Vehicle headlamp and vehicle headlamp system

Abstract

A vehicle headlamp (1) includes a light emitting unit (10), a determination unit (25), and a control unit (CO). The control unit (CO) controls the light emitting unit (10) when a signal indicating another vehicle (80, 90) is inputted so that an area including a first area (211, 311) in a light distribution pattern (200, 300) becomes a dimming area (210, 310) in which the total light beam amount of light from the light emitting unit (10) is reduced compared to before the signal indicating the other vehicle (80, 90) is inputted, and controls the light emitting unit (10) when a signal indicating a turn notification of another vehicle (80, 90) is inputted so that at least the first area (211, 311) in the dimming area (210, 310) is extended toward the turn direction indicated by the turn notification compared to before the signal indicating the turn notification of another vehicle (80, 90) is inputted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp and a vehicle headlamp system including the vehicle headlamp. Background Art

[0002] There is known a vehicle headlamp that changes the light distribution pattern of emitted light based on information from a detection device that detects other vehicles located in front of the vehicle. Such a vehicle headlamp is described in the following patent document 1, and the vehicle headlamp includes: a light-emitting unit that can change the light distribution pattern of emitted light, a detection device that detects other vehicles located in front of the vehicle, and a control unit that controls the irradiation range of the vehicle headlamp in a manner that suppresses the irradiation of light to other vehicles and irradiates light around other vehicles. The control unit controls the lamp in a manner that the width of the area where the irradiation of light is suppressed in the left-right direction changes according to the left-right position of the other vehicle. With this structure, an appropriate gap can be ensured between the other vehicle and the irradiation range according to the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle, and the dazzle of the driver of the other vehicle can be suppressed.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-31807 Summary of the invention

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 does not take into account the dizziness of the driver of another vehicle when the other vehicle turns.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlamp that can suppress dazzle of a driver of another vehicle when the other vehicle turns, and a vehicle headlamp system including the vehicle headlamp.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp mounted on a vehicle, characterized by comprising: a light emitting unit that emits light of a changeable light distribution pattern toward another vehicle located ahead of the vehicle; a determination unit that determines information from a detection device that detects the other vehicle and generates a signal indicating a turn notification of the other vehicle; and a control unit to which a signal indicating the other vehicle detected by the detection device and a signal indicating a turn notification of the other vehicle are input, wherein the control unit, when the signal indicating the other vehicle is input, controls the light emitting unit so that an area in the light distribution pattern that includes at least a first area that completely overlaps with an identification unit used by a driver of the other vehicle to identify the outside of the vehicle becomes a dimming area in which a total light beam amount of light from the light emitting unit is reduced compared with before the signal indicating the other vehicle is input, and when the signal indicating the turn notification of the other vehicle is input in addition to the signal indicating the other vehicle, controls the light emitting unit so that at least the first area in the dimming area is expanded toward the turn direction indicated by the turn notification compared with after the signal indicating the other vehicle is input and before the signal indicating the turn notification of the other vehicle is input.

[0007] Here, the turn notice may be, for example, the state in which the turn signal of the other vehicle flashes. In addition, the turn direction side indicated by the turn notice refers to the side on which the other vehicle turns when viewed from the vehicle. For example, when the other vehicle is the leading vehicle, when, for example, the right turn signal of the other vehicle flashes, the side on which the other vehicle turns becomes the right side. On the other hand, when the other vehicle is the oncoming vehicle, when, for example, the left turn signal of the other vehicle flashes, the side on which the other vehicle turns becomes the right side when viewed from the vehicle. In addition, as an identification unit for the driver of the other vehicle to identify the outside of the vehicle, when the other vehicle is the oncoming vehicle, for example, the front windshield may be cited, and when the other vehicle is the leading vehicle, for example, the side mirrors, the rear windshield, a camera for shooting the rear of the vehicle may be cited.

[0008] In the vehicle headlamp, as described above, when a signal indicating a turn notification of another vehicle is input to the control unit, at least the first area in the dimming area is expanded toward the turn direction side compared to after the signal indicating the other vehicle is input and before the signal indicating the turn notification of the other vehicle is input. Therefore, the area in the light distribution pattern where the sight line of the driver of the other vehicle moves can be darker than other areas of the light distribution pattern. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp, when the other vehicle turns, the driver of the other vehicle can be prevented from being dazzled.

[0009] In addition, preferably, the dimming area includes a second area connected to the edge on the lower side of the first area, the left edge of the second area is located to the right of the left edge of the first area, and the right edge of the second area is located to the left of the right edge of the first area.

[0010] According to this structure, the width of the dimming area in the left-right direction becomes narrower at a position below the identification part of other vehicles, so the proportion of the bright area in the light distribution pattern can be increased. Therefore, the front visibility of the vehicle can be improved. In addition, the area below the identification part of other vehicles has a strong tendency not to contact the line of sight of the driver of other vehicles. Therefore, even if the second area is formed in this way, the dazzle of the driver of other vehicles can be suppressed.

[0011] In addition, the dimming area may include a third area connected to the edge on the upper side of the first area, and the control unit may control the light-emitting unit so that the edge of the third area on the turning direction side is located closer to the other vehicle than the edge of the first area on the turning direction side when a signal indicating a turning notice of the other vehicle is input in addition to a signal indicating the other vehicle.

[0012] In this case, when other vehicles issue a turn warning, the third area located above the first area is suppressed from expanding toward the turning direction. As a result, the proportion of the bright area in the light distribution pattern becomes larger than when the expansion of the third area toward the turning direction is equal to the expansion of the first area toward the turning direction. Therefore, the reduction in the forward visibility of the vehicle can be suppressed.

[0013] Preferably, when the third area is included in the dimming area, the control unit controls the light-emitting unit so that the edge of the turning direction side of the third area does not move from the position before the signal indicating the turning notice of the other vehicle is input, in addition to the signal indicating the other vehicle.

[0014] In this case, when another vehicle issues a turn warning, the third area located above the first area is further suppressed from expanding toward the turn direction, so that the proportion of the bright area in the light distribution pattern becomes larger. Therefore, the reduction in the visibility of the front of the host vehicle can be further reduced.

[0015] In addition, preferably, when the third area is included in the dimming area, the position of the upper edge of the first area in the up-down direction is above the body roof of the other vehicle and below the center between the upper edge of the light distribution pattern and the body roof.

[0016] The identification portion of the other vehicle is roughly located on the lower side of the roof panel of the other vehicle. Therefore, if the upper edge of the first area is located above the roof panel, the entire identification portion can overlap with the first area more reliably. In addition, if the upper edge of the first area is located below the center between the upper edge of the light distribution pattern and the roof panel, the area of ​​the third area can be suppressed from being too small. Therefore, when other vehicles issue a turn warning, it is possible to further suppress unnecessary enlargement of the dimming area and further suppress the reduction in the forward visibility of the vehicle.

[0017] In addition, the control unit may control the light-emitting unit so that the edge of the dimming area on the turning direction side moves away from a vertical line passing through the end of the other vehicle on the turning direction side as it moves upward, when the control unit receives a signal indicating a turning notice of the other vehicle in addition to a signal indicating the other vehicle.

[0018] With this structure, when another vehicle issues a turn notice, the first area of ​​the dimming area expands toward the side where the other vehicle turns. Therefore, when the other vehicle turns, the driver of the other vehicle can be prevented from being dazzled. In addition, the control load of the control unit can be reduced.

[0019] Furthermore, the determination unit may determine the distance to the other vehicle based on the information from the detection device, and output a signal indicating the other vehicle to the control unit when the distance is equal to or smaller than a predetermined distance.

