Vehicle headlamp

Abstract

A vehicle headlamp (1) comprises: a lamp (10); a determination unit (25); and a control unit (CO) for controlling the lamp (10) so that, when a signal indicating that a leading vehicle (80) is detected is input from a detection device (20), the total amount of light beams irradiated to a first area (211) that crosses the leading vehicle (80) in the left-right direction and a second area (212) that is connected to the lower side of the first area and extends in the left-right direction is reduced, and the left-right widths (W211, W212) of the first area (211) and the second area (212) are changed according to the position of the leading vehicle (80) relative to the vehicle (100), the first area (211) overlaps the entire observation portion of the leading vehicle (80), and the left-right edges (212R, 212L) of the second area (212) are located closer to the leading vehicle (80) than the left-right edges (211R, 211L) of the first area (211).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are known vehicle headlamps that change the light distribution pattern of emitted light based on information from a detection device that detects other vehicles located ahead of the vehicle.

[0003] The vehicle headlamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 below comprises: a lamp capable of changing the light distribution pattern of emitted light; a detection device for detecting other vehicles located in front of the vehicle; and a control unit for controlling the illumination range of the lamp to suppress the illumination of light toward other vehicles and to illuminate the surrounding areas of the other vehicles. Patent Document 1 below discloses that the control unit controls the lamp so that the width of the area where the illumination of light is suppressed varies in the left-right direction according to the left-right position of the other vehicles. According to the vehicle headlamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, it is possible to ensure an appropriate gap between other vehicles and the illumination range according to the position of the other vehicles relative to the vehicle, and to suppress dazzle for the drivers of the other vehicles. It should be noted that in Patent Document 1 below, the width of the area where the illumination of light is suppressed in the left-right direction is approximately constant in the vertical direction.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-31807 Summary of the Invention

[0007] In such vehicle headlamps, visibility ahead tends to decrease because the total light beam from the lamp decreases, creating a defined area where it overlaps with other vehicles. This creates a need for improved visibility ahead. One approach to addressing this need is to reduce the defined area where the total light beam from the lamp decreases. However, simply reducing the defined area can easily dazzle drivers of other vehicles.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlamp that can improve forward visibility while suppressing dazzle to drivers of other vehicles.

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the vehicle headlamp of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a lamp capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; a control unit that controls the lamp so that, when a signal indicating that another vehicle located in front of the vehicle is detected is input from a detection device, the total amount of light beams emitted from the lamp to a first area crossing at least a portion of the other vehicle in the light distribution pattern in the left-right direction and a second area connected to a lower side of the first area and extending in the left-right direction is reduced, and the left-right widths of the first area and the second area vary according to the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle; the first area overlaps with the entirety of an observation portion of the other vehicle through which a driver observes the outside of the vehicle, and the left-right edges of the second area are located closer to the center of the other vehicle than the left-right edges of the first area.

[0010] In this vehicle headlamp, the widths of the first and second regions in the horizontal direction, where the total beam amount of light from the lamp is reduced, vary depending on the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle. Therefore, this vehicle headlamp ensures an appropriate gap between the other vehicle and the region where the total beam amount of light from the lamp is not reduced, depending on the other vehicle's position relative to the vehicle, thereby reducing dazzle for the driver of the other vehicle. Furthermore, in this vehicle headlamp, the first region entirely overlaps with the viewing area through which the driver of the other vehicle views the exterior, while the second region, extending horizontally and connected to the lower side of the first region, has a smaller horizontal width than the first region. Therefore, compared to a case where the horizontal width of the region where the total beam amount of light from the lamp is reduced is the same as the horizontal width of the second region and is constant in the vertical direction, this vehicle headlamp ensures an appropriate gap between the viewing area through which the driver of the other vehicle views the exterior and the region where the total beam amount of light from the lamp is not reduced, thereby reducing dazzle for the driver of the other vehicle. Furthermore, according to this vehicle headlamp, compared to a case where the width in the left-right direction of the region where the total beam amount of light from the lamp is reduced is the same as the width in the left-right direction of the first region and is constant in the vertical direction, the gap below the observation portion of the other vehicle and between the other vehicle and the region where the total beam amount of light from the lamp is not reduced can be reduced, thereby improving forward visibility. It should be noted that the observation portion of the other vehicle through which the driver observes the exterior of the vehicle refers to, for example, the front window when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, and, for example, the side mirrors, rear window, and a camera that captures the rear of the vehicle when the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle.

[0011] In the case where the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, the width from the edge of the side opposite to the driving lane of the vehicle in the left-right direction of the first area to the other vehicle may be larger than the width from the edge of the driving lane of the vehicle in the left-right direction of the first area to the other vehicle.

[0012] In this case, for example, in countries or regions where left-hand traffic is practiced, the gap between the right edge of the first area and the oncoming vehicle as viewed by the vehicle driver is larger than the gap between the left edge of the first area and the oncoming vehicle. Here, the angle formed by the vehicle's travel direction and the direction from the vehicle toward the oncoming vehicle increases as the oncoming vehicle approaches the vehicle. In these countries or regions, the oncoming vehicle appears to be moving to the right in the driver's field of view. Therefore, by adopting the above-described configuration, dazzle for the driver of the oncoming vehicle can be appropriately reduced compared to a case where the gap between the left edge of the first area and the oncoming vehicle is the same as the gap between the right edge of the first area and the oncoming vehicle.

[0013] When the other vehicle is a leading vehicle, the width from the edge of the first area on the opposite lane side in the left-right direction to the other vehicle may be smaller than the width from the edge of the first area on the side opposite to the opposite lane side in the left-right direction to the other vehicle.

[0014] In this case, for example, in the aforementioned countries or regions, the gap between the right edge of the first area and the preceding vehicle as viewed from the vehicle driver is smaller than the gap between the left edge of the first area and the preceding vehicle. Therefore, visibility of the area to the right of the preceding vehicle can be improved compared to a situation where the gap between the right edge of the first area and the preceding vehicle is the same as the gap between the left edge of the first area and the preceding vehicle. Consequently, this vehicle headlamp makes it easier to observe pedestrians, for example, near the center line or near the lane boundary on the opposite lane.

[0015] Alternatively, when the other vehicle is a leading vehicle, the width from the edge of the first area on the side opposite to the opposite lane in the left-right direction to the other vehicle may be smaller than the width from the edge of the first area on the side of the opposite lane in the left-right direction to the other vehicle.

