a specified value.

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