[0020] Generally, the closer the distance to the other vehicle is, the more likely it is to cause dazzle to the other vehicle. Therefore, when the distance is below the prescribed distance, by inputting the signal indicating the other vehicle into the control unit CO, dazzle to the other vehicle can be effectively suppressed. In addition, when the distance to the other vehicle is greater than the prescribed distance, the dimming area 210, 310 will not expand, so it is possible to suppress dazzle to the other vehicle and improve the recognizability of the own vehicle.

[0021] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp system, characterized by comprising any one of the vehicle headlamps described above and a detection device for detecting the other vehicle.

[0022] The vehicle headlamp system includes any one of the vehicle headlamps described above. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp can suppress dazzle to the driver of another vehicle when the other vehicle turns.

[0023] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlamp capable of suppressing dazzle of a driver of another vehicle when the other vehicle turns, and a vehicle headlamp system including the vehicle headlamp. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a plan view schematically showing a vehicle including a vehicle headlamp and a vehicle headlamp system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 It is a rough representation Figure 1 A side view of a light emitting unit is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 It is a rough representation Figure 2 A front view of the light distribution pattern forming portion shown.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a control flow chart of the control unit according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern of a high beam.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Figure 7 Yes Figure 6 The diagram shows an enlarged view of the dimming area and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern shown.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Fig. 9 It means that Figure 8 The diagram shows an enlarged view of the dimming area and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern shown.

[0033] Fig.10 So with Figure 7 The same viewpoint shows a situation where the turn signal of the leading vehicle is flashing.

[0034] Fig.11 So with Figure 7 The same viewpoint Figure 7 The diagram shows the state where the light distribution pattern changes.

[0035] Fig.12 So with Fig. 9 The same viewpoint shows a situation where the turn signal of an oncoming vehicle is flashing.

[0036] Fig.13 So with Fig. 9 The same viewpoint Fig. 9 The diagram shows the state where the light distribution pattern changes.

[0037] Fig.14 So with Fig.10 The same viewpoint shows a light distribution pattern according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig.15 Yes means Fig.14 The diagram shows the state where the light distribution pattern changes.

[0039] Fig.16 So with Fig.10 The same viewpoint shows a light distribution pattern according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig.17 Yes means Fig.16 The diagram shows the state where the light distribution pattern changes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, the mode and the attachment for implementing the vehicle headlamp of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 The following embodiments are provided for easy understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved from the following embodiments without departing from its main purpose. In addition, in the above drawings, the size of each component is sometimes exaggerated for ease of understanding.

[0042] (First Embodiment)

[0043] Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a top view conceptually showing a vehicle 100 equipped with the vehicle headlamp and the vehicle headlamp system according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 100 includes a vehicle headlamp system 2 including a vehicle headlamp 1 and a detection device 20 for detecting another vehicle located in front of the vehicle 100 .

[0044] The vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment is a headlamp that can be mounted on a car as a vehicle. The vehicle headlamp 1 includes a pair of left and right light emitting units 10, a control unit CO, a determination unit 25, a pair of power supply circuits 30, and a memory ME as main components. In addition, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, "right" refers to the right side from the viewpoint of the driver of the vehicle 100 as the host vehicle, and "left" refers to the left side from the viewpoint of the driver of the vehicle 100 as the host vehicle.

[0045] In the present embodiment, a pair of light emitting units 10 are formed in shapes that are substantially symmetrical to each other in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100, and emit light of a changeable light distribution pattern toward another vehicle located in front of the vehicle 100. In addition, the structure of one light emitting unit 10 is the same as the structure of the other light emitting unit 10 except that the shape is substantially symmetrical. Therefore, the following description will be made of one light emitting unit 10, and the description of the other light emitting unit 10 will be omitted.

[0046] Figure 2 It is a rough representation Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a side view of a light emitting unit 10. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the light emitting unit 10 includes a light distribution pattern forming unit 12, a projection lens 15, and a frame 16 as main components. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the frame 16 is shown in a vertical cross section.

[0047] The frame 16 includes a lamp housing 17, a front cover 18, and a rear cover 19 as main structures. The front of the lamp housing 17 is open, and the front cover 18 is fixed to the lamp housing 17 in a manner to block the opening. In addition, an opening smaller than the front is formed at the rear of the lamp housing 17, and the rear cover 19 is fixed to the lamp housing 17 in a manner to block the opening.

[0048] A space formed by the lamp housing 17 , a front cover 18 closing a front opening of the lamp housing 17 , and a rear cover 19 closing a rear opening of the lamp housing 17 is a lamp chamber 10R. The light distribution pattern forming unit 12 and the projection lens 15 are accommodated in the lamp chamber 10R.

[0049] Figure 3 It is a rough representation Figure 2 The front view of the light distribution pattern forming portion 12 is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the light distribution pattern forming portion 12 of the present embodiment has a plurality of light emitting elements 13 that emit light and a circuit substrate 14 on which the plurality of light emitting elements 13 are mounted. The plurality of light emitting elements 13 are arranged in a matrix, forming columns in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, and emitting light toward the front. In the present 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. In addition, 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 the light emitting elements 13, the direction in which the light emitting elements 13 are arranged, and the type of the light emitting elements 13 are not particularly limited.

[0050] The light distribution pattern forming unit 12 can form a predetermined light distribution pattern by selecting the light emitting element 13 that emits light. Also, the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 can adjust the intensity of light emitted from each light emitting element 13 to adjust the intensity distribution of light in the predetermined light distribution pattern.

[0051] The projection lens 15 is a lens for adjusting the divergence angle of incident light. The projection lens 15 is arranged in front of the light distribution pattern forming unit 12, and the light emitted from the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 is incident, and the divergence angle of the light is adjusted by the projection lens 15. In the present embodiment, the projection lens 15 is a lens whose incident surface and emission surface are formed into a convex shape, and the rear focus of the projection lens 15 is located on or near the emission surface of the light of any light emitting element 13 in the light distribution pattern forming unit 12. The light emitted from the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 is adjusted in divergence angle by the projection lens 15, and the light of the prescribed light distribution pattern is emitted from the light emitting unit 10 toward the front of the vehicle 100 via the front cover 18.

[0052] The control unit CO can use, for example, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit such as an IC (Integrated Circuit), an LSI (Large-scale Integrated Circuit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and an NC (Numerical Control) device. In addition, when the control unit CO uses the NC device, the machine learning machine may be used or not. As described later, the control unit CO controls a pair of light-emitting units 10.

[0053] The control unit CO is connected to a light switch 35 provided in the vehicle 100. The light switch 35 of the present embodiment is a switch for selecting emission or non-emission of light. For example, when the light switch 35 is turned on, a signal indicating emission of light is output to the control unit CO, and when the light switch 35 is turned off, no signal is output to the control unit CO.

[0054] The determination unit 25 determines whether the other vehicle detected by the detection device 20 is in a state that satisfies the prescribed requirements based on the information from the detection device 20. As a prescribed requirement, for example, the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 is less than the prescribed distance. In the present embodiment, the prescribed distance is 100m. However, the prescribed distance may be greater than 100m. When the prescribed requirements are satisfied, the determination unit 25 generates a signal indicating the other vehicle and outputs the signal to the control unit CO. In addition, when the other vehicle is in a state that satisfies the prescribed requirements and a signal that the other vehicle is a leading vehicle is input from the detection device 20, the determination unit 25 of the present embodiment outputs to the control unit CO a signal indicating the leading vehicle as a signal indicating the other vehicle, a signal related to the distance from the vehicle 100 to the leading vehicle, a signal indicating the position of a pair of light spots in the red series in the captured image as the position information of the leading vehicle relative to the vehicle 100, and a signal indicating that the right or left turn signal of the leading vehicle is lit. In addition, when the other vehicle satisfies the prescribed requirements and a signal that the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle is input from the detection device 20, the determination unit 25 of the present embodiment outputs to the control unit CO a signal indicating the oncoming vehicle as a signal indicating the other vehicle, a distance from the vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle, a signal indicating the position of a pair of light spots of a white color in a captured image as position information of the oncoming vehicle relative to the vehicle 100, and a signal indicating that the right or left turn signal of the oncoming vehicle is flashing. On the other hand, when the other vehicle does not satisfy the prescribed requirements and a signal is not 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, the determination by the determination unit 25 can be understood as changing the output signal according to the situation according to the signal input from the detection device 20.