[0016] In this case, for example, in the aforementioned countries or regions, the gap between the left edge of the first area and the preceding vehicle as viewed from the driver's perspective is smaller than the gap between the right edge of the first area and the preceding vehicle. Therefore, compared to a case where the gap between the left edge of the first area and the preceding vehicle is the same as the gap between the right edge of the first area and the preceding vehicle, visibility of the area to the left of the preceding vehicle can be improved, and visibility of signs and the like installed on sidewalks and the like can be improved.

[0017] According to the present invention described above, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlamp that can suppress glare to drivers of other vehicles and improve forward visibility. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a plan view conceptually showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A side view of the luminaire is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 2 A front view of the light distribution pattern forming portion is shown.

[0021] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of a control flow chart of the control unit in this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern of a high beam lamp.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of light emitted when a preceding vehicle is detected by the detection device.

[0024] Figure 7 It is shown that it will include Figure 6 An enlarged view of a predetermined area in the light distribution pattern shown.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of light emitted when an oncoming vehicle is detected by the detection device.

[0026] Figure 9 It is shown that it will include Figure 8 An enlarged view of a predetermined area in the light distribution pattern shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following, with the attached Figure 1 The following illustrates a method for implementing the vehicle headlamp of the present invention. The following exemplary embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved from the following exemplary embodiments without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, the dimensions of various components in the drawings may be exaggerated for ease of understanding.

[0028] Figure 1 FIG is a top view conceptually showing a vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlamp according to the present embodiment. Figure 1As shown, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment is a headlamp for an automobile and includes, as its main components, a pair of left and right lamps 10, a control unit CO, a detection device 20, a determination unit 25, a pair of power supply circuits 30, and a memory ME. It should be noted that in this specification, "right" refers to the right side from the perspective of the driver of the vehicle 100, and "left" refers to the left side from the perspective of the driver of the vehicle 100.

[0029] In this embodiment, a pair of lamps 10 are substantially symmetrical in shape with respect to the left and right directions of the vehicle 100 and are configured to vary the light distribution pattern of the emitted light. Aside from the substantially symmetrical shapes, the structure of one lamp 10 is identical to that of the other lamp 10. Therefore, the following description will focus on one lamp 10, and a description of the other lamp 10 will be omitted.

[0030] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A side view of the lamp 10 is shown. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the lamp 10 comprises a lamp unit 11 and a frame 16 as main structures. Figure 2 , the frame 16 is shown in a vertical cross-section.

[0031] The housing 16 mainly includes a lamp housing 17, a front cover 18, and a rear cover 19. The front of the lamp housing 17 is open, and the front cover 18 is fixed to the lamp housing 17 so as to block the opening. In addition, the rear of the lamp housing 17 has an opening that is smaller than the front, and the rear cover 19 is fixed to the lamp housing 17 so as to block the opening.

[0032] The space formed by the lamp housing 17, the front cover 18 that closes the front opening of the lamp housing 17, and the rear cover 19 that closes the rear opening of the lamp housing 17 constitutes a lamp chamber 10R. The lamp unit 11 is housed within the lamp chamber 10R. The lamp unit 11 mainly includes a light distribution pattern forming portion 12 and a projection lens 15.

[0033] Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 2 The front view of the light distribution pattern forming portion 12 is shown. Figure 2 、 Figure 3As shown, the light distribution pattern forming portion 12 of this embodiment has a plurality of light-emitting elements 13 that emit light, and a circuit substrate 14 for mounting the plurality of light-emitting elements 13. The plurality of light-emitting elements 13 are arranged in a matrix and form columns in the vertical direction and the left-right direction, emitting light toward the front. In this embodiment, these light-emitting elements 13 are LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and the light distribution pattern forming portion 12 is a so-called LED array. It should be noted that the number of light-emitting elements 13, the number of columns of light-emitting elements 13, the number of light-emitting elements 13 in each column of light-emitting elements 13, the direction in which the light-emitting elements 13 are arranged, and the type of light-emitting elements 13 are not particularly limited.

[0034] The light distribution pattern forming unit 12 can form a predetermined light distribution pattern by selecting the light emitting element 13 to emit light. In addition, the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 can adjust the intensity of light emitted from each light emitting element 13 to adjust the light intensity distribution in the predetermined light distribution pattern.

[0035] The projection lens 15 is a lens that adjusts the divergence angle of incident light. The projection lens 15 is positioned forward of the light distribution pattern forming unit 12. Light emitted from the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 is incident on the projection lens 15, and the divergence angle of this light is adjusted by the projection lens 15. In this embodiment, the projection lens 15 is a lens with convex incident and exit surfaces. The rear focal point of the projection lens 15 is located on or near the light exit surface of any light-emitting element 13 in the light distribution pattern forming unit 12. The divergence angle of light emitted from the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 is adjusted by the projection lens 15, and light of a predetermined light distribution pattern is emitted from the lamp 10 toward the front of the vehicle 100 via the front cover 18.

[0036] The control unit CO is comprised of, for example, an integrated circuit (IC), an LSI (Large-scale Integrated Circuit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an NC (Numerical Control) device. Furthermore, when the NC device is used, the control unit CO may or may not utilize a machine learning engine. As will be described later, the control unit CO controls the pair of lamps 10.

[0037] The light switch 35 provided in the vehicle 100 is connected to the control unit CO. The light switch 35 of this embodiment is a switch that selects whether to emit light or not. For example, when the light switch 35 is on, the light switch 35 outputs a signal indicating emission of light to the control unit CO. When the light switch 35 is off, no signal is output to the control unit CO.

[0038] The detection device 20 detects other vehicles located in front of the vehicle 100. In the present embodiment, when the detection device 20 detects other vehicles, it outputs a signal indicating that the other vehicles have been detected to the control unit CO via the determination unit 25. In addition, the detection device 20 also detects the status of the detected other vehicles and outputs a signal indicating the status of the other vehicles to the control unit CO via the determination unit 25. It should be noted that the detection device 20 may not directly output these signals to the control unit CO. Examples of the status of other vehicles include the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100, whether the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, and the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle. The detection device 20 includes, for example, a camera and a detection unit (not shown). The camera is mounted on the front of the vehicle 100 and captures the front of the vehicle 100 at a predetermined time interval, for example, at intervals of 1 / 30 seconds. The captured image captured by the camera includes at least a portion of the area illuminated by the light emitted from the pair of lamps 10. The detection unit detects another vehicle located in front of the vehicle 100 and detects the state of the other vehicle based on the image captured by the camera.