[0055] One power circuit 30 corresponds to one light emitting unit 10, and another power circuit 30 corresponds to another light emitting unit 10. Each power circuit 30 includes a driver, and when a signal is input from the control unit CO, the driver is used to adjust the power supplied to each light emitting element 13 of the light distribution pattern forming unit 12. In this way, the intensity of light emitted from each light emitting element 13 is adjusted. In addition, the driver of the power circuit 30 can also adjust the power supplied to each light emitting element 13 by 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.

[0056] The memory ME is configured to store information and can read out the stored information. The memory ME is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, preferably a semiconductor recording medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), but may include any form of recording medium such as an optical recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. In addition, the so-called "non-transitory" recording medium includes all computer-readable recording media except for transitory propagating signals, and does not exclude volatile recording media.

[0057] The memory ME stores a table that associates information about a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the light emitting unit 20 with information about other vehicles detected by the detection device 20. As information about a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the light emitting unit 10, for example, information about power supplied to each light emitting element 23 of the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 can be cited. As information about power supplied to each light emitting element 13, for example, information about power supplied to each light emitting element 13 when forming a light distribution pattern of a high beam described later and when forming a light distribution pattern corresponding to a turn warning can be cited. In addition, as information about other vehicles detected by the detection device 20, for example, information about whether the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, information about the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle, information about the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100, and information about whether the turn signal of the other vehicle is flashing can be cited. As information related to the position of other vehicles relative to vehicle 100, information related to the position of a pair of light spots in the captured image can be cited, and as information on whether the turn signals of other vehicles are flashing, information related to at least one orange light spot in the captured image can be cited.

[0058] As described above, the detection device 20 and the vehicle headlamp 1 together constitute the vehicle headlamp system 2. In the present embodiment, the detection device 20 can identify whether the other vehicle is a leading vehicle or an oncoming vehicle based on the color of a pair of light spots detected, as described later. In addition, the detection device 20 can detect whether the other vehicle is expected to turn to the right or left as viewed from the vehicle 100. The detection device 20 can also include, for example, a camera and a detection unit, which are not shown in the figure. The camera is installed at the front of the vehicle 100 and captures the front of the vehicle 100 at a predetermined time interval, for example, at an interval of 1 / 30 seconds. In addition, as the camera, for example, a CCD (Charged coupled device) can also be used. The captured image captured by the camera includes at least a part of the area illuminated by the light emitted from the pair of light-emitting units 10. The detection unit can detect the existence of the other vehicle and the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100 based on the captured image captured by the camera, and can identify whether the other vehicle is a leading vehicle or an oncoming vehicle. In addition, the detection unit can detect whether the other vehicle is expected to turn to the right or left as viewed from the vehicle 100.

[0059] For example, the detection unit detects the presence of the oncoming vehicle and the position of the oncoming vehicle relative to the vehicle 100 based on the light emitted from the headlight of the oncoming vehicle. Specifically, when a pair of white light spots with a brightness higher than a predetermined brightness exist at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction in the captured image, the detection unit outputs a signal indicating the presence of the oncoming vehicle to the determination unit 25. In this case, the detection unit calculates the distance from the vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle based on the positions of the pair of white light spots in the captured image, the distance between the pair of white light spots, and the like. Furthermore, the detection unit outputs a signal indicating the positions of the pair of white light spots in the captured image as information on the position of the oncoming vehicle relative to the vehicle 100, and a signal indicating the calculated distance from the vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle to the determination unit 25. In addition, when at least one orange light spot with a brightness higher than a predetermined brightness exists on the right side of the center between the pair of light spots in the captured image, the detection unit outputs a signal indicating that the right turn signal of the oncoming vehicle is flashing to the determination unit 25. The signal indicating that the right turn signal is flashing is a signal indicating that the other vehicle is expected to turn to the left when viewed from the vehicle 100, and is a signal indicating that the turning direction indicated by the turn notice of the other vehicle is the left side. In addition, when at least one orange-based light spot with a brightness higher than a predetermined brightness is determined to be flashing at a predetermined time interval on the left side of the center between the pair of light spots in the captured image, the detection unit outputs a signal indicating that the left turn signal of the oncoming vehicle is flashing to the determination unit 25. The signal indicating that the left turn signal of the oncoming vehicle is flashing is a signal indicating that the other vehicle is expected to turn to the right when viewed from the vehicle 100, and is a signal indicating that the turning direction indicated by the turn notice of the other vehicle is the right side.

[0060] In addition, the detection unit detects the presence of the preceding vehicle and the position of the preceding vehicle relative to the vehicle 100 based on the light emitted from the taillight of the preceding vehicle. Specifically, when a pair of red-based light spots with a brightness higher than a predetermined brightness exist at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction in the captured image, the detection unit outputs a signal indicating the presence of the preceding vehicle to the determination unit 25. In this case, the detection unit calculates the distance from the vehicle 100 to the preceding vehicle based on the position of the pair of red-based light spots, the distance between the pair of red-based light spots, and the like. Furthermore, the detection unit outputs a signal indicating the position of the pair of red-based light spots in the captured image as position information of the preceding vehicle relative to the vehicle 100, and a signal indicating the calculated distance from the vehicle 100 to the preceding vehicle to the determination unit 25. In addition, when at least one orange-based light spot with a brightness higher than a predetermined brightness is determined to flash at a predetermined time interval on the right side of the center between the pair of light spots in the captured image, the detection unit outputs a signal indicating that the right turn signal of the preceding vehicle is flashing to the determination unit 25. The signal indicating that the right turn signal of the preceding vehicle is flashing is a signal indicating that the other vehicle is expected to turn right as viewed from the vehicle 100, and is a signal indicating that the turning direction indicated by the turn notice of the other vehicle is the right side. In addition, when at least one orange-based light spot having a brightness higher than a predetermined brightness is determined to be flashing at a predetermined time interval on the left side of the center between the pair of light spots, the detection unit outputs a signal indicating that the left turn signal of the preceding vehicle is flashing to the determination unit 25. The signal indicating that the left turn signal of the preceding vehicle is flashing is a signal indicating that the other vehicle is expected to turn left as viewed from the vehicle 100, and is a signal indicating that the turning direction indicated by the turn notice of the other vehicle is the left side.

[0061] The predetermined time interval of the turn signal is a time interval prescribed by law and is set to a time interval of approximately 0.5 seconds to approximately 1.0 seconds. For example, the time interval may be 0.67 seconds.

[0062] On the other hand, when a pair of light spots having a luminance higher than a predetermined luminance that are present at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction in the captured image does not exist, the detection unit does not output a signal.

[0063] As the structure of the detection unit, for example, the same structure as the control unit CO can be cited.

[0064] In addition, the structure of the detection device 20, the detection method of other vehicles performed by the detection device 20, the calculation method of the distance from the vehicle 100 to other vehicles, the identification method of the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle, and the identification method of whether the turn signal is flashing are not particularly limited. For example, the detection device 20 may also perform image processing on the captured image captured by the camera, and based on the information obtained by the image processing, determine whether the captured image captured by the camera has the above-mentioned pair of light spots or the light spots of the turn signal. In addition, the detection device 20 may also be equipped with a millimeter wave radar or a 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 the laser radar, detect the existence of other vehicles located in front of the vehicle 100, detect the position of the other vehicles relative to the vehicle 100, and identify whether the detected other vehicles are leading vehicles or oncoming vehicles.