[0039] For example, the detection unit detects the presence of an oncoming vehicle and its position relative to vehicle 100 based on light emitted from its headlights, and detects the presence of a preceding vehicle and its position relative to vehicle 100 based on light emitted from its taillights. Specifically, when a captured image contains a pair of white light spots located at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction and having a luminance higher than a predetermined luminance, the detection unit associates the pair of white light spots with the light from the oncoming vehicle's headlights and outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating that the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle to determination unit 25. Note that the detection unit may output the signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle as well as the signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle. Furthermore, the detection unit calculates, for example, the distance from vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle based on the positions of the pair of white light spots in the captured image and the distance between the pair of white light spots. The detection unit also outputs a signal indicating the position of a pair of white light spots in the captured image, as information about the position of the oncoming vehicle relative to vehicle 100, and a signal indicating the calculated distance from vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle, to determination unit 25. Furthermore, if the captured image includes a pair of red light spots located at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction and having a luminance higher than a predetermined luminance, the detection unit associates the pair of red light spots with the light from the taillights of a preceding vehicle and outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating that the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle to determination unit 25. It should be noted that the detection unit may output the signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle as well as the signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle. Furthermore, the detection unit calculates, for example, the distance from vehicle 100 to the preceding vehicle based on the position of the pair of red light spots, the distance between the pair of red light spots, and the like. The detection unit also outputs a signal indicating the position of a pair of red light spots in the captured image, as positional information of the preceding vehicle relative to vehicle 100, and a signal indicating the calculated distance from vehicle 100 to the preceding vehicle, to determination unit 25. If the captured image does not contain a pair of light spots with a luminance higher than a predetermined luminance and located at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction, the detection unit does not output a signal. The configuration of the detection unit may be, for example, the same as that of control unit CO, and the camera may be, for example, a CCD (charged coupled device) camera.

[0040] It should be noted that the structure of the detection device 20, the detection method of detecting other vehicles by the detection device 20, the method of calculating the distance from the vehicle 100 to other vehicles, and the method of identifying oncoming vehicles and leading vehicles are not particularly limited. For example, the detection device 20 can perform image processing on the captured image captured by the camera, and based on the information obtained by the image processing, determine whether the above-mentioned pair of light spots exists in the captured image captured by the camera. In addition, the detection device 20 can also be equipped with a millimeter wave radar or LiDAR (laser radar) that can detect objects located in front of the vehicle 100, and based on the captured image captured by the camera and the signal input from the millimeter wave radar or LiDAR, detect other vehicles located in front of the vehicle 100 and detect the status of the other vehicles.

[0041] Based on a signal indicating the status of another vehicle from the detection device 20 that detects another vehicle ahead of vehicle 100, the determination unit 25 determines whether the detected other vehicle satisfies specified requirements. Examples of specified requirements include the distance between the other vehicle and vehicle 100 being less than a specified distance, the headlights of an oncoming vehicle being illuminated, the taillights of a preceding vehicle being illuminated, or at least two of these requirements being satisfied. In this embodiment, if the specified requirement is that the distance between the other vehicle and vehicle 100 is less than a specified distance, the specified distance is, for example, 100 meters. Note that this specified distance may be different when the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle and when the other vehicle is the oncoming vehicle. In this embodiment, if the other vehicle does not meet the specified requirements and a signal indicating the preceding vehicle is received from the detection device 20, the determination unit 25 outputs, as signals indicating the status of the other vehicle, a signal indicating that the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle, the distance from vehicle 100 to the preceding vehicle, and a signal indicating the positions of a pair of red light spots in the captured image as information about the preceding vehicle's position relative to vehicle 100 to the control unit CO. Furthermore, when the other vehicle satisfies the prescribed requirements and a signal indicating that the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle is input from the detection device 20, the determination unit 25 outputs, as signals indicating the status of the other vehicle, a signal indicating that the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, the distance from the vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle, and a signal indicating the positions of a pair of white light spots in the captured image as information on the position of the oncoming vehicle relative to the vehicle 100 to the control unit CO. Furthermore, when the other vehicle does not satisfy the prescribed requirements and no signal is input from the detection device 20 to the determination unit 25, the determination unit 25 does not output a signal to the control unit CO. Therefore, it can be understood that the determination by the determination unit 25 means that the output signal is changed according to the signal input from the detection device 20 in this manner.

[0042] One power supply circuit 30 corresponds to one lamp 10, and the other power supply circuit 30 corresponds to the other lamp 10. Each power supply circuit 30 adjusts the power supplied from a power supply (not shown) to each light-emitting element 13 in the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 of the lamp 10 based on a signal input from the control unit CO, thereby adjusting the intensity of light emitted from each light-emitting element 13. It should be noted that the power supply circuit 30 can adjust the power supplied to each light-emitting element 13 through PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. In this case, the intensity of light emitted from each light-emitting element 13 is adjusted by adjusting the duty cycle.

[0043] The memory ME is, for example, a non-transitory storage medium, preferably a semiconductor storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), and may include any form of storage medium such as an optical storage medium or a magnetic storage medium. It should be noted that the so-called "non-transitory" storage medium refers to all computer-readable storage media except for temporary propagating signals (transitory, propagating signals), and does not exclude volatile storage media. The memory ME stores a table that associates information related to the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the lamp 10 and information about other vehicles detected by the detection device 20. The information related to the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the lamp 10 in the table is, for example, the power supplied to each light-emitting element 13 in the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 of the lamp 10. In addition, information on other vehicles detected by the detection device 20 in the table includes, for example, information on whether the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle, and positional information on a pair of light points in the captured image, which serves as information on the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the memory ME stores information on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 13 when the high-beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the lamp 10.

[0044] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Specifically, the operation of changing the light distribution pattern of emitted light in accordance with another vehicle detected by the detection device 20 will be described. Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of a control flow chart of the control unit CO in this embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, the control flow of this embodiment includes steps SP11 to SP15.

[0045] (Step SP11)

[0046] First, the control unit CO determines whether a signal indicating emission of light has been input from the light switch 35. If the signal has been input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP12. On the other hand, if the signal has not been input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP15. Therefore, it can be understood that the determination by the control unit CO means changing the next step depending on the input signal.