[0065] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 and the vehicle headlamp system 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of a control flow chart of the control unit CO of the present embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, the control flow of this embodiment includes steps SP11 to SP17.

[0066] (Step SP11)

[0067] First, the control unit CO determines whether a signal indicating emission of light is input from the light switch 35. When the signal is input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP12. On the other hand, when the signal is not input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP17. Therefore, the determination of the control unit CO can be understood as changing the next step according to the signal input in this way.

[0068] (Step SP12)

[0069] In this step, the control unit CO determines whether the other vehicle detected by the detection device 20 is in a state that satisfies the prescribed requirements based on the signal input from the determination unit 25. As described above, when the other vehicle detected by the detection device 20 is in a state that satisfies the prescribed requirements and a signal that the other vehicle is a leading vehicle is input from the detection device 20, the determination unit 25 generates a signal indicating the leading vehicle as a signal indicating the other vehicle, and outputs the signal to the control unit CO. In addition, when the other vehicle satisfies the prescribed requirements and a signal that the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle is input from the detection device 20, the determination unit 25 generates a signal indicating the oncoming vehicle as a signal indicating the other vehicle, and outputs the signal to the control unit CO. When the signal indicating the other vehicle is input, the control unit CO causes the control flow to enter step SP14. In addition, in this step, the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and a signal indicating the position 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.

[0070] On the other hand, when a signal indicating another vehicle is not input, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP13. Furthermore, when another vehicle is not detected by the detection device 20, no signal is input from the detection device 20 to the determination unit 25, and the determination unit 25 does not output a signal to the control unit CO. Therefore, in this case, the control flow also advances to step SP13.

[0071] (Step SP13)

[0072] In this step, the control unit CO controls the light emitting unit 10 so that the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a high beam. Specifically, the control unit CO refers to the information stored in the memory ME and outputs a signal based on the power supplied to each light emitting element 13 in the light distribution pattern of the high beam to the power supply circuit 30. As a result, the driver of the power supply circuit 30 adjusts the power supplied to each light emitting element 13 so as to generate light that becomes the light distribution pattern of the high beam, and the light that becomes the light distribution pattern of the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0073] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , S represents a horizontal line, V represents a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and a high beam light distribution pattern PH formed on an imaginary vertical screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 100 is represented by a bold line. Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1 , the oncoming lane OL or the overtaking lane OL is located on the right side of the driving lane DL of the vehicle 100, and the vehicle 100 is set to drive on the left. The area with the highest light intensity in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, i.e., the hot zone, is located at or near the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V. The light intensity in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH becomes lower as it moves away from the hot zone to the outside. Figure 5 In the figure, dimming areas 210 and 310 described later are indicated by dotted lines.

[0074] (Step SP14)

[0075] In this step, the control unit CO controls the light emitting unit 10 so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes a light distribution pattern corresponding to other vehicles detected by the detection device 20. Specifically, the control unit CO refers to the table stored in the memory ME based on the signal indicating the other vehicles, the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicles, and the signal indicating the position of a pair of light spots in the captured image. Then, the control unit CO outputs a signal based on the power supplied to each light emitting element 13 in the light distribution pattern corresponding to the information about these other vehicles to the power supply circuit 30. Thus, the power supplied to each light emitting element 13 is adjusted by the driver of the power supply circuit 30 in a manner to generate light of the light distribution pattern corresponding to the information about the other vehicles, and light of the light distribution pattern is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Then, the control unit CO causes the control flow to enter step SP15.

[0076] Figure 6 2 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of light emitted when the detection device 20 detects a preceding vehicle. Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , S denotes a horizontal line, V denotes a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and a light distribution pattern 200 formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 100 is indicated by a bold line. Figure 6 The lane DL shown is a driving lane, and the lane OL is an overtaking lane.

[0077] In this embodiment, the shape of the light distribution pattern 200 is Figure 5The shape of the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown is the same, but a dimming area 210 is formed in a part of the light distribution pattern. The total amount of light beams from the light emitting unit 10 irradiated to the dimming area 210 is less than the total amount of light beams from the light emitting unit 10 irradiated to the area corresponding to the dimming area 210 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. In addition, the intensity of light in the dimming area 210 is lower than a predetermined reference intensity. In the present embodiment, the intensity of light in the dimming area 210 is substantially constant. In addition, the dimming area 210 may be set as an area where no light is irradiated. Therefore, the dimming area 210 is an area where the total amount of light beams from the light emitting unit 10 is reduced compared to before the signal indicating another vehicle is input. On the other hand, the intensity distribution of light in the area other than the dimming area 210 in the light distribution pattern 200 is substantially the same as the intensity distribution of light in the area other than the area corresponding to the dimming area 210 in the light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, the area other than the dimming area 210 in the light distribution pattern 200 is an area where the total amount of light beams from the light emitting unit 10 is not reduced, and is brighter than the dimming area 210.

[0078] Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an enlarged view of the dimming area 210 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 200. Figure 7 As shown, the dimming area 210 crosses a portion of the preceding vehicle 80 in the left-right direction and overlaps with a portion of the preceding vehicle 80 that is above the taillight 81. The dimming area 210 of this embodiment includes a first area 211 and a second area 212. Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , the boundary between the first region 211 and the second region 212 is indicated by a dotted line, and a pair of red light spots reflected in the captured image by the light from the tail lamp 81 are indicated by black color.

[0079] The first area 211 is an area that crosses the leading vehicle 80 above the second area 212, and overlaps the entire side mirror 82 and the rear windshield 83 of the leading vehicle 80. The side mirror 82 and the rear windshield 83 are identification parts for the driver of the leading vehicle 80 to identify the rear outside the vehicle. The edge 211U on the lower side of the first area 211 extends substantially linearly in the left-right direction.

[0080] The second area 212 is an area that crosses the preceding vehicle 80 below the first area 211 and is connected to the edge 211U on the lower side of the first area 211. The second area 212 extends in a strip shape in the left-right direction and is located at the lowest part of the dimming area 210. The edge 212U on the lower side of the second area 212 extends substantially in a straight line in the left-right direction. The left edge 212L of the second area 212 is located to the right of the left edge 211L of the first area 211 and is located between the left edge 211L of the first area and the preceding vehicle 80. In addition, the right edge 212R of the second area 212 is located to the left of the right edge 211R of the first area 211 and is located between the right edge 211R of the first area 211 and the preceding vehicle 80. Therefore, the width of the second area 212 in the left-right direction is smaller than the width of the first area 211 in the left-right direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the width from the left edge 211L of the first area 211 to the leading vehicle 80 in the left-right direction is smaller than the width from the right edge 211R of the first area 211 to the leading vehicle 80 in the left-right direction. In addition, the width from the left edge 211L of the first area 211 to the leading vehicle 80 in the left-right direction may be the same as or larger than the width from the right edge 211R of the first area 211 to the leading vehicle 80 in the left-right direction.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the width of the first area 211 and the width of the second area 212 vary according to the distance from the vehicle 100 to the preceding vehicle 80, and the widths thereof become smaller as the distance from the vehicle 100 to the preceding vehicle 80 increases. In addition, the positions of the first area 211 and the second area 212 vary integrally according to the position of the preceding vehicle 80 relative to the vehicle 100. In the present embodiment, the table stored in the memory ME is configured so as to form such a light distribution pattern 200.