[0047] (Step SP12)

[0048] In this step, the control unit CO detects another vehicle using the detection device 20 and determines whether the other vehicle satisfies specified requirements based on the signal input from the determination unit 25. As described above, when the detection device 20 detects another vehicle, it outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle to the control unit CO via the determination unit 25. Furthermore, when the other vehicle detected by the detection device 20 satisfies specified requirements, the determination unit 25 outputs a signal indicating the status of the other vehicle to the control unit CO. Therefore, when the signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and the signal indicating the status of the other vehicle are input from the determination unit 25, the control unit CO determines that the other vehicle satisfies the specified requirements and advances the control flow to step SP14. It should be noted that in this case, the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and a signal indicating the positions of a pair of light spots in the captured image as position information of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100 are also input to the control unit CO.

[0049] On the other hand, if the signal indicating the status of the other vehicle is not input from the determination unit 25, the control unit CO determines that the other vehicle is in a state that does not meet the prescribed requirements and advances the control flow to step SP13. It should be noted that if the detection device 20 does not detect the other vehicle, the signal indicating the status of the other vehicle is not input to the determination unit 25, and the signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle is not input to the control unit CO. Therefore, in this case, the control flow also advances to step SP13.

[0050] (Step SP13)

[0051] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp 10 so that the vehicle headlamp 1 emits high beam. Specifically, the control unit CO refers to information stored in the memory ME and outputs a signal to the power circuit 30 based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 13 in the high beam light distribution pattern. Based on this signal, the power circuit 30 supplies power to each light-emitting element 13 from a power supply (not shown). As a result, the vehicle headlamp 1 emits high beam. The control unit CO then returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0052] Figure 5 : is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern of the high beam. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , S represents a horizontal line, V represents a vertical line passing through the left-right center of the vehicle 100, and a high-beam light distribution pattern PH formed on an imaginary vertical screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 100 is shown in bold. Figure 5 As shown, the oncoming lane OL is located to the right of the driving lane DL of the vehicle 100, and the vehicle 100 is traveling on the left. The area with the highest light intensity in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, namely the hot zone, is located at or near the intersection of the horizontal line S and the plumb line V. The light intensity in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH decreases as it moves outward from the hot zone. It should be noted that Figure 5 In FIG, predetermined areas 210 and 310 described later are indicated by dotted lines.

[0053] (Step SP14)

[0054] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp 10 so that the light distribution pattern emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 changes to a light distribution pattern corresponding to the other vehicles detected by the detection device 20. Specifically, the control unit CO refers to a table stored in the memory ME based on the signal input from the determination unit 25 indicating the status of the other vehicle, namely, a signal indicating whether the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, the distance from the vehicle 100 to the preceding vehicle, and a signal indicating the positions of a pair of light spots in the captured image. Furthermore, the control unit CO outputs a signal to the power supply circuit 30 based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 13 in the light distribution pattern corresponding to the information related to the other vehicles. Based on this signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies power from the power supply to each light-emitting element 13, causing the vehicle headlamp 1 to emit light in the light distribution pattern corresponding to the information related to the other vehicles. The control unit CO then returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0055] Figure 6 : is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of light emitted when the preceding vehicle is detected by the detection device 20. Figure 6In the figure, S represents a horizontal line, V represents a vertical line passing through the left-right center of the vehicle 100, and the light distribution pattern 200 formed on a hypothetical vertical screen positioned 25 meters in front of the vehicle 100 is shown in bold. In this embodiment, the light distribution pattern 200 reduces the intensity of light in a predetermined region 210 of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, the total beam quantity of light emitted from the lamp 10 to the predetermined region 210 of the light distribution pattern 200 is less than that in the predetermined region 210 of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Furthermore, within the predetermined region 210 of the light distribution pattern 200, the light intensity is substantially constant and lower than the predetermined intensity. Furthermore, the intensity distribution of light outside the predetermined region 210 of the light distribution pattern 200 is substantially the same as that outside the predetermined region 210 of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, it can be understood that the area outside the predetermined region 210 of the light distribution pattern 200 represents an area where the total beam quantity of light from the lamp 10 is not reduced.

[0056] Figure 7 Will include Figure 6 FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a predetermined area 210 in the light distribution pattern 200. Figure 7 As shown, the prescribed area 210 crosses a portion of the preceding vehicle 80 detected by the detection device 20 in the left-right direction. The prescribed area 210 overlaps with a portion of the preceding vehicle 80 that is above the taillight 81. In this embodiment, the prescribed area 210 includes a first area 211 and a second area 212. It should be noted that Figure 7In the figure, the boundary between the first area 211 and the second area 212 is shown by a dashed line. Furthermore, a vertical line 80V passing through the left-right center of the leading vehicle 80 is shown by a dashed line. The first area 211 crosses a portion of the leading vehicle 80 in the left-right direction. This first area 211 overlaps the entire side mirrors 82 and rear window 83. It should be noted that the side mirrors 82 and rear window 83 are observation areas for the driver of the leading vehicle 80 to observe the exterior, i.e., the rear. A lower edge 211U of the first area 211 extends approximately linearly in the left-right direction. The second area 212 is connected to the lower edge 211U of the first area 211 and extends in a strip-like manner in the left-right direction. It is located at the lowest point in the designated area 210. A lower edge 212U of the second area 212 extends approximately linearly in the left-right direction. One of the left-right edges of the second area 212, namely the right edge 212R, is located closer to the leading vehicle 80 than the right edge 211R of the first area 211. The other left-side edge 212L of the second region 212 in the left-right direction is located closer to the leading vehicle 80 than the left-side edge 211L of the first region 211. Therefore, the left-right width W211 of the first region 211 is larger than the left-right width W212 of the second region 212. Furthermore, the width W21L from the left-side edge 211L of the first region 211 to the leading vehicle 80 is smaller than the width W21R from the right-side edge 212R of the first region 211 to the leading vehicle 80. It should be noted that these widths W21L and W21R may be substantially equal, or width W21L may be larger than width W21R.