[0082] In addition, the positions of the side mirrors 82 and the rear windshield 83 for the driver to identify the rear vary depending on the type of vehicle. However, usually, the side mirrors 82 and the rear windshield 83 as the identification portion are located in an area above the taillights 81 of the preceding vehicle 80, and a gap is formed in the vertical direction between the taillights 81 and the identification portion. As described above, the detection device 20 can detect the position of the taillights 81 of the preceding vehicle 80. Therefore, even when the identification portion is not detected, by pre-storing information related to the power supplied to the light-emitting element 13 for forming the light distribution pattern 200 having the dimming area 210 in the memory ME according to the position of the taillights 81 of the preceding vehicle 80, the light distribution pattern 200 as described above can be formed.

[0083] Figure 8 2 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of light emitted when an oncoming vehicle is detected by the detection device 20. Figure 8In FIG. 1 , S denotes a horizontal line, V denotes a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and a light distribution pattern 300 formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 100 is indicated by a bold line. Figure 8 The lane OL shown is an oncoming lane, and another road AL extending substantially perpendicularly to the oncoming lane OL is connected to the oncoming lane OL. Therefore, an oncoming vehicle 90 traveling on the oncoming lane OL can turn left and travel on the road AL. When the oncoming vehicle 90 turns left, when viewed from the vehicle 100, it is recognized that the oncoming vehicle 90 turns right.

[0084] In this embodiment, the shape of the light distribution pattern 300 is Figure 5 The shape of the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown is the same, but a dimming area 310 is formed in a part of the light distribution pattern. The total amount of light beams from the light emitting unit 10 irradiated to the dimming area 310 is less than the total amount of light beams from the light emitting unit 10 irradiated to the area corresponding to the dimming area 310 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. In addition, the intensity of light in the dimming area 310 is lower than a predetermined reference intensity. In the present embodiment, the intensity of light in the dimming area is substantially constant. In addition, the dimming area 310 may be set as an area where no light is irradiated. Therefore, the dimming area 310 is an area indicating that the total amount of light beams from the light emitting unit 10 is reduced compared to before the signal of another vehicle is input. On the other hand, the intensity distribution of light in the area other than the dimming area 310 in the light distribution pattern 300 is substantially the same as the intensity distribution of light in the area other than the area corresponding to the dimming area 310 in the light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, the area other than the dimming area 310 in the light distribution pattern 300 is an area where the total amount of light beams from the light emitting unit 10 is not reduced, and is brighter than the dimming area 210.

[0085] Fig. 9 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an enlarged view of the dimming area 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300. Fig. 9 As shown, the dimming area 310 crosses a portion of the oncoming vehicle 90 in the left-right direction and overlaps with a portion of the oncoming vehicle 90 that is above the headlight 91. The dimming area 310 of this embodiment includes a first area 311 and a second area 312. Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , the boundary between the first region 311 and the second region 312 is indicated by a dotted line, and a pair of white light points projected into the captured image by the light from the headlight 91 are indicated by hatching.

[0086] The first area 311 is an area that crosses the oncoming vehicle 90 above the second area 312 and overlaps the entire front windshield 93 of the oncoming vehicle 90. The front windshield 93 is an identification portion for the driver of the oncoming vehicle 90 to identify the front outside the vehicle. An edge 311U on the lower side of the first area 311 extends substantially linearly in the left-right direction.

[0087] The second area 312 is an area that crosses the oncoming vehicle 90 below the first area 311 and is connected to the lower side of the first area 311. The second area 312 extends in a strip shape in the left-right direction and is located at the lowest part of the dimming area 310. The edge 312U on the lower side of the second area 312 extends substantially in a straight line in the left-right direction. 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, and 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. Therefore, the width of the second area 312 in the left-right direction is smaller than the width of the first area 311 in the left-right direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the width from the right edge 311R of the first area 311 to the oncoming vehicle 90 in the left-right direction is larger than the width from the left edge 311L of the first area 311 to the oncoming vehicle 90. Furthermore, the width from the right edge 311R of the first area 311 to the oncoming vehicle 90 in the left-right direction may be the same as or smaller than the width from the left edge 311L of the first area 311 to the oncoming vehicle 90 .

[0088] In the present embodiment, the width of the first area 311 and the width of the second area 312 vary according to the distance from the vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle 90 detected by the detection device 20, and the longer the distance from the vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle 90, the smaller their widths. In addition, the positions of the first area 211 and the second area 212 vary integrally according to the direction of the oncoming vehicle 90 relative to the vehicle 100, and their widths vary. In the present embodiment, a table stored in the memory ME is constructed in such a manner as to form such a light distribution pattern 300. In addition, the closer the distance from the vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle 90, the larger the width from the right edge 311R of the first area 311 to the oncoming vehicle 90.

[0089] In addition, the position of the front windshield 93 for the driver to identify the front varies depending on the type of vehicle. However, generally, the front windshield 93 as the identification portion is located in an area above the headlight 91 of the oncoming vehicle 90, and a gap is formed in the vertical direction between the headlight 91 and the identification portion. As described above, the detection device 20 can detect the position of the headlight 91 of the oncoming vehicle 90. Therefore, even if the identification portion for identifying the front of the oncoming vehicle 90 is not detected, by pre-storing information related to the power supplied to the light emitting element 13 in order to form the light distribution pattern 200 having the dimming area 310 in the memory ME according to the position of the headlight 91 of the oncoming vehicle 90, the light distribution pattern 300 as described above can be formed.

[0090] Thus, in this step, the control unit CO controls the light emitting unit 10 so that the area of ​​the light distribution pattern including the first area 211, 311 that completely overlaps with the identification parts of other vehicles becomes a dimming area 210, 310 in which the total beam amount of light from the light emitting unit 10 is reduced compared to before the signal representing the other vehicle is input.

[0091] Next, step SP15 and step SP16 for changing the light distribution pattern according to the turn notification of another vehicle will be described.

[0092] First, steps SP15 and SP16 will be described by taking the case where the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle as an example.

[0093] (Step SP15)

[0094] This step is a step of judging whether other vehicles have issued a turn warning. Fig.10 So with Figure 7 The same viewpoint shows a situation where the right turn signal lamp of the preceding vehicle 80 is flashing.

[0095] For example, it is assumed that when the vehicle 100 and the preceding vehicle 80 are traveling in the driving lane DL, the right turn signal 84R flashes to cause the preceding vehicle 80 to move to the passing lane OL. Fig.10 As shown, the driver of the preceding vehicle 80 flashes the right turn signal 84R to notify the driver of the vehicle 100 and others that the preceding vehicle 80 is turning right. In this case, in addition to a pair of red light spots formed by the light emitted from the taillight 81 of the preceding vehicle 80, an orange light spot formed by the light emitted from the right turn signal 84R is also reflected at a predetermined time interval in the captured image captured by the camera of the detection device 20 of the vehicle 100. Fig.10In the figure, the red light spot is indicated by black, and the orange light spot is indicated by shadow. The orange light spot is located to the right of the center between the pair of red light spots. Therefore, as described above, the detection unit of the detection device 20 outputs a signal indicating the flashing of the right turn signal 84R of the preceding vehicle 80 to the determination unit 25. As described above, this signal is a signal indicating that the preceding vehicle 80 is expected to turn to the right when viewed from the vehicle 100. In the present embodiment, as described above, the signal indicating the preceding vehicle is input to the determination unit 25. Therefore, the determination unit 25 determines that the right turn signal of the preceding vehicle 80 is flashing, generates a signal indicating the flashing of the right turn signal of the preceding vehicle 80 as a signal indicating the turn notice of other vehicles, and outputs the signal to the control unit CO. This signal is a signal indicating that the turn direction side indicated by the turn notice of the preceding vehicle 80 is the right side when viewed from the vehicle 100. When a signal indicating the turn notice of other vehicles is input in addition to the signal indicating the other vehicles, the control unit CO causes the control flow to enter step SP16.