[0057] Furthermore, the width WLa from the left edge 211L of the first region 211 to the left edge 212L of the second region 212 is approximately the same as the width WRa from the right edge 211R of the first region 211 to the right edge 212R of the second region 212. Furthermore, the width WLb from the left edge 212L of the second region 212 to the vertical line 80V is smaller than the width WRb from the right edge 212R of the second region 212 to the vertical line 80V. It should be noted that the width WLa can be larger or smaller than the width WRa. Furthermore, the width WLb can be larger than the width WRb or be approximately the same as the width WRb. Furthermore, the left-right edges 212R and 212L of the second region 212 do not overlap with the leading vehicle 80, and the second region 212 crosses the leading vehicle 80.

[0058] In this embodiment, the width W211 of the first region 211 and the width W212 of the second region 212 vary depending on the distance from the vehicle 100 to the preceding vehicle 80. These widths W211 and W212 decrease as the distance from the vehicle 100 to the preceding vehicle 80 increases. Furthermore, the positions of the first region 211 and the second region 212 vary in unison depending on the position of the preceding vehicle 80 relative to the vehicle 100. In this embodiment, a table stored in the memory ME is configured to form this light distribution pattern 200.

[0059] It should be noted that the positions of the side mirrors 82 and rear window 83 used by the driver in the vehicle to observe the exterior, i.e., the rear, vary depending on the type of leading vehicle 80. However, these rearward-viewing viewing areas are generally located above the taillights 81 of the leading vehicle 80, creating a vertical gap between the taillights 81 and the rearward-viewing viewing areas. As previously described, the detection device 20 is capable of detecting the position of the taillights 81 of the leading vehicle 80. Therefore, even without detecting these rearward-viewing viewing areas of the leading vehicle 80, the aforementioned light distribution pattern 200 can be formed by pre-storing in the memory ME information related to the power supplied to each light-emitting element 13, which is used to form the light distribution pattern 200 having the predetermined area 210 corresponding to the position of the taillights 81 of the leading vehicle 80.

[0060] Figure 8 : is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of light emitted when the detection device 20 detects an oncoming vehicle. Figure 8 In the figure, S represents a horizontal line, V represents a vertical line passing through the left-right center of the vehicle 100, and the light distribution pattern 300 formed on a hypothetical vertical screen positioned 25 meters in front of the vehicle 100 is shown in bold. In this embodiment, the light distribution pattern 300 reduces the intensity of light in a predetermined region 310 of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, the total beam quantity of light emitted from the lamp 10 to the predetermined region 310 of the light distribution pattern 300 is less than that in the predetermined region 310 of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Furthermore, within the predetermined region 310 of the light distribution pattern 300, the light intensity is substantially constant and lower than the predetermined intensity. Furthermore, the intensity distribution of light outside the predetermined region 310 of the light distribution pattern 300 is substantially the same as that outside the predetermined region 310 of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, it can be understood that the area outside the predetermined region 310 of the light distribution pattern 300 represents an area where the total beam quantity of light from the lamp 10 is not reduced.

[0061] Figure 9 Will include Figure 8 FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a predetermined area 310 in the light distribution pattern 300 shown. Figure 9As shown, the prescribed area 310 crosses a portion of the oncoming vehicle 90 detected by the detection device 20 in the left-right direction, and the portion above the headlight 91 of the oncoming vehicle 90 overlaps with the prescribed area 310. In this embodiment, the prescribed area 310 is the same as the prescribed area 210 when the preceding vehicle 80 is detected, and has a first area 311 and a second area 312. It should be noted that in Figure 8 In the figure, the boundary between the first area 311 and the second area 312 is shown by a dashed line. A vertical line 90V passing through the left-right center of the oncoming vehicle 90 is shown by a dashed line. The first area 311 crosses a portion of the oncoming vehicle 90 in the left-right direction. This first area 311 entirely overlaps the front window 93, which serves as an observation area for the driver of the oncoming vehicle 90 to view the exterior, i.e., the front. A lower edge 311U of the first area 311 extends substantially linearly in the left-right direction. The second area 312 is connected to the lower side of the first area 311 and extends in a strip-like manner in the left-right direction. It is located at the lowest point in the predetermined area 310. A lower edge 312U of the second area 312 extends substantially linearly in the left-right direction. The right edge 312R of the second area 312 is located closer to the oncoming vehicle 90 than the right edge 311R of the first area 311, and the left edge 312L of the second area 312 is located closer to the oncoming vehicle 90 than the left edge 311L of the first area 311. Therefore, the width W311 of the first area 311 in the left-right direction is greater than the width W312 of the second area 312 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the width W31R from the right edge 311R of the first area 311 to the oncoming vehicle 90 is greater than the width W31L from the left edge 311L of the first area 311 to the oncoming vehicle 90. It should be noted that these widths W31L and W31R may be substantially the same, or the width W31R may be smaller than the width W31L.

[0062] Furthermore, the width WLa from the left edge 311L of the first region 311 to the left edge 312L of the second region 312 is approximately the same as the width WRa from the right edge 311R of the first region 311 to the right edge 312R of the second region 312. Furthermore, the width WLb from the left edge 312L of the second region 312 to the vertical line 90V is smaller than the width WRb from the right edge 312R of the second region 312 to the vertical line 80V. It should be noted that the width WLa can be larger or smaller than the width WRa. Furthermore, the width WLb can be larger than the width WRb or be approximately the same as the width WLb. Furthermore, the left-right edges 312R and 312L of the second region 312 do not overlap with the oncoming vehicle 90, and the second region 312 crosses the oncoming vehicle 90.

[0063] In this embodiment, the width W311 of the first region 311 and the width W312 of the second region 312 vary depending on the distance from the vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle 90 detected by the detection device 20. These widths W311 and W312 decrease as the distance from the vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle 90 increases. Furthermore, the positions of the first region 311 and the second region 312 vary integrally depending on the orientation of the oncoming vehicle 90 relative to the vehicle 100, and these widths W311 and W312 also vary. In this embodiment, a table stored in the memory ME is configured to form such a light distribution pattern 300. It should be noted that the width W31R from the right edge 311R of the first region 311 to the oncoming vehicle 90 may also increase as the distance from the vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle 90 decreases.