[0096] On the other hand, when the signal indicating the blinking of the turn signal lamp of the preceding vehicle 80 is not input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0097] (Step SP16)

[0098] This step is a step of emitting light that forms a light distribution pattern corresponding to the turn notification. Fig.11 So with Figure 7 The same viewpoint Figure 7 The diagram shows the state where the light distribution pattern changes. Fig.11 The light distribution pattern 200A shown is a light distribution pattern stored in the memory ME as one of the light distribution patterns corresponding to the turn warning. Figure 7 The first region 211 of the dimming region 210 shown includes a first region 211A that is extended to the right side compared to before the determination section 25 performs the determination in step SP15. Fig.11 The second area 212 of the light distribution pattern 200A shown in FIG. Figure 7 Similarly, the second region 212 of the light distribution pattern 200 shown does not change from the state of step SP14.

[0099] When a signal indicating the flashing of the right turn signal lamp of the preceding vehicle 80 is input, the control unit CO refers to the table stored in the memory ME and outputs a control signal for forming the light distribution pattern 200A to the power supply circuit 30. Then, by the operation of the above-mentioned driver based on the control signal, a predetermined power is supplied to each light emitting element 13. As a result, light forming the light distribution pattern 200A is generated in the light emitting unit 10, and the light forming the light distribution pattern 200A is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this way, the first area 211 in the dimming area 210 is expanded to the right side of the identification part of the preceding vehicle 80 when viewed from the vehicle 100, compared to after the signal indicating other vehicles is input to the control unit CO and before the signal indicating the turn notice of other vehicles is input to the control unit CO. In addition, the right side of the identification part of the preceding vehicle 80 when viewed from the vehicle 100 in this case corresponds to the turning direction side indicated by the turn notice. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0100] In the above-mentioned examples of steps SP15 and SP16 , an example is described in which the preceding vehicle 80 is expected to turn right. However, when the preceding vehicle 80 is expected to turn left, the light distribution pattern is changed so that the first area 211 expands to the left side of the recognition portion of the preceding vehicle 80 when viewed from the vehicle 100 .

[0101] Next, steps SP15 and SP16 will be described by taking a case where the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle as an example.

[0102] (Step SP15)

[0103] Fig.12 So with Fig. 9 The same viewpoint shows a situation where the right turn signal lamp of the oncoming vehicle 90 is flashing. For example, it is assumed that the oncoming vehicle 90, which is another vehicle, flashes the left turn signals 94L and 95L in order to turn left on the road AL. Fig.12 As shown, the left turn signal 94L is provided on a part of the left headlight 91 of the oncoming vehicle 90, and the left turn signal 95L is provided on the cover of the left side mirror of the oncoming vehicle 90. The left turn signals 94L and 95L flash synchronously. The driver of the oncoming vehicle 90 flashes the left turn signals 94L and 95L to give a turn warning to the driver of the vehicle 100 and others that the oncoming vehicle 90 is turning left. When observed from the vehicle 100, it is recognized that the oncoming vehicle 90 is expected to turn to the right. In this case, in the captured image captured by the camera of the detection device 20 of the vehicle 100, in addition to a pair of white light spots formed by the light emitted from the headlight 91 of the oncoming vehicle 90, two orange light spots formed by the light emitted from the left turn signals 94L and 95L are also reflected at a prescribed time interval. In addition, in Fig.12In the figure, the white light spot is indicated by a shadow, and the orange light spot is indicated by a black color. The orange light spot is located to the right of the center between a pair of white light spots. Therefore, as described above, the detection unit of the detection device 20 outputs a signal indicating the flashing of the left turn signal of the oncoming vehicle 90 to the determination unit 25. As described above, the signal is a signal indicating that the oncoming vehicle 90 is expected to turn to the right when viewed from the vehicle 100. In the present embodiment, as described above, a signal indicating the oncoming vehicle is input to the determination unit 25. Therefore, the determination unit 25 determines that the left turn signal of the oncoming vehicle 90 is flashing, and outputs a signal indicating the lighting of the left turn signal of the oncoming vehicle 90 to the control unit CO as a signal indicating the turn notice of the other vehicle. The signal is a signal indicating that the turning direction side indicated by the turn notice of the oncoming vehicle 90 is the right side when viewed from the vehicle 100. When the signal is input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO causes the step to enter step SP16.

[0104] On the other hand, when the signal indicating the blinking of the turn signal lamp of the oncoming vehicle 90 is not input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP1.

[0105] (Step SP16)

[0106] Fig.13 So with Fig. 9 The same viewpoint Fig. 9 The diagram shows the state where the light distribution pattern changes. Fig.13 The light distribution pattern 300A shown is a light distribution pattern stored in the memory ME as one of the light distribution patterns corresponding to the turn warning, including Fig. 9 The first area 311 of the dimming area 310 shown is a first area 311A ​​that is extended to the right. Fig.13 The second area 312 of the light distribution pattern 300 is Fig. 9 The same is true for the second region 312 of the light distribution pattern 300 shown.

[0107] When a signal indicating the flashing of the left turn signal lamp of the oncoming vehicle 90 is input, the control unit CO refers to the table stored in the memory ME and outputs a control signal for forming the light distribution pattern 300A to the power supply circuit 30. By the operation of the above-mentioned driver based on the control signal, a predetermined power is supplied to each light emitting element 13. As a result, light forming the light distribution pattern 300A in the light emitting unit 10 is generated, and the light forming the light distribution pattern 300A is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this way, the first area 311 in the dimming area 310 is expanded to the right side of the identification part of the oncoming vehicle 90 when viewed from the vehicle 100, compared to after the signal indicating the other vehicle is input to the control unit CO and before the signal indicating the turn notice of the other vehicle is input to the control unit CO. In addition, the right side of the identification part of the oncoming vehicle 90 when viewed from the vehicle 100 in this case corresponds to the turning direction side indicated by the turn notice. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0108] In addition, in the example of steps SP15 and 16 described above, an example is described in which the oncoming vehicle 90 is expected to turn right when viewed from the vehicle 100, but in the case in which the oncoming vehicle 90 is expected to turn left when viewed from the vehicle 100, the light distribution pattern is changed in such a way that the first area 311 expands to the left side of the identification portion of the oncoming vehicle 90 when viewed from the vehicle 100.

[0109] In this way, the control unit CO controls the light emitting unit 10 in steps SP15 and 16 so that the first area 211 and 311 in the dimming area 210 and 310 expands toward the turning direction indicated by the turn notification after the signal indicating the other vehicle is input and before the signal indicating the turn notification of the other vehicle is input.

[0110] (Step SP17)

[0111] 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, and sets the light from the vehicle headlamp 1 to be non-emitted, and returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0112] In this way, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 changes when the preceding vehicle 80 or the oncoming vehicle 90 flashes the turn signal lamp to give a turn notice. Figure 4 The control flow shown.

[0113] As described above, the vehicle headlamp system 2 of the present embodiment includes a detection device 20 for detecting other vehicles 80 and 90 and a vehicle headlamp 1. In addition, the vehicle headlamp 1 includes: a light emitting unit 10 for emitting light of a changeable light distribution pattern toward other vehicles 80 and 90 located in front of the vehicle 100; a determination unit 25 for determining information from the detection device 20 and generating a signal indicating the other vehicles 80 and 90 and a signal indicating a turn notification of the other vehicles 80 and 90; and a control unit CO to which the signal indicating the other vehicles 80 and 90 and the signal indicating a turn notification of the other vehicles 80 and 90 are input. When a signal indicating other vehicles 80, 90 is input, the control unit CO controls the light emitting unit 10 so that an area in the light distribution pattern that includes a first area 211, 311 that completely overlaps with the identification parts of the other vehicles 80, 90 becomes a dimming area 210, 310 in which the total light beam amount of light from the light emitting unit 10 is reduced compared with before the signal indicating other vehicles 80, 90 is input. When a signal indicating a turn notice of the other vehicles 80, 90 is input in addition to the signal indicating other vehicles 80, 90, the control unit 10 controls the light emitting unit 10 so that the first area 211, 311 in the dimming area 210, 310 expands toward the turn direction indicated by the turn notice compared with after the signal indicating other vehicles is input and before the signal indicating the turn notice of the other vehicles is input.