[0064] It should be noted that the position of the front window 93 from which the driver in the vehicle observes the exterior, i.e., the front, varies depending on the type of oncoming vehicle 90. However, generally speaking, the observation portion for observing the front is located above the headlights 91 of the oncoming vehicle 90, with a gap formed in the vertical direction between the headlights 91 and the observation portion for observing the front. As previously described, the detection device 20 is capable of detecting the position of the headlights 91 of the oncoming vehicle 90. Therefore, even without detecting the observation portion for observing the front of the oncoming vehicle 90, the aforementioned light distribution pattern 300 can be formed by pre-storing in the memory ME information related to the power supplied to each light-emitting element 13, which is used to form the light distribution pattern 300 having the predetermined area 310 corresponding to the position of the headlights 91 of the oncoming vehicle 90.

[0065] (Step SP15)

[0066] In this step, no signal is input from the light switch 35 to the control unit CO. Therefore, the light switch 35 is in the OFF state. The control unit CO outputs a predetermined signal to the power supply circuit 30, causing the power supply circuit 30 to stop supplying power to each light emitting element 13, thereby preventing light from being emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, and the control flow returns to step SP11.

[0067] In this way, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 changes according to the preceding vehicle 80 or the oncoming vehicle 90 detected by the detection device 20. Note that the control flow of the control unit CO is not particularly limited.

[0068] As described above, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment includes a lamp 10 and a control unit CO. The lamp 10 is capable of changing the light distribution pattern of emitted light. Upon receiving an input from the detection device 20 indicating that another vehicle has been detected ahead of the vehicle 100, the control unit CO controls the lamp 10 to reduce the total amount of light beam emitted from the lamp 10 to the first region 211, 311 of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, which crosses a portion of the other vehicle in the horizontal direction, and the second region 212, 312, which extends horizontally and is connected to the lower side of the first region 211, 311. Furthermore, the control unit CO controls the lamp 10 to change the widths W211, W311, W212, and W312 of the first region 211, 311 and the second region 212, 312 in the horizontal direction according to the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100. The first region 211, 311 crosses a portion of the other vehicle in the horizontal direction and overlaps the entire viewing area through which the driver of the other vehicle views the exterior. The left-right edges 212R, 212L, 312R, and 312L of the second regions 212 and 312 are located closer to the center of the other vehicle than the left-right edges 211R, 211L, 311R, and 311L of the first regions 211 and 311.

[0069] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the widths W211, W311, W212, and W312 of the first regions 211 and 311, where the total beam quantity of light from the lamp 10 is reduced, and the second regions 212 and 312, where the total beam quantity of light from the lamp 10 is reduced, vary depending on the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment ensures an appropriate gap between the other vehicle and the region where the total beam quantity of light from the lamp 10 is not reduced, depending on the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100, thereby reducing glare for the driver of the other vehicle. Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the first regions 211 and 311 entirely overlap with the viewing area through which the driver of the other vehicle observes the exterior. The second regions 212 and 312, which extend laterally and connect to the lower side of the first regions 211 and 311, have widths W212 and W312 in the left-right direction that are smaller than the widths W211 and W311 of the first regions 211 and 311. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, compared to a case where the width in the left-right direction of the area where the total beam amount of light from the lamp 10 is reduced is the same as the widths W212 and W312 of the second areas 212 and 312 in the left-right direction and is constant in the vertical direction, an appropriate gap can be ensured between the observation area of another vehicle and the area where the total beam amount of light from the lamp 10 is not reduced by the first areas 211 and 311, thereby suppressing dazzle for drivers of other vehicles. Furthermore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, compared to a case where the width in the left-right direction of the area where the total beam amount of light from the lamp 10 is reduced is the same as the widths W211 and W311 of the first areas 211 and 311 in the left-right direction and is constant in the vertical direction, the gap between another vehicle and the area where the total beam amount of light from the lamp 10 is not reduced below the observation area of the other vehicle can be reduced, thereby improving forward visibility.

[0070] Note that, to minimize glare to drivers of other vehicles, the light from the lamp 10 need not be directed to the first areas 211, 311 and the second areas 212, 312. However, to improve forward visibility, it is preferable to direct the light from the lamp 10 to the first areas 211, 311 and the second areas 212, 312.

[0071] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 90, as shown in FIG. Figure 9As shown, the width W31R from the right edge 311R of the first area 311 to the oncoming vehicle 90 is greater than the width W31L from the left edge 311L of the first area 311 to the oncoming vehicle 90. In this embodiment, since the vehicle 100 is left-hand traffic, the right edge 311R of the first area 311 is located opposite the driving lane DL of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, while the left edge 311L of the first area 311 is located on the driving lane DL side. Furthermore, the gap between the right edge 311R of the first area 311 and the oncoming vehicle 90 is greater than the gap between the left edge 311L of the first area 311 and the oncoming vehicle 90. Therefore, the angle formed between the direction of travel of the vehicle 100 and the direction from the vehicle 100 toward the oncoming vehicle 90 increases as the oncoming vehicle 90 approaches the vehicle 100. In countries or regions where vehicles 100 are left-hand traffic, the oncoming vehicle 90 moves to the right in the field of view of the driver of the vehicle 100. Therefore, by adopting the structure as described above, the glare of the driver of the oncoming vehicle 90 can be appropriately suppressed compared to the case where the gap between the left edge 311L of the first area 311 and the oncoming vehicle 90 is the same as the gap between the right edge 311R of the first area 311 and the oncoming vehicle 90.

[0072] The vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment further includes a determination unit 25 that determines whether another vehicle satisfies a predetermined condition based on information from the detection device 20. The predetermined condition is that the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 is less than a predetermined distance. If the determination unit 25 determines that the other vehicle satisfies the predetermined condition, the control unit CO controls the lamp 10 as described above. As the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 increases, glare to the driver of the other vehicle tends to be less likely to occur. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can suppress changes in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH when glare to the driver of the other vehicle is less likely to occur. It should be noted that the control unit CO can control the lamp 10 as described above when a signal indicating detection of another vehicle is input from the detection device 20, regardless of the determination by the determination unit 25. Alternatively, the vehicle headlamp 1 may not include the determination unit 25. In this case, for example, upon detecting another vehicle, the detection device 20 directly outputs a signal indicating detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating the status of the other vehicle to the control unit CO.

[0073] It should be noted that, unlike the present embodiment, in countries or regions where traffic flows on the left, the oncoming lane OL is located to the left of the driving lane DL of the vehicle 100. Therefore, in this case, by making the width W31L from the left edge 311L of the first area 311 to the oncoming vehicle 90 larger than the width W31R from the right edge 311R of the first area 311 to the oncoming vehicle 90, glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 90 can be appropriately suppressed. In other words, by making the width from the edge of the first area 311 on the side opposite to the driving lane DL in the left-right direction to the oncoming vehicle 90 larger than the width from the edge of the first area 311 on the driving lane DL in the left-right direction to the oncoming vehicle 90, glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 90 can be appropriately suppressed.