[0114] According to the vehicle headlamp 1 and the vehicle headlamp system 2, when a signal indicating a turn notice of another vehicle 80, 90 is input to the control unit CO, the first area 211, 311 overlapping the identification unit in the dimming area 210, 310 is extended toward the turn direction indicated by the turn notice of the other vehicle 80, 90, compared to after the signal indicating the other vehicle is input and before the signal indicating the turn notice of the other vehicle is input. Therefore, the area in the light distribution pattern where the sight line of the driver of the other vehicle 80, 90 moves can be darker than the other areas of the light distribution pattern. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1, when the other vehicle 80, 90 turns, the dazzle of the driver of the other vehicle 80, 90 can be suppressed.

[0115] In addition, the dimming area 210, 310 formed by the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment has a second area 212, 312 located below the first area 211, 311. Therefore, the width of the dimming area in the left-right direction becomes narrower at a position lower than the identification part of other vehicles 80, 90, and the proportion of the bright area in the light distribution pattern becomes larger. Therefore, the forward visibility of the vehicle 100 as the host vehicle can be improved. In addition, there is a strong tendency that the area below the identification part of other vehicles 80, 90 does not contact the line of sight of the driver of other vehicles. Therefore, even if the second area 212, 312 is formed in this way, the dazzle of the driver of other vehicles 80, 90 can be suppressed.

[0116] In addition, the dimming regions 210 and 310 of the present embodiment are irradiated with a certain degree of light, so the dimming regions 210 and 310 have a certain degree of brightness. Therefore, compared with the case where the dimming regions 210 and 310 are not irradiated with light, it is possible to suppress the dazzle of the drivers of other vehicles 80 and 90, and improve the forward visibility of the driver of the vehicle 100 as the host vehicle. On the other hand, when the dimming regions 210 and 310 are not irradiated with light, it is possible to further suppress the dazzle of the drivers of other vehicles 80 and 90.

[0117] In addition, the determination unit 25 of the present embodiment determines the distance to other vehicles 80, 90 based on the information from the detection device 20, and outputs a signal indicating the other vehicle to the control unit CO when the distance is less than a specified distance. Generally, the closer the distance to the other vehicle is, the more likely it is to cause dazzle to other vehicles. Therefore, by inputting the signal indicating the other vehicle to the control unit CO when the distance is less than a specified distance, it is possible to effectively suppress dazzle to other vehicles. In addition, when the distance to other vehicles is greater than a specified distance, the dimming areas 210, 310 will not expand, so it is possible to suppress dazzle to other vehicles while improving the recognizability of the vehicle.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above example, when the other vehicle 80, 90 issues a turn notification, the first area 211, 311 in the dimming area 210, 310 is extended toward the side where the other vehicle 80, 90 turns, but the entire dimming area 210, 310 may be extended toward the side where the other vehicle 80, 90 turns. In short, it is sufficient as long as at least the first area is extended toward the side where the other vehicle 80, 90 turns.

[0119] It is not essential to form the second regions 212 and 312. However, as described above, by forming the second regions 212 and 312, the forward visibility of the host vehicle can be improved.

[0120] (Second Embodiment)

[0121] Next, the second embodiment will be described by taking as an example a case where the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle 80. In addition, the present embodiment can also be applied to a case where the other vehicle is the oncoming vehicle 90. Fig.14 So with Fig.10 The diagrams showing the light distribution pattern of the second embodiment are shown from the same viewpoint. Fig.15 Yes means Fig.14 In addition, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent components as those of the first embodiment, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0122] The shape of the light distribution pattern 200 and the light intensity distribution of the present embodiment, and the shape of the dimming area 210 and the light intensity distribution of the present embodiment are the same as those of the light distribution pattern 200 and the dimming area 210 of the first embodiment. Fig.14 As shown, the area other than the second area 212 in the light distribution pattern 200 of the present embodiment is divided into a first area 211 and a third area 213. In this point, the light distribution pattern 200 of the present embodiment is different from the light distribution pattern 200 of the first embodiment.

[0123] The first area 211 and the third area 213 of the present embodiment are divided by a line extending in the left-right direction slightly above the vehicle body roof 87 of the leading vehicle 80. Fig.14 The third region 213 is indicated by a dotted line, which corresponds to an edge 211J on the upper side of the first region 211. The first region 211 is the same as the first region 211 of the first embodiment, and is an area that overlaps the entire side mirror 82 and the rear windshield 83, which are identification parts of the leading vehicle 80. The third region 213 is connected to the edge 211J on the upper side of the first region 211 and is located at the uppermost portion of the dimming region 210.

[0124] like Fig.15 As shown, for example, when it is determined that the preceding vehicle 80 has issued a right turn notice, the control unit CO of this embodiment controls the light emitting unit 10 so that the first area 211 expands to the right side of the turning direction of the preceding vehicle 80 after the signal indicating the other vehicle is input and before the signal indicating the turn notice of the other vehicle is input, and the edge of the third area 213 on the right side of the turning direction does not move from the position before the second determination is made. Through such control, the light distribution pattern 200A after the change of this embodiment becomes a light distribution pattern having a first area 211A in which the first area 211 is expanded to the right side.

[0125] Thus, in this embodiment, when the other vehicle issues a turn warning, the third area located above the first area does not expand toward the turn direction, so the proportion of the bright area in the light distribution pattern becomes larger than when the third area expands together with the first area. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the visibility of the front of the vehicle. In addition, as described above, the first area expands toward the side where the other vehicle issues a turn warning, so it is possible to suppress the dazzle of the driver of the other vehicle.

[0126] Furthermore, the control unit CO may control the light emitting unit 10 so that the edge of the third area 213 on the turning direction side is located closer to the other vehicle side than the edge of the first area on the turning direction side when a signal indicating the other vehicle is input in addition to the signal indicating the other vehicle. In this case, the expansion of the third area 213 to the turning direction side can also be suppressed. As a result, the proportion of the bright area in the light distribution pattern becomes larger than when the expansion of the third area 213 to the turning direction side is equal to the expansion of the first area 211 to the turning direction side. Therefore, the reduction in the forward visibility of the vehicle can be suppressed.

[0127] In addition, the position of the upper edge of the first area in the up-down direction is not particularly limited as long as it does not prevent the first area from overlapping with the entire identification portion of other vehicles. However, it is preferably located above the roof of the vehicle body of other vehicles and below the approximate center between the upper edge of the light distribution pattern and the roof of the vehicle body. The identification portion of other vehicles is roughly located below the roof of the vehicle body of other vehicles. Therefore, if the upper edge of the first area is located above the roof of the vehicle body, the entire identification portion can overlap with the first area more reliably. In addition, if the upper edge of the first area is located below the center between the upper edge of the light distribution pattern and the roof of the vehicle body, the area of ​​the third area can be suppressed from being too small. Therefore, in the case where other vehicles issue a turn warning, it is possible to further suppress the unnecessary enlargement of the dimming area and further suppress the reduction in the forward visibility of the vehicle.