[0074] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle 80, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the width W21L from the left edge 211L of the first area 211 to the leading vehicle 80 is smaller than the width W21R from the right edge 211R of the first area 211 to the leading vehicle 80. In this embodiment, since the vehicle 100 is traveling on the left, the left edge 211L of the first area 211 is located opposite the oncoming lane OL, while the right edge 211R of the first area 211 is located on the oncoming lane OL. Furthermore, the gap between the left edge 211L of the first area 211 and the leading vehicle 80 is smaller than the gap between the right edge 211R of the first area 211 and the leading vehicle 80. Therefore, compared to a case where the gap between the left edge 211L of the first area 211 and the leading vehicle 80 is the same as the gap between the right edge 211R of the first area 211 and the leading vehicle 80, visibility of the area to the left of the leading vehicle 80 is improved, and visibility of signs and the like on the sidewalk is also improved.

[0075] Note that, unlike the present embodiment, in countries or regions where traffic flows on the right, the oncoming lane OL is located to the left of the vehicle 100's travel lane DL. Therefore, in such cases, by making the width W21R from the right edge 211R of the first area 211 to the leading vehicle 80 smaller than the width W21L from the left edge 211L of the first area 211 to the leading vehicle 80, visibility of the area to the right of the leading vehicle 80 can be improved, and visibility of signs and the like on sidewalks and the like can be improved. In other words, by making the width from the edge of the first area 211 opposite to the oncoming lane OL in the left-right direction to the leading vehicle 80 smaller than the width from the edge of the first area 211 on the opposite side to the oncoming lane OL in the left-right direction to the leading vehicle 80, visibility of the area of the leading vehicle 80 opposite to the oncoming lane OL can be improved, and visibility of signs and the like on sidewalks and the like can be improved.

[0076] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle 80, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the width WLb from the left edge 212L of the second area 212 to the vertical line 80V passing through the center of the leading vehicle 80 is smaller than the width WRb from the right edge 212R of the second area 212 to the vertical line 80V. In this embodiment, the vehicle 100 is left-hand traffic. Therefore, the width WLb from the left-right edge 212L of the second area 312 opposite to the oncoming lane OL to the vertical line 80V is smaller than the width WRb from the left-right edge 212R of the second area 312 opposite to the oncoming lane OL to the vertical line 80V. This improves visibility of the area opposite to the oncoming lane OL of the leading vehicle 80, making it easier to identify pedestrians or two-wheeled vehicles located opposite to the oncoming lane OL of the leading vehicle 80. Note that, from this perspective, as described above, the width W21L is preferably smaller than the width W21R. Furthermore, unlike the present embodiment, in countries or regions where vehicles drive on the right, by making the width WLb smaller than the width WLb, visibility of the area opposite to the oncoming lane OL of the preceding vehicle 80 can be improved.

[0077] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 90, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown, the width WLb from the left edge 312L of the second area 312 to the vertical line 90V passing through the center of the oncoming vehicle 90 is smaller than the width WRb from the right edge 312R of the second area 312 to the vertical line 90V. In this embodiment, the vehicle 100 is traveling on the left. Therefore, the width WLb from the edge 312L on the side of the second area 312 in the left-right direction on the driving lane DL to the vertical line 90V is smaller than the width WRb from the edge 312R on the side opposite to the driving lane DL in the left-right direction of the second area 312 to the vertical line 90V. This improves visibility of the area on the driving lane DL side of the oncoming vehicle 90 and reduces the difficulty of meeting the oncoming vehicle 90. It should be noted that, from this perspective, as described above, the width W31R is larger than the width W31L; that is, the width W31L is preferably smaller than the width W31R. Furthermore, unlike the present embodiment, in countries or regions where vehicles drive on the right, by making the width WLa smaller than the width WLb, visibility of the area on the driving lane DL side of the oncoming vehicle 90 can be improved.

[0078] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 、 Figure 9As shown, the width WLa from the left edge 211L, 311L of the first region 211, 311 to the left edge 212L, 312L of the second region 212, 312 is substantially the same as the width WRa from the right edge 211R, 311R of the first region 211, 311 to the right edge 212R, 312R of the second region 212, 312. Therefore, compared to a case where the width WLa and the width WRa are different, it is possible to suppress the driver's feeling of discomfort with the light distribution patterns 200, 300.

[0079] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 、 Figure 9 As shown, the entire second region 212, 312 overlaps with the other vehicle's viewing area in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if vehicle 100 or another vehicle vibrates vertically, the areas other than the first region 211, 311 and the second region 212, 312 in the light distribution patterns 200, 300 are less likely to overlap with the other vehicle's viewing area, compared to a situation where the second region 212, 312 does not overlap with at least a portion of the other vehicle's viewing area in the vertical direction. Consequently, dazzle for the driver of another vehicle can be more effectively suppressed.

[0080] As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described by taking the above-mentioned embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to these.

[0081] For example, in the above embodiment, a vehicle headlamp is described as an example in which the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam is changed in response to other vehicles detected by the detection device 20. However, the vehicle headlamp only needs to change the light distribution pattern of the emitted light in response to other vehicles detected by the detection device 20. For example, the vehicle headlamp may change the light distribution pattern of the low beam in response to other vehicles detected by the detection device 20.

[0082] In addition, in the above embodiment, the lamp 10 having a so-called LED array, i.e., a light distribution pattern forming portion 12, is described as an example. However, the lamp 10 is not particularly limited as long as it can change the light distribution pattern of the emitted light. For example, the structure of the lamp 10 can be a structure that uses a rotating reflector, MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems), a galvanometer mirror, or other reflectors to scan the light emitted from the light source to form a predetermined light distribution pattern. In this case, the light distribution pattern of the emitted light can be changed by adjusting the inclination of the reflector or adjusting the light emitted from the light source. In addition, the structure of the lamp 10 can be a structure that uses LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) to diffract the light emitted from the light source to form a predetermined light distribution pattern. In this case, the light distribution pattern of the emitted light can be changed by adjusting the orientation of the liquid crystal in the LCOS.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the light distribution patterns 200 and 300 are described as examples in which the intensity distribution of light outside the predetermined areas 210 and 310 is substantially the same as the intensity distribution of light outside the predetermined areas 210 and 310 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. However, the intensity distribution of light outside the predetermined areas 210 and 310 in the light distribution patterns 200 and 300 that has been modified based on another vehicle detected by the detection device 20 may differ from the intensity distribution of light outside the predetermined areas 210 and 310 in the light distribution pattern before the modification based on the other vehicle. However, to minimize discomfort for the driver of the vehicle 100, the intensity distribution of light outside the predetermined areas 210 and 310 preferably does not substantially change based on another vehicle detected by the detection device 20.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the other vehicle is the leading vehicle 80, the width from the edge of the first area 211 on the side opposite to the oncoming lane OL in the left-right direction to the leading vehicle 80 is smaller than the width from the edge of the first area 211 on the side opposite to the oncoming lane OL in the left-right direction to the leading vehicle 80. However, the width from the edge of the first area 211 on the side opposite to the oncoming lane OL in the left-right direction to the leading vehicle 80 may be smaller than the width from the edge of the first area 211 on the side opposite to the oncoming lane OL in the left-right direction to the leading vehicle 80. In this case, for example, in countries or regions where traffic is on the left, as in the present embodiment, the gap between the right edge 211R of the first area 211 and the leading vehicle 80, as viewed from the driver of the vehicle 100, is smaller than the gap between the left edge 211L of the first area 211 and the leading vehicle 80. Therefore, compared to a case where the gap between the right edge 211R of the first area 211 and the preceding vehicle 80 is the same as the gap between the left edge 211L of the first area 211 and the preceding vehicle 80, visibility of the area to the right of the preceding vehicle 80 can be improved. Therefore, with such a vehicle headlamp, it is possible to easily observe pedestrians, etc., near the center line or near the lane boundary on the opposite lane side.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second regions 212 and 312 are described as examples in which the edges 212R, 212L, 312R, and 312L on both sides in the left and right directions do not overlap with other vehicles, namely, the preceding vehicle 80 or the oncoming vehicle 90. However, at least a portion of the right edge 212R and 312R of the second regions 212 and 312 may overlap with the preceding vehicle 80 or the oncoming vehicle 90, and at least a portion of the left edge 212L and 312L of the second regions 212 and 312 may overlap with the preceding vehicle 80 or the oncoming vehicle 90. By adopting such a configuration, glare to the driver of the preceding vehicle 80 or the oncoming vehicle 90 can be suppressed, the amount of light directed toward the preceding vehicle 80 or the oncoming vehicle 90 can be increased, and visibility of the preceding vehicle 80 or the oncoming vehicle 90 can be improved.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the prescribed areas 210 and 310 are described as crossing a portion of another vehicle, namely, the preceding vehicle 80 or the oncoming vehicle 90, in the left-right direction. However, the prescribed areas 210 and 310 may simply cross at least a portion of the other vehicle in front of the vehicle in the left-right direction, or may cross the entire other vehicle in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the entire circumference of the prescribed areas 210 and 310 may be surrounded by areas other than the prescribed areas 210 and 310 in the light distribution patterns 200 and 300. Furthermore, the intensity of light in the prescribed areas 210 and 310 may vary depending on the distance from the vehicle 100 to the preceding vehicle 80 or the distance from the vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle 90. Furthermore, the intensity of light in the prescribed areas 210 and 310 of the light distribution pattern 200 and the intensity of light in the prescribed areas 310 of the light distribution pattern 300 may be different or the same. Furthermore, the first areas 211 and 311 may cross at least a portion of the other vehicle in the left-right direction and overlap the entire viewing area of the other vehicle through which the driver views the exterior. The first regions 211 and 311 may also extend across the entirety of the other vehicle in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the horizontal widths W211 and W311 of the first regions 211 and 311, and the horizontal widths W212 and W312 of the second regions 212 and 312, do not necessarily need to be constant in the vertical direction. In this case, for example, the widths W211, W311, W212, W312, W21L, W21R, W31L, W31R, WLa, WLb, WRa, and WRb are the minimum widths.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the detection device 20 is described as an example of detecting a preceding vehicle 80 based on light from its taillights 81 and detecting an oncoming vehicle 90 based on light from its headlights 91. However, the detection device 20 may detect the side mirrors 82, rear window 83, etc., which serve as observation points in the preceding vehicle 80, or the front window 93, which serves as an observation point in the oncoming vehicle 90. In this case, the control unit CO may control the pair of lamps 10 based on the information detected by the detection device 20 from these observation points.

[0088] According to the present invention, a vehicle headlamp capable of suppressing glare on drivers of other vehicles and improving forward visibility is provided, and the vehicle headlamp can be used in fields such as automobile headlamps.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlamp, characterized in that: have: A lamp capable of changing the light distribution pattern of emitted light; a control unit configured to control the lamp so that, when a signal indicating detection of another vehicle ahead of the vehicle is input from a detection device, the total amount of light beams emitted from the lamp toward a first region of the light distribution pattern that crosses at least a portion of the other vehicle in the left-right direction and a second region connected to a lower side of the first region and extending in the left-right direction is reduced, and the widths of the first region and the second region in the left-right direction vary according to the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle; The first area overlaps with the entire viewing portion of the other vehicle through which the driver observes the outside of the vehicle. The edges on both sides of the second area in the left-right direction are located closer to the center of the other vehicle than the edges on both sides of the first area in the left-right direction. A width from a left edge of the first region to a left edge of the second region is the same as a width from a right edge of the first region to a right edge of the second region.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein: When the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, the width from the edge of the first area on the side opposite to the driving lane of the vehicle in the left-right direction to the other vehicle is larger than the width from the edge of the vehicle on the driving lane side in the left-right direction in the first area to the other vehicle.

3. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the other vehicle is a leading vehicle, the width from the edge of the first area on the opposite lane side in the left-right direction to the other vehicle is smaller than the width from the edge of the first area on the side opposite to the opposite lane side in the left-right direction to the other vehicle.

4. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the other vehicle is a leading vehicle, the width from the edge of the first area on the side opposite to the oncoming lane in the left-right direction to the other vehicle is smaller than the width from the edge of the first area on the side of the oncoming lane in the left-right direction to the other vehicle.

Images