[0128] (Third Embodiment)

[0129] Next, the third embodiment will be described by taking as an example a case where the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle 80. In addition, the present embodiment can also be applied to a case where the other vehicle is the oncoming vehicle 90. Fig.16 So with Fig.10 The diagrams showing the light distribution pattern of the third embodiment are shown from the same viewpoint. Fig.17 Yes means Fig.16 In addition, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent components as those of the first embodiment, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0130] like Fig.16As shown, the left edge 210L and the right edge 210R of the light distribution pattern 200 of the present embodiment extend substantially vertically. In this respect, the light distribution pattern 200 of the present embodiment is the same as the light distribution pattern 200 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment in which both edges in the left-right direction of the light distribution pattern 200 extend vertically. However, the light distribution pattern 200 of the present embodiment does not distinguish between the first area and the second area, but is formed as a single area, which is mainly different from the light distribution pattern 200 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Therefore, it can also be interpreted that the light distribution pattern 200 of the present embodiment is formed only by the first area.

[0131] Here, for example, consider a case where the preceding vehicle 80 issues a right turn notification, and a signal indicating the turn notification of the preceding vehicle 80 is input to the control unit CO. In this case, Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , the turning direction side indicated by the turning notice of the preceding vehicle 80 is the right side when viewed from the vehicle, and the control unit CO controls the light emitting unit 10 so that the right edge 210R of the dimming area 210 moves away from the vertical line Va passing through the right end of the preceding vehicle 80 as it moves upward. As a result, the area of ​​the dimming area 210 that overlaps with the identification unit expands toward the side where the preceding vehicle 80 turns. Therefore, the dazzle of the driver of the preceding vehicle 80 can be suppressed when the preceding vehicle 80 turns. In addition, in this case, it is possible to control without distinguishing the first area, the second area, and the third area, so the control load of the control unit CO can be reduced.

[0132] Thus, in this embodiment, when the control unit CO receives a signal indicating a turn notice of other vehicles 80, 90, it controls the light-emitting unit 10 so that the edge of the dimming area 210, 310 on the turning direction side moves away from the vertical line passing through the end of the other vehicles 80, 90 on the turning direction side as it moves upward.

[0133] In addition, Fig.17 The example in which the right edge 210R of the dimming area 210 is inclined so as to move away from the vertical line Va as it moves upward is shown. However, as long as the edge on the turning direction side of the dimming area 210, 310 moves away from the vertical line passing through the end of the turning direction side of the other vehicle 80, 90 as it moves upward, the edge may not necessarily be inclined and may be, for example, in the shape of a step.

[0134] As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described by taking the above-mentioned embodiment as an example, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0135] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the vehicle headlamp is described as an example in which the light distribution pattern of the high beam is changed according 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 according to other vehicles detected by the detection device 20. For example, the vehicle headlamp may also change the light distribution pattern of the low beam according to other vehicles detected by the detection device 20.

[0136] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the light-emitting unit 10 having a light distribution pattern forming portion 12 as a so-called LED array is described as an example. However, the light-emitting unit 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 light-emitting unit 10 may also be a structure in which a rotating reflector, MEMS (MicroElectro Mechanical Systems), galvanometer mirror or other reflectors are used 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 light-emitting unit 10 may also be a structure in which a predetermined light distribution pattern is formed by diffracting the light emitted from the light source using LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon). 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.

[0137] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the intensity distribution of light in the area other than the dimming areas 210 and 310 in the light distribution patterns 200 and 300 is substantially the same as the intensity distribution of light in the area other than the area corresponding to the dimming areas 210 and 310 in the light distribution pattern PH, but the present invention is not limited thereto. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing the driver of the vehicle 100 from feeling uncomfortable, it is preferable that the intensity distribution of light in the area other than the dimming areas 210 and 310 does not change.

[0138] Furthermore, the intensity of light in dimming regions 210 and 310 may also vary according to, for example, the distance from vehicle 100 to another vehicle.

[0139] The shapes of the light distribution patterns described in the above embodiments are exemplary shapes and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the widths of the first region, the second region, and the third region in the left-right direction may not be constant in the up-down direction.

[0140] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example is described in which the detection device 20 detects the preceding vehicle 80 based on the light from the taillight 81 of the preceding vehicle 80 and detects the oncoming vehicle 90 based on the light from the headlight 91 of the oncoming vehicle 90, but the structure of the detection device 20 is not limited to this. For example, the detection device 20 may detect the side mirrors 82 and the rear windshield 83 as the identification parts of the preceding vehicle 80, and may also detect the front windshield 93 as the identification part of the oncoming vehicle 90. In this case, the control unit CO may also control the pair of light emitting units 10 based on the information of these identification parts detected by the detection device 20.

[0141] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example of a turn warning issued by a turn signal is described, but the turn warning is not limited to this. For example, other turn warnings may include communication information between vehicles based on an autonomous driving mode, road information obtained from navigation, and road surface drawings drawn by other vehicles.

[0142] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which a signal indicating another vehicle is input from the determination unit 25 to the control unit CO. However, the signal indicating another vehicle may be input from the detection device 20 to the control unit CO. In this case, the signal indicating another vehicle is input to the control unit CO without passing through the determination made by the determination unit 25. Therefore, by inputting the signal indicating the turn notice of another vehicle to the control unit CO, the first area can be expanded to the turn direction side indicated by the turn notice without depending on the distance to the other vehicle.

[0143] According to the present invention, a vehicle headlamp capable of suppressing dazzle to a driver of another vehicle when the other vehicle turns and a vehicle headlamp system including the vehicle headlamp are provided, and the vehicle headlamp system can be used in the field of vehicle headlamps such as automobiles.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlamp, mounted on a vehicle, characterized in that: have: a light emitting unit configured to emit light having a changeable light distribution pattern toward another vehicle located in front of the vehicle; a determination unit that determines information from a detection device that detects the other vehicle and generates a signal indicating a turn notification of the other vehicle; a control unit to which is input a signal indicating the other vehicle detected by the detection device and a signal indicating a turn notification of the other vehicle, As for the control unit, When a signal indicating the other vehicle is input, the light emitting unit is controlled so that an area in the light distribution pattern including at least a first area that completely overlaps with an identification portion used by a driver of the other vehicle to identify the outside of the vehicle becomes a dimming area, and the dimming area reduces a total beam amount of light from the light emitting unit compared to before the signal indicating the other vehicle is input, When a signal indicating a turn notification of the other vehicle is input in addition to the signal indicating the other vehicle, the light emitting unit is controlled so that at least the first area in the dimming area is expanded toward the turn direction indicated by the turn notification after the signal indicating the other vehicle is input and before the signal indicating the turn notification of the other vehicle is input, The dimming area includes a third area connected to an edge of the upper side of the first area, When receiving a signal indicating a turn notification of the other vehicle in addition to a signal indicating the other vehicle, the control unit controls the light emitting unit so that an edge of the third area on the turning direction side is located closer to the other vehicle than an edge of the first area on the turning direction side.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dimming area includes a second area connected to the lower edge of the first area. The left edge of the second region is located to the right of the left edge of the first region, and the right edge of the second region is located to the left of the right edge of the first region.

3. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: When a signal indicating a turn notification of the other vehicle is input in addition to a signal indicating the other vehicle, the control unit controls the light emitting unit so that an edge of the third area on the turn direction side does not move from a position before the signal indicating a turn notification of the other vehicle is input.

4. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper edge of the first region is located above a roof panel of the other vehicle and below a center between the upper edge of the light distribution pattern and the roof panel.

5. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 3, characterized in that: The upper edge of the first region is located above a roof panel of the other vehicle and below a center between the upper edge of the light distribution pattern and the roof panel.

6. The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The determination unit determines the distance to the other vehicle based on the information from the detection device, and outputs a signal indicating the other vehicle to the control unit when the distance is equal to or smaller than a predetermined distance.

7. A vehicle headlamp system, characterized in that: have: The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 6; A detection device detects the other vehicle.

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